by Christi Snow
“You know how everyone always complain how people in musicals burst into song at the drop of a hat because no one does that in real life?”
She nodded.
“Well, in my family, that is real life. I don’t know how much you know about my family, but my grandfather was a complete musical savant.”
“Really?” She remembered hearing something about that with the Greshams, but she’d never really paid that close of attention to their story.
Brady nodded. “He composed his first symphony when he was only three years old, which is astounding in itself. But that talent is hereditary in our family. Most of us have it to a certain extent. From my earliest memories, I had music playing as a soundtrack in my head that accompanies my life. It’s just always been there. Always.
“And from what I understand, it’s like that for most of us. In my family, we were the ones who always broke out in song when things happened, and that song was always something made up on the fly.”
Emily smiled. “It sounds nice.”
“It is.” His voice dropped. “It was, but around six months ago, the music started going away for me. I don’t know why. My friend, Luke, says I’m putting too much pressure on myself, trying to force it, and he’s probably right. I have a lot of really important projects on my plate right now. I don’t have time for the music to not be there. But I’m learning I can’t control it.”
His jaw clenched, and she yearned to reach for him and offer comfort, to somehow make it better.
He met her concerned gaze and gave her a small smile. “For some reason, the music comes back when I’m with you. You unleash something inside of me.”
She ran a hand over his groin. “Mmm, yes, I like unleashing that part of you.”
He laughed. “Yeah, that part, too. The sex is incredible, but having the music back in my head... It’s so much more...” He shook his head. “I don’t know how to explain how devastating it is when it’s gone. Having it back is everything. I feel like I can suddenly breathe again. Without it, I’m suffocating.” He lifted her hand and kissed the backs of her fingers.
“You’re right.” She wrinkled her nose and tried to imagine what he felt. “I don’t understand, because I’ve never had that. From the sounds of what you’re describing, it sounds like the music in your life is like another one of your senses. For a normal person, losing it would be like losing sight or hearing.”
“Exactly. That’s why I’m hoping I can convince you to stick around for a while. Be my muse until the annulment comes through?”
Whoa, she hadn’t seen that coming. She wanted to help him, but he was a really good guy. What if she got attached? Could she have more sex with him, get closer to him, and not end up with a broken heart? “I don’t know, Brady. What if you fall in love with me?” she said, trying to play it off as a joke. “I’ve done the husband thing before and discovered that I’m really not cut out for long-term.” In fact, she flat out sucked at it.
He cupped the side of her cheek. “That’s the difference. We’re already married. That ship has sailed. We’re just deciding...together...that we’re not going to let it become more. We’re not willing to let emotions get involved. We’ll have lots of amazing sex...”
“And you’ll let the music flow in your head,” she finished for him. It was so, so tempting. He was so, so tempting. Then he flashed those dimples and sent her the hooded, promising gaze that made her wet. She lost the will to fight him.
“Well, having all this incredible sex is a sacrifice, but if that’s what it takes to get your music back, then I guess I can do it. For you.” She heaved out a very put-upon sounding sigh. “I’ll let you ravish and have your way with me.”
“Hmm.” Brady eased Emily back so that she lay along the length of the couch. He hovered over her. “Who am I to turn down such a generous offer?”
And then he went on to show her just what kind of symphony he could play, right there on her body.
THE NEXT MORNING, EMILY stumbled to the coffee maker. Last night had been incredible, but she would be paying for the lack of sleep all day today.
Brady didn’t look much more awake when he shuffled out of the bathroom.
She shoved a mug filled with coffee into his hand. “Cream? Milk? Sugar?”
“No,” he mumbled. “Just straight caffeine juice.”
They drank their coffee in silence. Half a cup in, Emily’s brain woke up enough to think straight. She nodded at the large manila envelope that had lain on the countertop since Brady had arrived last night. “We probably should talk about that.”
Brady nodded. “Yeah.” He reached over to the envelope and peeled it open, pulling out the papers inside. “My lawyer managed to find video footage of us, getting married at the chapel.”
Her breath caught in her chest. She didn’t remember anything about the ceremony, but somehow, those few words made it more real. She’d married this man, this virtual stranger. Emotion welled in her throat. She’d sworn that she’d never get married again. Marriage led to so much heartache and pain.
“Because we were so drunk,” Brady said, “my lawyer thinks it will be no problem to get the annulment granted. We were obviously too far gone to make sound choices with legal ramifications. He’s sure this will be a simple, open-and-shut issue. Okay?”
She nodded and took a deep breath. “Yeah, that’s good. What do you need me to do?”
He slid the papers across the counter. “Sign this, and that will give him the go-ahead to get the ball rolling on the matter. Hopefully, we can get this all sorted before the end of the year.”
This all made sense. If they didn’t carry over their legally married status into the New Year, they wouldn’t have to deal with the mess on tax forms and such. It should be no big deal, so why did she feel like crying? She stared down at the signature line swimming in front of her eyes.
“Hey.” Brady came around to her side and lifted her chin so she had to look into his navy blue eyes that swam in front of her.
