My pulse quickens as I hop out of the airport taxi. I trot up to the pedestrian gate and punch in the code with shaking fingers. I’m dying to see Charlotte, to feel her smooth skin under my palm, to kiss her pouty lips, to breathe in her sweet scent of strawberries and cream. I took an earlier flight home when my meetings ended a bit ahead of schedule, and I can’t wait to see the look on her face when I walk in.

But the house is quiet when I open the door. I drop my bag on the couch and walk down the hall to her room. Empty.

I retrace my steps and head for the kitchen. A bottle of wine, a box of linguine, and a bunch of garlic and tomatoes lay out on the island. A smile tugs on my lips. Looks like my girl is planning on making a welcome-home dinner for me. I’d love to thank her properly…

But first I have to find her.

I step out onto the balcony and look down at the pool. It’s empty, but the memory of her curves in that tiny white bikini flashes before my eyes. I’m definitely looking forward to reacquainting myself with that soft body.

I head downstairs and pause—muffled voices are coming from the theater room. I ease open the door and peer in, letting my eyes adjust to the dim interior.

Charlotte’s curled up in the first row with a bowl of popcorn and a blanket. Her lips are parted and her eyes sparkle as she watches the film unfolding in front of her. I drag my gaze from her beautiful face to see what’s captivating her attention.

Two figures parlay on the screen. Their weapons? Words and emotions. The leading lady accuses the leading man of not being serious about them; that what they had was just lust, an illusion. He fights back, arguing that he couldn’t feel more differently. What they had was everything to him and that it only took him this long to declare his love for her because he was afraid she didn’t return his affection.

I smile to myself. Wild Love was my first romance and it had done rather well. I watch myself recite lines that I vaguely recall to an actress who I got to know pretty well—from the inside of her trailer—and it hits me that this movie could be about Charlotte and me. Two lovers who are too afraid to take that final leap. To put themselves, their hearts, on the line because it could mean rejection and loneliness.

But what about the payoff? What would it mean if things went the other way?

I glide my gaze back to my leading lady. I know what it would mean. It would mean passion and friendship and commitment. It would mean giving myself to someone without expecting anything in return. It would mean…

Love.

And just like that, I know. I know the path I want to take.

I make my way down the aisle toward Charlotte. She’s so engrossed with the Tate Gunner on the big screen that she doesn’t notice the real one until I’m in front of her.

“Good Lord!” she yelps. Popcorn goes flying as she jumps in her seat. “Where did you come from? You weren’t supposed to be…” She trails off as her eyes meet mine. She bites her lip. “Tate?”

I rush forward, pulling her out of her seat and crushing her to my chest. She gasps as I pin her arms to her sides and hold her to me. I hook my finger under her chin and draw her face toward mine. I pause there for a moment, just taking her in. Flushed cheeks, sparkling eyes, delicate nose.

I love this woman.

I’m about to take her lips with mine when Charlotte rocks onto her toes and closes the gap between us. Our mouths meet in a steamy, hard kiss, our lips parting and tongues darting out to taste each other with equal need.

I groan. She tastes so good. It had only been two days, but it felt like a lifetime.

You know what? It had been a lifetime, and I was ready to take my hit of Charlotte right to the bloodstream.

I sweep my arm under her legs and gently lower us to the floor. Charlotte’s just as hungry as I am. Her hands dart over my jeans, unbuttoning them and yanking them down my legs. My shirt is next, and her nimble hands rip it up over my head and toss it to the floor. She drinks me in, her eyes raking over my abs and biceps.

“You’re incredible…” She draws her teeth over her lip and pulls. “I’ve missed you.”

My pulse soars at those three little words, so close to the the ones I want to say to her, that I know she deserves to hear.

But they’ll have to wait. I only have one thing on my mind right now, and it’s not talking.

“I missed you, too, baby.” I glide my hands up her smooth legs to the helm of her sundress, tugging it up to her waist to expose a sexy little black thong. “So much,” I mutter, taking in the dark lace against her creamy skin. I hook my finger under its straps and pull. “This has to go…”

My hand scraps her thighs as it slides her panties down to her ankles. I drop the thong on the floor and turn back to her, giving her my full attention.

“Has anyone ever kissed you down there?” I ask. I keep my eyes on hers as I slowly move my head toward the top of her thighs.

She nods, her breaths now coming in pants. “Once.”

“Did you like it?” Her uncertain expression answers my question. “I didn’t think so. Well…” I kiss the soft flesh of her belly “…you’re going to like it this time.”

Her skin erupts in goosebumps under my hot breath. “I am?”

I answer with my mouth. Her breath hitches in her throat as my lips close over her hot center. I dart out my tongue and lick, massaging her clit until it hardens under my attention. She moans as I pull back and run my tongue over her mound, repeating until I’m drinking in her sweetness. She arches under my touch, pressing her swollen nub to my giving mouth. I smile into her, enjoying the power I have over her, the pleasure I’m giving to the woman who somehow stole my heart.

