Roaring Hot! (Contemporary Romance): A Billionaire Biker Romance (7 page)

Teo sat in the back of his limo, videoconferencing with his grandmother. Oba-chan scowled at him from the Skype window. She wasn’t happy. At. All.

“You had a perfectly nice girl at the last race. Why blow it with all the bimbos?”

“I’m not blowing anything. Amy doesn’t mind.”

“She doesn’t?” Oba-chan raised her eyebrows. “What kind of girl doesn’t mind?”

An actress who was paid for. Besides, he had to suppress any lingering feelings Amy might have had for him. That kiss in Amsterdam wasn’t easy to forget. Heck he’d even walked off the canal boat with visions of white gowns and flowers and waking up next to Amy in a honeymoon suite. Freaking scary. Running around with the party girls had been necessary therapy to keep his mind from Amy. Not that they helped. Much.

“Well?” Oba-chan demanded. “Answer me.”

“You worry too much,” Teo said. “She’ll come to your birthday party. I promise you.”

“I’m going to quiz her. I’ll know if she’s a fake date.” Oba-chan narrowed her eyes. Her nostrils flared the way they always did whenever she detected Teo slinging bullshit.

“Not a problem. I’ll win her over. Just you watch.” He hoped his voice was more confident than he felt.

“I better not see any more bimbo eruptions on social media. Even your father thinks you’re getting out of hand.”

“Ha, as if he’s any example. He’s on what, wife number twenty-one?”

“Something like that.” Oba-chan’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “But that’s not what I want from you. Of all my grandchildren, you’re the one who’s had it the roughest. The rest of them have their mothers. You only have me. What will happen to you after I depart?”

“You’re going to be around for a good long time, Oba-chan.” A lump rose in Teo’s throat. “You’re not sick or anything?”

“No, not at all,” she answered a little too quickly. The forced smile on her face had Teo’s pulse racing. She was hiding something. No wonder her eightieth birthday party was so important. Chills raced up and down Teo’s spine. What if this were her last one?

It would be impolite to challenge her. He pulled a smile onto his face. “I’ll do my best to make you happy.”

“That’s what I want to hear. All I wish for you is to have someone who loves you. Is that asking too much?”

“No, Oba-chan, not at all.”

Except it would cost him his freedom. Example being motorcycle racing. A woman would hold him back, demand too much, be worried about him. She wouldn’t understand why he held his life so casually. Live today, die tomorrow. No fear. No regrets.

“Good, I look forward to meeting Amy.” Oba-chan’s voice cut into his thoughts. “She reminds me of a younger me. I don’t suppose she fears much at all. Any woman who isn’t affected by your playing the field has my admiration. She must be highly confident.”

Either that, or she plain didn’t care.

Teo wiped his forehead. “I’m going to see her soon. Her plane landed a few hours ago. Don’t worry. I’ll charm her.”

“Wonderful. Don’t fail me.” Oba-chan grimaced, her face stern. “Sayonara.”

* * *

A hot shower was the right prescription to wash away all of Amy’s travel worries. So far, she’d made thirty-thousand dollars while enjoying the top flight luxury of being a billionaire’s girlfriend without having to put out favors.

She shaved her legs and bikini line carefully. That red laddered dress would tolerate no unsightly hair. The film crews would be back to interview her before the date, but this time, dressed and made up.

After shampooing and drying her hair, she shimmied into the not-there dress. Seriously, she looked like a porn star. What would her parents say if and when they viewed this segment of the show?

“Hey, girl, almost ready for your makeup?” Mia banged on the door. “The crew’s here.”

Amy wiped her hands over the thin strips of fabric. The red dress hid nothing. Every outline of her body, from the swell of her breasts to the puckering of her nipples was revealed. She turned and looked at her behind. Gasp. She didn’t have big butt cheeks, but the lines were clearly seen.

“Can you tell them to leave? I’m not ready.” Amy yelled through the door.

“They’re already setting up.”

“I can’t wear this dress. It’s too slutty.”

Mia slipped the door open and slid in. “Woo! You look fabulous. You are definitely going to do him in this dress.”

“Wait, I thought the aim was to resist.”

“Uh, uh, uh, not looking like that.” Mia’s bright red lips twisted into a smirk. “You’re like the red cape to a bull. Whoop! Let’s get that makeup on you, girl.”

