by J. A. Owenby
“You’re making me so hard it hurts,” he said softly against my ear.
I reached for the waistband of his shorts, and he quickly moved my hand.
“Not yet.” He moved my panties out of his way and eased a finger inside me.
“Cade,” I mouthed, attempting to not yell his name out loud as he slipped another finger inside me.
He scooted down in the bed and trailed soft kisses down my stomach. I gasped as he left the inside of my body.
Cade slid my panties over my hips and tossed them to the side. He glanced up at me and smiled while he settled in between my legs. With the anticipation of his mouth and his hot breath against the inside of my thigh, I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to stay quiet for long.
He gently spread me apart, his tongue running along my wet center.
“So good,” he whispered. His mouth found my clit, and he eased his fingers back inside me.
My hands dug into his shoulders while he sucked and licked me. I lifted my hips, moving against him. Desire swirled deep inside me as he continued. Maybe it was the fear of getting caught or maybe it was the fact I knew his true feelings for me, but I couldn’t get enough of him.
In record time, my entire body tensed and shuddered with my orgasm. Bunching the blankets between my fingers, I somehow managed not to scream his name.
I whimpered when his mouth left my body.
"Shhh," Cade warned with a smile as he removed his shorts and reached above my head to grab a condom from his stash between the mattress and wall. My attention never left him as he rolled on the protection. Hovering above me, he placed a gentle kiss on my mouth. He lowered his weight on top of me, his cock at my entrance. But this time, his eyes never left mine as he eased inside me. A spark ignited while he moved inside me, our gaze remaining locked. With every thrust, my walls crumbled. With every kiss, he claimed a little bit more of my heart. And with every breath, I willingly gave him more of me.
Chapter 19
There wasn’t a single moment we weren’t on high alert, but New Mexico’s concert had gone smoothly, with no threat from Dillon or anyone else.
Cade, John, and Hendrix had settled their differences as well. None of them wanted to leave the band or lose their long-time friendships. And after some consideration, Cade understood John’s predicament about working with Pierce. It was a bit odd knowing John was a badass bodyguard, but I felt safer with two of them. Maybe I could swap him out with Calvin on a permanent basis.
Mike had parked at a Wendy’s, and everyone had gone inside to order. I’d chosen to hang out with my brother for a few rare minutes alone.
“We go back home after this last stop in Denver, huh?” I asked, plopping down next to him on the couch. He’d been tapping a pencil against his notebook, staring at a blank page.
“Yeah. Sometimes the shows go by really fast, and other times it seems like we’re gone forever.”
“Well, it’s been a month,” I replied. “It doesn’t feel like it, though. I’m sort of sad it’s over for now.”
Hendrix placed his paper and pencil down and gave me his undivided attention. “I think it will be good for us to be home for a while. We need to see Dad, and it’ll also give you and Cade some time to go on a real date.” He grinned and nudged my arm with his fist. “How are you guys doing?”
I raised my eyebrow at him. He and Cade were best friends, I knew how this worked.
“He hasn’t told you?”
“Some, but it’s different coming from a guy. I need to know how my sister is doing with everything.”
I stretched out across the couch, propped my feet up on his lap, and grinned. He always knew what to say to me.
“It’s been different, but good if that makes sense. I mean, right out of the gate I found out he was in love with me. Realizing someone is ahead of you emotionally … well, I felt a little pressure at first. But then … I remembered all the fun times we had together in high school, all the times he and John were there for me and by my side. Over the years he’s always been there, but in the shadows.”
“You were also with Asher,” Hendrix said, laying his arms across my ankles.
“I have a confession. I always thought Cade was hot. I mean every girl in the school and the surrounding areas did. All I heard was about how gorgeous you and he were. I tuned it out because I was in a relationship. However, the other night I remembered when Asher and I broke up for a while—it was Cade I was interested in.”
“Really?” Hendrix asked, surprised.
“I know I never told you, but what girl doesn’t have a crush on one of her brother’s best friends? It was a moot point though. Asher and I were only broken up for a week, junior year. And when I ended it for good, after the abortion, I was in no place to be thinking about guys and dating. Before I knew it, I was in college, Gemma showed up, then we were living in Louisiana. Never in like a million jillion years did I ever think Cade had even paid any attention to me other than as your little sister. I brushed it off as my unrequited high school crush.”
“Are you saying you’ve had feelings for him all these years, too?” Hendrix asked.
“I wasn’t in love with him, but yeah, the feelings were there.” I chewed my bottom lip. “I guess when you’re all intertwined in a relationship that may or may not be healthy for you, you lose yourself. It’s like you become so entangled with the other person, you don’t know where you start or stop anymore. I lost track of what I wanted, and what was important to me. Who was important to me. I couldn’t even see what was right in front of me any longer. Does it make sense?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen it happen with other couples.”
“Me too. The thing is, I didn’t realize it had happened to me when I was with Asher. I no longer knew who I was as an individual outside of our relationship.”
“And now? I realize you and Cade are just starting out, but how do you feel?”
