Chasin's Surrender (Gemini Group Book 5)

by Riley Edwards

  A few minutes later, Genevieve expertly addressed her fans. Chasin listened as excitement crept into her voice when she talked about writing new music, about being energized and inspired. Then to his absolute shock, she talked about falling in love. She prattled on like she was in a room full of her closest friends, telling a story about letting go and just living. She wove in the points Colleen had wanted but she did it while telling their story.

  Chasin stood rooted with his heart in his throat as he listened to Genevieve talking about not allowing insecurities and old wounds stop you from taking chances, about how forgiveness frees the soul, about opening yourself up and being your true self and allowing the people you love to see every part of you. She went on to tell however many people were watching—tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands—how she’d recently gotten a new tattoo, and when she’d had the words inked into her skin, they’d meant one thing, but now they’d changed and morphed into something new.

  “So you see, I wrote this song when my heart was shattered.” Genevieve stopped and smiled, her Tennessee accent thicker than he’d ever heard. “But then someone told me something that I couldn’t deny. He said, Evie—that’s what my guy calls me—sweet, right?” She winked at the camera and smiled huge.

  “Anyway, he said, Evie, you got one life, baby, just one. Don’t let all the beauty you have to give go to waste by hiding. So I listened. We all got just one life. Don’t let the nay-sayers, the backstabbers, the jerks that are so unhappy they take it out on you, stop you from living your life. Don’t be afraid to forgive, because when an apology’s made with a pure heart, it’s worth forgiving. Now every time I look at these words I got inked on my skin, they remind me how fast life changes, and when it does, I gotta be brave, I gotta be open, I gotta be me.

  “I’m gonna sing you the first song I wrote for my new album. It’s raw, so take pity on me. It’s the first time I’ve sang it and my guy’s here behind the camera and he is not a fan of country music.” Genevieve stopped and comically and dramatically made a shocked face before she shook her head. “Though I think we’ll be able to talk him around one of these days. So, he’s listenin’, y’all are listenin’, of course my girl Bobby’s here and she hasn’t heard it yet, either.

  “So, here we go, it’s called “You Can’t See.””

  Chasin hadn’t moved a single millimeter since Genevieve has started talking. His chest was so tight, it was a miracle he was breathing. His eyes were glued to his woman, and the shock of her announcement that she’d fallen in love hadn’t worn off. But it had settled something inside of him he hadn’t known was unconsciously making him uneasy—she’d put his worry about her fame, her fans, losing her to both, to rest.

  Then for the next few minutes, he stood transfixed, listening to her sing. The beginning of the song tore his heart open, knowing she wrote those words about him.

  Somebody’s gonna treat you right.

  But it’s not me.

  Chasin’s gut clenched at the sorrow in her voice.

  She was feeling every word.

  She got to the bridge and she strummed faster, louder, added volume.

  I tried to love you.

  But you won’t let it be.

  I tried to show you.

  But you can’t see.

  It’s not me, it’s not me.

  It’s not me…

  Jesus fuck.

  Finally, she got to the third verse, a part of the song he hadn’t heard but he immediately loved.

  Somebody’s gonna tell you lies.

  But it’s not me.

  Somebody’s gonna make you cry.

  But it’s not me.

  Somebody’s gonna say goodbye and break your heart.

  But it’s not me, it’s not me.

  It’s not me…

  No, she wasn’t going to lie, say goodbye, or break his heart.

  And the same could be said of him.

  Christ.

  The song came to an end and he still hadn’t moved.

  Genevieve’s eyes came up and they connected with Chasin’s. Neither said anything but they said everything—silent adoration passed between them, and it only came to an end when Bobby cleared her throat. Evie’s lips curved up into a blinding smile that would’ve taken his breath if he had any left.

  Pure beauty.

  Stunning.

  His perfect match.

