by Jenny Lynn
“My mother has this thing about me dating musicians. It goes back to my dad and everything she went through.”
“Bad experience?”
“We grew up dirt poor in a Florida trailer park,” Corinne told me plainly. I was caught off guard by her honesty, by her refusal to feel ashamed of where she came from. Hell, I respected her even more for it. “We didn’t have much, but we were happy. My mom worked days, my dad played bars at night. I guess their schedules were hard on them, so was the financial strain. When my dad died, my mom had nothing. No savings. She hasn’t had an easy life. I’m hoping if my career takes off I can help her, buy her a house. Give her some peace of mind finally.”
“That’s really noble of you.” Her family clearly meant a lot to her. Every time I learned something new about Corinne, I found new reasons to like her. She was so good, so pure.
“You’re going to make it. And I want to be there, cheering you on.” I took her face in mine and kissed her again, completely lost in her. Intoxicated with desire. My soft kiss took on an edge and I pulled her to me, holding her waist as I sucked on her lip then swept my tongue along hers in long strokes. She straddled me then gasped when she noticed how hard I was. I chuckled and stood, holding her against me as she wrapped her legs around my waist. I started walking towards her bedroom, kissing her neck just below her ear while she sighed.
“But my roommate,” she whispered.
“I guess you’ll just have to try hard to be quiet,” I chuckled as I pushed open her door. I placed her down on the bed then kicked the door closed behind me. “And what I’m going to do to you, that’s not going to be easy,” I warned her.
She bit her lip and I sank to my knees in front of her, lifting her dress and hooking my fingers on the hem of her underwear. They were red and silky, and I pulled them down her legs slowly before dropping them on the floor. I reached up and shoved Corinne flat against the mattress then ran my finger along her soft little slit. She was beautiful everywhere, smooth and pink when I spread her with my fingers then teased her clit with my thumb. She let out a gasp then clasped her hands over her mouth. It made me smile, how responsive her body was for me. I didn’t give a fuck if she screamed, but the fact that she didn’t want to disturb her friend Nancy was cute. I never had to worry about roommates.
I closed my mouth over her and sucked, fluttering my tongue over her nub. She was slick against my mouth and tasted slightly sweet like melon. I could eat her forever. I moved my mouth over her and flicked her rhythmically with my tongue while she squirmed against the sheets, her hands muffling all the little noises she was trying so hard to keep inside.
As I slid a finger in, she arched her back off the bed and started to move her hips as I worked her with my tongue. I could feel her trembling and knew she was close. I wanted to taste her as she came, I wanted to push her over the edge with my mouth. I had never wanted to get a woman off this badly in my entire life, to feel her body as she lost control. I added a second finger, sliding in and out of her wet opening, then moved my tongue faster over her hard clit. She screamed through her fingers, trapping the sound but I could still hear her and feel her body clench as she came. I slowed but kept stroking her as she came down, her entire body trembling. Fuck this was hot.
I stood up and shoved my pants down roughly. I couldn’t wait anymore, I needed to be in her. I grabbed a condom from my pocket and ripped it open with my teeth, rolling it onto my cock then positioned myself between her legs standing beside the bed. While she tried to regain her breath I hiked up her dress, grabbed her hips and sank into her with a groan.
I buried myself up to the base, feeling myself deep in her snug pussy, then pulled out so I could shove in again. Earlier was for her, this was for me. I started to pick up the pace, yanking down her dress and grabbing her breast roughly in my hand for leverage as I started to slide into her faster. It felt so good, the way her wet slit wrapped around me tightly and how easily I slid in and out. Over and over again I drove myself into her, lifting her hips up so I could fuck her deeper. She bit onto her lip and moaned, her eyes closed, lost in pleasure. Her tight little body was mine. All mine.
