by Amy L. Gale
My mom asks, staring at me. “Since we’re on the subject Lexie, what exactly is it like to be on the road with a band?”
Ah! The inquisition begins. “It’s actually pretty great. The bus is equipped with everything, even a kitchen and shower.” I sip my coffee. “We very seldom sleep on the bus; we usually stay in really great hotels. Whenever we stop we try to see some attractions, plus there’s great music all the time.”
She raises her eyes and taps her cup. “What’s your relationship with this guy in the band?” Her tone is deep, almost scolding.
She clearly has no idea that I am in love with Van and whatever she says isn’t going to change that. “He’s my boyfriend.” I set my cup down. “We’re great together and once you get to know him I’m sure you’ll love him just as much as I do.” Sweat forms on my forehead. I prepare for battle.
Mom sighs. “Really Lexie? You fell in love with some musician? They party all the time, they cheat, and if anything goes wrong with their music career they have nothing to fall back on. Look at how he’s corrupted you already. Don’t think I didn’t notice that tattoo on your shoulder.” Her lips are in a hard line.
Uh oh, I forgot that my family didn’t know about my tattoo. “Mom, I’m not going to argue. I’m an adult and I’ll make my own decisions. I’m sorry if you don’t approve, but nothing you say will change how I feel about him.” I push my chair back and stand up.
She folds her arms and glares at me. “Your father and I are not happy about your choice. If he’s a gentleman he should have at least met with us before shacking up with our daughter and dragging her all across the country.”
My heart speeds as I grind my teeth. My lips flatten. “Mom please, you’ll meet him soon. Unfortunately, all of his shows are scheduled so we’ll have to find time in between to get together.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” She jumps up from her chair and stomps out of the room.
Sydney turns to look at me. “Don’t worry about Mom. She’s just insanely overprotective. She’ll get over it.” She smiles and sips her coffee.
“I think she’s jealous,” Brooke adds.
We all burst out laughing.
“I can use a hot lunch. Let’s head out to Burger Palace.” Sydney pulls out her chair and heads upstairs. “Meet you guys down here in 15 minutes.”
Today is definitely a ponytail day. I quickly apply make-up and pull on a pair of jean shorts. I miss Van, especially after explaining our relationship to my mother. I hold my Devil’s Garden T-shirt up to my face and inhale deeply, hoping the fibers still contain Van’s scent. They don’t disappoint. I breathe in his essence and yank it over my head. Why is Mom on the steps waiting for me? Aren’t we finished with the inquisitions?
She rubs my arm. “I’m sorry about before. You’re right, you’re an adult and I need to respect your decisions. I’m sure Van is a nice man but I still want to meet him face to face.”
I hug her. “Thanks Mom. I promise you’ll meet him soon.” I wave goodbye to her and head out with Sydney and Brooke.
Burger Palace is right around the corner. I follow the scent of fresh buns and French fries. Even though I’ve traveled half way across the country, nothing tastes as good as the food you grow up with. I inhale my double cheese burger, fries, and vanilla milkshake while the three of us recount our night of strippers and bar hopping.
My purse rings, pulling me back into reality. I reach for my cell and look at the screen. My eyes widen. Seeing those letters is like waking up on Christmas morning. I can’t contain my smile no matter how hard I try. Van Sinclair flashes across my screen. Ah, the most beautiful words in the English language. I quickly answer.
“Hello?”
“Are you enjoying your trip?”
I twirl my hair around my fingers. “Yeah, last night was a blast. I miss you.”
“Glad you had fun. Nice shirt by the way.”
I look down and narrow my eyes. How does he know what I’m wearing? My heart hammers. I stand up and glance around the crowded restaurant. Suddenly I freeze.
Van rises from the counter holding his cell phone, a sexy half smile gracing his perfectly chiseled face.
