After the Internship: A Novella (The Intern #4) Read online

  “Bentley…” I whimper. “Please.”

  His tongue makes a path from my chest to my neck, tilting my body backward as his lips suck and nip at my skin.

  “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispers. His mouth wraps around my earlobe, making my entire body quiver.

  I’m completely wrapped up in him, loving how he devours me and loves me all at the same time. He always makes me feel so cherished and needed.

  A firm knock at the front interrupts our bliss, but Bentley is hell bent on not stopping. “Just ignore it. It’s probably just housekeeping.”

  I smile as his mouth continues to lick up my body’s arousal. “That’s why there’s a ‘do not disturb’ sign available.”

  I feel him smile before replying, “There was no time.”

  The knocking continues. Someone is definitely eager, but that doesn’t stop Bentley. In fact, it urges him on.

  He lays me flat on my back and wraps his legs around mine, securing them to him.

  I moan as his lips make their way down my stomach, slowly making their way to where I really want him. I arch my back, leaning back on my elbows as I close my eyes—surrendering to his touch.

  I gasp as his tongue begins lick down my stomach, slowly making its way under my panties.

  “Mm…” I moan softly, urging him to go lower.

  “What do you need, sweetheart? Tell me.”

  “I need to not be wearing clothes,” I mock.

  “Oh, my god!” a woman’s voice squeals. My eyes pop open to Angie standing in the doorway with a frightened expression. I push Bentley off and cover myself up immediately, my cheeks blushing from embarrassment.

  “God, Angie,” Bentley growls. “What are you doing in here?”

  “I’m sorry, I-I thought you were still sleeping. I knocked for like ten minutes.”

  “And yet, you didn’t get the hint.” He adjusts himself, sitting on the edge of the bed to hide my body.

  “Well, when my most important client doesn’t answer his phone or his door, I go to extreme measures.” Her tone is firm as is her stance. She’s pissed.

  “I’m off today. I told you that. Ceci just got in and she needed a day to rest.”

  “Yeah, I saw the resting that was happening.” She smirks slyly, crossing her arms. Bentley’s body tenses as she continues. “Well, she can rest all she wants. I need you to meet me in the lobby in twenty minutes. You need to meet with the photographer to discuss wardrobe.”

  She leaves before Bentley can argue his way out of it. And just like that—paradise over.

  * * *

  I spend most of the day in bed, switching between reading and watching TV. Bentley had to leave almost immediately to avoid getting his head chewed off—and not in a good way.

  I’ve almost fully recovered from jet lag when a waiter brings in a tray of food. I tighten my robe as I rub my eyes, trying to remember if I had ordered food.

  “I didn’t order room service,” I say politely.

  “Mr. Leighton ordered it for you, Miss.” He stands firmly, waiting for me to allow him into the room.

  “Oh…all right. You can bring it in here.” I wave my hand to the living room, not wanting him in my room any longer than necessary. “Thank you.”

  He nods and walks toward the door, leaving me with the massive tray of food. I lift one silver platter to find spaghetti and meatballs, and the other of chocolate cheesecake.

  I grin widely as I grab the small card that’s printed with my name.

  I’m sorry I can’t be there to eat your favorite meal with you. Enjoy.

  I love you,

  Bentley

  I laugh silently to myself. Favorite meal. The only meal we can successfully make together without overcooking. I sit down and begin devouring both plates when my phone goes off with a text message. Expecting to see Bentley’s name, my eyes widen when I realize it’s not him.

  Katelynn: OMG…guess who’s getting married??

  Me: OMG…is it a Kardashian sister? Is it Kourtney?

  Katelynn: No, you reality TV junkie. ME!

  I gasp aloud, almost dropping my phone.

  Me: WHAT? Omg! I’m missing it? I missed it!

  Tears begin streaming down my cheeks as I imagine Brandon on one knee confessing his love to her. They’ve been together for over two years now and are beyond perfect for each other, so I knew it was coming. However, now I’m so depressed that I’m not home to celebrate with them.

