Notes of the Past (Lightning Strikes Book 2)

by Jodie Larson

  I shake my head as my lips turn up in the corners. “I want a show.” I repeat her motion, only tugging at the singular article of clothing on her body. Tatum takes a few steps back, giving us about an arm’s length of space.

  “You want a show?” A spark lights in her eyes, mischievous and seductive. It’s quite the combination. I nod, sitting on the edge of my bed. Tatum’s eyes flick down to my cock, which is throbbing so hard I’m sure she’s able to trace every vein with her eyes. Holding up a finger, she rushes out the door, leaving me in limbo. What in the hell is she doing?

  Seconds later, she returns and connects her phone to the Bluetooth speaker. With a devilish smile, she taps a button and sets the phone down. Heavily synthesized music fills the room, almost haunting. Until the lyrics start. Sex oozes from the speakers. I know this song. Pretty sure it’s “The Hills” by The Weeknd. Everything I’ve ever heard him sing screams sex appeal, but nothing like this one.

  Tatum saunters over, running the tip of her finger across her lips before it disappears between them. The pulsing ache between my legs intensifies as she takes her moistened finger and runs it down her throat.

  Grabbing the hem of the shirt, she rips it over her head, just in time for the bass line to kick in. My body shakes with anticipation as she stands before me, naked and ready. Tatum uses her finger again, trailing it between her breasts, past her navel, before dipping between her legs.

  “Goddamn it,” I growl, unable to tear my eyes away from her finger playing with her pussy.

  Pink tints her cheeks as she keeps eye contact. Her lips part ever so slightly as she continues exploring herself. That should be my finger giving her pleasure, but fuck, I’m not about to stop her. I asked for a show and she’s delivering.

  “This what you want?” Her breathy voice is rough, indicating her need. I know what she wants and how to give it to her.

  Wasting no time, I quickly undo my pants and toss them to the floor, followed closely by my boxers. I wrap a hand around my cock and start stroking in time with her. Her gaze falls to my hand moving up and down the shaft, watching as it grows and hardens more. If I’m not inside her soon, I’ll show her more than I planned. I don’t want my orgasm to be with my hand. I want it with my dick buried deep in her pussy. I need to feel her as I come. More importantly, I need to feel her come with me.

  She obviously can’t take it anymore either because she hops onto my lap, practically impaling herself on my cock. This isn’t how we play this game.

  “Oh no, baby. We’re not doing it like this.”

  Her brows furrow. “But I want you.” It takes everything I have not to fuck her like she wants me to. No, I have a plan. She’ll get fucked, but it has to be about more than sex. I want more than our bodies joining together.

  I toss her up the bed until she’s sprawled across the middle. Before I press my body to hers, I take a moment to admire the goddess underneath me. Smooth, milky skin. Pert, rosy nipples begging for attention. I take a long, lasting lick, twisting the tip of my tongue around her hardening buds. Tatum writhes beneath me, clutching the sheets and swinging her head back and forth.

  “Please, I need you.”

  I smile against her breasts, leaving a trail of kisses between the two. “You’ll get me.”

  My tongue continues to give all of its attention to her breasts as I move my hand between her thighs. Wet, warm heat greets me as I find her opening, slick and ready. I match the tempo of my tongue, curling a finger inside her to find the sweet spot. She calls out my name as if it was an answer to a prayer. That’s what I want. I need her desperate for my touch, making sure the only thing she’ll ever remember is me. Whenever she moves or closes her eyes, all she’ll think about is this moment.

  A few more licks and strokes has her coming on my hand, the muscles squeezing me tight enough that I can almost feel it in my cock. Now I need her.

  Without hesitation, I plunge deep inside her, bringing her legs closer to her chest. Her muscles still spasm around my cock as I slide in and out, clenching me as hard as she can.

  “Look at me,” I command. She flutters her eyelids open, though her gaze is unfocused. I stop all movements, which gets her attention.

  “Why’d you stop?” She claws at my ass, panting out her words as if they’d be her last.

  Ever so slowly, I move. Out. In. Out. In. Tatum moans, her nails dig into my skin to the point of almost breaking it.

