I OPEN THE DOOR to see Melissa in the hall. She looks surprised when she sees Antonio with me.
“Glad you’re okay,” he says to me.
“Thank you for checking on me.”
“Least I could do.” He nods to Melissa and excuses himself.
“Uh, what was that about?” Melissa asks. “The front door was locked.”
I sigh walking back into my office, hoping it doesn’t smell like sex.
“Which part?”
“Right? Yasmin lost her shit.”
“To say the least.”
“Girl, you got some fight in you.”
“When forced. She didn’t give me an option.”
“No.” She sits down. “Is it true?”
“What?”
“Are you and Antonio an item?”
“I’m not sure.” I rub my forehead. “We’ve spent some time together.”
“Gio, that’s awesome. Is he sweet to you?”
“He is. It’s just not that easy, you know? He’s gonna leave one day. Soon. And then what?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m not sure how it’s going to end and that makes me nervous to go all in.”
“For sure.”
“I don’t know what to do except take it day by day.”
“I think that’s really all you can do.” She glances at the floor then leans down. “Got something you want to tell me?” In her hand is the condom wrapper. I could die.
I rub my forehead, then grin. I’m busted. “What can I say? Your gift came in handy.”
She jumps up from her seat, giggling. “How was it? Oh my God, is he amazing? I bet he’s amazing? Does he live up to the dream? Please tell me, Gio.”
“I’m not one to kiss and tell, but I’ll just say that yes, he lives up to the dream.”
She places her hand over her heart and pretends to swoon as she sits back in the chair. “I’m so jealous of you. You deserve it though. You’re gorgeous and kind and really awesome. It’s no surprise he noticed too.”
“Thanks, Melissa. That’s really nice.”
“It’s all true. So Yasmin knows?”
“Yasmin suspects. She has no proof.”
“Got it.”
“Can you believe what Dan did pulling me in like that?”
“Honestly, you were way better than Yasmin. You nailed that scene. It’s like you’re a born actress.”
“I did a little when I was younger.”
“You never told me that.”
“It’s not much to talk about. It was a long time ago.”
“Was it a bad experience? Is that why you don’t like movies?”
“Definitely. It’s a tough business.”
“I can only imagine. Does Antonio open up about this life with you?”
“He does. He trusts me.”
“Do you trust him?”
I look up and smile. “I do.” I stand up. “I’m gonna get out of here for a while before they all come back.”
“Okay. No worries. I’ve got it covered.”
“I know.”
“Gio?”
“Yeah?”
“You can trust me, too.”
“I already do, Melissa.”
I walk to the front just as the crew starts setting up again. Dan is standing near the doorway, looking at his clipboard.
“Hey,” he says as I pass.
“Yes?”
“I, uh, I’m sorry that I put you in an awkward position. It was impulsive. When I saw you talking to Antonio, it just hit me that was what I was looking for. I hope you’re okay.”
“I appreciate the apology.” I smile. “I hope Yasmin is okay.”
“She’ll be fine. It’s her fault.”
“Well, rest assured, I’ll be out of your way. I’m leaving the store, and I won’t be back. At least not for a while.”
He shakes his head. “Sorry about that. If it helps, we’re almost done with the bookstore scenes for a couple of weeks. You can have your space back.”
“Thanks.” I look at Antonio standing nearby. “But I did sign the release.” I smile and walk off toward my house.
THE BACK DOOR OPENS and Antonio walks in. “Hey, Beautiful.”
“Hey, yourself.”
“You okay?”
“Yep. How did the rest of the day go?”
“Yasmin locked herself in her trailer and wouldn’t come out. I tried to talk to her, but she called me a traitor and told me to go away.”
“That sucks. Now what?”
“We filmed scenes today that she isn’t in. We can work around her for a few days. It’s not the first time she’s stormed off set, and it won’t be the last.”
“She sounds like more trouble than she’s worth.”
“In box office sales, she’s worth it. Women love her. For a while, they were even getting their hair cut to look like hers.”
“That’s dumb.”