I stroked her sensitive clit with my thumb, small circles, and she had to clap her hands back over her mouth to stop from screaming. Cute. I knew from experience I could make her scream loud enough for the whole building to hear, but her restraint just made me want to tease her more. I stroked faster while I fucked her harder until the entire bed was shaking. I was getting close but I wanted to make her come one more time, and I could tell she was close.
When she opened her eyes and looked into mine, her mouth fell open wordlessly and she arched her back, trembling as she came a second time. Watching her, seeing her face as she lost control, it was too fucking much. I rammed her harder, so close, then gritted my teeth as I came with a violent orgasm that tore through my body, my balls clenching tightly as I drained into her. I collapsed on the bed beside her, breathing hard, still inside her while my cock twitched.
I looked over and smoothed a strand of hair from her cheek, then kissed her neck tasting the salt of her sweat. She turned and curled her body against mine, and I held her automatically. I wanted to hold her, I wanted to feel her body in my arms. As I kissed her forehead I was amazed at how close to her I felt. I never felt close to the women I screwed but this was different. This was something unlike anything I had ever known, and I wasn’t going to be scared off this time.
Chapter Eighteen
Corinne
After we lay in bed for a few hours, me curled up in Archer’s strong arms, he kissed me and apologized for having to go. He had a morning meeting with his bandmates and I needed to be at the recording studio so I needed my rest - which I would definitely not get if Archer was in my bed. I walked him to the door, kissed him goodbye, then collapsed into bed and fell asleep.
The next morning I was in a great mood, I had a bounce in my step as I headed for the shower and sang at the top of my lungs while the water poured down on me. After a quick rinse and shave of my legs I roughly dried my hair and twisted it into a messy bun. I did my makeup in my room, got dressed in navy flats and a grey dress then headed for the kitchen humming to myself.
“Someone is in a good mood this morning,” Nancy said to me from the couch, balancing a bowl of cereal on her knee.
“The best mood,” I beamed as I slid a bagel into the toaster.
“You and Archer enjoyed the rest of your night then I take it?”
“Mmm hmm,” I sighed.
“I like him, I do. You guys seem really happy. Just-”
There was something on her mind, and clearly she was nervous to tell me. I turned to face her. “Just what?”
Nancy sighed. “I’m worried. Archer doesn’t have a reputation for long relationships, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I appreciate that, I really do,” I assured her. “Archer owns up to that, and he’s trying. He really is trying, we talk about our upbringing and the things that hold us back. His dad sounds like a real piece of work, but I trust Archer. Whatever happens will happen.”
My bagel popped up and I spread peanut butter on the surface.
“I don’t doubt that he cares about you, I just hope he’s smart enough not to sabotage this. You’re special Corinne, and if Archer doesn’t realize that I’m sure Tyler does.”
Shit, Tyler. The memory of my last conversation with him came flooding back, when I hinted that my relationship with Archer might not last. Before I talked to Archer, before I forgave him. Before our fake relationship became real for both of us. I was going to have to talk to him again, Tyler deserved that much. He really was a good guy, even if he didn’t get my pulse racing the way Archer did.
“I’ve got to go to the studio,” I told Nancy as I wrapped my breakfast in a napkin and grabbed a bottle of juice for the trip. Picking up my bag and guitar I waved then took off, out onto the street towards the subway. I listened to music and ate on the way, needing so
mething in my stomach to calm me down. I was a vicious blend of nervous and excited, I had never been in a professional recording studio and I was sure their equipment was going to put what I was used to using at home to shame. I wondered if I would live up to their expectations, or if I would let them down.
I was so distracted I almost missed my stop and had to rush the doors. On the platform I took a deep breath, then took the stairs two at a time until I was outside the studio address they gave me. I headed inside and found a group of people in the room with Scott. He smiled when he saw me then walked over and wrapped me in a hug.
“There she is! Corinne, right on time. Let me introduce you to the audio crew. This is Tony, he’ll be talking you through everything. Jess, Elam and Chad work equipment and assist Tony but just listen to everything the big man has to say and you’ll be golden.”
