by Jen Luerssen
Finale night is high stress for everyone. The two finalists have the most stress but the producers, show runners and crew are all on their toes making sure everything is functioning. After the first hour when Nic and Grace sing, we open up the voting to the public for 30 minutes. Then we use a specially developed program to tally the votes during the last half hour and announce the winner in the last moment of the show. During the last hour, we bring back all of the other mentors, their singers, and some guest stars. Even Sal and I will sing a duet. It’s a fun night but it takes a lot of work and juggling to make it happen.
I try to corner Sal all day so I can at least kiss her, but she had been sequestered with Nic. Finally, she is forced to be alone with me during dress rehearsal. Sal and I are singing a song together as is tradition in the finale and we have only rehearsed it one other time. She picked “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty which we both thought was apropos because of our recent divorces. Now it’s hitting a little closer to home. It will be a stripped-down performance, Sal on the acoustic guitar and just the two of us sitting on stools with some stylized hanging lights. The only flashy thing is the stage. She and I will rise up from below the stage on a hydraulic platform.
Sal and I are led below stage to rehearse just the raising up of the platform. We stand on our marks and as the platform goes up, we sit and Sal will begin to play before we are in view. It’s a tedious 30 minutes of us going up and down—not the fun kind. When we are lowered for the final time, we are told to hang tight for five minutes so they can make adjustments. It’s dark below stage and it’s just Sal and me.
“Hey Sally, come here,” I say reaching for her hand in the dark.
Her warm hand finds mine and I pull her close. “I missed you,” I say into her hair as I embrace her.
“I missed you too,” she says and snuggles into my chest. “I also still hate you a little.”
I laugh and hold her tighter. “You don’t hate me, I’m your best friend, darlin’.”
“Some friend! You constantly bug me, undermine my singer, and there’s the subpar sex,” she says, laughing. She’s a big fat liar.
I put a stop to her laughing by gripping her hair and pulling her head back so I can kiss her. I don’t give her a little peck, it’s a full-on attack. Once I start kissing her I never want to stop. She throws her hands around my neck and grabs onto my hair, pulling me even closer.
I pull from her abruptly. “Subpar, eh?”
She is still so close I can feel her smile against mine. “Maybe a bit above par, too bad you can’t prove me wrong right now.”
“Manny!” I shout and our stage manager appears above us.
“Yeah, Jack?” He asks. He and I are pretty good pals and he knows how I feel about Sal. Here at High Note, we are a tight-knit group and our crew is top notch.
“Ms. Thompson has an emergency and needs to take 30. Can we get back to it then?” I ask, knowing full well Manny will assume she has diarrhea or some woman related issue and will automatically accommodate her. I can feel Sal gripping my belt and pulling up, putting pressure on my balls which is not all that unpleasant, despite her efforts.
“You bet, Jack, we need a little more time with the hydraulics anyway.” He bends down and lowers a ladder for us to climb and then we are free.
I pull Sal as quickly as I can out to her trailer. “Jack! Is Manny assuming we are taking 30 to go screw around?”
I give her my best Jack smile and a wink. “Nah, darlin’ he just thinks you have the shits.”
“Good,” she says and I laugh.
We get into the trailer and everything slows down. “Well, we have 30, what shall we do?” I ask, knowing exactly what I want to do.
She doesn’t answer me but grabs the padded bench, puts it in front of the trailer door and points to it. “Sit,” she commands and I’m now completely hard as I sit.
Sal is dressed in white high waisted shorts, a red nautical looking blouse and some high white shoes that make her legs go on forever. She is always effortlessly stylish and put together. It goes with the territory of being in the public eye but Sal has had it since she started with her band years ago. Before fame found her. Yes, I’ve watched her Behind the Music episode and some other docu-series about her band and her successful solo career. Call it research, call it checking her out, call it stalkerish, I really don’t give a shit. I want to know everything about her. Fortunately for me, I can find information easily.
She walks to her dressing table and picks up her phone, scrolling until she finds what she’s looking for. Soft singing of Ella Fitzgerald plays from her phone and she turns to me with a wicked wicked smile. This is going to be good.
