Her Celebrity Crush

By Ava Catori

I was out of my league.

I didn't want to be just another girl that he took to bed. I wanted to be the girl he couldn't have. Only, I'd caved within moments. How could I not? He was insanely handsome, famous, and begging for a shred of my time. When he left my hotel room, I was sprawled naked across my bed.

Bear Trevor lived and breathed the celebrity lifestyle. When he invited me to join him for a while, I went along for the ride. I never realized how much it would cost me.

With too many unanswered questions, I took a leap of faith. Big mistake! What I'd have to give up was more than I was willing to lose. Tangled in a mass of anxiety, I sold my soul. All I want is to get it back. I hope I have the strength to find it.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ava Catori Books
• Release date: Sep 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516384389

Book preview

Chapter 1

Why do I always leave things until the last minute? You’d think I’d have learned by now, but no. My suitcase sat open on my bed, half-stuffed. The problem was that the other half of my stuff still wasn’t in it.  

After gathering the rest of my belongings, you know, the kitchen sink, twelve weeks of underwear, just in case, and a million bras, I strategically worked and shoved as much as I could into the carry-on bag. I wrestled and finagled with every inch of open space.

The real question was upon me...would it zip? I had my work cut out for me. I’d started to pull the zipper part way around, but it got stuck on the first corner.

Argh!

I snorted with frustration and yanked my clothes back onto my bed, trying to rearrange them in a magical combination that didn’t wrinkle the crap out of everything, and still allowed me to close my bag.

I leaned into it, shifted, then sat on it trying to squish the contents lower. I was almost there. After a few tugs, grunts, and not-so-nice words, the zipper made its way all the way around the bag.

Ha, ha! I felt like a queen. Success was mine. I was a warrior that battled and won.  Yeah, I have a pretty boring life. These little things are wins in my world.

Other than hopping a plane for the Sunshine State, I had no plans, no expectations, and free time. All I truly wanted was a fruity drink and good pool weather.  That wasn’t asking too much, right?

My eyes had glazed over the last few days, and the idea of leaving behind edits, writing, and too many documents was a welcome encounter. Yeah, I work from home, but it’s hardly a lavish lifestyle, though I do get to work in my pajamas.

It gets lonely sometimes. My two cats are my only company most days. Gumbo is my snuggly kitty, where Cheddar is more of a proper diva. She demands sunbathing time on her schedule. If she has spare time in her day, I’ll be recognized with a moment of affection. They don’t talk much, so our conversations are one-sided and limited, though they are good listeners.

By the way, don’t tell my mother that I splurged for first class tickets. I mean, they offered me a deal. How could I refuse? Okay, so maybe my credit card cried a little. Honestly, I did too, but it will be worth it! Sure, I’ll be pinched later when it comes time to pay, but right now, I don’t care. Too much time had passed since I’ve gotten away, and I’m treating myself.  Maybe Cheddar is rubbing off on me.

Speaking of my mother, she was horrified, absolutely aghast that I’d travel alone. I don’t think it’s such a big day, but she squealed on and on about how it’s not safe for a single lady. Ugh! I don’t want company. I’m tired. I want pool time. Alone.

I promised her I’d lock my door at the hotel, and yes, I’d call to let her know I’m still alive. I probably won’t call, and besides the hotel door locks behind you.  Sometimes it’s just easier to tell her what she wants to hear. Does that make me a bad daughter?  

My sister promised to check in on my cats while I’m gone, and said she’d water the one remaining plant that’s still alive. I killed most of the others. Not on purpose, mind you, I’m just not that good with them.

I glanced at the clock and panicked. I needed to be out the door if I wanted to beat rush hour. I’d planned my flight to work around the madhouse, but sometimes even the smallest construction project backed things up for miles.

I gave Gumbo a scratch behind his ear and let my hand run along the length of his back. He rewarded me with deep purrs. Cheddar was in the windowsill. I gave her a quick pat, but she rolled over and looked as if I’d disturbed her beauty sleep.

Diva, I said under my breath.

I put a quick note to my sister on the kitchen table, then lugged my suitcase out to the car. I only made it half way down the street before I was forced to turn around.  Did I lock the front door? I couldn’t remember, and I didn’t want to obsess about it in Florida.

Check. It was locked. Back in the car.

The drive to the airport wasn’t so bad, but airport security took longer than I expected. At least I still had time to roam the newsstand and grab a drink. I found my gate and settled in a corner seat for the wait.

A low roar lifted in the hallway. It was getting closer. It sounded like a massive cluster of people. As it grew closer, my curiosity peaked. As soon as they came into view, I saw what was going on.

It was Bear Trevor! People crowded around him and snapped pictures. Bear was a playboy adventurer and famous underwear model, and I was pretty sure half the world had seen his billboards.

I quietly watched the commotion as he graciously wrapped up with everyone, then cut away. Weird. You’d think somebody of his stature would go to the private lounge club.

I tried not to stare, but he was even more handsome in person than in his underwear ads, if that was possible. I glanced over once or twice, but then willed myself not to turn into one of the lumbering fools who wanted a picture or autograph, just because he was famous. I forced myself to focus on something else...well, at least I tried.

