Wonderlust (Steel Roses #1) (6 page)

“It better not be Alex’s gigantic cock!” I began to blush. Ground, swallow me up now please. He was still watching me carefully.

“Bye, Liv,” I stressed, hanging up. “Hey,” I panted, trying to clear imagines of his cock from my mind before talking to him properly.

“Who were you talking to?”

“My friend in London. She’s looking after my apartment while I’m here.” I was talking too fast. “Did you want me?” Why did I just say that?

“Is that an offer?” he smirked, leaning against my doorframe. I shook my head, crossing my arms. “I’m just playing with you. Diego and I were going to order take out. We were wondering if you wanted anything? Shane is out, and Mary doesn’t work weekends so we have to fend for ourselves.”

“I could have cooked something if you wanted. You only had to ask.”

“No, really, it’s fine. You’ve been working all day. Are you hungry?” Actually, now that he’d mentioned it, I was starving.

“Sure, I could eat.” As I followed him down the staircase, he turned to look at me, stopping in his tracks on one of the steps.

“Which rock star were you talking about with your friend on the phone a moment ago?”

“Huh?” I asked, not really paying attention. Damn Liv for making me think about his junk!

“Come back to me, White,” he chuckled, tucking a loose strand of hair back behind my ear. “Which rock star was it?” Why did his touch have to ignite a spark inside me that I hadn’t felt since being with David?

“You’re the only rock star I know. Who do you
think
we were talking about?”

“You’re friend has a crush on me?” He pretended to be shocked, clutching his chest.

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“You don’t, and that cuts deep.” Rolling my eyes at him, I continued walking down the stairs, passing him. Was he ever going to let this go?

Diego was sitting in the spacious living room watching TV when we found him. “I ordered Chinese. You two were taking too long.”

“I was only gone five minutes,” Alex tutted, looking toward me. “You okay with Chinese?”

“Sure,” I muttered. Talk about surreal; I was about to have takeout with a rock star.

“Caged—that was your breakthrough album. Every song was pure magic!” Diego sighed into his glass of red wine. He and Alex started reminiscing about Steel Roses after we’d finished our food. I was hanging on their every word. Getting inside information about those days was fascinating.

“The year two thousand. I remember it well.”

“Your hair was more manageable, and you had better dress sense.” Diego was hilarious. The more time I spent with him, the more I liked him.

“I don’t dress that differently now!”

“Alex, you don’t dress at all now. How many days have you been wearing that shirt you had on earlier?”

“Three,” I answered for Alex. “I was wondering if he just had a lot of the same colored shirts, until I noticed the same stain on it two days in a row.”

“I have not been wearing that shirt for
three days
!” Alex was adamant.

“Do you even know what day it is?” I asked, quirking my eyebrow at him. He was about to respond, but then suddenly stopped to think about it. “You have no idea what day it is, do you?”

“It’s the wine,” he muttered, trying to brush it off. “It’s Sunday.”

“Close. Try Saturday.” He was too easy to wind up. “It’s okay. If you need me to add telling you what day it is to my job description, I can.”

“Maybe you should add doing his laundry, too,” Diego commented. “Milly used to liaise with Mary because Alex doesn’t like many people in his bedroom.” I choked on my wine. Bullshit. I bet every female that had
ever
set foot in this mansion knew where his bedroom was. “I’m talking about his
actual
bedroom on the top floor, not the sex pit he keeps his harem in on the second floor.” I found the fact that he had two bedrooms very interesting.

“Did you just call one of my bedrooms a sex pit?” Alex had an amused look on his face.

“I think the name fits,” I giggled. “You may not have been in that room the other night, but what you were doing sounded like a sex pit to me.” This wine was making me too bold.

“You told me that I didn’t wake you.” His lips curved into the sexiest smile I’d ever seen.

“You didn’t wake me, but the headboard and porn star groans did.”

Diego choked on his mouthful of wine. “You had sex in the bedroom next to hers? Alex, you whore! Have you no shame?”

