Star-Struck, Book 1 Read online

  “Sunny, if you don’t stop apologizing I’m seriously going to put you over my knee. I like the things you say, the things you do. I just like you. So when you apologize for being you, it pisses me off. So please stop.”

  “Okay. I won’t do it again.” Her back straightened and her chin came up imperceptibly. Good girl. Gabe wanted. No needed her to understand how amazing she was. Otherwise he was terrified what the media would do to her. He just hoped that he would have enough time to build something strong with her before the world started to interfere. And he knew they would.

  To ease the tension that had built between them, Gabe tried to lighten the mood. “Hey why don’t you turn on the radio? Pick whatever station you want. And I promise I’ll sing whatever song you want me to.”

  A huge smile spread across her face. “Deal.”

  ~~~

  Sunny reached over turning on the old original 1951 car radio. She turned to a station that played the eighties, nineties and today. Take On Me by A-ha was playing. She turned to look at Gabe with one raised sassy eyebrow.

  “Aw, this song is too high for me!”

  “You said any song I wanted.” He gave her a sad puppy dog look. “Alright fine. I’ll sing with you.”

  “Okay.” Big grin.

  By this time the song was at the chorus. Perfect. With the windows down, wind whipping their hair they sang at the top of their lungs.

  They laughed at how horrible they sounded. Sunny knew not many could pull those high notes off. But it was one of the best classics to sing badly with nothing but pure joy.

  By the time the song was over they were relaxed once more, enjoying each other’s company. Heading south from the 405 to the 5, singing any and every song that came on the radio whether they knew it or not, making up words if they didn’t. Sunny realized they must be headed to San Diego. Or Tijuana. But she didn’t think a show involving a stripper and a donkey would make for a good first date. She couldn’t possibly guess what he had planned, but she knew it would be great considering how attentive and thoughtful he was towards her.

  “Okay Sunny. I want you to close your eyes. Cover them with your hands if you have to, but I don’t want you to see where we’re going yet.

  “Fine.” Sunny grumbled.

  They must have driven about fifteen more minutes before he told her to open her eyes. When she uncovered her eyes, the big sign in front of her filled her with instant joy.

  “Sea World! I’ve never been, but always wanted to go! How did you know?” Sunny was literally bouncing in her seat with anticipation.

  “I had no idea. But it just seemed like something fun that you would like.” Gabe’s grin screamed happy and proud for making the right decision.

  “When I was a kid I wanted to work here. I wanted to be a marine biologist. And well, also a veterinarian, a zoologist, and an astronomer. I had some pretty big aspirations back then. And the inability to focus, obviously.” She shrugged sheepishly.

  Gabe laughed as he got out of the truck, making his way around to open her door. “Come on Sweet Girl. Let’s go meet the fishy co-workers you would’ve had if you worked here.

  “Ha! Funny.” Sunny rolled her eyes, but smiled happily. Taking the hand he extended to her, they made their way to the entrance.

  Chapter 6

  The afternoon spent with Sunny, was one of the most enchanting Gabe could ever remember having. She was just a happy person, filled with joy. It was infectious. He also couldn’t ever remember smiling this hard either. His cheeks were killing him. He had no idea how she could smile this much without her face cramping. Maybe that’s why her cheeks are so big and rosy…they’ve been worked out a lot. At one point he even had to ask her. She simply replied, “I’m used to it. Though they do ache a little today.” She even tried to smoosh down her cheeks with her hands and made a funny face to relax her mouth. But the instant she released her cheeks, the smile bounced right back into place. She just shrugged her shoulders as if to say, ‘oh well’, and skipped off to the next exhibit. Adorable.

  That’s how the afternoon went; her skipping, zigzagging, or dancing her way from one spot to another, filled with pent up energy. Gabe noticed that if there was music playing, Sunny would invariably start to dance and sing. And people loved it…loved her. They would either dance and sing with her or smile and laugh at the entertainment.

  Gabe also realized that Sunny made friends everywhere she went. She wasn’t afraid to talk to anyone. She would chitchat in the lines for rides, in front of the sea turtle tank and even while waiting in line to get giant pretzels and frozen lemonade. People just gravitated towards her. He didn’t have to worry much about people recognizing him. All the focus was on Sunny. Even the sea mammals loved her.

  The best was watching her during the Dolphin Encounter. The dolphin she interacted with, Phineas, took to her and vice-versa. The trainer had her feed the dolphin fish, made him twirl jump and at the end kissed her on the lips with his long bottle-nose, making Gabe’s heart burst. The dolphin even tried to follow her as she walked around the tank as they started to exit the dolphin arena. She looked up at Gabe with a huge grin on her face. He stopped her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

  “You know, I don’t think it’s fair that a dolphin got to kiss you before I did.” The dolphin had actually given him the perfect lead-in. Hey, he took what he could get.

  “Welllll, then I guess there is just one thing that can make it right.” Sunny raised her chin, putting her lips in direct line with his.

  Gabe slowly bent down and gently brushed his lips across hers, trying to savor the moment. Electric pulses shot through his body and he started to deepen the kiss. SWOOSH! Gabe was splashed with a shit ton of water. What the hell! Gabe turned and looked to see a fin dip back into the water. Then the dolphin’s head popped up and started squealing, in what suspiciously sounded like a laugh. The trainer had to call the dolphin back. She came over apologizing profusely and directed them towards a locker room with hairdryers he could use to dry himself off.

  Sunny had been extra quiet since the incident started. Gabe looked down at her and saw that she was squeezing her lips together in an attempt to keep from laughing. But failed the instant he looked at her.

  “AAAAAAhahahahaha!” She doubled over, clutching her stomach as she laughed at him.

  “Humph…” Gabe frowned at her.

  This of course, made her laugh harder. “That had to be the cutest thing I think I’ve ever seen. A jealous dolphin. Hahahahaha!” Gasping, she could barely breathe from laughing so hard.

  I’ll give you something to gasp about. Gabe thought it was time for him to take a stand for his pride. He took his hat off and threw it onto the counter. Smirking at her, he brought his arms up, reached behind his back, grabbed his t-shirt near the nape of his neck, and slowly started to pull the shirt up. The laughter died quickly as Sunny stared at him with huge eyes, realizing what he was about to do.