Very casually she untucks her blouse. Her hand slides up her torso to the top button and she pops it open. She exudes confidence and sexiness, never losing eye contact with me. She finishes with the buttons and slides a hand in to help herself shrug out of it. Holy fuck, she’s not wearing a bra. I’ve noticed she rarely does and it drives me nuts.
With the shirt around her shoulders, she turns and gives me an innocent look. “Bad girl,” I whisper, not wanting to break the spell of her. With her back to me, she lets her blouse flutter to the floor. Her hands go to the zipper on the side of her shorts and then she slides them down her long dancer’s legs.
Christ, she wears these almost non-existent thongs. The one she’s wearing now is white lace and has a red flower at the top of her ass. She turns back to me and slowly sways her hips to the music while walking to where I sit. I am enjoying the show and so is my dick. He’s peeking out of the top of my already unbuttoned black jeans and he is really happy.
Sal’s hair falls softly around her shoulders and breasts and I’m happy she has it down today. It’s lovely and I can’t wait to pull it when I fuck her from behind. She reaches me, bends to remove her panties and then places one of her still shoe clad feet on the bench opening herself to me. I lift my hands because I can’t help myself and she pushes them back to my lap.
Her head shakes once and she bends to kiss me sensually on the mouth. She straightens and then the show really begins. She puts two fingers into my mouth and I suck on them and give them a nibble. I really like where this is going and I appreciate her use of the 30 minutes we’ve been given.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Un-Dress Rehearsal—Sal
Honestly, I don’t know where this person comes from when I’m around Jack. I turn into some sex kitten stripper with all the confidence in the world. I work hard for my body, but I’ve also had two kids. Jack makes me feel like Salma Hayek in From Dusk Till Dawn.
He’s looking at me right now like he’d do anything for me, and I know he would. That’s why I’m putting on this show for him. Nothing empowers me more than bringing this man to his knees. I pull my fingers from his mouth and then drag them down my bare thigh to my pussy. I gently run my fingers over my clit, teasing myself and him. He has one hand on my hip because he can’t help himself. The other is stroking his erection.
“You are so beautiful, darlin’. Say you’re mine while you touch yourself,” he says low and sexy in his drawl.
I’m so turned on by being in the same room as him. His eyes on me. His one hand insistent at my hip in his possession. Even though I’ve only been playing with myself for mere seconds, I’m about to come. Of course, I’m his. He owns me, heart and soul. It’s hard to admit because it feels too soon. I should still be mourning my marriage. I know this thought is ridiculous as I think it because Evan had ended our marriage years ago when he decided to sleep with Kate. I don’t miss him, sure I’m lonely, but not for him. In the past three months, I’ve had more fun and been more turned on just working with Jack than I’d had in my marriage in years.
The tension has been building between Jack and I and just because we only caved to it this week doesn’t mean it hasn’t been on our minds. He’s told me he thinks about me all the time and I believe him because I do the same. When I’m home
alone and the kids are with Evan, he takes over all of my thoughts and fantasies. I am completely his, but am I ready to admit it?
I open my eyes as he moves my hand off of my pussy and replaces it with his. His thumb is thrumming my clit like a guitar and in all seriousness, I tell him the truth as I fall apart.
“I’m yours, please Jack, please,” I say panting from my orgasm.
In a flash he stands, removes his clothes and takes me in his arms, slowing us down again. We sway to Ella singing about dancing cheek to cheek. Slow dancing fully naked with Jack is delightful and I’m sure I’m in love with him now.
“I’m yours too, Sally,” he whispers right before he kisses me. We stand in my trailer, buck naked, swaying to music making out like we have all day.
I pull back and then place my head on his shoulder, not feeling lonely anymore. My hand circles his nipple and I give it a pinch. “If I’m yours, then fuck me, Jack.”
He chuckles, spins me around and moves me back until my knees hit the bench and he lays me gently back on it, his hard cock bobbing into my abdomen. “I want to take it slowly with you darlin’ but this one is going to be quick since we are on a tight schedule today.”
