My Night with a Rockstar

by Mankin, Michelle

  “Hardly,” she says on a laugh. “I come here to study sometimes. This is unofficially my table.”

  “Ah-ha. Local celebrity.” I delight at her smile. “So, what are you studying?”

  “Accounting.”

  “That’s . . .” Surprising. Not what I would have expected.

  “Boring.” She rolls her eyes. “I know.”

  “No.” Yes. “I’m sure there’s something you love about balancing numbers that makes it redeeming.”

  Her lips twist, as if she’s holding back an amused grin. “I like my expected starting salary.” She shrugs. “I’ll always have a job and be able to support myself. It might not be the most passionate of degrees, but it’s practical.”

  “I have never met a sexy accountant, but in all fairness, I don’t know any CPAs other than the old dude my parents hire.” I tease, eating up the way her eyes twinkle with delight. “Thanks for breaking stereotypes and blowing my mind, Simone. I’ll never look at profit-and-loss statements the same again.” Not without thinking of her.

  She leans forward on the table, lowering her voice. “Can I tell you a secret?”

  I nod, loving the playfulness on her features.

  “I’ve still got two years of classes before I graduate, so don’t judge me.”

  “I won’t.”

  “I don’t know how to do my own taxes.” She winces, but she’s also biting back a smile.

  I tilt my head back and laugh.

  “Hey.” She tries to glare. “It’s not my fault. I’ve never made enough to file.”

  The waitress from earlier comes by with two mugs of coffee. “Need anything else?”

  Simone looks to me.

  “Can I get a basket of fries?” I want an excuse for us to stay long after we’ve finished our coffee. Besides, who can turn down French fries?

  “Sure thing. Kitchen’s slammed but we’ll get it out soon.”

  “No rush.” I’m not just being polite. I don’t want this night to end.

  After our server leaves, Simone and I doctor our coffee with sugar and cream in silence, sneaking glances and trading grins in the process. She hardly uses any sugar, but way too much cream.

  “So, Wild.” God, I love the way my name sounds from her lips. “How long have you been playing music?”

  “Since I can remember.” It’s the truth. “My parents had me in piano lessons when I was younger, and then there was a short and embarrassing stint with the trumpet in middle school.”

  “You were a band nerd!”

  “We don’t talk about those years.” I laugh.

  “I need photographic evidence.”

  “If you ever meet my mother, she’ll be glad to show you. Thankfully, I came to my senses and discovered guitar in high school. Better music too. Lucas and I met in high school, started writing music and playing local gigs. Moved up to Seattle as soon as we turned eighteen. Picked up Keat, Big John, and Matty up there, and Wild Knights just came together organically.”

  “Wow. How long have you guys been together?”

  “Six years, and we’ve been on the road for at least half of that.”

  “That’s amazing.”

  Honest truth. Sometimes it feels like a dream come true. Others, it’s more chasing after an unattainable goal. “We played the festival circuit this summer, and this year we’re focusing on building our fan base. Getting our name out to as many people as possible. We’re so close to really making it, you know?”

  “And that’s why you were at the mall today?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You must meet a lot of people.” She twists the mug in her hands, suddenly captivated with the contents.

  Shit.

  “Hey.” I no longer care about playing it cool. She needs to understand how special she is. I reach across the table and place my hand over hers, waiting until her gaze lifts. “I’ve passed out thousands of fliers, but I’ve never met someone who I wanted to hang out with afterward.”

  She stares back as if scrutinizing my words for bullshit. “Never?” She lifts her brows.

  Okay, so have I hooked up with a pretty chick after a show? Sure, a few times, but that was just sex. Maybe I’m a hopeless romantic, but there’s something more to the attraction I feel for Simone. It’s more than a physical desire. I want to learn everything about her. “Swear on my life, I’ve never been so happy to sip coffee with anyone as I am with you right now.”

  Simone

  He’s probably a player. He’s good with words, that’s for sure. But there’s an authenticity to the man sitting across from me that I can’t shake, no matter how hard I try. He’s into me, and I have this insane need to be with him. I’ve never slept with a stranger. Never even been tempted. Not until tonight. It’s against my rules, but for Wild I just might break them.

