"I made a choice, Ku'uipo. Can you?" Charlie laid his forehead on hers. "Can you trust in us and take the chance?"
"You risked your dream for me?" Christine stared into his gaze and saw nothing but open honesty.
"You're my dream."
Dear God. Christine swallowed. He told the truth; no actor, regardless how great, could say what he just did and not mean it. Plus the directive had been silence; he broke it to reassure and comfort her. She'd never known anyone like him, so giving by putting her first, believing so completely in her he'd risk his own happiness.
Somewhere over the Rainbow began to play. He dared to hope, could she do any less? The choice loomed before her. She tumbled into it, rising up on tip toes to brush her lips against his ear. "Right or wrong, I trust you. Let's take the chance."
They kissed and it was somehow different than before. Christine felt his lips on hers, the desire between them, but there was more, so much more. Not just physical, she thought as something huge crashed through her, something emotional and strong and overwhelming and wonderful and terrifying. She heard the fiddle again before Charlie eased her back so she lay on the table, her robe open as he stroked her, making her cry out from the pleasure and shock of the need coursing through her. His fingers moved deep, knowing her as well, if not better, than she knew herself. She gripped the edge of the table and moaned. "Charlie!"
"Yes." Charlie pulled her off the table, spun her around, and bent her over in one swift motion, leaving her breathless and dizzy. He shoved a knee between hers, spread her legs, and opened her as she arched. The first thrust, hard and deep, a promise and a renewal, sent her sprawling over the table. He pulled back and surged into her, filling her inch by inch as she strained to be closer to him. Christine twisted her head to see him watching. His hands gripped hers, holding their entwined fingers above her head as he thrust to the hilt. "Ah, God, Ku'uipo."
Christine moaned, squeezed around him, and tried to repeat the foreign word, her voice shaky as they moved together in perfect harmony. His skin slickened with perspiration as he rocked with her. Their breaths and hearts beat as one. "This is the drowsy dream, in my hotel room, our night, only I didn't dream it."
"You didn't dream." He smiled. Even as her legs began to shake and body gripped his heat and fullness, she smiled back. Then she exploded. He thrust hard and fast, screaming, or close to it, as he released and burned inside her. He buried his face in her neck. Complete as one.
Chapter Eleven
"Do you want pepper?"
Her voice interrupted Charlie's thoughts as he placed silverware on the table. He still saw Christine lying there, flushed and aroused as they made love, her hands clutched in his and legs shaking as she came around him. Remembering how she whispered his name and those tiny moans when he caressed her skin. God, he remained as horny for her as when he'd first arrived. He'd never been this way, not even with—Charlie dropped a fork. Sweet Jesus, he loved Christine, had even called her, 'my beloved'. He'd never loved any woman this way.
"Charlie?
He turned. A sweet half smile curved her lips as she stood at the stove flipping omelets, the scent incredible. Her kitchen, painted a soft blue, enhanced the sunlight glowing through the white blinds on the windows, a perfect backdrop for her elegance and grace. Dressed in a robe, her face free of makeup, making a simple meal, she stood out more than the most glamorous model, the most celebrated movie star. Even her temper, once it cooled or channeled into something productive, delighted him. I love you. Yet I commit the ultimate betrayal not telling you what I suspect. Her brows drew together. "Is something wrong?"
Everything. "No. And yes, pepper, please."
She stared a minute then reached for the little ceramic shaker in the shape of a kangaroo. It made him smile, the silly kangaroo and koala bear salt and pepper set. It was so Christine. She sprinkled a bit of pepper in the pan, flipped the omelet again, and then slid the perfectly browned eggs on a plate. She picked up a matching plate and brought both to the table, rising on tip toes to kiss his cheek. He loved when she kissed him. "How does a nice long bubble bath and a soft bed after we eat sound?"
He set the plates on the table and hugged her close. "It sounds like Heaven if you're with me."
"Well that's a given." She frowned again, searching his face with her dark gaze, her head tilted. "Charlie?"
"Christine." He kissed her, lingering just enough to taste her flavor. "Let's eat and then you can show me the rest of all these renovations."
He could see the questions in her face. "Sure. You helped more than the restoration manuals."
"I doubt it." He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "You could go into the construction business."
"I don't think so. What do you think of what you've seen so far?" They released each other.
He pulled out a chair for her. "Not bad."