  ~~~

  Oh, boy! Sunny gulped. She watched as Gabe lifted his soaking wet t-shirt up from the back. The situation had been so comical that she hadn’t noticed how the wet shirt looked transparent and clung to him like a second skin. She noticed now. Drumroll, please! And the winner of the Hot Guy Wet T-shirt Contest is…

  The shirt came over his head and he also tossed that on the counter with his hat. Then he reached behind her to a rack of towels she hadn’t noticed before, his skin and scent so close to her, she thought she might pass out. He grabbed a towel and started rubbing it down he chiseled pecs and washboard abs. Oh, unfair! Her hands flexed at her sides with the need to touch him. But she couldn’t move. Didn’t dare move.

  “Sunny?” His deep voice caressed her like a warm breeze.

  She couldn’t speak. All she could do was look up into his eyes, which got her every time with that vibrant blue gaze.

  “Why haven’t you ever touched me? I’m always finding little ways to touch you. Sunny, I need you to touch me. I crave your sweetness.�
�� Sunny saw that he meant every word, the look in his eyes so vulnerable. And she realized that she’d went out of her way not to touch him, for fear that this would all just be a dream.

  Digging deep to find the courage that she needed, she took the few steps that brought her an inch away from his skin. Close enough that if she inhaled deeply her breasts would rub against his stomach. Slowly she reached up and gently placed her fingertips on the scruff that covered his cut jawline. With fingers splayed, she brushed her thumbs along his cheeks. His eyes fluttered closed and nostrils flared. Sunny slid her hands away from his face and focused on his ridiculously broad chest. Her hands rested lightly on his pecs, feeling the dusting of black hairs there. Then she smoothed her hands over the taut skin till her fingers brushed his flat pink nipples. And something in him snapped.

