Chapter 2
TWO
ZOE
I lie on my bed and look up at the ceiling. Declan left an hour ago, and I’m still debating whether I should have taken him up on his offer or not.
Caitlin still lets out the odd snore, but she’s clearly okay. I should have made her eat something before we went down to the bar, but she was in such a rush to start our weekend that I didn’t push it.
Though if she hadn’t been so drunk I might not have met Declan.
He’s gorgeous. I’ve seen him in movies before, but never thought I’d get to see him up close and personal. And now I have his phone number.
“Zoe? Why am I in bed?” Caitlin slurs.
“Because you had three glasses of wine and couldn’t walk properly.”
She laughs. “I’m such a lightweight.”
“Yes, yes you are. ”
“Did I dream that Declan O’Leary carried me to our room?”
I bite my bottom lip and smile to myself. “No, that was real.”
“What?”
“He offered me a driving tour of Las Vegas.”
Her blonde head pops up. “So why are you here?”
“I couldn’t really abandon you when you’re unconscious.”
She shrugs. “I’m fine.”
“I’ve got his number. He said we could have a rain check.”
Caitlin flops back down. “So, call him. What’s the time?”
I sigh. “A little after ten.”
“Call him now. Tell him you want to go tonight. I’m going back to sleep.”
“Are you sure?” I glance at my phone.
“Yes. Go. How many times in your life do you think you’re going to get the chance to hang out with a movie star like Declan O’Leary?” She sounds so tired. I don’t know if it’s just the alcohol—she’s been labouring over this wedding for months.
“Only if you’re sure …”
“I’ll push you out the door,” she mumbles. “Go and have fun.”
Picking up my phone, I take a deep breath and start a text.
Me: It’s Zoe. Caitlin is okay and insisting I go out. Still want to show me around?
It only takes a moment for him to reply .
Declan: I’d love to. I’ll call my driver. Meet you in the lobby in ten minutes.
I’m not sure what I’m doing.
I don’t know this guy, but I’m about to get in a car and tour Las Vegas with him.
This was supposed to be mine and Caitlin’s weekend together. In two weeks she’s getting married to Brandon, her NFL-player boyfriend. He’s just been transferred to a team in Chicago, so soon after the wedding, my best friend will move more than three thousand kilometres away.
I only have a year left on my current contract, and before then I’ll need to work out what my next move is and whether I can stay on in the US versus going home to New Zealand.
It feels like I’ll be losing all the good things in my life in the next few months.
So to hell with being good. I’ve lived my whole life as the good girl, the one who never rebelled, who never did anything crazy.
And I think spending the evening with Declan could be classified as that.
I make my way down to the lobby. It’s impossible to miss him. He’s tall—over six feet, and that star presence rolls off him in waves. He’s a blinding light in a sparkling city.
Maybe it’s the smile that graces his lips as I approach, or the utter delight in his eyes as he catches my gaze, but that star power is turned on me.
My heart beats faster.
“I didn’t think I’d hear from you quite so soon,” he says.
I shrug. “I didn’t expect Caitlin to wake up. She’s gone back to sleep, but before she did, she told me to go out and enjoy myself.”
His grin is addictive. I’m sure this man has been with some of the world’s most beautiful women, but right now he wants to spend time with me.
“I’m glad you changed your mind. Are you ready to go?”
“If you are.”
He’s a Hollywood star who’s older than me, and I do not know him at all.
Yet I’m about to get in his car.
Technically it’s a chauffeur-driven limo, but his car nonetheless.
He smiles as he guides me into the back seat before joining me.
“We don’t have to stop anywhere if you don’t want to. We’ll go for a ride and if there’s anything you want to see, tell me.”
His voice is deep and gravelly, and I’m fascinated by the way his Adam’s apple bobs when he speaks. He’s wearing a collared shirt, but no tie, and his shirt has the top two buttons undone, giving me a glimpse of chest hair and tattoos.
I’m not stupid. I’ve read enough celebrity gossip to know he’s bad news, but he’s been nothing but helpful tonight, and even if Caitlin overdid it, there’s no reason I can’t have fun on my first and probably only trip to Vegas.
“That sounds great.”
