“This isn’t quite…somehow I expected something bigger.”
Logan had turned on a few lamps, lighting the room in a glow. As he walked toward her, she took in everything about him, how the light caught his dark eyes, with the ever-present hint of a smile, the high cheekbones, straight nose. And those lips. God, he’s handsome.
“I don’t need all that much…just a bed and a closet. I’d rather spend my money on good Scotch and good food…” He reached out, one hand slowly caressing Melody’s arm.
“Or you, if I had the chance. I’ve never really had a woman to indulge. Might be something we’d both enjoy.”
“I can’t believe you’ve never had a girlfriend. None at all?” The touch of his fingers on her skin was setting a small fire alight deep inside. As handsome as he was, and as much as she was attracted to Logan, she was suddenly shy, nervous. It was easy to be brazen in the crush and noise of the restaurant, but here, alone in his room, with his intentions clear, Melody found herself unsure, hesitating. That he was her client complicated matters tremendously. Unethical, goes against everything you stand for…but only if someone finds out.
“None serious, no. There are always girls around, hangers on, groupies you’d call them. Nothing serious there. I can’t say I’m immune to them; probably bedded more than I should have.”
“Any recently?” Melody tried to bite back the words, but it was too late.
Logan pulled her to him, his arms going around her waist. “No, not a one since you. Don’t want anyone but you. The others…usually I was just tired of being alone on the road. Sad reason to bed a woman, but there it is.”
Melody could feel the warmth of his body against hers, his strong arms holding her. She looked up, lost herself for a moment in his eyes. He leaned down, his lips soft as he kissed her. But beneath the gentleness of the moment, she sensed his arousal, the passion from their first encounter barely contained beneath the surface.
Her body remembered this feeling, his lips on hers, his hands on her body. But she wasn’t drunk this time, and the voice in her head that had been absent—or a sodden drunk—last time, spoke up, loud and clear. This is uncharted territory and it’s not safe…it’s wrong on so many levels.
But louder and more insistent was the voice that told her that this was a once in a lifetime chance at something she’d never experienced before. Is it more important than your career? It just might be…
Logan broke their kiss, looking down into Melody’s eyes. “I see I have my work ahead of me. Maybe it was the Macallan last time that aided me. I’ll just have to win you over with my charm alone then, without the Scotch.”
“You had me at a disadvantage last time, Logan. You know that. But I am here now…I want to be here. But it’s…I’m different…this time, and there’s more at stake now. You’re more real…everything’s in sharper focus, I guess. I’m not seeing you through a haze of alcohol fueled self-pity.”
“ ‘More real’. Hmm…I don’t believe I’ve ever been called that. But…I have been called worse.” He pulled her back against him, his hands splayed across her back, his smile lighting up his eyes.
He grew serious for a moment. “Are the stakes too high? Is this worth risking whatever it is that you have to lose?”
Melody wrapped her arms around Logan’s neck, pulling him close. Her body responded to his touch, his solid warmth, his undeniable sex appeal. A smile pulled at the corners of her lips, despite her anxiety.
“Yes, I think so. But you’ll have to work at winning me over this time, I guess. I’m not falling for your magic potion.”
The knock on the door and the discreet call of ‘room service’ made her jump. Logan kissed her forehead before stepping away to open the door. A deferential waiter pushed a cart carrying their dinner into the room, prominent among the covered dishes a bottle of Macallan and two glasses.
As the waiter left, Melody saw Logan slip the do not disturb sign on the door before turning the lock. She tried unsuccessfully to suppress a giggle. Logan turned; mock serious, a frown on his face, but amusement lighting up his eyes.
“I’m serious here. You said I have work to do. I want no chance of being interrupted.”
Melody waved her hands. “Oh, I know. It’s just…” She collapsed on the couch in a fit of giggles. “I’m sorry…it’s just…I’m not laughing at you.”
“Aye, you are. But I don’t mind. I’d rather have you laugh at me than wallop me alongside the head.”