He retrieves a condom from his pants pocket, rolls it on and then maneuvers me so I’m twisted at the waist, my back still flat on the bench, legs to the side. His hands brace my hip and right behind my knee as he slowly enters me. It feels fantastic and tight and so so deep.
“Fuck,” he breathes out. “This may be quicker than I thought.”
I smile at him and caress the side of his torso. He leans in and kisses me sloppily while thrusting deep into me. I feel every part of him, we fit so well. His face is twisted in concentration and a drip of sweat falls from his nose onto my breast. He laughs and lowers his face to lick it off of me.
“Harder, Jack, I want more.”
“So greedy, my Sally. I’ll give you whatever you want.” He places his hands on either side of me on the bench and starts to plow into me faster and harder than before. I can barely breathe. I’m in ecstasy as I can feel my orgasm start.
“Oh fuck, Sal, I’m coming, you ready?” He loses his rhythm and is all about the end goal. I nod and explode as he does.
After a minute, he stands, gets rid of the condom and then scoops me up so I’m in his embrace again, slowly swaying to Ella. “Sally, I want to always dance naked with you.”
I giggle and snuggle into his sweaty chest. We are sweaty, reek of sex and are probably completely disheveled. “You do know my name isn’t Sally, right?”
He leans back, a surprised look on his face. “Salinger Parker Thompson, you don’t think I’ve done my research on you?” My turn to be surprised. My parents are both literature professors and named my brother and me after their favorites. My brother, Austen, has a more traditional name but I’ve always loved being Sal.
“Why Sally then?” I ask.
“You let me call you that, and I’m the only one. It makes me feel special,” he says shyly. This cute side of Jack may finish the job. I have no response but to kiss him sweetly on the mouth.
“You are special, and you know it,” I say, teasing.
His hand caresses my back as we move together and I feel so cherished by him. He leans down to kiss me again.
“I only want to be special to you, you know that, right?”
“It’s becoming clearer that’s what you want from me.” I believe him when he says he’s serious about us. He may be immature at times, but he can be serious when he wants to be and I know that this is one of those moments. “If we do this, Jack, there can’t be anyone else. I won’t be fooled like that again. If you are with me and make no mistake that’s what I want, then it’s you and me, no one else.”
He leans in and puts his forehead to mine. “Sal, there is no one else I want but you, darlin’. I’m in love with you. I love you.”
I’m in shock, my mouth opens to say something meaningful and I’m saved by Manny knocking at the door.
“Five minutes, Ms. Thompson,” he says and I call out okay.
“Jack,” I start and he interrupts me.
“Sally, it’s okay, you aren’t there yet and it’s okay because I know you will get there soon.” He pulls me in for a full body hug and I melt into him.
“I’m yours.” I give him what I can.
“I know. Now let’s get dressed and do this show!” He shouts and smacks my ass. Smiling and laughing, we put our clothes back on and make ourselves presentable. We aren’t in full hair and makeup yet so we are safe from the wrath of our people.
Jack helps me straighten up my trailer and we leave together. I’m sure we’ll be seen but I really don’t care, and I know he doesn’t either since he’s made no moves to hide us.
After we rehearse the hydraulic stage for full dress, I start to feel the buzz of live show night. This one is big and there’s a lot at stake for me and for Nic.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Finale Finally—Jack
My Grace lost, but my girl won and I’m pissed but I’m also going to punish Sal in the most delicious way and I can’t wait. The finale was all bells and whistles and was stressful, fun, fast, and crazed. I barely remember half of it, the exception was the three minutes that Sal and I had before our stage was lifted and I made her come with my fingers in 30 seconds. Her eyes were glassy and she looked beautiful singing and playing guitar, never missing a note. I was surprisingly cool with my dick hard as a rock, thankfully we sat the entire performance so I could cover it up.