“I’ve told the driver to just drive around, and I’ll let him know if we want to stop.”
I nod. Now I’m here, my palms are sweaty. He makes me nervous because he’s just so … beautiful. When our eyes me et, his dark gaze pulls me in. I never understood the term ‘movie star looks’ before, but Declan embodies all that and then some. There’s something glamorous about him—from that perfectly styled hair to the suit pants he’s wearing. It’s like he’s stepped off a movie set.
The car pulls out from the kerb, and we’re off to check out Sin City.
I’m well aware of the reputation Las Vegas has, but from the safety of the limo, I’m sheltered from any of the bad outside, and in my own little bubble watching the lights go by.
There are buildings I’ve only ever seen on television, or images Caitlin and I looked at while planning this trip. I gasp at the sight of the Sphinx lit up against the dark pyramid shape of the Luxor Hotel.
“What do you think?” he asks.
“It’s very bright.” I laugh, and he grins.
“How much electricity do you think they burn here?”
I shrug. “I’m just glad it’s not my power bill.”
Declan chuckles, and my heart leaps.
“You know, if we did this during the day there’d be so much more to see. We could go for a ride out to the Hoover Dam, or fly over the Grand Canyon.”
I can’t help but be excited at the thought. “Have you done that before?”
“Flown over the Grand Canyon?”
I nod.
“No. I’ve never done the tourist things here. I think this is the first time I’ve ever just driven around with no real destination in mind. It’s a beautiful city.” His dark-eyed gaze is fixed on me, and he reaches over and squeezes my knee. I catch my breath.
I reach up and cup his cheek. It’s rough where his tightly trimmed beard ends.
“What are you doing?” His bemused tone makes me smile.
“You’re so … nice.”
He raises his hand and lifts mine off his face and plants a kiss on my palm. “I can be very nice.”
“I bet you can.”
“Want a drink? There’s plenty of champagne.”
I frown. “I thought that was back in the suite.”
“There’s another bottle there. We might as well crack this open, too, given that I’ve already paid for it.” He grins, and reaches into an ice bucket I hadn’t spotted earlier, then pulls out a bottle.
I sigh contentedly and look back out the window as he pours two glasses before placing the bottle back.
“To our first tour of Las Vegas,” he says.
With a giggle, I clink my glass against his.
I’m not even aware of it happening, but at some point I drift closer to him until his arms are around me and I’m leaning back against him. There’s a lot to be said for cruising in a limo while sipping champagne.
This is the life.
“Do you come to Las Vegas often?” I ask.
“Only when I need to blow off some steam.” His voice rumbles in my ear, and I sigh to myself.
“Thank you for tonight. I’ve had visiting here on my bucket list for a long time. ”
I barely notice the passing lights anymore as Declan talks about the places he seen in the world. I’ve only ever been in New Zealand and now the US, so I’m keen to see more of the country I consider my second home before I leave.
We’re two glasses down when he makes a move, his lips brushing up my neck.
“Declan,” I sigh.
“Tell me you want this too.”
“Yes.”
His hand slides up my leg, and I could curse myself for wearing pantyhose.
“Zoe. Are you okay with this? I need to touch you.” His tone is urgent, his erection pressing against my lower back. He wants me as much as I want him, and I am so on for this.
“Yes.” I’m breathless, turning my head again toward him as his mouth closes in on mine. He slides his hand higher on my thigh as his tongue skirts across my lips.
He tugs at my panties and pantyhose, slipping his hand inside, and I lean farther back to give him better access.
His long fingers slide over my clit.
“You’re so wet,” he whispers. “Is that all for me?”
I arch my back, rocking my hips, and pressing myself against him. “Yes.”
“Jesus, woman.” He laughs against my skin. “You’ll have me coming in my pants like a teenager if you keep that up.”
He slides two fingers inside me, and then back over my clit. I lean my head back on his shoulder.
I’ve never done anything so crazy—I’m a sit-in-front-of-the-TV-with-a-Milo-and-a-biscuit kind of girl. But right now, I’ve got this beautiful man’s fingers dipping in and out of me, and I close my eyes and ride the hell out of his hand.