Logan watched as Melody regained control. “You’re scared and I understand. A bit skittish, nervous giggling, all designed to put off the inevitable There’s something holding you back….” He reached out a hand to her, and she took it, Logan pulling her off the couch.
She took a final deep breath as the giggles faded away. “Things were different last time, Logan. I’d just won a big case…and was dumped by my fiancé. My emotions were all over the place. And yes…I was on my way to being drunk when you rescued me.” She shook her head.
“I’ve tried to make you out to be the bad guy, but I can’t think that way anymore. You’re not the bad guy. You’re actually quite nice…I think you’re growing on me.”
“Now I’m ‘quite nice’ then? You’re damning me with faint praise, girl. I see I’ll have to do much better than last time.”
Melody opened her mouth to respond, but Logan’s lips found hers and her reply was lost.
His kiss was not only sensual and skilled, but intense, full of passion and the hint of longing that she remembered his kisses held. She let herself relax into his arms, let this kiss consume her.
It was several minutes later when he ended the kiss, straightening, his arms still loosely around her waist. Eyes still closed, she leaned forward, lips parted.
“Oh…” Melody opened her eyes, a bit dazed as she looked up at Logan.
“So, was that just ‘quite nice’ or something better.”
“Something much better than quite nice. Very much better.”
“Are you ready to move this down the hall? As much as I enjoy kissing you, I’d much rather be between the sheets, making love to you.”
Melody smiled, letting him take her hand as he led her to the bedroom. “You have such a way with words, Logan.”
In the dim light of the bedroom, Melody stood in Logan’s arms, her fingers slowly undoing the buttons on his shirt as he watched.
“You know, there are things you could be doing, rather than watching me.” She concentrated on the task in front of her, her heart beating fast. Whether from arousal or nerves, she didn’t know. And she really didn’t care. The consequences could wait until tomorrow. Being this close to Logan, willingly, was a powerful feeling. I could get used to this.
“I know. But this is fine. I don’t want to spook you; I want you taking your own sweet time.”
She undid the last button, pulling the shirt from his arms, running her fingers over his broad chest. Logan’s hands came up her torso over her blouse, cupping her breasts, thumbs sliding across her nipples. She caught her breath, her hands still on his body, looking up at him.
“I’m not afraid anymore, Logan. I want this now…I want you.”
Logan claimed her mouth in a passionate kiss, Melody returning the emotion. All reserves Melody had melted away and she met him fully, seeking just as much from him as he did from her.
Eyes closed, Melody felt Logan’s hands moving over her body, felt the tug of the zipper on her skirt being pulled down, the soft whisper of fabric against her skin as he removed her blouse. She shivered slightly as cool air moved across her naked body, then again as Logan held her against his warmth. Somewhere along the way he’d removed his jeans and he pressed himself against her, his arousal evident.
“Come with me.” Logan’s voice was low and seductive, and Melody thought at that moment, she’d follow him anywhere. He led her to the bed, laying her gently down on the soft sheets, settling himself next to her.
“I’m going to make love to yo
u Melody, long and slow, and then again after that. I don’t expect we’ll get much sleep, but there’s time for sleep later.”
She looked at him, his eyes filled with passion…for her. No man had ever looked at her like this, not even Patrick. It made her heart swell, almost took her breath away. She lifted one hand, cupping his cheek for a moment and nodded, not trusting her voice. And at this moment, ethics and rules and what was right or wrong didn’t matter. What she felt when she was wrapped in his arms was all that she wanted and needed.
Logan smiled and then brought his lips to hers. She felt the corners of his lips holding that smile until he deepened the kiss, the smile replaced with heated desire.
Gracefully he moved over her, parting her legs. His first thrust took her by surprise, not with size or force, but with the total certainty with which he laid claim to her. There was no doubt in her mind she was what he wanted and he was taking what was his.
