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She lifted a shoulder, then reached for the glass again. “I’d be stupid to say there aren’t. But as Sabina pointed out this morning, whoever is behind this is close to me. How many people could there be in my life who arethatjealous and whoalsohave access to my room and my phone? I’d like to think I didn’t invite whoever planted that device in my home into my most private space.”
“Did they find any other devices? I forgot to ask you that.”
She shook her head. “Just the one.”
“I guess that’s a small mercy,” he said. Although it was hard to think of it that way. Any intrusion felt like a violation. “Who is on the suspect list? Aside from Harry and Ricardo.”
“It’s not either of them,” she said. Then before he could respond, she added, “I know it’s not, but I also know HICC has to confirm it on their own.”
He hoped she was right. Both men had worked for her for a long time. If it turned out to be either—or both—the news would devastate her. “Okay, who else?” he asked.
She named a few people he didn’t know—people who worked for her in various capacities. And a few he did—other actors and people in the industry. The list was shorter than he thought it might be, though.
“No wild soirees?” he asked, only slightly teasing.
She shook her head. “It wasn’t how I was raised,” she said. “I socialize a lot when I’m out at events and such. But I consider that part of my job. For me, personally, I have a small group of close friends. Maybe a dozen or so. Most from college or early in my career. People like Sofia. And of that group, only six live in LA. Those who live out of town have visited over the years. But my schedule is more flexible than theirs, so usually I travel to them. Or we meet somewhere.”
Her response both surprised him and didn’t. If he thought about her public persona, it seemed at odds with how she’d described her life—not a week went by without her face being plastered on some magazine or website. But if he didn’t think about what she did for a living, her answer reflected her to a T. She seemed to prefer quiet time at home or spending time with small groups of people she enjoyed. Like his cousins. Although there was a good chance she’d change her mind about that once his family learned they were together. He couldn’t be sure his cousins and siblings would reserve their teasing for him.
“When did Sabina and Chad think they’d have an update?” he asked, setting his glass down and turning toward her.
“When I was at Cody and Tia’s, Sabina said they’d made headway today. She wants me to come in tomorrow afternoon.”
His hand slid down her hip to her thigh, and he nudged it over his, bringing their bodies together.
“Tell me when, and I’ll come with you,” he said.
“You have work, Asher. Important work,” she replied as she began rocking against his leg.
“It’s not up for debate, El. I want to be there.” She started to protest, but before she got a word out, he slipped away, then came up over her, settling himself between her thighs.
He dipped his head and started tracing the line of her neck with his lips as he grabbed a condom from the bedside table. She started to lift her body to his, but he set his palm on her hip and stilled her. Then leaning over, he whispered in her ear. “Be good for me now, El. And if you are, I’ll make you forget everything. At least for a little while.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Why is my family torturing me like this?” Asher muttered before slanting his mouth over hersagain and kissing her. Ellie smiled against his lips, enjoying the feel of being pressed between him and the kitchen counter as he said goodbye for the morning. Too bad the goodbye would be cut short. They’d both heard a car in the driveway.
“I think this one is my fault,” she said when he pulled away.
His amber eyes looked down at her. One of the things she enjoyed most about Asher was his easygoing way. But shereallyliked the intense, hungry version of him, too. The version looking at her now. The version that came out when he was doing—or thinking about doing—all the things that had become her favorite things. Given his gentle manner, she never would have guessed he’d be so dominant sexually. Not BDSM-level dominant. But definitely in control. And she never would have guessed how much she enjoyed submitting to him. No, she didn’t mind that at all. Not one tiny bit. Especially since it bodedverywell for her when she did.
“I asked Sofia to come hang out with me today,” she said. “I didn’t want to be alone with my thoughts. And I need to figure out what jewelry I’m going to wear to the Oscars. She’s good with that sort of thing.”
The heavy look in his eyes faded and was replaced with something softer. More concerned. But before he could say anything, she set her finger over his lips. “Go to work,” she said. “I’ll be fine with Sofia.”
He frowned. “You’ll let me know when you’re headed to HICC?”
She nodded as Sofia knocked. His gaze lingered on her then he stepped away. “You might want to put on more coffee,” he said before exiting the kitchen to answer the door.
She took his advice and started another pot as Asher and Sofia chatted in the foyer. A few minutes later, they both entered the kitchen.
“Caffeine will be ready in a few minutes,” Ellie said, smiling at her best friend.
“You are perfect,” Sofia replied, walking over and giving her a big hug. “Is everything okay, though? I couldn’t help but notice that you disappeared last night,” Sofia asked, eyeing the brewing coffee.
“That’s my cue to leave. Sof, good to see you. Maybe we can have dinner some night this week,” Asher said, dropping a kiss on her cheek. “El, I’ll see you at HICC. Call me.” His words brokered no argument, and she nodded. Then to her surprise, he stepped toward her, slipped a hand into her hair, and tipped her face up. Before she could think about the implications of his actions, he kissed her. Deeply. And without reservation. Her mind distantly registered Sofia’s gasp, but other than Asher, not much mattered to her when he kissed her.
He drew back with a satisfied—and mischievous—grin on his lips. “Have fun with that.” He jerked his head back toward Sofia then strode out of the house.
