Starstruck (5 page)

It was cute how, even after all the years of knowing
Katherine, he could still make her blush like the teenage fan she used to be.
During his second visit to the hotel, she’d admitted her old bedroom had been
wallpapered with Jerico posters. At the time, he didn’t think she’d meant to
blurt out that particular tidbit.

“How many times do I have to ask you, Kath? Please call me
Jesse. You know what I think of formalities.” He leaned on the counter and
casually rested on his elbows, twirled the guest book and swiped the pen from
her hand. He signed in, noting his familiar suite number next to his name, and
looked up at Katherine. “I’d like my guest, Samantha Raven, to take my corner
suite and I’ll take the other one.”

Katherine handed him two key cards. ”Your new room is just
down the hall from your usual suite. I’ll see to it your bags are taken up
immediately. Let me know if there is anything I can get you.” She righted the
guest book and made a short note on the page before glancing up with a start.
“Oh I’ve already had the corner suite filled with your favorites. Would you
like me to have them transferred?”

“No, that’s okay. Leave it. Have a good night, Katherine.
I’ll see you tomorrow.” He placed his hand on the small of Sam’s back, leading
her to the elevator for the private penthouse suites.

Inside, Jesse swiped his room key, pushed the button for the
top floor, and then leaned back against the wall. The doors closed and the
elevator began to rise. He still hadn’t come up with anything plausible to
entice Sam to continue their pleasant evening together. Everything that came to
mind sounded like a cheap come-on and he didn’t want to scare her off. He didn’t
want to be a jerk. It felt different with her, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly
what “it” was. He didn’t want to rush her, but he could hardly contain the pure
lust overwhelming him. She made him as horny as hell, like a teenager trying to
find just the right moment to grab that first bit of tit at the drive-in
instead of a seasoned, forty-year-old man.

For Christ’s sake, Jess, get a grip. You’ve fucked the
most beautiful women in the world! This should be a walk in the park.

But none of them made your insides twist in knots by
simply thinking of saying goodbye…did they?

Sam looked toward the ceiling, the numbers lighting as they
passed each level. Her lids were at half-mast, and guilt welled in his chest at
the thought of her missing more sleep just to be with him.

As if she’d heard his thoughts, she turned her head to look
at him. She gave him a weary smile and yawned, covering her mouth with the back
of her hand. “Oh excuse me. I haven’t slept much this week. I think it’s
finally caught up with me.”

The elevator pinged before opening, revealing thick
navy-blue carpeting and decorative silver wall lights with white shades. Jesse
led Sam down the corridor to the door at the far end and handed her the room
card. He leaned heavily against the door frame, resting his head against the
wood, arms crossed, conjuring the sexiest smile he could muster. “Well…I don’t
suppose you wanna invite me in for a nightcap? You’ve got all my favorite
goodies in your room, you know.”

He lifted his head and moved forward, closing in on her. She
stepped back and hit the wall behind her. He placed his hands on the wall on
either side of her face, trapping her, and she gasped, just a whisper of breath
leaving her lips. He caressed the side of her cheek, sliding his fingertips down
her jaw, and then swept her bottom lip with his thumb, running it back and
forth, drawing her lips open.

When she parted them breathlessly, inviting him in, he
caught her mouth in a slow, deep, sensual kiss, gently flicking his tongue,
teasing her as he pushed his hands inside her coat and curved them around her
back, up her spine. Her warmth radiated through the woolen layer of her
sweater, teasing his palms and increasing his desire. Cautiously, he slid his
hands down and lifted the bottom of her sweater until he reached her blouse.

He stroked her lower back through the soft fabric and pulled
her closer.

* * * * *

Her head spun once more. Her knees weakened. She had never
been kissed so passionately.

Legs, don’t fail me now!

She trembled in his arms as he tasted her, trailing both his
hands down to cup her arse and steady her, pushing her harder into the front of
his jeans.

He was hard and…well…big, and seemingly had no qualms about
making his arousal known. There wasn’t a breath of space between their hips,
and with a slight thrust he elicited a moan from her. His lips were soft and
giving, yet demanding, pulling her toward the brink of ecstasy. She wasn’t sure
how much she could take without crying out for more. He pulsed against her
inner thigh and the devil inside her screamed to be sated.

