Limelight and Longing (Movie Star Romance Book 1) Read online

  Jenna fidgeted with the cloth napkin in her lap, her cheeks flaming under his intense scrutiny.

  “Rick, at the airport. He said Sally didn’t like to be kept waiting, and you rushed off. I just assumed…” She trailed off. It sounded ridiculous when she said it aloud.

  Jacob grinned at her, the tension easing from both his expression and his broad shoulders. “Sally Coulson, host of Good Morning Melbourne. I was late for a live interview.”

  Jenna felt warm all over; the hard knot lodged in her chest loosened and allowed her to breathe deep for the first time since dinner began.

  “So no girlfriend then?” Cait leaned around Jenna to grin at Jacob.

  “No girlfriend.” He grinned back.

  “Well, that’s good news, isn’t it?” Cait elbow-tapped her before turning her attention back to the man on her left.

  Jenna focused on her plate, the desire to look up and meet Jacob’s eyes at war with the prickly rush of embarrassment surging in her veins.

  “Did you really think I’d be flirting with you, if I had a girlfriend?” His tone was part teasing, part admonishment. She glanced up, breath caught in her throat with the realization of how close he was. “Since Wellington, there’s only been you, Jenna.”

  The way her name sounded on his lips, the way he stretched the n’s as if they were warm caramel, made her grateful she was seated.

  She didn’t notice when the main of slow-braised beef cheek on parsnip puree with red-wine jus replaced her barely-touched entrée, too absorbed in all the wondrous possibilities a relationship with Jacob Starr brought with it. He’d been the main attraction in her thoughts and her fantasies, as well as her regrets, for the past eighteen months; since she’d left Wellington without at least attempting to slip him her phone number.

  But they came from different worlds, lived on different continents. She was an elementary school teacher, and he was an action star of blockbuster movies. Eighty-percent of the world knew his name.

  “Jenna?” Her name was a hot puff of air on her neck as he leaned closer still. “I can hear you thinking from here. Was it okay for me to say that?”

  It was strange to hear him so unsure when he usually projected a strength and confidence in his every word and action which in turn put those around him at ease. She swallowed; her throat dry as she glanced at her dinner companions, who’d returned their attention to their meals, and nodded. “Wellington’s got a lot to answer for.”

  “Damn right.” He chuckled; a deep, free, sound that hummed in her bones. “And in case you’re wondering, I’m Adam’s guest not LunarCon’s.”

  She gasped and leaned in, hand over her mouth as if sharing a secret. “So no…umm…”

  “No stupid rules or dire consequences to worry about?” Jacob inclined his head toward hers. “No. And nothing to stand in our way either.”

  Jenna’s heart beat faster than she ever thought possible as she looked up into eyes so dark and warm and hopeful, she wanted to fall into them and never find her way out again.

  ♥♥♥

  All that remained of the short-crust chocolate-silk tart was a few crumbs, when Jenna felt the weight of a large masculine hand cover hers where it lay in her lap. She turned her wrist so their palms pressed together and Jacob twined their fingers; thumb grazing along hers.

  Oh, how she wished they could get out of there and go somewhere, anywhere, as long as it was just the two of them. Alone.

  “When this is over…”

  “Yes.”

  He laughed. “You haven’t heard my offer.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” She gazed up at him through her lashes with every feminine wile she possessed, and felt him squeeze her hand. “Long as I’m with you.”

  “I like your thinking.”

  She could’ve sworn his voice dropped two full octaves.

  Jacob sent Adam a signal, or at least Jenna assumed he had, because Adam drew the table’s attention with the beginnings of an epic tale of how he’d been filming a scene involving explosives and the daring rescue of an alien priestess.

  Jacob was helping her into her coat out in the foyer before Jenna realized she hadn’t told Cait where she was going.

  Chapter Five

  The night had gotten colder as it went on and Jenna shivered despite her coat.

  “I’ve got a car service.” Jacob pulled his phone from his pants pocket, the screen lighting up with a swipe of his thumb. “We could catch a tram, or walk.”

  “Maybe a destination should be the first decision?”

