UNSCRIPTED
DESIRES
A contemporary romance by
Cassandra Lawson
Copyright ©2020 Cassandra Lawson
All Rights Reserved
Cover designed by Pink Ink Designs
Proofreading by Kendra’s Editing and Book Services
This book is a work of fiction. All characters and events are creations of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental.
The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by federal law enforcement agencies and is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Also by Cassandra Lawson
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Epilogue
About the Author
Also by Cassandra Lawson
Reckless Release Series
Rocking Standby
Rock & Regrets
Rocking Perfection
Rock Her Crazy
Rocking Christmas
Reckless Release Companion Novels
Thin Walls
Body Shots and Betrayal
Spells That Bind Series
Sinfully Spellbound
Shamelessly Spellbound
Seductively Spellbound
Undeniably Hellbound
Inescapably Hellbound
Reluctantly Hellbound
Scandalously Hellbound
Hopelessly Hellbound
Irresistibly Moonbound
Death and Christmas
Love Without Batteries Series
Dirty at 30
Naughty at 30
Sultry at 30
Moon Virus Series
Raven’s Blood
Embrace the Heat
Seducing Death
Shattered Restraint
Impulsive Destiny
Untamed Winter
Inevitable Darkness
Psy-Vamp Series
Vampires and Vixens
Safe Hex With a Vampire
Vampires Prefer Blondes
The Vampire Will See You Now
Wanton with a Vampire
Vampire in Geek’s Clothing
Wicked Crazy Vampire Love
A Vampire Christmas
Acknowledgments
Thank you, April, Kari, Ria, and Yvonne, for helping me get this book ready for publication. I also want to thank my daughters, Seramina and Jilliana, for being so patient when I am caught up in my writing.
Chapter 1
Gemma
A Vegas wedding wouldn’t have been my first choice, but I understood my sister’s reasons. Jade and Remi wanted to avoid several family members on both sides, and I didn’t blame them one bit. Remi had flown twenty-five wedding guests out first-class to keep the guest list small. Another fifty people had reserved flights after hearing about the wedding. Luckily, none of the people Remi and Jade truly wanted to avoid had attended.
“This place is so elegant,” Misti cooed from my side.
“It is,” Kristi chimed in. “We should get some more drinks.”
They’d already had enough to drink if they thought the heart of this particular casino looked elegant.
After the reception, I’d been talked into hanging out with Remi’s barely twenty-one-year-old cousins, Misti and Kristi. Both were worried about me being alone in Vegas.
This was the first time either of the bubbly blondes had been to Vegas. When they’d cornered me on my way up to my room after the reception, I’d been reluctant to agree to have drinks with them, but they’d been relentless. After a couple of drinks, they’d convinced me to see a band play at the casino. We’d had a lot of fun, but I was ready to call it a night.
“I’m going to head back to my room now,” I told them. “It’s getting late, and I’m exhausted.”
“But Gemmy-Gem,” Misti whined. “We’re having so much fun.”
Gemmy-Gem? Oh, no, that would never do. I wasn’t the Gemmy-Gem type.
Kristi started talking before I had a chance to speak out on the nickname. “Do you know what we should do?”
“What?” Misti asked.
“We should all get makeovers and then try out for the show they’re filming here.”
“The show that has the city nearly booked up?” I asked. “There must be hundreds of women trying to get on there.” I felt bad when I saw their smiles fade. “You could both get on the show, but I think it’s going to be a mess. This may all be a publicity stunt. I’ve heard these reality shows are rigged, and they already know who’s going to win.”
“There’s no winner on this show,” Kristi argued.
“What show is it?” I asked.
“Married in Three Days, The Celebrity Edition,” Misti replied. “I can’t believe they decided to do a celebrity edition!”
“Have you heard of it?” Kristi asked me.
I nodded. “I’ve seen the ads for the next season.”
The show had the most ridiculous premise, but it must get good ratings since it was gearing up for its fourth season. Two strangers got married in Vegas after a three-day courtship. They followed the couple for their short courtship, wedding, and their first three weeks of marriage, catching every bit of drama. They even did a follow-up episode a month later to see how the couple was doing. Guess how many were still happily married? If you guessed none so far, then you’d be right. Who knew marrying a stranger and then having your life broadcast to the world weren’t the keys to a long and happy marriage?
“Who do you think they got for the groom?” Misti asked.
