by Amy L. Gale
Things don’t get easier when you’re out in the real world. People mature, but they take the conniving and deceit to a whole new level. Everything’s magnified. People are smarter and want to bring you down worse than they did back then. It’s like going from the farm team to the big leagues.
I grip the steering wheel and glance at the GPS Almost there. Thank God Tyler has a place of his own when he stays down here, and Santa Monica is the perfect spot, close enough to L.A. with the ocean in your backyard. Living with a group of people day in and day out must be pure hell sometimes, especially when they’re cramped in a tour bus together and one of them is an evil demon from hell. Privacy lines get crossed on a daily basis. He probably doesn’t even realize Jenna had his phone and I’m sure she deleted the call log so there’s no evidence of me trying to get in touch with him. She’s like a serial killer, covering her tracks to hide her path of destruction. Of course, I’m acting like a stalker at the moment.
The GPS sounds, “Pull to the right to your destination.”
I park the car and glance over at a cute blue bungalow. A surfboard leans against the second floor white railing, adding to the breathtaking view of the beach. Yep, everything about this place screams Tyler. I made it… now what?
This whole scenario played out much better in my head. What’s gotten into me? I never rush into anything without a plan. It’s like I’m running on pure adrenaline, letting passion take over and stopping at nothing to reach my goal. What happened to calm, cool, conservative Ali? Tyler turns me into a whole different version of myself, one I hardly know.
Okay, time to get back to reality. I’m not in some rom-com about to hold up a boom box and expecting Tyler to come running out professing his love to me. I’ll just tell him the truth, or at least a version of it.
I step out of my car at a snail’s pace and walk up the steps to Tyler’s door. A warm breeze of salty air caresses my face, taking some of my nervous energy with it. I lift my hand but can’t seem to will myself to knock. More self-defense or does my brain realize I approached this situation the wrong way?
I take a deep breath. Nothing about Tyler and I is rational. None of it makes sense, but I know that if I walk away right now, I’ll regret it. There’s nothing worse than wishing you could change the past. I knock on the door and take a step back. My heart thumps against my chest, louder than the crash of the waves.
Tyler pulls open the door and leans in the door jam. “Ah, you heard about the 15-second tube I rode and rushed down for dibs on the story.” He scrunches his eyebrows. “Should I grab my board for a picture?”
A drop of water falls from his hair, sliding down his shirtless body. I follow the droplet down his sculpted pec right down to his six-pack abs. It slides underneath the elastic of his board shorts. No need for a picture, the image etches itself into my brain. The sun glistens off his still-wet body, sending sparkles of light across his skin. Wait, why did I come here again? Oh right. Sticking to this surf story might help break the ice.
I nod. “The locals called up the magazine. Said we’d be crazy if we missed this story.” I nibble my lip. “I told them I’ll take it, I owe you one.” Great job, Ali. Nothing like conjuring up bad memories of the recent past.
“Yeah, I’ll need to sign off on this one before it goes live.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Did you have to pay off the mafia to find me?”
I flash a half smile. “Something like that.” Okay, he’s dying to know why I showed up at his house uninvited. Here goes nothing.
“I wanted to thank you. I tried to call, but that didn’t work out so well so I did some investigating on my own.” Kind of the truth. I fidget with my fingers.
“Maybe investigative reporter is more your thing, babe.” He steps to the side. “Come on in.”
I step into the small, tiled foyer. Ah, a beach lover’s dream, from the light blue and green motif to the paintings of the ocean gracing the walls, right down to the fake palm tree in the corner of the room. A tan couch sits in the middle of a large living room across from a huge television. Seashells and coral decorate the end tables. It kind of reminds me of home, except every house back in Seamist has at least one lighthouse knick-knack. Tyler brings on more memories of home than anyone I’ve ever met since I left. This place had to come furnished; no way would Tyler omit band posters or rock and roll paraphernalia.
“You’ve got a great place here.” I do a quick once-over and focus on Tyler.
