Free Starlet's Web (The Starlet Series, #1) by Carla Hanna Page B

over to me ecstatic, “Marie, you’re a natural! You really are outstanding. I’m so proud of you!”
    * * * * *
    Byron wondered why I stopped kissing him. “Marie, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”
    â€œYeah, I was just thinking about my first kiss with a man, actually. You know, not a boy.” My first kiss with a man was with Rex. My first kiss with a boy was with Manuel. Both kisses were in front of a crowd and were not supposed to be romantic. But both ignited my body.
    I sat up from the bed and noticed that his clothes were off. “How did you get your clothes off?!  I’m not even close to ready to get naked with you.”
    He sat up next to me with the sheets covering himself and put his arm around me. “I don’t understand why you won’t let people love you. It’s not just me. Your best friend is Franz and you shield yourself from him, too. But I see through your shield. I can feel that you’ve never been loved physically.”
    â€œHonestly, I don’t even know what to do, how to… I know what to do on set, how to touch you for the takes, because it’s blocked for me. But this is real. And I like kissing but not…” I wanted to explain my sexual hesitation with men but I didn’t trust Byron with my secrets. I didn’t trust anyone with my secrets.
    I continued, “When I partied, I saw lots of drugs and people doing it so casually. I’m sure you’ve seen it, too. I was also raised Christian and should only make love to the guy I want to marry.”
    He interrupted with a whisper and kissed my ear and neck. “We’re in Hollywood, babe. There’s no such thing as that kind of love in Hollywood. It’s an illusion, unrealistic. It never lasts, can’t last. Your mom is a good example. She’s the devoted Hollywood good girl who got dumped anyway.”
    Byron put his hand behind the back of my neck and kissed me again. I loved the feeling. And he was right. Dad dumped Mom anyway.
    He continued, “What I know is that I’m completely in love with you. You’re just scared. I’ll help you.” He laughed. “Honestly, it will be my first time to make love, too.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThe girls are frantic to get my clothes off and have theirs off in seconds while I’m still finishing my drink. Look at you, you’re still dressed. We’re taking our time, loving each other. That’s what I want with you. I want us to enjoy each other, babe.”
    I let him pull me on top of him, still separated by the sheets. While his lips were kissing, his hands moved all over me and he put my hands under the sheets where he wanted them to be on his body. It was easy and moved very quickly. Before I knew how, I was clothed but under the sheets with his naked body.
    â€œYou’re so incredibly soft, like heaven. Please, Marie,” he begged, “relax.”
    He kissed me again gently along my chest, neck, cheeks, and lips. He gently caressed my body and lifted up my shirt to kiss my stomach and touch my breasts.  He paused and when I opened my eyes to see why, I saw that he was protected. I froze.
    Byron whispered, “I feel like I’m with an angel. There’s no one like you, Marie. You’re so beautiful.”
    Words didn’t come when he pulled off my sweats and panties a second later. He kissed my neck again. I couldn’t move. I didn’t speak. I stared at him. He opened his eyes as he got himself into position over me and beheld me with love in his eyes at first, shock second. He instantly moved to the side.
    â€œWhoa, babe. You look scared. You’re not ready. Please talk to me, tell me what you’re thinking so we can get you ready.” He kissed my cheek. “This is about both of us, you and me together, not about me. What can I do to help you, Marie?”
    â€œYou’re right. I’m not ready. I didn’t expect