Evolving Urges (Gasoline Book 2)

by Bella Jeanisse

  “Mr. Harris?” a woman called from the foyer.

  Jon moved toward the door. “Grace! Glad you could make it.” He smiled as he left the room.

  Curious, Dominic turned, but he couldn’t see her. He didn’t know anyone named Grace.

  “Jack, Trevor, can you meet us in the living room?” Jon’s voice boomed throughout the home.

  Trevor was in the man cave. He patted Mitchell on the shoulder and turned to leave. “I’ll be back.”

  “Who’s Grace?” Noelle asked Dominic as she approached him.

  He shrugged. “No idea. We can go find out.” He got to his feet and took Noelle’s hand in his. They reached the living room, just as Jack and Trevor’s wives joined them.

  Jon put a hand out to a woman who had two children under 10 with her. “This is Grace. She’s an ex-teacher, who now home-schools her kids. Weekdays, she’ll be here to teach your kids as well.”

  Trevor had an arm around his wife, Savanna’s shoulders. They had brought his unemployed niece, Courtney, to watch the kids. It was his wife’s best idea that year. He looked up when he realized what they talked about. “My kids are too young for school.”

  Grace quickly replied, “Kids are never too young to learn, but it’s up to you.”

  His arms folded over his chest, Jack pushed Trevor a bit. “Yeah. Your kids are why this house is locked up like a jail.” He laughed. “Wonder how long it took to put on all those safety locks in the kitchen.”

  “My kids aren’t maniacs like yours.” Trevor smirked. “That playroom doesn’t stand a chance.” They always teased each other about their children.

  Noelle cleared her throat. “Enough, you two.” Their wives laughed. They were used to the bickering. “Jon went through a lot of trouble to set things up so you guys would come here.”

  “Sorry, Jon.” Trevor punched Jack’s arm one last time. “OK, done now. Any rooms off limits?”

  Jon put both hands up. “Like I said, please keep the kids out of my playroom. Oh, yeah—and the studio downstairs.”

  “You have a studio in your house?” Emilio asked from the couch nearby. “Cool.”

  Jack’s wife, Lia raised a hand, nervously. “Uh, do you have a washer and dryer?”

  “Yep.” Jon walked to the hallway and pointed toward the back of the house. “Second to last door on the right. There’s also a game room, last door on the left. That one’s not really for the little ones, but Jack, your kids are free to use it.”

  Noelle watched her bandmates. They all seemed impressed and assured. That meant work should go easy. “When do we start recording?”

  “I got you on the schedule tomorrow.” Jon glanced at Dominic. “You didn’t already have something planned, did you?”

  Dominic shook his head. “I figured you’d want to start right away.”

  “Good.” Jon’s eyes opened wider. “I have two cars you guys can use. And I have car service set up as well. Just give them my full name and yours. They’ll take you anywhere you need and bill me.”

  Emilio nodded. “Thanks. You’re doing so much more than we expect. We have 10 songs ready to go. I drew out some album art ideas. Mitchell has a few he did, also.”

  “Great!” Jon smiled. “Let’s get a few songs recorded so Sam, Tommy and I can hear what you have. Then we’ll discuss the cover and pictures.”

  Noelle glanced around at her bandmates. “Uh, you don’t expect something like what I heard Triple Threat did, right?” She swallowed, nervously. “I’m not taking off my clothes.”

  “I don’t.” Jon shook his head. “Dom would take my head off.” He winked at Dominic. They had already discussed that. “I was thinking more of individual posed photos, and one of all of you on what we’ll make to look like a stage. I have just the photographer for this one.” He had a few he used.

  A young voice suddenly shouted, “Dad! I can’t find my blanket!”

  Trevor sighed. “Duty calls. I’ll be back.” He kissed Savanna briefly on the lips and rushed upstairs to find his daughter’s favorite possession. Seconds later, cries echoed.

  “I’m gonna go help.” Dominic kissed Noelle’s cheek and headed upstairs as well.

  Noelle watched him go, slightly confused. “O—K.” She listened to Jon, Emilio, Mitchell and Jack discuss house rules. Most were what they expected.

