Page 16 of Cat's Outta the Bag

"Logically, I know that. But my brain keeps trying to convince me they weren't even taking a picture of me, that I'm making it all up. I have a tendency to do that, set aside my own emotions, and look for a more logical response. I rationalize everything." She wipes a few tears that escaped the corners of her eyes, and I wish so badly that I could hunt down whoever took those pictures and make them pay. But that isn't helpful right now. Alexis needs me.

"You are not being illogical or irrational right now. We had one friendly lunch, and now within the span of a few days, you have strangers recognizing you and taking your picture. I've spent my whole life in the spotlight, even before I started my acting career, and I'm still uncomfortable when people take pictures of me without my consent. Because that's what's missing, the consent. People like to believe that people with fame sign up for this; to some extent, we do. If fans see me out and about and they come up asking for an autograph or selfie, I'm glad to do it. But it's because they've asked first, I have the opportunity to say 'no' if needed. And regardless of if it's paparazzi or random strangers, anyone taking photos of you without your knowledge or consent are invading your privacy. And that is not ok."

I blow out a breath, a little worked up and trying to keep my own emotions in check. Maybe I should just leave; Alexis doesn't deserve any of this.

"Hey, woah, where did your brain go there?" Alexis' cool, dry hand is suddenly holding mine tightly. "What were you just thinking about? I don't like that expression." Damn, she caught that fast.

"I just feel terrible." My frustration with this situation is mounting, and I can't see a solution. "You don't deserve to feel like this, and it's all because of me." And I should keep my distance. I don't say that out loud, letting it remain implied. Because I really don't want to stay away, but at the same time, I hate that being near me puts her under the microscope.

I can't look at her, I'm so ashamed of my life. I almost startle when I feel her hands hold my face and turn me to look at her. I don't see agreement or rejection, all I see is such sincere empathy I get choked up. How did I find her?

"Look, I won't lie. This has kind of freaked me out. But it's not your fault. That people live their lives boundaryless is their problem, not ours. And whatever we've started here, I don't want to end it before we even know what it is. We deserve a chance to figure that out together, and we can't do that if you pull away now. Ok?"

I'm nodding almost frantically by the end of her mini-speech and, without thinking, pull her into my lap, tucking her into my chest. She's straddling me now, but there's nothing sexual about our embrace. We're simply holding each other, seeking and giving comfort.

The mood between us shifts at some point, probably only minutes later. My hands drift from her shoulders, down her back, sweeping out, then back up her sides. I can feel her breath pick up, feathering across my skin. Her nose grazes the spot where my neck meets my shoulder, and it sends a jolt through my entire body. Hell, I didn't even know that was a sensitive spot for me. My lips come to her temple, gently peppering kisses down her cheek. She pulls back and tips her head up just enough that on my next pass, our lips connect.

Sparks, magic, whatever you want to call it, don't do this feeling justice. Her lips are pliant and soft, her bottom lip a little chapped from her chewing on it for probably her whole life. But I don't mind because that bottom lip is now between my teeth, and I never want to let it go. But a moment later, her mouth is open, and I can't stop from exploring her. How does she feel so good?

Her hands are in my hair, nails scraping my scalp. And I groan in response. That feels amazing. My own hands have found their way to her hair and ass, pulling her so tight against me that I feel every breath she takes, every shift of her hips against mine.

Before I quite know what I am doing, I deepen our kiss, shifting us down onto the couch, both of us grinding leisurely. Fuck, we have all our clothes on, and I feel like I could come already.

At that thought, I realize now is not the time. I need to stop.

I pull back, just enough to break the seal we've created with our bodies but not disentangle completely. Her lips are puffy from our kiss, and the pupils of her green eyes are blown. I nearly go back in.

"We should stop. You need sleep; we're both emotional right now, and I don't want to mess anything up by going too fast."

"I hate that you're right." She pouts, and that almost breaks my resolve.

"You're off tomorrow, right?" She nods, thank fuck. "Great, be ready to go at ten tomorrow morning. I'll plan a day for us, somewhere outside the city and away from prying eyes. Sound good?"

She nods, then pulls me back for another kiss. It's less intense but no less enjoyable.

It's Slinky who breaks us apart finally by jumping up on the couch and letting out a blood-curdling yowl. "That's her, 'I want snuggles right now' scream." We both laugh, and I give the cat a chin scratch before getting up off the couch. I reach down and help Alexis up. Once we're both standing, I kiss her brow, then head toward the door.

"Have a good night. I'll see you tomorrow. Lock the door behind me."

She huffs a quiet laugh, practically shoving me out of her apartment. "Please don't turn into one of those dudes who thinks he's an alpha. I do know basic safety habits."

I grin, happy to see her mood has improved. "Nah, just a man makin' sure his lady-friend knows he cares."

We smile stupidly at each other, unable to break eye contact while she shuts the door. Once I hear the deadbolt turn, I'm able to walk down the hall to my unit. Time to plan a date.

Chapter 13

Alexis

Considering everything, I really thought I was going to struggle to sleep, especially after the heavy make-out session with Jason. But instead of it leaving me keyed up, I fell asleep almost the instant my head hit the pillow.

However, I jolted awake right before my alarm in the midst of a wet dream in which Jason and I were in the shower together. And instead of being able to roll over and finish that dream with him, I had to pull out my trusty vibrator to get the job done.

I won’t let him get away next time.

I take a quick shower and do my simple makeup routine. Then stare at my closet for thirty minutes, wondering what the hell I should wear.

"What do you think, Slinky? Sexy or casual?" She's curled up on my bed, napping as per usual. But at the sound of her name, her head pops up and chirps. "You are absolutely right; I can go for a little of both."

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