“Putting the finishing touches on a few things. If I take some good shots at the cabin, maybe I’ll have more to add.”
“Good luck with it. I’ll talk to you when you get back.”
We say goodbye and I end the call.
Hayden said the photos on the internet look like me and Penelope are more than just friends and they’re calling us a couple. What the hell did they publish? Though I’m hesitant to check, I go online and look.
My stomach twists into a knot. Multiple photos show Penelope’s hand resting on my chest with her face trustfully pressed against me. My arm is thrown over her shoulders in a protective way. The fierce expression on my face saysthis woman is mine; back off or I’ll fuck you over. None of the photos show we are in fact enemies.
Hopefully Raymond will shut it down. If not, give it a few days and the paparazzi will hunt down the next scandal. As long aswe’re not seen together again, there’s nothing to gossip about. It’s time to get her out of my room.
While I’m in the bathroom I shower. When I’m done, I wrap a towel around my waist, and I walk back into the bedroom to get my clothes. Instead, I pull up short. Penelope is still sleeping. The sheet covering her is pushed down to her feet, leaving her sprawled on the bed in her robe, which is doing nothing to cover her creamy-colored thighs. The belt has come loose, and an open gap runs from her collarbone to her naval. Her breasts are precariously close to spilling out. One slight move and the robe will part to show me if she’s wearing panties or not.
Swallowing hard, I turn away, willing my dick to die down. I can’t be attracted to Penelope Aldin. I’d rather poke my eyes out with a blunt stick. To distract myself from the view, I call room service and order breakfast and strong, black coffee.
When I turn back, Penelope is sitting up against the headboard, the robe secured tightly around her body and her fingers combing through her hair. Something so shapeless as the fluffy hotel robe and disheveled hair shouldn’t look as sexy as it does. I scrub my hands over my face. God, I need to stop looking at her.
Then her gaze travels the length of my body. I’m not the only one appreciating what they’re seeing. Like she realizes what she’s doing, her eyes snap away from the towel to my face. “Good morning,” she says, her voice hoarse from sleep. “Thank you for letting me stay the night.”
“Had no choice. You fell asleep. The keycard for your room is on the table.” If I sound abrupt, it’s because I’m pissed at myself for having any kind of attraction toward her.
She frowns. “You could have woken me up.”
“I tried. You were out cold—not even a bomb would have made you stir. I seriously considered throwing water on your face.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.” She glances around the room. “Where’s your date?”
Calling Angel a date is a bit of a stretch. “You cockblocked me. Thanks a lot for that.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Mirth shines from her eyes. Yeah, she’s not sorry at all. Then her face turns serious. “Arhhh, you slept on the couch, right?”
“No, in the bed.”
“Next to me?”
“Do you see any other bed? Yes, next to you. Don’t you remember clinging to me last night?”
Her eyebrows shoot into her hairline. “I did not!”
I cross my arms over my chest and grin. “You did. And pinned me down with your legs. I had to put a stop to your wandering hands.”
“I would never do that.”
I shrug a shoulder. “You even talk in your sleep. Told me how hot you think I am.”
“Now I know you’re joking.” She rolls her eyes. “I’d never touch you. Or say that you’re hot.”
If only she knew I was telling the truth. “Whether or not you believe me, it’s time for you to leave. I’m going into the bathroom to get dressed. I want you gone by the time I come back out.”
Chapter Three
PENNY
When Lucas goes into the bathroom, I grab my hotel room keycard from the table, and I head to the door. Looking through the peephole, I’m thankful to see the hallway empty. Quickly and quietly, I leave Lucas’ room and dash across the hallway and into mine. I breathe a sigh of relief when no one catches me. Last night was a nightmare. I know the paparazzi can be brutal, but I’ve never experienced anything like it, and I never want to again.
And then there was Lucas Alessi—my rescuer. The devil himself. That was the biggest surprise of the night. I had expected him to leave me in the hallway to fend for myself. What I didn’t see was him coming to my aid. It was probably his date that had him changing his mind. Whatever the reason, I’m grateful for his help. It doesn’t mean I dislike him any less. Although, unfortunately, I still think he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.
When I woke up to see him wet from a shower with only a towel around his waist, displaying his tanned skin and corrugated abs, I nearly swallowed my tongue. I’m not attracted to him at all, but I’m not blind. The man is gorgeous.