I pull up to Sal’s gate and it opens without me having to press the button. She’s waiting for me. It’s late but I couldn’t wait until tomorrow and I knew she would still be up. The adrenaline takes a while to wear off after any finale show. I pull my truck in front of her garage and make my way to the front door. Sal is standing in the open doorway, two beer bottles hang from her right hand.
She hands me one. “Good show, Jack.” Her smile is wide and incandescent.
“Yeah, it was great, darlin’,” I say then take a pull on the beer and walk into her house.
I know that her kids are with Evan for the week. He’s touring in Texas and they travel with both parents when they tour. Also, Sal’s schedule with High Note has been non-stop this week and she wouldn’t have been around for them. She misses them, but right now, I want them to be the last thing on her mind.
She looks a little nervous as she takes a swig from her bottle as she follows me into her kitchen. It’s warm and welcoming, just like her. It’s well appointed but not so huge as to be obnoxious. Sal likes quality things but also likes to keep things manageable for her children. I come up behind her as she leans into the concrete island.
“I know what you did, darlin’,” I whisper low in her ear, and then bite her lobe.
She shivers. “Me? What did I do? You can’t possibly be accusing me of cheating, Jack?” she asks in a sardonic tone.
“You did,” I tease. “How could I ever compete when you were wearing that dress?” When I saw Sal walk onto the stage when our emcee, Poppy Jones, introduced her, I almost came in my pants. The dress was white and hugged her in all the right places. I also could tell she wasn’t wearing a bra. So could all of America. Her hair was slicked back into a complex braided bun that I’m sure involved a ton of fake hair. Her make-up was shimmery and she looked like a goddess. My goddess. Then she sat down. From my chair next to hers I could see her full breast when she slouched a bit through the side of her dress which had slits on either side of her torso. I was in pain for most of the night. Thank fuck she changed for our duet. She still looked stunning in a navy sheath and to my delight, no panties.
“Oh, that little rag?” She shrugs and I laugh, pressing myself into her with a little more force.
I run my hand down her side, now covered in a black camisole. Sal is clearly in her home mode. She’s wearing cut off shorts and the camisole, her legs bare and begging to be touched. Her feet are bare and that means she is not
as tall without her usual heels. She also seems more vulnerable, and my heart beats faster knowing that she’s comfortable with me and that she knows how I feel about her. I can only hope she feels the same, even if it’s not today.
I gently push her down so she’s bent over the island. Her breaths are shorter and I see her smile in the corner of her mouth. “You think this is funny, darlin’?” I run my hand up her spine and grab the camisole and pull it from her, the delicate straps popping off with ease. She huffs in surprise as I place my forearm lightly across her neck, keeping her in place. I get rid of her shorts and panties while holding her still and she is naked and under my control. I know she’s loving it even though she’ll never admit it out loud.
She turns her head as far as she can to look at me. “So am I being punished for the dress or the win?”
“Darlin’, you’re being punished for that dress, flirting with Chet Fine, and for making me wait so long to be with you,” I say. “Also for the win. You know how much I hate to lose.”
I stand abruptly, leaving Sal still prone on the cool concrete of the counter. She’s a sight. Her hands grip the opposite edge of the island and her back is arched slightly, leaving her beautiful ass up and demanding my attention. I crouch down and spread her ass cheeks. My tongue gently and then not so gently explores her everywhere. I add my thumb I know she loves so much to her ass, just edging around her entrance, torturing her sweetly. She pushes her ass into me as I start to lick her in earnest, paying most of my attention to her clit, my fingers working the inside of her wet pussy. My thumb breaches her ass and I hear her growl in ecstasy. I know she’s close and so I stop and pull away.
“What. .why? Why did you stop?” she mumbles almost incoherently.
I laugh and start walking towards where I know her bedroom is. She’s told me how much she likes being on the first floor and her kids upstairs, so I follow a hallway that leads to her room. The door is ajar and I enter her room. It’s all Sal. The walls are lined with books, guitars, records, and family photos. The curtains are purple and block out the light. Her bed is massive and welcoming. I kick off my boots, pull my shirt over my head, and unbuckle my belt and unbutton my jeans.