“It was an ‘in the moment’ kind of thing.” Alex looked smugly at his friend.

“How many women did you have in there again? I’ve forgotten.” I hadn’t really, but I wanted to watch Diego’s expression to see if having four women at the same time was something Alex did a lot.

“Three.”

“What happened to number four?” I laughed.

“She had to get back to her husband.”
What?
“That was a joke,” he snorted, watching my shocked face. “She’d had too much to drink, so Shane gave her a ride home. I always make sure my girls get home safely.” That was very noble of him.

“You must spend a fortune on travel costs.”

“Probably not as much as you think.” Tilting my head, I gave him a questioning look. Was he trying to tell me he didn’t sleep around that much? Yeah, right! I’d only been here for a little over a week and knew that was a lie. "I let some stay for long periods of time to save on gas.”

“I thought they were your
girlfriends
,” Diego howled with laughter. “Are you telling me you only let them stay to save on gas?” Alex didn’t answer. He was watching me intently instead, with a playful smile.

“I’ve only known him a week and I think it’s something he might do.”

“Oh, yes, I forgot you know me
so
well already.” Alex raised his eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Okay, kittens, I’d love to stay up all night talking, but this diva needs to get his beauty sleep.” Diego yawned before getting up to kiss us both on the cheek. Then he was gone, and I was suddenly alone with Alex. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.

“You’ve gone really quiet,” Alex mused, sipping his wine as he watched me intently.

“I was thinking about heading to bed as well. I’m really tired.”

“I’m not stopping you.”

“You’ve been different tonight. Diego seems to have a good effect on you.”

“He’s my oldest friend. We’ve been through a lot together.” Alex began to play with his wine glass, trying to avoid eye contact with me.

“Tell me if I’m interfering, but the drugs…” I trailed off, not really sure how to continue.

“I’m a rock star, Baby! It’s what we do.” He was playing it off, but to me, he looked ashamed of himself. “Does it make you uncomfortable?”

“No, it’s your body. It’s just a waste, that’s all.”

“A waste?” He frowned, finishing the rest of his wine. “You really don’t hold back any punches do you, Straight Lace? I’ve never had a woman speak to me the way you do. Not even Milly.”

“Don’t you like being challenged?”

“Women usually want to suck my cock rather than talk to me.”

“Conversation is a good thing, you know? Don’t look so smug.”

“I’ll take your word for that. I’d choose sex over talking every time.” I gave him an exasperated look. Was he serious? “You’d choose talking over sex?”

“Yes.” Okay, now I was lying.

“You’re not doing it right if that’s the case.”

“Intimacy can be a better experience. Sex shouldn’t be all about fucking.”

“It is when you’re a rock star.” Rolling my eyes, I got up. “Goodnight, Straight Lace,” he winked, downing his wine.

“Night, Alex.” Shaking my head, I left him alone.

Once I was in the comfort of my room, I let my mind wonder. When it came to my sex life, I’d experienced good sex. David had been a wonderful lover on the occasions we’d been together, but when I thought about it, I’d never had explosive sex with any of my partners. Not that there had been that many. My last serious boyfriend had been at high school, and we’d both been inexperienced at that age. Did explosive sex even exist?

As much as I hated it, I fell asleep wondering what Alex would be like as a lover. He’d had so many partners; he was bound to be amazing. At twenty-nine, surely I should have experienced something on that level. I was still adamant that it wouldn’t be with him, but maybe Liv was right and I really did need to find a male distraction. It was the only way to get over David properly. Alex held so many parties at his mansion; I was bound to meet someone sooner or later. It was a shame I didn’t do parties that often, though.

“Come on, get your bag,” Alex called, rushing into my office a few days later.

“Why? I’m just waiting for a call to confirm our flights for Thursday.”

“They can leave a message. Come on!” He practically tipped me out of my chair. Talk about impatient.

“Where are we going?” I called after him, annoyed.

