The President and the Starlet: A Forbidden Romance Page 13

  “Kane is a CEO, did you know? A real, live CEO!” she tittered. But it didn’t stop then. “His company is buying Little Mortie’s Cupcakes, we love that stuff, don’t we girls?”

  The woman’s voice literally made me nauseous, difficult to stay upright in my seat. But none of the other ladies noticed.

  Linda on my left chimed in, “He must be worth millions!”

  And then Elaine waltzed over from nowhere, determined to have the last word.

  “Actually, they’re billionaires,” she said smugly, crossing her arms over her chest. “Count ‘em girls. That’s nine zeros, in case you need help.”

  I frowned at the blonde. Bride or no bride, this was bad manners. Never talk about money or religion, got it? But Elaine is unstoppable, nodding proudly as if we were her sons.

  Collectively, more ooh’s and ahh’s rose around the table. Damn, these skinny chicks were getting wet just thinking about our money. They were all so turned on by our huge bank accounts and nothing more. Shit. Women are the same everywhere huh? Up in New York and down here in the middle of nowhere as well.

  But Katie seemed unaffected by the news. She merely nodded her head slightly in acknowledgment before turning to address us.

  “I love Little Mortie’s Cupcakes,” she said with a genuine smile. “The caramel swirl fudgies are my favorite.”

  The other girls looked quizzically at each other. What were fudgies? Some kind of fudge slash brownie mix? Clearly, Little Mortie’s wasn’t a win for them.

  But Mason and Tyler nodded their heads approvingly. Of course, Katie was the type of girl that loved Little Mortie’s. Further, I’m sure she enjoyed eating a juicy, rare hamburger, loaded with everything and washing it down with a milkshake made with whole milk too. Our female loves food and isn’t afraid to hide it.

  Smiling brilliantly, she turned to me next.

  “How was your night?” came the soft question.

  Was she being serious? The girl knew how my night had been because I’d spent it with her. Or more accurately, we’d spent it with her.

  But the crowd didn’t have to know, so discretion was key.

  “It was real good,” Tyler said smoothly.

  “Best night ever,” Mason growled, before lifting a drink to his lips.

  “People should get married more often,” I added, not to be outdone. “Weddings seem to bring something out in people, don’t you agree?”

  The suggestive question had those cheeks going pink again, the girl gasping quietly in her seat. But she didn’t give in either. Instead, the woman turned our way.

  “I’m glad you’re all enjoying your stay in our little town. I know coming from a big city, Knox must be real small in comparison.”

  Small was an understatement. More like a smudge on the map, a squashed bug leaving its trace.

  But that wasn’t the point. Taking a deep breath, Katie looked us straight in the eye then.

  “And how long before you return to New York?”

  Ah ha, the million dollar question. The three of us shared a look. We’d discussed this last night after arriving back at the hotel. If we hadn’t met Katie last night, it would have been sayanora, peace out immediately. I’d probably be sitting in my home office this very moment catching up on some work, the weekend already forgotten.

  But after last night, everything was different. This girl was special. She wasn’t just any piece of female flesh. Katie was sweet, innocent, and pure, in a way that you don’t find anymore. You could look all the way down to South American, or all the way up to the North Pole, and there’d be no one like her.

  So yeah, we wanted more.

  Soon.

  Fast.

  Bad.

  Tyler shot her a long, searching look.

  “Actually, our plans have changed. We’re going to be in Knox for a while. You got a recommendation for some tour companies? Someone to show us around?”

  And sure enough, the female’s face lit up. It was like a bulb going off inside, a smile wreathing her lips, internal joy projected outwards. Was she just as excited as we were about the possibility of more time together?

  But before anyone could say anything, that nosy hyena Stacy jumped in again.

  “I’ll do it! I’d love to show you around town,” she said grinning like a hungry wolf. Fuck that. I’d rather endure blue balls for a week before putting myself in Stacy’s hands with their long, red nails.

  “Or me!” chimed in Piper, a freckly redhead. “I was born here, I know this place real well.”

  That made Stacy grow red in the face, turning on her competition.