  “I hope y’all liked the song. And please don’t listen to all the media hype and exaggerations. I promise you, I’m happy, safe, and wildly in love. I’m making music, I’m making memories, and I’m doing it surrounded by good people…”

  Chasin missed the rest of her sign-off because he was stuck on the wildly in love part.

  Jesus fuck.

  She’d announced it to the world. Yeah, that small pebble of worry he’d had in his gut was gone. Genevieve was his, but so was Vivi Rush.

  Fuck yeah.

  “You sure that was okay?” Evie asked for the millionth time since they got back to the house, and Bobby laughed.

  “Baby, it was perfect.”

  “And you’re not mad? I didn’t ask you if it was okay. I didn’t say your name, but I didn’t ask if you were okay with me telling people. Sometimes I…well, I go off-script and say what I feel.”

  “Baby.” Chasin caught her hand and waited for her to look up at him. “You did great. Why would I be mad you told thousands of people you’re mine?”

  Bobby snorted. “You mean, why would you care that she told one-point-four million people.”

  Chasin felt his body jolt and his hand involuntarily flex in Evie’s hand.

  Holy fuck.

  “How is that possible?” Chasin asked. “It’s only been an hour.”

  “You still okay I didn’t ask first?” Evie whispered.

  “You love me?”

  “Well…yeah.”

  “Then I don’t care you told one-point-four million people. And I don’t give the first fuck if five million more see it.”

  “That’s good, because her videos on YouTube typically get about eight million views,” Bobby rejoined. “Colleen texted. She’s thrilled. There’s a clip of you staring off-camera, and since you told everyone your man was there watching you, people put two and two together and have shared the clip with the caption, ‘Vivi Rush’s love face.’”

  “Someone’ll turn it into a meme, I’m sure,” Evie said.

  Christ. Chasin had no idea. None at all, that his Evie was as big as she was. He knew, but he hadn’t known. Not until it was in his face, and the magnitude of what she was considering giving up slapped him in the face.

  The tiny ball she’d obliterated was now a boulder sitting heavy in his gut.

  Fucking shit.

  28

  “Honey,” I whimpered.

  Chasin ignored my whine and continued his slow, torturous pace.

  I needed more.

  “Faster.”

  “Slow, baby.”

  I was on my back, face buried in his neck, my legs wrapped around his thighs. I had one arm slanted across his back, my hand below his shoulder, my other one was on his ass trying to get him to go faster. He was up on his forearm in an effort to take most of his weight, but also using it as leverage to rock into me. Smooth, firm glides. Not soft—powerful, but still achingly slow. His other hand cupped my breast, his thumb toyed with my nipple, and every couple of strokes he’d pinch and roll it until my back arched off the bed. Then he’d release it and go back to strumming.

  I was on the edge.

  He was killing me.

  I shouldn’t be complaining—slow, fast, rough, or sweet, Chasin always made it good. No, scratch that, he made it phenomenal. Even when he was rough, he was sweet. But for the last three days, since I’d made a very public declaration I was in love with him, all he’d given me was slow and sweet.

  It was fantastic, but I was beginning to worry there was something wrong. I had no reason to believe this, Chasin was Chasin. Strong, steady,
protective, he made me laugh, he let me make him laugh. It was all good, but I was still worried. I was buying trouble and I knew it. That was what I did.

  His hand left my breast and he wasted no time honing in on my clit—soft flicks, too soft.

  “Chasin, honey, I need—”

  “I know what you need, baby.”

  He refused to be rushed. I was teetering so close. My hips lifted to meet his, my nails dug into his ass harder, and I reached for it.

  So close.

  His thumb worked my clit faster, harder, so, so close.

  “Hold on tight, Evie.”

  “I am,” I panted and held on tighter.

  “Never letting you go.”

  God, I loved it when he said that.

  I let his deep, sex-roughened voice wash over me as I barreled toward the cliff.

  I was almost over it when he slowed his thumb, adjusted his angle, then went back at my clit harder.

  Sweet Lord above.

