Turn up the Tempo (Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star Series Book 4)

by Charli B. Rose

  For now, at least.

  Her hair was partially pinned up. I pressed my lips to the center of the nape of her neck and sucked the sensitive flesh, nearly hard enough to mark her. But I stopped just shy of it, though I longed to brand her. A quiet moan from her encouraged me.

  I trailed open-mouthed kisses down her back until I reached the fabric of her dress. It was a short, but tantalizing trip. Squatting down behind her, I slowly dragged her panties down her toned legs. When they got to her knees, I considered leaving them there, binding her in a position that was erotic as hell—thin, black strips of fabric stretched taut between her spread legs. Part of me longed to nudge her thighs farther apart to the very limits of the elastic so I’d have access and she’d have to stay in position for me.

  This woman had haunted my dreams for months with her breathy moans, seductive smile, intoxicating smell, melodic laugh and tempting touches. Part of me wanted to punish her for the invasion. I’d fantasized about her in so many scenarios that a single night hadn’t afforded us the time to explore. But this right now was morphing into more than my fantasies. So, I dragged the black underwear down to her ankles. Gently, I lifted one high-heeled foot and slipped the thong off. I repeated the process with the other side. Then I stuffed the scrap into my jacket pocket.

  Before I got back to my feet, I couldn’t resist. I leaned forward and took a nibble of the back of her thigh, marking it with my bite. She gasped, making me smile against her skin. I wanted to taste her everywhere. But she was a drug, and I knew the consequence of indulging in a hit of her essence would result in a habit I might not ever be able to kick. There was no rehab facility for that kind of addiction.

  Instead, as I got to my feet, I used one hand to draw the skirt of her dress up, revealing more and more of her delectable flesh to me. The fingers on my free hand slid around to her cleanly shaven mound, delving between her lips.

  “Damn,” I groaned against the bare skin of her shoulder. “You’re dripping, angel. Do you want me?”

  Her head tipped back against my shoulder as my fingers slipped up to the little knot at the apex of her slit, straining for my touch. I circled it slowly. So slowly, waiting for her answer. She moaned.

  “Tell me,” I commanded, watching her face in the mirror as pink crept over it, spreading down to her neck, collarbone, cleavage.

  Her tongue swiped along her lips, then she bit them, trapping her voice inside.

  “This doesn’t go any farther if you don’t tell me you want this. Want me.” I stilled my fingers, letting my index finger rest against her clit. It pulsed slightly beneath my touch. I pressed back against it, but it was the barest of touches, certainly not satisfying.

  Tortured eyes finally met mine in the mirror. “Yes. God, yes. I want you,” she groaned, pressing her pussy against me.

  “Don’t move.” I withdrew my hand from beneath her dress. I shed my jacket and tossed it on the wicker table in the corner. Quickly, I unfastened my belt buckle then flicked the button loose on my dress slacks and unzipped my fly. A groan of relief spilled out when my aching cock finally had space to move beyond the confines of the fabric. I reached into my pocket to get my wallet. Swiftly, I shoved my pants and boxers down. With trembling hands, I ripped open the foil package I’d taken from my wallet and sheathed myself.

  Running my hands down her arms, I clasped her hands and planted them on the cool countertop. “You might want to hold on, angel.”

  Her fingers curled against the edge. I yanked the skirt of her dress back up, bunching it at her waist, leaving her lower half bare to me. Her soft flesh against my throbbing erection was heaven. With a hand on her hip, I pulled her pelvis back. The combination of her heels and the angle I positioned her in put her at the perfect height for me to slide into the place I hadn’t been in months—other than in my dreams. I glided my shaft along her slit, making us both groan with pleasure and need.

  My fingers spanned across her pelvis, holding her still as I slowly sank into her, enjoying each delicious millimeter of my body joining with hers. When I was finally all the way in, I paused, relishing the friction, the intimacy.

  “Brooks, I need you to move,” she whispered, pushing back against me.

  I needed to move too. I just didn’t want this to end too quickly. I’d waited too long. Resisted too long. My hips pulled back, withdrawing my cock from her gripping heat. Just before I was all the way out, I reversed directions, driving back in.

