Page 54 of One Kind Hand

Cody stepped into the living room and rummaged around in a bag, coming back to Austin with a lint roller. “Now shut up, pick up the pooch, and smile for the camera.”

Austin did as instructed and in what felt like a millisecond later, the photos Cody had uploaded had a bazillion likes. He took his phone back and shoved it into his pocket, not bothering to read the gazillion comments that accompanied all the likes.

“Now that we’ve given the masses what they crave,” Cody said, rolling the lint brush over Austin’s suit jacket and walking him back to the door, “you can enjoy your night out.” He opened the door. “What is your plan when people catch you out tonight? Do you think Charlie is going to be cool with that?”

“I guess we’ll find out.” He cuffed Cody on the shoulder. “Take good care of my dog. Oh, and one of my sisters will be contacting you to schedule—”

“Their usual trip to the set.” Cody saluted Austin. “I’m on it. See you later.”

“Later.”

Austin stepped out into the hallway. He headed for his suite, but the elevator doors sliding open at the end of the hallway caught his attention. The absolute goddess that floated out of the elevator made his pants instantly tighten.

Holy shit.

Charlie walked toward him, her lovely hips swinging enough to put him in a daze. She wore a black coat with a belt closing it around her narrow waist. Her long legs arrowed down into a pair of black heels he’d probably fantasize about for the rest of his life. Her hair was straight and pulled away from her enchanting face on one side, making her eyes more vibrant.

But it was her lips. Her red lips. Her kissable lips that truly made his heart pump. When those lips turned up as she saw him, he nearly blacked out.

“Hey, there,” she said, her mouth curved up into an alluring smile as her gaze roamed over him. “Why are you standing out in the hallway looking too sexy for words in that suit?” She used a small purse to fan her face.

He tried to reply, but he’d forgotten how. Instead, he slid his arm around her waist, pulled her closer, and pressed a kiss below her left ear. When she shivered in his hold, he figured the night was off to a good start.

“More of that, please,” she whispered into his ear.

“You look . . .” He backed up a step and shook his head. “Words fail me, Charlie.”

“Better check your script then.” She smoothed the lapel of his suit jacket. “You look . . . insert some word that hasn’t been invented yet.” She cupped his cheek, her thumb bristling through his scruff. “I’ve thought about being with you again all fucking day. It was annoying.”

“Same,” he said. “But now we have hours and hours together.”

She hummed her approval. “I like the sound of that. Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” He checked that his suite door was locked then took her hand. “Let’s go.”

“Don’t I get to say hello to Berto?” She gestured to the door.

Austin shook his head. “He’s with Cody for the night.”

Her pretty eyes widened. “Planning to be too busy to attend to a pup tonight, Mr. Movie Star?”

“Yup.” He tugged her toward the elevator and ushered her inside. As soon as the doors closed, he pulled a dangling earring out of her ear and nipped at her earlobe. “Much too busy.”

“I think I like this plan.” She ran a hand down his tie, giving it a little tug. “You sure know how to fill out a suit.”

“Oh, this old thing.” He waved a hand then let his gaze travel over Charlie’s coat. “What’s under this?”

“Maybe there’s nothing under this?” She took her earring and slid it back in place.

He groaned. “Don’t tease me, woman.”

“Fine. I’ll save the teasing for that busy time you mentioned.” Charlie leaned in closer. “But so you know, all I’m thinking about is that busy time.”

So was Austin.

Chapter Ten

Charlie would be the first to admit that she loved airfields. They meant flying and she was always in the mood for that. But to be standing in front of a small plane that Austin owned—and had told her was their ride for the night—added a new reason to think airfields were heaven on Earth. The fact that she had Austin beside her, looking fine in his black suit, was icing on the cake. When the elevator doors had opened back at the hotel and she’d gotten an eyeful of Austin in that hallway, she’d nearly orgasmed without even touching the guy. There was no mistaking he was a movie star when he looked that delectable.