  Katelynn: God, Celia. It was so romantic. He’s so perfect. I’ll tell you all about it when you get back.

  Me: You better! I so can’t wait! Send me a picture of the ring at least.

  I smile as I look at her perfect engagement ring. Reality sets in how traveling with Bentley has made me miss these kinds of things back home. I want to be here for him, but I feel like I’m missing so much of my life back in the states. I feel like I need a purpose besides keeping his hotel room occupied.

  Me: It’s gorgeous, babe! I can’t wait to see you!

  I lay back on the couch and wonder when this became my life. Bentley chasing after his dream is exactly what I wanted, but at what cost if it’s only going to jeopardize our relationship and alter our once-dreamed of perfect future?

  Chapter Six

  Bentley

  GOD, WHAT A fucking horrible day. It started out amazing, and then all went to hell the second Angie walked in our room.

  She nit-picked every single outfit I wore. She said it didn’t go with ‘my image’ and I needed to look the part. Whatever the hell that meant. I didn’t care as long as it got me out of there faster—which it didn’t. Twelve long, dreadful hours later, I was finally back at the hotel.

  I tiptoe inside, the room completely silent. I curse under my breath as I see Ceci lying on the couch by herself, sleeping. I feel like the world’s biggest jackass. I bring her all the way out here just to leave her in here with nothing to do.

  She’s lying on her side with a book pressed up against her chest. She’s wearing a white, plush robe—her hair lying wildly across the pillow.

  I softly brush her hair back and kiss her temple. I grab the book and set it gently on the table before pushing my arms underneath her. I slowly pick her up, her arms wrapping around my neck as I carry her into the bedroom.

  “Mm…” she moans softly into my ear. I smile as I lay her down gently, pulling back the covers. “You’re back.” Her eyes are still sealed shut, but she continues to mumble. “I missed you.”

  I cover her up and kiss her cheek. “I’m sorry I took so long. I missed you too, sweetheart. Get some sleep. I’m going to quickly take a shower.”

  “Mmkay.”

  I wash the smell of the stale studio off me, along with the cheap perfume that surrounded me. The constant retouching, primping, and grooming sometimes becomes too much. All I thought about was Ceci today and how much I was letting her down.

  I crawl into bed next to her and pull her firmly to my chest. Her body relaxes against mine, something she’s done countless times over the past two years. This—this is my heaven. I can’t wait until we’re married, traveling across the globe as husband and wife, and experiencing everything together.

  * * *

  “Sweetheart, it’s time. We need to eat and get ready.”

  She curls her body into a ball, mumbling something as she closes her delicate eyes again.

  I walk to her side of the bed and catch her smiling, pretending she doesn’t hear me.

  “You think you’re clever, don’t you?”

  “Come back to bed,” she whines. “I promise it’s nice and warm.” She wiggles her body deeper into the mattress as she folds her hands underneath her face.

  “I don’t think so, Ceci…” I whip the covers back as she gasps and crunches her body tighter together. I pick her up and lift her over my shoulder, squealing and laughing as I carry her into the bathroom.

  “Bentley!” she screams. “Put me down!”

  “You know the drill, swe
etheart.”

  “No, please, no!” She’s screaming and laughing at the same time, punching my back with no success.

  I grin as I set her down on the bathroom counter, pulling her robe open and exposing every perfect inch of her skin. “Jesus, babe.”

  “You know this is like assault or something. You can’t just take me out of bed and throw me around like a ragdoll.” She pretends to sound serious, but I hear the sarcasm laced in her voice.

  I pull her robe open more, letting it drop over her shoulders. Her hair is a wild mess, completely matted. Her eyes have dark circles around them, indicating she’s still exhausted from her long flight. Her skin is flushed, goose bumps appearing just from feeling my harsh breath against it.

  I stand in between her legs; she wraps them around my waist eagerly. I bring my knuckles to her cheek, rubbing softly over the pink tint that’s covering her cheeks.