  Her head dropped forward as I set up a pace that made my skin tingle and blood race. I kissed along her shoulder blades, sucking along the back of her neck just below her hairline.

  “More,” she panted.

  I nibbled her flesh as I suckled, marking her, branding her as mine with a pinkish-purple smudge in the shape of my kiss.

  Kiss by kiss, I moved my mouth over to enjoy the sensitive hollow between her shoulder and neck. As I feasted on her flesh, I lifted my gaze to the reflective pane. Her eyes were filled with so much heat and desperation. They mirrored mine. They widened with each thrust of my cock in and out. With my free hand, I removed the pins holding her hair up. When her chocolate locks hung loosely, I buried my nose in them, breathing her in—a scent I’d tried and failed to find since our night together.

  I filled my hand with one of her breasts, brushing my thumb across her pebbled peak through the fabric of her dress. With a practiced touch, I slid my fingers along the neckline, easing it down until her breast spilled free, soft and perfect and needing my caress. She thrust her chest against my palm. With my thumb and index finger, I plucked her nipple, making it harder and causing her to squirm.

  Warmth settled at the base of my spine, coiling tighter, making my heart pound against her back. Hers thundered beneath my palm. I snaked my hand down her torso until I reached the hem of her dress. Roughly, I pulled it up, exposing her to my questing fingers. When they found her clit, I circled and rubbed, making a whimper tumble from her lips.

  “You’re so damn beautiful when you’re hanging on the edge of pleasure, angel. But you’re even more stunning when you come. Are you ready?” I rasped, keeping my stare focused on her.

  She nodded, her lids heavy with lust.

  I increased the pressure of my touch and the pace of my thrusts. Her inner walls rippled, squeezing my cock, pulling my release closer to the surface. I gritted my teeth and held my breath, staving off my climax because I needed her there with me.

  “Come on, angel. Fall with me,” I rumbled against her neck.

  She turned her head toward me, her gaze finally colliding with mine directly for the first time since downstairs at the reception when I’d twirled her around the dance floor. I couldn’t hold off any longer. My hips jerked erratically as my fingers thrummed against her bud, increasing her pleasure. Her pussy started to flutter around me.

  We jumped together. As I spasmed inside of her, I captured her lips with mine the way I wanted to when we danced earlier. Her tongue stroked against mine, getting her fill of my flavor.

  When I finally drew back to catch my breath, I dropped my head to her shoulder. I reveled in our connection for a few lingering moments, holding her close to me, feeling her heart beat in time with mine, absorbing her touch into my skin at every point of contact we shared. Then I slipped out, resolved to this being done.

  Through the mirror, she watched as I removed and discarded the condom. With my pants still around my knees, I turned my attention back to her. Gently, I spun her around to face me. I ran my fingers through her hair, brushing it back from her face, removing any traces of our secret activities. Leaning down, I planted a kiss over her still thundering heart. Then I pulled the neckline of her dress back up, covering her breasts. Finally, I smoothed her skirt out, hiding away all the delectable parts of her that I wanted nothing more than to feast on as a way to kick off my new year.

  Cradling her face, I erased the space between us. Softly, I melded our mouths. But I only indulged for a few seconds before she pushed against
my chest, forcing the space back between us.

  “We should get back to the party. It’ll be time for the toasts soon,” she murmured.

  As I stared at her, so many emotions warred within me. Emotions I didn’t understand. And that made anger boil within me. Impatiently, I tucked my somewhat satisfied cock back into my pants then fastened them. I sighed. “You’re right.” I snatched my jacket back up and slipped it on.

  I stalked toward the door, needing to put some distance between myself and my feelings.

  “Brooks,” Britt called behind me.

  I paused but didn’t turn back.

  “Your tie is crooked.” She shifted between me and the locked door so she could straighten it.

  “Thanks.” I reached behind her, turning the lock so I could leave. I stepped around her and walked out, checking the upstairs corridor to make sure we were still alone. Before I let the door swing shut behind me, I looked over my shoulder. “Oh, Britt?”

