by Sarah Dosher
I shook my head at him and picked up the bouquet of daisies I’d brought with me. “Let me give these flowers to Shaw first.”
“Sure, I’ll load my stuff and meet you at the car.” He kissed the top of my head and I closed my eyes, thankful for his limitless understanding of my need to keep Shaw’s memory alive.
His grave was still a mound of dirt; time had yet to conceal the soil covering his body, just as it had not healed my heart. I placed the flowers in the granite vase attached to his headstone and thought back to the first day I ever knew I loved him: a sunny, bright, and clear day. I’d always known Shaw, always had him in my life, but had always looked at him as a brother. We were in the lush, green yard at my house while our dads were practicing in the studio. There was nothing earth shattering that made my innocent heart know I loved him, we were simply laying side by side watching the clouds drift overhead. My hand was in between us and skimmed across his, he intertwined our hands without a second thought of his action. That was it, such a simple sign of genuine affection, and I had loved him as much in that moment as I did today.
I kissed my fingertips and placed them on his name perfectly etched in the stone, “Love you always, Shaw.”
When I made it to the car, Deacon hugged me tight before opening the door for me.
“You ready?” He asked.
I nodded, and we drove away.
***
I came bouncing down the stairs, extremely proud of myself for being ready thirty minutes early. When I reached the bottom step, I posed myself seductively before getting Deacon’s attention, which was currently on the guitar sitting in his lap.
I cleared my throat, “I’m ready.” I said in a sing-song voice. “Told you it wouldn’t take me long.”
His eyes moved to the grandfather clock sitting across the room, “Can’t believe it, but you are actually early for once.”
He placed the guitar on the couch before standing to turn in my direction. The minute his gaze fell upon me his eyes darkened and a devilish smile spread across his face.
“Oh fuck, you know what it does to me when you wear that color.” He groaned lustfully.
I smoothed my hands down the pale blue dress that perfectly matched the shade of his eyes. It was long, flowing, yet hugged me tight, showing every curve with a slit cut high on my left leg; it was perfect.
“I know exactly how you feel about me wearing blue, which is why I’ve made it the staple color in my wardrobe.” I teased.
He drew closer, and with each step I could see his eyes undressing me.
“No,” I said as his hands ran up my sides and circled my breasts that were covered by tiny blue stones. “We don’t have time.”
“We have all the time in the world.” He said breathlessly.
“I just finished my hair and makeup.” I whined as I tried to push his hands away.
“I don’t need your hair or your face for what I have planned.” He teased as he wrapped his hands around my back and slowly unzipped my dress.
“That’s so romantic, Deacon.” I laughed.
“I can do romance, too…later, I’ll be romantic later.” He promised, but his mind already had me naked with him inside me.
“Just remember when we’re late, it’s your fault this time.” I said just as the dress hit the floor leaving me completely nude.
“Fuck, commando.” His eyes grew wide as he lifted me, wrapped my legs around his waist and headed up the stairs.
His foot hit the bedroom door with a loud bang as he kicked it open and then shut. We didn’t even make it to the bed; he went down on his knees, still holding onto me, just inside the door. My ass soothed against the soft fur rug as he sat me down carefully and began to unbuckle his pants.
“Don’t want to mess up that pretty hair of yours.” He smiled while I laughed.
After his clothes were placed in a neat pile on the floor he pulled me astride him as he ravaged my chest and stomach with hot, wet strokes of his tongue. With his hands on my hips, he moved my entire body up and down his length teasing me with the feel of him. Strong, rough hands encircled my hips, his thumbs pressing into my hip bones as he held me up and entered me. The completely full sensation made my head fall back as a loud moan echoed from my lips.
His hands continued to lift and lower my body at a slow and torturous pace; completely controlling his pleasure and mine. I loved every second of his dominance over my body, and had quickly come to yearn for it. I ran my hand over his face, relishing the feel of his soft skin and rough whiskers then moving to fist in his shaggy hair. Needing to feel him more, my hips began to move in perfect sync with his thrusts, until I felt the release I was chasing building within me. Soft, breathy groans coming from both of us were filling the silence in the room.
“That’s it, princess, let it go…come with me.”
His wet mouth skimmed across my shoulder and his teeth lightly bit down. The combination of the pleasure and the pain sent me spiraling over the edge. My arms went stiff and my fingers tugged at his hair, and instantly, I felt his body tighten beneath me.
“God woman, you get fucking better every time.” He said after we both had a chance to catch our breath.
“No, we get better every time.” I told him.
“Whatever, semantics. It’s fucking good; that’s all that matters.”
“Yes, it is.” I agreed and kissed him lightly.
We both stood, and he pulled me close, I could still feel his heart pounding in his chest, beating in perfect sync with mine.
“I love you, Eli.” He said in a reverent tone. “I’d be lost without you. You were all I ever wanted; even before I knew what I needed, it was you.”
I looked into his eyes and traced the curves of his face with my finger, “I love you, too, Deacon. I always will.”
He kissed me with an all-consuming passion, more than anything I’d ever felt in my life, and I knew this was exactly where I belonged. Even with all the loss my heart had felt to get to this moment, I’d never change a single thing if it still led me here.