“It is, but she’s very popular.”
“Do you think she’ll ever give up trying to get with you?”
He sits next to me on the couch. “No. Not until I’m officially off the market, and even then, she might try. Hollywood is a strange place.”
“Tell me about it.”
“What was that?”
“Nothing. I haven’t had time to cook yet. I hope you’re not starving.”
“Why don’t we go out?”
“We can’t.”
“Why not?”
“You know the answer to that.”
“I’m tired of hiding.”
“Do you really want people knowing about us?”
“Yes, actually I do. I want to tell everyone that I get to spend time with the most beautiful woman in the world.”
“Yeah, well if you think Yasmin is a jealous bitch now, just wait for that revelation.”
“She already thinks it anyway. Everyone saw our chemistry today. Why hide it anymore?”
“Because speculation is different than confirmation. The paparazzi will be all over us.”
“So? I’m used to it. I can handle it and I can protect you.”
I look at him, and my heart melts. What woman wouldn’t want to be seen with him? What girl wouldn’t be proud to be photographed on his arm. Only this one.
“I’m not sure, Antonio.”
He grabs my shoulders. “Trust me. We’ll go to Flaxley’s. We’ll have a steak and a beer. We’ll talk and laugh. I’ll drop you off at your door and kiss your cheek. Then I’ll sneak back in and fuck you sore until the sun comes up.” He grins. “You can’t say no.”
A grin spreads across my face. “I can’t say no.”
“Good. Be right back.” He heads towards the hallway.
“Where you going?”
“Out the back. I’m going to pick you up at your front door.” He winks. “Like a gentleman would.”
I laugh. “Oh, got it. I’ll be waiting.”
He blows me a kiss as he disappears down the hall. He definitely knows how to keep surprising me. He’s sweet, romantic, and sexy as fuck. He’s the total package. The doorbell rings, and I smile.
Opening it, he stands there with a single rose. “Good evening, Giovanna. A rose for you.”
I laugh. “Where did you get that?”
“Your neighbor’s yard. Don’t tell.”
I take the rose, smiling. “You’re too much, you know that.”
“As long as you keep smiling.”
I step outside and lock the door. We walk down my quiet street, but as soon as we turn the corner, two photographers snap a picture of us. They keep their distance, but I’m painfully aware of their presence.
“What will they do with those pics?”
“Post them on whatever entertainment site they belong to. I’ll see it in the morning. My publicity team sends me everything and anything with my name mentioned.”
“Goodie.”
He laughs. “It’s not so bad being in the press. As long as they get the story right, it doesn’t bother me. I just don’t like the lies.”
Me neither.
“Imagine what it’s like to read things about your own life that aren’t even true. It drives me nuts. I just want to yell the truth, but I learned a long time ago to pick my battles.”
I do know exactly what it’s like, unfortunately. If only he knew what I’ve been through. Lies are just the tip of the iceberg.
“I meant what I said, Giovanna. I will do everything I can to shield you from this. It’s part of my life though, a part I can never avoid.”
“I know.”
We get to the steakhouse only to be greeted by more photographers. Antonio turns on the movie star smile, while I do my best to avoid looking directly at them.
“Who’s the pretty lady?” one of them calls out.
“What’s your name?” I hear.
“How does Yasmin feel about it?”
We go inside. “How does Yasmin feel?” I ask. “Really?”
“Oh yeah. They think we have an on again off again thing. I let them think it because it helps movie sales. They’re too dumb to notice they never see us together once filming is wrapped. Unless we’re doing press for the release or presenting at an awards show, I never see her.”
“Hmm.”
“Interesting fact. Yasmin has been married three times already.”
“Three times! How old is she?”
“Twenty-seven. The first marriage lasted three days, and she had it annulled. I forget the reason. The second marriage lasted four months, and she dumped him when she found out he was closeted.”
“Gay?”
“Yep. He’s out now. She made sure of that.”
“Wow.”
“The third one has a raging drug addiction and is in rehab. He divorced her after one year saying she made him feel like relapsing.”