  “We were all born here, Piper, that’s nothing,” she said dismissively before smiling at us sweetly once again. “I’m available anytime,” she cooed. “Just let me know what you want to see.”

  Wow, the devil has two faces huh? There was definitely a Dr. Jekyll- Mr. Hyde thing going on right now. So Mason made some noncommittal noises.

  “Naw, we’re looking for something else. Thanks so much though.”

  Stacy looked downright offended.

  “You know, I don’t work, so it’s fine. I can be your tour guide. Free of charge.”

  A giggle escaped Katie then.

  “What?” asked Stacy, whirling on the brunette. “You think I don’t know Knox?”

  But the brunette just laughed easily again.

  “Oh no, you know Knox. It’s just that I recently wrote an article on our tiny little town for the paper last week. You know, budding reporter and all that,” she said, turning our way, cheeks blushing once more. “So I’m up to date on the sights. You boys want a tour guide? I can do it.”

  And immediately, the three of us fell all over one another, leaping at the opportunity.

  “Yes absolutely,” I growled, looking her in the eye.

  “When are you available?” grunted Tyler.

  “How soon?” asked Mason.

  And Katie laughed lightly then, the sound tinkling in the air.

  “Soon enough,” she said easily. “Let me check my schedule and I’ll let you know.”

  And suddenly, this post-wedding brunch improved a thousand fold. Because we were gonna get a tour from the smartest, sweetest female for miles. Who knew she was a budding reporter? What kind of job did Katie have now? All these mysteries … and it was time to solve them.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Katie

  Much of last night had been spent tossing and turning in anticipation of today. When I woke up I’d planned to wear one outfit, but then spent the morning agonizing over what to put on. There were five outfit changes before leaving the house. Yep, count ‘em, five. Embarrassing right? Usually, I’m so straightforward, but this morning, “mess” was the right word to describe me.

  Eventually though, I settled on a blue, button-up blouse and a black pencil skirt. The skirt was a little snug, but at least it wasn’t obscenely tight. And the outfit made me feel a bit more sophisticated than some of my other clothes that screamed small-town country girl, what with the plaid shirts and cut-off jean shorts.

  But now, sitting in my car outside the hotel, nerves were getting the better of me once again. Agreeing to be their tour guide yesterday sounded wonderful, but let’s be real. Knox is a tiny town, population one thousand. By contrast, these men were rich and powerful citizens of New York City, population sixteen million. They were gonna be disappointed, I could feel it in my bones.

  But it was too late to back-out. Besides, I’m not a quitter. I won’t be, not now. So maybe a stroll in a nearby park would be nice. It was nothing special, but it did have a fancy fountain in the middle that commemorated Korean War veterans. It wasn’t New York’s Central Park for sure, but hey, what’s a girl to do? Hopefully, the greenery wouldn’t bore them out of their minds.

  Sitting in my car, I made myself take a deep breath. Why were my nerves so shaky? Mason, Tyler and Kane had already seen everything about me, doing all sorts of dirty things. It was a little late to act the shy, virgi
nal girl.

  So turning to the mirror in the sun visor, I scolded myself.

  “You wanted this, so stop acting scared!” came my stern voice, brows drawn. And taking a quick inventory, I stared at myself fiercely once more. Curls reasonably neat. Make-up not smeared. Good, we were good to go.

  Exhaling a deep breath, I got out of the car and walked into the hotel. It was all going to be fine.

  A concierge behind the desk in the lobby greeted me.

  “Hello, may I help you?” said the kindly old man.

  I smiled weakly before forcing myself to act confident.

  “No, I know where I’m going, thank you,” came my authoritative voice. Man, that was impressive! Clearly, I was getting good at this.

  After all, the boys were staying in the swankiest hotel in town, and there was no reason to let on that I’d never been here before. Yes, I’m a small town girl, but small town girls can make their way up in the world, right? So taking a deep breath, I got into the elevator, the gold reflective doors sliding shut with a hiss.

  Kane asked me to meet them at his room. Stay calm, the voice in my head said, trying to make my heart stop fluttering. Stay real calm. They’re men, just like all other men.