Amy held still under Mia’s brush. Unbelievable. They were vamping her up. Seriously. The false eyelashes were so spikey she could catch flies with them, and the black eyeliner wings extended halfway to her temples.

Blood red lipstick dripped from her plump lips, and dark blush angled her cheekbones to new heights. The show was definitely going for major mixed messages. Poor Teo.

Mia’s appraising look grew more and more delighted as she laid the finishing touches. “Show time.”

She opened the door and pushed Amy into the bedroom. The cameramen had already set up their lighting umbrellas and movable tripods and turned on all the electric lights, changing the quaint castle bedroom into a miniature studio.

Ronaldo was giving last minute directions, but when Amy stepped out, his eyes popped, and he shot her a wolf whistle.

Even though his obvious appreciation pleased her, it didn’t cause her to flush or feel weak-kneed. Good thing, because she was going to need all her fortitude to resist Teo, the guy she’d blow up the chemistry lab with.

Amy graced Ronaldo with a slight nod and flashed a smile as if she were on a modeling catwalk. She sashayed to the chair in front of the lit fireplace.

“You know the routine,” Mia said. “We’ll ask the questions and you respond as naturally as you can. First one, Ronaldo?”

He propped a hand on his hip and looked her up and down, then blew her a kiss. “Sexy babe, there’s no way our bachelor can resist a hot chick like you. Okay, first question. After your last date with Teo and that scorching kiss, what are your expectations tonight?”

Amy placed her hands in her lap and portrayed looking thoughtful. Not an easy thing to do with the amount of makeup caked on her face.

“Teo’s such a gentleman. He made me feel valued. I enjoyed our outing in Amsterdam. It was really unique, and I’m looking forward to getting to know him better.”

“Oh, I can see that.” Ronaldo’s gaze lingered on the lower parts of her body. “Your dress leaves little to the imagination.”

“Actually I was hoping for a more intellectual connection.” Amy lowered her eyes to the patterned rug. “I’m sure Teo is a very intelligent man, and I’m excited to discover his dreams and goals.”

“Not dressed like that you won’t.” Ronaldo leered. “Are you looking forward to your intimate date? Just the two of you, candlelight, soft music, alone in this room?”

“Definitely. Tonight will be very special. I can’t wait for the date to start.”

As if on cue, someone opened the door with a thump. Teo crossed the threshold and the camera turned to him.

“What’s everyone doing in my room?” He shielded his eyes from the reflected light. He was dressed in regular street clothes, jeans, a tight polo shirt, and carrying an overnight bag.

Amy’s heart did a tap dance as Teo threw his bag on the bed. So, this was the big misunderstanding. Every episode of a reality show had to have a glitch.

“You must have the wrong room.” Amy flattened her hand on her chest. “This is where I’m staying.”

Teo marched toward her. “Room three. That’s what my keycard reads.”

“Mine too.” She held his gaze. “Looks like the hotel double booked us.”

His eyebrows rose as he raked her with his gaze. “You’re welcome to stay, and I’m not taking the couch.”

How the heck was she supposed to respond? The freaking cameras were still rolling. Was she supposed to be happy and welcoming, or upset about the mix up? Mia hadn’t given her any guidelines.

She made the cut symbol to the cameras and marched to Ronaldo. “Is this a joke? First you have me dressed like a slut and now you’re making Teo and I spend the night together?”

“Of course. We’re upping the stakes to see if you can seduce him or not.” Ronaldo tapped his chin.

“Mia told me to resist. I’m not going to be a tease. This isn’t how I would try to win a proposal from him.”

“Are you directing this or am I?” Ronaldo stabbed his finger at her. “You just ruined this episode.”

“I thought I was supposed to set up the dates. That’s what the contract said.”

“You were too busy last week to consult with Mia, so she arranged everything. The castle, your candlelight dinner, the seduction. You want off this show?”

“I’m not going to compromise my integrity.” Amy glanced at Teo who was rubbing the back of his neck.

He crossed to her side and put an arm around her shoulder. “I want Amy on the show, but she’s right. She should decide how she wants to proceed. Otherwise, it’s fake.”

“Hello!!!” Ronaldo threw up his hands. “It’s all supposed to be fake in the first place. Duh, that’s why we hired an actress.”

“It’s a reality show,” Teo said. “So it needs to feel real.”

“What’ll look real is if Amy spends the night with you,” Ronaldo said. “How’s anyone going to believe you two are involved otherwise?”