  “Uh…” Mitchell bit his bottom lip for a second. “So if I wanna… bring a chick home.” He glanced Noelle’s way and hoped she was a bit jealous. “Is that OK?”

  Jon looked around the room. “I couldn’t care less, but you might wanna talk to everyone else.”

  The only one Mitchell worried would balk at the idea was Jack. “I’ll make sure we’re quiet,” he said, as he looked directly at Jack. “And I’ll lock the door, so the kids don’t accidentally walk in.”

  “No walking around naked,” Emilio added.

  Jack laughed. “You’re the only one who sleeps naked. I seen enough of your ass for a lifetime.”

  Noelle blushed. Many times, she had caught him in the hall naked. The other guys were slightly modest at least. Emilio even left the door open when he used the bathroom. She was glad she stayed with Dominic.

  “Trevor’ll kill you if his daughter sees your dick.” Mitchell smirked. “Either that or you’ll lose it.

  Instinctively, Emilio covered his crotch. “I brought pajama pants. I knew the kids’d be here.” He sighed. “I’m not that inconsiderate.”

  “Wish you’d cover up around us,” Mitchell muttered.

  Emilio laughed. “Why? Jealous?” He knew he had nothing to brag about compared to Mitchell, but he loved to make Mitchell squirm.

  Upstairs, Dominic followed the cries to a bedroom at the end of the hall. Trevor and Courtney searched suitcases with his four-year-old daughter. Meanwhile,his two-year-old son was angry to be trapped in a playpen.

  “What’sa matter?” Dominic cooed with a sad expression. The little one stared at him. “They put you in jail?” He smiled and lifted him up. “It’s OK. Daddy’s busy.” The cries had stopped. He bounced him a bit. “Are you excited to be in Jersey? I hear you have a bunch of new toys. How about we go find one?”

  Trevor looked up. “Thanks, Dominic. The playroom is set up next door.”

  “Is it OK to bring him in there?” Dominic grinned at the toddler.

  With a nod, Trevor replied, “Sure. Thanks.”

  Noelle wondered where Dominic went. She walked upstairs. She could hear the crying had stopped. Most of the doors were closed. She stopped when she heard his voice. Then she followed the sound to the playroom. She found him on the floor. He built a tower of blocks with Trevor’s son. Silently, she watched them play. Dominic amazed her. She imagined he had done similar things with Annabeth. He looked so happy. They needed to talk again about children. She hoped she was able to make that happen before his 40th birthday.

  Chapter 25

  “Wow, this is cool,” Mitchell said as he and Emilio walked into Demonfire, late the next morning.

  Noelle sat in a chair and waited for them. She and Dominic had gotten there about 20 minutes early. Unlike her usual confident self, she was nervous. She had not told Mitchell that Chris would sing the duet instead of him. He would most likely be hurt. When she heard his voice, she sighed.

  “You OK?” Dominic crouched down next to her and took her hand in his. He had been in the control booth.

  She looked up at him. “Hard to explain.” She didn’t want him to think she had feelings for Mitchell.

  “Tommy here yet?” Chris walked into the main room and smiled at Noelle and Dominic. “He said he was close a while ago.”

  Dominic turned to him. “He’s upstairs.” Then looked back and noticed the expression on his girlfriend’s face. “Ah. You didn’t tell Mitchell.”

  “No,” she whispered. “I didn’t know how.”

  Jon’s voice echoed in the room. “How’s everybody doin’ this mornin’?” He nodded at the members of Winter Winds then walked to the ba
ck to talk to both Mikes who were almost finished with the setup.

  “Uh, hey.” Mitchell approached the group and put his hand out to Chris. “I’m Mitchell O'Reily.”

  Chris smiled and shook Mitchell’s hand. “Chris Bradley. I sing for Triple Threat, but Tommy asked me to help you guys out.”

  “With what?” Mitchell looked to Noelle, and his eyes opened wide. “He’s singing with you? Not me?” He closed his eyes and took a few steps back. “Why? What’d I do?” When she didn’t answer, he held in the pain and rushed outside to get some air.

  Noelle stood up quickly. “Mitch, come back here.” She ran after him, glad she wore sneakers that day. “Mitch. Please.” She didn’t catch up to him until he was in the parking lot. “It’s not what you think.”