“Ouch.”
“Yep. So she’s toxic in more ways than one.”
“Does she want to marry you?”
“I’m sure she does, but not for love. She calls herself a hopeless romantic, but what she really is, is power hungry. Everyone she latches onto promises a boost in her career.”
“That’s sad.”
“It is. Just like her idol, Isabella Catania.”
“Oh?” I question, trying not to react.
“Yep. She was married like six or seven times I think. Each one was someone more famous than she. The last one was much older than her, but a superstar in the seventies. When they died, they were in the middle of filming a big comeback movie for them both. They were the Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton of their time.”
I nod. “How do you know all of this?”
“Yasmin. She’s obsessed.”
“Well, people make all kinds of decisions based on their goals. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes not.”
“True. I try really hard to make the right ones. I don’t do drugs, I don’t drink too much, and I’m really careful who I associate with and let into my life. I’ve successfully avoided any major scandals. I trust very few people, and it’s worked for me.”
The hostess, Sarah, comes and seats us, after an awkward stare at me. She grins knowingly,and I just nod my head. We’re seated right in front of the windows, perfect for photo ops.
“Can we sit over there in the corner please?” Antonio asks.
“Oh, sure.” Sarah says and leads us in that direction.
After she leaves, he unfolds his napkin and places it on his lap. “They’ll still get photos, but they won’t be so clear now.”
“Smart.”
“I can be.”
“You are. I admire you in a lot of ways. You’ve surprised me many times.”
“Seeing that you hate movie stars, that’s an amazing compliment. Thank you.”
I laugh. “I still hate movie stars. Just not you.”
“I’ll take that.” He glances at the menu, stealing peeks at me over the top. “Will you ever tell me why?”
“Why what?”
“Why you hate movie stars and paparazzi?”
“I hate any kind of excess,” I explain with my well rehearsed response. “I’ve read too many stories of self destruction brought on by fame. The media only exacerbates the situation.”
“That’s true.”
“When the fame is gone, people self destruct.”
“Yes. You sound like you know firsthand.”
I look up and smile. “I’m a reader. I’ve read tons of true stories about famous people.”
“I see. It’s true that fame can destroy lives. I go to great lengths to make sure it doesn’t happen to me. I’m smart with my money. I don’t live in a mansion or own twenty expensive cars. I have a beautiful apartment in LA that’s enough for me. I have one car. I have a savings account. I make twenty million dollars a film. If it all dried up tomorrow, I’m set for life.”
“But what about emotionally? Yes, financially you’ll be fine, but what will you do when the fame is gone?”
“That’s why I’m trying to branch out into other roles. I know I can’t keep playing the same romantic heartthrob forever. I don’t want to. I want more dramatic roles that can age with me.” He smiles. “I’d like to think I really am more than just a pretty face.”
“You sound like you know what you’re doing.”
“I think I do.” He looks back at the menu. “Now, I’m thinking about what I’m going to do to you when I get you home,” he whispers. “You’ll be my dessert. I’ll feast on you until you beg me to stop.”
“Antonio, stop that,” I whisper.
“I can’t. I want you so much. All the time. My dick is constantly hard for you.”
I close my eyes briefly to compose myself. “You’re too much.”
“You can handle me. You can handle anything.”
I nod as the server appears beside us. “Hi, I’m John,” he stutters, clearly star struck. “I’ll be your server.”
“Hey, John,” I say. “Can we have two IPAs, please?”
“Sure, Giovanna. Be right back.” He lingers a moment, staring at Antonio, and I just smile. It’s a lot for a small town.
“The IPA is good here?”
“Decent.”
“Now, back to what I was saying.”
“Yes?”
“Do you know what I do every day when we take a filming break?”
“Nope.”
“I go back to my trailer and lay down on my couch. I close my eyes and fantasize about getting back inside of you. I remember how you taste, how you feel pressed against me. I recall the smell of your hair and the scent of your perfume. I think about your honey colored eyes and your long lashes. I dream about your pouty lips and how they look sliding up and down my shaft.”
