“What kind of surgery?” His kisses moved lower on her belly as she spoke.
“A dog had a-a…uh…You know that’s incredibly distracting, right?”
Malcolm looked up at her, smiling. She wiggled under his touch, and his jeans grew tighter. Her tight, soft body writhing beneath him drove him wild.
“Anyway…” She took a deep breath. “The dog had a bleeding tumor in his kidney. It’s a rare surgery. I was lucky to be asked.”
He stopped kissing her belly.
“But you didn’t participate because of me…?”
Her hands found his hair, and she caressed him, gently. He closed his eyes.
“I wanted to be here, Malcolm. There will be other surgeries.”
Malcolm nodded and resumed kissing her tummy, but in that instant, he felt what she had tried to explain before. A life with him meant missing out on the life she had worked so hard to create…and, above all, it meant missing out on creating another life—forever.
Pushing the thought of losing her aside, Malcolm eased her out of her scrubs.
“Sorry,” she whispered, her legs rubbing together as she spoke.
“For what?” His eyes devoured her plain white satin bra and panties. God, she was beautiful.
“I wasn’t exactly expecting…this…” She covered her mouth when she spoke. “I would have worn something much…uh…better…”
“Summer,” he slid up, hovering above her, his hands resting by her shoulders. “You just don’t get it. You are stunning. You don’t need any of that fancy crap. Personally, I hate it.”
“Really?” She giggled. “Well then you’d love my collection of flannel pajamas. It’s pretty much what I live in whenever I’m home.”
“I’d love to see that.” He let his weight rest against her, imagining how adorable she looked in pajamas.
“Yeah?” She squirmed beneath him.
“Yeah…”
He pushed in just the right way, and she moaned. That was it. He sat up and pulled off his t-shirt. Then he pulled her up to sitting and reached around to clasp the medal around her neck, once more.
“Malcolm…I…” She held the medal out from her body.
“Shh…keep it.”
“But it’s your good luck charm.”
“I want you to have it. Please.”
She nodded, and another wave of possessiveness left a trail of crippling pain across Malcolm’s chest. He reached up to rub it away. He wanted her to wear that damned medal. He wanted her in his goddamned t-shirts. He…oh, crap. He wanted every bit of himself in every part of her. He wanted to give her everything… But what? Yes, he could buy her the world, a hundred times over. But what could he give her, really?
He reached around behind her and with one hand, unhooked her bra. He peeled the bra from her, and her breasts sprung forward—ready for him.
“Summer…” His words were guttural and earthy. He needed her right now. There would be time tonight—and tomorrow—for making love to her and making sure she was happy. But right now, right now he needed to fix everything. He needed to claim her. And her eyes told him she needed it too.
Without a word he pulled off his jeans and rolled on a cover. Her eyes widened as she watched. He slid her panties down and climbed on top of her. Carefully, but with more force than he used the last time, Malcolm pushed against her.
“Malcolm…”
Her voice was soft, and she moaned as he made his way in. She was already so wet and so hot…it was so perfect it was almost painful. He grimaced.
He hovered over her, his strong muscles flexing as she grabbed his hips and pulled him closer to her. He pressed against her, and she moaned louder.
He loved the feel of covering her—of his hard, strong, worn body on top of her soft, translucent skin. He wanted to be here always, and damn, he never wanted anyone else to be. Ever. The wave of possessiveness that washed over him drove him to the edge.
Harder he thrust into her, and still she pulled him closer. She turned her head to the side, her face tightening and releasing in time with her body. She was so perfect, he wanted this moment to last, forever… He slowed his pace and leaned down over her completely, stroking her face while he kissed her.
“Summer, baby…”
“Yes…?” Her eyes were closed, and she arched off the bed, her chest pressing against his. She leaned back, opening her eyes. She smiled, and Malcolm put his hand to his heart, certain he had never seen a more beautiful creature, ever in his life.
“Baby, I—” He wanted to. Damn. He wanted to more than anything. But how unfair would that be? Being with him only led to disaster. Why would he purposely make her unhappy? She was still so young…and sure she was smart and fucking incredible, but if he told her this today, how could he expect her to leave him the day after tomorrow? To go on with her life?
