When Dreams Come to Life (2 page)

I check in and ride the elevator up to my room, unlocking the front door eagerly. I take a quick look around. Everything’s so fancy! Laughing, I throw myself onto the plush king-sized bed and stretch my arms out above my head.

I can’t believe I’m finally here! I’m going to make the most of my time, so I toddle over to where the bellboy has deposited my bags and grab a few things to freshen up, so I can head down to hotel restaurant to get a drink and some food.

Once I get down there, I’m impressed. Hmmm, there’s a nice atmosphere and the staff are friendly; so far, so good. I laugh at my inner critic and decide to just try and enjoy my meal, and take a break from food. I order a peppered filet with a parsnip puree and snap peas. It’s cooked very well and tastes great, to my relief.

I sip my Pinot after I finish and decide to head to pre-register for the weekend once I’m done.

A small line’s already formed by the time I get there. It gets long quite quickly, so I’m glad I came a bit early. I get my lanyard and head to the vendors’ area to check out what they have for sale. I buy a poster and the photos that I’ll get autographed tomorrow, as well as a shirt.

There are a few more things I want to buy, but I concentrate on getting what I know will sell quickly. I can get the rest tomorrow.

I head back up to my room to drop my purchases off and get my things ready for tomorrow. As I’m picking out what clothes to wear, I start to get
really excited about meeting Eoin. I can’t believe it’s actually going to happen.

My heart starts to race and I feel tingles all over my body at the idea that not only will I get to touch him, but he’ll touch me. I close my eyes and just swoon over the whole idea.

I call room service and have them send a bottle of champagne up. This is going to be a celebration, not just because I’m meeting Eoin
fucking
Skye, but because of my restaurant and how well it’s doing.

I get comfy and turn some music on.
Secretly
by Skunk Anasie starts the night off and I sing and dance around my room, imaginary microphone in hand.

I’ve made it through three quarters of the bottle when I begin to feel as bubbly as the champagne. I think it’s time to relax and get to sleep. I want to look perfect tomorrow when I meet Eoin.

As I crawl into the soft sheets, I fall asleep with Eoin in my dreams.

Two

WHEN I WAKE, I throw back my covers and jump excitedly in the shower. My hands shake as I start to get dressed.

I’m going chic military and I hope Eoin is wearing a hat, too. The man looks so sexy in a one, so why can’t I wear one, too? I finish with my makeup and put my hat on.

             
Looking good, Lea,
I think to myself. With a smile, I head out and think,
Today’s the day! Eoin day!

I get downstairs and hop straight into line with thousands of crazed fans. Some of them are just plain nuts!

I’ve been standing for what feels like forever when Eoin comes into my view. God, he’s even more gorgeous in person.

I continue to look his way in hopes that maybe I’ll catch his gaze. He turns his head in my direction, suddenly locking eyes with me and gives that sexy, panty-wetting grin and a wink. No way is that towards me!

I quickly look behind me to see if some fox is standing in my general direction and turn back, only to meet those hypnotic eyes again. Again, he winks.
Wow!

So, I decide to give it a go, flashing him a shy smile. I point at myself, mouthing, “Me?”

He gives me a nod, confirming my wildest dreams.
No way!
I feel really nervous to talk to him but I continue to stare at him anyway.

He and his assistant seat themselves at the signature table and every once in a while, he looks straight at me.
Am I dreaming? There’s no way this is happening to me!

Finally, it’s my turn and as I walk up to the table, he never once takes his eyes off me. I’m going to melt. I give a star struck grin and say hello, outstretching my hand to shake his. He pulls me forward, surprising me, and plants a kiss on my hand, never taking his eyes off mine.

My face heats instantly.

“What’s your name, love bug?” he asks with a smile.

“L... Lea,” I reply, nearly speechless. He nods

seductively and it spurs me on. “I really appreciate the work you do with your foundation. You’re a wonderful man, Mr. Skye,” I blurt as he signs my picture.

“Thank you, Lea,” he replies with a smile as he hands me back my picture.

As I go to say goodbye, he stands and kisses my cheek, whispering in my ear, “Make sure you save a dance for me tonight.” All I can do muster is a nod and a grin in return. Eoin Skye wants me to meet him at the Decade Dance tonight?

I’m screaming like a mad woman in my head. I cannot
believe
what just happened!

Crap, what am I going to wear? Something sexy yet tasteful, I think.

ä

As I head down to the dance venue, I reflect on my choice. I decided to go with a short leather skirt and black lace camisole, along with my black stilettos. With my hair curled and some smoky eyes, my look is complete.

I enter the ballroom and there’s a swarm of people everywhere, mainly women, of course.
Damn it!
I make my way to the bar, knowing I’ll need a few drinks if I actually get to see (or dance with) the most attractive man alive.

My confidence is skyrocketing as I head out to the dance floor with a few of the ladies I’ve met at the convention. We’re busting some moves when the shrieking starts. I look in the direction of the chaos and sure enough, Eoin has arrived.

I decide the best idea is to just act casual and have fun, so I continue to dance with everyone. Of course, I throw a glance over my shoulder occasionally to keep track of where Eoin is.

When the song we’re dancing to finishes, I head to the bar to get some water. As I’m taking a sip, someone taps me on the shoulder. I whirl around and there he is. Eoin bloody Skye. There are camera phones flashing and the women next to me at the bar are going insane.

He holds his hand out and asks, “May I have this dance?”

