“I’m sorry for calling so late,” Emily whispered.
Jack pushed the phone closer to his ear. “Em, why are you whispering?”
“Because… I don’t want to disturb your neighbors.”
Jack bolted out of bed. “Where are you?”
“In the hallway.”
J
Emily heard his hurried steps, and she tapped the keypad icon on her phone and pressed the one digit to get Jack’s attention.
“What?”
“Pants.”
“Thanks, baby.”
Seconds later, the door to his room opened, and his head popped out. He smiled when he saw her. He used the security latch to keep the door from locking and stepped into the hallway.
Emily shifted. Her butt hurt and she was cold. She’d pulled on black yoga pants, a T-shirt, and a hoodie but had forgotten her jacket when the InstaRide arrived.
Jack sat opposite her. “Hey.” His eyes sparkled, as his smile reached into her soul and warmed her through.
“Hi.” She felt like a schoolgirl as a blush crept up her cheeks. He’d pulled on baggy sweatpants and a wrinkled red T-shirt, and his feet were bare. Smiling back at him, she probably looked like a psycho.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
Emily looked down. She had something to say, and if she had the courage to say it, there’d be no turning back. She was scared, but she kept coming back to Jack over and over. She’d convinced herself that she was breaking it off to protect him, but as soon as he’d hung up earlier, Emily knew she’d made an epic mistake. She wasn’t ready for a new relationship, but he was right—their chance was here and now.
“You okay?” His face shadowed with concern.
“Better now than before.” This was stupid. Say it already.
“How long have you been here?”
Emily looked at the time on her phone. “Hour.”
“Why didn’t you knock? Afraid I wouldn’t let you in?”
Emily gave him a half smile. “Well, since you almost ran out here without pants on, I never thought you wouldn’t let me in.”
Jack smiled. “Yeah, thanks again for that. Don’t need my junk on the internet.”
“How would your junk get on the internet?” She hadn’t been able to sleep, but now she couldn’t keep her eyes open.
“These hallways have cameras.” Jack pointed to the one a few rooms down.
Emily sighed. Great. Of course, there were security cameras at a hotel like this, and security just watched her sitting in the hallway outside Jack McBride’s room like a groupie.
“It’s late, you want me to take you home?”
“No. But we shouldn’t…”
“Agreed.” Jack stood and extended his hand and helped her up. Her legs were numb, and she stumbled a little before Jack’s arm snaked around her waist. She looked up at him and smiled.
With his cute, lopsided grin in place, he said, “Don’t worry, baby, I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.”
Jack pushed the door open, and she walked inside. This time when the door closed behind them, Jack locked it and walked past her to the bedroom. He returned a few moments later with a pillow and blanket. “I put a pair of sweatpants and sweatshirt on the bed for you to sleep in. They’ll be too big, but it’s better than nothing.”
Emily went into the bedroom and quickly changed. When she walked into the living room to go to bed, Jack lay out on the couch, his knees bent so he’d fit. “What are you doing?”
“Going to sleep, it’s late.” Jack yawned. He’d turned the gas fireplace on, which did a good job of taking the chill out of the room.
“Jack, this is ridiculous, I’m not kicking you out of your bed.”
He sat up and glared at her. Through gritted teeth he said, “There is no way in hell you’re sleeping on the couch.”
Emily grit her teeth. “You don’t fit on the couch.”
“I’ll be fine,” Jack said through tight lips. He lay back down. “I’m extremely comfortable. Go to bed, Emily.”
“This is stupid.” Emily fisted her hands on her hips.
“What’s stupid is you thinking you’re going to sleep on this couch. You’re my guest, ergo, I’m sleeping on the couch. Go to bed.”
He closed his eyes, so he couldn’t see the glare she leveled at him. Fine, if he wanted to be stubborn, let him sleep on the couch. He’ll wake up all cramped. Emily stomped off to the bedroom, moved the blankets aside, and crawled into bed. Damn him, the bed was comfortable. But he wasn’t despite his assurances to the contrary. He was being a gentleman as usual.
