“This is crazy, Melanie. I keep trying not to want you, but you’re so damn gorgeous. And smart, and sexy, and…”
She placed her fingers on my lips to still me. There was regret in her dark eyes but also something else.
Want.
“I know, dammit. I am trying to resist you too. It’s not working.”
“We can say goodbye and always wonder. Or we can give in and see where it takes us.”
She stood, staring into my eyes for a long moment. I saw a million emotions cross her face in the span of that short time, and I felt the same emotions in my own heart. But it was true—we had come to a crossroads. It was now or never because I couldn’t take much more.
I had to have her or let her go forever.
Chapter Nine
Melanie
I spent the next several hours in a daze. Between the prospect of an audition at a famous studio and my unrequited lust for Spencer, it was hard to concentrate on anything else. I frantically went through my closet searching for the right clothes, not only for the studio gig but for that night. We had less than three days to prepare, so we had agreed to spend most of it rehearsing. Which meant we’d be spending that time in close proximity. If our lunchtime shenanigans were any gauge, our lust wouldn’t be unrequited for much longer.
I had two types of clothing—rock chick stage clothes and scruffy hanging out clothes. In the day I dressed like an old teenager, with rock t-shirts and ripped jeans. The only nice dress I owned I’d worn on our first date, and my fancy satin pants I wore to the last party at the Colebanks. I didn’t want to buy any new clothes, either, since I wouldn’t have much room at my sister’s place. I would probably be sleeping on the couch in her double-wide.
I finally picked out a few outfits that might work. I packed a small bag and sat down to make some phone calls. I wanted to give my pet owner clients plenty of notice to make other arrangements for pet care. I hated to leave anyone hanging.
I’d just ended my third call when a call from Sacha came in.
“Hey, you. What’s up?”
“Hey, Mel. I haven’t heard from you in a few days. You okay?”
So much had happened. Where would I even start?
“Yeah, just busy. Trying to wrap up loose ends before I leave. How’s Gib? And the baby?”
“They’re fine. The baby had a fever a few days ago, but he’s better now. It was scary for a minute, though.”
She went on for a bit about Jonathan’s troubles and how great Gibson had been with helping her. A surge of love for my friend and her little family filled my heart, followed by a pang of regret. It seemed I would never find that sort of domestic bliss. I had chosen the life I was leading, but now things were so uncertain. Maybe I had been fooling myself all these years.
“I’m happy for you, Sacha. I really will miss you.”
“Aww, don’t make it sound so permanent. I’m sure you’ll be back when things settle down.”
“We’ll see.”
I didn’t tell her about the studio gig. I wouldn’t be able to face her, or anyone else, if this fell through. So many times, I’d had high hopes for an audition or a gig and then had to explain what went wrong later. It wasn’t worth it. Besides, it would be fun to surprise her if it did go well.
“So, I called to invite you to this party Audrey is throwing for her and Gib’s mom. It’s next weekend. Please say you’ll come so we can hang out before you leave.”
Uh-oh. This is going to be awkward.
“Yeah, Spencer told me about that. I’ll be there.”
The beat of silence told me she hadn’t expected that scenario.
“Oh. Well, great. It should be fun.”
“I agree. We’ll all have a good time together.”
She changed the subject, to one I didn’t mind talking about.
“How’s your song coming along? Will I get to hear it?”
“We’re almost done. Maybe we’ll play it at the party.”
I wondered if I spoke out of turn. Maybe Spencer didn’t want his family to hear the song he wrote. He seemed to have an odd relationship with them. I got the sense that he had been showing me a side of him that no one else got to see.
By six that evening, my to-do list was done. I was packed and ready to go. I’d even checked in with my sister, and she said things were calm for the moment. A neighbor had come by to watch the kids and Mamma while Cissy went grocery shopping. It was little things like that which made a huge difference, and I knew she could really use my help.
