Roaring Hot! (Contemporary Romance): A Billionaire Biker Romance (15 page)

“What about the crashes? It might not even be your fault or under your control. Like last week when Ronaldo caused a big wipe out.”

“It’s a risk, but life would be empty without risks.” He flashed her a disarming grin.

His words struck a fluttery chord in her heart. How could she let him know she did care? Should she risk it?

She swallowed and licked her lips. “The more I get to know you, the more worried I am. I wish you’d be more careful.”

He leaned forward, tapping the table with his fingers. “Seriously? What happened to fearless Amy? You told my grandmother you didn’t much mind me racing. She took it that you didn’t really care about me.”

Amy set the wineglass down, her jaw gaping. “She read a lot into that, didn’t she? There’s a difference between caring and possessiveness.”

“So, you do care.”

“Is it important to you?”

“Very.”

“Is my caring about you as important as your mother?”

His face flushed and his mouth pressed together, nostrils flaring. “There’s no comparison. She chose to leave. You’re still here. I hope you won’t leave.”

“I might not always be with you.” Amy felt under the napkin where she’d placed Teo’s mother’s locket. “I think you should try again. Maybe you didn’t ask for her by name, or there was a mistranslation.”

His eyes narrowed. “Oba-chan was with me.”

“She said she didn’t go into the convent. Do you remember her name?” Since she’d ruined the mood already, she’d drive this to the end. He had to face up to this stumbling block before he could be truly free to love.

“Yes, I asked for her by name. Soledad Maria Apostol. Carmelite nun. I verified her existence before I donated the money. She knew I was on my way, because I wrote the convent.” Teo’s voice choked over the words. “I used to dream of our reunion. Made up all these stories. How she had been kidnapped by the mob, and I’d rescue her. How she was sick and had amnesia, and I would show up one day and she’d snap out of it. Part of the racing was for her. It’s why I don’t care if I crash.
I kept thinking if I did more and more dangerous things, raced faster and faster, that my mother would worry about me and contact me. Write me and tell me to stop. Love me, like a real mother would.”

His voice cracked and he flung his head in his hands as his shoulders rose and fell.

“Teo.” Amy slipped off her chair and knelt at his side. “She didn’t forget you. She left you something. They never gave it to you.”

“What are you talking about?” Teo’s eyes scrunched, on the verge of tears.

Amy dangled the locket in front of him. “Oba-chan gave this to me.”

He sucked in a noisy breath, his hands trembling as he opened the locket. He stared at the photo in silence. A teardrop trickled down his face, trailed to his chin and fell on Amy’s hand.

She hugged him around the waist and tucked her face into his chest, rendering the only comfort she could give. He didn’t need a relationship with her. Not when he was so raw about his mother abandoning him. Amy had to let him go. It was better this way, before she risked her heart. She kissed him tenderly, kissed him goodbye.

He let the locket drop into his lap, wrapped his arms around her and wept.

Amy was running late, but she didn’t care. It was time to go to Indianapolis to finish off the series with Teo. One more act and she could move on.

The audition had been a success, and she got the part of Akiko Yamada, the starring role in the
Dark Samurai
series.

Behind her, Peter nagged, “No eff ups with Ronaldo and
Romancing the Racer
. Just because you have this new part doesn’t mean we want to give them any excuse not to pay us.”

“I’m on my way, aren’t I?” Amy huffed. They still owed her for the work she did in Germany. Of course she neglected to tell Peter about the extra twenty thousand Teo had offered her—all of which she’d donated to Wishes Come True.

Amy pushed her suitcase to the limousine driver, grabbed her purse, and dashed out the door of her apartment.

The last week had been crazy busy. Her father had insisted that she complete her reality show with Teo. Fortunately, her sister, Diana, had arrived from Seattle with her two-year-old niece in tow. Diana was planning on divorcing her abusive husband and decided to use her father’s illness as an excuse to be away.

Amy slumped into the back seat of the limo and fastened her seatbelt. She glanced at her phone. Another text message from Teo. She ignored it.