After releasing her lips, he rested his forehead gently on
hers, allowing her to catch her breath. He kissed the tip of her nose as she
slowly opened her eyes. She was still giddy, her heart racing double-time.

Now. That. Was a kiss.

She tried to gather her wits but fumbled with the key card,
almost dropping it in her attempt to open the door.

Jesse steadied her hand, took the card from her and easily
slid it into the small slot near the handle. The little light flashed green and
the heavy door automatically opened. He stepped aside. “After you.”

Sam strolled into the room, taking it all in. The deep red
lounge near the fireplace was almost as big as her entire living room. The
suite was lavishly decorated with soft white carpeting, gold fixtures and
antique furniture tastefully accented with modern pieces.

Sliding out of her coat, she laid it over the back of a
nearby armchair, quietly drawing a deep breath and releasing it slow and
steady. The backless fireplace was raging and she got a small glimpse of the
bedroom through the cutout in the wall.

Very nice indeed.

She faced Jesse who’d already invaded the fully stocked bar,
was pouring two glasses of Jack Daniel’s on the rocks.
What do I do now?
He was acting so smooth, so cool, and her heart pounded so hard she thought she
might pass out…or scream—whichever came first. She wanted him badly, but her
inner voice was fighting her to death. She’d never been in a situation like
this before and it scared the shit out of her as well as excited her.

He crossed the room to join her near the fireplace, handing
her a drink. Greedily, she sipped from her glass and the amber liquid warmed
her throat. He stepped back and relaxed onto the lounge, patting the spot next
to him. She frowned, nerves swirling inside her stomach, but slowly bent her
knees and sat, taking another large sip from her glass.

JD was her drink of choice—looked like it was his too.

Jesse visibly seemed to deflate a little when she hesitated
and it wasn’t the first time he’d managed to surprise her. There was a
diminutive slump of his shoulders and the sparkle of lust that had been in his
eyes didn’t shine as brightly, it more burned with concern. “What’s wrong?
Would you like me to leave?” he asked.

“No! Of course not. Please finish your drink first. We’ve
both had a long day…I’m sure you’re just as tired as I am.” She rose from the
lounge and returned to the calming licks of the fire. She shivered all over
though her skin was warm. How her body was reacting to his proximity now that
they were completely alone was confusing…and a little frightening. She stared
into the flames, nursing her whiskey.

The soft tap on the table made her flinch as Jesse put his
glass down before joining her, taking her drink from her hand and setting it on
the mantelpiece. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he stroked the base of her
spine, soothing her with his thumbs.

She hesitated then reached up to the back of his neck,
resting her arms on his shoulders. His kiss was quick and chaste before he
leaned into her, hugging her close to his body. He gently nipped the bottom of
her earlobe with his teeth and placed a soft kiss on her neck. Dropping his
forehead to her shoulder, he let out a long, frustrated sigh. His lips brushed
her sweater as he raised his head.

Cupping her jaw in his hands, he kissed her lips again. “Get
some sleep, babe. Will you join me for breakfast in my room tomorrow morning?
I’d like to spend some more time with you before we leave tomorrow, if that’s
okay.”

He slid his hands down into hers, locking their fingers
together.

“Ah…yeah sure. Why not? What time do you want me?”

“Darlin’, you’re killin’ me here,” he said with a smirk,
squeezing her hands. “How’s eight sound? I should be back from the gym by
then.” He let her go and walked toward the door.

“You’re keen,” she said with a smile. “You won’t catch me
giving up my sleep just to work out…especially at that time of morning. If I
don’t turn up for breakfast, you’ll know I’ve slept in. I’m so tired I might
not hear my alarm straight away.”

She followed him to the door and opened it, holding the knob
as he stopped in front of her. “Darlin’, if you don’t turn up, I will be
very
disappointed. I may even track you down. Now how do you like your eggs and do
you want tea or coffee?”