But now, an inkling of hope for the future had stoked my addiction to performing once again. Guilt seeped in every time I pictured myself onstage in front of adoring fans or playing an arena with my band. It felt selfish. Although, if my hopes came true, I could pay for a nanny for my sister’s kids, at the very least. I pushed aside my fantasies when a knock on my door signaled the arrival of Spencer’s driver.
He ushered me to a limo parked in front of my building, much to the awe of some of my neighbors. I enjoyed pretending to be rich and famous, but I knew it was just that—a fantasy.
* * *
Spencer
I made it home with enough time to change clothes and pick out a bottle of wine to go with dinner. I didn’t want any distractions once Melanie arrived. I’d picked up a charcuterie platter, some fruit, and a crusty loaf of sourdough bread on the way home. My fridge and pantry were well-stocked, so there would be no reason to leave the house unless we wanted a break.
Thankfully, Uncle John had been preparing to leave for his trip and was tied up in meetings all afternoon. I steered clear of him and was able to switch arrangements for the conference trip so that Petro would go in my stead.
As I changed into shorts and a t-shirt, recalling Petro’s excitement still made me smile.
“Me? You want me to go in your place?”
“Yes. I think it will be a great learning experience, and you’ll bring a fresh perspective to the meetings.”
He then began babbling, typing notes into his tablet as fast as his fingers would go. It brought to mind a time when I had been that excited about learning the business. I didn’t tell him the real reason I was staying in town—no one else needed to know. I’d simply told him I had personal business to attend that wouldn’t wait. I knew Uncle John would find out sooner or later, and he wouldn’t be pleased. But I had to make sure Melanie had her shot, or I’d never forgive myself.
My phone buzzed and I picked it up from the kitchen counter. It was Melanie, letting me know they’d hit traffic on the way down. I poured myself a scotch for fortification and sat in my favorite easy chair.
The anticipation was killing me. My fingers twitched with a longing to touch her, to feel the silk of her hair, the satin-smoothness of her skin. If our day in the park was any indication, it was going to be one hell of a night. I was glad for any time I could spend with her, but when she agreed to stay over until we went to the studio on Saturday, I felt like I’d just won the mega-lottery.
A fantasy streamed like a video in my mind as I sipped the amber liquid in my glass. Melanie, naked in my bed. Doing her in the shower, bending her over the couch, and making love to her on a fluffy rug in front of the fireplace. Or in the oversized jetted bathtub. So may possibilities….
Another buzz of my phone jarred me from my lustful thoughts.
Pulling up to the building now.
I answered her text, my heart leaping into a heavy beat. I told her to wait in the lobby, and I would come down.
It was the longest elevator ride of my life.
When the doors opened, she was standing a few feet away, and the look of anticipation on her face must have mirrored my own. We both broke into wide grins as I took the overnight bag from her shoulder, slung it over mine, and then took the guitar case from her hand.
“You’re finally here. I have to admit I am so excited about this. I mean, working on the song.”
I winked as I held open the elevator door. She entered,
turning back to me with a smirky smile.
“Me too. I can’t wait to practice all night.”
Our playful innuendos served to heighten my desire. There’s something about a woman with a sense of humor that gets me every time. And it didn’t hurt that she was wearing skin-tight jeans that were rolled up her calves and a bohemian print halter top. Even her shoulders were elegantly sexy, bared that way.
I let her precede me off the elevator so I could watch her walk. Damn. I was beginning to wonder if we’d get any song rehearsals in at all.
I opened the front door and she walked in, looking around as if she’d never seen the place.
“Oh, it looks even more gorgeous in the late afternoon light.”
The awe in her voice reminded me that I was truly blessed to live where I did. Maybe someday I would actually be worthy of it.
“I’ll put your bag in the bedroom.”
I saw a wisp of blush on her cheeks as I passed. Her shy smile told me she was also anticipating what was going to happen. I walked down the hall and into my bedroom, aware that she had followed me. I turned to face her and suddenly lost my breath.