  “You’re so beautiful in the morning. So raw, real, and completely you.” I lean down and kiss her lips softly. She moans in anticipation, but I don’t give her more just yet. “I really am sorry I had to leave you here yesterday.” She frowns as her eyes look into mine, showing me she understands. “Will you forgive me?”

  Her frown turns into a breathtaking smile as she nods. “Of course. I know work is important.”

  I lean down again and crush my lips to hers, eager to be inside of her, but I don’t just yet. She wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me in deeper.

  I brush my hands on her thighs, her skin soft to the touch. Her body quivers against me, letting me know she’s fully aroused and greedy.

  “Sweetheart,” I groan, not wanting to let her go. “We’re going to be late...”

  “Then you better be quick.” I feel her lips curve into a smirk.

  In one quick movement, I flip her over and tear her robe the rest of the way off. I bend her over the counter, her arms spread out as she grasps the sink. “Hold on, sweetheart,” I growl. I run my hands down her back, smoothing her skin against my fingertips until I land on the small of her back. I press a firm palm down on her, angling her body lower. I rub my palms over her ass, spreading her cheeks a part. I bring my hand up and slap her hard against one cheek, making her yelp in surprise. Before she can scold me, I rub my hard length up and down her cheeks. She moans in response, dipping her head lower and giving me access right where I need.

  I firmly rub my cock, pumping up and down the length, before entering inside her. She moans loudly as I take every inch of her, deep and roughly before setting the pace.

  “God, baby...” I growl as I thrust inside faster. I grasp her hips and pound into her hard, greedily. She dips her back, raising her ass against me higher, which makes me slide in deeper. “Jesus Christ,” I cry out as I feel her walls tightly consuming me.

  “Faster...” she pants. “Don’t stop until I come,” she demands.

  I do as she asks, squeezing her hips harder as I pick up the pace. The only sounds are our muffled breaths and the slapping of our bodies. I look up and see her looking at me through the mirror. It’s an intimate gesture I hadn’t expected, but being able to look at her as she comes in this position almost makes me come on the spot. Damn, she’s gorgeous. Beautiful. Striking. She’s everything. The way she gives her body to me, trusts me, and loves me—reminds me of everything we’ve been through to get to where we are now.

  Our eyes remain locked as her body shakes, unraveling underneath me as an orgasm takes over. “Oh, my god, Bentley...” she moans, her head falling back as I take her over the edge. She brings her face back down, meeting my eyes again as I pump forcefully—releasing deep inside her. I continue eye contact with her as my body comes down, relaxing against her. The way she’s looking at me is so intense that I can barely take it. I pull out of her and flip her over to face me as I grab her neck, pulling her mouth to mine. The kiss is deep and greedy, and I can’t find it in myself to let go, even though we’re going to be extremely late now—I don’t give a fuck.

  I pull her up, wrapping a hand behind her back and one behind her neck. Heavy breaths and silent pleas linger in the air as I carry her back into the bedroom.

  “I thought you said we’re going to be late,” she says breathily as I lay her on the bed.

  “Who fucking cares? You need me and I need you. The rest doesn’t matter.”

  She’s exposed so flawlessly, brushing her hand up her stomach and resting over her breasts. She’s teasing me, eyeing me hard to see what I’m going to do next with her.

  “Jesus, Ceci...you drive me so fucking insane, I can’t stand it.” I lay over her, resting my palms on both sides of her face. “So. Fucking. Insane.”

  She wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me to her. Her lips cover mine, consuming me before I can protest. Her kiss is needy and urgent as if she hasn’t tasted me in months. The way she pants in my mouth let me know how much she wants me.

  I break the kiss and run my lips down her jawline, her body arches as I kiss down her neck and below her collarbone.

  “Grab the bed and hold on.”

  She fists the sheets, gasping as my tongue runs a line down her stomach. I bend down, kneeling on the floor as I take her pussy into my mouth. I push her legs wider as my mouth and tongue lap her clit, her body shaking underneath.

