A dark blue sedan with tinted windows pulled up in front of the building. Dizzy jumped out of drivers’ side and jogged around the front of it. I threw open the front doors and dropped my bag just as he lifted me up and twirled me around in a circle.
“Lace,” he said, hugging me so enthusiastically that I could barely breathe.
“Diz,” I wheezed. “Too tight.”
“Sorry.” He loosened his grip and leaned back to look at me. I saw a look of relief pass through those eyes so similar to my own. “You look fantastic, but how are you feeling?”
“It’s not like I had a terminal disease,” I grumbled, though I guess I probably had. Anyway, I knew what he meant. Looking in the mirror this morning I’d seen that my skin and hair had regained their previous luster, my cheeks were attractively fuller, my eyes sparkled with awareness, and the jeans and t-shirt that had been loose when I checked in was actually a little snug now. Getting your life in order and eating three meals a day instead of shooting up will do that to you. “Where’d you get the car?”
“At the airport. We’re staying there tonight. I’ve got us an early flight out in the morning. I can’t believe they wouldn’t discharge you until five.”
“Yeah, well, Sawbones is a stickler for doing things by the book.” In response to his questioning look, I explained. “He’s the psychiatrist who runs the facility. I arrived in the evening twenty-one days ago so that’s when I get released.”
I bent down to get my bag when movement near the car caught my eye. As I straightened I saw him. He was leaning back against the hood of the sedan. His black shirt sleeves were rolled up, his arms folded over his chest, and his long legs were spread out in front of him. He was the last person I expected to see, but a welcome sight nonetheless. When he hadn’t gotten in touch with me before I’d been admitted, I’d assumed he’d finally written me off, just like everybody else.
His lips formed a seductive grin. “Lace,” he drawled in that special way of his, and the world tilted a little beneath my feet.
“Bryan,” I managed to reply even though my voice was noticeably breathy.
For several moments he held my gaze. Something in my eyes must have given me away because he sauntered toward me all swagger and verve.
I held onto the pretense of being unaffected by him until he leaned in and the warmth from his breath tickled my ear. “You look gorgeous.”
My stomach fluttered. “I’m surprised to see you here,” I admitted, trying to recover my equilibrium, always a struggle around him. “You didn’t return any of my phone calls. I thought you’d given up on me.”
“I thought the same about you.” He leaned back to looked at me, his tone filled with regret. “I’m sorry. I only overheard part of your conversation with War at the hospital. I bailed when you said you loved him. I understand from Dizzy that I should have stuck around for the rest. I wish I had called you. It’s been hell waiting.”
“Hey, are you guys gonna stand out here all day and stare at each other?” Dizzy raised an amused brow. “Or are you ready to go?”
I pursed my lips.
Bryan just laughed.
Mesmerized by the crinkles around his eyes, I just stood there, blinking up at him. It’d been a long time since I’d seen him look so happy, or that my own heart had felt so light. But then again Bryan always could make me feel that way.
Reluctantly, I released my fingers from his arm and climbed into the passenger seat. There was so much more I wanted to ask him. So much I wanted to believe his presence here meant. The chain from his belt loop jingled as he slid into the back. Our eyes met in the mirror. A heavy expectant vibe zapped across the space between us.
Was this finally going to be the beginning for us?
During the thirty minute drive to the airport, I felt Bryan’s heated gaze on me. My body prickled with awareness. To keep my mind off the predatory male lounging in the backseat, I tried to make small talk with Dizzy. My jaw dropped when he told me about War quitting the band.
“You’re kidding?” I shook my head, but I wasn’t going to feel guilty. That’s a burden the old Lace would’ve taken on. What War did was his own damn business. “What are you guys going to do?”
“I’m glad you asked,” Bryan answered without a pause as if they had this rehearsed. “Diz and I were hoping you would consider…”
“No.” I thought it best to put the cabash on that idea right away. “I’ve decided to leave that part of my life behind.”
