No.
Even if we only had a few days, I wanted to make them real. Sliding my fingers into her hair, I tilted her head back so I could devour her mouth. She didn’t hesitate, locking her arms around my neck and moaning when I scored my teeth along her bottom lip. “Turn around, baby.”
When she did as I asked, I pressed a kiss to her neck as I fumbled with the two small hooks that fastened her bra. But no matter what I tried, the catch wouldn’t give. Frustrated, I dragged a hand through my hair. “I can’t figure this fucking thing out. I’m about to rip it off.”
Lily’s shoulders quaked, a throaty laugh spilling from her lips.
Crushing her against my chest, I growled in her ear, “It’s not funny. I was making a grand gesture.”
Slanting her gaze to mine, she reached between us and unfastened the hooks with ease. The lavender straps slid from her shoulders, and I had her on the bed before her bra hit the ground.
“Fuck, you’re sweet,” I murmured, flicking my tongue over one perfect pink nipple.
Trailing kisses down her stomach, I dropped to my knees on the floor. When my mouth moved a little lower, and I tugged the bow on her panties with my teeth, she came off the bed with a start. “What are you d-doing?” I flicked my gaze to hers, smiling as I inched south. “No…Cameron… you c-can’t…”
Swallowing hard, my heart slammed into my ribs. “You’re not…a virgin, right?”
As much as I wanted her, there were some lines I wouldn’t cross.
“Of course not! I’m twenty-three years old. I’ve just never…nobody’s ever…you know…done that.”
The shock knocked me back on my heels. Too many years of discussing sex openly—what I wanted, and what a girl wanted to give me— had destroyed any filter I had.
“None of your boyfriends have ever gone down on you? Like, ever?”
Lily lifted her chin defiantly, crimson staining her cheeks. “There’s only been one. We met in high school. He left…I mean, we broke up when I quit the business program and switched my major to art.”
She frowned at the admission, and my hand slid south to rub her calf soothingly. “You studied business?”
Defeat marred her features, and her shoulders sagged. “Yes. But I hated it.”
Grabbing Lily’s hands, I pulled her to the floor and settled her on my lap. “Chase has a business degree from Stanford. He said the classes were a bitch.”
“They weren’t that hard. Telling my p-parents I was leaving the program? That was hard. I’ve always been a d-disappointment. But dropping out was more than t-they could deal with. We’ve only spoken a few times in the last couple of years.”
She looked lost. Fragile. And the urge to comfort her was too strong to resist. So I pulled her against me, and brushed a kiss to the top of her head. “How could you ever be a disappointment?”
“M-my stutter, for one. My dad kinda felt bad about t-that. But my m-mom—she thought it was my fault. That I didn’t try hard enough to be n-normal.”
“Why would you want to be normal?” Tightening my embrace when she stiffened, I stroked her hair. “You’re special.”
“Special?” She snorted. “I hate that word. My m-mom used to tell everyone about my ‘s-special’ classes. Getting accepted to SMU and maintaining a stellar GPA still wasn’t enough to convince her I’m not s-stupid.”
I barked out a laugh. “Stupid? Why—because you do that cute little thing when you get nervous?”
Lily studied me with narrowed eyes, clouded with disbelief, and I couldn’t help but shift under the the weight of her stare.
“I barely graduated,” I admitted. “My dad hauled me around to every bar in Austin until he left my junior year in high school.” Twirling a lock of her hair around my finger, I studied the silky strands. “Even got me my own fake ID.”
“W-why would he do that?”
“Because my old man didn’t give a shit if we grunted like animals as long as we did it with a guitar in our hands.”
Shrugging, I tried for casual to avoid the next emotion that crept over her face. Pity. I didn’t do pity. But then I didn’t do sharing either, and here I was, naked on the floor telling Lily the Cliff Notes version of my life story.
“He shit a brick when Chase got accepted to Stanford,” I continued with a laugh. “Not that it mattered, since he left right after that. I didn’t see him again until my first single hit the charts.”
Burrowing closer, Lily rested her cheek against my chest. I waited for more questions, but none came. And for a long moment, there was only the sound of our breathing.