“Maybe she wants to take it slower?” Teo said. “Let’s start over.”

“Fine, it’s your money,” Ronaldo said. “Come on, Mia, let’s get out of their way.”

Teo took Amy’s hand. “Let’s find you another room. One that doesn’t have all of the cameras and studio setup.”

“But, what about the episode?” A fluster of worries rumbled in Amy’s gut. “What’s going on here?”

“There is no episode. No show. I’m cancelling it.” Teo marched out of the room and slammed the door.

Twenty minutes later, Amy was checked into the room adjacent to Teo’s. She removed the red laddered mini dress and put on a pale pink sweater-blouse and a long flowery skirt. Now what? She’d only made thirty thousand, and she’d screwed up. Of course, she’d been stupid to cut the scene and complain to Ronaldo, but they’d been going about this all wrong. If her aim was to catch the bachelor and get a proposal, then looking like a party girl out for sex was exactly the wrong way to do it.

Whatever, it was their show and now it was cancelled.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. She’d never get a recommendation from Silver Studios at this rate. Tears welled in her eyes, and she fought hard to steady her breathing.

The worst part of this nightmare was Teo. He’d disapproved of the dress, and rightly so. What man wanted to be teased by a come-on and then denied? Maybe it made for great drama, but it was no way to win his heart, especially if she should appear to be the type of woman he’d want to marry as opposed to play around with.

There was a knock at her door. “Amy, it’s me, Teo.”

Whew. At least he was still talking to her. The way Mia and Ronaldo had raged as the camera crew departed, she was sure she was on everyone’s shit list.

Amy opened the door. Teo stood there with one hand behind his back. He was still wearing the jeans and polo shirt, but his face was clean shaven and smooth.

“Wow, you look great.” The corners of his lips turned up. “May I come in?”

“Why so formal? Of course you may.” Amy couldn’t help smiling at his endearing look. At least the cancellation took the edge off the magnetic attraction she’d been fighting.

He stepped in and brought out a bouquet of flowers from behind his back. “For you. I apologize for everything that happened back there.”

Wow, whoever knew a billionaire playboy could be so sweet? Men with Teo’s looks, money, and power were usually spoiled too rotten to consider other people’s feelings.

A tiny ray of hope tickled inside of Amy as she took the flowers and sniffed them. Lilies and gardenias, so fragrant. “Thank you. This is a surprise.”

His smile was meek as he cleared his throat and shrugged. “Will you go out with me? No cameras. I promise.”

So cute. He actually sounded nervous, or perhaps he was being nice since he’d just fired her.

“Of course, I will. But tell me what happened. Am I out of a job?” She set the bouquet on the table. “I’m confused.”

“Do you want the show to go on? It’s up to you.”

“I … uh, was counting on the job to tide me through until I land a more long term role.” Amy hated to sound like she was begging, but the seventy thousand she’d forfeit, not to mention the fifty thousand dollar bonus if she could finagle a proposal was the difference between success and failure, at least in her father’s eyes.

A grin crept onto Teo’s face. “Then the show goes on. But tonight, I don’t want any cameras. Ronaldo’s script is bullshit. I could tell you weren’t comfortable with it.”

“I wasn’t. That’s not the type of girl I am.” Amy’s cheeks heated at the thought of almost giving him the wrong idea. “The setup was unfair for both of us.”

“Of course it was. They would have made me look like a fool.”

“Well, disaster averted. I’m really a nice girl.” Amy twirled her long, flowery skirt. “Is this outfit good?”

“Perfect.” He held out his arms and hugged her. “Now, can I have my kiss?”

Amy pushed herself from his arms. “I’m not sure I should be kissing you. There aren’t any cameras around to capture it.”

He took her hand and squeezed it. “Fair enough. Let’s go back to my room and have the dinner they prepared for us.”

“Sounds great.”

A thrill rushed through Amy’s veins. Teo had actually asked for a kiss instead of taking it, and backed off when she’d rebuffed him. Was this new, gentlemanly Teo the real deal?

“We have a connecting door.” Teo waved at the side of the bureau. “I keep my side unlocked. Shall we?”

“Oh, got it. We don’t want the paparazzi to catch us in the corridor.” Amy turned the deadbolt and the door opened.

“I love the way you think,” Teo said. “If you’re going to be my girlfriend, you’ll be subjected to a lot of indignities, with paparazzi topping the list.”