  “I want you to look at me when you come. I want to see your eyes when you find your ecstasy. Then, when you think you can’t take anymore, I’m going to do it again.”

  Her lips form an “O” as I keep this pace. Though I’ll be considered a liar if I don’t start moving soon. Tatum does as instructed and keeps her eyes locked on mine. I sit up a little more, finding a better angle and slide deeper inside. Like a good girl, she stays focused, calling out my name again.

  “Faster.”

  Now there’s a request I’m more than happy to oblige. With my hands on her hips and her calves on my shoulders, I do as she asks, fucking her with my body while loving her with my eyes. Before I know it, she comes again, losing her voice before a gasping breath and scream follows. Aftershocks flow through her, making her muscles twitch.

  I can’t hold out any longer. My thrusts become jerky, needing to find the release my body so desperately craves. With a guttural yell, I find it, emptying myself inside her. Sweat slicks our skin as I stroke out the last of my orgasm. Tatum runs a hand through my hair before pressing it against my cheek.

  “That was amazing.” Her breathless words are enough for me.

  Somehow I manage to slide out and curl up next to her. Exhaustion takes over but not before taking her sweet lips in one last kiss.

  “You are amazing.” I finger the hair by her ear as she lies on my chest. Within minutes, she’s asleep, softly snoring and yes, even drooling.

  She has the face of an angel, peaceful and at ease. Looking at her, the answer is so obvious. It should never have been a question. Careers come and go, but there will never be another Tatum. I tried to live without her once and lost myself in the process. This time, I won’t make that mistake again.

  I choose her. I’ll always choose her.

  When I invited Myles to come to my mom’s house with me, I wasn’t sure how he’d react. The last time they saw each other she was packing up her things and moving out of our house. Sure, they got along just fine, but they didn’t have the connection that he and my dad had. Hell, no one had a connection to my dad like Myles did.

  Of course, the divorce changed everything, including their relationship. My dad didn’t only pull away from me; he pulled away from Myles as well. But through it all, Myles was there to make sure I was taken care of. It was one more thing about him to love. Not that I needed more reasons. Being with him was enough.

  We hopped on his bike, a beautiful Harley that he keeps in the garage under his building, and travelled down the coastline toward my mom’s place in Escondido. It’s a beautiful city with lots of city parks and lakes close by. My mom wanted to be close to San Diego but not actually in the city. She determined this was the best spot and for a time, I agreed.

  She lives in a quiet, gated community just outside of the city but close to the highways to ease her commute to the hospital. With its own pool and spa area, she couldn’t pass it up. There isn’t much for a yard, but the views of the mountains make up for it.

  Myles parks the bike in the driveway, letting the loud roar of the engine die. He gives a drawn-out whistle as he looks up and down the street. “Nice place. Your mom does well for herself.”

  He helps me off the back and takes the helmet from me, putting it back in the compartment. “Yeah, she’s part of the management team at the hospital so she does all right.” I give him a wink and grab his hand, gently tugging him behind me.

  Before we even reach the front door, it swings open, displaying my mom’s smiling face. “Tay! I’m so glad you’re here. I was wondering wh
o was making all that noise.” Letting go of Myles’ hand, I run into her open arms. She kisses my temple and squeezes me hard. When she pulls back, she brushes the hair from my face and smiles before grabbing Myles and hugging him. “I’m glad you’re here, too.”

  He awkwardly pats her back, like a small child being forced to do something. It’s hard not to laugh at his discomfort, but I cough in an attempt to hide my snort. All it earns me is a glare from both of them.

  “Come in, let’s sit down.” Bright sunlight streams through each oversized window in the living area, highlighting all the new furniture she’s bought since I was last here.

  “You’ve redecorated.” Several new paintings hang from the walls, each displaying a different scene or place, but all of them nature-like.

  Mom pats a hand to the couch and Myles and I sit while she takes the oversized chair opposite to us.

  “I raided that little gallery downtown and discovered a new artist. You like?”