“Why?” my brother asked his brow knitted together in confusion. “You’re so good at it, Lace.”
“And you have a contract with Black Cat,” Bryan added.
“I did a lot of thinking about it these past three weeks. That kind of lifestyle is too much of a temptation for an addictive personality like mine. Besides, I realized that being part of a group was what I really loved most about music, and I can get that in other ways. The singing, going solo, that was War’s idea. It’s not really what I want. I’ve decided to go back to school. Study fashion design. I’ve started sketching again.” I shrugged. “It makes me happy.”
Both guys were silent as that blitz of information settled. As Dizzy steered the sedan through the tollbooth, Bryan broke the silence. “Whatever you want to do, Lace, I know you’ll be good at it.”
A surge of emotion clogged my throat. His approval meant that much to me. I gave him a long look that said I-want-to-climb-into-the-back-seat-with-you-and-lick-your-neck. I think he got it because he returned my look and one up’ed me with a sexy smile.
We dropped the rental off and took the shuttle back to the airport. After we checked into the Hyatt Regency inside the terminal, Dizzy suggested we grab a bite to eat together at the steakhouse. I eagerly nodded my agreement. The cafeteria in rehab had been ok, but I was ready for some real food. Dizzy went on ahead to get us a table.
The instant we were alone, Bryan grabbed my arm. His warm calloused fingertips traced a path to my palm that made me shiver. “Eat fast,” he said softly, his piercing grey green eyes glittering intently into mine. “You’re coming to my room after. There are things to be said that can’t wait.”
I nodded mutely; a sudden case of nerves unsettled my empty stomach. I ordered a steak, but was iffy about it now. Bryan and I sat opposite each other at the table. I listened disinterestedly while he and Dizzy went through a list of possible replacements for War. As long as I avoided direct eye contact with Bryan, I was able to continue interacting on a reasonable level. The one time I’d slipped up, the sensual look he had given me had made my entire body tremble with anticipation.
Lucky for me, by the time the food arrived, my nerves were somewhat under control and my appetite had returned. I did an admirable job on the steak and resisted desserts. Right now only one thing was tempting me, anyway.
“Hey, man,” Bryan said to Dizzy when the check finally came, “Lace and I need to talk.”
Dizzy gaze flicked to me. I saw the trepidation in his eyes, and I understood it. I had reservations myself. Not about whether or not to go with Bryan. That was as inevitable as the coming sunrise. No, it was the uncertainty about what might happen afterward that worried me. Surely he would understand though. After all this was Bryan. Not War.
“I’ve got my own keycard,” I told my brother hoping that would reassure him. “I’ll come to our room later.”
“Diz.” Bryan leaned an elbow on the table. “It’s ok. I’ll take good care of her.” His voice was low and deep and I totally got that there was more than just a promise to Dizzy in those words. Imagining just what type of things taking care of me might involve made my mouth dry and my heart rate accelerate.
My brother paid the bill and gave me a hug before I left the table with Bryan. I looked back at him. For a brief moment, I wavered. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
“Lace.” Bryan took my hand and my uncertainty dissolved. I wanted him and he wanted me. The rest was just details.
Holding hands
, we made our way to the elevator. As soon as the doors closed, Bryan’s warm hands settled low on my back, right above the curve of my bottom and he slid me close, positioning me in just the right place. Instant hot desire hummed through my veins, and I knew I was lost. He and I were a foregone conclusion that had been on the back burner for years. It was time to turn the heat up to high. I placed my hands on his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin and the staccato rhythm of his heartbeat through the thin material of his button down shirt. I wrapped my arms around his neck and tilted my face up to his. Anticipation flooded my body as his mouth lowered to mine.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
* * *
Bryan
I watched her lids close, golden lashes fanning over her blushed cheeks. Her surrender made me feel powerful yet humbled at the same time. Her fingers tangling in the hair at the back of my neck turned me on more than I could stand.
