“Love how you react,” she mumbled into his neck. He pumped harder and stroked her sweet spot over and over. After she had bit him again, she cried out. The second orgasm caught her off guard. “Tommy!” He was by far the best lover she ever had.
Tommy was lost in her body. He didn’t care about anything else. He worked to bring her higher. As he held her close, he angled his hips so he could continuously rub the pulsating bundle of nerves deep inside her. He panted with the effort and growled when she gripped him within again. The whisper of his name sent sparks down his spine. It was not like being with just anyone. It was pointless to fight the end. She brought him more pleasure than any woman could.
“Shit! Shit! Shit!” He clung to her as he came deep inside her. His body shuddered continuously. The feeling was indescribable. Her nails dug into his back as emotions threatened to boil over within. “So glad I waited to share this with you.” He held her as close as he could, amazed at how powerful it had been.
Hailey’s eyes watered. “You never came in Crystal?” She figured he had from the way he insisted.
“No. Only you, my girl.” He kissed her neck, throat, jaw then her mouth. “Only you.” He shuddered once again with the aftershocks of emotion.
She pulled in her bottom lip. “You care that much?”
“Yes,” he whispered and buried his face in her hair. “I really do.” When he caught his breath, he slowly pulled out and rolled to his side.
Hailey smiled as she watched him. He never looked so relaxed before. “I wanna meet Crystal.”
“You have met her.” Tommy reached out and caressed her cheek. “At Scarefest.”
She took a deep breath. “I mean, get to know her.” If Crystal actually meant something to him, she needed to know. “Call them, and let’s go out.”
“How do I explain you?” He opened his eyes and cupped the side of her face. “This is kinda complicated.” He was tired of making things up, although it was all still new.
She turned to him. “Keep to what you’ve been saying.” She traced his jaw with a finger and smiled wider. “I know you want to tell your friends about me. Soon. OK?”
“OK.”
Her finger moved to his chest. She met his eyes. “Can you call now and find out if they’re busy tomorrow night?”
Tommy grinned. He hoped it turned into a foursome. “Let me text Giovanni.” He gave her a brief kiss on the lips. Then he went in search of his pants.
You awake?
He sent the text and lay on the bed again. “It’s Friday, so they might be at a gig.” A reply came back quickly.
Yeah. Just got home. What’s up?
Tommy showed Hailey the response. “Do you mind if I call him? He might hear your voice.”
“He’ll hear my voice if we meet up, too.”
He nodded and hit the call button.
“Hey, man,” Giovanni was surprised to hear from Tommy so late. “Need a ride or something?”
Tommy laughed. “Nah. I’m not shitfaced, but thanks. I wanted to ask if you were busy tomorrow night.”
“Yeah,” Giovanni replied. “We got a gig at MetalLands. You need something?”
After he glanced at Hailey, Tommy answered, “Sorta. I wanted to check out a new club, but Jon’s been busy lately. I was hoping you and Crystal would meet me there. I’ll bring one of my special friends with me.” He cringed sure that sounded corny and very unlike him.
Giovanni chuckled, “One of your what? I thought you don’t fuck the same girl twice, except Crystal.” He hoped that wasn’t because Tommy had romantic feelings for Crystal.
“They’re rare, but I have a few worth a repeat performance.” Tommy sighed. “It’d be kinda awkward going out with just you two.”
That made sense. Giovanni nodded. “True. True. Sounds like a plan. I’ll let you know when we got a free night.”
When Tommy had set his phone on the nightstand, Hailey wrapped her body around his. “Sounds like he went for it.”
“That he did.” He kissed the top of her head. “Do you want to meet her because you’re jealous?”
She stared at his chest, unwilling to admit that fact. “No. She’s your friend… so, well...”
“No lies. Remember?”
With a sigh, she nodded. “I do. Sorry. Yes. I’m jealous. Why does she mean so much to you?”
“I don’t know.” It was the truth. “She’s receptive to everything. She’s submissive. She sucks a good dick. She’s really into DP. She used to snuggle up to me in bed.” He struggled to find something not related to sex. “I guess I kinda helped her through a rough time, and we connected. It’s everything. We’re only friends, though. She’s in love with two other guys.” He winced. He should not have said that.