CHAPTER 16—PROMISES
My mouth falls open, gradually turning up at each end. I spring up from my chair and throw my phone on the table. Is that really him? I rub my eyes and focus. Dark jeans hanging right below perfectly chiseled abs, a tight black T-shirt clinging to a plethora of sculpted muscles, and the familiar glow of the most unique emerald eyes. I charge at him like a freight train. He slides his phone in his pocket and slams his lips against mine, right in the middle of the diner. All eyes are upon us as I pull away. My cheeks rise to the heavens. Will this smile plastered on my face ever fade?
I bounce on my tip toes and pull him into another embrace. “What are you doing here?”
Van licks his lips and stares into my eyes. “You said you wished I was with you so, here I am.”
I’m breathless. Every time I’m lonely, Van shows up. Maybe he misses me just as much as I do him, or maybe he can’t stand the intense ache that occurs from being isolated and cut off from love. A thickness forms in my throat. He would know what that’s like more than anyone.
Everyone in the crowded diner is still staring at us. I grasp Van’s hand with both of mine and walk backwards toward the table. My eyes travel from his black boots to his perfectly messy hair. I’m hypnotized. Ah, my enticing rock god! Goose bumps cover every inch of my body.
My legs back up into the cool metal strip along the table. “You remember Sydney and Brooke?”
He quickly waves his free hand. “Yeah, great to see you girls again.”
We park ourselves in the vintage red chairs. Van runs his fingers through his hair and turns toward me. Wow, can he be any sexier? My heart hammers and my body is on fire. I lift my trembling hand and pick at the few fries that are left on my plate.
“When did you get into town?” Sydney asks.
Really? She can’t take her eyes off of him. She has a handsome fiancé; would it kill her to be a little more subtle?
“About an hour ago. Perfect timing!” Van holds me close, nibbling at my neck.
Brooke exhales, resting her head on her hand.
“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve seen in a while.” Sydney sips her milkshake. “Where are you staying?”
Umm, not at Mom and Dad’s! No way is that happening.
He guzzles my milkshake. “The hotel on the next block over. It’s really nice.”
Sydney’s face lights up. “It is amazing! I was contemplating having my wedding there if we didn’t decide on Savannah.”
Oh no! Am I the most absent minded person in the world? I still haven’t invited Van to Sydney’s wedding. I’ll save that talk for later. A wave of nausea flows through my body along with emptiness in the pit of my stomach. Van’s going to have to meet my parents since he’s in town. They already have a preconceived notion that he’s a no good, cheating, drug-addict. This has disaster written all over it.
“Our parents are dying to meet you,” Sydney says, avoiding eye contact with me.
I kick her chair hard underneath the table, just missing her shin.
Van rubs the back of his neck. “Maybe we can meet while I’m in town. Any chance they’re music fans?”
Sydney almost chokes on her shake. “They’re not really into music.”
I scowl at Sydney, the fire of a thousand hells burning in my eyes. “If you don’t want to, that’s ok. You can meet them another time. You came here to see me, not to be harassed by my family.”
Van turns to me and smiles, stealing a fry. “No, she’s right. We should get together while we’re all in the same town.”
Brooke raises her eyebrows and shrugs.
Has she ever been this quiet? She’s louder in the library. I guess she knows how this will go down. Luckily, she’s on my side no matter what, which is good in case I need back-up.
I twirl my hair
around my fingers. “I’ll talk to Mom and make plans. Brooke, you should join us too.”
“Sure, I’m definitely in.” She tries to cover up her grimace with a smile. “So, where are you guys off to next?”
Who’s she kidding? She wants to know when I’ll be back at our apartment. I’m a horrible roommate. I just took off and left her with all the upkeep. I’ve got to make it up to her when I get back. I sigh. Reality hits soon.
He finishes the last of my fries. “Next stop is Tucson in two days. The rest of our shows are on the west coast before we end the tour in a few months.”
“I hear Arizona’s beautiful,” Brooke says.
“If you guys ever want to meet up with us on tour let me know. I’ll hook you up with tickets and a hotel.” He wipes his hands on his jeans.
“Dean and I may take you up on that offer someday.” Brooke flashes a quick smile.
“I’m going to the hotel with Van. Can you tell Mom I’ll be calling her soon?” It’s the least you can do after embarrassing me.
