Page 32 of False Promises

That had always been awkward.

“So why are you here, Mr. Hills? Why did you agree to suffer through this night?”

“Carter, please. No Mr. Hills. I’m not old enough for that.” The flush on Savannah’s face darkened. “One of my songs is featured on the soundtrack, so this is a requirement of the job.” Her eyes rounded. I shrugged. It wasn’t a big deal for me.

Savannah folded her arms across her chest, pushing her tits up, and I did a poor job of not looking at them. Was she doing this on purpose? I swallowed hard and brought my attention back to her face. My stare lingered a few seconds on her plump red lips, looking too perfect to be real. But right now, I didn’t care. I’d pay a lot of money to have them wrapped around me.

As if he’d read my mind, my dick twitched in my pants.

Easy, boy.

“I’m out of here. Do you want to grab a bite or something? I ate nothing since I got here. And now I’m starving.”Her stomach grumbled as if on cue.

“A midnight snack sounds awesome.”

I chugged the rest of my water and dropped the now-empty glass on the small table between us.

Savannah Prince and I exchanged a smile, and once again, her lips drew me in. They were like the poison apple. Forbidden, but oh so tempting.

“After you,” I said as my hand rested on her lower back. “If you like Mediterranean, I know just the place a few blocks from here that’s open round the clock.”

“You come to New York City a lot?” she asked, getting in step with me.

“Not as often as I’d like. But from years of traveling the globe, I’ve made it my mission to find the best spots in every major city to get food at any time of the day. And night. Places where tourists don’t go, so I can keep a low profile and eat in peace.”

Taylor, my security detail, stayed close to us, but far enough to allow us some privacy.

“It’s my first time in New York. I’m from Los Angeles. Born and raised there. I’m a sucker for the Californian weather. Not sure I’d survive the winter here.” Savannah let out a warm chuckle that rippled through me. “What about you?”

“Born and raised in Tennessee. I like my four seasons and enjoy a little snow on occasion. And I prefer the mountains to the city anytime. How’s the movie career going so far?”

She snaked her arm around mine, and something vibrated inside me.

“I’ve been offered an audition for the leading role in Wesley’s next blockbuster. But I’m going up against actresses with years of experience. One of them even won an Oscar two years ago. I guess we’ll see. It’s scary to be the newcomer. I can sense all of them judging me because I have no credits so far to back up my talent. A couple of people refused to even acknowledge my presence tonight. They acted as if I wasn’t even there.”

“Yeah, you’ll meet all kinds of people. The trick is to grow a thick skin. I’m not saying it’s an easy process, but it gets better and easier with time.” We arrived at the little joint in the basement of a gray-bricked building with a yellow awning over the front door. “We’re here,” I announced.

“Huh, you’re sure it’s safe? It looks a bit…well, it looks…”

I grabbed her hand and led her down the few stairs. “C’mon, follow me. I eat here all the time.”

We sat in a corner booth and ordered. The conversation flowed easily between us.

I pushed my empty bowl of lentils and chickpeas salad away, my stomach satisfied.

Savannah raised her eyes as she washed her last bite down with water. “That was pretty good.”

I arched a brow at her, eyeing the half-eaten shrimp and tomato plate in front of her. “But you ate almost nothing.”

“I’m not a big eater, and I never eat at this time of the night. Not sure my stomach will forgive me.”

“You’ll be just fine. After all, you’ve been starving all night, no?”

“I guess. Are you in town for a while, or are you going back home soon?”

“I’m leaving in the morning.”

Savannah’s lips drew into a faint curl. “I was thinking… This is awkward. I’m not ready for the night to be over just yet. It’s great, for once, to not have to pretend around someone else. I felt that all night. Those people expected me to be someone I’m not. To play naïve and insecure so they could feel superior. Anyway, I’m enjoying how normal I feel around you. Would you like to come to my hotel for one last drink?”