He’d been so worried about her father’s health that he hired a home health nurse, despite her warning. To no surprise, her parents blew up, especially her father who went ballistic. Teo didn’t get why they were upset. In any case, they’d sent the nurse packing, and Amy had decided to back off from him. Her duty to him would be over once she fulfilled her contract to Silver Studios. As for Oba-chan, she’d understand. Love could not be bought or forced.

Teo texted again:
Are you showing up?

Grrr … She’d been instructed to tell him ‘no.’ The plan was to surprise him. She hated doing this to him, but she had to do everything exactly as Ronaldo prescribed, especially if she wanted her back pay.

She debated whether to silence her phone, but another message jangled in:
They said you quit. To hell with the show. I’m quitting too.

She huffed and typed a message:
I’m really not interested what you do. Have you contacted your mother? Turning off my phone now.

She was being bitchy. But what else could she do? Teo might be a billionaire and a hot hunky racer, but his neediness was a turnoff. Amy was so close to her dream of starring in a major motion picture role. She couldn’t let herself be distracted, although she was honorable enough to fulfill her current contract with Silver Studios.

Besides, Teo had real abandonment issues, and that wasn’t hot. It was scary.

Four and a half hours later, the private jet touched down at Indianapolis International Airport. Mia was there with the limo to meet her.

“Hey, girl, glad you’re back in the game. You’re going to love the surprises we have in store for you.”

Amy greeted the quirky girl with a hug and a kiss. Mia strutted into the limo and stretched her legs, encased in multicolored leggings: zigzag orange, black, and white stripes, with green and red chains. Her polyester top was a swirl of DNA like ladders, purple, blue and green on a bright yellow background, and thick fabric and metal rolled necklaces adorned her long neck.

“Wow, you look … colorful.” Amy fumbled with her seatbelt.

“That’s why they call us people of color.” Mia unbuckled Amy’s seat belt. “What’s wrong with you? Got a stick up your ass again? Aren’t you excited to see Teo? I heard ya’ll had some extracurricular activities.”

“I met his grandmother and went to one of his fundraisers. Mostly my father was sick.” Amy brushed off the inquiry with a limp wave of her wrist. “So, what’s the script?”

“Square dancing. Ya’ll are going to dosey doe and hoedown hoe.”

“Serious?” Amy brushed her hair back. Were they trying to kill the show? She couldn’t think of anything more boring than square dancing.

“After that ya’ll going on a hayride.”

“Oh, wonderful. I’m allergic to hay.”

“Take a Benadryl.”

“Sure, and sleep through it. After that?”

Mia closed her mouth and rolled her tongue inside her cheek. “You’ll see.”

Great. Another reality show surprise.

“Wake me up when we’re there.” Amy leaned back in the seat and shut her eyes.

Mia slapped her arm. “What’s wrong with you? Getting uppity because you have that samurai princess role?”

* * *

“You’re sure Amy’s out?” Teo paced around his hotel room while Ronaldo sat slumped on the lounge chair in front of the fireplace.

“Absolutely sure. We let her off the contract without penalty. She got the role for the samurai princess with Altamount Pictures.”

“But the shooting doesn’t start until January. Why couldn’t she continue on this project?” Teo’s chest ached at the fury boiling inside. Amy had blown him off after he’d hired that nurse. Yes, it was a mistake and he shouldn’t have presumed. But now that her father had encouraged her to act in the samurai series, the only reason she quit the reality show was because of Teo—and his inability to satisfy her in bed. Two to zero and no chance to even the score. “Dammit.”

Ronaldo swirled his hand as if he were smoking a pipe. “You’ll love Desiree. Wait until you see her. You won’t even know she’s not Amy, and your grandmother will definitely not know. We’re talking long lost twin. Who knows, maybe she’ll even agree to do a few extracurricular dates with you. You might like her even better than Amy.”

“I don’t understand why Amy would quit.”