  He turned, directing all of his attention on her, every muscle tense as he held himself in check. “My hotel’s three blocks that way.”

  “Sounds good.” The predatory hunger darkening his eyes had her leaning in, until barely a breath separated them. “Lead the way.”

  “God, Jenna, you’ve gotta be sure. Are you sure?”

  “From the first moment you walked in the room.” She whispered, choking on the last word as he lunged for her mouth. A rasp of stubble, lips taking everything she offered, tongue seeking permission.

  Jacob groaned when she opened for him. He released her hand so he could tangle both of his in her hair, free it from its pins, and hold her where he wanted her. The sounds she made; soft, sweet whimpers he’d never tire of hearing. She pressed into him, braced her hands on his hips, kneading the fabric of his shirt in an effort to reach sensitive skin beneath. Over a year of fantasizing and nothing he’d imagined was better than the reality of kissing Jenna.

  He allowed them up for air and pressed his forehead to hers, fingers still tangled in dark red whorls. Part of him terrified she’d vanish if he let go. She smiled and licked her lips, seeking the taste of him. He chuckled; dazed and happy, relieved and energized, all at once.

  Her arms circled his back, beneath his jacket, fingertips tracing patterns across his spine. He had to get them to a bed; right the hell now.

  “A car would be good right about now.” Jenna murmured in the intimate space between them, mirroring his thoughts and gently butting his nose with hers.

  “Right, umm, sure, I’ll text my driver.”

  “I’d better text Cait.” She smiled at his confused look. “Girl code.”

  Jacob went in for another taste, laid a trail of soft sucking kisses along her jaw as she arched her neck to give him more room.

  “Hope your driver gets here soon.” He hummed; only partly-listening, more interested in the scent hidden in the hollow behind her ear. He kissed it, then kissed it again, and smiled into her skin when she clung to him. “You keep kissing my neck like that and I’ll be forced to rip your clothes off.”

  “I fail to see the downside, Miss Long.” She groaned; fingernails scritching through his hair as she held him close, actions speaking to her desire for more of his kisses.

  “My credit card will beg to differ when I have to buy a new hand-tailored tuxedo.”

  The limo pulled to the curb before he could reply and she tugged him by the hand. He had to admit, a woman who knew her own mind was a one hell of turn on. It made a change from the simpering women who tended call him Ethan and ask him to recite lines of dialogue from his movies, while they lay there and let him do all the work.

  The sooner he and Jenna made it to his hotel room, the sooner he could get his hands on everything that damn-infuriating green dress concealed.

  ♥♥♥

  The hallway was deserted and Jacob sent a prayer of thanks to whoever was listening. He wanted Jenna to himself for as long as he could, before any lurking paparazzi discovered them and ran gleefully to the nearest tabloid with the pictures.

  He smiled at her and she smiled back, walking at his side, one hand in his, the other holding the straps of her sliver heels and enough green silk to keep the hem from dragging. Her hair had come loose from the elegant up-do it’d begun the night in, and one shoulder strap had fallen to drape over her bicep. She looked thoroughly kissed, and happy.

  Jacob suspected he wore a
similar expression. It’d been the best limo ride he’d had in a long while. Three of the black stud buttons on his shirt were undone and his bow tie was shoved into his inside jacket pocket. He still had his shoes on, but his shirt was untucked where Jenna had slipped her hands inside to slide up over his flanks. The feel of her splayed across his thighs as she pressed her breasts against his pecs had had him cupping her ass to keep her right…there.

  Neither of them spoke, comfortable with each other and the silence, as they moved quickly past door after door after door. Jacob let go of her hand to check all his pockets for the key-card; holding it up in triumph before sliding it into the lock.

  Jenna’s shoes hit the floor with a double-thunk, followed by her coat, before Jacob had time to kick the door shut and lock it. He shrugged out of his jacket; let it slide down his arms to the floor. The first of what would be a trail of clothing marking the way to the super-king bed. He tugged the back of his collar and ducked out of his shirt, leaving him bare to the waist; broad shoulders, smooth curve of bicep, strong forearms and narrow wrists, sculpted chest and contoured abs, a smattering of coffee chest hair, and the tease of a treasure trail – all on display for her pleasure. She’d given him no reason, but he couldn’t help the nervous shiver that ran through him. Would she like what she saw? Would he live up to her imaginings?

