I roll my eyes and turn back to eat more of this fucking delicious meal. She's gorgeous, funny, and can cook, too? I shake my head. I don't need someone to cook for me. I can hire people to do that. Josie does it sometimes. I do not need to be in a relationship so I can get a home-cooked meal.
I turn back around and can see Sophia and my sister talking and laughing as they help Hazel clean up the mess, and the constraint around my heart tightens. I like how she looks in there, chatting comfortably with my sister, effortlessly brushing her hand over Hazel's hair and helping her pick up her things.
I'm probably making more of this than it is. She's an actress, for Christ's sake. Of course she can play any part she wants.
But something tells me this isn't a role she's playing. She looks genuinely at ease.
I see her bend down and kiss the top of Hazel's head, andI turn around because I can't watch it anymore. I focus on my favorite food instead.
"Sorry to crash dinner again. I'm headed back to the guest house, so you can enjoy the rest of your evening with your daughter."
"Ok, thanks for dinner."
The words come out clipped and professional. Distant. I'm hyper-aware of maintaining boundaries after last night's mistake.
I don't look up from my plate. I can't look up because, if I do, I might see something in her expression that could crack this carefully constructed wall I'm trying to maintain, brick by methodical brick.
She lingers just for a moment, long enough that I can feel the weight of her uncertainty, her attempt to read the situation. Sophia's smart enough to recognize I'm trying to keep things professional.
"You're welcome. See you tomorrow."
And then she's gone.
The silence feels like a reprieve—and a loss.
After dinner, I finally get Hazel showered, and she convinces me to read her three different books before going to sleep. Then I go up to my room, where I try and fail to work. All I can think about is Sophia, and I'm as hard as a fucking rock.
I feel bad for wanting to get off to memories of her, but there's no way I'm sleeping until I get some relief. I turn on the shower and press my hands against the top of the counter as I brace myself, lean forward, and look at myself in the mirror.
She's too young for you.
You work together.
This would cross every professional line there is.
I run through the entire list of reasons why allowing myself to be with Sophia is a bad idea, and then I stomp over to the shower and slip into the stream of warm water. I place my hand against the wall and fist my cock, pulling on it, hard and angry, like I don't deserve to get off, so I'll punish myself with the grip and pace. Only that has me growing harder as I imagine what it would've felt like last night if I had shifted my hands to grab her hair and bent her over the outdoor table.
I'd have peeled those tiny athletic shorts down, the ones she's always wearing around the lot and here at the house, the ones where I can see the curve of her perfect ass peeking out of the bottom hem. My feet would have kicked her legs apart, and I'd have run my hands over her ass. Then my fingers would have slipped into her silky cunt, dripping wet for me.
My dick throbs at the image as I thrust harder into my hand, and when I imagine my dick slamming into her pussy, imagining her tightness choking me, I immediately see stars and spew all over the shower wall.
Hanging my head, I try to catch my breath.
I'm totally fucked.
seventeen
. . .
Sophia
I lovethe smell of margaritas and Mexican food. Living in LA, there is no shortage of places to find both, but nothing beats an evening out at Casa Vega, where I can stuff my face with the best carne asada enchilada I've ever had. Plus, the dark dining room is perfect for hiding in the shadows, although the place is usually buzzing with industry folks, so it's a talent-friendly place to go. The Latin music in the background, mixed with the clattering of dishes being delivered to and taken away from tables, completes the laid back vibe.
I spot Brandon toward the back and give the hostess a brief wave and point, indicating my party is already here.
"Hey, beautiful. You are looking lovely this evening," Brandon says. He leans in for a kiss on the cheek. "All this for me?" He's such a flirt.
"Thank you. I had a scene today and took advantage of hair and makeup."