Sydney waves. “Sure thing. Catch you guys later.”
Sydney and Brooke leave the diner, giggling to each other as they walk out the door.
I turn to Van and place my hand on his. “This is the best surprise ever.”
“Maybe there’ll be more where that came from.” He kisses my lips softly. “Come on, walk with me.”
We stroll through the quiet streets of Cherry Falls. The warm summer air caresses my body as we walk hand in hand. Birds chirp, spreading their melodic song throughout town. The hot sun shines, lighting up the clear blue sky. Has it always been this breathtaking or does Van make everything better?
The Empress Inn, a beautiful Victorian style hotel, stands in the center of town. The round turrets and large wrap-around porch emanate old world charm. Green and gold silk curtains adorn beautiful windows that are large enough to walk through and intricate woodwork graces the lobby. The paintings are so spectacular they should be hanging in an art gallery. We head to Van’s room on the fourth floor, allowing for a splendid view of my small hometown.
I glance out the window onto the familiar streets. “I’ve never seen Cherry Falls quite like this in all the years I’ve lived here.” I turn toward him.
“The view is impressive.” He stares directly at me, emerald flames burning through my soul.
Heat radiates through my face, creeping across my cheeks. I run my tongue along my bottom lip. Did it just get ten degrees hotter in here? Every cell in my body aches for his touch. He walks toward me; his eyes locked directly on my face as he grabs my cheeks with both hands. Butterflies flutter in my stomach and my heart slams against the walls of my chest. Van brushes his lips against mine, softly at first, slowly increasing his intensity with each kiss. My God, I want him!
I wrap my arms around his waist and pull him close, pressing him against me. A low moan emits from his throat. He slides his hands under my Devil’s Garden T-shirt, lightly brushing my skin while slowly lifting it up and over my head. Hmm, that T-shirt sure has seen its share of hotel room floors. He slithers his hands down my stomach, then unbuckles my jean shorts, sliding them down until I stand before him in my blue bra and panties. He takes a step back.
“Not a more beautiful sight in the whole country.” He moves closer, softly kissing my neck.
My mouth becomes moist. I clutch the hem of his shirt and rip it over his head, flinging it onto the floor. He’s certainly right about the view. I run my hands over his flawless body. His skin shimmers from the heat radiating from his pores. I trace my fingers down, ending at the waistband of his jeans. Why is this button my nemesis? Finally, I unlatch it.
My heart is about to explode. No shirt and unbuttoned jeans; the ultimate eye candy. The steamy seductress inside me surfaces. I tackle him onto the bed, entwining my hands with his and pressing them against the cool sheets above his head.
He rolls over on top of me and grinds himself against my body, taking complete control. Ah, he wants me bad. I arch my back and thrust my pelvis toward him. He groans and exhales deeply, almost panting. His strong fingers slide between my skin and silk panties, slipping them off. An extraordinary rush of passion engulfs my body as he places them inside me, gently moving them in and out. A shiver that brings complete pleasure comes over me. I moan as his thumb brushes my most sensitive area. My body reacts immediately. I call out his name as my body quivers in pure delight.
I’m breathless, barely able to focus. Van pulls down his jeans and slams into me, hard. I dig my fingers into his back and yell out as he thrusts himself inside me again. My heart is pounding; I pull him as close as I can, making him fill my body as deeply as possible. Passion floods my core. I scream his name again. He groans as he finds his release in time with mine.
Van rolls over and I nuzzle against his chest, trying to hold tight to the amazing feeling. He wraps his arms around me as we lay there, catching our breath.
I trace my fingers up and down his chest. “That hotel tour gets a five star rating.”
“Tour guide was a close second, right behind musician.” Van kisses the top of my head as I lay in his arms.
“There are still a few things we need to talk about.” I sit up resting on my elbow.
“What’s on your mind?”
“Well, the first thing is my sister’s wedding Labor Day weekend. Will you be able to go with me?”
He smirks. “I don’t know. I haven’t been asked to be anyone’s date yet.”
I roll my eyes. “Van Sinclair, will you do me the honor of being my date at Sydney’s wedding?”