“Bry.” She breathed my name like a plea. A plea to take and possess her which was what I had every intention of doing.
I slanted my mouth across hers, plunging my tongue into the loose seam between her sweet lips. A raging fire burned inside of me as soon as I got my first taste. Her mouth was salty from the steak, minty from the Tic Tacs she had handed out after dinner, and hot as fucking hell.
Her moan made me realize my tactical error immediately. Taking her mouth wasn’t going to be enough, and I couldn’t do all the things I wanted to do to her in this elevator. “Lace.” I lifted my head and her dazed eyes fluttered open. Her lips were wet and swollen, and her breath was shallow. A primal surge of satisfaction swept through me. I put my hands on either side of her head and pinned her sexy body between my arms. “Just so we’re clear. You’re mine now. No one’s ever coming between us ever again.”
“Yes, Bry,” she agreed, lids low as she peered back at me. The passion that simmered in her beautiful eyes made me want to rip her clothes off right then, elevator cameras be damned.
Good thing the door slid open at that moment. I went completely cave man, threw her over my shoulder, and stalked to the room.
She giggled.
I fucking loved the sound of it. It’d been too long since I’d heard her laugh. I stopped in front of the door.
“Put me down,” she said sounding all out of breath.
“Hell, fucking no.” I slid the key card out of my front pocket. “I’m the one giving the orders tonight, babe.”
Door opened, I carried her to the king bed and tossed her in the middle, right on top of the beige comforter. She pulled herself up on her elbows, her lips parting watching me as I took off my shirt. While I removed my boots and socks, she sat up and lifted her shirt over her head. “Next time I get to do that,” I told her.
“Ok.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder, lips spreading into a playful smile.
My eyes devoured her. She was by far the sexiest woman I’d ever seen. The creamy slopes of her breasts spilled out of her purple bra, the nipples just barely concealed by the lacy edge. She lowered her head and gave me a flirty come ‘take me’ look. Hell, yeah. I was hard as a rock. I’d never been more ready in my life.
I unbuckled my belt and started to unbutton my jeans but she reached out and covered my hand.
“Let me.” Her voice was husky as she stared up at me. She’d been so young our first time, a little hesitant. Not now. Now she was all woman and she was all mine.
Finally.
I nodded.
Her hair slid forward as she lowered her head and spread apart the button fly on my jeans. I moved things along by pulling my boxers and jeans off together. My breath caught when her soft hand closed around my erection. My dick jumped in her hand.
Fucking hell.
I pulled her up, pushed her back on the bed, and slammed my mouth down on hers with a growl. I wanted to be inside her…now. That voice inside my head that had been telling me to take it slow, I told to shut the fuck up. I was done with preliminaries.
I thrust my tongue deep into her mouth giving it to her a little rough. Apparently she liked that just fine because she started to writhe beneath me. Her jeans needed to come off though. Chest heaving, I drew back, unbuttoned, unzipped, and ripped them down.
I’d been telling myself for years that my memory had exaggerated her perfection. Not so much. She was my every fantasy made real. “Fuck you’re gorgeous.” I framed her face in my hands. “I never stopped loving you. I need you to know that.”
Her fingers ghosted across my lips, settling over my mouth like a soft kiss. “Stop looking so serious. I love you too.” She smiled. “I’ve always loved you.”
I felt the force of her words deep in my soul, the cure to the restlessness that had plagued me since I’d given her up as a teen.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
* * *
Lace
I stared at this handsome man watching as his cautious veneer fell away right before my eyes. The love shining out of his eyes was like a bright beacon that I was helpless to resist…not that I had ever wanted to, not really.
So many wrongs in my life. Had I finally gotten something right?
I pulled his head back down to me. I could feel his grin against my lips right before his tongue dipped inside and slid slowly across mine. My body became a hot whirlwind of sensation as we took turns tasting each other. The heavy weight of him crushed my breasts, and the hard length of him pressed between my thighs, feminine and masculine, two opposing puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together.
