Detour Complete Series

by Kacey Shea

  “Hiya!” Schmitz pops his head into the doorway and raps his knuckles against the frame. “You guys ready?”

  “Let’s do this,” Trent says, and we make our way out of the green room and onto the stage. I pick up my beloved Lola, and steady the strap over my shoulder. The crowd shouts into the dark stage in anticipation of what’s coming, and my pulse kicks up in response. I will always love this feeling. The natural high of being on stage. The fans and the music. Rocking out with my best friends. But now there’s a tiny part inside me that can’t wait to get home. It’s a new and unfamiliar sensation. One I’m learning to like more than I care to admit, and it’s because of her.

  God, I miss her.

  Leighton settles behind his set and counts us off, his sticks crashing down as the house lights blast on. For the next two hours I lose myself in my performance. I have my friends right here on this stage, and we’re doing what we love. Later I get to ride home to the woman I love. Life doesn’t get much better than this.

  It’s been a long tour and we’re all exhausted, but tonight we bring all we have and lay it out on the stage in Salt Lake City. This is the venue we were supposed to play three months ago, and the one that had the potential to end us all. There’s a gravity to the energy of the crowd. This moment is special. Every song becomes an anthem of resilience. Every chord I strike proclaims “We are still here.” Every lyric Trent sings says “We will not be silent.” It’s about survival and not allowing the bad to scare us away from living the life we were meant to live. We feel it. We’ve been talking about it all day. But this crowd, they feel it, too.

  The music fades away and Trent steps closer to the mic. Fans cheer and we all pump our fists in the air. “This is our last song tonight. But before we go, we want you to know how grateful we are that y’all came out tonight,” Trent shouts into the crowd. The roar. He wipes the sweat from his face with a towel and stoops to pick up a bottle of water as the arena quiets. Chugging half the contents, he steps back up to the mic. “We thought we’d end things a little differently than we normally do. We usually like to go out with a hard number. Something that rattles your bones. But tonight we’re mindful of all that was lost here only a few months ago. Jennifer Kay, the concession worker who passed from injuries. Some of our crew, Darren, Robbie, Jones, and Adam, who’ve been on the mend recovering.” The crowd cheers again, this time in respect.

  Trent strums his guitar and our lighting crew dims the lights. “We want to play this last one for them. And also, to you. We realize how scary it must be, coming out to a show and not knowing if something tragic like that might happen again. Yet you all gave fear a ‘fuck you’ by showing up for us tonight.”

  The crowd goes wild and I give in to a smile. They love it when Trent says fuck. It’s like a golden ticket he can cash out at any time. Which he does often during our shows.

  “Thank you. We love you all. We get to do what we love because of your support, and I hope we see you back here real soon.” Trent bows his head and turns to meet my gaze. He bobs his chin, counting off, and then our fingers are off, picking out the notes in tandem. It’s a stripped down version of one of our older jams and the crowd erupts. Their voices join in with his for the chorus.

  Come to the party, come to the show.

  This life ain’t worth having without a little fun.

  Pour me a drink, sing me a song.

  The night is for sinners, and lovers, and the dreams that I hold.

  I’ve got no reason to be here, but you, you drag me along,

  And baby when you love me, it sure feels like home.

  There’s magic in the air. That’s how it feels. And my bones rattle as we take our final bow on stage. My heart races; any harder and I swear it might beat right out of my chest. I memorize this moment. This feeling. This gift.

  As we make our way off stage, my feet move with a lightness from my soul. It’ll be another twelve hours until I see Jay, but that’s nothing compared to what we’ve weathered. Lexi, Jess, and Opal wait off stage and greet their guys with hugs and sloppy kisses, ones I used to find pathetic. Now I try not to be jealous. I asked Jayla to come to the show, but her physical therapist didn’t clear her for travel and she didn’t want to risk a setback.

  “You got a delivery from Jayla,” Opal shouts to my back. “It’s on the bus.”

  “Sweet.” A grin takes over my face, and I walk a little faster. I wonder what it could be. With Jay, I can’t even guess. Waving to a few fans and thanking the crew as I pass, I finally make it outside to the bus.