  Mitchell leaned over and held his thighs. He sucked in deep breaths. It got to him more than he expected. For so long, they sang love songs and breakup songs together. Although he knew things had changed for her, all that changed in his life was less of her. He let her go somewhat, but she was still in his heart.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t warn you.” Noelle ran a hand over his back. “The two Chris is singing are about me and Dominic. You have to understand, things need to change.” She put her hands on his shoulders and leaned her head on his. “Please. Think about it. I love your voice, but it’s not right to sing those kinds of songs with you—after what you told me.”

  He closed his eyes. “That I love you?”

  “Yes.” She sighed. “I’m committed to Dominic. You know how he feels about what happened between us.”

  Silently, he groaned. He wished she hadn’t mentioned it. An image of her naked beneath him came to mind. He could feel every inch of her body. A gasp escaped as he felt her wrapped around his dick again. Her tender touch fueled it even more. Her hand traveled over his chest until she held him tight.

  “I don’t want this to come between us,” Noelle whispered. “Please. You’re my best friend.” She had never admitted that to him. She had no childhood friends and rarely saw Chico, so her band had become her lifeline. “We can sing your song together, and the one I wrote about life on the road.”

  He shrugged and hoped he could hide how much her comforting had turned him on. “It was always you and me.” He stared at her hands that covered his chest. Then he straightened a bit and held her hands. “What about on tour?”

  “We’ll figure it out.” She laid her head on his back. His heart pounded. “It’s two songs. That’s all.”

  Mitchell knew he needed to move on completely. Without her around, it was easy. Once she was close enough, without Dominic, his heart and body yearned for her. After a few more deep breaths, he quickly turned and held Noelle tightly.

  “OK.” He closed his eyes and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll go with it.”

  She knew she had to push him away, but he practically trembled. She allowed him a few minutes more than she should. Then she stepped back and pushed on his chest. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out the way you hoped.” She laid a hand on his cheek. “We’ll always be friends.”

  “Thanks.” He smiled and cocked an eyebrow. “Guess it’s time to start, before they go on without us.”

  Inside, Dominic relaxed in the lounge. He was only there for Noelle and didn’t want to get in the way. A knock on the door startled him. He smiled when he looked up. “Hey, Tony.”

  “Hey, Uncle Dom.” He and his father started to work for Demonfire the week before. “Vince wants to know if he should get the piano ready. Mitchell’s MIA.”

  With a nod, Dominic replied, “Yeah. A few of the songs have extensive pieces to them.” He had heard almost every song at least once. “Him and Noelle are outside.” They were gone long enough that he was worried, but he trusted his girlfriend. “Need any help?”

  “Nah.” Tony grinned. He loved his new job. “Me and Dad got it. Jon’s a cool guy to work for. Sam’s not so bad, either.” They were trained to take over the place when the January tour started. It was a lot of responsibility, and he wanted to prove he could handle it.

  Dominic grinned. “I’m so glad you guys moved here.”

  “Me, too.” Tony waved. “Gotta get back to work.”

  Noelle walked back inside with Mitchell on her heels. She strode right to the main room. “Chris, were you able to go over the lyrics?”

  Chris smiled at her. “Yeah. Nice song. Can we go over it once with everyone to be sure I got it? I don’t wanna fu— uh, mess up.” He didn’t feel comfortable swearing in front of her.

  Noelle rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I don’t have virgin ears.” She waved a hand at her bandmates. “I tour with these guys. I can handle a bit of cussing.”

  “Let’s get started,” Jon called over the speaker.

  Tommy watched as they went through the song twice. Chris seemed comfortable enough. He and Noelle had a bit of musical chemistry. Also, they sounded even more awesome together than anyone expected. It was obvious Chris could convey what Dominic felt in his voice.

  “This is gonna work out well,” Dominic whispered when he sat next to Tommy. “Chris’s incredible.”

  Tommy nodded. “Yeah, he can make any song seem like he wrote it from the heart. Takes a lotta talent to do that. Good choice.”

  “Couldn’t let Mitchell sing it.”