Her jaw dropped a bit. “Two guys? Who’s their third? Not Chris, is it?”
“Damn.” He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “It’s not what you think. I doubt she even realizes it. When she stayed with me, I noticed something between her and someone else. I kept my mouth shut. I’d appreciate if you kept it quiet, too.”
She smiled and looked up at him. “It’s our secret. But you gotta tell me who.”
“Chad.”
Chapter 31
Tommy heard voices as he stepped into Demonfire Monday afternoon after lunch. Since the tour meeting 10 days prior, the crew had taken turns working at Jon’s or at the studio. He smiled when he realized it was Dominic’s brother and nephew.
“Whoa!” Tony stared at his phone. He didn’t believe his eyes. “Dad. Did you see this?” He passed his phone to Anthony. “Did you know they were gay?”
Anthony’s eyes widened. “Uh. No.”
“Who’s gay?” Tommy walked into the room.
Tony thrust the phone in Tommy’s direction. “Austin and Scott from Wicked End.”
To pretend he was unaware, Tommy shrugged. “Maybe they were joking around.” He noticed Jon was in the booth upstairs. “I’ll be in the office.”
He rushed to Jon’s office and logged into the desktop. The photo was on multiple gossip sites and all music news sites. Some had other photos of the couple in close proximity and some where they touched. He knew they could no longer deny it when he saw the full version of the first photo. They held hands, and their bodies touched. It was obvious. Then again, he knew they were together. Maybe I’m seeing what I expect to see?
Tommy searched through tabloid sites, Wicked End fan sites and anything else he could find. Before he called Scott, he wanted to know how bad it was. What he found was not good. Rumors flew all over. Some called it a stunt. Others said they hid who they were because the rest of the band were haters. He found several men who claimed to be lovers of Austin, Scott or both. With a groan, he realized it would be a PR nightmare.
Footsteps made him look up. “Hey, Jon.”
“This is where you been hiding?” Jon leaned on the doorframe. “I didn’t think you were here yet.” He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. “Wicked End’s making headlines again. It’s been like a year since the last time they were plastered all over.”
Tommy frowned. “I know. That’s what I been doin’. This is a mess.”
“Think it’s photoshopped?”
Not able to meet Jon’s gaze, Tommy replied, “I know it’s not.” He forced himself to look up. “They’re a couple, and they’re bi. I’ve known for a few months. Scott asked me not to say anything. He’s gonna freak when he sees this.” He waved at the computer screen. “He’s not ready to come out.”
“Too late now.” Jon pulled out his phone. “Let’s see what we can do to help.”
He hoped Barbara had an idea. From what he had heard, he doubted their record company would stand by them. They might even be at risk to lose their contract. Since they were to join Demonfire soon, he wanted them to see they could count on him.
Once Barbara and Jon had worked out a plan they felt would benefit everyone, Tommy called Scott. It went to voicemail several times. He searched aroun
d for Austin’s number, which he was sure he had somewhere. After a while, he gave up and called Brandon. He spoke to Brandon, then Austin. Barbara’s suggestion to post a video response to the rumors was a good one. He just hoped they did it.
With the hope to get his mind off the possible disaster, Tommy texted Hailey.
I have an idea. Please don’t say no until you think about it. Would you come to dinner at Jon’s, just to meet my friends?
They had plans to go out with Giovanni and Crystal in two days. She was quite nervous about it. To assure her, he planned to wear as much of a disguise as he could. If they met at Jon’s, they could be themselves. He just hoped Jon was OK with it. There was no point to ask if Hailey refused. Just as he gave up and shoved his phone back into his pocket, it chirped.
That’s less frightening then going out in public. I’m in a meeting. Text me the time and address. I’ll be there. Promise. ;)
That had become her new signature: “Promise ;).” In the past 10 days, they had opened up even more to each other, which made them both more comfortable with their unconventional relationship. He hadn’t seen her since the weekend he spent at her place, though. Her last trial took place in Connecticut. She had only gotten home that morning and already she was at work. He hoped she was able to relax at Jon’s. Now to ask him.