I glide two fingers in her slickness, pumping slowly against her tight walls. My tongue pulses in tandem, sending a shudder of gratification up and down her limbs.

“Tate—” Charlotte sucks in her breath as her walls convulse around my fingers. She bucks against my hand, my tongue flicking faster over her clit as I bring her to orgasm.

She gives a sharp cry, shutting her eyes and giving herself over to her need. I pull my head back and watch her ride the waves, cheeks pinking and lips quivering as she calls out my name.

I sit back on my heels and reach for my jeans as the final euphoric bursts surge through her. I find my wallet and take out the last condom—we’ve been blowing through them faster than I thought possible.

I tug down my briefs and kick them to the floor, my hardness springing up, waiting for her. I rip open the wrapper, slide the condom on, and reach for my girl. Her desire-drenched eyes flutter open as my hands move up her legs, then they glide down to my ready cock and widen.

“What do you want me to do?” she whispers.

I groan as my dick pulses with need. Those are the sexiest words I’ve ever heard from those pink lips.

“Get on all fours,” I say huskily. My heart hammers against my ribcage as she obeys, turning herself over and lifting herself up on hands and knees.

She glances over her shoulder, her lips twisted into a pout. “I’m ready for you.”

So am I.

I mount her, spreading her legs wide as I move my hips up to her softy ass. I grab my cock, bring it to her slick opening, and ease into her. She moans as she takes me, my girth filling every bit of her sheath. I push until my hips meet her smooth skin. Until I can push no more.

“So deep…” Charlotte whimpers. Blood rushes to my ears as my pulse soars. I thrust, moving inside her in deep, quick movements, gliding myself against her walls. I could never get enough of this; the feeling of Charlotte under me, of me inside her. I’ve been with plenty of women, but it’s different with her. We have something that I never experienced with any of the others. What we have is more than lust. What we have is real.

Shockwaves cascade through me, exciting and prickling every nerve in my body. I’m almost there, I’m almost at my breaking point, and the sound of Charlotte whimpering and moaning under me as she takes me deep almost sends me over the edge.

I reach back my hand and slap her hard on the ass. She cries out and twists her head back, narrowing her eyes into that adorable scowl I love so much. I spank her again, my hand stinging as it connects with the soft, bouncy flesh of her beautiful backside. She bites her lip and pushes harder, arching her back against me. I slide deeper, enjoying the new sensations this angle offers.

Charlotte gives a sharp cry as my tip finds her spot. “There, yes!” I pulse faster, the sexy sound of skin slapping together filling the steamy air. My breathing quickens as I near my threshold. I try to hold back, try to give her what she needs first, what she’s begging for, but when she cries out my name and bucks into me, I collapse over the edge.

“Christ!” I shout, my cock jumping inside her. I grunt as my warmth fills her, leaving me in quick, intense bursts. She grinds into me as her own orgasm takes over. Her walls tighten and convulse around me as she tilts her head back and gasps with pleasure. I thrust once more, panting as the blissful rush of my relief washes over me, and then pull out.

“Oh, Tate,” Charlotte whispers as I draw her up onto her knees and press her back into my chest. “That was…”

I bury my face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her intoxicating scent as I kiss her sweaty skin.

“I know,” I finish for her, nipping at her ear with my teeth. “Because I feel the same.”

I take her by the arm and lead her to the floor, drawing her face to my chest as I lie flat on my back. I stare up the ceiling and sigh as the sweet, post-sex exhaustion sets in. Charlotte’s finger begins tracing the outline of my pecs, signaling that something’s on her mind. I wait, knowing she’ll speak when she’s ready.

“Tate?” she murmurs a minute later.

“Mhmm?”

“I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and I have something I want to say to you.” Charlotte pushes up and meets my eyes. “I…um….”

She trails off as a battle rages within her. I glide my fingers through her soft hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. “What is it?”

She stares back at me with conflicted eyes. “I…nothing.”

I frown. What could be upsetting her? Did something happen today? Maybe something to do with the—

I suck in my breath and sit up. “Charlotte! How’d the audition go?”

A smile gathers on her lips. “I was wondering when you were going to get to that.”

“Well, I had other things on my mind…” I yank her on top of me and run a hand over her soft sides and belly.

She erupts in giggles. “Stop tickling me!”

“Then tell me! How’d it go?”

“It…went fine!” she gasps. “I’mone of two…finalists!”

My hands goes still. I stare up at her. “You’re what?”

She nods. “I got the call while I was out grocery shopping. I only had the audition this morning, but I guess they’re moving quickly—oof!”

I cut her off with a shower of kisses on her face, neck, and shoulder.

“Tate!” She fights me for a few seconds, then relaxes into them, realizing (correctly) that she isn’t going to win this game.

Little Gunner jumps to attention, ready for another outta-this-world romp between Charlotte’s legs. I’m about to go searching for another condom when she tugs her mouth away from mine.