“Clothes shopping.” Picking up his designer sunglasses and putting them on, he turned toward me. Damn, the man looked sexy! Shopping with him was going to be impossible. He was only wearing a pair of casual black shorts and tight white T-shirt, but the way it clung to his chest…it made my mouth water. “Surely you enjoy a bit of retail therapy?”

“Where’s Diego? I thought he did this kind of stuff with you.”

“He’s out, and I did
this kind of stuff
with Milly, too.” Oh, I was reading into this too much.
Just go shopping, White!
It might even be fun.

“Have you ever been shopping in Beverly Hills before?” Alex asked once we were in the SUV. Shane was driving, and kept looking back at us in the rear view mirror.

“Nope, but I’ve seen Pretty Woman.”

“That was filmed twenty years ago!” Even Shane chuckled to himself at my expense. “But we are going down Rodeo Drive. I need a new suit.”

“I’ve never bought a suit with a man before.”

“That’s what the sale assistants are for. I’ll just need your opinion whether if I look good or not.” Was he serious? He’d look good in a paper bag! “Can you do that? I know that means you’d have to give me a compliment if it’s warranted.”

“I’ll do it just this once, but don’t think for one second that I’m going to make a habit of it.”

Alex laughed, and this time it reached his eyes. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m getting to know you pretty well. One compliment a year is still an improvement, though.”

Shane pulled the SUV up to the curb outside of Dior. As I stepped onto the sidewalk, I felt a little uncomfortable gazing down the block at the shops along the strip—Gucci, Armani, Cartier, Prada, and Valentino. Because I was in my usual attire of shorts and a T-shirt, I felt a little under dressed to be going into these shops.

“What’s wrong?” Alex asked, meeting me on the sidewalk.

“Do you remember that scene in Pretty Woman when the shop assistants don’t serve her because of the way she’s dressed?”

“You think you look like a prostitute?” It was impossible to keep a straight face around this man!

“No, I feel underdressed.” Laughing and slapping his chest, I looked toward Shane, who was locking the car.

“You look lovely, Nat,” Shane smiled. “You have nothing to worry about.” I don’t know why, but I blushed at his comment as I looked over at him.

Alex was already walking into Dior when I looked back. Shane gestured for me to go before him.

The shop assistants all fell over themselves once they noticed Alex. There was a lot of high pitch squealing and clapping.

“We might as well take a seat. This usually takes a while,” Shane whispered in my ear. We both took a seat on a comfortable, red velvet couch near the changing rooms.

“How many times have you done this?”

“I’ve lost count. It’s more fun coming with you, though. Diego can be unbearable to shop with. Plus, I get left to carry all the bags.”

“That seems unfair.” We both turned toward the sound of screaming as some female customers noticed Alex.

“Excuse me while I handle this,” Shane apologized. Swiftly, he got up and dispersed the crowd efficiently. Alex signed a few autographs before it was suggested that the assistants close the shop for half an hour so he could try his suits on in peace.

“Wow, that was impressive.” I nudged Shane when he sat back down twenty minutes later.

“It might be a good idea to call Gucci and Armani now to warn them to close the shop in preparation for Alex. I expect that the paparazzi will have arrived by the time we step back outside.” The paparazzi? Crap!

Quickly, I made the calls that Shane had suggested, pleased that the shops were more than happy to close off parts of their store for Alex.

“You’re really good at this stuff. I had no clue that a shopping trip would be this crazy.”

“It’s practice. I’ve been head of his security for a long time now.”

“He’s lucky to have you, Shane,” I mused, watching Alex strut out in a blue plaid suit and white shirt. He looked so clean cut. Not the rough rocker that I’d been getting to know over the last few weeks.

“What do you think? Is blue my color?”

“You look great, Alex,” I replied, still a little stunned.

“Just great?” he pouted. “Take a closer look.” He spun around slowly.

“I think you look really hot, Alex,” one of the assistants giggled, a little too excited. He didn’t respond. Once he’d done a full circle, his piercing blue eyes found mine.

“Well?” he asked again.

“You look very handsome. Blue is definitely your color,” I grinned, standing up. “I’d get them to bring it in on the shoulders, though. It’ll look better with a snugger fit.”

