Never Say Never (The Price of Fame Series) by Aimée Duffy Read Free Book Online

Writing songs—a habit he’d not been able to kick since leaving the band—took up most of his free time.
    “Mum, I’m sure Sander doesn’t watch rubbish like that.” Chloe’s soft voice sounded from above him and he automatically sought her out.
    His breath caught in his throat and his heart galloped.
    Descending the stairs in the blue, silk bodycon dress he’d bought her, Chloe looked like all his fantasies had come true. Her long, slim legs seemed to go on forever, and the tight material clung to her curves like a second skin. Heated blood drained from his head and rushed straight to his groin, making the dark material of his trousers tighten.
    Dammit, how could he have once thought her merely pretty?
    As she neared, he forced his gaze to her face to avoid embarrassing himself in front of her mother. He was sure Joyce would doubt his intentions if she saw him sporting a tent pole. That didn’t help much though. Chloe had applied minimal makeup, and instead of masking her features, it widened those delectable eyes and highlighted her sculpted cheekbones. A swarm of silky waves framed her face and flowed down past her shoulders.
    He tried to smile, tried to greet her, but was frozen to the spot. Too scared to move, to breathe, in case his raging desire to pull her into his arms and ravish her was unleashed.
    “You don’t know what you’re missing, Sander.”
    Startled, he turned to the woman. Maybe, but he sure as hell wanted to find out.
    “Mum, Family Frolics is the worst game show on the telly. You only watch it for the sexy host.”
    Heat crept up his neck as the two women giggled. Joyce had been talking about the show . Not Chloe.
    Trying to concentrate with very little blood in his head, he pulled himself together. “Chloe, you look absolutely beautiful.”
    Pink flushed her cheeks, enhancing his opinion.
    “Ready to go?”
    Chloe nodded, walked closer, and wrapped her arms around Joyce. “You and Freda have fun.”
    “We will, dear. You have a lovely night.” Joyce kissed the tip of Chloe’s nose before they broke away.
    His heart tugged in his chest as he watched the loving exchange. Raking his brain, he couldn’t come up with a memory from his childhood where his parents had ever shown him that kind of affection. At the time he’d thought it was normal. It was all he’d known. He’d grown up with self-absorbed asshats for parents.
    “I’m ready.”
    Chloe’s voice broke through his thoughts. It didn’t matter. He had a sexy woman to himself for the next few hours and he shouldn’t be thinking about his parents. Had it really been so long since he’d been with a woman that he’d rather revisit his childhood than appreciate the beauty in front of him?
    As they left, Sander murmured good evening to Joyce and promised to bring Chloe home safe. He held the door to his Porsche open for her, all the while unable to shake the lust seeing her slim curves barely confined in the dress. It was going to be hard as hell concentrating on mixing music tonight with Chloe by his side.
    * * * *
    Chloe was…star struck.
    She’d met celebrities, movie stars, even some politicians, but she’d only been there to apply their makeup. Most hadn’t spoken to her, not really. But Sander whirled her around the club, his hand never leaving the small of her back, and introduced her to absolutely everyone.
    And if she was really honest with herself, she also felt itchy. Her skin prickled beneath his touch and she was both thankful and ungrateful for the material covering her skin—however tight the dress might be. If his touch through silk could make her feel this…alive, then what would it be like when his strong, steady hands skimmed her naked flesh?
    Chloe swallowed hard and gave herself a silent talking to. This was for show. She needed to keep her seamless knickers on.
    Sander leaned down to speak into her ear over the music. She fixed her spine and fought the urge to melt into him. “I’m up