  She raised her eyebrows in question.

  My hand was in my pocket, clutching her panties between my fingers. “Make sure you save the last dance for me.” Then I headed down the stairs.

  ♪ Save the Last Dance for Me by The Drifters

  As soon as I hit the bottom of the stairs, I made a beeline for the bar.

  “Brooks,” a feminine voice called from behind me.

  Damnit. She’d found me.

  “Brooks, there you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” April said from behind me.

  “April, nice to see you again. I can’t stay and chat right now. I have to find Dawson. You know, best man duties and all,” I said, moving backward in the direction of the bar.

  “Sure, sure. I’ll catch up with you later.” She ran her manicured fingertips along the lapels of my jacket. “I booked myself a fancy hotel room for my stay in town in case you want to stop by.” She leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to my cheek, then whispered in my ear, “The Huntley in Santa Monica, room 301.”

  “Hey, handsome. There you are,” Cami said, looping her arm through mine.

  “Hey.” I pressed a kiss to the top of Cami’s head.

  April glared at Cami for a brief moment before she shifted her gaze back to me. “Offer still stands.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder and stalked away.

  “You looked like you needed rescuing,” Cami said with a chuckle.

  “I totally did. Girl is relentless.” I shook my head. “So, I missed your band playing during happy hour. How’d you do?”

  She rolled her eyes at me. “My ensemble played well. People seemed to really be paying attention to us. We were more than just background music,” she said wistfully.

  “You could never be just background music. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like that,” I said fiercely. I studied her face, trying to read what was going on with her, but I came up empty. I hadn’t spent much time with her in the past couple of years. I couldn’t figure out what was swirling behind her elegant veneer. “Anyway, how’s the symphony treating you?”

  “It’s good. I mean, I’m still trying to fit in. It takes time to find your place in such a large group of people, right?”

  “Totally.”

  She stared beyond my shoulder for a moment. “My brother is summoning me. It was good to see you, Brooks. Try to avoid the barracuda.”

  “I’ll do my best. Take care.”

  Then she turned and flounced away, and I finished my trek to the bar.

  “Hey, man. Same as before?” the bartender asked.

  “Yeah, but make it a double this time.” I didn’t have to drive tonight, so there was no need to stay sober.

  In a couple of minutes, the bartender pressed a high ball glass in my palm. “Thanks.” I slid a tip across the smooth, polished wooden bar top. Turning, I scanned the room, looking for the newly married couple. They were on the dance floor, lost in each other—as they should be.

  I lifted my glass to my lips and took a swallow. The amber liquid slid down my throat, warming my insides, which had been cold ever since I’d walked away from Brittany upstairs.

  While I was on my way to the dance floor to wait for the lovebirds to finish up, I spotted Maddox standing anxiously in the corner. Gina was next to him with a scowl on her face. Her fingers were wrapped around his bicep like she was holding him back from something. Detouring in their direction, I tried to figure out what was wrong.

  Gina whispered fiercely in Maddox’s ear, but he didn’t seem to be paying attention to her. I turned to see what had him so enraptured. Sky was in the arms of a big guy who looked vaguely familiar. They swayed slowly in time to the ballad playing. Sky’s lips were moving as she spoke to him. His muscles were tense, his face frowning. Eventually, the anger smoothed from his face, and he cradled her to his chest.

  “Everything OK, Maddox?” I asked, stepping up to his other side.

  “I’m not sure,” he said.

  Gina leaned around. “It’s just a lover’s spat. It’s not any of your business, Maddox. Leave them be,” she hissed.

  “I know you’re right, but she’s my best friend,” Maddox said, concern thick in his voice.

  “You can check on her later,” I offered, trying to ease his worries. “You don’t want to cause a scene at Dawson and Izzy’s wedding.”

  “Yeah. I’ll just call her later.” Maddox finally stopped staring at Sky and turned to face his fiancée, whose face was not a display of love and affection.