I traced across the breadth of his shoulders with my palms and raced down the indentation of his spine with my fingertips before grabbing his ass in my hands and undulating against him. “Bry,” I moaned. I was on fire, burning up everywhere our skin touched. I’d never been more turned on in my life.
He gave me a wicked smile before he began to do wicked things to me with his mouth. With long languid licks he teased me, his tongue sliding across my skin up and over and near, but never touching the nipples that ached to receive the same attention.
My heels dug into the mattress and my head thrashed back and forth. My hair would be a mess of tangles when we were through. Desire roared hot in my veins. And then his mouth closed over my nipple. I arched completely off the bed, silently begging him to take me deeper, whimpering when I felt his teeth and tongue graze repeatedly over the sensitized tip.
As if he had all the time in the world, he thoroughly explored every inch of my breasts with restrained nips that jolted through me like lightening and light soothing strokes that prolonged the pleasure. I felt worshiped and was in a sensual high as I watched him through my lashes, praising him by panting his name.
I started to protest when he lifted his head, but stopped when his hands started to move exactly where I most wanted him to go. I felt his warm approving gaze on me right before he touched me. Delicate shivers wracked me as his skilled fingers glided lightly across my fevered skin. I moaned when he skimmed his palm over my throbbing wet center. His touch was just a tease as soft as a breath but it still made my body flush with heat.
“That’s it, babe.” He stared down at me with lids heavy and gorgeous eyes darkened with passion. “So sexy. So beautiful.” He increased the pressure rocking his palm back and forth over me.
“Bryan,” I begged breathlessly, pulsing beneath him.
“Don’t hold back, Lace. I want to see you come for me first, and then I promise I’ll give you more.”
While he watched, so possessive, so attentive to my need, I came fast and I came hard. This man owned me, and my body surrendered to him as readily as my heart had done.
Before the glow of my climax had dimmed, he slid deep inside me, a hot brand marking me as his. He had me caged within his arms, and as he had promised, he gave me more, more than I had bargained for, and more than I had dreamed. I began to burn, this time even hotter than before, as he moved in a practiced rhythm that was insanely deep and impossible hard, perfect friction rubbing against my sensitized flesh. His he
avy breath lifted the hair from my temples, and the slap of his hips against mine became an erotic tune that ended just moments later as we shouted each other’s name in unison.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
* * *
Lace
After the haze of sensual bliss cleared, reality reasserted its claim. I padded into the bathroom to take a quick shower. When I returned, Bryan was propped up on his elbow, still naked and in the bed, the sheet draped casually around his waist. He was distracting as hell with his hair tousled and all that exposed skin over tight muscles. I was totally into him, and he knew it. His amused eyes gleamed back at me beneath his lowered lids.
My heart constricted as if he’d squeezed it in the palm of his hand.
Bryan Jackson was the perfect man for me in every way, the standard to which no other man could possibly measure up. The second night I’d spent with him only made me more certain of that fact. With Bryan making love was a two way exchange, a gift we gave to each other, the physical expression of our love for one other. We’d only just finished and I already wanted to do it again.
Badly.
I inhaled deeply and offered him a tentative smile instead.
He studied me a minute and his forehead creased. “What’s wrong?” he asked warily. “What’s going on inside that beautiful head of yours?”
I couldn’t fool him. There was no use trying. I sat on the edge of the bed, my back to him, gathering my thoughts as I knotted the bathrobe sash tighter around my waist. “It’s time to talk.”
“I agree.” His voice was deep and certain, and he scooted in behind me, his legs stretched out on either side. That felt really good. He was so warm. He moved my hair off my neck and kissed the spot where my neck met my shoulder. A shiver ran down my spine. He turned me around and arranged me on his lap. He gazed into my eyes and I realized I’d never seen him look so serious. “I want you to move in with me when we get back to Seattle.”
Rock Star Romance Ultimate: Volume 1 Page 108