“Malcolm…” She dragged her nails down his back, pulling him closer. “I know. I do, too.”
He covered her mouth with his.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Summer rolled over, smiling. She reached her hand out for Malcolm, and it landed on a piece of paper.
“What?” She sat up, her head moving, as she surveyed Malcolm’s master suite. Big and empty. Where was Malcolm? She glanced at the clock on the side table—four in the afternoon. His concert began in five hours. Where was he?
She grabbed the note and winced, sore from two full days in bed with Malcolm Angel. She pulled the blanket up around her and giggled. She sat back against the pillow, reading the note.
“Hey, Babe…
I had to prep for the show. Sorry to leave without waking you, but I thought you might need your sleep. Smile. Take your time getting dressed. There’s food in the fridge, but in case you can’t find the refrigerator—grin—”
“Oh, ha-ha…” Summer smirked and continued reading.
“Order anything you want. There’s a list by the phone in the kitchen. I have accounts everywhere. Jeanette’s coming by around five to get ready with you. PLEASE don’t let her choose your clothes or do your hair…you’re perfect just the way you are. And if you want to wear one of my t-shirts—just a suggestion—take a look in the dresser on your side of the bed.”
“My side of the bed?” It was the way he worded it, familiar and right.
“See you tonight. I’ve got big plans for us.
—Malcolm XO”
“Big plans?” Summer lay back, already incredibly sore. “What else could we possibly do?” She covered her face with the pillow, smiling.
Then she pulled the pillow off and stared at the ceiling, her eyes welling with tears. “What could we possibly have time to do?”
She turned to face the clock again. Four-ten. In just over twelve hours, she would have to leave Malcolm Angel, forever.
****
Summer sat in the same seat she had last time she watched Malcolm perform at Madison Square Garden. Jeanette sat next to her, adjusting her sequin halter.
“I can’t believe out of everything I brought you to wear, you chose that?” Jeanette rolled her eyes. “Have I taught you nothing?”
Summer giggled. “He likes me in his shirts.”
Jeanette gave Summer the once over, appraising her outfit. “It does look good on you, I’ve got to admit. Of course the makeup I chose helps.”
“Of course.” Summer smiled again.
Boom! Floodlights sliced across them as a heavy downbeat signified Malcolm’s eminent arrival. An announcer’s voice bellowed through the arena. When the strobe lights flashed, Summer sucked in a breath. Bubbles ran up and down her arms and fingertips, and a smile swept across her face. As band member after band member took his place on the stage, the audience hollered, and Summer held her breath. Finally, Jimmy walked out, grabbing his base guitar.
Crash! The cymbals smashed, and the band started playing as Malcolm swaggered out. The crowd roared, and people jumped to their feet. Malcolm was so sexy, his powerful arms bulged from his t-shirt, and he smil
ed with pure, wild, raw magnetism. Summer breathed deeply, wanting nothing more than to be with him—right there, right then, again—although she was still extraordinarily sore from the last two days of togetherness.
Malcolm held up his hand as he walked, and the band began the opening chords of one of their best known songs. The audience roared as Malcolm grabbed the mic with both hands. He looked directly at Summer and smiled. She blushed and smiled back. He grabbed the corner of his t-shirt and pointed to her.
“Nice shirt,” he mouthed.
Jeanette prodded Summer with her elbow, and the two giggled as Malcolm began singing. Summer was so full and overwhelmed, she reached out and grabbed Jeanette’s hand. She squeezed.
Malcolm was on fire as he played song after song. Summer beamed at him, proudly. He had never before been this edgy, this real, or this charismatic. Finally, Malcolm sang the last few notes of a fast song and cracked a water bottle, dumping it over his head. The audience howled in appreciation—especially the women. A shooting pain hit Summer in the stomach as she looked around the audience, knowing any one of these women could be in Malcolm’s bed tomorrow night.
