Of course, it wasn’t like they’d just met. Being around him felt like being home. It reminded Cori of the good Ol’ days of hanging with friends and living at home. He was in many of her memories.
Still, their relationship was new. Everything was great in the beginning, but in time, people grew bored with each other. Whenever his band made it to the top, he’d have more women available to him than he could handle. Something would happen to cause them to split up. Then she would have to move on.
Alone, she could do it. It would break her heart, but she would survive. She didn’t want to bring an innocent child into that mess.
A set of headlights flashed through the window as a car parked outside. As soon as she glanced up, she saw Jesse. Guess she wouldn’t be checking her blood work results yet.
Grabbing her stuff off the floor, she tossed her phone into her purse and headed for the door. The cool wind ruffled her hair as she approached the car. Jesse was already holding the passenger side door open when she came outside. He gave her a cheeky grin then shut the door behind her.
The warmth of the car made her smile. So did the scent of his cologne when he slid into the driver’s seat and shut the door. “Sorry I’m late. Theo was filling us in on some stuff, and I lost track of time. Forgive me?”
“Of course.”
She enjoyed the feel of his lips when he leaned in to kiss her. Even though it was short, it was enough to set her on fire. When he eased back, he winked at her then pulled out of the parking space.
“Are you ready for your surprise?”
Which one?
She cursed inwardly for allowing the negative thoughts back in her mind.
“I’m ready.”
He had no clue that there was more than one surprise waiting for her, nor did she intend to tell him. Tonight was supposed to be about whatever he’d planned for her. He’d been pretty secretive about it since he told her the night before. No matter how much she’d begged for a small clue, he didn’t say anything else other than she’d receive it tonight after he picked her up.
The other surprise, well, she wasn’t even sure if there was one yet.
Glancing at her phone, she squirmed in her seat and watched the buildings flash by. Before the night was over, she’d check on her results. She’d wait until she returned to her dorm room. At least she’d have Mariah there to console her if the news wasn’t great.
“So, how did your band meeting go? Did you guys get to play?”
“Yeah, we did for a little bit, but we had some stuff to discuss. Jeff canceled on us again, so it was just Theo, Allen, and me. We did get some big news tonight. Two things, actually.”
“Oh?”
She turned in her seat so she could face him. His eyes remained on the road as he proceeded down the street and took the exit for the expressway.
“There was a reason Jeff canceled on us tonight. He quit.”
“Quit?” she reiterated. “Why?”
Jesse navigated his way through the influx of traffic. He checked his rearview and side mirrors as he merged with the other cars.
“Jeff doesn’t want to be away from home. His son’s had health issues, so he wants to stick around and be there for his boy and his fiancée.”
“I’m sorry, Jesse.”
“Don’t be. I’ve been expecting it for a while. We all have, but it’s all good. We already have a replacement. It’s a guy who filled in for Jeff when we performed at the Red, White, and Blues club back in the summer.”
What a relief. Ever since Southern Scandal performed in Nashville, their manager, Josh, had been working on a tour schedule. Losing their lead guitarist would set them back, something they couldn’t afford to do.
“That’s great news, Jesse. I’m glad everything is working out.”
He peeked her way before changing lanes. “That’s not the best part. We just found out today that one of our songs is on the Top One Hundred chart.”
Her hands flew to her mouth as she squealed. “Oh, my god, Jesse, that’s insane! I’m so happy for you guys.”
When she touched his arm, he released the steering wheel and caught her hand. He kissed the back of it then laced his fingers through hers, bringing both to rest on the console.
As he drove, she focused on her lap, doing her best to ignore the pit forming in her stomach. She really was happy for Jesse to be getting the success he was receiving. He deserved it. At the same time, it only meant her earlier fear could come true.
It wouldn’t be much longer before Southern Scandal made it to the top. Jesse’s life was about to change forever. That meant her life with him would too. There was a choice to be made. Either she stuck around to see how it all played out or she cut her losses and ended things now.
The latter made her chest constrict. Spending the last couple of months with him had changed her. She was used to seeing his seductive smile, hearing his deep voice, and feeling the warmth of his embrace. Many other factors weighed in, making it even harder to admit the truth. She’d be crushed to lose him.
Why did she do something as stupid as falling for him? She knew in the beginning that this wouldn’t end well. It’s the main reason she kept him at a distance when they first started working together. Within that time frame, he’d snuck into her heart and was now holding it prisoner.
She could not bring a baby into this situation.
The more she told herself not to think about it, the longer it remained on her mind. Jesse was focused on his driving, probably deep in his thoughts. She glanced at her purse, to the phone lying on top. At this rate, she wouldn’t make it back to the dorm before she checked on her results. She didn’t know if she’d keep it from him if the test were . . .
Jesse slowed the car and eased off the exit. After a couple of stoplights and three stop signs, he turned into a driveway. As he shut off the lights and killed the engine, she stared at the enormous house in front of her. Before she could ask where they were, he got out of the car, shutting his door behind him.
It didn’t take him long to reach her side or help her out of the car. She didn’t miss his devious smile or how he held her hand as they approached the house.
