Our Song

by Runow, Lauren

  He sits up, shocked. “Shut up! Seriously?”

  I cover my eyes. “I told you I listen to rock music. Don’t seem so surprised.”

  He tilts his head and grins at me. “I can see it.”

  I hit his chest with the back of my hand and curl back into him. “Seeing Diamante making it has been hard and brought back a ton of memories. That should have been me. Though I couldn’t have pulled off the blue hair like she is.” I try to bring light to our conversation before the bomb I’m about to drop.

  “I chose New York because I knew it was big enough that I could try to make a name for myself, and my parents wouldn’t catch on because I was there to attend Columbia in their eyes.”

  “Why would they be against you wanting to sing? They obviously enjoy your voice if you sing at your father’s church.”

  I inhale and slowly let it out, picking up his hand and toying with his fingers. “I lied about having something to do at church.”

  He stiffens. “Why?”

  I rest my head against his shoulder. “It’s my father. I’m afraid he won’t accept you.”

  His laughter bellows out from his chest. “Yeah, I’m a dad too, remember? No one will ever come near Cailin. Nope. Over my dead body.”

  His carelessness over the mater makes me smile. “It’s more than that. When I was in New York, I was making a name for myself, booking shows and really starting to see progress. I felt like I was going to make it.”

  He runs his other fingers over my hair, tucking it behind my ear. “Then, what happened?”

  I reposition myself to bring my legs up on the swing. “There was a band that was going head-to-head with me. We were booking the same gigs, and I was getting more attention due to being the female lead. The other group was all guys, and they didn’t like me taking the spotlight away from them.”

  I pause, and he eggs me on, “So, what happened?”

  I turn my head to show him the scar that runs up the back of my head. Before this morning, I wouldn’t have dared to show anyone this scar, and I wear my hair down to cover it at all times.

  He runs his fingers across the deep line in silence as I let him take it in.

  “One night, I was walking down Bleecker Street with my guitar player, Tony, and drummer, Donnie, after a gig. All I remember is people screaming around me and being thrown out of the way by Donnie before everything went black.”

  His arms grip around me tighter as tears start to fall, and I wait until I am composed enough to continue.

  “They both died that night.”

  “Oh, Sarah.” He pulls me into his lap, and I go willingly.

  “I haven’t spoken about that night in years. My best friend, Maggie, is the only person who knows besides my family. I was keeping my singing a secret from everyone back home. I even used a different last name, like you do.”

  His grin shows me he understands our connection even more now.

  “The lead singer from the other band tried to run us over. He’s in jail for murder now. I couldn’t believe someone could have so much hatred for someone else just because they were more successful.”

  “Is that why you moved back? Gave up on your dreams?”

  I nod as I wipe a tear. “My dad was furious with me when he found out what I’d really been up to and why he’d attacked us. He’s an old-school pastor and very set in his ways.”

  I take a deep breath, ready to fill him in on what’s really been bothering me. “He calls rock music devil music and said it was God’s way of getting back at me.”

  “Are you shitting me?”

  I tilt my head down. “I wish I were.”

  He picks me up and sits me next to him, so I’m looking straight at him. “You can’t honestly think that. This is why I hate religion. Making someone feel guilty for their misfortune because some asshole was jealous is just flat-out wrong.”

  “I didn’t want to think the God I love would do this. But I questioned why something like that happened to me all the time.” I reach my hand up to his face, feeling his stubble under my palm. “That is, until I met you. I had my faith that God had a plan for me. And look, he brought me you. You’ve shown me the good in people again. You’ve shown me the truth that’s out there, and it doesn’t matter what you listen to or who you want to be in life”—I place my hand on his chest—“it’s what’s in here that counts more.”

  He leans in, meeting his lips to mine in a move so loving and soft that I lose my breath. I reach up to place my hands on either side of his face, and his instantly go on my head, holding me there as he intensifies the kiss.

  His touch is soothing me, and his lips are healing me. Being able to open up to anyone about this is like breathing a breath of fresh air, and knowing that he not only understands my pain, but also wants to hold me through it means so much to me.

  I love this man. I love the person he is, the dad he is, and I love the way he lights my soul on fire. He’s everything I thought I’d never have. Him being in the industry I’ve been running from for years is no coincidence. We were meant for each other, and without Cailin here, I’m ready to show him just how much he means to me.

  He stands and leans down, picking me up and taking my body with him as he walks into the house. I go as easily as possible, making sure he feels no hesitation. I’ve never wanted anything as bad as I want him right now.

  Our breaths intertwine as our tongues dance in perfect rhythm. I never take them from his as he makes his way to his bedroom, kicking the door shut and laying me down on the bed. My heart pounds as he slowly lowers his large frame over mine.

  I move my hands to the bottom of his shirt, pulling it up and over his head. His smile meets mine, and I wrap my legs around his waist, wanting to feel his body pressed against me.

  His hands repeat my movement and slip my shirt over my head. Our bodies pressed against each other builds a hunger deep within me as I kick off my shoes and reach for his pants.

  His smirk could melt my panties right off of me as he places his hand over mine, stopping my movement.