“Do you miss him?” she finally whispered, so soft I could barely hear her.
“My dad?”
She nodded.
“Fuck, no. He was an asshole. My brother did more to raise me than that man ever did. What about you?”
Pondering, she ran her fingertip over my collarbone. “Yeah…I do. Not all the time, but the holidays are hard. Last Christmas, I ordered a turkey from the grocery store. I had to eat turkey sandwiches for two weeks because I blew my whole budget on that damn bird.”
“When’s the last time you saw them?”
Sighing, she sat up. “A couple of months ago when the Tennison Foundation dedicated the new library at SMU. I watched from the back, but I didn’t talk to them.”
My hand froze, fingers still twisted around a lock of her hair. “You’re a Tennison? As in—”
“Marcus Tennison is my father. I guess you’ve heard of him.” She looked down. “Of course you have.”
It was impossible to live in Texas and not know who the Tennisons were. They were old money. Oil money. And if you believed the hype, they gave half of it to charity. Yet their daughter drove a car older than she was and worked two jobs to pay for her education.
“And they don’t talk to you because you’re an artist?”
It made no sense to me. And I guess Lily saw the confusion on my face. “It’s one thing to support the arts. And another to have your daughter hawk her wares in a gallery.” A humorless smile curved her lips. “My mother’s words, not mine.”
“What about your brothers and sisters? What do they do?”
“I’m an only child.”
Lily sank against me, effectively ending our conversation when her soft lips grazed my neck. If she wanted a distraction, I could do that for her.
Easing her onto her back, I pinned her arms over her head, holding both wrists easily with one hand.
“What do you want, pretty girl?”
She arched her back, offering her tits, and I gladly complied, sucking one pert nipple into my mouth. Reaching between us, I parted her slick folds, teasing her clit with the tip of my finger. But I wanted more. So much more.
“Let me taste you, Lily.”
I didn’t realize I’d said the words out loud until she answered with a breathy “yes.”
Holding her gaze, I slid her panties over her hips. Hitching her leg over my shoulder, I pressed a kiss to her inner thigh. “Relax. Let me take care of you.”
Her knees dropped open. And she was so wet. So ready. I slid my tongue over her needy bud, and there was nothing but her sweet taste and her soft words. “Yes,” and “please,” and “don’t stop.”
She arched off the bed when I slid two fingers deep inside her drenched pussy. Seconds later when she came undone, I nearly followed her over the cliff. After wringing every bit of pleasure from her body, I stood on wobbly legs. “Come on. Let’s go to bed.”
I helped her to her feet and then followed her when she slid between the covers. Her fingers curled around my hard length as she pressed a kiss to my lips. “How do you want me, Cameron.”
Jesus… this girl.
Rolling her onto her back, I rested my forehead against hers. “Any way I can get you.”
* * *
“You can’t cancel!” Lily whirled around, long strands of wet hair sticking to her face. Glancing at the clock she chewed her lip and then resumed her searc
h. “I can’t believe I lost my bra. Where could it be?”
Spying a strip of lavender fabric peeking out from under the bed, I snatched it up. “Calm down, darlin’.”
We’d already dodged Dave and the maid who’d dropped by with towels and shampoo. But Lily was still nervous about getting caught.
Narrowing her eyes when she noticed her bra in my hand, she stalked toward me. “Not funny, Cameron. Give it to me.”
When she was close enough, I looped an arm around her waist and tossed her onto the bed. Pinning her hands at her sides, I flicked my tongue over her earlobe. “I’ll give it to you all right. Just say the word.”
“Stop! “She tried to wiggle out from under me. You’re going to be late!”
Tipping back, I looked down my nose at her with a smirk. “Do you really want me to stop?” She smiled, shaking her head. “Thought so.”
I slid one hand under her shirt, and when her nipple rose to a stiff peak any pursuits outside this room lost their appeal. “Jesus, Lily…”
I want you…
It was true. More than true. But instead of saying it, I ground my hard length against her thigh. She blinked at me, then slanted her gaze to where our hips were joined. “No way. That’s, like, impossible.”