He stood and walked into the main room. Jon’s voice came from the next building. They were close to the start of the renovations. The interior was already gutted. When he got to the doorway between the buildings, he put his hands on the frame. Jon and the contractor went over the plans for the space.
“Jon? You got a minute?” Tommy waited for him to turn. “Just a quick question.”
As he walked toward Tommy, Jon asked, “What’s up?”
“You busy tonight?”
Jon grinned. “Kinda. Why?”
“Never mind.” Tommy knew that look. Jon either had a date or a hook-up planned. He started to walk away.
Sure his friend was disappointed, Jon grabbed Tommy’s arm. “No. What?”
“I was hoping to use your place as neutral ground.” When Jon opened his mouth, Tommy held up a hand. “Let me explain.” He paused. “I met someone. And she’s finally willing to meet you guys. She’s afraid the press’ll label her a one-night stand. We’ve been avoiding meeting in public.”
Jon grinned widely. “You’re not kidding. Are you?” He let out a short laugh when Tommy shook his head. “That’s great! What I got planned can be changed. We can invite Dom and Noelle, too. If you don’t mind.”
“I was gonna ask him, too.” Tommy relaxed. “Thanks. Maybe once she meets you guys, she’ll chill out.”
“Just tell Noelle to keep quiet about all the shit going down around her.”
Tommy nodded. “Good idea. I’ll call Dom.” He pulled out his phone. “Hey, Dom. You home or at Jon’s?”
“Jon’s.” Dominic was on a couch in the den/man-cave. “Need something?”
Nervous because he wanted Dominic to approve of Hailey, he took a few cleansing breaths. “I’m having Hailey over for dinner over there tonight. I’d like you and Noelle to join us.”
“Meet the mysterious Hailey?” Dominic slapped his thigh. “I wouldn’t miss it. Was starting to think she wasn’t real.”
“Fuck you, man. You seen her.” Tommy knew he wasn’t serious. “She’s real nervous about her job mixing with my reputation.”
Dominic sighed. “Yeah. That’ll be interesting. She’s a lawyer, right?”
“Yep.” Tommy walked into the front hallway. “She said something like ‘lawyer to rich spoiled brats.’ So she sees bad press all the time. Just with her clients as the star. The last thing she wants is for the paparazzi to get wind she’s one of my many lovers.”
“We’ll think of something.” An idea quickly popped into Dominic’s head. “Can’t we give her a retainer and say she’s the band’s lawyer? That would quell rumors.”
Tommy shrugged a shoulder. “Maybe. I’d have to ask her. I’ll see you later. Gotta help Scott and Austin deal with fallout over a picture some fan posted.”
“I saw that.” Dominic had been shocked. “Are they gay?”
“Not exactly. They’re both bi. But they weren’t ready to be outed as a couple. Barbara came up with an idea we hope works. They have a huge fanbase. I doubt they’d all turn on them.”
Just before Tommy was about to head out for the day, his phone went off again. He checked it and noticed an email. Once he opened it, he called out, “Jon! Austin sent us a video. You have a few to check it out?”
Jon stepped out of his office. “Sure. I was just about to leave, too.” They played it on the desktop, since it had a large screen. “Sincere- and real-feeling. What’d you think?”
“It’s good.” Tommy sent a text off to Austin.
You guys did a great job.
Austin’s replied almost instantly.
Thanks for your help and support. The guys’re sticking by us, so we’ll get through it.
* * *
Downtown, Hailey rushed home after her last meeting of the day. She hated to drive in afternoon traffic. When she looked up the address to Jon’s house, she was surprised how far away it was. Do they all live in Jersey? She couldn’t imagine the daily commute.
Once finally home, she looked around her walk-in closet. Nervous, she wanted to wear the right thing. Dinner with rock stars was not her usual. Other than Tommy and a few clients in bands, she didn’t rub elbows in that world. She pulled out every black dress she owned and laid them on her bed. Black’s a rock star color, right? She couldn’t think straight. With a shake her head, she took a deep breath. Why am I so outta sorts? This is Tommy. My Tommy. He’ll love anything I wear. But he always says I look hot in black. Black it is!