Girlfriend? Who said anything about being his girlfriend behind the scenes? Amy had never been anyone’s girlfriend. Starting with a billionaire wouldn’t be so bad, would it? Even if it was only setting the atmosphere for the show.

“Must be hard to date a billionaire.” Amy’s eyes widened at the luxurious spread of food decked out on silver platters.

“You’ll find lots of fringe benefits.” Teo pulled a chair for her and kissed her behind the ear. “I’ll be at your service tonight.”

Warm tingles shimmered over her body and her cheeks heated with desire. If she closed her eyes and forgot about the contract, the cameras, Ronaldo, and Mia, she could almost imagine she was on a real date with Teo.

She turned her face and met his lips. “I’d love to have you service me tonight.”

Oops. Did that come out too suggestive? She stifled a giggle and received his kiss. Gosh, he was warm and exciting, but respectful. His tongue did not breach her lips. Nothing greedy and sloppy. It left her wanting more.

He gave her a playful nip and pulled back. “Shall we eat?”

For the next hour, they dined on lobster with sugar beets in an apple vinaigrette, forest mushroom collection with black kale, and sipped German Riesling wine.

Teo made a toast to Amy. “To my costar in my own reality show. I’m glad Ronaldo chose you to play my girlfriend.”

“That’s sweet of you to say.” Amy clinked her wineglass with his, her body thrumming with excitement. “I feel like this is almost a real date.”

He swirled his wine. “This
is
a real date. Remember I cancelled the episode?”

“Will I still get paid?”

Teo’s face hardened. He leaned across the table and took her hand. “Do you want to be paid?”

“Of course. I came to Germany to shoot this episode. I put in the time already.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll get your money.” He stood from the table. “Let’s dance and get comfortable. Since I’ve paid for this evening, I want to get my money’s worth.”

Crap. That didn’t feel right. What would he expect from her now? Amy’s stomach plummeted to the floor, washing away the warmth and contentment she’d felt during dinner. She was, after all, still on the payroll. But for how much longer? And what would she have to do to stay?

Maybe she would have to give sexual favors if she wanted to continue with the show. Not that it would be too much of a sacrifice with a hot guy like Teo. Amy swallowed a mouthful of wine and stiffened her spine. Anything was better than going back to her parents and admitting she couldn’t cut it in the acting world.

* * *

Teo gritted his teeth as he turned on the stereo. He shouldn’t be bothered by a mere business agreement. After all, Amy was playing the part of devoted girlfriend. What complaints did he have? Oba-chan would be delighted, especially since he’d already texted selfies of him and Amy sitting in front of the candlelight dinner.

He selected a playlist of love songs to set the mood. Whatever. He’d paid for her weekend, and she’d have to do as he asked. He might as well enjoy the benefits of having a girlfriend.

He turned off the electric lights, leaving only the candles flickering in the wall sconces and across the dinner table. Holding out his hand, he crossed the room to her side. “Will you favor me with a dance?”

“My pleasure,” she replied. Her smile was tentative, as if suspicious of his motives.

She set her wineglass on the table and let him take her in his arms. She was small, but with her heels, tall enough to dance cheek to cheek with him.

Teo inhaled her sultry, seductive scent. He closed his eyes and swayed with her to the slow, soulful song. She fit perfectly in a way that was sensual, but comforting, as if she belonged to him. If he’d ever wanted a girlfriend, it would be Amy. Fortunately, this was a business agreement with an expiration date. Unless …

Fear gripped Teo’s ribcage. If Oba-chan was dying, it would no longer be a joke, no longer funny to break up with Amy after the birthday party and claim victory. Not if it meant disappointing his grandmother and lying to her on her deathbed.

He tightened his grip on Amy. Oba-chan could not be sick. No, it had only been an inkling. He’d ask his father at his next opportunity, when the race circuit moved to Great Britain at the end of August.

“What’s wrong?” Amy squirmed in his arms.

“Nothing. You feel great. I didn’t step on your toes, did I?”

“No, you kind of twitched. We don’t have to dance, you know. It’s not like anyone’s around to see us.”

“I know.” He cupped her face and ran a thumb over her lips. “That’s what makes it real. Me and you, alone.”

“You just want to kiss me.” She giggled. “That’s what you want.”

“Hmmm … maybe more.” He tapped her nose with his. “But only if you want it too.”

“I don’t see the harm in a little kissing. Maybe more …” She entwined her arms around him and took his lips.