“Hi,” I smiled and waved at everyone in the room.
“Now if you don’t mind Corinne, we pay for this space by the hour so let’s get you in the box,” Scott nudged me towards a door and I took my guitar inside. The room was so eerily quiet I could hear myself breathing. Tony pointed to a pair of headphones and I slipped them over my ears.
“Alright Corinne, you’ll see a piece of paper on the wall in front of you. That’s the order of your songs we’ll be recording today. We’ll probably need to do a few takes since this is your first time but don’t worry about it. It happens to everyone.”
I nodded. Something in Tony’s calm voice and kind face made me feel a bit less nervous, like he was going to make sure I did a good job. I checked the first song.
“Give me a thumbs up whenever you’re ready to go. Any issues you’ll hear me through the headphones,” Tony’s voice rang in my ear. I nodded and gave him a thumbs up, then started to play.
Song after song, we went for hours with a short break between when Jess brought me a mug of tea to soothe my throat. My fingers were aching from the constant pressure of the guitar strings but I didn’t care, I was too happy. I was recording my first professional album.
I thought of my dad and hoped he would be proud. I played for him, for his memory. I sang as if he was on the other side of that glass watching me and nodding in approval the way he did when I sang for him as a little girl. I did this for him, for me, for us.
“That was perfect!” Tony’s voice broke through the silence in my ear. I looked up and saw the group nodding and clapping on the other side of the glass. “It’s a wrap Corinne,” Tony added.
Was it already over? I felt tired and hyper at the same time, my body drained and throat sore but my mind racing a mile a minute. I walked back out of the recording room and Scott grabbed my shoulder.
“Incredible, just incredible,” he told me.
“I have to agree,” Tony added. “I record a lot of artists, and you have one of the most memorable voices I have ever heard Corinne. You have some real talent.”
This praise was all too much. I smiled and nodded close to tears. “Thank you, thank you all.”
“I’ll let you work on the sound balancing and mastering Tony, get the final files to me next week. I’m going to walk Corinne out, have a quick word with her.”
I gathered my things, waved goodbye to the team then walked into the hallway with Scott. He turned and faced me once the door was shut.
“I had a talk with Archer,” Scott told me. “So you two are really an item now huh?”
My cheeks flushed. “I suppose we are.”
He laughed. “Maybe I’ll add matchmaker to my list of professional services. This is great, really great. I think you’ll be good for eachother. I guess now the PR team and I can stop planning your dates, just be sure to be seen in public. You have an album launch now to think of.”
“We are going to a benefit in Chicago, we leave tomorrow.”
“Great. I’ll have wardrobe send you over a gown, assuming it’s black tie. Have a great time, stay in touch, and we’ll be planning a professional photo shoot when you’re back. Sound good?”
I nodded. Scott squeezed my shoulder again. “Welcome to the business Corinne, you made it.”
“All thanks to you,” I told him.
“I’m going to head back in there,” Scott gestured to the door. “Talk soon.”
I quickly moved towards him and wrapped him in a hug. I liked Scott, he was the one who took a chance on me. All of this was happening because of him. I felt a sense of pride that he was my manager. He hugged me back then let me go. I waved and carried my things to the door, waving goodbye. There was still one thing I had to do today.
I stopped in a small bar around the corner and took a seat then ordered a bottle of beer. I took out my phone and found Tyler’s number, then dialed it. He picked up on the third ring.
“Hey Corinne.”
He sounded so happy to hear from me, guilt immediately washed over me.
“Hi Tyler. Do you have a second?”
“For you, always. You sound so serious, is something wrong?”
“I just needed to talk to you about something Tyler.”
“This does sound serious. Can I meet you? Where are you?”
“I’m midtown at a bar called The Rivoli.”
“I’m not far from there actually, be there in ten minutes.”
I sighed. He deserved to hear this in person. “Okay, see you soon.”