“Zoe. Oh my god,” he moans. His breath is hot behind my ear, and his other hand slides up my body until he’s cupping my breast. My body’s on fire from his touch, and I’m letting go in a way I’ve never done before.
My world explodes.
Waves of pleasure hit my body, and Declan claims my mouth, his hand moving up to my neck.
For the longest moment, I sit with my eyes closed as he peppers kisses on my face, still rocking gently against his hand as I ride out my orgasm.
“I want you inside me,” I whisper.
“I need to take you back to my hotel room and finish this.”
“Yes, please.”
I’ve never been so forward, but after the champagne and the headiness of the night has loosened both of us up, I’m ready to make the most of my time here.
I’ll never see this man again—never get the chance to spend the night with a movie star. My crazy life has just escalated.
Leaning over, he uses his free hand to press a button. “Back to the hotel please, Colin.”
I lie against Declan, sated and boneless. I’m not even sure I can get out of the car if the drive isn’t long.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
I breathe out a slow breath. “More than okay. It’s been … well, forever since I’ve done anything like this.”
He chuckles .
“Okay, you got me,” I continue. “I’ve never done anything like this.”
His laughter comes to a stop. “What?”
“Oh, I’m not a virgin, but oh my god, Declan, that was amazing.” I wouldn’t normally talk so openly, but the wine has got to my tongue.
He wraps his arms around me and holds me tight. “I’m not letting you go tonight. That was just the start.”
“What are you doing to me?”
The limo slows before coming to a stop, but he doesn’t move, waiting until the driver opens the door to lift me to his side. He takes my hand and helps me out of the car, pulling me into his arms in the process.
“I got you,” he murmurs.
It’s warm, and he’s wrapped around me, but I still shiver.
“You okay?”
“Can we go inside, please?”
He chuckles, then kisses me, long and deep. “The sooner I get you up to my room, the better.”
With another kiss, we head inside, tangled in each other and laughing as we nearly trip over the other’s feet.
Staggering into the elevator, I sigh as Declan keeps his arms around me and we snuggle into the corner while we ride all the way up to the suites. We’re kissing as we make our way into his room, and when we step in, I pause and look around.
“I’m going to get us a drink,” Declan says. “There are some bottles of water in the mini bar. I’ll grab two of those.”
“You promised me champagne.”
He grins. “I did, but if you want to avoid a hangover … ”
“I’ll sleep all day tomorrow.”
Shrugging, he turns toward the bar in the corner. “In that case, there’s a bottle of champagne with our names on it.”
I laugh as I make my way across the room toward the large windows.
It’s crazy enough to be in Vegas, but the penthouse suite is a whole other level to the room I’m sharing with Caitlin. The lighting is low, and the view of The Strip below is full of vibrant, bright colour.
Declan stands behind the bar, pouring champagne as I stare out the window. I’m not sure I could ever live anywhere as busy and bright as Las Vegas, but I’m glad my trip out here wasn’t a complete waste.
Caitlin is going to hate herself in the morning. We’re here for one more night, but I think tomorrow will be quiet in comparison to this.
“The view is amazing, huh?” Declan approaches from behind and I turn to accept a champagne flute.
“Incredible.”
“Looks pretty good from here too.”
I turn. He’s right behind me, and he leans down to nuzzle my neck. He cups my right breast with his free hand and my nipples get up and dance in response.
I want him.
But even after coming all over his hand in the limo, I’m a little uncertain—even shy. I’m the type of person who usually keeps to herself. Caitlin and I met when I ventured out of my apartment for a meal and a drink, and she’s so confident that she inserted herself into my life at first. It turned out we were neighbours. If she hadn’t forced the issue, I would be a recluse, happy in my apartment writing code and making apps. But I’m glad she did—and not just because it led me here.
He takes me by the hand and leads me to the couch where he pulls me down onto his lap.
“One drink, and then we’ll take the bottle to bed,” he says.
“I like that idea.”
We clink our glasses together.
“So, what are you doing in Vegas?” I ask.
“Like I told you earlier, letting off steam.” He sits beside me, stretching his long legs out, and then takes a sip of his drink. “I’m retiring from acting.”