She stood in the doorway of the bedroom, her lips slightly open, her eyes dark with desire. I set the bag down and in two strides I had her in my arms.
The kiss was explosive.
It was the kind of kiss that came straight up from your soul, racing over your skin and down into your bones. It wasn’t just lips pressing together, it was a joining. Her hands were at my back and moving lower. I grabbed a handful of her dark hair to better tilt her head so I could ravage her mouth. Her soft moans of delight, and the pliant way she bent, told me she was enjoying it as much as I was.
My other hand was on her back, which was partially bare due to the halter top. Her skin was heated, soft, and I wanted to explore every inch of it. I pulled away from her mouth and buried my face in her neck, inhaling the spicy-sweet scent of her perfume.
“Oh my God,” she breathed as I pulled at the string of the halter top. I stilled my hand and pulled my head back so I could look into her eyes.
“I’ll stop if you want me to, Melanie. Say the word.”
We were still pressed together, and her blouse hung loose around her neck, the long ties dangling down her back. I kept my eyes on hers, willing myself not to look down at her partially exposed breasts. There would be time to ogle them to my heart’s content—if she said yes.
Her answer was barely a whisper. “Don’t stop.”
I didn’t say a word but responded with another deep, slow kiss. With my free hand, I tugged at the halter top until it came free, and I tossed it to the floor.
My erection stood up and applauded that move. I glanced down to see Melanie’s breasts smashed against my chest. She was tugging at my t-shirt, and I raised my arms so she could pull it over my head.
“It’s only fair, right?” I winked at her as I said it, and she smiled.
She ran her hands over my chest, fingers flicking a nipple and brushing the light chest hair at the center of my pecs. In turn, I ran my fingers up the sides of her breasts, eliciting a gasp from her as I palmed them both. I bent my head, placing kisses on each, continuing down through her breasts along her stomach. I found the button on her jeans, undid it and the zipper too. Slowly I slid the garment down her hips until they pooled at her feet. She stepped out of them and stood before me wearing nothing but bright yellow lace panties.
“My favorite color—you remembered. Aww!”
This brought forth a giggle, and she turned, modeling them.
“I thought you’d approve.” Then she shook a finger at me. “You don’t know how hard these were to find. Yay for overnight delivery.”
I hooked my finger in the waistband of her panties and pulled her to me. The sensation of skin on skin was thrilling, and my desire flared anew. In seconds, we had both shed the remainder of our clothes and were naked, exposed, and completely ourselves.
“My God, woman. You’re gorgeous.”
She responded by throwing her arms about my neck and wrapping a long leg around the back of mine. My body responded instantly, my erection harder than it had ever been. This was going to be over too soon if I didn’t take control. Melanie’s enthusiasm was an aphrodisiac, and I was succumbing to its power. I began walking toward the bed, taking her along with me as we kissed. I held her tight as we fell on to the bed, bouncing slightly. She laughed and lay back on the gold and black comforter.
“And you look even better than I imagined.” Her sultry voice made the statement sound even sexier than it was.
I moved a strand of hair from her face and caressed her cheek. “You imagined me? Us?”
Her dark eyes were shaded with her lashes as she looked away. “Yes.”
I tipped her chin up with my hand. Her eyes met mine.
“This is all I’ve thought about since we met. Being as close to you as humanly possible.”
In those cocoa depths, I saw that she felt it too. We had no choice but to see this through, to understand why our urge to join was so strong.
I moved over her, and she shifted to accommodate my weight. I began a slow exploration using my hands and my tongue, and she closed her eyes on a sigh. I wanted to savor every moment, every touch. My eyes were open so I could commit her body to memory—the curve of her neck, the two tiny moles on her left breast, the sweet flare of her hips.
