Easy Glamour

by Maggie Marr

  “Thank you for telling me that,” she said.

  A heat built in the back of my eyes. I’d just laid this emotional bullshit on her and she thanked me. Who was this woman? And how the fuck could someone as fundamentally damaged as me with a totally fucked-up family ever deserve her?

  “We’re here,” I said. I pulled into the gravel parking lot at Cold Spring Tavern, parked, and turned off the car. I couldn’t deal with the emotions any longer. I didn’t want to delve any deeper, not right now. “Let’s throw back a few and then you can show me these fancy digs you booked for us.”

  She smiled. I’d shared enough and while I was building an ability to trust Tasha, I most definitely didn’t yet trust myself.

  Tasha

  Rhett surprised me, or maybe I surprised myself. I’d never expected a guy with such a hard exterior to let his emotions run so close to the surface. My guess had been that Rhett, like a lot of musicians, would only allow his emotions, his deepest memories, and his pain to pour out into his music. Today he’d opened himself to me. The moment we walked into the bar, all old wood and dark corners, his protective barricade was back up. He was the good-time rocker out for some booze and a party. I could hang with that. For now.

  For now? As though there was going to be more? The little voice in my head said to steer clear. To not trust, to stick to my rules about musicians and yet, there was not only a physical compulsion to touch him and be with him, but a deep desire. A desire that went further than just the physical. He walked from the bar carrying a glass of red wine in one hand and a beer in the other.

  “So tell me what the hell happened with your uncle,” he said.

  My jaw dropped open. Did I dare? There were only a handful of people that knew what was going on with Left Coast and that I was in some deep shit. His gaze pierced me, and while I could have brushed the moment off or acted coy, I didn’t. I sipped my wine and let my gaze lock on his.

  “He stole Left Coast’s payroll and managed to get into a bunch of accounts. I’m pretty much screwed if we don’t find him, or if your album doesn’t hit.”

  Rhett’s face maintained a half-smug look, the one I’d wanted to wipe off his beautiful face when I’d first met him. Now, I kind of loved that look. The look was just Rhett. The look was a strong offense that gave him a strong defense. I understood that now, and realized that it wasn’t him judging or even trying to make me feel bad, it was simply how he navigated the world.

  “Sounds like the fucker needs to be strung up by his balls.”

  “Wouldn’t I like to?” I said. “But I have to find him first.”

  “You got people looking?

  “Good people,” I said. “Or so I’m told.”

  “You’re told? I’m surprised anyone tells you how to do anything. Who’s the guy you’ve got looking? And who’s the guy in charge?”

  My spine straightened with his question.

  “I’m in charge.” His question thumped my ego, or maybe it was just me being defensive because I’d given over a big part of the investigation to David, and had allowed him to run with it. “David Finch is looking,” I said. “He worked with my dad—”

  “Since the beginning of Left Coast,” Rhett finished my sentence. “I know who David Finch is. Tall dude who doesn’t say much but watches everything. He seems like a smooth cat.” Rhett sipped his beer. “Maybe too smooth.”

  His words plucked at a fear that I didn’t want to acknowledge.

  “You trust him?”

  “As much as I trust anyone,” I said.

  “That much?” Rhett’s wicked smile spread across his face. “Maybe you need somebody David doesn’t know about. A guy to watch the guy who is supposed to be watching.”

  “A second PI?” I circled the rim of my wineglass with my fingertip. “I thought about that, but then I thought maybe I was being paranoid.”

  “Look, your uncle already fucked you over, it’s natural to be a little paranoid. I’m not saying David has done anything wrong. Ninety-nine percent, I bet he’s doing the right thing. I’m just saying, you’re in charge, and being in charge is a lonely gig, with tough decisions. I know a guy, if you want his name.”

  “You know a guy?” He sounded like he’d stepped out of Goodfellas.

  “Sure,” he said. “I know lots of guys. Some of them on the straight up and some of them shady as hell, most of them fall somewhere between.” Rhett leaned closer. “I even know a guy who I’m certain could find your uncle, if you really wanted to find him.”