“Whoa.” I twist toward him, propping myself against the back of the couch with my elbow. “That’s a big decision. You’re not that old.”
He chuckles. “I’m done. My career’s in the crapper, and I’d like to get out with some dignity.”
“I’m sorry.”
Regret flickers across his features, but it’s gone as fast as it arrives. “I’m ready to move on. But I’m not sure what I’m going to do. How about you? You mentioned maybe going back to New Zealand?”
I nod. “I’m two years into a three year contract. Once that’s up, I’m not sure what I’m doing next. I’m not sure whether I should find something else to do here, or go home.”
His smile is lopsided. “I’m not a good source for advice—if I knew what I was doing, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in. But if I were you, I’d look at all the pros and cons of either decision.”
“Is that what you did when you decided to retire?”
He places his glass on the coffee table.
“In a way. I just made a movie with some crazy talented people, and it’ll barely see the light of day. No premiere, no chance of winning any awards. I cash the cheque and it’ll sink like a stone.” He sighs. “I don’t want to do that anymore. I want to be happy again.”
He takes my champagne flute from me and places it on the coffee table, along with his own.
My heart thuds.
He turns back, the desire in his eyes making my throat tighten.
I want him, and he wants me. That much is obvious. Should I be doing this while my friend’s sleeping off the booze downstairs? Probably not. But she’s safe where she is, and it’s been forever since I’ve had sex.
“You’re so gorgeous,” he whispers. “I wanted you the minute I saw you.”
His lips crash down onto mine, and I’m done.
My first one-night stand is coming right up. I know that’s all it’ll ever be—that’s the kind of thing a man like him does. And even though it’s not what I usually do, I’m about to break every rule in my book for him.
He rests his hand just below my breast as he kisses me again, and I place my fingers over his and slide it up until he’s cupping me just below my nipple.
“Are you sure?” he asks .
“I want you.” I’m breathless. “I’ve never had a one-night stand, and I’m sure that’s all you want, but I’m ready.”
He squeezes my breast in response before kissing me again. I close my eyes, losing myself in the kiss of a man who knows what to do with his tongue.
That thought excites me even more.
The things this man can do with my body …
He runs his tongue up the side of my neck before nibbling on my earlobe. My eyelids flutter.
“I want to taste every single inch of you,” he murmurs.
I lean back while he drops to the floor in front of me. This time, he finds a small hole in my pantyhose. He tears the crotch open, and the cooler air of the room flows through
His dark eyes meet mine, and I grip the couch, willing him to make his next move.
After sliding my panties to the side, he pushes a finger inside me, never breaking eye contact. He inserts another finger and then slowly pumps them in and out of me before leaning over and placing a soft kiss on my thigh.
“I can smell your pussy, Zoe. I want to taste it so badly. How many times do you think I can make you come?”
“I don’t know.” I whimper.
He pushes his head up my dress until he places a kiss right next to my pussy. I shuffle forward in the hopes he’ll touch my clit. He chuckles, his hot breath on my sensitive core makes me moan.
“So impatient,” he murmurs.
“I only have one night.”
He kisses my thigh again, and then raises his head to grin at me. “It’s still early. We have plenty of time. ”
Sliding my panties farther to one side, he pumps his fingers again before lowering his mouth to my clit. The touch of his tongue leaves me panting.
He slides his fingers out and raises them to his mouth. I can’t take my eyes off him as he swirls his tongue around the tips before sucking on them. “You taste as good as you smell.”
Standing, he holds out his hand.
I giggle, taking it, and he helps me up and into his arms.
“Bedroom?” he asks.
“Yes, please. I think I can walk.”
He frowns. “You’re not that drunk, are you?”
“I’m fine. Just legless thinking about the insane orgasm you’re about to give me.”
Laughing, he leads me into the bedroom where the biggest bed I’ve ever seen is waiting. I sigh, staring at the mattress that has to have been specially ordered. Surely they don’t make them that big.
“I could get lost in that.”
He pulls me to him, kissing me deeply. “I’d come searching.”
I drop onto the bed, laughing as I bounce. He leans over and kisses me again.
“I need you,” I whisper.
He kicks off his shoes before toeing off his socks.