“Thanks. Best of everything, the beach and only a half-hour from L.A.” He plops on the couch. “So you said something about thanking me.” He winks.
Our eyes meet, and I drift away into an amazing place where everything’s perfect, and the only thing that exists is Tyler and I. A plethora of ways to thank Tyler flow through my brain, all of them requiring full contact and no clothing.
I sink into the couch cushion next to him. “Kate from Newswatch Weekly called.” I shift my hand over to his thigh. “I know you set this up. It’s my dream project. Thank you.”
“Least I could do.” He presses his forehead against mine. “Especially after the whole earthquake incident and the shark attack.”
Okay, I stepped on the shark tooth because of my own clumsiness and if I didn’t write the article about Devil’s Garden the way I did, Tyler would have avoided the earthquake completely. Everything that happened is completely my fault, but when he’s this close to me, none of that matters. I take a deep breath, taking in the essence of Tyler. “None of those things were your fault.”
“Maybe I know what’s it like to have a dream, and I want yours to come true.” He slides his lips over mine, sucking on the bottom one as he pulls away.
Electric shocks flow through my skin. Making my dreams come true is an understatement. Tyler pulled me from a place I never thought I’d leave and turned off the part of my brain that prevents me from taking chances, living for the moment, and letting myself be happy. And he did it effortlessly like it’s destiny’s plan for us. Of course, someone else is trying to ruin it all.
I move back and let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding. “I tried to call before going all stalker on you.”
He leans back into the couch. “Left my phone at the practice room. No worries, you can stop here any time, babe.”
Yeah, and God knows what or who I’ll find if I come here unannounced. First things first, take care of my Jenna problem. “Jenna answered… it didn’t go well.”
He turns off the charm oozing through his pores and sits up. “What are you talking about?”
Okay good, so he doesn’t know. This would go much worse if Jenna told him she let out the monstrous bitch she keeps locked up inside and warned me to stay away.
“She answered your phone when I called to thank you.” I nibble at my lip. “Listen, I get it… you guys are close, like family. But I’m not going to stay away from you just because she told me to.”
Well, that came out like something a kindergartener would tell to her five-year-old friend. That’s the thing, Jenna acts like an immature bully and has the ability to make others stoop to her level. Am I more disgusted with her or myself for buying into it?
“Jenna can go fuck herself. Come on, we’ll take care of this right now.” He leaps from the couch, pulling me with him.
Alright, I’ve clearly made things worse. I’m not looking for a fight or for Tyler to pick me over Jenna. Although it says something that he wants to rip her a new one. I just want to be honest with him. She’s trying to sabotage us and he has a right to know.
I put my hand on his forearm. “Listen. She can say whatever she wants. It doesn’t matter. She’s not getting her way this time.”
“I don’t give a shit what she does.” He grabs my hips and pulls me closer. “As long as I get my way with you.”
And just like that, the rest of the world disappears. I slam my lips against Tyler’s. The sweet flavor of his peppermint gum with tiny hints of salt invigorates me. I weave my fingers
through his hair, gripping the strands near his scalp and pulling him even closer. All inhibitions erase from my mind; nothing but primitive passion left.
Tyler slides his fingers under the hem of my tank top and rips it up, leaving my lips for only a split second. I hold up my arms, and he flings the skimpy white top into oblivion. A few strands of his damp hair tickle my face, adding a gentle touch to this inferno of desire. He slides his hand down my back and unhooks my bra with a snap of his fingers. Ah, he’s bringing out the rock star moves tonight, or what I’d expect being with a rock star is like.
I’ve been with Tyler before, no new territory here but everything’s suddenly different. Jenna’s stunt turned on a switch inside Tyler. He’s a man on a mission, almost like he’s showing me I’m his with no words. Actions speak louder anyway, and if this is his way of claiming me, I’m all in.