He chuckles. “I’ve already checked and we don’t have a show that weekend. What’s next on the agenda?”
I sigh. “I guess next would be meeting my parents. I’m not really optimistic on this one.” I twirl my fingers around my hair.
Van narrows his eyes. “Why? Do your parents have some kind of issue with us being together?” He tucks my hair behind my ear.
An ache forms in the back of my throat. Why are my parents so difficult? I’m a grown woman, not a child. I don’t want to scare Van off but I have to make sure he’s prepared for whatever inquisition they have planned. “They don’t like the fact that I’ve run off to tour the country with you.” I pick at my fingernails. “They also apply the musician stereotype to our relationship, but once they meet you they’ll know they couldn’t be more wrong.”
Van bites his lip. “So basically, it’s going to be like walking into a war zone. I’ll be bombarded with questions and assumptions, and it’s my job to prove to them that I love and respect you and that we have something special.” He leans back and exhales.
He hit the nail on the head. “Yeah, that’s probably how it’ll go.” I shrug and bite my nails. I can’t believe he has to go through this.
He puts his hand on my chin and lifts my head. “You’re worth it.” He kisses my lips as we collapse back on the bed for round two.
∞
I dial Mom’s number. My stomach flip flops and the nausea increases with each ring. She finally answers.
“Hi Mom. I’m sure Sydney told that you that Van came to surprise me. It looks like you guys will get to meet him sooner rather than later.”
Why is my heart beating a mile a minute? Jeeze, it’s not like it’s the first time I brought a guy home. I’m a grown woman. Ugh, will I ever stop vying for my mother’s approval?
She clears her throat. “Yes I heard. That was sweet of him to surprise you. Do you guys want to go out to dinner or would you rather eat in?”
I nibble at my fingernails. “I don’t want Dad and Van having a pissing contest about who’ll pay the bill so let’s have dinner at home. I know its last minute, so don’t fuss. Pizza’s fine.” The more casual the better. I don’t need Mom’s stuck up friends eyeing Van all through dinner. I’m sure it’ll be uncomfortable enough.
She huffs. “I am certainly not ordering a pizza for a dinner we’re hosting to meet the man you love. Would you rather lasa
gna or steaks on the grill?”
I roll my eyes. Of course she’s being overdramatic. “Go with lasagna. You can’t expect a man from Kansas to be happy with one of our steaks.” I twirl my hair around my fingers. “What should we bring?”
“Just bring yourselves dear.” Yeah right. All Van has to do is show up empty-handed and he’ll be labeled Lexie’s inconsiderate boyfriend.
I sigh. “Mom, can you please talk to Dad. Van’s coming over to meet you guys, not to be insulted, ok?”
“Yes, I understand. We’ll be on our best behavior.”
“Please, he’s important to me.” I bite at my fingernails.
“Stop worrying. It’ll be fine. See you at seven.”
I hang up the phone and walk over to Van. “We’re having dinner at my parents’ house at seven. Mom’s making lasagna.”
“What do you want me to wear?” Van asks, cracking his knuckles.
I slightly jerk my head back and lower my eyebrows. “Wear your jeans and a T-shirt.” Does he think I want him to be someone he’s not to impress my parents? No way, I love him just the way he is and wouldn’t change a thing.
I fiddle with my hair, trying to fix the disheveled locks. Oh no, what am I going to wear? “All of my clothes are at my mom’s house and since we’re not going there until later, it looks like we may have to go shopping.”
We walk down the cobblestone sidewalk and stop at a small boutique. Vibrant colors light up the wall of glass across the storefront. A red strapless dress catches my eye. Ooh, I have to try it on, especially since my last red dress was torn to pieces.
Van’s eyes widen as I step out of the dressing room. “That was made for you.” His lips part and his eyes travel from my flip flops up to my face.
Sold! That’s more than enough to prompt me to buy it. Let’s hope it has the same effect every time I put it on.
We continue to slowly walk around town, looking in all of the store fronts. The aroma of cinnamon and fresh baked bread fills the air as we walk past the Cherry Falls Bakery.