She quickly dashed at the tears. “Ignore me. It’s the holidays. Mac’s on his honeymoon, and my last marriage was a disaster. I’m obviously hormonal.” She tried to give him a smile, but her lips quivered, ruining the effect.
She pulled out of his hold. If he kept being this sweet, she was going to start sobbing into his chest. Her hand shook, but she quickly signed the papers and shoved them back into the envelope.
Finally, she found the courage to meet his gaze again. He looked worried and concerned about her.
“I’m sorry. I’m fine. I am. It’s just been an emotional month. It’s not about you. Don’t worry. I’m not one of those clingy women. I just never ever planned on getting married again, so this has thrown me for a loop on top of everything else going on.”
He tilted his head in question. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to stay married, either. Not at this point in my life. But why have you decided that you won’t ever do it again? You’re incredible. Why wouldn’t you want to spend the rest of your life with someone?”
Her heart clutched at those words. Hell, that was three-quarters of her problem. She desperately wanted that in her life, but... She shook her head at him. “How old are you, Brady?”
He reared back like she’d hit him. “What does that matter?” He sounded defensive.
“You’re just so young, not that that’s a bad thing. It’s totally not. I remember being young when everything and everyone seemed so full of possibilities. I’m just more realistic now, I guess. Life—and yes, my three painful divorces—have taught me that the promise of happiness is a fraud. Long-term love is a myth perpetuated by storytellers and movie makers.”
“Wow. Jaded much?”
She chuckled. “Definitely, but I earned that attitude the hard way, through pain and tears. Those kinds of life lessons do something to the heart. I’ll admit it. I’m not cut out for long-term. Never again.”
He studied her. “Someone hurt you.”
“Like you
have no idea,” she whispered. The tears were right on the verge of starting again. “So, despite the fact that I may seem like a basket case this morning, I am okay with this.” She gestured to the envelope.
“I like you, Brady. I like you in bed even more. You’re young. You’re hot.” She shrugged. “I could almost be your mother.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Brady lifted his hands to shut her down. “That is so not true.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I said almost,” she emphasized with a glare.
He raised his hands in surrender this time. “Hey, I didn’t say it.”
She laughed and shook her head, but then focused on the paperwork again. “So yeah, let’s do this. If you want to use me for sex to keep the music playing in your head, I’m here and available since I’m off work through the holidays. Let’s have some fun for a little bit and when the annulment comes through, we’ll be through, too.”
He pulled her into his arms. “Now, that’s a deal I won’t pass up.” He pressed his erection into her hip with a groan. “Unfortunately, I have some appointments this morning that I can’t miss. Can we meet back up tonight? Let me take you out before I sex you up.”
“Okay.”
He kissed her. “Okay. I’ll text you when I’m through with my errands in a few hours and let you know the definite plans for tonight.”
She nodded. She could do this...enjoy his company and his body, until the paperwork came through. He’d probably lose interest before then. There were too many years between them. While the sex was fantastic, they couldn’t have much else in common. Something better would come along for him, but she’d enjoy the ride until that happened.
Chapter Eight
Brady stared unseeingly out the car window as he ran his errands, the conversation from this morning with Emily buzzed in the back of his brain. He could see how three divorces would affect someone’s attitude toward love and forever, but Emily was wrong. There were happy endings out there for normal people every day. His parents were a prime example. They’d been happily married for thirty-one years.
In fact, his family was filled with happily married couples. He wanted to show her it was possible. Not so she’d consider the idea with him—he wasn’t made for forever...not yet—but so she’d consider it with someone. Emily was incredible. In the short amount of time he’d been with her, he already realized that. She deserved more than spending the rest of her life alone.
He could sense a loneliness in her. If he were to guess, that’s why her friend’s marriage was hitting her so hard. She didn’t want to be alone and single. But was he the right one to show her otherwise, or would that get them both hurt?
He liked her...maybe too much. Enough so that he could recognize getting attached to her was a real possibility. Neither one of them wanted more, but they might be playing with fire by attempting this.
“You’ve been awfully quiet today,” Luke commented as he navigated the downtown Manhattan traffic. “Is the music happening?” He gestured to the tablet Brady had been working on as they drove.
Brady glanced down at the page filled with notes. “Yeah, actually it is, but I’m taking tonight off from writing. Are you going to be available to drive?”
“Sure. Where am I taking you?”
“I forgot I promised Alex I’d be at his show tonight, so I need you to drive us.”
“Us?” Luke raised an eyebrow at him. “Is this a date? Anyone I know?”
Brady blew out a breath. “I’ll introduce you tonight. It’s...” He squared his shoulders. “My date is with my temporary wife.”
“Really?” Luke raised an eyebrow. “Well, isn’t that all kinds of interesting?”
“Don’t read more into it than it is. She’s helping me jumpstart my musical muse. That’s all.”
“So you’re not sleeping with her then.”
“I didn’t say that,” Brady muttered, wondering why he felt guilty. They were both adults and knew exactly where they stood in their relationship. There was nothing wrong with enjoying all the benefits this arrangement had to offer in the meantime.