  “Oh,” I raised my eyebrows, “I really want to find him. The jackass took the company money. He nearly destroyed Left Coast.” I shook my head. “It’s my own damn fault.”

  “What? How? Because your dad died and your uncle offered to help, and you trusted your family?” Rhett shook his head. “Look, I’m a guy who understands that you can’t trust family, but I also know that’s not how it’s supposed to be. It’s supposed to be the way it was with your dad. Where you trust your family and they love you and they’re always looking out for your best interests. Family is supposed to want to do right by you, not fuck you over.” He leaned back in the booth and looked at me. “You know, the same way you are with people.”

  I smiled. Of course I had my own defense mechanisms but yes, Rhett was right. “I don’t want to travel through this life blocked off and not trusting people. I want to let myself be who I am with them. To believe in them, to try and always do right by the people I work with and the people I love.”

  “You expect the same in return.”

  I nodded. “It doesn’t feel like we’re just talking about Left Coast anymore,” I said. My heart fluttered in my chest. Rhett reached out and covered my hand with his and heat burst up my arm and thickened through my body. My attraction to him was like a match to kerosene.

  “I meant what I said. I want this chance. I want to be with you.”

  I wanted to believe Rhett, but my head just couldn’t ignore the life that was about to sweep him away. I knew what was about to happen to him, and he didn’t.

  “I believe that you mean what you’re saying now.”

  “But?” Rhett said. He kept his hand on mine.

  “But, I’ve seen what happens. I know. I’ve watched other artists explode onto the scene.” I looked down at my nearly empty wineglass and then back at Rhett. “I went through this before,” I said softly. “I don’t want to go through it again.”

  “Fuck, Tash, that’s unfair.” Rhett emptied his beer. He stood. “I’m getting another. You want anything?”

  I nodded and watched that long-legged gorgeous man walk toward the bar. I wasn’t the only one watching Rhett. Three female heads turned as he wove past them. He wasn’t even a rock god yet and already he couldn’t walk through a room without women eyeing him. What would happen in a couple weeks when he was the world’s newest rock star? I closed my eyes and pursed my lips. I knew what would happen.

  A nice quiet guy, without charisma, was what I needed. But what I wanted was the soon-to-be rock god standing at the end of the bar.

  Chapter 12

  Tasha

  My head was light. After three more glasses of wine, we’d left the bar and headed toward San Ysidro Ranch. Now I stood just inside the front door of the Kennedy bungalow. The furniture was done in warm rich browns and the hardwood floors were covered with lush rugs. A huge river rock fireplace took up one wall¸ and soft throws covered the chairs and sofas. The lights were low and champagne chilled in a bucket. “Want some bubbles?” I called.

  Rhett rounded the corner from the deck.

  “Oh, no, is this place too quiet for you?” I had been so excited to show Rhett San Ysidro Ranch, one of my favorite places on the planet. I hadn’t considered that he’d probably much prefer booze and music instead of quiet and an ocean view.

  “Babe,” Rhett said. “It’s perfect. A little swankier than I’m used to.” His hand lingered on the gold-colored chenille throw on the back of the couch.

&nbs
p; “Not too quiet?” I asked. I handed him the champagne bottle, hopeful he could work some magic.

  With a pop the cork bounced against the ceiling. I put a glass under the bottle and Rhett poured.

  “Nah, not too quiet. Not when I’m with you.”

  He handed me the glass and stepped closer. I’d wanted to get out of L.A. Being with Rhett in Los Angeles made what was happening between us seem real. Here in Montecito, at this fairytale resort with rose gardens, spectacular views, and peace and quiet, I could pretend that what was going on was merely a weekend fling. That once we spent a couple of nights together, we’d have each other out of our systems, and then we could go on about our lives.

  But could we? Could I?

  Rhett lifted the champagne glass from my hand and grasped me around the waist. I felt the bulge of his cock press against me.

  My body tensed and heat fired through me.

  “I’ve been waiting for this all day,” Rhett said. A gleam entered his eyes. “More patiently than I usually wait for anything.”