  A thumping sound played over the speakers. “If everyone could grab a glass and make their way to the dance area, the toasts will begin momentarily,” a voice boomed.

  Dawson and Izzy glided over to a table set up in the front of the room. Their parents were seated at one end. Brittany was next to Izzy. One empty seat remained for me.

  Next to Brittany.

  I forced my feet to move forward, carrying me to the spot saved for me. She glanced at me, her eyes narrowed.

  The chair legs scraped against the floor as I tugged it out from under the table. Before I could plant my rear in the seat, a microphone was thrust into my hand. “You’re up first, best man,” the wedding planner said.

  My thumb flicked the button, turning the mic on. “Looks like I get to go first. You’ll have to excuse me if I fumble. It’s not often I get to be in the spotlight. My best friend, Dawson, is a lead singer in case you didn’t know. And just between you and me,” I lowered my voice conspiratorially, “lead singers are quite egotistical. They need to be front and center, so I’m sure it’s killing him for me to have your attention right now.” I made a show of peering down the table at Dawson, who had the biggest, dopiest grin on his face, and I gave him a wink.

  “Anyway, as the best man, I’m supposed to toast the bride, which honestly, is such an easy task. I’ve known this couple since pretty much their beginning. Their love is the thing of fairytales. Izzy is truly Dawson’s reason for smiling, laughing, singing, living. I know some of you think I’m exaggerating. But I know it’s the truth because I’ve witnessed firsthand what Dawson is like without Izzy. And it’s not a pretty sight.”

  The room erupted in good natured chuckles. I held up my glass in Dawson’s direction. He nodded in agreement with my assessment.

  “Anyway, there isn’t a woman on this Earth who I think was created more specifically for a man than Izzy was for Dawson. The two of them are magic. They almost make someone like me believe in the possibility of true love and soulmates and all that mushy crap.”

  “Just you wait,” Izzy taunted from her seat with a wink.

  “No, in all seriousness, the love these two have for each other is nothing short of miraculous. It’s something many dream of finding, but few ever do. And those who do, aren’t often able to hang on to it. But these two will. They’ve overcome so much to get to this point. So, raise your glass and toast this amazing woman who completes my best friend and makes him whole. Toast this couple and their extraordinary love.” I lifted my glass, and the rest of t
he crowd followed suit.

  “Cheers to Dawson and Izzy,” the group clamored then sipped their drink of choice.

  I held out my hand to Britt, helping her up. Her palm slid across mine, sending a shiver up my spine. Soft curves briefly brushed my body as she got to her feet. I handed her the mic then sank to my seat. I thrust my hand inside my jacket pocket, rubbing the scrap of lace hiding there between my fingers.

  “Guess it’s my turn now. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Brittany, Izzy’s best friend. I need to set the record straight about something first. Brooks here was wrong about one thing. He might have been there near the beginning for these two … but he wasn’t there at the very beginning. You see, I knew Dawson and Izzy when they were six. I watched the way they attempted to ignore each other when they went through the cootie phase. I saw their love blossom. Hell, they shared their first kiss at my birthday party. Of course, I had to kiss Dawson too during our little spin the bottle game. But it was nothing compared to the sparks these two had from the very beginning. I’d swear that soulmates didn’t exist if I hadn’t witnessed it myself. I mean, of course I believe in true love. I saw it with my parents. But soulmates … that’s what Dawson and Izzy are.” Britt glanced at the newlyweds who were gazing longingly at each other.

  “You know, as a young teenager, I had quite the crush on Dawson. I mean, he was so cute and sweet. But he had eyes only for Izzy. Once I got over my petty jealousy, I was able to see the two of them were totally meant for each other. I’m convinced neither of them would ever be truly happy without the other. So, tonight, on this brand-new year, I’d like to toast to this brand-new married couple. I’m quite certain we’ll be toasting them again in fifty years. To Dawson and Izzy. May their love grow stronger every day, and may we all learn a little something from them.” Britt raised her glass in salute to our best friends.

  When she sat back next to me, I reached beneath the tablecloth and squeezed her knee. “Beautiful speech,” I murmured.