* * *
In Jon’s dining room, Dominic and Noelle set the table for six. With the last-minute notice, Jon didn’t have time to hire someone to cater dinner. Noelle volunteered to take care of it. Since he was a decent cook, Dominic had helped. They had searched through the available ingredients and came up with spaghetti and meatballs.
He placed a covered serving bowl of meat sauce on the table. It wasn’t his usual from scratch. He had to doctor up a jar tomato sauce, but it turned out halfway decent. At least, the meatballs were his regular recipe. Noelle had watched him with a smile. She had chopped, stirred and added what he asked her to.
“I can’t believe we got all this together in an hour.” Noelle set a platter of meatballs onto the table then covered it. “Do you cook when you guys are on tour?”
Dominic looked up. “Usually. Tommy’s not a terrible cook, so sometimes he helps out. Just don’t let Dean near a stove. He could burn the place down.”
With a laugh, Noelle imagined Dean screaming for Dominic because he set scrambled eggs on fire. “I’ll remember that.”
Tommy walked into Jon’s kitchen, showered and dressed. He had stopped at home for a change of clothes. While he drove, he told himself to keep clothes at Dominic’s place to make his life easier. He checked around but saw nothing but a sink full of dishes.
“Uh, Dom,” Tommy shouted. “You here?”
Dominic called to him, “In here!”
“Hey, Tommy.” Noelle adjusted a few things. “It’s all ready.”
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Tommy rushed out of the room and to the front door. If I’m this nervous about her meeting my friends, what’s it gonna be like when she meets my family? He reined in the butterflies and opened the door.
“Hi, babe.” He stepped forward and hugged Hailey. “So glad you had time tonight.”
She closed her eyes and held him as well. “I couldn’t stay away.”
He pulled back and looked at her. “Wow. You look… as beautiful as always. Sexy.” He tugged her inside and closed the door. “Do you like red wine? Jon’s got a nice bottle chilling.” He turned to the stairs. “Jon. She’s here.”
Within minutes, everyone sat around the table. Hailey s
miled when Tommy introduced them all. She had not expected there to be girlfriends and children. They were easygoing and made her feel comfortable right away. She was glad Chris wasn’t there. That could have been awkward.
“So, Hailey.” Dominic put his fork down. “We had an idea. If, as a band we hired you, in a lawyer capacity, would that make you being in public with Tommy easy to explain? We could list you as our attorney of record. Lord knows, Dean warrants more than one lawyer. If the tabloids try and paint a different picture, we can quickly nip it in the bud.”
She looked around the room. Everyone patiently awaited her response. “That could work. I guess we didn’t think of that.”
Dominic grinned. “That’s what I’m here for.” He tapped his temple. “I’m the smart one.”
He turned to Jon, who stared at Emma. The look in his eyes was something he had seen before. They had gotten close since Sean had come into his life. However, Jon obviously wanted more. He treated her differently. The only woman Dominic had seen Jon treat as well was Josie. Since she committed suicide, he had been aloof with most girls he dated.
Tommy noticed it as well. He smiled when Jon briefly held Emma’s hand. They whispered and smiled at each other. If Jon fell for his son’s mother, it’d be amazing. Maybe they can be a real family.
Across the table, Jon glanced at Emma again. He had wanted to ask her out for a while, but didn’t want to ruin the friendship they built. Once she showed him a sign she was interested, he would go for it. Until then, he was happy with getting to know her better.
Chapter 32
Wednesday evening, Tommy stood in his living room. He waited for Hailey to finish with her hair. They were to meet Crystal & Giovanni at a new rock club in Atlantic City in 30 minutes. It wasn’t too far from him, so he wasn’t worried about time. He stepped into the hallway and checked the mirror again. The fedora and sunglasses were his usual disguise. It was hard to tell who he was. That was the point.
Evolving Urges (Gasoline Book 2) Page 24