I hung up then turned my attention to my beer. I sent a few emails and messages while I waited, letting my mom and sister know I was at a real recording studio today. Out of the corner of my eye the door opened and Tyler walked in, the sun filtering into the dark bar behind his silhouette. He had a bag with him, noticed me, and came over.
“Hey Corinne,” he joined me at the bar and ordered a beer as well.
“What’s in the bag?” I asked, delaying the inevitable.
“There’s a great record store not far from here, I was there when you called. Found a few great albums to add to my collection. So, what did you want to talk to me about.”
I took a deep breath and faced him. “It’s about me and Archer. When I saw you last time things were, well, complicated.”
“I see,” Tyler’s jaw stiffened. “And now they’re not?”
“I don’t want to lead you on Tyler, I’m trying to be honest. I’m with Archer, and I’m happy.”
Tyler scoffed. “Sure. And the second he screws around on you, which he will because that’s what he does, you’ll give me a call. Is that it?”
“Tyler, it’s not like that.”
He raised a hand, cutting me off. Tyler drained his beer, tossed cash on the bar and stood up.
“He’s using you. Guys like Archer Evans don’t change, and you’re going to get hurt. But hey, it’s your choice. See you around Corinne.”
“Tyler…”
He turned and walked out the door, not stopping to give me a second glance. I felt horrible, but I knew I did the right thing being honest with him. I wasn’t the kind of woman to string one man along when I was dating another, but then again I had never been caught in a love triangle before. No matter what, someone was going to get hurt.
“Can I get you another?” the bartender asked me, nodding at my nearly empty bottle.
“Yes please,” I told him. I could use another drink right now. To move forward with Archer, letting go of Tyler was the right things to do. In time, maybe Tyler would forgive me and we could be friends for real.
Chapter Nineteen
Archer
I was looking out the window of the car as we idled by the curb outside Corinne’s crumbling rental building. When the door swung open and she came out towards the car I felt a warm feeling in what I had always assumed was my cold dead heart. It was like this woman turned stone to living beating flesh just by being in my life. She woke something in me, and I wanted her all the more for it.
She slid into the backseat and I kissed her as we pulled back into traffic towards the airport.
“You didn’t need to pick me up, I c
ould have met you there,” she smiled.
I pulled her towards me and kissed her harder, nipping her lower lip.
“Then who would I make out with on the car ride?” I whispered in her ear. “Because the driver doesn’t seem like my type.”
She giggled and I held her against me, skimming my hand up her leg and cupping her silky smooth thigh. The drive went by quickly when I had something to occupy me in the back seat, pressing her small body into the soft leather as I moved my mouth against hers tasting her the entire drive. When we arrived at the airport we were both flush and breathless, our lips sore. She made me feel like a teenager again, kissing for hours and hours.
I retrieved our luggage from the back and we walked through the airport to the first class lounge past crowded lines and screaming children. I always flew first class, never packed like a sardine in coach. In the lounge they served Corinne champagne, I had scotch. While I scrolled through my phone answering a few emails before we boarded our flight Corinne pulled a book from her bag. I glanced at the cover.
“An autobiography of Keith Richards?” I asked.
She nodded. “What can I say? I’m trying to better understand how a rock star’s mind works.”
“You mean there’s more to us than sex drugs and rock n roll?” I winked at her.
“You don’t do drugs, do you?”
I shrugged. Why lie to her? “I used to, when I first got famous. It’s hard to say no when everyone around you is doing it. But I found it hurt my performances, I wasn’t as creative. The high wasn’t worth that.” I swirled my scotch in the glass. “Don’t get me wrong, I still have my vices. And one of them is sitting right beside me.”
She looked down and her cheeks flushed. She was adorable, I never knew a woman could be so sexual and innocent at the same time. It was an intoxicating combination.
They called us for boarding and I pounded back my drink then carried our bags down the runway onto the plane, stowing them overhead. We didn’t need to pack much, we would only be in Chicago for one night. I didn’t plan on staying in the same city as my father any longer than I had to.