  “Okay, you two. Time to close out your tab.” Our waitress slaps our ticket on the table.

  “What if we want to order more fries?” Wild teases her, waggling his brows. Much to my embarrassment, I inhaled more than half of his order when it came to the table. Of course, I insisted on buying the next one, but three cups of coffee later, those are long gone.

  “Sorry, we’re closing in thirty.”

  I glance around, taking in the mostly-empty diner. I was so engrossed in our conversation, I lost track of the time. “Is it really that late?”

  She shoots us a wink. “You don’t have to go home, just can’t stay here.” She heads back to the kitchen. “Let me know if you need change.”

  “Thanks.” I reach for my purse and retrieve my wallet.

  “I’ve got it.” Wild pulls a few bills from his pocket and sets them on the table.

  “Oh, you don’t have to.” He shouldn’t pay. Not that coffee and French fries comes to a hefty bill, but I sense he’s not wealthy—something I relate to. Anyway, this isn’t a date. “Let’s split it, at least.”

  “Simone. Please. I want to.” He slides his chair back from the table, moving to stand. “Besides, you’re a cheap date.”

  I stand and slide my jean jacket on, anticipating the air will chill me to the bone the minute we step outside. “Yeah, well just to warn you, normally I eat a lot more.”

  “Good.” He chuckles and waits for me to lead the way outside. Once again his palm rests on the small of my back and shoots a tingle of anticipation down my spine. I wish I could feel the heat from his touch. My body practically aches for it.

  Stepping out onto the curb, I shove my hands into my pockets. I’m unsure where this goes next. I don’t want it to end. I’m amazed it’s nearly two in the morning, yet my mind is on such a high. I’ve never fallen into sync with a stranger like this before, laughing and conversing as if we’ve been doing it our entire lives.

  “I can’t believe we talked for four hours.” He voices my exact thoughts.

  “You must be exhausted from listening to me chat your ear off.”

  “Not at all. I can’t believe this night is almost over.” He takes a step forward, crowding my personal space. “I feel like it’s just getting started.”

  “Me too.”

  “This probably sounds corny, but I don’t want tonight to end.”

  He’s so close. Close enough I could pull his body to mine and kiss him. I want to. So badly, but I chicken out, breaking our eye contact to glance over at a passing car. “What time do you leave tomorrow?”

  “Eight.”

  “In the morning?” At his nod my eyes practically bug out. “Oh, my goodness! You’re not gonna get any sleep.”

  “It’s fine.” He shrugs, seemingly unfazed. “I’ll sleep in the van. We all take turns driving.”

  “You’re not tired?”

  “I’ve never been more awake.” His eyes catch with the flicker from a nearby streetlight. Captivating. Mesmerizing. He’s so damn beautiful.

  My gaze drops to his lips as he licks them. Lips I’ve watched curve up with a smile all night are now void of humor. The air charges between us. I wonder
if he feels it too. A charge so insistent and needy, I have to lean closer. I feel as if I might die if I don’t kiss him.

  “Simone,” he whispers, his voice low and throaty. Full of need. Want. Desire.

  My lashes flutter, the pull between us enticing me closer. Every molecule in my body is lit up with anticipation. He’s going to kiss me. He has to. If he doesn’t soon, I’m gonna have to make the first move.

  His palm cups my jaw, tilting my face up. His thumb rubs along my cheek.

  My lips part on a sharp inhale and then his mouth covers mine. His kiss is tentative, learning. But as soon as I reach for his body, pulling him flush with mine, something between us erupts and our lips battle. Taking. Claiming. Seeking. It’s too much and not enough. He steals my breath and sends my pulse racing. Shamelessly, I rock my hips, needing friction to relieve the growing ache between my legs.

  “Get a fucking room!” someone shouts from across the street. It’s followed with a cackle of laughter, and the outside world pops the bubble of intimacy we’ve gotten lost in.