  “Good boy,” I said. My fingers ran through his luscious inky black locks. He grabbed me tighter and lifted me. My legs wrapped around him. I’d waited too. His lips grazed mine and he carried me through our cottage toward the bedroom.

  I wanted him with a furious fire that never seemed to end. I opened my mouth to his kisses and his tongue entered my mouth. We reached the bed and he lay me down. He bent forward and unbuttoned my jeans. I giggled. I wanted him, but I was tipsy.

  “Laugh now,” he said. “Because in about thirty seconds I am going to make you moan.” His fingers slipped my zipper down and then he tugged my jeans over my hips, my thighs, and then my knees. He stood before me and lifted his arms up over his head, ripping his shirt up over him. God, that body. Those muscles. I sat up and ran my palm over his belly and his chest. I unbuttoned his jeans and pulled down the zipper of his jeans. A slick gasp came from his mouth.

  I slid his jeans over his hips. He stepped out of them. I grasped his cock with both my hands. I stroked upward, over the soft skin thick and hard with desire. His belly tightened. His breath hitched.

  “You like that?” I asked

  His eyes fired hot, as though he might devour me, here, now.

  He nodded. His fingertips pressed beneath my chin and he tilted my face toward him. His eyes mesmerized me. My hand stroked upward. My other hand cradled his balls and with each stroke I gave them a gentle squeeze. Again he nearly doubled over with pleasure. Rhett’s eyes didn’t leave mine. I leaned forward and opened my lips. My tongue followed my hand up his shaft. A slow sensual lick up to the tip where he was salty with drops of pre-come. My tongue flicked out and licked the head of his cock. A shudder rushed through his body. I pulled him toward me, my eyes never leaving his. I opened my mouth and slid him between my lips.

  “Oh, Tash,” he moaned.

  I pressed my lips down over his shaft and sucked. Opening my throat. I wanted to take all of him into my mouth, all the way down to the base. My tongue wrapped around his cock and I gave him a strong pull.

  “Fuck yeah, baby, fuck yeah.”

  I was on fire. I wanted to make him feel good, to make him moan. I craved hearing him call my name.

  Again I pressed him deep into my throat, the suction of my mouth pulling up over his cock. I dove my head down faster this time, with my mouth suctioning harder, my tongue licking up the back of his shaft to the tip.

  “Fuck, yes.”

  His body trembled. I reached around and grasped his ass.

  “I want you,” Rhett said. His hands played through my hair. He might want me, but he wasn’t getting me until I had finished. Until I’d given him the same pleasure he’d given me so many times.

  His body tightened and a tiny bit of come was in my mouth. I pulled him deeper into my mouth. I sucked harder; he was on the edge. His hips rocked in a slow circle. My name on his lips over and over again. My mouth moved faster, my tongue encircling his engorged cock with more urgency. His hips caught my frantic pace and his hands grasped my hair.

  “Baby, go, baby please.”

  He pressed deep into me and I opened my throat to him. My hands pressed harder against his balls and he gasped.

  “Fuck,” he yelled and drove his cock deep into my mouth. His ass muscles hardened beneath my hand. My mouth slid over him faster and faster and faster … Then the hot jet of come was in my mouth and I sucked and swallowed and pulled all of him deep into my mouth.

  He emptied himself into me. The earthy salty goodness of him. My tongue gave his cock a stroke and a spasm went through Rhett’s body. I slowly released him from my mouth and with one final lick over the top of his cock I let him go. He bent forward and his lips were on mine.

  “Thank you, God, baby, that felt so amazing.” He pressed me back onto the giant bed and scooted me toward the top. He crawled up the bed and parted my legs with his hands.

  “Now it’s my turn to make you moan.”

  His finger traced down my thigh. His lips hadn’t touched my skin yet. With simply his touch on the sensitive flesh of my inner thigh my hips began to rock. His finger then split me down the middle. He stroked over my nub and then down to the hot wet center of my sex. I hitched my hips upward.