  I nod. “Love, actually. They’re so beautiful. Goes really well with the rest of the décor.” There’s a pause that I use to my advantage before I bite the bullet. “Where’s Sam?”

  A smile lifts her face. “He’ll be here in a bit. Said he had to finish up a few things back at the fire department, but promised he’d be done soon.”

  Mom was always a sucker for a man in uniform. Even though my dad was a fire fighter too, it didn’t stop her from going after another one. I remember many nights staying with my mom in her bed because my dad was out doing his job. She’d fret and twist her fingers, mumbling over and over for him to stay safe. Those nights I’d cuddle in close and gave her as much comfort as I could. It was his job that made them fight. She couldn’t handle the calls and he refused to give it up. After a while, she stopped caring, which is when I started hanging out with Myles more and more. Then she went back to school, which meant neither of them was home at the same time.

  From what I can tell, she doesn’t get like that with Sam, though. Although I’m sure it helps that they don’t live together and they’re just dating. I think my mom has given up on the institute of marriage. Or she likes her newfound freedom too much.

  “Can I get you anything? Beer? Wine? Coke?”

  Looking at Myles, he just shrugs. “I’ll have a beer,” he says, slinging an arm over my shoulder.

  “Wine for me,” I say.

  Mom nods with a smile. “Coming right up.” She disappears into the kitchen, leaving the two of us alone.

  “So, what do you think?” I ask.

  Myles looks around and shrugs. “About what I was expecting from your mom.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He holds up his hands defensively. “Just that she always struck me as high maintenance. Don’t get your panties in a bunch.”

  “You told me I was always like her.”

  Myles shrugs, opting not to say another word. Asshole. And where does he come off saying she’s high maintenance? We lived in a modest house in a decent neighborhood not far from his. He’s the golden child with the parents who attended all the charity functions around town, taking on special projects and whatnot. We were a working-class family, like the others on our block. It’s how Kade and I grew up together. The police and fire departments were always together so it was natural the kids would be friends.

  “Be nice,” I hiss through my teeth as my mom rejoins us. Taking the glass from her, I do my best not to chug down the chilled wine. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea, bringing him with. If I had known he’d be this opinionated, he could have stayed behind with the guys.

  Mom takes her seat and tucks her feet beneath her. “Tell me, how’s the tour going? I’ve tried to keep track on all the gossip pages, but you know how those go. I want the real truth.”

  I look to Myles, whose expressionless face lets me know I’m on my own. “It’s really fun. So many cities and fans. Did you know I even have a small gathering myself?”

  Her face lights up with pride. “No, you didn’t tell me that.”

  “She does. They’ve even started a Facebook page and are talking about petitioning the label to give her her own tour,” Myles says, taking another swig of his beer.

  Mom sets her drink down and clutches a fist to her chest. “My baby, a star.”

  Rolling my eyes, I laugh. “It’s so crazy because they always have such kind and supportive things to say.”

  “One day, she’ll have her own tour. I know it.” Myles’ confidence in me has my heart skipping a beat. He has more talent in his pinky than I do in my entire body, yet he believes I’m going somewhere. It’s nice one of us believes this, but I know it’s not meant to be.

  Two more weeks then back to reality.

  The front door opens, halting the rest of Mom’s inquisition. A tall, slender man with salt-and-pepper hair walks in. Mom instantly jumps from her chair and greets him the way Myles would greet me when we haven’t seen each other in a few hours. Seeing a parent kiss someone is never comfortable, even when you’re almost thirty.

  Mom grabs Sam’s hand and leads him to us. “Tatum, Myles, this is Sam, my boyfriend.”

  We stand and exchange pleasantries, noting how strong of a handshake he has. Don’t let his frame fool you. The man has muscles. I suppose he has to with his line of work. Can’t be weak when you’re pulling people out of burning buildings. Okay, that hardly happens, but in the off-chance it does, who would you rather get saved by?

  “Is that your bike outside?” Sam asks Myles.

  “Yeah. Got it a year ago. Easiest way to get around in L.A.”

  Sam whistles. “Quite the Fat Boy. Is it a 2015?”