  I felt the hum build in my chest, my back bowed, every part of my body sizzled. Fire scorched through me until I could take no more, then my climax broke.

  No, it didn’t break, it seared. The power of it so strong, it scalded.

  “Fuck,” he hissed.

  I was too far gone to fully appreciate his deep, hard thrusts. My body no longer belonged to me, it was his. I was somewhere off floating in the heavens, fully engulfed in the best orgasm I’d ever had in my life. Therefore, it was almost lost on me when his rhythm faltered and he plunged deep and bathed my insides with his release.

  But I didn’t miss his groan.

  I also didn’t miss the way his big, strong body shuddered.

  It took me longer to come back to myself than it did him. It always took me longer, and every time, I was happy it did because when the haze of euphoria cleared, Chasin’s handsome face filled my vision. Every damn time. It didn’t matter how we did it, when it was done, he always gave me this.

  Him.

  Open.

  Gentle.

  Staring at me like he’d never seen me before and he was amazed.

  Like it was the first time he was looking in my eyes and he liked what he saw.

  I loved it. Loved that he gave me that.

  “Meant it, Evie.”

  Just because my vision had cleared didn’t mean that my mind wasn’t still muddled.

  “Meant what, honey?”

  “I’m never letting you go.”

  “That’s good because I never want you to let me go.”

  His eyes flashed, and that time, I caught the importance of that look.

  He was happy.

  So I thought he should know he made me just as happy.

  “I’m happy,” I voiced my thoughts.

  “I’m glad.”

  “No, Chasin, I’m happy. I’ve never been happy. I’ve been proud. I’ve been content. I’ve achieved things I wanted. But never have I found true happiness.” I slid my hand out from around him and traced his jaw up to his ear. God, he had perfect bone structure. “Not until you gave it to me. I’m never letting you go, either.”

  “Fuck,” he grunted, and pulled his hips back then pushed back in.

  “Again?” I smiled.

  “Flip over, Genevieve. I want you on your knees.” My pussy spasmed and clenched. “Made for me.”

  Man, I loved that he thought so, because I felt the same.

  “You’re not moving.”

  “Can’t move when you’re lying on top of me with your big dick pinning me to the bed.”

  “Big dick?”

  Please, like he didn’t know.

  “It’s yours, Chasin, so you know the size. You’re also a man who was in the military and I’ve heard about the communal showers, so I’m sure you’ve seen the size of other men. So you know that you’re larger than average.”

  “Communal showers?” He chuckled.

  His strong, solid frame shook with humor.

  Man, I loved that, too.

  “I don’t see what’s funny.”

  “Babe. Trust me, no one’s comparing dicks in the shower.”

  “Well, that’s disappointing.”

  “Babe…” The shaking turned into an out-and-out quake and his laughter filled the room.

  I loved that, too, he had a magnificent laugh.

  I should’ve told him, but I had something else on my mind.

  “Don’t ruin it for me. You know how every man fantasizes about what goes on at sleepovers. Y’all think that we strip down to our bras and panties and have pillow fights and bed-wrestling matches. Well, women fantasize about what men do in locker rooms and communal showers. All those naked, wet, soapy men together in one place. Pure eye candy.”

  “What’s that got to do with us comparing dicks?” Chasin laughed.

  “I don’t know. Nothin’, I guess.”

  Chasin burst out laughing and I closed my eyes, memorizing the feel of it.

  “Not sure how we got on the topic of a locker room fantasy when we were discussing my big dick, but now that we are, I’ll take this opportunity to tell you that the dick that’s inside of you will here on out be the only dick you fantasize about.”

  He’d get no argument from me, so I didn’t. Instead, I lifted my hips and reminded him, “You wanted me on my knees. We gonna do that now, honey, or are we gonna be late to the barbeque you arranged?”

  “We’re gonna be late.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “Fucking perfect.”

  Chasin rolled off, helped me to my knees, and we were late for the barbeque he’d planned as a way to get me out of the house and give me a day of fun.