His shirt comes off next, and I stop everything just to watch. I raise my hands as the urge to touch his chiselled chest becomes overwhelming, but he’s already working on the waist of his dress pants, undoing the button and sliding the zip down to reveal boxer shorts underneath .
And then, without a sliver of humility, he drops the boxers and stands before me, naked and erect.
I’ve never been an admirer of cocks, but Declan’s is both impressive and beautiful. He’s long and thick, and my insides ache just thinking of him pulsing in and out of my pussy.
He chuckles and reaches over, wiping the drool from beneath my bottom lip. “Like what you see?”
I’m almost panting. “I love it.”
“I need to get you naked, Zoe.”
His deep voice sends shivers down my spine, and I stand, reaching for the hem of my dress then tugging it over my head.
Declan drops to his knees in front of me, gripping my arse with his large hands, and planting a kiss on my belly button. He tugs my panties and what remains of my pantyhose down to my ankles, removing them along with my shoes before trailing his tongue down to my pussy and lifting one of my legs over his shoulder.
And then he feasts.
I close my eyes, my hips grinding against his face as he teases my clit with his tongue. He’s so good at it, and I get lost in the sensation, losing all track of time. But before I come, he rises, scooping me into his arms and depositing me on the bed.
The man’s a work of art.
He’s all muscle with a smattering of chest hair at the top and a happy trail that leads … I can’t think about that right now.
But I do want to run my tongue over those tattoos on his chest .
The smirk on his lips just makes him even more attractive.
He lowers his head and kisses me gently.
I want more.
As he deepens the kiss, I roll with him until we’re facing each other.
“You’re so beautiful. I’m a lucky man.” He unclips my bra and drags it down my arms.
He kisses me again, running a hand along my spine. His hard cock presses against my pussy, and I don’t care about anything other than having him inside me.
I reach out tentatively, but he places his hand on mine until I have a firm hold of his shoulder. The muscle flexes under my touch as he lowers his head to take one nipple into his mouth. His tongue’s rough against my sensitive bud, and I can’t get enough of it.
I cradle his head in my hands, running my fingers through his hair.
He rolls me onto my back, then slides his way down my body until he’s hovering over my pussy again.
Without a word, he’s back into it, his mouth and tongue working me over, but this time he lets me crest the wave, my body bucking as hot waves of pleasure overtake me.
I pant for a moment while trying to catch my breath.
The wooden scrape of the bedside cabinet drawer opening turns my head.
My cheeks burn when Declan pulls a strip of condoms out. Is this why he’s here? Just to get laid? I guess it makes sense—and it’s what I want from him, after all, but the dose of reality hits me hard .
“There are a few condoms there.”
Declan pulls one off the strip. “I bought them just in case.”
I bite my bottom lip.
“Zoe, if you’re not comfortable and want to stop?—”
“Don’t you dare.” It only takes a moment for me to realise I don’t care. “Fuck me.”
He grins before kissing me again. After tearing open the condom, he rolls it down his cock.
Lowering himself down onto me, he kisses me again while he slides himself inside my pussy.
I pant against his mouth.
He chuckles. “Love the way you feel, babe. Perfect.”
Propping himself up on his arms, he moves, and I meet each thrust with my hips, pushing him in deeper. I want every little piece of him I can get.
“Not so fast. I want to last,” he murmurs. “Keep doing that and I’ll embarrass myself.”
“You could never do that,” I whisper. “And if you did, it just means we’d have to do it all over again.”
Declan laughs as he pulls me with him until I’m straddling his hips.
“Ride me, gorgeous,” he says, his large hands resting on my butt.
I throw my head back and roll my hips. I’ve never been so uninhibited. The bright lights of Las Vegas illuminate the room, and although no one can see us, the open curtains leave me feeling like an exhibitionist.
Declan thrusts up, deep inside me.
“You’re beautiful, Zoe,” he murmurs. “So tight and hot. ”
Running one hand up my back, he pulls me down toward him then sucks a nipple into his mouth and makes me gasp.
“You feel so good.” I grind against him, lost in sensation, his thumb strumming my clit as he coaxes another orgasm out of me.
We fall together, his loud groan coming at the same time as his name from my lips.
Perfect.