  But my nerves wouldn’t stop because they weren’t like other men. They were alpha billionaires, and three of them at that. I’d done three men at a time, and who does that really? This is real life, not a movie, and I couldn’t afford to get caught up in thinking I had a movie-star existence.

  So heart pumping fast, I stared at my reflection in the gold walls. The elevator seemed to ascend in slow motion before finally coming to a smooth halt. The doors opened, and I stepped out hesitantly onto cream colored carpet covered with gold scrolls. Man, my leather shoes looked scuffed next to this opulence, like they didn’t belong.

  But I did belong.

  I was invited here.

  Me, Katie Evans, not someone else.

  So taking a deep breath, I forced my feet forwards. A quick perusal of the hallway revealed there was only one room on the whole floor, and the nerves came screaming back then, my stomach churning. Holy cow! Who’s able to rent out the entire floor of a hotel? Again, I was over my head, into the deep waters with these guys.

  But there was no way but forwards. So step by step, I made my way to the huge marble door. Biting my lip, it took a minute before I found the courage to knock.

  Was this the right thing to do?

  Should I turn around and go back, before things got even more complicated?

  But before I could act on the second thoughts, the door swung open and Kane stood there with a smile. God, the alpha was devastatingly handsome. He looked every bit the billionaire in an expensive suit and perfectly styled hair, flashing those pearly whites.

  “Hey! Come inside,” the big man said warmly, moving his massive body so that I could see beyond.

  I took one tentative step into the room before coming to a full stop. Because it wasn’t a room at all. This place was a massive suite that had several entryways leading off from the living room. And the living room was utterly magnificent, done with cream-colored low-slung furniture, modern with sky blue accent pillows. Was that a Monet in the hallway? I squinted my eyes, looking at the swirling colors and came to a conclusion. Yes, it was a Monet. The water lilies were unmistakable. Kane was living in a suite that came with artwork worth more than my entire apartment building put together.

  “I thought this was your room,” came my voice on a stammer.

  But the billionaire wasn’t perturbed at all. Flashing that smile again, he jerked his head.

  “Yeah, the hotel only had the one suite, so Tyler, Mason and I had to share,” he growled, rolling his eyes. “Can you believe it? We’re forty year-old guys sharing a place. I haven’t done this since I was in the Cub Scouts.”

  A laugh escaped me then, a big breath of oxygen entering my lungs. Cub Scouts? I couldn’t imagine this handsome, dominating man dressed in khaki shorts with a red bandanna, holding up his fingers in the “Scout’s Honor” pledge. It was too hilarious.

  But Kane shook his head again, grinning all the while.

  “That’s right, I was a Cub Scout,” he said. “Made it all the way to Eagle, as a matter of fact,” he said, voice going serious. “I believe in giving back to the world, and the Boy Scouts helped me hone my philanthropic urges. It makes a big difference you know. Back then, I was happy to give ten dollars to a worthy cause, and now it’s a lot more,” he said with an easy grin.

  I nodded, impressed. So these guys were definitely more than corporate raiders, take-no-prisoner business titans. There was a sense of generosity and graciousness that permeated the air, making them human beings with multiple sides. How in the world did I get so lucky?

  And at that moment, Tyler and Mason entered the room. But my sense of calm was short-lived. Seeing the three gorgeous alphas together sent my body temperature skyrocketing. Suddenly, the spacious living room was too small and heat pulsed through my frame as three pairs of blue eyes ran over my curvy body.

  “Well now that we’re all here, should we head out on the tour?”

  My voice sounded silly to my own ears, high-pitched and funny. But still, I’d offered a tour and was gonna deliver.

  Mason sank back on a plush couch, one big hand balancing a drink. What was that? Brandy? Bourbon?

  He grinned then.

  “Where are my manners?” the big man growled. “The lady needs a drink as well.”

  And sure enough, Tyler strode to the wet bar then.

  “Get you something, honey?” came that smooth, deep voice.

  A flush made me hot. Wasn’t it a little early in the day for a drink? Cocktails usually start at five, right? But the devil on my shoulder put in an appearance then. That was the old you, the voice scolded. Stop being such a fuddy-duddy. Have a drink. Who gives a damn what time of day it is? You’re the only one watching the clock.