And Melody gladly gave him what he sought, meeting him as an equal, taking from him as much as giving. Logan gave her pleasure, no argument there, but he gave her something else, something she’d never expected from any man.
Beyond Logan’s sheer physical presence, his intoxicating sexuality, beyond the delicious movement of their bodies together, she felt the freedom to let her emotions go. Logan gave her the freedom—and the security—to let this experience touch her heart. And it did, in an unexpected but not unwelcomed way.
Near the end, as she cried out, arching up against him, he held her face between his hands, kissing her cheeks and lips and eyelids, as focused on her then as he had been from the beginning. She heard him murmuring something against her neck, soft words she didn’t understand. But her body was so filled with physical ecstasy, every cell alive as her release washed through her, that she became lost in her own pleasure, her arms clutching Logan, her legs wrapped around his hips. His words were lost in her cries.
He joined her then, his head thrown back, his body seeking its own release. Melody watched in amazement as he gave himself over fully to what his body was experiencing, his own emotions playing across his face. She felt tears of wonder well in her eyes, knowing he felt so unrestrained, so free to let himself go as she had.
When it was over, they lay in each other’s arms, both breathing heavily. Melody was reluctant to move, not wanting to break the bonds, both physical and emotional, between them. It was Logan who finally raised his head, looking down at her.
“And so, that was good for you then?”
Even in the dim light she saw the teasing glint in his eye.
“As you would say…aye, t’was.” Giggles overtook her as Logan rolled his eyes, shaking his head in mock reproach.
“Oh, no…I’m sorry. Never let me try to imitate you again.”
Her giggles subsided as Logan rolled onto his side next to her, his fingers tracing the line of her cheek, her earlobe, moving down over her throat. She took his hand, kissing his fingertips.
“But yes, it was good. More than good. Exceptionally good.”
It was Logan’s turn to laugh. “You’ll have my head swelling if you keep that up.” He grew serious.
“But it is special, no? What’s between us, I mean. There’s something different with you, Melody. Sex is sex, and I’ve had too many women where it’s been just sex. Fun, yes. But nothing more. But with you…it goes deeper, lasts longer. I feel you here…” He took her hand, placing it on his chest, over his heart.
“What were you saying to me? The words, I mean? I couldn’t understand you.”
“It’s Gaelic. Tha gaol agam ort…” Logan went silent, rolling onto his back, still holding her hand. She could feel his heart beating beneath her fingers.
“And? What does it mean?” She leaned on her elbow, looking down at him as he lay with his eyes closed. He spoke without opening them.
“Don’t be alarmed…remember, it was spoken in the heat of the moment. I don’t expect the same sentiment from you; I have no claim to lay there.”
He opened his eyes, his look direct, unflinching. “It means ‘I love you’.”
Melody’s eyes widened. “And do you?”
Logan turned toward her, kissing her fingertips. “Aye, I did when I said it.”
“Do you still?” Her voice was breathless. He must be teasing me.
But his eyes were serious, as was his voice. “Aye, I do. Tá mo chroí istigh ionat.”
Melody held her breath. Logan kissed her gently before he spoke, her hand still pressed against his chest.
“My heart is within you.”
* * *
She’d thought Logan had fallen asleep but he stirred when she tried to pull the sheet over her shoulder, tugging it from beneath his arm.
“Are ye cold? I’m a blanket thief, you’ll have to forgive me.” Logan sat up, untangling the sheet and pulling it over both of them.
“Logan, why did you leave last time without waking me? Why just a note?”
“I was wondering when you’d ask about that. It was selfish; I had a plane to catch and I knew if I woke ye, there’d be no hope for me, I’d never have left. I wanted you too badly.”
His arm was around her shoulders, his fingers idly running through her hair, his voice soft and low. “I saw you there, asleep, in the wee hours of the morning, and I thought I’d never seen anything so beautiful in my life. I wanted to wake you and take you, then and there. But I wrote a note instead, snuck away like a coward and then…well, we know the rest.”