Her hands were also roaming, and when she palmed my shaft, I had no choice but to close my eyes and concentrate on maintaining control. When I regained my sanity a few moments later, I kissed my way down her stomach, moving out of her grasp. Pleasing her was first on the agenda—my own pleasure, which was sure to be phenomenal—could wait. Nipping at the inside of her thigh, I positioned myself between her legs. As I bent to my enjoyable task, her moan of delight was my reward.
* * *
Melanie
Shock waves of pleasure nearly had me rising off the bed. With each gentle stroke of his tongue, exquisite tension coiled tighter within me. He was nibbling, licking, and kissing my most intimate parts, and I wasn’t sure how much more I could take.
The anticipation had been building all day. There’s something about knowing you’re going to make love that amps up the sexual tension. I had even been tempted to take care of my desire myself before coming over, but now I was glad I waited. This was so much better than my fantasies.
He pulled his mouth away to urge me on to a climax.
“That’s it, baby. Relax and let go. Come for me.”
No further encouragement was needed. His efforts intensified, and I stiffened as I hit my peak, crying out. He kept licking as I bucked, waves of pleasure radiating from my core.
Sweet mercy. The guy has talent.
I had to push his head away, to make it stop. The intensity was too much to bear. I lay on my side, quivering, convulsing with aftershocks. When I opened my eyes, his proud expression almost made me laugh.
“Wow. Just…wow,” was all I could say. He moved next to me, and I snuggled into his shoulder. I needed a moment or two to recover.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
He tipped my chin with a finger so he could kiss me. The musky scent on his lips embarrassed and excited me at the same time. We lay like that, snuggled together against the pillows that were propped up against the headboard. Our hands were entwined, and we breathed softly in unison. It seemed no further words were necessary. But we were not done yet. I wanted to feel him, taste him, in every way possible. There was no turning back now, no matter what happened in the future. All that mattered was this moment, now.
I sat up and straddled his lap. The look of surprise on his face was priceless. He responded by placing his hands on my hips and then straying down to cup my ass. His erection had come to life again, and by instinct, I rubbed myself against it. I was still wet from my climax and the friction was electric. We were both breathing hard as I continued to move. Finally, he moaned and moved me to the side.
“One second.”
In one swift move, he turned to reach into his nightstand. In record time, he had donned a condom and reached for me again. I was happy to resume my position of straddling his lap.
He slid inside me easily, and I gasped at the sudden, but welcome, intrusion. We were face to face, and he held me close as I rocked back and forth. My breath came in gasps as another orgasm neared. The sweet burn of it started deep inside, radiating through me in a flash. Stars burst behind my eyelids, and my throaty groans sounded far away.
He pushed hard into me, at the same time pulling me down with his hands on my hips. He grunted and exploded inside me, as I still rode wave after wave of pleasure. Moments later, I collapsed forward, sweat soaking my brow and slickening our skin where our chests touched.
“Wow,” I murmured for the third time. I expelled a breath and rested my head on his shoulder. My heart was beating a rapid tattoo in time with his heartbeat, under my cheek. Then his voice rumbled in my ear.
“Wow is right, love. That was so much better than my fantasies.”
I chuckled to hear him echo my own earlier thoughts. “Exactly what I was thinking.”
He kissed the top of my head and smoothed my hair, idly playing with a strand of it.
“Hey, you hungry yet? I brought in some snacks.”
My stomach gurgled in response, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten since our lunch in the park.
“Sure, I could eat.”
He slipped out of the bed and went to his closet. He threw a cotton robe on the bed for me and pulled on his shorts and t-shirt. I donned the robe, and he led me down the hallway to the kitchen.
“Would you like some wine? I have an excellent Argentinian Malbec that will go with the cheese and cold cuts.”
In minutes, we had quite the spread laid out on his wide granite counter. Smoked salmon, three kinds of cheeses, two kinds of salami, roasted red peppers, and figs soaked in honey. There were assorted crackers, sourdough bread, and an elegant fruit tart for dessert.
Not So Wrong: Love Grows series, Book Two Page 10