I shift in my seat. “Stop,” I whisper.
“No, babe. I can’t stop. Not around you.”
“Two IPAs.” John startles me. “Do you know what you’d like to have for dinner?”
I glance at Antonio who mouths the word, “you” to me. I shake my head. “My usual.”
“Whatever she’s having.”
“How would you like your steak cooked, Mr. Russo?”
“Antonio, and however she likes it.”
“Yes, sir, er, Antonio.”
John walks away, and I grin. “You don’t care what you’re eating for dinner?”
“Nope. I’m not even hungry. I’m just happy and proud to be out with you in public.” He sips his beer. “And very much looking forward to being in private with you.”
I drink my beer, avoiding a response. He makes me feel so good, so happy. Why can’t this last forever?
“What are you thinking about, Beautiful?”
“Nothing important.”
“Good. Let’s just enjoy the moment for what it is.” He lifts his beer glass. “Toast?”
“Sure.”
“Let’s drink to whatever life brings us.”
“Okay.” We clink glasses, and I take a sip. I hope I can handle what the future holds.
As we eat our meal, more and more people begin to fill the restaurant. I realize that we’re being watched.
“All eyes on us,” I say.
“I noticed.”
“I guess you’re used to it.”
“I am. I’ll be good until we’re alone again.”
“I appreciate that.”
John comes to clear our plates. “Can I bring you the dessert menu?”
“No,” I say.
“Yes, please.” Antonio answers. “We’ll take it to go.”
John’s eyebrows raise as he scurries off.
“To go?” I repeat.
“Yep.”
John drops the menu off, and Antonio reads it while I just sit self-consciously aware of everyone around me.
“Oh, here’s something nice. Chocolate mousse tucked between two soft slices of sponge cake, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and strawberries. That should go well with what I have planned for you later.”
I swallow hard and smile.
He orders it and pays the bill. After saying goodnight, we excuse ourselves and Antonio walks me back to my house. The paparazzi keep a nice distance, but they linger. When we get to my door, Antonio leans forward and kisses my cheek, as he promised.
“Leave the backdoor unlocked,” he whispers.
“Count on it.”
He hands me the dessert. “Thank you for a lovely dinner. Good night.”
“Night.”
“Go inside,” he whispers. “Give me a little while to shake them off. Prepare yourself, gorgeous.”
I smile and open my door, then slip inside. I sit nervously on the couch. I can hear the noise outside my door. I sigh. This is his life. Right now, it’s mine, too. An hour passes, and I’m sure he’s not coming back. I start to drift off to sleep when my phone startles me awake.
“Hello?”
“Turn the TV on. Holy shit, Gio.”
“Melissa?”
“Turn it on now. Channel five.”
“Okay.” I grab the remote and flick the TV on. Antonio is on the screen, talking about the movie. I can tell he’s standing right outside the bookstore.
“The residents have been very gracious to us while we’ve overrun their town,” he says. “I, myself, have been gracious answering your questions tonight. I have one request if you want me to continue and that is that you give the residents their space. Chase me around all you want, but leave them alone. That includes the woman you saw me with tonight.”
“What’s her name?” someone yells.
“That’s not for you to know.”
“Is it true she had a fight with Yasmin?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Are you dating her, Antonio? What happens when you leave? Is Yasmin pissed?” They fire off questions, and he expertly dances around all of them, revealing nothing, yet somehow still satisfying their curiosity.
“Where’s Yasmin?”
“I’m told she’s resting after coming down with a headache earlier. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get my own rest. Goodnight.”
He walks confidently across the street to the hotel. The reporter comes back on the screen.
“That was Antonio Russo, and I’m Janice Miller reporting for Boston Live, Channel Five news.”
“He was talking about you,” Melissa says, reminding me we are actually having a conversation.
“We went to dinner at Flaxley’s tonight. People saw it. It was inevitable it would have to be addressed.”
“How exciting.”
“Not really.”
“It is from where I sit.”