“Wait! Before we spend the rest of the evening enjoying each other’s company, tell me about New York.”

A weight drops in my stomach at the word. “Oh, it was good. Great, actually.”

She cocks an eyebrow. “Oh really?”

“It was, I swear. It’s just…”

“What?”

“I don’t know. New York wasn’t what I expected, I guess.”

“How so?”

“It’s much different than L.A. Darker, more serious, and definitely more crowded. Even the talent is different. Everyone can act, sing, and dance.”

“You’re no second act, Tate. And clearly they think you’re up for the role.”

“It’s an interesting role. I’ve never done stage or Shakespeare, so it would be challenging…” A slow smile plays on my lips. “But I’d like challenging, I think.”

Charlotte laughs. “Sounds like you should take the part, then.”

“Well, they haven’t offered it to me yet. This was a meet and greet, and I auditioned, though I think they already know what they’re getting with me.” I fiddle with a strand of her hair. “I can’t decide if I want to take it, though.”

“Why wouldn’t you?”

“It’s a long commute.”

“Tate…don’t you dare make this decision based on me.”

“That’s like asking a thirsty man not to drink.”

Charlotte smiles. “I’m not going to stand in the way of your dreams. I won’t hold you back from something you wanted long before I came into the picture.”

I pull her hand into mine and kiss her fingertips. “You’re my dream, Char.”

She sighs, and that conflict returns to her eyes.

I turn to the right and ease Charlotte down next to me. “It kills me that I wasn’t here for you today, that I couldn’t be there for your big audition.”

“Well, you still can be.”

“What do you mean?”

“You can, because my big, BIG audition is next week. I’ll need you there for that one, and you will be. There—” She kisses my cheek. “Guilt trip avoided.”

I gather her into my arms, pressing her soft curves to my chest. “And I will be. I promise.”

I pull back as Charlotte begins dragging her hand down my side. “What are you—” I suck in my breath as her hand starts massaging Little Gunner.

She gives me a wicked smile as her hand brings him to full attention again. “Picking up where we left off.”

I shut my eyes as her hand picks up speed, pulling and pumping my thick shaft.

“Is that okay?” she asks in an innocent voice.

My eyes fly open and lock onto hers. “Damn straight it is,” I growl. I stand up and bring her with me, scooping her into my arms as I start for the door.

Charlotte giggles into my neck. “Where are we going?”

“My bedroom.” I stride down the hall and take the stairs two at a time. I pick up my pace, clearing the living room in six steps. In just a few more we’re in my room.

I walk to my bed and toss Charlotte onto it. I stop and look around, furrowing my brow. “I know I have a stash of condoms in here somewhere…”

* * *

I awake sometime later to a dark room and rumbling stomach. I glance at my beside clock. 11:34pm? No wonder I’m starving. We’d made love through dinner and then slept for three hours.

I turn to the angel sleeping next to me, her golden-red hair fanned out around her head like a halo.

Stunning.

Maybe I could wake her up…go for round four—

My stomach rumbles again, reminding me that I’m on a mission. I slide my arm out from under her neck and sit up, groping around for my briefs.

When I finally reach the fridge, my stomach is screaming at me for some goddamn calories. I grab the first thing I see—a leftover drumstick. I polish that off and reach for an apple. It’s not exactly the Italian dinner Charlotte had planned, but it’ll do.

I pad over toward the couch, apple in hand, and reach for my carry-on bag. I pull out my phone and find three missed calls and two voicemails from Kevin.

I frown. That’s either really good or really bad news.

I swipe aside the missed calls and tap the first voicemail.

“Tate! I know you’re probably in the sky right now, but I’ve got HUGE news. It worked! You and Charlotte nailed it with those interviews and the ring shopping—I almost believed you. Anyway, call me back and I’ll tell you what’s up.”

I pull the phone away and tap the next voicemail. What’s Kevin mean by “it worked”?

“Answer your phone, buddy! You should’ve landed by now. I wanted to tell you in person but this can’t wait—you have a part! Julie Coal from Warner Bros called me this afternoon and they want you for their next Marvel. This is great! You know how they sell. Call me as soon as you get this. We need to talk about logistics—oh, and Charlotte. You’re free as a bird, now.”

I frown as the voicemail ends.

And Charlotte?

My frown deepens. Wait, why was that the first thought in my head? Shouldn’t I be more focused on the fact that I’m once again employable and that Warner Bros wants me as their next superhero?

Still…“free as a bird?” I don’t like the sound of that. I want Charlotte and this part and Hamlet. I want it all.

I let my phone drop into my bag. Too bad that’s impossible. Charlotte might have her doubts, but I know she’s going to get that part, which means she’ll be based in L.A. for the new few years. Looks like I can have this part and Charlotte…or my dream and Hamlet.

I shake my head wearily. I want my dream and Charlotte. Why can’t that combination exist?