Fauxmance (Showmance #2)(71)

Cameron remained unimpressed as he focused back on driving. When we arrived at the hotel where the ceremony would take place tomorrow, Julian came around to my side of the car to help me out.

“And a gentleman, too,” Nick commented with a wink. “I think this one’s a keeper.”

“What do you think?” Julian whispered in my ear. “Want to keep me?”

I swallowed thickly, not sure how to respond. I shivered when he pressed his hand to my lower back and guided me inside. A private dining room had been reserved, and Dad and Shayla stood by the door, welcoming everyone in.

Shayla wore a fitted burgundy dress that came to just over the knee, her dark hair styled in wavy curls. She was very attractive, not just for her age, but in general. Dad had done well for himself, but then again, so had she. My dad was always known as a catch around our town, but no woman had been able to turn his head until Shayla came along. She was ambitious and headstrong, perhaps a little vain, but also savvy. I figured she wasn’t all bad, especially since she knew about my books and didn’t tell anyone. She was loyal to Dad. If he asked her to keep a secret, she kept it. At least that was something.

She was a little taken aback when she saw me, since every other time we’d been together I wore baggy jeans and cardigans. “Ellen, you look beautiful. I hardly recognised you.”

Dad frowned, seeming to nudge her a little. She coughed, realising how that sounded. “I mean, you’ve always been beautiful, but that dress is simply stunning on you.” She came forward and kissed me on each cheek.

“Uh, thanks. I’d like you to meet Julian,” I said.

Her eyes lit up when she saw him. Even though she was marrying my dad tomorrow, I didn’t blame her. It was the effect Julian had on most women and Shayla was no different.

“Oh, yes, the boyfriend. Greg told me. I’m so happy to meet you, Julian,” she said, giving him the same kisses on either cheek. She studied him as she withdrew, her expression thoughtful. “Do you know what? You look so familiar, have we met before?”

Something in my gut tightened. Had they met before? Since Shayla moved here from London, it was definitely possible.

“I don’t believe so,” Julian replied cordially. “I think I’d remember a face as lovely as yours.”

She tittered in response, and we went to take our seats. Something about the incident niggled at me though. When we were seated, I leaned close to Julian. “What was all that about?”

He frowned and fiddled with his place setting. “I’m not sure. We might’ve crossed paths, but I don’t recognise her.”

“Oh. Well, you probably just remind her of someone.”

“Probably,” Julian agreed.

After that one speed bump, the rest of the evening went without a hitch. I managed to make small talk with my cousin, Chloe, who sat on the other side of me, while Julian chatted with Nick. I knew those two would get along.

When we got home, we had the house to ourselves, since Dad was staying at the hotel. He and Shayla were sleeping in separate rooms, for fear of bad luck, but my future stepmother didn’t want to take the risk that he’d be late. Since we only lived a twenty-minute drive away, that wasn’t very likely, but I got the impression she wanted everything to be perfect.

I stepped into my bedroom and Julian closed the door then came up behind me. He pulled my hair out of its bun, swept it over my shoulder then proceeded to pepper kisses along my neck. I sighed in pleasure and sank back into him. His arm wrapped around me, his hand pressing to the front of my stomach and bringing my bottom flush with his erection.

“I’ve wanted you all evening,” he confessed, hand moving up. He pulled the front of my dress down and slipped his hand inside to fondle my breast. I arched my spine, circling my hips against his hard-on. He let out a deep, masculine groan then broke away.

I watched, breathless, as he pulled what appeared to be a blindfold from his bag. Next, he removed a small black box and presented it to me like a gift.

“For you,” he said, mouth curving in a way that sent my pulse racing.

“What is it?” I asked, full of curiosity as I tore the box open. Inside was a bright pink dildo. I blinked, then glanced at him. He wore a sexy smile and I laughed.

“That is quite possibly the girliest dildo I’ve ever seen.”

“I thought the inviting colour might make it less intimidating.”

I stared at it, admittedly fascinated. “I’ve never used a sex toy before.”

Julian’s expression smouldered. “In that case, you’re in for a treat.”

He pushed me back onto the bed, pulled up my dress and yanked down my knickers. I was already wet when he flicked a switch and it started to buzz.

Well.

My throat went dry.

I squirmed when he settled between my legs and planted kisses along the inside of my thigh. I felt him press something into my hand and realised it was the dildo. He guided it to my sex; the vibration sparked through my nerve endings.

“Oh, my…God,” I breathed, undulating at the new sensation.

Julian took the blindfold and tied it around my head to cover my eyes. Everything went black, somehow heightening the feel of the dildo. He stripped me bare, kissing the tops of my breasts, my nipples, and my stomach. I felt his weight leave the bed, the swish of fabric as he undressed.