  A flush works up my cheeks as we break apart, but there’s no shame to my embarrassment. One little make-out session with this man did nothing to quench the desire between us. If anything, it only lit it on fire.

  “Do you . . . maybe wanna . . .” I can’t believe I’m suggesting this. I don’t do one-night stands. I’m a relationship kind of girl. But . . . this is different. He is different. “Want to come back to my place?”

  His lips tick up with a grin, one that sends butterflies through my entire belly. “Yeah.”

  Part of my mind is screaming What the hell do you think you’re doing, but the other part, she’s throwing up high fives and fist bumps like I just struck gold. Maybe they’re both right; this is a recipe for heartache. I’m already attached to him even if I know he’s leaving in a few hours. But Jenn’s words from earlier today play on repeat, and I know I’d regret it more if we say our good-byes now.

  “Come on.” I take his hand in mine. “I live a few blocks from here.”

  Wilder

  Her place is tidy and cute, even if it is on the small side. She flicks on a lamp and I follow her past the living space. It’s bright. Cheery. Just like her.

  “Jenn’s room is in there, and this is me.” She stops at the threshold and turns, her gaze lifting slowly. A shy smile presses her lips together. It hits me that she’s probably never done this before. She’s not the kind of woman who picks up vagabond musicians, that’s clear from our earlier conversation. I’m deeply honored to be here, welcomed into her space and maybe even her heart, even if it’s only for one night.

  I step forward, my body brushing against hers, as I lift my hand and cup her cheek. “Hey, no pressure, okay? We can do as much as you want—or as little. I just want to be here with you.”

  She nibbles her lip, almost as if warring with herself, or coming to a decision. When her gaze lifts to mine, gone is the timid girl. Her eyes blaze with an intense focus that sends my pulse racing. She reaches for me, her hand sliding around my waist and tugging me closer so our bodies are flush. Her chest heaves with her breath. “I want you. I want this.”

  Fuck. There’s nothing sexier than a woman asking for what she desires. My cock strains in my jeans, pressing uncomfortably against the fabric as I grow hard. I have to kiss her again. Dipping my chin, I capture her soft lips—cherry sweet from her lip gloss.

  Her fingers dig into my body, holding me as if I might try to run. She has no clue. There’s nothing that could drag me from this moment. I’ve never wanted someone so badly. Maybe that should scare me, but I fully enjoy being cast under her spell.

  I walk us further inside her room, not breaking our kiss. Or at least attempting to. My foot bumps against something, and she giggles as we stumble, crashing to her bed in an ungraceful heap. She props up on her elbow and reaches over my body, grabbing clothes and tossing them to the floor. “Sorry. It’s messy. I wasn’t expecting company.” She pushes away as if she might actually clean her room right now.

  “Simone.” I reach for her cheek and tilt her gaze back to mine. “I live in a van.”

  She chuckles, sinking back down onto the bedding.

  I tug her to me, delighting in the way her laughter sounds muffled against my chest. There’s a comfortability I have with her, despite the fact we’ve only known each other for a day. It strikes me again how special this moment is. The connection we have is rare, something to be cherished. An almost primal urge comes over me—to please her, to make this good. For her pleasure to take center stage.

  My lips find hers. Licking. Sucking. Claiming her and erasing anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of kissing them before. My hands slide along her body. Over her jean-clad hips until her skin is beneath the pads of my fingertips.

  “Wild.” She pants as I explore beneath her T-shirt. Cupping her small breasts over her bra, I rub a thumb against her puckered nipple. She shivers and rolls her hips against my leg. She’s so responsive. So beautiful. So real and perfect.

  She pulls back and I almost argue. But she shrugs out of her jacket and kicks off her shoes—each one landing with a thump against her floor. I love where this is going. She sits up, finding my gaze in the light that shines from her open doorway. “You want to join me for a no pants party?”

  “Uh, yes,” I deadpan, then scramble to catch up with her. Unlacing my Docs and dropping them to the floor. “I’ve always wanted an invite to one of those.”