“Are you going to tell me where we are?”
“You haven’t figured it out yet?”
Shaking her head, she waited for him to answer her question. Instead of doing so, he led her up the porch steps to the front door. He punched a code into the keyless entry and opened the door a second later. When she hesitated on following, he tugged her arm.
“What’s wrong?”
“Are you kidding? We’re at this huge house, walking up to it like we own the place.”
“I do.”
The words sank in as he pulled her inside and shut the door. He flipped on a few light switches, brightening up the large foyer where they stood. A wide staircase stretched to the second floor. Different paintings and decorations hung from the walls.
“Want to see the rest?”
She managed to nod at him as he kept his hand laced with hers and showed her around the bottom floor. They made a giant circle, visiting the family room, breakfast nook, and kitchen first. The dining room was located at the back of the house, as was the living room. A final room brought them back to the front of the house, and by the looks of it, it would be the ideal spot for an office.
Once they made it upstairs, they came to a large opening that overlooked the dining room. It split the upstairs, putting two large bedrooms on one side with a smaller room and the master on the other side. The house was fully furnished, including the king size bed in the master bedroom. It reminded her of the one at the cabin, the one she thought for sure she’d get lost in. Luckily, Jesse ended up sleeping in the same bed, at least on the first night.
Jesse stood in front of her, his eyes brimming with anticipation. “So, what do you think?”
“It’s beautiful. Is it really yours?”
“As of last week, yeah.”
“Week? You’ve had this pl
ace a week and haven’t told me?”
He chuckled when she smacked his upper arm. “I didn’t tell you because I wanted to make sure everything had arrived first. The last of the furniture came yesterday, so I spent the morning making sure everything was in its rightful place.”
She made a small circle around the bedroom. “I can’t believe you bought a house.”
“I’ve been debating it ever since Theo decided to move back. We never owned anything in New Orleans, so I figured it was time to set up roots somewhere. Whenever I’m not on trips or on tour, I’ll be here.”
She liked the idea of him living back in the area. He had to be tired of staying with his parents, even if he was staying in the apartment over the garage. She hadn’t forgotten about him complaining about his mom always asking where he was off to, just like she did when he was younger.
Now he had his own place. Perhaps they’d start working there instead of on the go like they normally did. It would be a welcome change.
“It’s good to hear you plan to stick around.”
“Savannah is home. Besides, it’s where you are.”
He pulled on her hand until she was next to him. His arms encircled her waist, providing her with a level of warmth she was desperate to feel. Being with him felt natural. She didn’t want it to end.
“Do you really like the house?”
She nodded, still taking in everything she was seeing.
“Could you see yourself living here?”
She hesitated on responding, only because she wasn’t sure she’d heard him right. Was he asking for her opinion or something else? “It’s a beautiful home. Any girl would be lucky to live here.”
He tipped her chin higher until she couldn’t look at anything but him. “I don’t want any girl to live here. I want you to, Cori.”
Chapter 22
The bedroom walls seemed to close in around Cori the longer she stared at Jesse. The truth behind his question was out. It loomed over her, filling her mind with questions. Was any of this real?
She stammered for a response. Every time she had one, her throat constricted. Confusion and curiosity pulsed through her.
“What are you saying, Jesse?”
He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear before cupping her cheek. “Cori, I’m crazy about you. You’re the reason I bought this house. When I’m not performing, I want to be here with you. I want to walk through this door and find you somewhere in this house, waiting for me. I want to feel you next to me each night in that huge bed behind you.”
Every word he spoke made her heart pound harder. She couldn’t believe he was asking her to move in with him. After seeing the house, she assumed it had been the surprise he’d promised her. Nope. Asking her to move in was a hell of a lot more shocking than the house.
“Will you, Cori?” His voice penetrated her thoughts. So did the soft kiss he gave her. “Will you move in with me?” Another kiss made her head hazy. “Will you be here to greet me when I come home off the road.” The next kiss was rougher. “Will you share this bed with me and make love to me every night?”
When he tugged her lip between his teeth, she whimpered. Her body ached with a need only he had the power to satisfy. Speaking at this point would hurt, but so would refusing him. She couldn’t. It was impossible.
“Yes, Jesse.” Her voice shook as he trailed his lips over her face, across her jaw, and down her neck. His teeth grazed her skin, causing her to moan. God, he felt good.
She lost herself in the desire building through her body. Every touch made her feel as though she was entangled in a live wire. Little jolts woke her nerves, causing them to pulse. It was exhilarating and at the same time, torturous.
No objections came when she felt him undressing her. She enjoyed the feel of his hands pulling and tugging her clothes. Her shirt fell to the floor. So did her pants and bra. By the time her panties hit the ground, it was over. She was wet for him. The way his fingers glided inside of her was proof enough.
It didn’t take Jesse long to undress and even less time to lift her onto the bed. Then he was between her thighs. His lips overtook hers as she heard the distinct sound of a condom wrapper opening. She ignored it, focusing only on his mouth, the way his tongue swirled with hers, the minty scent of his breath.