She closed her eyes and expected to fall asleep but didn’t. Not because Jack was on the couch, but she hadn’t said what she’d come to say. Her nerves were frayed, and she didn’t like this unsettled feeling at all. She was usually confident in her decisions. But she hadn’t been earlier, and she wasn’t now.
Jack didn’t stir in the living room. She’d expected to hear him adjusting because there was no way a man his size would be comfortable on that decorative couch. Emily pulled the covers over her head. There was just no way to be sure if this was the right thing to do, and she wanted to be sure, for both their sakes. The sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach told her surety wasn’t in her future.
She threw the covers off and sat up. She wouldn’t be able to sleep until she had her say. Fuck. If he was asleep, she wouldn’t wake him because that would be selfish. She’d wait until morning and probably not get any sleep, but that was what she’d get for coming here and chickening out.
Emily padded into the living room and over to the couch. Jack’s breathing was even and steady. “Damn,” she muttered. She turned and walked toward the bedroom.
“I’m not asleep.”
Emily walked back and stood at the foot of the couch. Jack’s eyes were open, and the flames from the fireplace danced in them. Her mouth went dry.
He sat up and swung his legs onto to the floor, patting the spot next to him. Emily sat, their thighs touching. Trying to ignore the warmth of him where they touched, she took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’m sorry about earlier—”
“You already apologized for that.”
“Right. Well…” Emily swallowed hard. “The thing is—”
“Why did you sit in the hallway for so long before calling me?”
Emily cleared her throat. “Because I’m scared. I knew if I came here tonight there was no going back and—”
“You make it sound like you’re going to the hangman’s noose.”
“Could you please stop interrupting me?”
“Sorry. I don’t bite ya know.”
Emily chuckled. “Actually, Jack, you do.”
Jack gave a sly smile. “Well, that was in the heat of the moment.”
“This moment feels pretty heated to me.” Emily wished she could take off the sweatshirt, but she had nothing on underneath, and that wouldn’t be playing fair.
Jack moved a few inches away. “I’m sorry, please continue.”
“I don’t want to hurt you again, and I’m afraid I will. And, I don’t want to hurt more than I already do, which I didn’t think was possible. I was so sure that breaking it off was the right thing to do, for both of us. But almost as soon as we hung up, I felt like I’d just made a terrible mistake. I’d expected to feel relieved, but instead, the thought of never seeing you again…”
Jack knelt before her, taking her face between his hands. “The thought of never seeing me again…” he prompted.
“Hurt. More.”
Jack said nothing, just stared into her eyes, and she was lost in his, their blue depths burning with the intensity of his feelings for her. “I don’t know who I am anymore.”
Jack brushed his thumb over her cheek. “You’re Emily Grace Prescott, whose world has been turned upside down twice.”
Emily sighed, she wouldn’t let him let her off the hook. “That’s no excuse for w
hat I’ve done to you.”
Jack rubbed his thumb over her lips. “What do you think you’ve done?”
“Played with your emotions. This would be a lot easier if I didn’t like you. You were supposed to be my first one-night stand. I couldn’t even do that right.”
Jack smiled at that. “You know I had no intention of this being only one night. Em, your head and your heart are at odds. Your head wants to protect you, your heart feels…being with me feels good?”
“It feels great, it’s easy to forget. But it’s not fair to you. You’re ready for a new relationship. What if I’m just using you to feel good and can’t move on?”
“I never felt like you were playing with my emotions. You’ve been hurt, and of course, you’re scared. I’m a little scared.” He kissed her gently on the lips. “I’ve never felt this much, this fast.”
He wanted more, so she’d finish what she started. “That only leaves me one option.” She swallowed the baseball in her throat.
Jack smiled. “Again, being with me has to be better than a one-way trip to the gallows.”