“Scrambled with tea, thanks.” She stifled another yawn.
“Good night, Jesse, and thanks for dinner. I had a really good time. And thank
you for arranging the room for me. I’d probably be sleeping on the airport
floor tonight if not for you.” She quickly pecked his cheek, certain she was
blushing.

He lifted her chin with his fingertips. “Baby, that’s no way
to say thank you,” he whispered less than an inch from her lips.

His breath smelled delicious, like whiskey and honey. With
only a moment’s hesitation he crushed her body to his and dipped his head to
taste her once again, slowly circling his tongue inside her mouth. He ground
against her, running his nimble hands up and down her back, and she wished
their dance would last forever.

He eventually pulled away, but she kept her eyes closed, her
mouth tipped toward him, wanting more. Based on his soft chuckle, he was
satisfied with her reaction.

“I’m in room 803,” he whispered, and then walked down the
corridor toward his suite, leaving her gasping for air.

She shut the door and leaned against it, waiting for the
room to stop spinning.

Are you mad, woman! Did you just send
the
Jesse
Maurello away?

She’d regret her decision by morning. He was about to fly
out of her life as quickly as he’d flown in. What would it feel like to lie
next to his naked body, even if for just one night?

“Stupid, stupid, stupid!” she cried, smacking her forehead
with the palm of her hand. She’d made the right choice by sending him away. Why
was she now second-guessing herself? She was usually very sure of her
decisions, but there was something about Jesse that spun her axis off-kilter.
It would be so out of character if she fell into a man’s bed the first day
meeting him.

But you’re not going to get another chance like this,
girl…stupid!

“A bath. That’s what I need.” She entered the bedroom,
groaning at the huge chocolate-brown king-sized bed on her way into the
bathroom. Leaning over the large tub, she turned on the faucets and added some
scented oil before returning to the main room and pouring another drink.

Her neck and shoulders slowly relaxed as the stress
dissolved from her tired muscles. She stood quietly, letting the extravagance
around her fill her senses. It smelled of wealth and, not for the first time,
she worried about how much tonight would cost her.

She opened the full-sized fridge. What else had the hotel
stashed in the room to pamper Jesse? She pinched a strawberry, dipped it in the
chocolate sauce and closed the door.

She eyed her luggage. Most likely, the batteries on both her
laptop and phone were getting low. After plugging them into the wall, she
retrieved her refilled glass and followed the steam trail back to the bathroom.

Undressed, she slipped into the enormous hot tub, the
fragrance from the water seeping into her weary pores as she leaned against the
padded headrest. She ate her strawberry and sipped her drink, then closed her
eyes and sank deeper beneath the water until it reached her chin.

She shifted her shoulders and purposely slowed her breathing
but couldn’t totally relax. Every time she closed her eyes Jesse’s face
appeared, that sexy smirk on his lips, the way he leaned in to kiss her and
hold her body as if there were no tomorrows. He was strong, and with each
stroking kiss and undulating pass of his thigh against hers, a fire stirred
inside her belly.

This is crazy.
You’re
crazy!

Standing, she hopped out of the bath, donned the thick white
hotel robe and stepped into the matching fluffy slippers. In the bedroom, she
rifled her bags, selecting a pair of old faded blue jeans with a rip in one
knee, a fresh set of underwear, one of her trusty cotton baby t-shirts and a
long blue woolen cardigan. She quickly dressed and then ran a brush through her
hair, pushing her feet back into the slippers.

Are you seriously considering knocking on his door?

Yes…yes I am!

She revisited the bathroom on shaky legs and grabbed her
drink from the side of the bath, approached the black marble vanity and stared
into the mirror. Her skin was pink from her hot soak, her eyes surprisingly
refreshed, the puffiness underneath almost completely gone.

“Are you
really
ready to do this?” she pleaded with
her reflection.

Her grandmother’s cheeky smile appeared over her shoulder as
it had done many times since she’d passed over fourteen years ago.
If you’re
not ready, sweetheart, let me at him. This one’s a keeper.

Sam closed her eyes, tears threatening to surface, and
chuckled at her nana’s message. She always showed up at the most unexpected
times, but tonight Sam was grateful. Those words were the extra nudge she
needed to gather enough courage.