  The click of the light switch drew his attention back to her as pools of golden light spilled into the blue-black shadows from strategically-placed lamps.

  “I want to see you.” Jacob groaned at the hunger, and reflected light, in Jenna’s eyes; watched as she slipped the other strap from her shoulder and reached behind her. The sound of a zipper sliding made his cock twitch. There was too much fucking space between them, but neither moved. Jacob transfixed to the floor by the sight of emerald silk falling to pool at Jenna’s bare feet. She was all long limbs, smooth plains, and sweet curves emphasized by low-cut black lace. She stood motionless, her eyes wide with something he couldn’t name, but knew deep down it was only for him.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

  Between one ragged breath and the next, she was in his arms pressing her softness against him. Jacob boosted her up and she wrapped her thighs around his hips, fingers tugging on his hair as she sought out his mouth; kissed him, claimed him as her own.

  He walked them back without breaking their kiss, tripped once before toppling them onto the pristine white comforter; Jenna on her back and Jacob’s thigh between hers as he tugged her bra free. Her breasts spilled into his palms and he circled her nipples with the pads of his thumbs. She arched into his touch, a whimper of pleasure caught in her throat.

  Jacob kissed her; abandoned it halfway through, eager to suckle. She hissed and he lifted his head, only to have her shove him back, fingers tight and demanding in his hair. He chuckled; grazing his palms down her flanks. Want drove him on, lost in the wonder that was Jenna under him, arching into the heat of his mouth on her; everything he’d imagined when he’d jacked-off alone in the dark with her name on his lips.

  A desperate hunger clawed at the inside of Jenna’s mind and surged through her body in a wave of heat that intensified like nothing she’d ever experienced before. Jacob’s hands drew forth sounds she hadn’t known she was capable of making. The weight of his body over hers made her writhe against him, just to test his strength, his will to have her. He was like a drug, one she’d forever crave; intoxicating and perfect.

  She spread her thighs, rutted her hips in both invitation and plea. His fingertips edged under her panties, large palm moving to cup her as a finger slid inside, then two; setting a rhythm as his thumb grazed her clit.

  “Jacob!”

  She shuddered; riding out her pleasure, a luscious wave of rapture that left her breathless, body floating on a cloud of hazy warmth. He was there. Mouth on hers, tasting his name on her tongue as he arched over her, leaned to reach under the pillow.

  He still wore his pants. She’d come on his fingers, sprawled naked on his bed, while Jacob was still half-dressed. Jenna swallowed down her embarrassment and reached for his belt, had button and zipper open, and his cock in her palm, when he settled back over her.

  He cursed; his breath puffed hot against her sweaty skin as he rutted into her fist, hardening further with each deliberate stroke. “You’re good at that.”

  “Happy to oblige.” She grinned; quick wit returning as her afterglow receded.

  Jacob ducked his head into the crook of her neck and whispered. “Miss Long, I’ve wanted to fuck you since I first laid eyes on you.”

  “Back at you, Mr Starr.” Jenna turned to meet the sheer need blazing bright in his dark eyes. “Seems neither of us is good at breaking the rules.”

  He snorted and pushed up to free himself of his dress pants, socks, and shoes, before reaching for the condom. But Jenna was there; ripping it open and squeezing the tip, before rolling it down his length.

  Jacob spread her wide with his hips and nudged inside her slick heat before driving home in one smooth thrust to settle deep. Her muscles flexed around him in welcome and he groaned, kissing her name into the hollow of her throat as she arched her neck back, and wrapped both arms and legs around him.

  Jenna felt split apart as she wriggled, attempting to get more of him inside her; skewered on Jacob’s cock, and pressed into the bed beneath his beautiful masculine body. She tightened her thighs around his hips in encouragement; greedy for all he could give. He was everything she’d fantasized and so much more.