I was a bit surprised myself. Twice last night and once in the shower this morning was a record, even for me. But I didn’t let on, dropping my mouth to hers for a kiss.
My fingers glided along the waistband of the boxers she was wearing. My boxers. And why the hell did that make me harder? “Come on. You know you want to.”
She contemplated for only a moment before giving me a shove. “Doesn’t matter what I want. You’ve got plans, remember?”
A frown tugged her lips as she sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed to slip on her bra. Since she looked a little salty, I decided to come clean about the package. Tucking an arm behind my head, I nudged her with my knee. “You know, I only bought that package to impress you.”
She gave me the side eye. “Since I made a healthy commission, I’m n-not going to complain. But whoever you’re taking is going to be even m-more impressed, since I worked my ass off to make everything perfect.”
When she made to stand, I sat up and snaked an arm around her waist. “I hope that’s true. Since you’re the one I’m taking.”
Twirling around, she stared at me with wide eyes. She didn’t look happy, though. Horrified was a better description. “What?”
Since her tits were right in front of me, I couldn’t resist a little nibble. “I wanted to spend some time alone with you. Sue me.”
She wiggled free and, shaking her head, she snatched her jeans from the floor. “You didn’t have to drop ten thousand dollars to go out with me. You could’ve just asked.” I bit back my disappointment when she yanked the denim over her hips. “Obviously, I’m attracted to you.”
“That’s good to know.” Pulling her between my knees, I kissed her neck. “If I had to drop that kind of coin every time we had a gig in Dallas, I’d go broke.”
As soon as the words left my lips, I wanted to take them back. Reminding Lily, or myself, that I’d be gone in a few days was something I’d vowed not to do.
Prying my foot from my mouth, I sighed. “Lily…”
Pinning on a fake smile, she grabbed her purse. “Get d-dressed, mister,” she called over her shoulder as she headed for the bathroom. “I’ve never had someone drop that kind of c-cash for the pleasure of my company. We s-should probably kick it into g-gear since I need to drop by my apartment and c-change my clothes.”
I let my head fall forward when the door slid shut behind her. Stupid. The stammer only proved I’d upset her. Pushing to my feet, I made for the bathroom, ready to bend Lily over the counter and show her how sorry I was. But then my phone lit up, Nirvana’s “All Apologies” filling the room.
I swiped my finger over the screen. “What’s up, Logan?”
“You still in your room?”
“Yeah. We’re…er, I’m heading out soon.”
“Who’s we? Never mind. Just call her a cab. We’ve got to head to Arlington.”
I dug my fingers into my eyes. “I told you, I’m out today. I did the interview with Wendy, and—”
“That’s fucking perfect, man,” he said with a laugh. “Bring Wendy along. I had to cancel a shit load of interviews today. If she can come do an on-the-spot promo at the stadium, that would be great.”
“It’s not Wendy.” I lowered my voice when Lily walked in. Dropping to her knees, she lifted the dust ruffle on the bed and peered underneath, mumbling something about her shoes. “And why did you cancel the interviews? Lindsey is going to shit.”
“It was her idea,” Logan said, irritated. “That fucking stadium is a beast. There are lighting issues, acoustic issues. The Jumbotron alone is the biggest one in the country.”
Raking a hand through my hair, I looked down at Lily, seated on the floor putting on her pink Converse.
“All right. But this isn’t an all-day thing. I’m not doing interviews. Don’t even ask.”
Lily looked up at me, concern painting her features, and I gave her a tight smile.
“Do you want to share a limo?” Logan asked.
“I can get my own ride. I’ll see you there.”
Ending the call before Logan could ask any questions, I tossed the phone on the nightstand.
Lily climbed to her feet. “What’s wrong?”
Blowing out a breath, I took her hand. “Lily, I’m so sorry. But I’ve got to go to Arlington. Something isn’t right with the acoustics. I really wanted—”
“It’s cool. I’ll cancel it.” Her mouth twisted into a frown. “There’s going to be a penalty, though. I’ll try to talk them out of it, but I’m not sure it’ll work.”