Suddenly, her mood darkened and she sat back, pouting. Malcolm cocked his head staring at her. Good grief, was he watching her reactions while he performed? Is that even feasible? Not wanting to throw him off his game, she smiled, just in case.
Slowing everything down, Malcolm sat with his guitar and strummed the first few chords of his love song. He smiled as he began to speak.
“I—uh…”
“We love you, Malcolm!”
“I love you, too…” His eyes landed on Summer as he said this, and her breath quickened as she stared back at him—lost.
The audience hollered, and Summer lifted a shaking hand to rub the pain in her stomach. Something was different tonight. But what? What was happening here?
“So—uh…”
Malcolm laughed, shaking his head, the audience laughing with him. Summer sat forward, her eyes riveted on Malcolm. He turned back to face Jimmy, and the two shared a private chuckle.
“Well…” Malcolm strummed his guitar. “So often when I sing this song, I’m asked to announce a proposal…”
The audience screamed.
“Usually, there’s some poor…” he laughed, “nervous guy who decides, for some reason, he’s gonna ask the woman he loves to marry him—in front of the…entire…freaking…world.” Malcolm emphasized the last words, shaking his head.
The audience roared and yelled their approval.
Malcolm put up a hand and continued strumming, while Jimmy supported him quietly in the background.
Summer was so far forward in her seat, she was nearly on her feet. Something was different about Malcolm tonight. Something…
“Let me get through this one, guys.”
The audience hollered again in appreciation.
“Thank you.” Malcolm nodded, looking down at his guitar. “Well tonight,” he took a deep breath, smiling. “It seems I’m that…poor guy…”
The audience bellowed. A thunderous noise crashed down on Summer as she tried to understand what Malcolm was saying. Jeanette turned to Summer, but Summer couldn’t tear her eyes off Malcolm. Her jaw dropped open.
He kept playing. “So…I’m not saying it makes complete sense. And I’m not saying I’ve got it all worked out yet—but fuck it, I will…”
He laughed again as a cacophonous noise blanketed Summer.
“What I’m saying is I’m happy for the first time in my life, and more importantly, thanks to this special woman, I know it’s okay to be happy…and it’s okay to be sad, and it’s okay just to be me. But what’s not okay is letting you go…”
The music grew louder as Summer stood and walked closer to the stage. Security stepped aside, not blocking her way.
“So, what I’d like to ask, here in front of oh, this’ll go viral, so let’s say, millions of people…” Malcolm chuckled, shaking his head again, “is this.”
He stopped playing and set his guitar down, grabbing his mic. He stood, and the band took over playing the instrumental version of Malcolm’s love song. Malcolm walked downstage and directly toward Summer. He nodded to security, and they lifted Summer up onto the stage. Jimmy ran over and handed Malcolm a box.
“Malcolm…” Summer stood before Malcolm, her hands shaking. She stared at him, her eyes running back and forth across his.
She bit her lip, and he smiled.
“What I’d like to ask is…”
Malcolm dropped to one knee as the audience grew rowdy. People were screaming and running wild. Women fainted in the aisles as security worked to contain the chaos. Summer lifted an ice cold, shaking hand to her mouth.
“Dr. Summer Wynters…” Malcolm chuckled at her name. “I am asking in front of the entire world. Will you marry me?” He opened the ring box, and there, staring at Summer, was a perfectly plain, platinum band. “I did some research and found out you won’t have to take this off while you’re working…except and only, and I mean except and only when you’re in surgery.”
Summer nodded, feeling faint.
“So, since I wanted to buy you a really big fucking rock but thought better of it—I bought you a really big fucking ranch. Jimmy?”
Malcolm stood and pointed to the back wall of the stage. Summer turned back to see a projection of the most beautiful ranch she had ever seen.
Summer gasped, placing her hand on her heart. Her knees buckled, and she gulped a huge breath, trying to fight the dizziness. Malcolm slipped his arm around her, holding her.
“I’ve got you, baby.” He whispered these words, only for her to hear.
She nodded, completely overwhelmed.
“Will this work for your clinic?”