  “I don’t want to rush this. Cailin will be gone for hours. We have time.” He leans down and kisses up my neck as he takes his hand into mine, bringing it above my head.

  After bringing my other hand to the top, he motions for me to leave them there as he runs his finger down my face, my neck, and to my cleavage where he swirls his fingers up and down the valleys before pulling the straps of my bra down and engulfing my breast with his palm.

  I lift my back off the bed, wanting more of his touch as he pulls my other strap down. When his lips wrap around my taut nipple, a zing of electricity jolts through my body and lands down low.

  My legs tighten around him, pulling him right into where I need the pressure. The chuckle that escapes his lips is not lost, but I don’t care how greedy I am being right now.

  I’ve never been so turned on in my life, and having to keep my hands above my head is both torture and delicious pleasure. It’s almost too much, watching him take his time as he roams my body.

  When his mouth finds my other nipple, the same effect ripples through me, and I bring him even tighter to me, rubbing against him, trying to build the friction I so desperately need right now.

  I lower my hands, and he’s quick to put them back.

  “Don’t ruin it,” he whispers. “You’re so fucking hot right now, and I want to cherish this moment.”

  I drop my head back in pleasure and frustration. I do love this, but my heart is starting to pound so hard that I can feel it right in my pussy that is dying to be touched.

  He moves his fingers behind me to unclasp my bra. After he pulls it free, he lowers himself completely on top of me as he loses himself in a kiss so passionate that I can’t help but lower my hands and hold him against me.

  Feeling the warmth of his skin on mine, him pressing against me, is pure magic. I’ve never wanted to feel another man the way I want to feel him right now. I want it all—his heat, his heartbeat, and
his love that’s overflowing onto me.

  I whimper when he breaks our kiss and runs down my neck to my chest, belly, and then the button on my jeans. My breath hitches when he runs his lips on my lower stomach as he unbuttons the top one, slowly moving the zipper down afterward.

  He shimmies them down my legs, leaving a path of kisses in its wake. After he pulls them off completely, his mouth lands on my mound, and I jump from the jolt of excitement it leaves.

  His heat and wetness breathe against my pussy, making me shiver. His chuckle turns me on even more as I run my fingers through his hair, holding them there for a second longer.

  I feel his fingers wrap around the sides of my panties, and he slides them down my waist. Once they’re pulled from my toes, he pauses and takes me in.

  The stare he’s boring into me has never given me more confidence than I feel right now as I lie, completely naked, in front of the man of my dreams. His eyes are dark, and his mouth is parted.

  I watch as his chest rises and falls. He fists the bulge in his pants, dropping his head back when he gets the slight relief he needs.

  My eyes stay glued to his hand as he reaches in his back pocket and pulls a condom from his wallet. One button at a time, he pops his fly free until the last one is open.

  His cock lies thick behind the black cotton of his boxer briefs, and I sit up to assist him in removing the remainder of his clothing. When he stands back up after stepping out from his pants, I wrap my hand around his cock while he opens the condom.

  I love the softness of his shaft, and I have to lick my lips as I swirl my finger around the tip that’s coated with pre-cum.

  A moan escapes his mouth, giving me motivation to lean in and lick it off. His eyes close for a moment before he opens them and places his hands on the nape of my neck as he pushes me back while kissing my lips.

  He covers himself with one hand while trying to keep his tongue in pace with mine. Once he’s ready, he pulls back and places his forehead on mine, making sure I’m ready.

  I nod ever so slightly as I place my hands on his back and urge him closer.

  Slowly, he pushes himself inside me, enjoying every centimeter without moving his vision from mine.

  The emotions of the moment mixed with the beautiful way his body is stretching mine become too much, and I close my eyes, arching my back off the bed as he fills me to the brim.

  He pauses, dropping down to softly kiss me before he picks up his rhythm. I can’t help the deep moan escaping my lips as I welcome every movement he does to my body.

  With each thrust, I take him in more. With each pull back, I instantly miss him. I let him fully own my body as he plays it just like an instrument, bringing me to the cusp of greatness with every chord played.

  His arms tightly grip my shoulders as he holds me, sliding in and out with ease.

  My toes curl, and my breath hitches, as a feeling I’ve never experienced starts to build low in my core. I grind against him, chasing an internal orgasm I’ve never felt before.

  He moves his hands to mine, gripping each one in his fingers and pulling them above my head. Losing all control to him only turns me on more and intensifies the sensations that are now pulsing lower and starting to tingle deep inside.

  “I feel you, Sarah,” he says as he slows down, pausing at each thrust and pushing deeper inside me. “God, you feel so fucking good.”

  I start to pant uncontrollably as he takes my body to heights I didn’t even know existed.

  “Let go, baby,” he whispers, and it’s my complete undoing.

  My body goes rigid as my insides clench against him. He pauses his movements while I ride my wave, wrapped around him.

  His head falls to my forehead again. “So beautiful,” he says before closing his eyes and releasing his own orgasm inside me as he presses his lips to mine.

  I take in every grunt that escapes him as my own body relaxes against his. I wrap my arms around him, holding him to me, as we kiss until our bodies are limp and we’re fully sated with each other.