I shrugged. “I’m not sure, but what are you going to do if it’s someone awful? It could be someone with five ex-wives. When will you even find out who it is?”
“I don’t know when they’ll tell us,” Misti admitted.
“It has to be before we agree to be on the show,” Kristi replied thoughtfully. “We can always back out.�
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“That’s true,” I agreed. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes!” Kristi squealed.
“We have to do it!” Misti added. “It will be an adventure.”
“If you’re going, then you should get some rest tonight,” I suggested because at least it would get them to stop trying to drag me around. “You don’t want to have bags under your eyes tomorrow.”
“Good thinking,” Misti agreed. “We can all meet for makeovers tomorrow morning. The concierge should be able to help us get three appointments at the spa.”
I seriously doubted any spa in the area still had openings the day of auditions, but that wasn’t the part of her plan I wanted to nip in the bud. “Three?”
“You’re coming with us, right?” Misti asked.
“I’m not interested in a makeover or being on a reality show,” I replied. “How about if I meet you after your makeovers, and I’ll go with to cheer you on?”
“You have to try out,” Kristi insisted.
“I’ve heard rumors that they got a super-hot celebrity,” Misti added. “This is your big chance.”
I laughed at their enthusiasm. I figured it was a given the show would bring in an attractive celebrity. It was all about the ratings, but that didn’t change my mind. “No, I’m not the type to get picked for a reality show. You are both gorgeous, just like the women they always have on there.”
Even though it was a terrible show, I’d seen several episodes—most episodes, actually. I needed to get out more. In my defense, my best friend and roommate, Tucker, loved the show.
With their bubbly personalities, blonde hair, deep blue eyes, and long legs, Misti and Kristi would fit in perfectly. Though not unattractive, I wasn’t the tall model type they usually picked for the show.
I could barely claim to be five feet tall. My long black hair was straight, and I always felt it made me look pale. I thought my blue eyes were pretty but a little too big. I really wanted to head back to my room. My already poor eyesight got even worse when I was tired, and I didn’t trust Misti and Kristi to keep me from falling on my face.
The girls argued with me for several more minutes before finally agreeing to meet after their makeovers—if they managed to get appointments. I promised to cheer them on at their auditions. I might not want to be on the show, but it could be fun watching, that is if I was allowed to accompany them.
I started walking toward the elevators and promptly fell down four steps.
Chapter 2
Ben
I was wandering the casino to pass the time when she fell into my arms. That’s no exaggeration; the girl fell down the stairs, and she would have landed in a heap at the bottom had I not caught her. It was only four steps, but I still saved her from at least minor injury.
Her hands were pressed against my chest, and my arms were around her. “You okay?”
“Yes, thank you for catching me,” she replied with a blush staining her cheeks. “That was embarrassing. I didn’t see the steps.”
I chuckled as I helped steady her, not quite ready to let her go. “You’ve had a little too much to drink tonight.”
“Only two drinks,” she insisted. “I honestly didn’t see the steps. It happens.” She paused as she studied me.
My long-sleeve t-shirt covered my tattoos, and I had my long brown hair pulled back. I even had on a baseball cap to obscure my face, but it wasn’t much of a disguise. It had still helped me avoid being Stone Morrison for a couple of hours. Fans would recognize me if they looked close enough, so I wasn’t surprised by her next question.
“Has anyone ever told you that you sound a little like Stone Morrison?”
“I’ve been told I look like him, too,” I replied with a grin.
“I don’t see it,” she said with a shake of her head as she stepped out of my arms. “You seem a little too clean-cut.”
“Are you saying I don’t have what it takes to be a bad boy rocker?”
She placed a hand under her chin and looked me up and down. “Hmmm. No visible tattoos. Have you ever smashed a guitar on stage?”
“No, that would be a waste of money,” I replied. “Do you have any idea how much a good guitar costs?”
“You play guitar?” she asked.
“No,” I admitted. “The only instrument I play is the flute.”
She covered her mouth to hide her giggle.
“What? You have something against the flute?” I asked.
“No,” she replied with a shake of her head. “I was just thinking that this proves my point about you not being a bad boy rocker.”
“Bad boy rockers can’t play the flute?” I asked.
“It doesn’t fit the image. There may even be a rule against it.”
Damn! Her impish grin was cute.
