Silbie Luna just wanted to pass her classes and become the first undergrad co-captain for her derby team. She never thought shooting a promo for the athletic department would lead to a coveted role in a highly anticipated movie series. But not only...
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Silbie snuggled deeper into the down mattress as she tried to hold on to the erotic dream. Owen's hands glided over her body, leaving a trail of heat and desire. His lips brushed hers, then followed a path to her cheek. Ear. Throat. Her breath quickened with arousal.
She clutched his shoulders, urging him lower, and as he licked the spot just above her navel, she startled awake. Gasping for breath, she surveyed her surroundings half expecting to see him beside her, then groaned her disappointment. A derby trophy glinted from the dresser across from her bed, reminding her where she was. She was back in Parkers Prairie.
"Silbie?" Mom called. "Are you all right?"
"I'm okay. Come in."
She walked to Silbie's bed, sat on the edge, and rubbed her arm. "You sure? You were moaning."
Silbie grabbed pillows and pushed them behind her back, willing her face not to heat up. "I must have been dreaming. Probably an action scene from the movie." A better explanation than saying Owen was about to go down on her. Certain body parts tingled. Clenched. Stiffened. She clutched the cover and pulled it tight against her chest.
"I can't take it anymore, mom. What's going on? I got in too late last night to talk, but when you called, I heard something in your voice. Are you upset about the rumors? Because that's all they are. Rumors. I'm not dating my co-star. It's a publicity stunt. Jo says it'll help the movie."
She shook her head. "No. I don't believe any of the stuff I hear or read. I know you'd tell me if you have a new love interest." She wrapped Silbie in her arms. "I'm just so glad you're home. How did you escape the paparazzi? I expected the lawn to be full of reporters this morning."
No amount of denying could hide the fact Mom was holding something back, and the quick change of subject proved it. Her stomach twisted like a pretzel. She pushed away and eyed her mother.
"You aren't sick, are you?" The memory of watching her dad die flooded back with a force so strong, tears came without warning. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm crying. I mean—you don't—you don't look sick." She sucked in staggering breaths.
Mom held her hand. "Oh, honey, don't cry. I'm not sick. I promise. You said last night you wanted to see Maia. There's plenty of time for you to do that before we eat."
Silbie tried drawing a breath, but only managed to half-fill her lungs. Something was definitely wrong. Maybe Matthew was sick. Still bad news, but not as bad as if it were Mom. But, they were still newlyweds and Mom would be devastated to lose another husband. That must be why she couldn't talk about it. Too painful.
"Get dressed." Mom stood. "I'm headed back to the kitchen. Matthew's made a mess. He insisted on pancakes and omelets for you and Dante."
Silbie barely heard a word. Why be negative? It might be good news. Maybe a big announcement like an around-the-world cruise—or—Matthew had convinced Mom to move to Dallas. No biggie, but Silbie's brother would be upset if he uprooted their mother.