  26

  Sarah

  I take one more glance at my costume before running to get the door. Adam is bringing Cailin over before school, so I can help with her hair. I want to make sure I don’t look silly with something out of place.

  I open the door, and Cailin’s eyes light up.

  “You are Cinderella,” she says in awe.

  I pick her up and twirl her around. “So are you. Let’s hurry up and get your hair done, so we can take pictures together.”

  After placing her down, I turn to Adam, who’s wearing a cheesy grin.

  “Don’t laugh.” I point to him.

  He leans in, giving me a kiss. “I’d never laugh. You look amazing. I’ve never had a thing for the Disney princesses, but you might just change my mind.”

  I eye him as Cailin yanks me toward the bathroom, so we can do her hair.

  As I pull it up into a tight bun, she glances at me through the mirror. “My daddy said you’re his girlfriend now.”

  A smile big enough to hurt my cheeks grows on my face. “Did he now? How do you feel about that?”

  “I love it! I’m super excited to tell everyone you’re gonna get married.”

  I choke on my breath and cough. “Whoa, um … let’s not jump to that yet.” I pause, not wanting to confuse her. “I’m not saying I don’t want to marry your daddy. There’s just a long process to get to that step.”

  Her tiny lip pushes out in a pout. “Then, can I tell them you’re his girlfriend?”

  I purse my lips together in thought. I don’t want people knowing my personal business, yet with the tabloids, I’m sure people already suspect it, so what’s the harm in making it official?

  “Sure, sweetheart. You can tell them I’m dating your daddy.”

  I finish the bun, and she jumps up to celebrate.

  “Yay! Okay, let’s go take a picture and blow this popsicle stand.”

  She runs out of the bathroom, and I notice the flush my cheeks have taken. I close my eyes, enjoying the happiness rushing through me.

  I’m his girlfriend.

  I head toward the living room where Cailin calls me over.

  “Here, let’s stand right here and take the photo.”

  Adam holds up the camera as I wrap my arms around her little shoulders, and we take a picture, both dressed up as Cinderella for Halloween.

  Cailin runs up to see the photo, and I grab my purse from the counter.

  “Everyone ready?” I ask.

  “Let’s go!” Cailin opens the door and runs toward my car.

  “You’re welcome to come and watch the parade that starts at nine,” I say to Adam.

  “Wouldn’t miss it.” He quickly kisses me before placing his hand on my lower back to usher me out the door.

  “She also told me she’s going to tell everyone I’m your girlfriend.” I grin at him, and he laughs.

  “Well, good. I told her you are, so everyone else should know too.”

  I turn to wrap my arms around his neck, kissing him longer than I should but I can’t help myself. My heart is so full right now. It’s solely because of him, and I want him to know exactly how happy I am.

  “You’d better watch it, or I might have you wear this costume some other time when it’s just the two of us. A Disney fantasy is starting to come to mind,” he teases.

  A hard laugh escapes my lips as I slap his chest and turn back toward my entryway.

  * * *

  Cailin and I make our way into the school. A few people comment on how cute it is that we match, and we even take a photo for the yearbook.

  After our morning routine of the pledge and going over the calendar, I have everyone line up to get ready for our Halloween parade where every kid walks around the playground while we invite parents to come out and watch.

  When we get to the door, I open it up and am surprised to see my mom.

  “Oh, look at how cute you all are!” she says with her hands on her face.


  She’s volunteered a few times in my class, so all the kids know who she is, and a few of them even run up to give her a hug, including Cailin.

  “Did Sa—” She stops and smiles my way. “I mean, Miss Russo tell you that she and my daddy are boyfriend/girlfriend?”

  My breath hitches, and my eyes open wide.

  “Are they now?” Mom tilts her head toward me as a grin covers her face. “No, I didn’t know that.”

  My mom knows nothing. Not that I’ve been hanging out with a student’s father and definitely not who Adam is.

  “She’s going to have to fill me in.” Mom rubs her hand down Cailin’s back. “I see you’re happy about that though.”

  Cailin nods her head over dramatically. “Totally!”

  “Okay, everyone, line up. We have to walk in a straight line around the playground. Does everyone understand?” I say toward the class, purposely not looking my mom’s way.

  The students all nod their response, and we head out the door.

  It’s no surprise that Mom’s on my heel. “You have a boyfriend?” she whispers toward me. “When were you going to tell me? Isn’t she the daughter of the rock—”

  Of course, Adam approaches me just as my mom stops in her tracks. I’m relieved when he respects the facts that I’m with my class and that other parents are around, and he just lightly touches my hand in hello instead of kissing me like he normally would.

  Mom’s eyes open wide as she takes him in.

  I stand tall and take the plunge. “Adam, I’d like you to meet my mom, Sandra.”

  Adam’s lips turn to a gorgeous smile as he reaches out his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

  To my surprise, my mom covers his hand with her other hand as they shake. “Same here. I noticed something was different with my daughter these last few weeks. Now, I know I have you to thank.” I turn to her in surprise, and she nudges my shoulder. “Don’t think I didn’t notice. I felt like I finally had my daughter back.”