  So I smiled brightly, taking a deep breath.

  “Sure. Why not?”

  And drinks were poured for everyone, a clear amber that swirled in low glasses. Man, the liquor was almost hypnotic to watch, moving from side to side like the sea.

  And whatever it was, it was strong. The scent of honey mixed with cinnamon, oak and alcohol permeated my nostrils and throat, liquid courage pulsing down my throat all the way to my stomach.

  Man, it was needed.

  Another swallow made my insides burn.

  But there was no respite because the question I’d been dreading was asked then.

  Clearing his throat, Tyler took me in.

  “So why are you still a virgin?” that low drawl came. “No judgment,” he said, holding his hands up prisoner style. “We’re just curious, that’s all.”

  I gulped awkwardly, the fiery burn almost making me choke. How to answer without completely humiliating myself? Suddenly, my clothes felt constricting. I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the question making me nervous. But there was nothing to tell but the truth. No embellishments. No lies. Better to get it out there. So I was honest.

  “Boys have never been interested in me,” came my voice slowly. “I guess I just wasn’t anyone’s type.”

  Unable to meet their eyes, the bottom of my glass held my attention as embarrassment threatened to choke the air from my lungs. But the three men never stirred. Their stares were like lasers on my skin, lighting a fire inside. It also gave me the courage to continue.

  “I’m a big girl. Most don’t find my figure flattering,” my voice came again, slow and hesitant, hands tightening around the glass. “I wish it was different, but it’s not. So I’m … you know, a virgin.”

  Pure silence.

  Oh god, did they hate me now?

  Or more accurately, did they think I was undesirable, the leftovers that no one wanted?

  But it was the opposite.

  “A man knows what a beautiful woman looks like,” Kane said smoothly, sliding closer to me on the sofa.
/>
  “We all think you’re gorgeous,” agreed Tyler as he took the glass from my hand, sitting on my other side. And the next thing I knew, Mason was kneeling in front of my legs. Oh god, oh god. What was happening? Moistness dripped between my thighs even as my heart fluttered. They had to be able to smell the scent of my steaming pussy, heavy and pungent in the air. Oh god, oh god, this was so embarrassing.

  But the men weren’t embarrassed. Slowly, Mason slid his hands up my skirt and stroked against my pussy briefly, making me squirm and mewl.

  “Oh!” came the gasp unbidden from my mouth. “Oh oh!”

  But Mason wasn’t deterred. With smooth, swift strokes, he pulled off my sopping panties before rubbing his nose in the damp cloth, savoring the smell of aroused female.

  “She’s ready,” came his low voice, vibrating with need. “She’s real ready.”

  Kane cupped my chin in his hand and turned me to face him then.

  “Katie, we want to make you feel amazing. We want to be your first. It’s your choice. Are you ready baby girl? Are you good to go?”

  My face flushed from his words. They were leaving the decision in my hands. I was completely in control, the woman in the driver’s seat.

  And it felt good to be honest. I hadn’t expected this to happen again so soon. Nor did I expect to feel empowered and in charge, ready to control my future.

  But the old Katie was still there.

  “I …”

  The stammer was stuck in my throat. This was my opportunity. I could walk away and never see them again, or I could walk forwards and embrace the unknown. What would it be? Sheer insanity? Or a lonely bed forever, rotting with a dozen cats at my side?

  And the answer was only too clear. My gaze met Kane’s directly.

  “Yes,” I breathed. “Yes, please.”

  Kane’s lips came crashing down onto mine then. His kiss decimated my defenses, taking control and exploring every crevice with absolute mastery.

  “Mmmm,” I mewled deep in my throat, hands going to stroke that hard column of a throat. “Mmmm.”

  But Tyler and Mason were just as quick. In short order, my clothes were gone, ripped away in rags, and their hands roamed my hills and valleys like old friends. Squeezing and caressing, they made me move lustily, eyes falling closed, lips parting. Yes. Yes, this is right. This is the new Katie Evans, the one who’s desirable and a hundred percent female, wanted by not one man, but three.