Bear sat a few rows over and settled in with his tablet and headphones. He seemed like a normal enough guy, if you like guys like that. At least he was gracious with his fans.

***

When the call came to board the plane, I stood and rolled my carry-on behind me. I held back a silly grin as I mingled in line with the other first-class customers. I’d only ever sat in coach before.

Bear stood, too. Can you imagine if he ended up sitting next to me? I bit lower lip, trying to calm my nerves. It was possible, right? Eh, with my luck, I’d end up next to the old, scrappy guy who had a cold and invaded my personal space. You know, like the guy that was standing in line behind me.

Once on the plane, I loaded my carry-on into the overhead bin. I took my seat, buckled in, and waited.

Bear came down the aisle. I held my breath as he moved closer and scanned the seat numbers above each row. When he turned to me and smiled, I about fainted.

Excuse me, I’m over there. He pointed to the window seat beside me.

Good gravy, he would be sitting next to me! I unbuckled my seatbelt, about to get up. Sure, no problem.

No need for you to get up. You’re fine. I’ll just ... He started to climb over me.

Thud!

Bear tripped over my foot and landed half in his seat and half across my lap.

Ouch! I groaned and shifted, trying to free myself, but he was wedged between the seats. Annoyed, I snapped. You should have let me get up.

Sorry, sorry. Bear wiggled free and adjusted himself, finally making it to his own seat.  

I glared at him. He wasn’t exactly light.

I apologize, he said, then nothing more. He pulled on his headset, buckled his seat, and stared out the window.

I tapped his shoulder, still partially annoyed that he turned away a second after it happened.

He slid off his headset and looked at me. Yes?

Never mind... I realized I had nothing constructive to add after all. Whining wouldn’t do me any favors.

What is it? he asked again.

Damn. His voice was deep and sexy, resonating in his chest; a vibration that made me want to reach out and touch him. Crap! Of course, now he had to go all smoldering hot on me. It still didn’t excuse what happened. I huffed and shifted, then turned as far away from him as I could. Nothing.

He shrugged and put his headset back on. He apparently was over what had happened already.

I watched the endless stream of people load onto the plane, hoping we’d take off shortly.

Bear tapped my shoulder.

What? I said, not wanting to be bothered.

Let me buy you a drink. It’s the least I can do, he said. Oh, right, they’re free in first class.

No, thank-you. I didn’t want anything from this, this, clumsy-assed man. Bear, what kind of name was that anyway? It’s probably some stupid stage name, something famous people do. Well okay, and writers... I painted myself into a corner on that one. I had a pen name, but that was different. Right?

Come on, let me make it up to you, I feel badly that I squished you, he said, trying again.

Yeah, you did squish me. My tone softened. Maybe it was stupid to be upset over something so small, but his star status kind of made me feel—different. I couldn’t explain it. I didn’t want to fawn over the guy and make him think he was special. And yet, he was so damn hot, and all I wanted to do was fawn over him. My mind was in a tizzy. I didn’t know how to react. My ego was stubborn though and won the battle.  

He watched as I worked through emotions in slow motion.

I’m sorry. I over reacted. I guess I’m a little edgy. I haven’t flown in a while. I offered my hand. I’m Sophie Samuels, it’s nice to meet you.

Hi Sophie, I’m Bear—

I finished for him, and added a playful note, Bear Trevor, playboy extraordinaire!

He nodded Yep, that’s me. It’s nice to meet you. How about that drink?

I finally agreed. What started out as an awkward start, turned into a nice conversation. He wasn’t arrogant or boastful about his life, which really surprised me. I thought for sure he’d go out of his way to impress, but he didn’t. He seemed like any other guy. Only he wasn’t just any other guy, he was Bear Trevor.

An announcement came over the loud speaker. We’d made good time and would be landing shortly. I was kind of bummed. I enjoyed talking with him. He was actually kind of charming and funny. He wasn’t afraid to poke fun at himself, either, a trait I adored.

I’m sure I bored him completely, seeing as my life was as exiting as a piece of chalk, but he seemed engaged in the conversation. He was polite enough not shut me up when I went on too long about my cats and writing.

After landing, I grabbed my bag from the overhead bin and made my way off the plane.

Not a moment behind me, Bear called out, Sophie.

I turned to look and got caught in his gorgeous eyes.

He continued. Do you want to grab a drink at the lounge? I’ve got some time.

Yeah, sure. Why not? I answered, thrilled to spend more time with him.

We made our way to one of the airport lounges. After tucking our bags beside our table, we ordered a couple of drink. Only, as soon as somebody recognized him, a frenzy started. We were only there for a few minutes when the pictures started. People scrambled to get an autograph.

He winced. I’m sorry; it happens a lot.

No need to apologize. I watched him work the crowd, which was pretty impressive. He was charming and polite, but then after a few snapshots, he asked for his privacy and people faded away, back to their own areas. I guess he was used to handling that kind of chaos.

We each had a couple of drinks, but I knew I couldn’t linger there forever. I begged off, not