  Grinning, Myles shakes his head. “‘16. Customized it with every feature available.”

  I look at my mom and shrug. Looks like they’re bonding over motorcycles. Who knew?

  “Tay, will you help me in the kitchen?”

  “Sure.” I turn to Myles, but he’s already walking out the door with Sam. Probably to look at the bike and jerk each other off. Okay, maybe not that, but most likely grunt like cavemen and beat their chests.

  Grabbing a knife, I start chopping the broccoli into pieces, tossing them in a bowl already filled with raisins and shredded carrots.

  “What’s your plan after the tour?” When I don’t answer, she turns to me and frowns. All the built-up worry releases as I set the knife on the cutting board and cry. Within seconds, she’s wrapped me in her arms and rocking me from side to side, as if I were a little kid again.

  “Shh. Shh. What’s the matter? I thought things were going well?”

  I cling to her shoulder, her shirt wet from my tears. How do I explain to her what I overheard? Or, how I need to save myself the heartache?

  “I won’t be finishing the tour,” I say through hiccupping sobs.

  She leans back, framing my face in her hands. “What? Don’t talk foolish. Of course you are. Then you’ll sign on for another round. Myles seems to think so.”

  Shaking my head, I wipe my nose with the back of my hand. Mom scrunches up her nose and hands me a tissue.

  “Thanks.” I toss it into the garbage can next to me. “I overheard Don, the manager, talking to Kade one day. I’m a distraction for Myles and it’s not working out. They’re letting me go.”

  “What?” The surprise in her voice evident. “Are you sure? What did they tell you?”

  “Nothing yet. I’m assuming they’re waiting until the end of the tour so I don’t ruffle any feathers. It’s silly to think I’d still be there after it’s done. I’m a nobody.”

  “You have a Facebook page of followers,” she retorts.

  “So does Mr. Clean, but I don’t see him going from house to house with his magic cleaning supplies.”

  “I’m being serious.”

  “So am I. After the tour is done, I’m out. Myles needs to focus and apparently he can’t do that when I’m around.” A sharp pain hits my heart, another crack in my defense. The thought of leaving him almost dri
ves me to tears again. But I can’t dwell on this. I have to be stronger, braver, and do what’s right for him. “His career is everything. For nine years, he’s done just fine without me. It’ll be the same after I’m gone.”

  “You’re acting like this is a done deal.”

  “Isn’t it?” Tears threaten to start again, but I brush them away. “I’m kidding myself if I thought we’d just go back to what we were. Things have changed. Our lives are different. We were kids thinking the world was our playground. This is real life. Mine is back in Kansas City. His is on the road, entertaining the world as they bow at his feet. It’s what he deserves and I won’t stand in the way.”

  “You sound like a martyr. Don’t give up so easily on you two. What has he said about it?”

  I turn back to the cutting board and work on the task at hand. “He doesn’t know.”

  “Tatum Savannah.” I cringe and face my mom. “You’re doing it again, after you swore you wouldn’t.”

  “This is different.”

  She places her hands on her hips. “How so?”

  Biting my lip, I drag it through my teeth. The pain bites just enough to distract my thoughts. “This is his livelihood. His whole purpose in life. I won’t get in his way. If his manager thinks I’m a hindrance, then I’ll leave. End of story. Everything will go back to the way it was and no one will be hurt.”

  “Except both of you.” Mom grabs my hands, holding them in hers. “Baby, don’t do this. I know it’s killing you inside right now. You made this mistake once. Learn from the past. Please, for me, listen to your heart.”

  A lone tear tracks down my cheek. “I’ve already decided.”

  Mom wraps me in her arms. “You’re a fool if you think he’ll let you go this time.”

  With a sad laugh, I force a smile. “He did once, he can do it again.”

  We cut our visit short since my mom didn’t want us riding back in the dark. During dinner, Sam and Myles continued their bonding while I stayed quiet, soaking in the scene of him at the table, mingling with my family. It’ll be one of the last happy memories I’ll take of him. Tomorrow, things will be set in motion that can’t be undone.