  Tommy sighed. “I get why. It’s too personal. Why didn’t you sing it with her?”

  “I’m not that good.” Dominic smiled as Noelle stepped into a booth. “She needed someone to compliment her voice.”

  “Dean woulda fucked it up.” Tommy tried not to laugh. “He’d probably scream half the time, and Noelle woulda killed him.”

  Dominic chuckled softly, as he imagined it. “She’d rip his piercings out.”

  “Ouch.” Tommy was glad he had nothing but earrings. He almost got his nipples done when he was in Vegas the year before, but they wouldn’t do it since he was plastered. “Do you mind if I meet Hailey for lunch?”

  Dominic smiled. “You’re still seeing her? Good.” He patted Tommy’s knee. “Have a good time. She’s taming you. I can feel it.”

  “Yeah. Guess she is.” Tommy got to his feet. “I’ll be back later.”

  * * *

  Forty-five minutes later, Tommy parked in a lot near Hailey’s Manhattan office building. Traffic at that time of the day sucked. He hoped she could still meet him, although he was late. Nervously, he pulled out his phone and called her.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Tommy said into the phone. “Fuckin’ traffic.”

  Hailey looked around her office. “Uh, well... I’m kinda running late, too. Need to finish an email to a prosecutor in Suffolk County.”

  “Can I come up, then?” Tommy cocked an eyebrow. He hoped she agreed.

  Unsure if it was smart, she hesitated. Then she exhaled loudly. She knew she needed to make an effort for what they had to work. “Sure. If anyone asks, tell them I’m working on a lawsuit for you.” Although she specialized in criminal cases, she also did some civil work as well.

  Tommy made his way upstairs and followed Hailey’s instructions. He smirked when he realized she had a corner office. Her firm occupied several floors of the building on Broadway, but those offices were usually reserved for partners. That meant she was well regarded. He knew her confidence had something to do with her work.

  “Hey, Mr...” Hailey racked her brain quickly for his last name.

  Slack-jawed, her colleague, Justin stared. “Wow, Tommy Fischer!”

  Hailey took a deep breath. “Yes. Mr. Fischer. Thank you for meeting me at my office.” She glanced at Justin. “We have business to discuss. Close the door on your way out.”

  “Uh, yeah. OK.” Justin continued to stare as he left the room.

  Tommy looked around the posh office and noticed the large glass windows. “Forgot my last name, huh?”

  “Sorry.” Her cheeks reddened. “I kinda panicked.” She moved toward him when she felt a bit guilty. “I won’t forget
who you are again.” She winked when closer.

  He gave her an evil grin and quickly pinned her to the door, her hands above her head. “How about I make you remember my name?” He pressed his lips to hers.

  Hailey’s eyes opened wide. She could barely move. He pushed against her harder and rubbed his erection into her belly. She wanted to trust him but was unable let go of the need to be in control. She struggled to get free. Somehow, she knew he didn’t want to truly control her.

  With a growl, Tommy felt the fear and angst. He gripped her hands tighter. He needed her to give in to him. She had to be that one. The one who would submit but also dominate. That was what he always wanted, a switch.

  “Come on, babe,” he whispered against her lips. Still he thwarted her efforts to get out of his hold. He brushed his lips over her jaw then her ear. “I know you want to.” Suddenly, she gave in with a sigh. “That’s my girl. I wanna restrain you. Not as in dom/sub. I just wanna pleasure you while you can’t reciprocate. Will you let me?”

  Strangely turned on, Hailey softly replied, “Yes.” Her entire body tingled with what he promised. She wanted it, although she wanted to restrain him as well. “Please.”

  “It’s a promise, then.” Tommy kissed her lips and stepped back. “You ready to go?”

  She met his eyes, unable to focus yet. “Huh?”

  “Lunch.” He chuckled. “Are you ready for lunch? That’s why I’m here, right?”

  Hailey shook her head. “Right. Guess you had me out of sorts there.” She winked and walked to her desk. “Just give me five minutes.”

  “Sure.” Tommy sat in a chair and winced. His cock had not gone down. He had not expected sex but had hope. Her office had too many windows. “I made reservations at the Tribeca Grill on Greenwich Street.”