He moves his hands to the front and grabs my breasts. I gasp as his calloused fingers stroke my nipples. The soft touch mixed with a hint of roughness drives my body insane. It’s torture not having him inside me right now. He sends kisses from my neck to my chest, sliding his fingers down as he encircles a nipple with his tongue.
Oh God, I’m on the verge of tackling him like the Incredible Hulk. So, I haven’t been with a slew of guys, but Tyler’s talents extend beyond the music world. He hooks a finger on each side of my elastic skirt and pulls it down, along with my panties. His kisses continue down my stomach as he makes his descent. My heart rate triples. Okay, enough. I need him, and I need him now.
Before I can say or do anything, Tyler grips each of my thighs and pushes me backwards onto the couch. He kneels in front of me, continuing to glide his tongue down. I moan with pleasure as his tongue twists and turns along my nether regions. I breathe a mile a minute, almost panting. Complete new territory for me here, he took the only piece left of my virginity so to speak. Damn, I’ve been missing out. He knows exactly what to do and how to do it. Desire builds within. I let out a loud moan and grip the throw pillow next to me as I release my passion.
Tyler sends kisses along my thigh as I catch my breath. He’s clearly the most amazing man I’ve ever encountered. Rock God, Surf God, Sex God… does it get any better? I need him. Not just right this second but always. Right now is what I’ve got so I need to show him.
I leap from the couch like a frog on steroids and tackle Tyler to the floor. I straddle him, slamming my lips against his. I’ve never been much of the seductress type, but Tyler brings out things in me I never knew existed. He grabs my hips, pushing me against him, grinding his impressive body against me.
He sits up and whispers, “Let’s take this to the bedroom, babe.”
“I’ll take it wherever I can get it.” Where the hell did that come from?
By the time I jump to my feet, Tyler’s already standing in front of me. His eyes lock onto mine, piercing my soul. He grabs onto the back of my thighs and lifts me up. I wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist, pressing against his length. In a split second we’re lip locked.
Tyler walks forward, placing me onto the bed. I can’t stand the wait any longer. It’s pure torture. I latch a big toe around each side of his board shorts and pull them down, releasing him from the damp fabric. Finally, skin to skin contact. I maneuver myself, trying to ease him inside me. Tyler moves forward and digs in his nightstand.
Oh my God, what am I thinking? Sure, back in the day condoms weren’t always on the menu. I was on the pill and Josh wasn’t a rock star. Tyler’s hotness factor and sex appeal are clearly clouding my judgment. Never in a million years did I think he’d be more responsible than me.
He rips open the packet with his teeth and slides on the condom in one quick swoop, like he patented the move. He slams his lips into mine, sliding his fingers down my breast and stomach. My breathing increases, like I’m about to hyperventilate. Maybe I am.
He glides his calloused fingertip down my thigh, and then thrusts himself into me. I moan, sucking in breaths in between kisses. Sparks ignite from every cell in my body as he fills me. He thrusts forward, filling every inch of me. I grab his ass, pushing him deeper inside with every movement.
The headboard slams against the wall, creating rhythm to our music. Tyler lets out a moan and pushes deeper into me. My toes curl as a wave of passion floods through me like a tsunami. I moan and dig my fingernails into Tyler’s back, unable to contain the desire. He holds himself up and stares into my eyes, saying more than words ever could.
I catch my breath and gaze into his baby blues, an involuntary smile gracing my face. In this moment he’s mine, completely. The mind-blowing intense passion only exists between the two of us. A special combination made by destiny. Could he be my soulmate? He eases himself out of me and slides off the condom. I pull him close, needing to feel his skin against mine once more.
He lies flat on the bed and pulls me onto him so my head rests just under his shoulder. “You need to visit more often, babe.”
I raise my head and shoot him a quick glare even though I can’t hide my smile. “Maybe you should just trash the cell phone so I have no other choice but to stalk you.”
He glides his fingers along my arm, making figure eight patterns. “She’s not getting away with this shit. She’s way outta hand.”