  Ace opens the door, and greets me with a big smile as though he knows I’m about to be wowed.

  I trot up the steps. “I hear I have a surprise.”

  “Yes, sir.” He points to the living area and chuckles.

  I turn, my interest now piqued, but what I find blows any expectation out of the motherfucking water. “Jayla!” Her name flies from my lips. Fucking hell. I can’t believe my luck. It’s almost too good to be true. I squint again to make sure I’m not hallucinating. I’m not. It’s her. Then I run, closing the space between us.

  She pops off the edge of the table and leaps into my arms, each of us holding on to the other with so much force we practically trip. My lips find hers, frantic to fuse with hers.

  She cups my chin and pushes me back until my ass hits the table ledge. I spread my stance wide and she nestles her body between my legs. She takes my wrists in her hands and place my fingers against the table ledge. “Surprised?” she whispers between kisses.

  “I thought—” I pull back, suddenly scared I’ve hurt her. “You aren’t supposed to travel.”

  “I promised to be careful.” She releases a soft chuckle, her hands planted on my chest. “I guess I’m doing a poor job of that.”

  I smile and take in her beautiful face, her full lips even fuller from my kisses. Her deep brown eyes, so honest and soulful and filled with joy—the same contentedness I feel. Her hair is different. “I like your hair.”

  She smiles. “Yeah? Kalise and Aaliyah convinced me to get braids. I’m not sure I like it.”

  “You’re always gorgeous.”

  She grins. “I think you have to say that.”

  “It’s the truth.”

  “It’s all clear!” Trent’s voice pulls my attention over Jayla’s shoulder. “You can uncover your eyes,” he calls over his shoulder as he climbs into the bus.

  “All clear?” Jayla turns but doesn’t move from between my legs. I’m sort of thankful, since I’m sporting wood. The guys would understand, but they’d also give me hell.

  “Jayla! You made it.” Trent walks inside, and the rest of the gang follows. “Good thing. He’s a sorry son of a bitch without you.”

  “Pay up.” Sean holds his hand out to Leighton, then turns to Trent. “You too.”

  “What’d I miss?” I say with a grin.

  “That you two would be naked.”

  “Given more time, we would have been,” I grumble. “Thanks for the cock block.”

  Sean laughs, pocketing his winnings and then hugging Jess to his side. “I told them Jayla’d make you work for it. She’s classy like that.”

  “Thanks?” Jayla says, and everyone laughs.

  I can’t help but be a little disappointed. We have ten hours on this bus . . . with everyone, and I don’t think I can wait that long to be with Jayla. By the longing stares she keeps sneaking, she feels the same.

  “We’re going out for dinner,” Lexi announces, and narrows a glare at Trent. “You’re evil, letting these two think they weren’t getting any alone time.”

  I blow out a sigh of relief. “Thank fuck.”

  “What?” Trent laughs. “It was funny. You saw his face.”

  “Sorry,” Lexi says to Jayla and then turns to meet my stare. “But, um, before we leave you two alone, I have something I want to say.” Lexi steps away from Trent and reaches for Opal’s hand to gives it a squeeze. “Something we want to say.”

  Opal�
�s lips part in a wide grin, and she nods to her sister. “You tell them.”

  “I know these last few months have been challenging, and we’ve all been adjusting to the management under WMI.”

  “More like weathering a storm,” Trent grumbles.

  “A shit storm,” I say.

  “Anyway, while you guys have been playing, Opal and I have been talking, and planning, and starting our own company.” Lexi’s lips spread wide with her smile and she bounces on her toes.

  “Babe, that’s amazing!” Trent says. “What type of company?”

  “A music label.” She glances at all of us before answering.

  “You’re kidding.” Leighton’s eyes widen.

  “Nope.” Lexi smiles and turns to Opal. “We love music. Opal’s going to continue writing, and I’m not giving up my solo career, but we still have our inheritance, and decided on a better legacy than it just sitting there collecting interest.”

  “This is amazing,” Jess says.

  “We’re starting small,” Opal looks to her sister.

