Page 56 of Out of the Gold

“Hungry?”

Her index finger lands on her mouth. “You know, now that you mention it, I’m ravenous.”

“Seems to be a theme. Not that I mind one bit, though. Want to go somewhere? Explore the town?”

She glances out the window. “Nah, I don’t want to leave this room. If that’s all right with you?”

Because I can’t help myself, I kiss her collarbone. “Perfectly. Let me get the room service menu.” I hop out of bed and head toward the desk, where I saw a menu. When I turn around to return to her, she’s sitting up. The sheet lies at her waist.

She purses her lips and whistles.

I shake my head and dive back into the bed, causing it to bounce and her to giggle. I like the sound. A lot. Sharing the menu, we place our order.

Kissing each one of her fingers, I enjoy all the different sounds she makes. She’s so responsive, so genuine. I find it hard to believe she’s had a hard time with men. Although, the fact she’s only ever been mine warms my soul. And something farther south.

“So tell me, have you given any more thought to the auditions inBackstage?”

My stomach flips and I drop her hand, banging my head against the pillow. “Well,” I begin. “I did go on the site. And.” I pause. Can I confess this to her? She’s going to think it’s stupid.

I’mstupid.

“And what?” She circles my nipple with her tongue, then gives it a tiny bite. She’s a fast learner.

I clear my throat and glance into her eyes. They’ve taken on a deep greenish hue as they urge me to continue. I was wrong. She doesn’t think any of this is stupid. “Well, ah, the Hamlet retelling does look sort of good.”

She grabs my hand and kisses the tip of my index finger like I did to her before. “When are the auditions?” I remain silent, so she flicks me with her tongue, urging me to reply.

“I think now.”

She hums. It’s a pleasant sound. Would sound good wrapped around my cock. “Something could be worked out for you.”

Her response does two things. First, drives all thoughts of a blowjob out of my sex-fueled brain. Second, revives any hope I had for even a remote possibility of auditioning.

She fills the silence. “I’m sure you could audition via Skype or Zoom.”

I close my eyes. She’s right. If I really wanted this role, I could make it happen. But am I good enough? “I’m sure all the auditions are already lined up.”

“You won’t know until you ask.” She blinks. “That’s what my mother always says.”

“She’s a wise woman.”

“She is.” Melody turns over and picks up my cell phone. “Here. Call Sam. Get this off your to-do list.”

With two fingers, I take the phone. Can I do this? Will Sam even entertain my offbeat desire? “Oh, I don’t know. This is sort of ridiculous, don’t you think?” I drop the phone onto the bed.

She kisses down my nose. “No, I don’t think wanting to see your dream come true is ridiculous at all. You told me before how much you loved doing Shakespeare when you were in drama school. You said the roles spoke to you.”

Me and my damned stupid mouth. Why did I have to confess all that to her? I try to turn my head, but she forces me to face her. Her eyes bore into mine. They give me a strength I didn’t know I possessed.

And maybe I don’t.

In a weak voice, I reply, “Well, I did say that.”

“Charles, I’m not going to make you call Sam. The decision is all yours. I want you to know I have faith in your acting abilities. And I also know whenever I pursued something I really wanted, whether I succeeded or not, I didn’t regret anything.”

Her words hit home. Regret. If I don’t jump on this chance right now, will I regret the missed opportunity? Will I always wonderwhat ifI’d made this call?

Inhaling, I hold my phone again. I lick my nervous lips and glance at her. She gifts me with a glorious smile. I can do this. I press the button for Sam.

---