“I can measure you!” one of the women pleaded, waving her measuring tape in the air.

“I’d rather Natasha do it, if you don’t mind,” Alex replied, his eyes not leaving mine. If he was serious, I’d have to touch his shoulders, well-defined chest, and arms. I’d need to remember to breathe if I did this.

The blonde assistant huffed, but passed the tape over to me. “I thought you’d enjoy all their hands on you,” I muttered, watching him slip his jacket off while I stood up.

“You thought wrong,” he winked, starting to undo his shirt buttons. Oh no! He didn’t need to take his damn shirt off, too.

“Why are you taking your shirt off?”

“For an accurate measurement, of course.”

“You’re going to get all these ladies hot and bothered.”

“Maybe that’s my plan.” Sighs and gasps came from behind me once he was shirtless, but I was too focused on his body to care. The urge to reach out and stroke his chest was unbelievable.

“Lift your arms up,” I ordered, needing to get this done as quickly as possible. He obeyed and spread both his arms out. Knowing I’d have to measure his chest first, I wrapped my arms around his back, placing the tape around him at the same time. My nose was almost caressing his chest. Jesus, he smelled good. It was a mixture of a musky body wash and an intoxicating expensive aftershave.
Do not lick his tattoos, White!
I’d always dreamt of being this close to him, and unlike all my other encounters with him so far, the feel of his skin, the way he smelled…it was better than I had ever imagined.

“You feel good pressed up against me, Straight Lace,” he whispered against my ear. I gasped, gripping his back to steady myself. “You must feel that, too.” I pulled back quickly. I had the measurement anyway. Then I moved around to his back so he couldn’t see me.

“You should have let someone else do this. I’m not very good.”

“No, I like your hands on me.” I only had his arm length left to measure. “You’re very gentle,” he murmured, his voice dripping with an undertone.

“Done.” I quickly passed the tape back to the assistant who’d been writing down all the measurements. “You can put your shirt back on now.”

“You didn’t want to measure my inside leg?”

“Your trousers fit fine.” I scowled. “You can go and get changed now. Shane had me ring ahead to Armani. They are closing part of the store for you.”

“I’m impressed. Can you pick me out a few casual shirts and some sunglasses for you while I get changed, please?”

“Sure,” I frowned. Sunglasses for
me
?

“Alex seems really taken with you, Nat,” Shane commented from behind me while I was looking at the shirts. “Be careful.” First Diego, now him. Nothing was going on between Alex and me.

“He’s a huge flirt. I can handle him.”

“I’d hate to see you get hurt. I’ve seen so many women come and go from his life. I don’t want that for you.”

“That’s never going to happen. Alex isn’t my type, and if you must know, I’m in love with someone back in London.”

“You have a boyfriend back home?” He looked disappointed at that fact.

“It’s complicated,” I stressed, picking up two light blue shirts and a white one. “I came here to get some distance from him and to clear my head.”

“Oh, okay.”

“I appreciate your concern, though. Thank you.” I picked up a basic pair of sunglasses and winced at the price.

“I’m just looking out for a friend.” He smiled warmly.

Alex came out of the changing room a few moments later.

“Did you get the things I asked for?” he snapped. I couldn’t keep up with his moods.

He paid for his suit, shirts, and my glasses without saying a word as he snatched them from me. Would the glasses be coming out of my wages? Why did I need glasses anyway? I already had some; they were just back at the mansion.

“Take the tag off and put these on before you get outside,” Alex whispered, handing me the glasses. Confused, I did as he asked. It wasn’t until we got outside and were swamped by the paparazzi that I realized why he’d gotten them for me. Flashing lights were coming from everywhere as Shane directed us through the crowd of crazy photographers. The lights would have blinded me if I hadn’t been wearing my sunglasses. “Keep your head down and keep close,” Alex soothed, guiding me through the crowd by placing his hand on my lower back. Once we were safely inside Armani, I relaxed.

“That was insane,” I gasped, catching my breath.