“She got a better offer.” Ronaldo put his feet on the ottoman and leaned back. “You need to man up. If you ask me, Desiree’s hotter than Amy.”

“How would you know?”

“Let’s just say I sampled the goods. That woman’s a firecracker. She must have blown up five times when I auditioned her.” Ronaldo blew on his palm. “So, better put on your overalls and straw hat. Let’s pick up Desiree and head to the hoedown.”

Teo gritted his teeth and slammed his fists on his thigh. How would Ronaldo know to compare Amy and Desiree unless he’d also had Amy? Had she climaxed for him or had she faked him out too?

Whatever, he had to man up and forget her. She’d obviously walked all over him and didn’t give a crap about him. Used him, abused him, stolen his heart and crushed it.

Twenty minutes later, Teo and Ronaldo, followed by the cameramen and sound guy, knocked on Desiree’s hotel door.

She opened her door with a whoosh and jumped up and down. “Hi, I’m Desiree Shimizu, your new playmate.”

Teo’s jaw fell to the floor. She was the spitting image of Amy. The same size and shape, down to her button nose and ruby red lips. Her eyes slanted the exact same degree, and her eye makeup was a replica of Amy’s. Even her long, silky hair was cut the same length.

“Well, don’t be a stranger,” Desiree squeaked. Okay, so her voice was scratchier than Amy’s smoother dulcet tone. “Gimme a kiss and call me Amy.”

“That’s right,” Ronaldo said. “You’re supposed to call her Amy since we’re going to pretend Amy hasn’t quit. The audience will never figure it out.”

Teo rubbed the bridge of his nose. He couldn’t call this creature Amy. It was too freaky. He cupped his hand and pulled Ronaldo aside. “I thought this entire reality show was a fake anyway. You’re not really planning on airing it, are you?”

It would be a disaster if they did air it and Oba-chan were to be alive to see it. She’d know everything was staged. It would break her already feeble heart.

“Of course we are,” Ronaldo said. “It’ll air next year. My parents are backing this.”

“But you and I agreed it was a fake show to get Amy to be my fake girlfriend.”

Ronaldo pointed to the camera. “Does any of this look fake? Now get on with your date with Desiree, er Amy. In fact, let me take a few pics and post them on social media so your grandmother will see them.”

Teo had no choice but to put his arm around Desiree and mug for the camera. He felt like a phony, but truth to tell, he was the only idiot around here. No one told him to fall in love with the actress. No one told him to believe she really cared for him. Amy was history, and this fake one was as close as he would ever get to having girlfriend for Oba-chan’s party.

Taking Desiree’s hand, he pressed a kiss on her cheek.

“Cut, cut.” Ronaldo made the hand sign. “This is your third date. You’re way beyond the cheek kissing stage. In fact, you and Desiree are going to get physical. She won’t balk at the little red dress act. That’s going to happen tomorrow night at the cocktail social.”

“Sure, boss.” Teo slathered a wet kiss on Desiree’s lips. “Let’s go on our date.”

He brushed aside a twinge of guilt. Why should he feel bad about kissing Desiree?

Amy could go to hell. In fact this entire charade could go to hell. After this race, he’d fess up to Oba-chan and tell her all of it was fake. But he’d go on with the show to rub it into Amy. If she didn’t want him there were plenty of women who did, and no, he was not going to pine for her.

Ever.

* * *

Amy couldn’t believe the ridiculous square dance outfit. The frilly skirt was fluffed with petticoats which spread out horizontally, and the top had puffy sleeves full of lace and ruffles. The entire bodice and skirt were in an annoying red gingham check with bright red edges and white lace.

“You look absolutely gorgeous.” Mia cooed, brushing blush over Amy’s cheeks. She highlighted her eyes and curled her hair with a curling iron. “Won’t Teo drop dead when he sees you?”

Amy refrained from making a snide remark. She wished she could drop dead before the dance. “I don’t even know how to square dance.”