“You know it’s not just that it’s too soon. It’s what you are.”
“I’m not the hangman.”
“No, you’re a rock star, Jack. You live in a spotlight.”
Jack sat back on his heels. “I can’t fix that.”
“I know. The only way I’ll know if I can deal with that is to be with you.”
Jack lunged forward, somehow sitting on the couch and dragging her onto his lap. His kiss was warm and soft and hard at the same time. His hands slid under the hem of the sweatshirt and caressed her bare back.
When Emily pulled back for air, Jack’s eyes were dazed. The light provided by the fire casting a warm, healing glow around them. Her chest heaved to draw in enough air, whether from their kiss or the look in his eyes, she didn’t know.
Jack looked down, taking deep breaths of his own. When their eyes locked, his held tears. “Em”—he swallowed hard—“please don’t leave me again. I couldn’t take it.”
Emily placed her hands on either side of his face. “Jack, I didn’t come here to leave you again.” She kissed his lips softly.
In a heartbeat, her sweatshirt was off, and Jack’s hands cupped her aching breasts. He thumbed her nipples while he gently bit her lip. She found the hem of his T-shirt, and he sat forward so she could lift it up. His hands left her only long enough to remove the shirt and toss it away. Standing, Jack carried her into the bedroom, and within seconds, they were naked on the bed, touching, tasting, reacquainting themselves. It was heavenly.
They made love slowly. They both knew their one-night stand had turned into so much more.
Jack brought her to the verge twice with his mouth before letting her tumble over into ecstasy. He already knew how she liked to be touched, always finding the perfect rhythm and then changing the tempo at just the right moment. When her orgasm finally washed over her, pulling her under, Jack held her in his arms, whispering beautiful words that held the promise of a future together, allaying all her fears.
As Jack settled over her, claiming her, she wished she could make him the same promises. But she didn’t know what tomorrow held, let alone the future.
And Jack being Jack, whispered to her, “Everything will work out.”
Ever the optimist. Another pro.
Afterward, as she lay cradled in his arms, the fear returned. But she wouldn’t back out now. She’d made her choice, and she’d stick to it. She’d see this through, or she’d never be able to forgive herself.
“What’s your plan for tomorrow?” Jack asked. “I mean today.”
“More of this seems like a good plan to me.” She stretched out next to him. She needed to move soon, but for now she’d just enjoy his body next to hers.
Jack laughed. “You are a very horny woman.”
“Too much for you?”
“Nope.” Jack took her hand that rested on his chest and moved it down to his hard cock.
“So it’s a plan, sleep, then reconvene for more sex.”
Jack groaned. “I can’t. I’m having dinner with my family today. My mom is making all my favorites.” Jack kissed the top of her head. “Come with me.”
Emily froze. Shit, he wasted no time. She didn’t want to. And she had stuff to do. Emily needed to figure out a new book idea before Meg had a stroke; laundry had piled up, and there wasn’t any food in her fridge. Just say no, he’d understand. No, he won’t. “What happened to all your patience?” Uncomfortable heat spread over her, so she turned onto her other side. She needed the distance.
Jack rolled behind her, pulling her to him. “I know it’s soon to meet the family, but, baby, the reality of my life is we have to get things in when we’re together. You’ll have plenty of free time when I’m gone. I haven’t seen my folks since Christmas. I’m flying in for Mother’s Day, but then I won’t be seeing them again until June over Father’s Day weekend.”
That was only two months away, which was too soon as well. She’d agreed to this relationship, but she was already overwhelmed. But, he had a point. He’d be away a lot, so she’d have to go with the flow, which wasn’t her strong suit. “Shouldn’t you call them first to ask?”
“Em, they’re my folks, they’ll be happy to meet anyone I’m dating.”
“Still, maybe there won’t be enough food.” That was stupid; moms always made too much food. “They’re expecting to have you all to themselves. It wouldn’t be right to just show up with me.” Good one.