  A growl escaped his lips, and before she could process what was happening, he bent down, crushed his lips to hers and wrapped his arms around her lush bottom and lifted her like she weighed nothing. Holy shit! He can lift me! She wrapped her legs around his waist as he quickly walked her to the counter, setting her on the edge, biting, nibbling and making a meal of her lips. He pulled back sharp blue eyes searching warm honey, seeking permission. Getting the answer he needed, his hands grabbed her face and his lips swooped down, tongue plunging into her awaiting mouth.

  Once she had touched him, it was like she couldn’t stop. Her hands were all over him; his back, shoulders, chest, tight abs, bulging arms and beautiful face. She couldn’t get enough of his hot flesh. As their tongues intertwined, mimicking what their bodies wanted to do, Sunny tried to get closer to him, her wet heat seeking his hot steel. But her dress was in the way, tangled around her knees and thighs. Gabe realized what she was trying to do, and brought her arms around his neck and just as politely as he pleased grabbed her butt to lift her up and slid her dress up until it was bunched at her hips, then he sat her back down. Gripping her hips, he slid her closer to the edge of the counter. Her knees spread of their own accord to make room for him in the middle. Her wet panties exposed, she could smell the musky scent of her arousal in the space between them.

  “Ah God! I can smell you. Smell how much you want me.” Gabe’s forehead rested against her shoulder as he breathed in deep. He grasped her hips again pulling her up against an impressive (as far as she could tell), erection encased in denim. Little gasps slipped through her lips every time he thrust forward, rubbing his hardness against her covered clit, the friction causing delicious need to slice through her. Until her gasps became cries, becoming louder and more frequent. She felt the climax building as he pressed soft kisses all over her face, continuing to grind into her. And as she went over the edge, he covered her mouth in a heated kiss, tongues stroking absorbing her loud cry.

  Sunny reluctantly broke the kiss and Gabe rested his forehead against hers, their breath mixing harsh and hot. Never had she found her orgasm with a man, and this man quickly brought one out just from dry-humping her!

  “And that is exactly why I hadn’t touched you. I knew I’d have no control.” Sunny whispered.

  “Hmm…,” Gabe had no words yet. He just rubbed his hardness against her once, twice, three times. Sunny shuddered, clit still sensitive. Gabe finally pulled away slowly, putting needed distance between them. He tried to adjust himself in the crotch area to get more comfortable, but Sunny could see the strain on his jeans and his face.

  “Oh God, Gabe! I’m so sorry to keep doing this to you. I’m gonna end up giving you blue balls.” Sunny cringed seeing the discomfort on his face.

  “Sunny-” Gabe said in warning.

  “Wait.” Sunny interrupted. “Before you yell at me. I wasn’t apologizing for being me I was apologizing for putting you through pain. I don’t want to see you suffer because you’re giving me so much pleasure and you’re getting none in return.” She reached across and grabbed him by the belt and pulled him closer once more. With trembling fingers she unbuckled his belt, unbuttoned his jeans and was sliding down the zipper when they heard someone enter the locker room.

  Sunny quickly jumped down from the counter, straightening her dress. While Gabe zipped back up, fastened his belt and picked up his shirt and the hairdryer and started drying it, right as the trainer from earlier came around the corner.

  “Hey guys. How’s it coming along?” Gabe turned slightly and looked down, apparently not wanting her to recognize him.

  Sunny stepped up. “Oh, we’re doing good. Almost finished.”

  “Yeah, sorry again. Phineas doesn’t normally do things like that. He must have really liked you.” She said smiling at Sunny.

  “I guess so. It was sweet though.”

  “Pfft!” That came from Gabe’s general direction and Sunny had to laugh to herself. Jealous much…over a dolphin!

  “Well, I better get back. Have a good evening. And take as long as you need.” She waved goodbye as she walked around the corner.

  Sunny walked up to Gabe’s back, wrapped her arms around his waist, pressed her nose against his firm but soft skin and rubbed her face back and forth against him. His body tensed with pent up need. Sunny spoke against his back, “Maybe I’ll finish up what I started, later.” Gabe just put his head back and a groan came from deep in his chest. It rumbled so deep she could feel it through his back.

  “You’re gonna be the death of me, woman.” His voice came out in a thick sexy rasp.