In my head, I’m thinking,
Um, hell yes,
but of course, I can’t say that out loud, so I just smile and follow him to the DJ booth. He requests a song I can’t hear and then takes me to the floor, sliding his hands around my waist. He moves his right hand down to my lower back, and rests his left hand at the top of my ass.

Oh!
I squirm at the touch and he laughs.
All I Need
by Within Temptation starts to play and the whole room literally swoons at the song choice, myself included.

I close my eyes and let out a deep breath. I don’t believe this is happening to plain old me.

He grabs my chin, lifting my head up, and breathes, “Ready?”

“Yes!” I reply.

He dances with precision, just as predicted, whisking me across the dance floor. I feel like it’s only the two of us and I’m about to combust at the seams with excitement. I think about what a mere picture of this gorgeous man does to me, and now, he’s standing in front of me.

My stomach is in knots and my head is whirling. Eoin Skye is touching me, dancing with me, looking at me with those piercing blues of his.

As the song comes to an end, he murmurs, “Would you like to join me for a drink in the VIP area?”

At this point, my words are jumbled and all I can do is reply, “Yes.” He laughs, that sweet sound pulling
at every part of me. He’s making it hard for me not to come undone right here.

We sit down in the plush red booth and the coloring of the room reminds me of a certain book, one where I always picture him as the main man when I’m reading it. I nearly choke with realization.

Not only am I sitting with a beautiful example of humanitarianism, but the man I’ve been fantasizing about for over a year as a kinky fictional character. That thought makes me laugh.

“What are you laughing at?” he asks.

“I run a Facebook page about you,” I reply swiftly, leaving it at that.

We begin chatting and he asks me what I do, so I reply that I’m a chef, knowing full well he loves a woman who can cook.
He he he!

He starts talking about his favorite recipes and how he loves cooking with his family. Can he seriously get any hotter?

We’ve been chatting for a few hours when a familiar song comes on -
What Makes a Good Man!
I’m tipsy at this point, so I reach for his hand and pull him to the dance floor. I’m dancing with Eoin - I couldn’t be any more naturally high than I am right now.

There are women everywhere, snapping photos and filming us, enjoying the show. I notice a group of women towards the back of the room who seem to be snickering at me.
Hmmm…

I turn and wrap my arms around his neck, going all out and sashaying my hips.

Take that bitches, ha ha ha!
I think gleefully. As I turn back to face him, his hands slide down and grab my ass.
Holy fuck!
I’m going to orgasm right here! He’s pushing me into that beast I’ve fantasized about for years.
God.

I’m breathing heavily and he has a look on his face that would stupefy any woman. I can’t help but notice he’s as excited as I am... Do I go for it, especially with so many people here?

He makes the move and I’m pulled into those lush lips. I instantly turn into a noodle, but he keeps me in his grip. His hand is on my neck, mine in his soft hair. I give it a small tug and I hear a faint grunt.

God, this is the dream of a lifetime! As we pull away from each other, I see he’s got that
fuck me
look in his eyes, and I turn into goo.

ä

We continue to dance the night away, taking breaks for drinks and a small laugh here and there. The end of the dance nears and I feel a small ping of disappointment that the best night of my life is about to end.

As he bids me good night, he surprises me by saying, “I’m very happy to have spent the night with a woman as passionate and inspiring as you.”

Okay, I’m going to coo in a minute! I thank him immensely for the night of my life.

“Good luck with your foundation and the show,” I say as I give him a hug. “This has been the best night of my life,” I throw in playfully.

He gives me that salacious grin of his as he says good night one last time and then walks away. He looks back a few times with that adorable puppy-dog face of his and I melt.

I head back to my room - God, my face hurts from smiling so much. I turn the corner and do a little dork dance at the night’s events. Getting the room card out, I look up.

Oh, my fucking God!
Eoin is leaning against my door! I stop dead in my tracks and my jaw drops.

“Are you free for a night cap, Chef Lea?”

“Um, are you sure that’s okay?”

“For you, definitely.”

He glides towards me, grabbing my face and pulling me into another deep kiss. I feel like ripping my clothes off and taking him right there.

As he pulls away, he gives me the most devilish grin. I feel like I’m melting under his gorgeous stare.

“Your room or mine?” he asks and now I’m in freak out mode - this is seriously happening.

“Your room is fine,” I reply, and I can’t help but feel nauseous that I’m about to go into the personal world of the man I’m madly in love with.

We head to the elevator and once inside, he hits the penthouse button, putting his key card in. As we glide up, I have to clutch onto the wall to hold myself up, all the while thinking about the sexy elevator make-out scene from his last movie.

With a wicked grin on face, he glances over at me and says, “Feeling a little uncomfortable there, are we?”

This isn’t fair! My breathing picks up and the doors open. I let out a sigh of relief that whole electrifying ride is over.

Of course, the penthouse is amazing, with a great view and the most beautiful decor. I sit down on the plush couch and continue gazing around the room. My eye catches Eoin as he walks into the room, slowly and painfully buttoning up a white T-shirt.

Walking over to his bar, he asks, “What would you like to drink?”

Of course, I reply with, “Bourbon.”

I really need to check myself in the mirror before I let him sit next to me, so I excuse myself and head to the overly large bathroom, all the while thinking,
Breathe, Lea!

Luckily, I popped an emergency stash of toiletries in my purse, so I do a quick touch up and try to chill out. I wish I’d gotten into something cozy before I’d come up. Maybe I’ll run back to my room quickly and change.