“Reeve’s career.” Audrey stretches up to peck her boyfriend on the lips.
“They would be happy to help, but he wants to do it by himself, and I respect that.” It would be easy for Reeve to use my mom’s star power or either of our fathers’ connections to get a leg up in Hollywood, but he wants to earn roles on his own merits, and I can relate. While I’m still not totally decided on whether I’ll go the writing or costume design route, whatever I choose to do, I want to do it myself, without any interference or help from my parents.
“Fuck.” Alex drags one hand through his sandy-blond hair, and I swear I hear a collective swoon from the girls in the vicinity. To the legions of adoring fans who worship the ground he walks on, it doesn’t matter that Alex and Audrey have been dating exclusively for the past two years. As our illustrious QB, he has garnered plenty of admirers, in the same way Reeve has. Reeve and Alex are easily the two hottest guys in our private school, and hordes of drooling girls would kill to be in my, and Audrey’s, shoes. “He didn’t get the part?” Alex asks, holding the double doors open for us.
“I don’t know. I haven’t heard from him yet,” I say, stepping outside into glorious sunshine. Although L.A. in late September is generally warm and sunny, we’ve had an unusual spell of extremely hot weather this week. We’re all hoping it extends to the weekend so we can go swimming at the beach.
Alex slings his arm around Audrey’s shoulders as we descend the steps to the sidewalk. A pang of longing hits me square in the chest when he brushes her glossy red hair to one side and plants a trail of little kisses along her neck. I didn’t get to see Reeve last night after school, and I’m suffering major withdrawal symptoms. It’s the same any time we are separated for more than a day. We have been joined at the hip for so long I cannot even fathom ever living my life without him in it.
An icy shiver crawls up my spine, and I shake the hideous thought from my stupid brain. If there is one thing I’m sure about in this life, it’s that Reeve Elon Lancaster was made specifically for me and we will love one another every single day for the rest of our lives. Okay, so that’s two things, but I’m just as sure about both.
“Three o’clock,” Alex says, briefly lifting his mouth from his girlfriend’s neck.
I whip my head around, spotting Reeve parked at the curb, leaning back against his Porsche with his arms folded, looking hotter than any guy has a right to be. My gaze does a slow perusal, from the ground up, and a deep ache pulses between my legs. He dressed the part today, wearing tight, black, ripped jeans that cling to his long, lean legs and toned thighs, fitting snuggly against his crotch in a way that has me licking my lips and squeezing my thighs together. His black button-down shirt is stretched tight across his muscular chest, highlighting the extra definition in his torso and biceps.
Reeve wanted this part so badly he changed his appearance to better suit the role of Camden Marshall. Cam is the hero in Cruel Intentions, the first book in the bestselling Rydeville Elite series, a firm favorite with fans of dark high school bully romance.
Reeve has been working out like a demon for this part, and his shoulders and chest are broader, he’s now sporting an impressive six-pack, and his arm porn is to die for. His hair has been dyed a darker shade of brown to disguise his natural blond highlights. Normally, Reeve wears his hair long on top but styled back off his face. Now, the longer parts of his hair are artfully styled in messy waves and the sides have been shorn much tighter with a zig-zag line in the skin fade. He even wore brown contacts over his natural blue eyes to complete the transformation.
My man is hot, no matter what look he’s rocking, but I’ve got to admit he is sexy as fuck right now, and I’m ready to jump his bones like a demented oversexed kangaroo.
Reeve watches me ogling him, but his expression is giving nothing away, and fear spirals through me, sprouting anxious goose bumps all over my arms.
“You waiting for an invitation?” Alex asks, grabbing my backpack. “He looks tense as shit. Go cheer him up.”
I stride toward Reeve, picking up speed and flat-out running when he loses control of his emotions and an ecstatic grin spreads across his mouth. “You got it?” I shout as I approach, and he can’t contain his grin as he nods. “Oh my God!” I scream, throwing myself at him and wrapping my legs around his waist. His arms automatically slide under my butt, holding me in place as I pepper kisses all over his face. “I’m so proud and so happy for you, Reeve.” I slam my lips onto his, and he holds me tight against his body as we devour one another. I moan into his mouth when his tongue glides against mine. His assured strokes submerge every part of my body with fiery heat that has nothing to do with the weather and everything to do with how much my boyfriend turns me the fuck on.
“I need to be inside you,” he groans into my ear, and lust coils in my belly.
“Your dad’s still away, right?” I ask though there is really no need. Simon Lancaster is rarely home anymore. It’s like he’s forgotten his son even exists, and I want to beat the shit out of him for his neglectful treatment of his only child. But it’s old news, and Reeve is used to his father’s lack of regard for him by now. That’s not to say it doesn’t hurt him. Of course, it does, but he’s gotten better at ignoring the harsh truth of his reality. The fact is, Reeve’s dad checked out of his life the minute he was born, which coincided with the moment his beloved wife, Felicia Lancaster, left this world.
I don’t understand how Simon can ignore the only part of Felicia that still survives. Shouldn’t he want to cherish and love his son because he’s all that is left of his wife? Instead, he’s married to his work, and his son is an afterthought. If my parents hadn’t stepped up, Reeve’s childhood would have been an isolated and lonely existence.
I press myself tighter against him, clinging to him fiercely, kissing him passionately as I funnel all the love in my heart into him.
“Jeez. Get a room,” Alex says, his smug tone underscoring his words, and we reluctantly break our hungry lip-lock.
“I fully intend to,” Reeve replies, while I unwind my legs from his slim waist. He snakes his arm around my back, keeping me flush against him as I rest my head on his chest.
“Does this mean you got the part?” Audrey asks. Warmth spreads across my chest at the obvious delight in her voice.
“I did.” Reeve straightens up, beaming from ear to ear. “I got it.”
Audrey squeals, shoving me aside so she can hug my boyfriend. She’s lucky I love her like a sister and I know she has zero interest in my man. “That is awesome, Reeve. I’m glad to see all your hard work has paid off.”
“Congrats, dude.” Alex raises his arm, his fist clenched, and they do some elaborate manly handshake. “You deserve it.”
I snuggle into Reeve’s side, pressing my lips to his neck and sighing.
“Party at my place tomorrow night,” Reeve says, waggling his brows. “We’ve got some celebrating to do.” His hand slides down over my jean-clad ass as he leers. “And I intend to start the celebrations right now.” He squeezes my ass before his lips melt against mine. His kiss is urgent and demanding, and I feel it all the way to the tips of my toes.
Alex snorts. Audrey laughs, and I squirm on the spot, my body tingling in delicious anticipation.
Abruptly, he rips his lips from mine, digging his hands into my hair. “If I don’t stop, I won’t be responsible for my actions,” he rasps. His lust-filled eyes roam over my body like a sensual caress, and he’s not the only one having trouble with self-control.
I’m seconds away from begging him to fuck me.
“Let’s get out of here.” I nip at his earlobe. “I want to reward you for being the sexiest, hottest, most-talented actor on the planet.”