There was a light knocking on the bedroom door that broke our kiss.
“Eli?” I heard Willow whisper through the door.
Deacon’s eyes grew wide as he grabbed his clothes from the floor and strutted to the bathroom while I cracked the door open, making sure to shield myself behind it.
Willow was using one hand to cover her eyes, while she held out my dress with the other.
“I found this on the stairs, I assume you’ll be needing it.”
I laughed and took the dress from her, “Yeah I don’t think they’ll let me in naked, do you?”
“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about them; Deacon won’t let you out of the house naked. Even though that’s the only state you two seem to be in lately.” She groaned while smiling at the same time.
“Like you’re one to talk.” I goaded her.
“Whatever, this is about you, not me.” She laughed as she disappeared down the stairs.
***
We were finally at the event arena for Deacon’s big night. He was nominated for Breakout Guitarist of the Year, and I couldn’t have been more proud. It was a much smaller award ceremony than most music fans knew about, especially since most had only heard of The Grammys. But the size didn’t take away from its meaningfulness.
We climbed out of the car and made our way down the sparsely crowded walk way. Deacon looped his hand with mine, and I could feel the nervousness seeping from him. Willow and Duke were right behind us every step of the way, with Johnny and Blaine trailing behind them. Although Unforgiven wasn’t up for any awards, they were still here to support Deacon.
“You’re gonna do great, ya know?” I told him as I let my body melt into his, hoping to give him a small amount of courage I knew he needed.
“No matter what happens, I’m happy. With, or without any recognition, everything is perfect.” He stated. I smiled, nodding at him because I felt the exact same way.
A scantily dressed blonde Amazonian woman showed us to our seats that were far too close to the stage for Deacon’s liking. But I took it as a sign they knew he’d need to walk up on stage to accept his award.
Thankfully, Deacon was in the aisle seat because he couldn’t sit still. His leg was constantly bouncing, while his hands were wringing. I finally placed my hand on his leg and began rubbing it, trying to soothe him, but it wasn’t working. I knew he was nervous about the award, but most of all he was nervous about being on stage, in the spotlight. He didn’t like that level of attention, preferring to stay back in the shadows, but here he’d have the attention shining brightly on him.
Finally, it was time to present Deacon’s award category. They read the list of nominees as I waited breathlessly, perched on the edge of my seat with Deacon’s hand tightly grasping mine.
“And the award for Breakout Guitarist of the Year goes to…Deacon Chastain.”
The room filled with applause and everyone around us stood to congratulate him. Deacon didn’t move an inch. I stood and pulled him to his feet along with me.
“Baby, it’s you. You won.” I told him over the clapping and cheers.
“What?” He asked, complete shock on his face.
I smiled, “You, baby, you won. Go get your award.” I said and lightly pushed him toward the aisle.
He squeezed my hand even tighter as he turned to take his first steps, pulling me along with him. I tried to wiggle my hand from his, but he wouldn’t let go.
“If I’m going up there, you are, too. We’re in it together.” He whispered in my ear.
My eyes nervously looked around at the confused faces watching us climb the stairs and move toward the microphone.
“Deacon Chastain.” The announcer said once again and was followed by more applause.
My hand was finally released when they handed Deacon his award. I moved to the side trying to hide behind another blonde, Amazonian girl. I saw Willow in the crowd, pointing and laughing at me, and I vowed to strangle her the minute I escaped.
The ovation died down as everyone waited for Deacon’s acceptance speech. Several seconds ticked by before he spoke.
“Thank you,” he finally said. “You’ll never know what this award means to a man who’s spent his whole life chasing a dream.”
He paused and inhaled deeply before turning and putting his hand out for me to take. I moved closer and placed my trembling hand in his as he pulled me close to his side.
“This is my breath, my heart, my life—without which I would have nothing.”
And they lived happily ever after…
The Freaking End!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost, thank you to my family for supporting me every step of the way in pursuing my writing dream. It isn’t always easy living with someone that has more than one voice in their head at a time, thank you for putting up with me…always.
To my fellow authors that I have come to call friends, thank you for being there no matter the time or how stupid the question. I would have never made it this far without you. Also, thank you for living your dream and in turn helping inspire mine.
To my betas – Elle, Julie, Jenni, Kate, Debi, and Mindi. Each of you push me to be a better writer and you are irreplaceable - even if I don’t always want to hear what you have to say.
Thank you to all the blogs that offer support and encouragement so freely. Your tireless efforts and dedication are what keep the indie world spinning.
Thank you Sommer at Perfect Pear Creative Covers. You are a creative genius.
Thank you Raelene at wordplay by 77peaches. You and your thesaurus complete me.
Thank you Kate and Levi, you are the perfect cover models. Thank you Laurie for capturing them on film.
And thank you to each and every reader that continues to support and encourage me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Dosher was born and raised in rural Oklahoma where she currently resides with her cowboy husband and twins (one cowboy and one cowgirl). She spends her day slaving away in healthcare and her nights pouring her heart out to her keyboard. She is addicted to books and The Golden Girls. Her love for reading inspired her to start her writing journey.
You can find her at:
www.sarahdosher.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahdosher
Twitter:
@sarahdosher
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Epilogue