  Sunny just smiled into his back and squeezed him a little harder.

  “Alright, Sweet Girl. Let me get you out of here before I take advantage of you in a bathroom stall.” He pulled her around to his front to give her a big hug, before he slipped back on his shirt and hat. Then they headed out.

  Chapter 7

  They walked back to his truck hand in hand. Once there he unlocked and opened that passenger door for her to get in. She had never been so spoiled before. She knew that she had told him she deserved better than ‘booty-call’ treatment, but actually getting what you want, she realized would take some getting used to.

  Gabe opened the driver side door and reached back to grab a shirt that had been hanging behind the seat. “Give me just a second.” He smiled at her while he shrugged on a beautiful azure blue dress shirt with shiny pinstripes of the same color, over his now dry t-shirt. The color of the shirt seemed to make his eyes glimmer like a wolf’s. All predator and she was his prey. He then pulled dress shoes and socks out of a gym bag that was tucked under the seat. He pulled off his gym shoes and gym socks and swapped them out for the dressy replacements. He took off his hat and grabbing one of the bottles of water he had purchased earlier for them, he took the cap off, poured some in his hands and slid his wet hands through his hair. Sunny realized he was rewetting his wavy locks to get rid of his ‘hat-hair’.

  She was enthralled at the entire process of him changing for a night out. “Well my, my, my.” Sunny said as she fanned herself with her hand.

  Gabe looked up from his reflection after fixing his hair and gave Sunny a cocky grin. “Is there something you like?”

  “Hell yes!”

  Gabe got into the truck, leaned across and kissed Sunny quickly but deeply on the lips, just a hint of his tongue flicking her lips. Now that the first kiss was over with, Sunny knew it was game on. There would be constant stolen kisses from here on out.

  “So you’ve decided to ditch the hat? Isn’t that a little risky? People are going to recognize you instantly. You’re kinda hard to ignore.” Sunny looked him up and down as he started the truck and pulled out of the parking lot.

  “I know. But a lot of the dress codes for the bars and clubs are strict. And besides, I’ve hung out around here a lot and no one bothers me too much. It’s nice.” Gabe reached over and squeezed Sunny’s hand reassuringly.

  She looked down at their hands, her heart warming. “Okay, I trust your judgment. I just don’t want a repeat of last night. That was pretty awful.”

  “Yeah it was. I got my ass pinched and grabbed several times.
And a couple of girls and quite possibly even a dude cupped my junk!”

  “Ha! How do you know it was a guy?”

  “Because if it wasn’t, that chick had awfully big hands.” His face was dead serious.

  Sunny’s head fell onto his shoulder as she laughed hysterically. Shaking her head back and forth on his shoulders, she wiped the tears off her face. She leaned a bit closer and kissed him on the cheek, finding it easier and easier to show her affection towards him without the fear of being rejected.

  “Just to let you know, I told Trent last night that I quit.”

  “What? Oh Sunny, I never intended for that to happen. I know how much you love to perform, I could tell.” Gabe smoothed a tendril away from her cheek and looked down at her sadly.

  “It’s okay. I can always find someone else that can play a guitar and willing to sing in front of a crowd. Don’t worry about it.” She covered the hand he still had on her face comfortingly.

  “So are you hungry?”

  “Yeah, a little.”

  “Well I’m starving…and not for food.” He stared down at her lips. Then a horn honked behind them, making them jump apart, letting them know that the light they were stopped at had turned green. He blew out a harsh breath. “Alright, let’s go eat…food.”

  ~~~

  Gabe parked on a side street in Mission Beach, an area filled with bars, restaurants, shops and a boardwalk amusement park. Laid-back and chill enough for Sunny to feel comfortable and at ease. Their first stop would be Risqué, an intimate lounge with good food.

  They walked the few blocks to the lounge, hand in hand. He was glad that she was becoming comfortable enough to show and reciprocate affection. He was also glad that it was now evening, dark enough for people not to recognize him. Plus, most people didn’t usually expect to see anyone famous walking down the street. He wasn’t ready for his date to be interrupted, things were going too well. And Sunny deserved his full attention.