She nodded again, unable to form words. She smiled at him with tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Sum?” Malcolm raised his eyebrows, questioning her, speaking into the microphone again. “Uh, I don’t think you ever answered my original question. What’s your answer to my proposal? Will you marry me?”
“Oh!”
She laughed, and he laughed with her as the audience went wild.
“Yes, Malcolm. A million times, yes…” She threw her arms around his neck, holding him tight.
Malcolm picked her up and spun her around. He placed her down, gently, and balancing the mic, took her face in his hands. “I love you, Summer.”
“I love you, too, Malcolm.”
The music swelled, and Malcolm kissed her through the entirety of the song.
Epilogue
Five Years Later
“Jeanette, you look beautiful.” Malcolm embraced Jeanette as best he could, her bulging belly between them. He inhaled the fresh country air, smiling.
“Yeah?”
“Oh, yeah.” Malcolm stood back. “More beautiful than I’ve ever seen you.”
“You’re a good friend, Mal…and a great liar.” She rubbed her belly. “They say the second baby pops quickly but come on, this one’s going to be as tall as me when it comes out.”
Malcolm helped Jeanette into a chair as Sabrina, Jeanette’s oldest, jumped onto his back.
“Uncle Malcolm!”
Malcolm spun her around, kissing her on the cheek. “Hey, you little monkey…”
She jumped down and faced him. “Uncle Malcolm, guess how old I am?”
“Um…Seventeen?”
“No.” She stomped her foot and planted both hands on her hips.
“Fifteen?”
“No…”
Sabrina pouted, making Malcolm smile.
“I’m four.”
“Are you sure?”
Jeanette’s husband, Steven, walked up. He clasped Malcolm’s hand, shaking it. “No making her any older than she already acts.”
“What took you so long? How far away did you park?” Jeanette rolled her eyes.
“The ranch is huge, honey.” Steven leaned down, kissing her and then stood back up to spea
k to Malcolm. “Got to love those pregnancy hormones, huh?”
A stabbing pain hit Malcolm in the stomach as he smiled, politely.
Steven backpedaled. “Oh, I mean…well, you’ve heard… Hey, I like the beard.”
Malcolm ran his hand up over his chin. “Thanks.”
“Maybe I should grow one, what do you think, honey?”
Steven was a nice guy, but he just never seemed to know when to let things drop. But Malcolm was glad Steven was with Jeanette, instead of Elijah, that scumbag business manager Malcolm used to have.
Jeanette turned to Steven. “Tell you what. You can grow a beard like Malcolm just as soon as you record your fiftieth album to go multi-platinum. Congrats by the way, Mal.”
Malcolm smiled.
“In the meantime, Wall Street likes the smooth, sleek look. And so do I.”
Jeanette batted her lashes, and Steven kissed her again.
Steven stood up, clearing his throat. “Thanks for having the party here again.”
“My pleasure.” Malcolm smiled, truly happy to be surrounded by life.
Steven rocked on his heels. “So uh, you guys still haven’t decided to take the plunge, huh?”
“Steven…” Jeanette shook her head.
And there it was. Steven was the only man Malcolm knew who never understood when to leave things alone.
Steven asked innocently, as everyone did, but still Malcolm cringed behind a smile. He twirled his wedding band around his finger. What about poor Summer? How many times did people ask her if she was ready to be a mother? Malcolm looked around their ranch. The house was massive; the grounds, impeccable. They had everything—everything money could buy. And they were completely in love. But still…were they complete?
Summer never asked, never once brought it up, but he knew she must have considered it. He watched her any number of times with Sabrina. He saw the longing in Summer’s eyes when she thought he wasn’t looking. She was over thirty years old now. She must be ready…although, because she loved him, she’d never say so.
Awkwardly waiting for an answer, Steven looked around the vista. It was impressive. Malcolm inhaled the rich country air. He loved it here, he was proud of the home they created. Despite everything, he never had that feeling of pride inside his multi-million dollar condo on the Upper West Side.
Summer of Irreverence: The Rock Star (The New York Artists Series) Page 19