  Lexi shrugs. “I mean, we only have two bands at the moment.”

  “You’ve already signed two bands?” Trent’s eyes widen, obviously impressed. “Babe, that’s incredible.”

  “We paid a premium, had to buy them out of their current contracts, but I think they’ll be good for business.” Lexi shrugs, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so smiley before.

  “That’s sort of risky, isn’t it?” Trent’s brows knit with concern.

  “Who’d you get?” Leighton asks.

  Opal’s lips press together as if she’s holding back her smile. “Some group called Three Ugly Guys, and a solo artist, Lexi Marx.”

  If a pin were to drop, we’d hear it.

  “You’re fucking kidding me,” Trent exclaims, his hands reaching for Lexi and a hopeful smile on his face. He practically bounces up and down.

  “Not even a little.”

  Our bus becomes an impromptu celebration. Leighton kisses Opal. Jess laughs as Sean whoops with joy. Lexi claps and laughs while Trent breaks out the dancing.

  Jayla squeezes my leg and bites her lip, holding in her laughter. My friends are crazy, but she already knew that.

  I lean my head onto her shoulder. “Do you think they’ll leave soon?”

  “Stop.” She slaps my thigh, but I catch the hint of her smile. I’m no fool. She wants to get down as much as I do.

  “Wait.” Trent stops dancing. “Did you really start a label just so we could spend more time together?”

  Lexi stares back and blinks several times. “That’s your takeaway?”

  “You must really love me.” His grin is teasing.

  Her hands land on her hips and she scowls. “You’re very conceited, you know that?”

  “So, you won’t coordinate our tours and recording times and breaks? That had no bearing on your decision to start a label.” He drags out the last word in challenge.

  “No. Yes.” She pinches her lips together and raises her chin in defiance. “That’s not the only reason.”

  “God, I love you.” He scoops her into his arms and presses his lips to hers.

  I glance away and find Opal’s gaze. “Looks like we’ll be calling you boss.”

  She shakes her head, but there’s a prideful smile on her lips. “Don’t be silly. Not that much will change.”

  But she’s wrong. Everything’s about to change. She’s having Leighton’s child. Lexi and Opal will be running a label. We’re all in committed relationships. In no time at all there’ll be weddings and more babies, and I’ve never been more excited for what the future holds.

  “All right, I was promised one hour,” I say, and point toward the door.

  “Good. I’m starving.” Sean grabs Jess’s hand. “Let’s take the party elsewhere.”

  Soon everyone follows suit, shuffling toward the exit.

  “Have fun, love birds!” Trent calls over his shoulder.

  “I think I’ll go have a smoke,” Ace mumbles. “I’ll just be outside if ya’ need me.”

  “He totally knows we’re about to bone.”

  Jayla turns to me, her eyes wide and laughing. “I should feel bad, but it’s almost been a month, and I want you.”

  I love the sound of that. “So, what do you say? Bus sex, once more for old times’ sake?” I waggle my brows and take a step toward her.

  She laughs and shakes her head. “I think bus sex is the only thing on the table right now.”

  “I’m so excited!” I rub my hands together. “I fully intended to rub one out in the shower, but now this. I feel unprepared.”

  She crinkles her nose but her eyes dance with humor. “Be careful you don’t get too excited. Don’t want you to embarrass yourself.”

  “I might.” I grin, but it’s the honest to God truth. I look around the empty bus. “What do you think? Bathroom?”

  “Actually”—she bites the inside of her cheek and glances down the hall—“do you think Leighton and Opal would mind if we borrowed the bedroom?”

  My eyes widen with surprise. “You sure?”

  “Yeah.” She walks over to the kitchen table, retrieving a handbag from the bench seat.

  “As long as we change the sex sheets, they won’t care.” I shove my hand into my pocket, suddenly a little nervous. Jayla is trusting me to make this good and I don’t want to screw it up.

  She pauses and lifts her brow. “Sex sheets?”

  “Yeah, it’s a thing.” I chuckle, and meet her stare. “You’re sure about this? We don’t have to.”

  “I want to.” She closes the space between us and grabs my hand. She walks backward, leading me down the hall and holds up her purse. “I brought ties. I hope you’re okay with that.”