  She giggles, rolling her eyes as she unbuttons her jeans. “I hardly think that’s a problem for you.” She lies back to scoot them off her hips and I reach out to help peel them from her legs. Jesus. In her bra and panties, she’s literally every guy’s wet dream. My lips want to trace every inch of her body. My fingers ache to memorize the feel of her body. She steals the breath from my chest and I can’t look away.

  “Wild?” She bites her lip, almost as if she’s nervous. Or maybe it’s my unabashed staring.

  I should stop. But I can’t. I don’t want to. “You are so fucking gorgeous.”

  “Oh stop,” she whispers on a laugh.

  “No. I won’t.” I chuck my T-shirt, then do the same with my jeans, keeping my eyes on her. She scoots back along the bed, propped up on her elbows. I climb toward her, sliding my hands up her legs. Gripping her knees, I push them open and spread her wide. “Fucking gorgeous.” I drop my stomach to the bed, and kiss the inside of one thigh. My mouth salivates at the idea of eating her out. Her pussy is so close. My fingers play with the edge of her panties. “Can I?” I swallow, overcome with a surge of desire that’s almost heady. “I want to kiss you here.” My hand runs over her mound.

  “Yes.” Her chin nods an approval, but she gasps when I brush her clit, circling her bundle of nerves with my thumb. My body tightens with anticipation. It’s going to be so damn good making her come. With her help, I remove her underwear and settle between her legs again. If this position makes her uncomfortable, it evaporates the minute my lips kiss along her seam.

  “Yes. Right there.” Her breaths grow heavy and I work my tongue, fingers, and mouth in unison to bring her to the edge. Her fingers dig into my hair, urging me forward and sending desire throughout my body. My cock is so damn hard, but I refuse to grant myself relief until I get her there.

  “Yes! Oh, my! Please!” She writhes, bucking her hips and pulling at my hair. I don’t even think she realizes what she’s saying or doing; that’s how consumed she is by her own pleasure. If I weren’t so focused on keeping her there, I’d throw a fist into the air in triumph. Making a woman come, especially the first time being intimate, is no easy task.

  Her legs squeeze together, another moan leaving her lips. She simultaneously attempts to pull me close and push me away as her orgasm climaxes. The taste of her arousal hits my mouth and a grin spreads on my lips as I lick and tease her clit long after she starts to come down.

  “Oh, my God. Wild. Enough,” she says, out of breath.

  I crawl
up her body, leaving kisses the entire way. I relish in the warmth of her skin and the way her pulse races with her breath. “That was amazing.” I brush my lips against hers for a sweet kiss.

  “I think that’s my line,” she murmurs against my lips. Wrapping her arms around my body, she tugs me down for another kiss that goes from soft and sweet to hard and demanding before she even catches her breath.

  I’m so amped up right now. Like a high from playing a packed house, or writing a new song. My erection strains against my boxers, fighting to get in on the action, and I rock my hips against her center, seeking relief.

  Not wanting to assume we’re going all the way but needing to address the topic, I pull back and wait for her gaze to collide with mine. “I have a condom in my wallet, but we don’t have to—.”

  “Yes.” She cuts me off. “I want to. That is, if you do?”

  “Oh, fuck yeah.” I chuckle wryly, then tear myself away from her body to grab the rubber before I’m tempted to move things forward without it. Standing from the bed, I shuck my boxers and suit up while she ditches her bra. Completely naked, she lies back onto the bed and smiles. I don’t know what I did to deserve her, or this moment, but I’m struck with how precious it is.

  It’s as if time stops. The outside world ceases to exist. All that matters is right here in this room.

  I can’t imagine how I’m gonna get in the van and drive away after tonight. Not after I’ve been inside her. What is this girl doing to me?

  Swallowing back the emotion and my conflicting thoughts, I climb back onto the bed and crawl over her body. Her soft curves beckon me. So does her shy smile. Nothing about Simone is fake or insincere. I kiss her, making a silent promise to never forget this gift she’s giving.

  Her fingers slide down my chest to my erection, and she guides me to her center. I already know she’s wet and ready, but still I go slow, easing myself in with lazy, shallow thrusts.