  “So sensitive, baby,” Rhett said. “I think you’re ready for me. You must like giving head, baby, because you’re completely wet.”

  He stroked one light stroke over my clit again and my hips bucked upward, wanting more pressure or his mouth or both.

  Instead he took his finger wet from my pussy, and stuck it between his lips, into that mouth which provided me with such pleasure. He didn’t even touch me but with his finger in his mouth my hips hitched upward again. He bent down and pressed his lips to my belly. His hand reached upward and clasped my breast. I grabbed his hand and pressed his finger into my mouth. I rolled his finger with my tongue as I had his cock moments before. A moan slid from his throat.

  He looked up at me. “Baby, that’s hot. I am going to put my face between your legs and I am not stopping until I hear you scream my name.”

  He bent his head forward and his tongue started at the bottom of my sex. He circled me with his tongue and then he stuck it deep within my entrance. My hips pressed toward him. His hand plucked my nipple and then traveled down my belly where his fingertips stroked between my legs. He rolled the slick nub under his fingertips and his tongue pressed further into me. My hips thrust up and back, up and back. Control escaping me.

  “I want you,” I said. My voice raspy. “Please, I want you in me.”

  Rhett looked up from between my legs. Again, that wicked smile on his lips. “Didn’t you hear me? Scream my name.”

  I couldn’t scream his name. I didn’t scream. I rarely cut completely loose. Hadn’t I lost nearly everything by cutting loose before and trusting all the wrong people for all the wrong reasons?

  “Please, Rhett, please fuck me.”

  “That’s not a scream.”

  He pressed his mouth over my clit and sucked. My whole body flamed with pleasure. His fingers slid into my body. His mouth sucked me, his tongue working around the suction of his lips. His tongue traced over my clit, pressing and sucking. His fingers worked in and out of me. The edges were fraying and he wouldn’t stop. I grasped each side of his head to try and pull him away from me, to get him to stop, to try and have him scoot up my body and drive that long luscious cock into me.

  “Please, Rhett,” I said a little louder. He’d lifted my legs and placed my knees over his shoulders.

  “Rhett please, please, fuck me.”

  I felt his smile between my legs but in response he only sucked me harder. The edge pulled free and I was falling, my hips jerking as he continued to work me with his tongue and suck me with his lips. I was falling over the edge and there was no stopping, no letting up; instead Rhett redoubled his efforts. Shudders rolled through my body, jerky and spasmodic. My orgasm was deep and hard, pulsing through me, but I still wanted him t
o put his cock inside me.

  “Rhett,” I yelled, my voice loud and full of need. “Rhett, fuck me!” As though my words were magic, his mouth pulled away from my sex and he was above me. His long cock probed the entrance of my sex and with one swift stroke he was in me. My nails grasped his ass and I pulled him deep into me.

  “Fuck baby,” he said, his voice ragged. His gaze met mine. The hunger and the desire dark on his face. I clutched him, wanting to go over this edge with him. With fast strokes he was nearly there, on the edge beside me. His breath was short and furious. His body tensed. He trembled just as my sex clenched again and again, and we were held in that moment together as we fell over the edge.

  Rhett

  Never before now.

  I’d never experienced an orgasm like that. Not when I masturbated, not with any of the chicks I’d been with, and there had been a fucking ton of chicks. Chicks dug lead singers. I lay beside Tasha unable to form words, unable to think, really only knowing that she rocked my world. Rocked in it in a way that I loved and also made me fucking uncomfortable. I opened my eyes. She lay on her back and stared at the ceiling. Tasha in profile was nearly as beautiful as Tasha looking into my eyes. Was that even possible? The girl had no bad angle. Nothing bad about her. She was balls-to-the-wall honest and she was dedicated and she fucked like she ran her company, with a pure and loving focus.

  I was completely screwed.

  I pressed my hand over my jaw and threw my arm up over my head. If she looked at me now, really looked at me, she’d know. She’d know that if she let me I would be in her world for forever.

  Fuck.

  Who did forever? I didn’t even do next week when it came to women. Could I do forever?