As soon as he eased away from her lips, pressure formed below. He stared into her eyes as he drove every thick inch of his cock inside her.
She gasped.
Her body felt as though it were floating away. She wrapped her hands around his arms, hoping to ground herself. It didn’t help. The more he thrust into her, the more she felt as though she were levitating.
“Damn, girl . . .” The husky sound of his voice made her skin pimple. “Mmm, that’s right. Spread those legs wider. I want to be deep.”
Her nipples grew erect. She loved the sound of his voice, loved the idea of him telling her what to do as if he owned her. She let him have control, submitting to every deep and powerful thrust he delivered. His fingers dug into her shoulder, holding her in place as he pumped his hips, giving her every inch of his cock.
Jesse was swelling. She could feel him growing larger, stretching her inside until she accommodated the growth. Sporadic jolts made her body tingle, and she released another moan.
God, what was he doing to her? She’d never been this weak around a guy. Not once had she let one have control. She made the decisions, said when and how and where. With Jesse, it was the opposite. It started with a kiss, one hypnotic kiss that led to him undressing her, and opening her, and driving so deep into her, she couldn’t fight against it. Hell, she didn’t want to.
Another thrust had her nerve endings spiking. It was as if something was poking her from inside out. Instead of piercing pain, it tingled with warmth. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the moment, especially when his lips moved to her neck. He nipped his way downward, not quite reaching her shoulder when his teeth scraped her skin. They sank deeper, harder, over and over until she could barely catch her breath. He devoured her, controlled her, and had her begging for the sweet release he’d given her before.
As he buried his dick in the deepest part of her, she cried out. Desperation took control. Then she circled her hips, rubbing her clit against him. Each time she did, the need inside of her grew. She moved faster, ground harder, took him deeper until the room began to fade.
Her body heated. The moans leaving her throat turned guttural. She cried out just as Jesse bit her again. When she bucked her hips, he leaned up to her ear. “I want to feel it, Cori.” He rocked against her, the force so hard it lifted her ass from the bed. “I want to feel you come all over me.” Another rock had her eyes fluttering. “That’s it, beautiful. Let go and come for me. Do it now.”
It was as if her body was under his spell, ready to do his will. The pressure hit its peak. She felt the first powerful punch as she began to contract around him. Wave after wave of the sweetest sensations made her body convulse. She held on to him, held on to the only thing keeping her from passing out.
He was moving again. Cori felt his thrusts. Each time he drove in, she moaned. Her clit throbbed, prolonging her orgasm until she heard Jesse grunting against her neck.
His body jerked a moment later as his grunts grew louder. She felt his cock swelling, the way it pulsed inside her as she milked him. A few short thrusts, then his body slowed.
For the longest time, he lay atop her, his chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. She felt his heart beating too. It was racing as much as hers.
When he finally rolled over to the other side of the bed, he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. He lay facing her, tracing over her cheeks and lips with his fingers. He kissed her again, but it wasn’t long before he eased away. Then his devious smile returned.
“Welcome home, Cori Clarke.”
Cori stared at the clock on the nightstand. Green numbers glowed in the dark revealing the time. Twelve-thirty. Thank goodness she didn’t have cl
asses tomorrow. It would be hell waking up after being up this late. Not that she was complaining after spending the evening with Jesse.
She’d worn his shirt while they cooked dinner. It was hard to focus on the food when he was walking around the kitchen in nothing but his sweats. She loved the way his muscles corded as he moved, and seeing him without his shirt was just as good as wearing it.
Her cheeks tightened as a smile formed on her face. She thought about how she’d went to shower before bed, how Jesse had joined her a few minutes later, how he initiated round two as the hot water beat against her skin. She vaguely remembered drying off, and the trip from the bathroom to the bed was a blur.
But she remembered every second of riding him, how he guided her hips back and forth, grinding her against his cock. She came harder than she had earlier. It’s what wiped her out, had her falling against his chest and remaining there until he eased her onto the mattress. Once he settled in and pulled her back to his chest, he tucked his arm around her and snuggled close. He was still in the same position thirty minutes later.
The thought of spending every night like this . . .
Before she got carried away with the idea, she glanced at her phone. She’d placed it on the nightstand just before she got in the shower. At the time, she had the notion to check the website for her tests results just so she could ease her mind. Maybe she would have if Jesse hadn’t walked into the room right before she opened the text.
They’d spent the rest of the evening together. Cori didn’t regret a second of it, but it didn’t leave her any time to check her phone, especially since he made it a point to shut his off. Now that he was asleep, the opportunity arose again.
Leaning up on her elbow, she stretched her fingers as far as she could. When she had the phone in her grasp, she brought it toward her chest and laid it on the bed. The screen lit up the room before it adjusted itself to the dimness. It didn’t take long to open up the text from her doctor’s office or click on the link.
A browser window opened, followed by the login screen. Once she typed in her username and password, a circle spun on the screen signaling that the website was processing her request. She bit her bottom lip and winced. They were still swollen from the rough kisses Jesse had given her.
Colliding With You Page 22