“Nothing to worry about. Lessons come with the gig. Now, for your pre-date interview.” Mia motioned to the camera and sound guy to get in position. “Come out of the bathroom and twirl your skirt and bounce your boobs.”

Amy pasted on a perky smile and bounced out of the bathroom, twirling and wiggling her behind. She might as well have fun. Even though she and Teo had no future together, she still owed him the show. She could give him acting tips and help him get a part once he was done with racing.

She primly sat on the couch as directed.

Mia stood behind the cameraman and read from a sheet of paper.

“Amy, this is your third race weekend with playboy Teo Alexiou. You had a rough time in Germany and we’re sorry about your father’s health. Are you excited to take your relationship with Teo to the next level?”

“You bet. Teo is an exciting and extremely sexy man. He’s also a real sweetheart, although don’t let him know. I’m thinking this weekend will be the one where we’ll discover some real feelings for each other.”

“That’s wonderful. Right now, who would you say is more in love? You or Teo?”

Amy paused for effect. With a faint smile she flirted at the camera. “A lady never tells. I’m pretty sure of my feelings for Teo. I think he likes me too, and I can see him opening up to me. He’s definitely someone worth caring for.”

“Wow, a rousing endorsement for this show.” Mia clapped. “Is it fair to say you’ll be getting the proposal?”

“I would love it more than anything.” Amy put on a swooning manner.

“Of course. He’s a billionaire.” Mia twirled her pen and made a mark on the pad. “Would you still want to marry Teo if he were to lose all his money?”

Amy looked straight at the camera. She would speak directly to Teo. “I would love you no matter what, because it’s you, and the way we are together, not your money or position, that makes you the man I want to spend my life with.”

Mia signaled for the cut. She high fived her. “You nailed it girl. If that man doesn’t fall in love with you, he’s got a heart of ice. Okay, let’s get to the dance.”

“Is Teo coming to pick me up?” Amy asked as Mia led the way to the limo.

“Nope. He thinks you’re not showing up. I can’t wait to see his expression when you walk into the dance hall.”

Amy rubbed her hands. She couldn’t help the fuzzy feeling in her heart at the chance of seeing Teo again. Even though they’d parted awkwardly and she had read him the riot act about hiring the nurse for her father, she hoped they could at least behave romantically for the show.

They arrived at the dance hall, a converted barn lined with bales of hay. Red, white and blue semi circular banners and ribbons decorated the pillars and rafters. The floor was littered with straw, and the band was lined up on the stage. A man introduced himself as the caller and teacher. A group of regular square dancers had already arrived. The women had beehive hair like out of the nineteen fifties, and the men were as old as the hills, with craggy faces. They wore cowboy hats and bolo ties, and some of their glasses were so thick they distorted their faces.

The last time Amy had square danced was in seventh grade PE class. The fiddles and guitars fired up, and the caller gave instructions. Amy practiced with Mia. Every time they faced the barn door, she’d turn and look for Teo. Didn’t he need lessons too?

The caller pronounced Amy fit for dancing. “All right everyone, let’s line up and get started.”

“Wait, wait,” Amy said. “My date isn’t here yet.”

“That’s okay,” the caller said. “You two beautiful girls can dance together.”

Amy whispered to Mia, “Is this another one of these glitches?”

“You’ll see.” Mia winked.

The music started and Amy and Mia danced and danced. It was actually kind of fun. The fiddle sizzled and the guitars twanged, as Amy made the rounds and dosey-doed with the elderly men.

She had just spun around twirling her skirt to her face when a hush fell across the room. The fiddle made one last scratch, and all eyes turned to the barn doors.

Teo strolled in, his lips locked to a woman wearing the exact same patterned red gingham dress as Amy’s. Her long black hair was curled the same as Amy’s, and he was devouring her, as if he wanted to lift her skirts and bang her on the nearest bale of hay.

“Who’s that?” Amy poked Mia.

“Uhm, uhm, uhm.” Mia smirked, her lips twisted and gleeful. “Looks like your lover boy found himself another squeeze doll. Look at them go at it.”