Page 56 of Country Winds
He looked at his phone and showed it to her.
Her eyes widened. “I guess we don’t have time.” She got to her feet and grabbed her carry-on, which was still in the entryway, and hurried to the door on the other side of the great room.
The bedroom was big and just as beautiful. She stripped out of her blouse and tossed it on the bed. Tucker moved behind her and pressed his body to hers.
She let out a breath as he reached around her, cupped her breasts, and rubbed her nipples with his thumbs.
Her body reacted instantly. “No time.” Her breathing came a little harder, and she turned in his arms and saw his smoky gaze.
“A hint of what’s to come after.” He gave her a sinful grin.
She playfully pushed him away. “Let me get dressed.”
He didn’t erotically tease her anymore, but her body still craved his touch. His plan was working—the rest of the afternoon and evening, she’d think about continuing where they left off.
She dressed in a ruby-colored silk jumpsuit that hugged her torso and flared at the legs. The neckline allowed for a little more cleavage than she was used to showing.
Ellie turned to face Tucker as she nervously brushed down the fabric at her hips. “What do you think?”
The hunger in his gaze answered her question. “Gorgeous. That outfit accents your natural beauty.” He moved closer to her and traced one finger down her breastbone to the deep V of the neckline. “Not so sure about this. The men are crazy about you already.”
“It’s for you.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “I wore this for you.”
He took her in his arms and kissed her long and thoroughly. He raised his head. “Are you ready to go?”
“Five minutes.” She left his embrace and went into the bathroom with her toiletry case. She touched up her makeup and brushed her hair so it fell over her shoulders. She bit her lower lip as she checked her outfit in the mirror. Tucker was right—she should probably be more conservative at these cons, considering how some men had responded to her at her first one.
Everything would be great, nothing to worry about. She stood straighter and took a deep breath. She turned to Tucker. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”
* * *
Tucker had never been one to handle disagreements or other problems physically. But as he watched men who leered at Ellie and propositioned her, he had the strong desire to punch each one.
When he had met Ellie, she was a vivacious country girl who happened to live in the city. She was energetic and handled her two careers well. At that time, life was at a slower pace. She’d gone out of town a couple of times for a few days, but things were different now.
Her life seemed hectic, and she was going a million miles an hour, despite having sold her business. She was away more often, and she continued to receive requests for auditions and outright job offers.
Things had changed dramatically, and he wasn’t used to anything in his life moving as fast as Ellie was.
He set his jaw as he watched another young man fawn over Ellie. He forced himself to take a slow breath and let it out just as slowly. Ellie handled the men well, better than he was. She smiled and brushed their comments aside, keeping things low-key. She distanced herself from these men after signing and taking selfies, not allowing them to touch her. She would thank them and move on to the next fan. She did the same with this young man. Tucker breathed easier when the guy was gone.
He was as surprised as Ellie when several fans gave her gifts. Some gave handmade items related to her game character, among other things.
Relief caused his muscles to relax as Ellie finished her session. She thanked Demi, the young lady who had assisted her. Demi gave Ellie a Myth Hunter fabric tote to hold gifts from her fans.
Tucker helped her and held the tote while Ellie gathered her purse and tucked away the zippered pouch with the cash fans had paid her for her autograph and selfies. Ellie still seemed uncomfortable taking money from people for her signature and a photo, but she went with what was expected. She had well over a hundred fans who had come to see her, and most wanted a selfie with her. He hadn’t kept track, so it could have been a higher number.
When Ellie had wrapped things up and stood beside him, she looked exhausted but exhilarated. Her face was flushed, her eyes tired but sparkling. “What an insane four hours.”
He brought her into his arms and hugged her. “You did great.”
Ellie hugged him back, and they held each other for a long moment. She raised her head and smiled up at him. “Thank you for coming here with me and being so patient.” She looped her arm in his, and they walked away from Zephyr’s booth.
“I was told I’m up for another award.” She shook her head in amazement. “This is all so crazy.”
Her words reflected his feelings about everything.
“Do you mind going? It starts in about fifteen minutes.” She looked hesitant. “You’ve been such a good sport, and I know this is all alien to you and not your cup of tea. I could skip the awards. It’s probably long and boring.”