Logan shifted, pulling her closer. “I am sorry, Melody. Truly. It was a coward’s way out. I shouldn’t have just left a note. I should have woken you, made love to you again, left you happy. At the very least, I should have sung you back to sleep.”
Melody smiled against Logan’s chest. “Well, it’s in the past now. But don’t ever do it again.”
“Aye, never again.” He found her lips in the dark, his kiss gentle but quickly deepening. After a time he broke away, gasping.
“You do things to me, Melody, things that no woman has ever done. I can’t explain it.”
His fingers traced the curve of her cheek, over her throat, down to the fullness of one breast. It was Melody’s turn to gasp as his fingers, and then lips, softly caressed her, sending shivers through her body.
When he lifted his head, she cried out softly in protest. Logan’s voice was rough with passion.
“You’re all that I need…all that I’ll ever want.”
It was a long time before they slept.
* * *
Melody woke with a start. The room was still dark, the bed unfamiliar. But she knew she was in Logan’s hotel room. She rolled over, reaching for him, finding his arm and then broad chest with her hands. He made a soft noise, reaching for her hand. Without speaking, he rolled toward her, pulling her against his body, his lips finding hers in the dark. The kiss had that same longing intensity, searching her lips for answers.
As much as she wanted to answer him, surrender to their desires, to let him take her on that wild ride again, she gently pushed him away. She heard him sigh in the dark.
“Logan, I can’t. I have to go…I need to go home, change, and get to work. Ryan wants to meet with me…about your case.”
The thought of Ryan Marshall made her frown. And the force of what she’d done, that she’d slept with a client, hit her with a physical force, making her stomach drop. She’d given in to her desires, risking Logan’s case, her career…everything.
“Aye, I thought as much.” He rolled away, flicking on the bedside lamp. Melody blinked in the light. Looking at Logan almost took her breath away, with his messy hair and heavy-lidded, sexy eyes. And his lips. Those kissable lips, the ever-present grin that made them too sexy too resist.
“Logan…there’s something I need to tell you. I should have said something before…before last night. But I…didn’t want to.”
Melody looked down, playing with a corner of the sheet. Logan turned toward her, rising on one elbow, and she
wondered how she’d ever be able to explain how she was feeling without him thinking she regretted him. She didn’t. But then the words just tumbled out.
“I was wrong to sleep with you.”
His eyes darkened, and for the first time Melody saw pain in their depths. She reached out, her hand on his shoulder. She hurried to go on.
“Because of your case…not because of you.”
He frowned, confused. “And why is this?”
“It’s a conflict of interest, to sleep with a client. Before the case…that was different. But now…it’s complicated. And it’s a breach of ethics.”
“Do you regret what we did…do you regret this?” Logan’s voice was steady, but the pained deepened in his eyes, and her heart ached.
“Oh, no. Not this…not you. Not at all.” She curled against him, resting her head on his shoulder, her hand on his chest.
“This…you…I wouldn’t give that up for anything. But I want you to know now, even though it’s too late, there might be consequences…if anyone finds out.”
Logan lay back on the pillow and Melody rested against him, hands splayed across his chest, looking down at him. The pain had receded from his eyes, replaced with confusion.
“You risked your career for this…for me?”
She nodded. “Yes. And I’ll keep risking it. But you need to know…I should have told you last night…before we…well, you know. It’s your risk too now, I guess, although I’d be the one facing the consequences, or the most serious ones.”
“Such as? Your career?”
“Yes. Pretty much.”
Logan sat up, pulling Melody onto his lap. “Melody, you know I can’t ask you to risk your career for me.”
“I’m not asking…I’ve already made my decision.”
A smile tugged at the corner of Logan’s mouth. “And God knows once you make up your mind, there’s no changing it, is there?”
She shook her head, winding her arms around his neck. “Not a chance.”
Heartstrings (Rock With You #1) Rock Star Romance Page 5