  Thought melted away, lost to the rhythm of his thrusts and the feel of his mouth on her skin. She doubted she’d ever have enough of this man. The more he gave, the more she desired, the more he offered, the more she craved.

  He lifted her hips and bucked deeper, fingertips biting into her ass cheeks to hold her where he wanted her. She met him thrust for thrust; denied passion driving them toward a precipice neither wanted to escape.

  Jacob came first, bellowing his pleasure, powerful body arching up and hips bucking wildly; rhythm lost, coaxing her to join him. Jenna rode him out, unwilling to be left behind. The sparks of her orgasm danced up her spine, ignited the heavy warmth in her belly until it caught and exploded in bright lights behind her eyes, body arched to mirror her lover’s as she clung to him.

  He petted her hair, brushed back sweaty tendrils with clumsy swats, so he could plant kisses along her brow. She laughed and tugged his hair to bring his mouth to hers.

  “I don’t know about you, but I needed that.”

  Jacob choked out a laugh and ducked in to lave his tongue over her nipple, circled the pad of his thumb over the hardened bud. “God yes.”

  She scrunched up her nose as he pulled free. Only to gasp when he stroked her plump folds and circled her entrance with a teasing finger, before heading to the bathroom.

  Jenna lay where Jacob left her and stared at the city lights beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. For a moment she wondered if he expected her to leave. She wasn’t naïve enough to think she was the only fan who’d enjoyed the privilege of Jacob Starr’s attentions. After all, he wasn’t just a gorgeous guy. He was an action hero, an A-lister, one of Hollywood’s elite. Women, and likely a high number of men, had to be throwing themselves at him. Her stomach flip-flopped at the thought of going. But they hadn’t discussed what happened after, too wrapped up in the now.

  She hadn’t realized she’d drifted away until she felt a warm cloth pressed between her legs, and Jacob’s mouth kissing along her inner thigh as he wiped in gentle strokes.

  When Jenna pushed at his hand he lobbed the cloth back into the bathroom, and moved up to lie at her side; placed a kiss on her nearest breast, one hand low on her belly while he rested his chin on the other.

  “I sleep naked, but if you’d prefer a shirt, I can find one for you.”

  Jenna smiled to herself, her question answered – he wanted her to stay.

  “Naked’s my preference too.”

  “Excellent.” Jac
ob smiled, though his eyes turned down at the corners and a yawn escaped. She laughed through a yawn of her own and rolled over to snuggle. “It seems you’ve worn me out, Mr Starr.”

  “An even trade, I assure you, Miss Long.” He caught the next yawn in his palm. “Bed.”

  “I think you’ll find we’re on said bed.”

  “Jenna…” The deep sexy voice came from far away and Jenna opened a wary eye to see what her lover was up to. “I won’t indulge your need to snuggle if you don’t shift your fine ass in between my very high thread count sheets.”

  She snorted, amused. “You must be someone important to rate very high thread count sheets on your hotel bed.”

  “I’m a famous movie star, don’t you know.” Jenna heard the laughter in his voice.

  “I vaguely remember someone mentioning something about it, yes.” They were both stupid with exhaustion and it was showing in the pointless conversation.

  She rolled on her front and crawled up to the padded headboard, and wriggled herself in under the sheet and comforter; head sinking into the squishiest pillow she’d ever laid a cheek to. The mattress dipped as Jacob joined her, his body warm and enticing against the chill of the sheets.

  Jenna allowed herself to be rolled away, only to feel Jacob settle close against her back, knees tucked behind hers, strong arm heavy around her waist, and a large hand splayed over the flat of her belly. The sound of her lover’s deep even breaths lulled her into sleep.

  Chapter Six

  His ass was freezing, and his arm was dead. Something soft that smelled of flowers was caught in his stubble. He snorted; using the not-dead hand to swat at the softness tickling his nose. A distinctly-feminine groan came from the mound of stolen bedding beside him.

  Jacob let a dreamy smile soften the confusion from his brow. She was there. In his bed, using his arm for a pillow, and hogging the comforter. Soft snores she’d probably deny uttering, left warm damp patches on his wrist. He couldn’t imagine a better way to start the day.