  Seriously late.

  I’d never tell him, but I had way more fun before we left for McKenna and Nixon’s than I did at the actual barbeque. Like, a whole lot more fun.

  “You’re late,” Bobby chided.

  “Yep.”

  “And you’re glowing.”

  “I certainly hope so,” I returned.

  “I freaking hate you,” she said with no heat.

  “Yeah, it totally sucks to be me.”

  “Now you’re just rubbing it in that you have a hot guy givin’ it to you regular.”

  I shrugged my shoulder and looked from the big yellow barn to my best friend.

  “Sorry?”

  “Ugh. You’re not sorry.”

  I didn’t confirm or deny her assessment.

  “This place is beautiful,” I noted. “They have a horse.”

  “That’s Sally,” McKenna told me when she stopped and offered me a beer. “She’s a rescue pony and a total bitch. The only person she doesn’t bite is Nix. Goat was wandering around in there, too, but then I let out the dogs and they ran off to the far end of the paddock.”

  “You have a goat?” I asked.

  “Yeah. Though, Goat thinks she’s a dog. So anytime Duke and Axel are out, they tromp off together. I was worried about how Sally was going to take this deflection because Goat and Sally are friends. But Sally proved to be the cantankerous bitch I always knew she was and seems happy now that Goat leaves her alone.”

  I didn’t know what to say to any of that so I changed the topic.

  “How are you feeling?”

  McKenna’s hand immediately went to her baby bump and a momentary flash of jealousy slashed through me.

  “So much better now that the morning sickness is gone.”

  “Do you know what you’re having yet?”

  “Nope. We’re not finding out.”

  “I hate surprises,” Bobby joined. “I’d have to know.”

  Alec’s wife, Macy, strolled up, followed by Silver and Kennedy.

  “Finally, we get some alone time with you two,” Silver started. “I was beginning to think Chasin was gonna keep you locked away forever.”

  “Thanks for having us,” I replied, and McKenna waved her hand.

  “I’ve been trying to set something up for a week but Nix told me I had to wait.”

>   “Okay, so I’m just gonna throw this out there so I can get it out of the way, I’m a huge fan,” Macy told me. “I played it cool the first time we met because it wasn’t the right time to fangirl all over you, but I just needed to tell you so I can move on and not act like an idiot. Oh, and I watched the video. Girl…that new song. Awesome.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

  I felt my cheeks heat.

  “Crap. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

  Damn. I had no idea how to handle these situations because I’d never been confronted with wanting someone to like me as Genevieve. I knew how to act around my fans, but I didn’t want these women to be fans, I wanted them to be my friends.

  “You didn’t.” I felt Bobby’s eyes drilling holes in me, ready to step in and be the buffer she always is. Be brave. “I truly love that you like my music. Hearing that never gets old. But I’m not good at this. No, I suck at this.”

  “Suck at what?” Macy pushed.

  “At making friends. I don’t want y’all to like Vivi Rush, I want y’all to like me.”

  Bobby’s eyes widened—maybe in horror that I’d just made an ass out of myself, or maybe in shock that I’d told the truth. Whichever it was, I didn’t think it was a good look.

  “You want us to like you?” Silver sputtered.

  “Don’t mind her.” Bobby stepped in. “You’ll get used to it. For a country music phenomenon, she has some serious self-esteem issues.”

  “I do not,” I clipped.

  “Uh, yeah, ya do. You’re kinda crazy.”

  “I’m not crazy,” I defended, even though I probably was a little crazy.

  But I didn’t want these women to know straightaway that I was nuts.

  I heard McKenna, Kennedy, and Macy start to laugh and my stomach started to feel funny.

  “Great. Now they think I’m crazy because my best friend told them I was.”

  “What? They should know what they’re getting into.”

  “You didn’t just say that,” I hissed.

  Silver’s very loud laughter garnered the attention of the men who were huddled around the grill.