“He already knows who I am. For the first time in my life, other than with you, Franklin, and Gemma … Hendrix, I don’t have to hide who I am. He’s seen it all over the years, and he loves me anyway. Without the constant fear nagging at me, I’ve been able to settle down and get to know him in a new way.” I wriggled my eyebrows at him and giggled.
Hendrix tossed up his hands in surrender. “I realize in the past we’ve talked about sex and our relationships, but now that we spend a lot of time with each other’s significant others, those images don’t leave my brain. So please, we can talk about anything else, but not those details.”
I snickered. “Fair enough. I sure as hell don’t want to hear about your head between my bestie’s legs. I mean, we all know it’s where your mouth has been, but I don’t want to know how good you think she tastes or whatever shit you might want to share.” I blinked furiously as I realized I’d actually spoken out loud instead of to myself.
Hendrix coughed into his hand, attempting to hide the flush across his cheeks. He was incredibly difficult to embarrass. I almost wanted to give myself a high five.
“Yeah, those things we don’t need to discuss,” he said, clearing his throat.
“Agreed.”
“Do you think Franklin or my mom will have a conniption fit when they find out Cade and I are together?”
“It’s hard to tell. Sometimes I think I’ve got Dad figured out and he reacts the complete opposite, but at least they know Cade.”
“Yeah, it’s part of what I’m worried about,” I said, rubbing my forehead with the palm of my hand.
“You have to keep in mind they don’t know Cade like we do. Dad knew Cade played around some, but Dad was our age once, too. He doesn’t really know the extent that Cade partied, and it’s a good thing.”
“True, but he has heard some of the stories. If he thinks there’s a problem, you know he’ll talk to Mom.”
“Yeah, he will, but it’s because he really sees you as his daughter, Mac.”
“I get it, but it would mean a lot if he and Mom supported us.�
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“Part of it’s up to Cade. He’s going to present himself differently in some ways. It’s up to him to prove he’s grown up and ready to handle a relationship with their daughter.”
I twirled a strand of hair around my finger. Even though I’d done alright without the Xanax, I missed it. A lot. It wasn’t until the night I’d dumped the pills into my hand that I realized how much I’d depended on them to stop me from constantly reliving the events of my kidnapping. But things were changing for the better.
“And for the record,” he said, drumming his fingers on my sandals, “I think he’s up for the task.”
I couldn’t hide my grin. “It helps that you believe in him.”
“I see a big difference in him since you’ve been with us on tour. I’ve never seen him serious about anyone before. From what he says, he’s waited a long time to have a chance with you, and I think he’s terrified he’s going to blow it to hell.”
“Really?” I asked, frowning. I didn’t want him to be worried about it. I knew what the constant fear of fucking up felt like, and there was no way I wanted it for him.
“If you’re getting serious about him, Mac, you might want to think about how to reassure him a little. If you’re still figuring things out, then take your time. I thought you might want to know where he’s at.”
The door opened, and everyone filed back onto the bus. The smell of fries and burgers filled the small space, and my stomach growled with anticipation.
“Thanks,” I said to him. I lifted my feet off his legs and joined everyone at the table to eat.
We rolled into Denver early the next morning. The band was scheduled to play two nights in a row, which left a little bit of time to sightsee. Cade would be performing solo, and this time I wasn’t going to miss it.
Since Dillon had been spotted in Arizona, we stayed in pairs. Most of the time we all stayed together, but there were times Cade and I grabbed a few minutes alone.
The group had gathered on the Red Rocks Amphitheatre Stage, and I settled into a seat a few rows back. As they warmed up, Pierce eased into the chair next to mine.
“Hey,” I said, surprised he wasn’t at the stage standing guard. Glancing over my shoulder, I spotted a few additional security guys up the hill. “The view of the rocks is breathtaking. I’ve never seen anything like it,” I said. “I bet the acoustics will be kick ass, too.”
“It’s what this amphitheater is known for,” Pierce said.
The band started their warm up, and I sighed. “I’ve loved touring, but in a way, I’ll be happy to be home. I guess …”
“You’ll still have security at home, but I do have some good news for you.”
I turned in my seat, facing him. “Yeah? I could use some of that right now.”
“Calvin has been reassigned.”
“What?” I slapped my hands over my mouth, realizing I’d yelped.
Pierce chuckled. “I figured you’d be happy about the information.”
“Well, wait. He didn’t get fired, did he?”
“No, just a different assignment.”
“Hmmm. This means I’ll have to break in someone new, huh?”
Pierce shook his head and smiled. “You know we’re not dogs, right? You don’t get to break us in or train us.”
“Omigosh. It’s not what I meant.” I slumped in my chair and stared at him. “I’m sorry it came across wrong. At least as far as you go, you’re family, and I’d never think of you in any other way.”
Pierce’s expression softened for a moment. “Thank you. I’ve grown pretty fond of you all as well.”
“Wait,” I straightened in my seat. “Is it John?” I asked, unable to hide the excitement in my voice.
“No, there’s too much history for him to remain with you guys. After this, he’ll be reassigned if he wants to continue.”
“Fuck. Does Hendrix know?” I asked.
“No, and neither does John so keep your mouth shut.”
“Why would you tell me?” I asked, puzzled.