  “God, Bentley...that’s fucking incredible,” she pants, barely audible. I pull her clit into my mouth, sucking hard as she jerks her hips. She releases the most delicious sounds, a mixture of pleasure and torture, as her body battles between wanting more and needing her release. Her voice is raspy, almost a growl as she cries out.

  I lick up her slit, twirling her clit around with my tongue as I insert two fingers. I drive deep and hard as my mouth continues working her. I lap her pussy over and over until her body trembles and her sweet flavor fills my mouth. I groan as I taste her—our mixed juices captivating me on a temporary high.

  I finally come up for air as her body slowly comes down. I kiss her thigh gently before crawling over her body and applying sweet kisses to her heated skin.

  “Christ, I can’t believe I get to experience that for the rest...of...my...life.” I dramatically drag out, letting each word linger on my breath as I smile down at her.

  “You’re going to kill me with that perfect mouth of yours, so I’m not sure how long I’ll actually have.” She keeps her smirky pout in place as I lay over her.

  “That’d be one interesting tombstone—Death by orgasm.”

  “Orgasm-overload would be more like it.” Her face heats as my breath brushes against her ear.

  “That’d be one hell of a way to die.” I grin against her neck. “However, I’m going to be dead if we don’t leave soon.”

  We finally get ready for the day, two hours behind schedule. Angie’s called my cell thirteen times, left me four voicemails, and texted me eight times. I am so fucked.

  Angie surprisingly didn’t chew my ass out. At least not in front of everyone. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did later, though.

  Ceci came with me today. She patiently waited and watched as people dressed me, posed me, and ordered me around. On days I have shoots, this is what my days consisted of. Not all days were constructed this way. Some shoots were on location or with other models. Sometimes I was able to take her out and enjoy the scenery in between shoots. This week would be similar to that—each day bringing something new.

  * * *

  The rest of the week was perfect. Ceci and I started and ended the day as we always do—naked and out of breath. I made sure to take a break every couple of hours in between interviews and shoots to kiss her and remind her that I’m hers. Some of the shoots were with other models, specifically women. Ceci has never said anything to me about it, but I know it makes her a bit uncomfortable. She knows it means nothing, but I know I’d feel the same way if the roles were reversed. In fact, I know I wouldn’t take it as well as she does. I’m sure I’d be right next to her, making sure his hands didn’t unnecessarily touch her so
mehow. It’s probably for the best the roles are, in fact, not reversed.

  I watch as she yawns, her eyes heavy as she sits in the seat next to me. We were in for a long flight, but knowing we’d spend a good two days in bed when we arrived home got me through it. Those were always the best days.

  “I can’t wait to get you home,” I whisper softly. “Once we leave LA, we get two uninterrupted days—phones off, food delivered and a whole lot of steamy sex. Forty-eight perfect hours.”

  She giggles lightly, shaking her head at me. “I don’t know...that sounds like that could be my death sentence.”

  “I promise to be gentle...at first, anyway.”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if your mother comes pounding on the door looking for me.” She sighs. “I don’t know why I even bother pretending to plan this wedding anymore.”

  “Sweetheart.” I lift her chin so she’ll look at me. “I want you to have exactly what you want. My mother’s just trying to stick with her image. She thinks if her son has this extravagant wedding, it’ll somehow push her farther up the social ladder. Just remind her and tell her what we what.”

  She scowls, lifting her upper lip at me. “That’s way easier said than done. She’s a bull. She doesn’t listen.”

  “Then make her listen,” I suggest. “It’s the only way you’ll get through to her. I’ll talk to her, but it won’t do any good until you stand up to her.”

  “You want my future mother-in-law to hate me?”

  “She won’t hate you. I promise.”

  “You know I don’t do well with mothers. Look how long it took to build a relationship with my own mother,” she scoffs.

  “All right. I’ll talk to her.”

  “Let’s just ditch the whole thing and elope like Cora and Simon,” she suggests playfully, but suddenly, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.