  My dick rises in agreement, my entire body game for whatever she has planned. I don’t know what I did to deserve this woman, but I’m never letting her go. “Fuck, I love you, Jayla.”

  “Don’t try to butter me up.” She opens the bedroom door and reaches for the waistband of my jeans. With one swift tug she hauls my front to hers. “I’m still planning to tie you to the bed.”

  My dick gives an excited jump against her core. “Yes, please.”

  145

  Jayla

  “Undress. Now.” I close the door, turn to lean back against it, and flip the lock.

  Austin’s lips part and he lets out a soft groan. He likes it when I’m bossy. The more forceful I am, the more his eyes light with desire. The more control he gives, the bolder I become. We’re a perfect mix of push and pull. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it, or stop being thankful for him.

  While Austin discards his clothes I move to the dresser and set down my bag. I dig through the contents, producing everything I need. I sync my phone to the portable speaker, and press play on the mix I made. It’s mostly throwbacks from our youth, a few Motown faves, and yes, Beyoncé. From the corner of my eye I catch Austin’s lips lift appreciatively at the first song to play, “Bring It On Home to Me” by Sam Cooke.

  My body tingles with anticipation as I retrieve the padded cuffs and adjustable tethers. I take in Austin’s naked form, a beautiful work of body art and taut muscle. I love how he stands confidently, his fist gripping his hard cock, waiting for my next command.

  “On the bed. Lie on your back.”

  He does as I say, leaning back on his elbows.

  I drop the restraints on the bed next to his feet, but then step back, swinging my hips to the sensual rhythm of the song. He whispers encouragement as I remove my blouse and skirt. The thong and bra my girls insisted would drive him crazy seemingly do just that.

  “Oh, my God. My cock is so hard right now.”

  “Hands on the bed,” I direct, and take one of the cuffs. I climb over his body, teasing as I allow my skin to rub against his. When I get to his chest, I sit off to one side and slide the fabric along his wrist before fastening it to him, and then the attached restraint tie to one side of the head
board. There’s still lots of give, but before I move to his other side I make sure he’s comfortable. “This okay?”

  “It’s so good, baby.”

  “Tell me if it stops,” I say, a line he’s used on me several times.

  He meets my stare with a nod. “I will.”

  I climb off the bed, grab another tie and run it along the length of his body as I walk to the other side of the headboard. I reach for his hand, but he’s already offering it.

  “Someone’s a little excited,” I murmur through my smile.

  “Guilty.” He grins back, but as soon as I fasten the cuff around his wrist his humor fades and in its place, lust. A thrill works down my spine as I adjust the tie to the bed and step back to assess my work. He arches his back and his muscles strain for my touch. He’s beautiful. Exposed. Mine.

  I dance for him, this time closing my eyes as I run my hands over my body. His groans of pleasure spur me on, and I remove my lingerie before climbing over his body. I kiss up his abdomen, purposefully avoiding his cock to drag out his pleasure. I kiss the hard planes of his abs, his chest, nipples, and straddle his waist as my lips finally find his.

  “I want you. Please” I like that he begs.

  “What do you want?” I say between passionate kisses.

  His breath is heavy and labored. “I want to taste you. I want you to ride my face.”

  My legs press together, wetness forming with his request. “You do?”

  “Fuck, yeah.”

  Cupping his jaw between my hands, I kiss him hard. My body grows hotter, my need for him greater. His tongue battles with mine, a fight neither of us loses as we stoke the fire of desire to a point of no return.

  “Okay,” I say, finally breaking our kiss. With confidence, I scoot up his body until my thighs spread wide over his mouth.

  “Give it to me, please,” he shudders, completely at my mercy.

  I reach for the headboard, finding my balance as I spread my legs wider and lower myself. When his lips make contact with my sensitive skin I gasp in a mix of pleasure and surprise. He licks my center, eating me out like it’s his favorite dessert. It’s a heady mix, the music, his mouth on me, my thighs straddling his face. He uses his tongue, lips, and face, circling my clit and bringing me to the edge.