Easton

Ireland's boss wasn't too happy when I told him she'd need a week off. In fact, he threatened to fire her until I called my new best friend Hannah. She tore him a new one right in front of me. Well done, Hannah.

Now, a day later, I'm standing in the living room of Ireland's tiny duplex, watching as she flits from the bathroom to the bedroom, gathering her toiletries and packing clothes for our week together.

"I didn't realize you meant I literally had to stay with you," she complains. "I don't like sleeping in a bed that isn't mine."

"I'm paying you to stay with me. That means the whole time."

Her brows rise. "But we're sleeping in separate rooms right?"

Oh, the look on her face. I can't tell if she wants me to say yes or no. If I'm being honest, I want her in my bed wrapped up in me. But I'll let her choose. "That's up to you."

"Separate rooms." Her brow furrows as she assesses me. "I'm not sure why you want me, but we'll need somewhere to get away from each other." She runs a hand through her dark hair, the movement making her shirt pull tight around her breasts. "Summer can tell you, I'm not exactly the perfect roommate. But she’s my cousin, she has to love me."

I don't believe that. Everything about her is perfect, from the fire in her eyes to the candy sweetness of her lips. This woman doesn't know it yet, but she's mine. I catch sight of a framed picture of Ireland and the blonde waitress from the other night. That must be Summer. "I've spent months on a tour bus with three other guys. I promise, there's nothing worse than that."

A full-bodied laugh falls from her lips and her genuine smile lights up her face. Fuck. How can I even think about letting her go in a week?

"Okay," she says, dropping a floral printed duffel bag at my feet. "I think that's everything."

"Let's go, then." I hold out my hand and use the other to lift her luggage. For a second, I think she's not going to link our fingers, but she does. I give her hand a gentle squeeze and lead the way to my waiting car.

After loading her bag in the trunk, I open the passenger door and wait for her to slide inside, then I jog around to the driver's side and join her. I've never been this excited to spend time with a woman, and yes, it's a little pathetic that I had to offer to pay her to get her to be with me, but I think that's part of the appeal as well. She doesn't care about who I am. In her eyes, I'm a normal guy. That's sexier than anything else.

"No driver?" she asks.

I shrug, starting the car and pulling out into traffic. "I don't like being catered to."

"Unless it's me catering to you?"

Unable to hide my amusement, I chuckle. "I wouldn't call what you've done catering to me. You push back, rile me up, give me all kinds of shit. If that's catering, you need to find another job."

She crosses her arms over her chest. "I'm good at my job. It's just... you. You bring it out in me. Usually, I'm able to flirt and get good tips, but with you, I wanted to take the look in your eyes from interest to desire."

And did she ever. "Well, you succeeded. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you."

A blush creeps up her cheeks. "Me too."

As I pass the exit for the Strip that will take us back to the hotel, she sits up a little straighter. "Um, Easton? You missed our exit."

I shake my head. "No. We're not going back to the hotel."

"Where are you taking me?"

"Somewhere we can be together in private. You might not have noticed, but most people know who I am. If we wandered the Strip or even just stayed in the hotel, we'd end up on magazine covers and plastered all over social media. Your privacy would be invaded."

She was already on a few tabloid sites, but I'm not going to bring that up.

"Okay, you have a point."

"I was able to get a place on Lake Las Vegas for a few days. A friend owes me a favor. She's away for a few months and it's been sitting empty. Gated community, lots of privacy. The people in the neighborhood are used to celebrities and it really doesn't faze them."

Her eyes widen. "That's... really?"

Pride wells in my chest. "Really. I want you all to myself."

She snorts. "Well, you're paying me enough. You've got me."

"Good."

I pull up to the gate and punch in the six-digit code, crossing my fingers that this was the right move. We wind through the neighborhood, pulling off onto a dirt road that seems more like an access point than a driveway.

"Are you sure you know where we're going?" she asks.

"Just give it a minute." I try to keep confidence in my voice, but on the inside, I'm wondering the same. Until we round a corner and the house comes into view. Nestled in a private area of the lake, the modern design is all glass and light. The little intake of breath that comes from her tells me I made the right choice in bringing us here.

"This is... ridiculous."

Ridiculous? That's not the word I expected. "In a bad way?" She shakes her head and my chest eases a little. "In what way then?"

"Ridiculously beautiful, perfect, romantic. Take your pick."

"I'll take all of that. Now, let's get inside and settle in. I want to take you out on the lake."

Excitement fills her eyes, but she tries to school her expression. "Aren't you supposed to be writing an album? How can you do that if you take me out on the lake?"

I can't stop myself from laughing. "You worry about having fun. I'll worry about how and when inspiration strikes."

We walk through the door and she's immediately bathed in the morning light beaming through the bank of windows. Her hair catches the light and the strands I once thought to be a dark chestnut pick up highlights of gold. I want to reach out and slide my fingers through the silky tresses, but I pull back. As we wander through the house, her hand finds mine and she links our fingers.

"This is one of the two guest rooms. There's a pool in case you don't want to swim in the lake, and the back door for each room opens up to the pool deck."

"Where are you sleeping?" she asks, not making eye contact.

"I'll probably take the guest room next to yours. I feel weird about sleeping in someone's master bedroom."

She steps into the room and walks straight to the floor to ceiling sliding glass door. The pool is still and clear as glass, its design giving the impression there's no edge. "I'm glad I brought my bikini."

My mind immediately goes to the possibility of seeing her in a tiny little bikini. Maybe we should go for a swim, get some sun. "So am I."

A pink blush fills her cheeks. My thoughts immediately go to the feel of her in my arms. I want her cheeks pink because of my kiss rather than embarrassment. I don't know what comes next. I know what I want. Her, me, in bed together as she lets me learn her body. But that's not what's on her mind right now. She's afraid of being a whore. If I have my way, I'll prove to her that couldn't be further from the case.

Shoving my hands into my pockets to keep myself from tugging her close. "All right, I'll...uh...I'll let you get settled."

Her discomfort is palpable as we stand there awkward as hell. I can feel her pulling away. So I do the only thing I can think of. I step closer, not stopping until I'm standing mere inches from her. She sucks in a sharp breath and locks gazes with me. "Easton?" she whispers.

"I really need to kiss you right now."

When she takes her lower lip between her teeth and lets out a little whimper, I dip my head and take her mouth. Instant heat courses through me, making my whole body sing. Yes, this is what I need. Her. I've never been so swept away by a woman, but I'm desperate for her. Her tongue presses into my mouth and a low moan builds in my chest. If we don't stop now, I'll have her on her back right the fuck now.

Breaking the kiss, I hold her face between my palms and stare into the eyes I've already come to crave. She breathes hard, lips swollen and gaze heated. "Why...why did you stop?"

I press my forehead to hers. "If I don't, I'll have you on the bed right here and now."

"Is that a problem?"

"That's not why you're here. I don't want you to think I'm paying to fuck you."

She steps back and everything closes off between us. "Thank you for the reminder. I keep forgetting you hired me." Then she slides open the door and steps out onto the patio, ending our conversation and leaving me without a second glance.