“I’m not sure I understand. You called her temporary, but you’re sleeping with her?”
Brady barked out a disbelieving laugh over that attitude. “Oh my god, Luke, how did I not realize you were a virgin? You know, since you’ve never been married. Obviously you’ve never had sex.” He rolled his eyes, knowing full well that wasn’t the case.
Luke shook his head. “You know that’s not what I mean, but damn, man, you already lost your head over her once and married her. I thought you were figuring out how to get out of the marriage.”
Brady winced. In his world, marriage was supposed to be permanent. He still didn’t understand what he’d been thinking. He knew he wasn’t ready for marriage. Hell, he was only twenty-four years old. “It’s not like that,” he mumbled, even as he counted down the hours to when he could see her again.
To shut down the conversation, he picked up his phone and opened his messaging app.
Brady: I’ll pick you up at 7:30. Dress casually.
Emily: That’s all you’re going to say. What are we doing?
Brady: It’s a surprise.
Emily: I’m not really a surprise kind of girl.
Brady: Liar. I know you better than that.
THREE HOURS LATER, Emily stared down at their text exchange and had to work hard to suppress the shiver. He was right. How had that happened? How could he possibly know her so well after such a short time?
What was she doing with him?
Playing with fire. Dammit.
Brady was scheduled to be here in fifteen minutes, but she knew he had a driver, so the odds were he wasn’t driving. She sent another text before she lost her nerve.
Emily: How old are you?
Brady: Why?
Emily: Just answer.
Brady: 24
Emily’s breath started coming out in panicked pants. She already knew he was young, but... Damn, that was really young. She blew out a breath and tried to slow down her heart rate. She looked at the screen again. His answer hadn’t changed.
She was thirteen years older than him. Thirteen. Years. That had to be an omen. Not only was she way too old for him, but the exact number was the unluckiest number in the world. Another text sounded from her phone.
Brady: I should have lied, shouldn’t I?
How could she answer that? She would have felt better if he had. She knew he was younger, but she hadn’t realized by just how much. Damn. What was she doing?
Brady: Em?
Her hands shook as she tried to send him another message.
Emily: This is a bad idea.
Brady: Dammit...
Brady: We’re almost to your place. I’m coming up so we can talk about this. You’re not going to stand me up via text.
Emily: It’s not really standing you up if I tell you.
Brady: Not happening. Be there in 3 minutes. Open the door.
Emily shook out her shaking, freezing cold hands. This was ridiculous. Brady was practically a child. She wouldn’t let him bully her into going out with him.
She paced her apartment.
But then a hard knock sounded on her door, making her jump. She’d told the doorman that Brady was coming, so he would have let him right up.
She hesitated opening it.
“Emily! I know you’re in there. Answer this door, dammit.”
She rushed to open the door before one of her neighbors called the cops on them. “Hush,” she said as she opened the door and yanked him inside.
Brady slammed the door behind them. Shoving her up against it, he took her mouth in a passion-filled, no holds-barred kiss.
At first, Emily resisted his seductive onslaught, but as his hips ground into hers and his tongue worked inside her mouth, she couldn’t fight him. She moaned and relaxed into his hold, wrapping her arms around his neck. His hair was soft under her fingertips; his spicy cologne filled her nose. He surrounded
her in every sense of the word.
Minutes later, they were both panting. Brady still held her tight as he rested his forehead against hers. “I want to fuck you so bad right now, but we can’t. We have somewhere we have to be. Are you still with me?” He brushed a curl off her cheek, his expression so soft and nurturing despite the lust and passion that had rocked both of them just moments before. He thumbed her swollen lips.
Emily nodded, helpless to do anything else.
His eyes closed in relief. “Thank fuck. Until this chemistry brewing between us is gone, I don’t want to let you go. I don’t care what anyone else thinks or says.”
She frowned. “Did someone say something to you?”
He stepped back from her, released her top, and straightened the crushed silky fabric where he’d held it in his fist as he held her. “No, nothing like that.” But he didn’t meet her gaze as he said the words.
She pushed him back to the door. Someone had obviously said something to him. “Tell me.”
He blew out a breath. “It’s nothing. Really. Listen, this whole situation is weird with our mystery wedding that neither one of us can remember. Two weeks ago, we didn’t even know each other. We don’t even understand it, so it only makes sense that no one else will either. We’re adults. The sex is amazing. And for me, I’m enjoying spending time with you, knowing there are no expectations. Nothing else matters, okay?”
She pursed her lips and glared at him unhappily. “You know, you’re the young one in this relationship. It’s not right if you act more mature than me.”
He grinned, kissed her pouting lips, and trailed a couple of kisses along her jawline. “So, we’re good then?”
“Yes.” She moaned, ready to start peeling off clothes. Her empty core throbbed in need.
But as if he could read her mind, he set her a step away and shook his head. “Nope, none of that right now. We have to go. I don’t want to be late. Come on.”
She just laughed as she grabbed her black leather coat and followed him out of her apartment. The man could talk her into walking off a cliff, but as she glanced down at his dark-denim, clad ass, she decided that as long as that was her view, she’d be okay with that.