Not many people know I can play the flute, certainly no one outside of my family. When I’d decided I wanted to take music lessons in elementary school, my parents had insisted on the flute since they’d been able to get my cousin’s old flute for free. They’d figured I’d quickly grow bored with music lessons. My parents had been right about me getting bored with the lessons, but to prove them wrong for believing I’d give up my musical dreams so easily, I’d stuck with it for six years. In case you’re wondering, those six years hadn’t paid off.
“I’m not much of a bad boy rocker,” I admitted with a sad sigh. “There go my dreams of having groupies follow me around.”
“Well, don’t despair,” she told me, placing a hand on my arm. “I’m sure you have flute groupies. Band chicks dig a guy who can play the flute.”
I let out a bark of laughter and placed my hand on top of hers to keep it on my arm. “How about you? Do you like guys who play the flute?”
“Are you flirting with me?” She sounded as if the idea completely shocked her.
“Well, yeah,” I replied. “Am I so out of practice that you didn’t notice?”
“I think I’m the one who’s out of practice,” she admitted.
“Maybe we should practice.” I flashed her a charming smile, the kind that usually got panties tossed my way—not this time.
“Not tonight,” she replied after only a short hesitation. “I need to get some sleep. It’s been a long day. I attended a wedding this afternoon, and I’ve been on my feet nearly all day.”
“One drink?” I coaxed. “You can sit down. I’ve had a stressful day, too, and this is the first time I’ve had any fun. Say you’ll hang out with me a little longer.”
“All right,” she agreed. “I’m Gemma. We should probably exchange names unless you want me to call you flute guy.”
“I don’t like the sound of flute guy,” I admitted.
“Does that mean you’re going to tell me your name?”
“Ben.”
Don’t judge me. It wasn’t exactly a lie; my name is Benjamin Morrison, but most knew me as Stone Morrison, lead singer of Pirates of Paradise. While it might be a little shady keeping my stage name from her, I’d gone out to get away from being Stone Morrison for a few hours. It’s not like I could date this girl, anyway—not when I was getting married soon. I nearly cringed at the reminder. I still couldn’t believe I’d been talked into this foolishness.
“It’s nice to meet you, Ben,” she replied. “One drink, and then I need to go upstairs.”
“One drink,” I promised.
Chapter 3
Gemma
Three hours later, I was still sitting across the table from Ben. His face was getting blurrier as I grew even more tired, but I hadn’t made any move to leave. I kept to our agreement about only one drink, but since I’m not much of a drinker, my glass was still almost half full. Ben was even less of a drinker, having ordered a ginger ale.
“Wow! You really didn’t see those stairs,” Ben remarked after I described how bad my vision was to him.
“It’s why I’m glad I live in an area with decent public transportation,” I told him.
“I spent the last
few years in New York. If you’re looking for a place with great public transportation, New York City is unbeatable,” he stated.
“That’s what I’ve heard,” I replied.
“You’ve never been to New York?” he asked.
“I’ve been there twice, but I didn’t use public transit as often as I should have. My friend out there insists on driving,” I explained. “We walked places that were close to her home, but she doesn’t even mind dealing with the traffic when driving between boroughs.”
He nodded. “I understand how she feels. Promise not to judge me when I admit this.”
“No deal,” I told him.
“This is the part where you’re supposed to assure me you’d never hold anything against me.”
I snorted. “I don’t do that for anyone. Are you about to tell me you play your flute on the New York Subway to earn extra cash?”
His response was a startled bark of laughter.
“Ah, so that is it!” I said with a grin.
“No, that wouldn’t earn me any money,” he replied. “I’m terrible on the flute. I was going to tell you that I either drive everywhere or take a cab.”
“I won’t judge you for that,” I assured him. “So, why are you in Vegas?”
“A wedding, just like you,” he replied. “I wish we could have met under different circumstances. I’d have liked to spend more time getting to know you. You are a very interesting woman—the most interesting woman I’ve met in a long time. I shouldn’t be saying this.”
“It’s fine to say it, but I’m not in a position to date anyone,” I said before letting out a sad sigh.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” he asked.
“No boyfriend,” I replied.
“A girlfriend?” was his next question.
I laughed. “No girlfriend either. I’m in a self-discovery phase.”
“What does that mean?” he asked.
“It means I’ve been trying to figure out what I want to do next with my life,” I explained. “I’ve been working in the same job for several years. I’m burnt out, and it’s time for a change.”
“People can date while they make a career change,” he pointed out.
“Yes, but I’m thinking about becoming a pilot, and all the training will take up a lot of my time,” I explained with a straight face.