“Who cares what she thinks. It’s not like you’re staying in L.A. forever.”
He shifts his weight to make eye contact. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Of course, after the single best sexual experience of my life, I’m managing to ruin it by thinking ahead of the game. It is the truth though, once he’s done recording, he’s gone. It’s ridiculous to think he’s still planning on being with me.
I fidget with my fingers. “Once you’re done recording she won’t have to worry about me anymore.” And that sounded much better in my head.
He slides to the side and props himself up on his elbow. “Is that what you think?”
I shrug. He’s been more than clear that his goal is to live it up and never settle down.
He tucks a stray hair behind my ear. “Sorry babe, can’t get rid of me that easy.”
Okay, he’s not great at sharing his feelings. For some reason guys must think talking about their emotions decreases their testosterone levels. I get it. But right now he’s talking in circles. I need to know where I stand.
I prop myself up so we’re eye to eye with each other. “What exactly happens with us when you leave?” I brace myself. No matter what his answer, I need to know.
He lifts my chin. “Ali, you’re not some chick I’m banging.” He sighs. “I’m sure Jenna said something like that.”
I shake my head. “Nah, she’s way more insulting.” Even though that’s probably the worst thing I could hear right now. Please don’t let him change the subject.
“I’ve never met a girl like you. You tell me exactly how it is. You’re not afraid to try something you never thought you’d do. You’re smokin’ hot with a brain like Einstein. Hell, you even wrote smut about my band in a national magazine and I still can’t get you off my mind.” He presses his forehead against mine. “Don’t you get it? I want you and not just for the few months I’m in L.A. You’ve survived an earthquake and shark attack with me. You’re the one I want by my side in a zombie apocalypse, babe.”
Heat flushes through my body like wildfire. Never in my wildest dreams did I think the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard would involve the terms shark attack and zombie apocalypse. I’m in, much deeper than I’ve ever imagined. I want this to work with Tyler, but the obstacles aren’t easy to overcome. Yeah I know, nothing great is ever easy, but being together requires Tyler to change his whole outlook on what he wants. Is he ready to do that? I’m finally getting to a place in my career where I want to be, too. I’m not ready to give it up before it starts. We need to think with our brains rather than our hearts. Is there really a chance for us?
“That might be the best compliment of my life.” I flash a quick
smile. “It might take an apocalypse to make this work.”
He backs away. “It’s not rocket science. We want to be together, so we’ll be together.”
Yeah, if life was only a fairytale. “Except that I’m here and you’re… everywhere. I can’t give up my dreams and neither can you.”
“Sometimes dreams change a little, babe. I’m not giving up mine, you’re not giving up yours, and I’m not giving up you.”
I run my hand along his cheek. “I love it that you’re a hopeless romantic even though you’ll never admit it. How are we supposed to be together if we’re miles apart?”
He moves forward and brushes his lips over mine, kissing me softly before pulling away. “My tour won’t last forever. Then after that, we’ll figure things out.”
In his head, we all get everything we want. If only life was that kind. “How?”
“You’ll find a way, just like you always do.” He sits up. “Hell, if I have to buy a plane and fly back to you every night I’ll do it. If we want to make it work, it’ll work.”
Oh my God. Just think, a few hours ago I thought we were done before we started and now Tyler’s moving heaven and earth to be together. He’s saying everything I want to hear. It’s got to be the truth, right? There’s no reason for him to say anything he doesn’t mean at this point. Dating Tyler is a wild ride, more twists and turns than I ever expected.
I jump on top of him and press my lips against his. If there was ever a time in the history of the world for a round two, it’s right now. I run my fingertips down the peaks and valleys of his sculpted torso.
He pulls away. “I hate myself for doing this, but I’ve gotta go.”
Jeez. I burst into his house, uninvited and disrupt his plans. Although he didn’t seem that upset about it. “Oh, sorry I would’ve called before coming, but you know how that went down.”
He sits up. “Ever been to a recording studio?”
I shake my head.