Jack turned her on her back. “If you don’t want to go, just say so.” It was too dark to see his face, but he sounded hurt.
“It is too soon for me.” Emily touched his face. “But you’re right. I hadn’t thought about anything past coming here, and I’m not great at going with the flow, but we’ll go if it’s okay with your parents.” She felt him smile. Might as well get it all out now. “I think we need to talk about what it will be like going forward. I’ll need your tour schedule so we can plan for the time we’ll have together.” His smile widened to a grin.
“You’re the best, baby.”
She wasn’t, but she’d damn sure try to be.
Want more? Sign up to my VIP reader group for exclusive cut and extended scenes only for my subscribers.
Tap to unlock exclusive bonus scenes
Jack and Emily’s epic romance continues in book 2 No More Yesterdays. Keep reading for an excerpt or
Tap to grab No More Yesterdays
I hope you loved Jack and Emily’s story. If you have a few minutes and would like to leave an honest review—no spoilers, please, it would really help me out.
Tap to leave a review for With You
CHAPTER ONE
Months of planning the perfect meeting while the band was in New York for a week were not to be thwarted by some stupid groupie whore after all. Jack looked so sad last night when he left the Garden it nearly broke my heart, but now that she’s gone, Jackie’s vulnerable. This may have been fortuitous after all. He’ll be happy to see a friendly face, and I’ll comfort him. He’s always the one to take care of everyone else, but finally, he’ll be with someone who gives him exactly what he needs.
The Phoenix has risen from the ashes, and he’ll see I’m not a weak, pathetic creature he needs to save.
CHAPTER TWO
Sunday morning, Jack was startled awake by his alarm, and he was alone. Terror gripped him, and he shot up. Shit. Em was still asleep but had moved to the far side of the bed. Fuck. He hated that; he wanted to wake up with her in his arms. Since he’d have plenty of lonely nights ahead of him, when they were together, he needed her next to him. The band would be leaving Thursday for Hartford, and he had no idea when he’d see her again.
Yesterday had been hard, but it all turned out in the end. Last night, Em had come to his room at The Yorkshire Hotel, and she’d agreed to give them a fair chance, and he had no doubt she would. He needed to r
emember she was afraid, and no matter how strong she was, she was fragile right now. She still had to work out what happened with the fucker, but Jack felt more secure in their future. Em was his. And today, she’d agreed to meet his family.
It was early, but his dad always got up at five, so Jack picked up his phone and dialed his dad’s cell.
“Jack, you’re still coming, aren’t you?”
“Good morning to you, too.” Jack glanced at his girl. “Absolutely.”
His dad sighed in relief. “Great, what’s up, son?”
What’s that about? “I’m seeing someone, and I’d like to bring her today. Okay?”
Jack heard his father rub his hand over his face. He always did that when he was trying to break bad news.
“If we say no, are you still coming?”
What? Jack hadn’t expected this. As far as he was concerned, asking had been a formality, but apparently, Em had been right. “Of course. I thought it’d be nice to have all the people I love in one place at the same time.”
His dad sighed.
Jack’s head dropped. “Look, it’s okay—”
“Your mother’s sleeping. Let me discuss it with her when she gets up, and I’ll call you back.”
“Okay.” Jack paused. “Dad, everything okay?” Maybe there was a family crisis, and they didn’t want any outsiders. Although, Em could probably help. She was great at that.
“No, we’re all well. It’s just this is last minute. We didn’t know you were seeing anyone new. She is new, isn’t she? You’re not back with Christie, are you?”
Jack thought they’d loved Christie. “No. It’s over with Christie. Her name’s Emily, and she’s a writer.” Shit. He probably shouldn’t have told him that. Em wanted to remain anonymous. He’d fix it later if it came up.
“Okay.” Will sighed. “I’ll call you back after I talk to Mom. Love you, son.”
With You: A Rock Star Romance (Rocked in Love Book 1) Page 29