“Don’t cancel the whole thing. I still want to take you to the museum tomorrow.” Lacing our fingers, I kissed the back of her hand. “And the ballet. I promise I’ll make that happen.”
“You don’t have to make any promises. We’ll just see how it goes.” Levering up to her tiptoes, she pecked my lips. “Let me get my stuff so you can get out of here.”
I stepped around her to root around for a t-shirt in my suitcase. “You’re going with me.” As the seconds elapsed, I realized my mistake. Lily wasn’t someone I could order around. She didn’t work for me, and she wasn’t a fan. I chanced a peek over my shoulder. “Sorry. What I mean is… I’d really like it if you came with me.”
She softened. “I can’t.”
Folding my arms over my chest, I watched her glide around the room, checking for her personal items. “Why not? I thought we could get something to eat afterward.”
And then I can bring you back here and fuck you senseless.
That part remained unspoken because it had never crossed my mind that she wouldn’t be staying with me tonight. And tomorrow. And every other day until I boarded my tour bus.
She faced me, pulling down the waistband of her jeans. “I don’t have any clothes here. I’m wearing your boxers, for Christ’s sake.”
Relieved that it wasn’t something more, I gathered her in my arms. “Just knowing you’re wearing my boxers. That they’re right here,” I ran a palm over the front of her jeans, “is about the sexiest fucking thing I can imagine. I’m getting hard just thinking about it.” Catching her wrist, I guided her hand to my crotch. “Don’t make me go all the way to Arlington with a hard-on, baby.”
She raised a skeptical brow. “How’s it going to be any better if I go to Arlington with you?”
I cocked my head, because, yeah, she was really that innocent. Fuck. I bent to give her a kiss. “Arlington is almost an hour from here.” My lips curved against hers. “Have you ever had sex in a limo, Lily?”
* * *
I instructed the driver to pull around the side of the building to wait for Lily. She insisted that we not leave together, and I got that. But it had been fifteen minutes and I was beginning to think she’d blown me
off.
No, she wouldn’t do that.
I fished my phone from my pocket, ready to send her a text, when I spotted her dashing toward the limo like her ass was on fire. Smiling, I pushed open the door and she nearly bowled me over when she dove inside.
“Sorry,” she said, breathless.
Since she was already on my lap, I held her in place, easing back against the seat. “No worries.”
Before I could devour her mouth, a voice crackled over the intercom. “Are you ready, Mr. Knight?”
Lily snickered when I twisted around, trying to find the speaker so I could answer. “Yeah, we’re all good.” The air punched from my lungs when she popped the button on my jeans. And then her hand slipped inside and wrapped around my thickening cock. Biting back a groan, I said to the driver. “Um…I… I’m on a call, so no interruptions, okay?”
Whatever he said was lost on me, because Lily was on her knees now, tugging the denim down my thighs. “Baby…ah, shit…” Hissing a breath, I dug my fingers into her hair when she took me in her mouth. She gripped my base, sucking hard, and my stomach coiled. “Jesus, Lily, if you keep that up I’m going to come.” When the raging storm threatened to overtake me, I tugged her hair. “Stop.”
She peered up with hooded eyes. “What’s the matter? Am I not doing it right?”
I pulled her forward until she was straddling me. “Of course you’re doing it right.” Pushing the hair out of her face, I smiled. “Too fucking right. I almost came.”
In less than two minutes. And what the fuck was that about?
“Isn’t that the point?” She pouted, and it was so fucking cute, I almost gave in.
“That’s one point. But I’ve got something better in mind.” I eased her onto the seat, then made short work of slipping off her jeans. Biting her lip, she watched with rapt attention as I took a condom from my wallet. Once I had the latex in place, I waggled my brows, motioning for her to climb back on top of me. She eagerly complied.
“God, you feel good,” I murmured, tugging her shirt over her head. With the fabric gathered in my fist, I trapped her arms in place behind her back. Yanking one of her breasts free from her bra, I gripped the t-shirt tighter as I clamped onto her erect nipple. After a second of struggle, Lily stilled, whimpering softly when I barely skimmed my tongue over the pebbled peak.