My other line rings. “I gotta run. Thanks for calling.”
“See you tomorrow.”
“Yep.” I hang up and click to the other line. “Hey.”
“I’ll be there soon. I just needed to get them to leave me alone long enough.”
“Maybe it’s best if you don’t.”
“Oh, I’m coming. We have caramel sauce and unfinished business from this afternoon to take care of.”
I laugh. “I’m waiting.”
“I’m coming.”
I stand and walk to the bathroom to freshen up. I brush my teeth and splash my face with cool water, then strip out of my clothes and put on my robe. I hear the back door open and feel that surge of excitement I always get when he’s around.
When I walk out to the living room, he’s pulling off his coat. He hasn’t seen me yet, so I just watch him. He begins unwrapping the dessert sitting on my table. Every movement he makes is so elegant. He’s fined tuned everything he does so any time he’s caught on film, it will be perfect. There is not one ordinary thing about Antonio Russo.
“Hey, Movie Star.”
He twists around and his face fills with his incredible smile. “Hey, Beautiful. You ready for me?”
“Oh yeah.”
“Shall we have our dessert in the living room?”
“Sure.”
I walk to the coffee table, light two candles, and turn on the CD player.
“Perfect.” Antonio sits down and immediately pulls off his sweater. I will never get tired of looking at his rippled physique.
“You really are a spectacular man,” I say, quietly. He looks up and extends his hand. I take it and sit next to him.
“Babe,” he leans close and kisses me softly. “I just want to be your man.”
“You are.”
He smiles and flips the lid open to the dessert. He dips his finger in the mousse and sticks it in my mouth. I suck gently and then lick my lips.
“Fuck, woman.”
I pull off my robe, then push him back and pull open his jeans, releasing the beast I’ve waited all day to get back to. He puts his arms behind his head, watching me. I glance at the dessert and decide the caramel sauce will be perfect. I open the little bowl it’s in and pour a stream down his chest, his stomach, and over his massive erection. He breathes hard in anticipation. I put a strawberry in my mouth and then feed it to him that way. He bites it, sucking my tongue into his mouth. Our bodies press together, held together by the sticky sauce between us. I move up and down licking and sucking every drop. I’m encouraged by his moans and his hands tugging gently at my hair. I suck his shaft, sliding it as deep in my throat as possible.
“Fuck, Giovanna,” he whispers. “I’m gonna come.”
I suck harder in response and prepare myself when I feel him tense. He pumps down my throat ,and before I have a chance to relax, flips me over onto my back. He plunges his face between my legs, biting and sucking my clit so hard, I can barely stand it. His fingers slide deep inside of me, and I fuck against his hand.
“Mmm, so good, babe, so good,” I mutter, as I claw my own skin. He grabs my arm and pulls me onto his lap. I slide down on his still hard cock, rocking myself to yet another orgasm. He bites into each nipple, and I fucking love it.
“You’re so fucking hot,” he growls. “So sexy. I want this every day. I want you every day.” He pulls my hair, making me look at him. “Let me see your face. I want to watch you come. I want to see it happen. I want to fill you up with me, Gio. God!”
His intensity is alarming in a way, but so sexy, it leaves me breathless.
“Oh fuck, I’m gonna come again.”
“Me too,” I whisper. “Unffff,” I sigh as it hits a second time. We rock slowly together, and I rest my head on his shoulder. I’m so happy.
A few minutes later, he releases me, and we collapse on the couch.
“What should we do with the rest?” Antonio asks pointing to dessert.
“I don’t know.”
“We made a huge mess.”
I smile and pick up a piece of the cake and fling it at him. It hits his chest and slides down his stomach. He looks up at me.
“Oh really?”
I giggle as he flicks me with whipped cream. I scoop up a handful of mousse and smear his face with it. Laughing, he grabs more and runs it down the front of me. We take turns flinging cake on each other, until he grabs my hand and slowly licks every finger.
“Let’s get you cleaned up, Beautiful. I need to be inside of you again.”
He doesn’t need to ask me twice.