Pierce’s intense gaze landed on me. “Because I trust you, Mac.”
I blinked a few times. He looked serious as hell.
“Holy crap. Thanks.” I beamed at him.
“You’re welcome.” He returned his focus toward the stage.
“So, it’s definitely someone new.”
“He will be new to you, not to the security firm.”
“Well spill already. What’s his name? Where’s he from? What’s he like? Is he hot like you? I mean even Calvin was hot, but he was a total wuss and tattletale. I mean, don’t they teach people not to tattle in grade school? Do you think he missed that day?”
“You talk a lot,” he said, raising his eyebrow at me.
“Tell me something I don’t already know. And so do you. You’re stalling. Cough it up, dude.”
He smirked and watched me squirm in my seat with anticipation.
“Pierce,” I said, grabbing his arm and pulling on it. “You’re killing me over here.”
He answered with a soft chuckle and patted my hand.
“His name is Zayne.”
I dropped my hold from his enormous bicep.
“Huh, interesting. Is he more like you or Calvin?” It wasn’t as though I knew a ton of bodyguards to compare them with.
“I’d say me. He’s pretty no-nonsense, an honorable, and loyal guy. I personally recommended him. We’ve worked together in the past, and I know your family well enough to know who would or wouldn’t work well by now. He won’t report your business to Franklin unless you’re in danger somehow. You’ll have some of your privacy back.”
I flashed him a big grin, relieved and grateful for the information. Although I was ready to head home in some ways, I’d dreaded dealing with Calvin. He’d be the first to snitch me out when I snuck Cade in my room for the night.
Cade’s strong tenor voice rang through the speakers, and I stood slowly, hanging on every word he sang.
But it's your heart that makes my life worthwhile.
I’ll show up for you, and we’ll hold onto each other
No matter what we go through.
Hendrix had stepped back, allowing Cade to own the stage. Gemma sang backup next to John. She’d never stood next to him before. I wasn’t sure if they’d made the change because it sounded better vocally or if they were positioning her next to John for security purposes. A part of me wondered if he had a gun hidden nearby. Pierce was always packing.
Cade played the chorus, and every part of my body hummed. His eyes landed on me while he continued to sing, and I didn’t move a muscle. This song was for me. Every lyric he’d written was for me. This hot, sexy, guy loved … Me. The truth traveled straight through my soul.
The second Cade finished and set his guitar down, I scrambled over the few rows of seats in front of me, jogged up the stairs of the stage, and ran straight to him. He laughed as he picked me up, and I wrapped my legs around him.
“I love you,” I whispered in his ear. “I am mad crazy in love with you, Cade Richardson.”
He stilled, and I drew back from him a little.
“Say it again,” he said, searching my face.
“I love you,” I said softly.
He tilted back, careful not to topple us over, and let out a whoop that rang through the stage. “She loves me!”
Giggling, I glanced around at my brother, Gemma, and John. I buried my head in Cade’s neck, hiding my embarrassment, but at the same time I was thrilled he was so happy he wanted to yell it at the top of his lungs.
He twirled me around and kissed me passionately. Lost in his touch, I was completely unaware we were still in front of everyone.
Hendrix cleared his throat, and we broke our kiss. I peeked behind Cade, expecting to see Hendrix looking irritated, but my brother was full on grinning. Gemma had moved over next to him, her expression filled with excitement.
“Before you say anything, I’d like to remind you that you laid a few hot kisses o
n your girlfriend in front of a live audience. In fact, it was so steamy I’m pretty sure some babies were made when people got home,” I said to Hendrix.
Cade set me down and took my hand. “I think they call those searing kisses. They set everyone around them on fire.”
“I’ll never forget them, either,” Gemma said. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked at Hendrix.
“Hell, none of us will.” I laughed and peered up at Cade.
He slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me against him.
“I hate to break up the new couple, but we need to finish rehearsal so the first band can have the stage for a while tonight.
“Sorry, I’ll go sit back down,” I said, raising on my tiptoes to kiss Cade one more time.
I literally bounced across the stage, down the stairs, and back to my seat. Pierce was nowhere to be found.
Chapter 20
“I love you,” Cade whispered, nuzzling my neck. We’d snuck off to one of the dressing trailers after rehearsal. Thank goodness the door had a lock on it, which meant we could get one hundred percent naked.
“I love you, too.”
He unbuttoned my dark green shirt and slid it slowly over my shoulders.
“Mmm, nice. I like this bra. Navy blue is a good color on you, but I think it will look better on the floor.” His focus landed on the swell of my breasts, and I inhaled slowly while he unfastened my bra and the material fell away from my body.
He bent down and placed his cheek against my sternum. My fingers weaved through his short, soft black hair.
“I could stay here and listen to your heart all day.”
“Yeah?” I asked.
“It’s because I know it belongs to me. I’ve waited so long, Mac.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you wait.” I leaned down and kissed the top of his head.
“This is better. Your decision about Asher is final. If we’d gotten together any sooner and he’d wanted you back, I’d have lost you. I don’t think I could have handled it.”
My heart stuttered with his words. No one had ever loved me so completely. The more time I spent with Cade, the more honest and vulnerable he became with me.