A rush of passion swelled over him as his mouth mated with hers. Teo had never really kissed a woman. Usually it was a quick prelude to other pleasures, but with Amy, he wanted to explore the entire gamut of getting to know her. And right now, her tongue wrapping around his, teasing and stroking, was almost more than he could bear. The way her body moved and pressed into him enticed him to bend her over the table and take her right then and there. But afterwards, what then? She wasn’t the type of woman to be used and discarded. She was … different.

Maybe it was the wine, the soft lighting, the music, and the woman in his arms, but whatever it was, Teo decided then and there he’d treat Amy with respect. He’d get to know her and be her friend. After all, if Oba-chan were to ask him about Amy, what her interests were, her desires, goals in life, what made her happy, he couldn’t draw a blank.

Amy’s hands slithered over his shoulders, and she wiggled her lush body against him, threatening his newfound control. A tiny moan tore from her throat as she broke the kiss, making him snap to attention. Her eyes glinted in the candlelight, dark and mysterious.

“What do you want, Teo?” Her voice was husky, low, and alluring. “Why did you throw out the cameramen?”

Was she teasing him? Or giving him the green light? His body responded full on, and his dick jumped to attention. “I want to get to know the real you.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “Am I real enough for you right now?”

“Very.” He trailed his fingers down the side of her face to her neck. “You’re tempting me. Making me want you.”

“What’s so bad about that?” Amy arched her breasts and pressed into him. “We’re adults. This isn’t in the script. I can tell you’re ready.”

It may not be in the script, but if Amy were to be the girl his grandmother would approve of, Teo had to make sure she was the right kind. Was she teasing, or would she really sink into the bed with him tonight?

He lowered his lips to hers and dragged his hands to her waist. Moving her backwards, he maneuvered her to the edge of the bed.

She sank onto the bed, allowing him to press over her. He swept her hair to the side and nibbled on her neck while cupping her breast. Normally, a woman at this stage would be wild with lust, raking her fingernails across him and writhing in his arms.

Amy made the motions, but something was off. Teo caressed her nipple over her clothes and captured her mouth again. She whimpered as she took his tongue between her lips. Her breath was hot and she seemed to enjoy the kiss, but …

Teo stopped the kiss and placed his hands on neutral territory.

“Why did you stop?” Amy’s eyes snapped open, and a fleeting look of shock and dismay crossed her face.

“You’re an actress and not a very good one.” He steeled his voice. “Up, off of my bed.”

“Why? You started this. Sorry if I’m not moaning and screaming your name in ecstasy.”

“We don’t seem to get along, do we?” Teo rolled on the bed until he was face up. He clasped his hands around the back of his head, putting on a devil-may-care attitude.

“I seriously don’t get you.” Amy jumped from the bed and stomped toward the connecting door. “If you’re negging me or putting me down to gain control of me, it won’t work. I know everything about players, and I’m only here because I’m under contract.”

“I told you tonight was a night off. No acting. I don’t need to bed you to show that I can. I just wanted to see how far you’d go.”

She picked up her purse and threw it at him. “You ass. I’m not a whore!”

He opened her purse. Ha ha, she had a roll of condoms. He dumped them on the bed. “And what are these? Looks like you came prepared.”

“Give those back.” She charged onto the bed and made a grab for them. “You have no business going into my purse.”

“You threw it at me.” He ducked and turned onto his belly, pushing the condoms underneath him.

She shook his shoulder. “Let me have them.”

“You won’t be needing them.”

“You’re not the only man in Germany.”

Her little fists pounding on his shoulders felt like the pats of a masseuse.

Teo moaned. “That feels good. Tell me, Amy, were you really going to have sex with me?”

“Why didn’t you wait to find out?”

Why didn’t he? A spike of adrenaline stabbed his gut. He’d just lost his chance to test her, to see if she would have resisted him. No woman had ever stopped him before. Was it because of his magnetic sex appeal, or that he was a billionaire’s son? His gut twisted. He hadn’t wanted to know the answer. Amy’s body language already told him she would have stopped. Better to be the one doing the rejection than be on the receiving end.

Teo extracted the condoms and handed them to her. “I want to make one thing clear. Your employment or being part of the show has nothing to do with whether you sleep with me or not. Honest.”

“That’s good to know.” She stuffed the strip into her purse. “I don’t sleep with people I work with.”

“Why did you have the condoms?”