Page 43 of Loved Out Loud
She gasps, her body jumping the slightest bit at the sound of my voice. “Jesus, you scared me.” Her hand circles her heart, and I’ve never wished to be someone else’s body part until right now.
“Sorry.” I smile down at her.
“No you’re not.”
My grin widens, dimple popping because she’s right. I’m not sorry. That startled gasp sounded a lot like the one she made into my mouth the other night. I want more. I want all her gasps.
“You’re right, I’m not. How was the signing?” I ask again because I really do care.
“It was great. Thanks for loaning Dan to me.”
“Why? Did the paparazzi follow you?” I straighten because I might love seeing her caught off guard, but I don’t want her caught up in our circus.
“No, but some of your fans found out about the signing and showed up hoping to catch you. The crowd outside the bookstore got a little intense.”
“I am sorry about that.” I hope this doesn’t mean she won’t want me to go along with her in the future. I did love seeing her in her element.
She waves me off. “It’s fine. It was a small enough crowd that Dan was able to corral them all off to one side. They mostly left when they realized it was just me.”
The elevator opens, and we step inside.
“How were your interviews?” she asks once the doors close.
“Could have been better.” I shrug and look down at her, noticing the hickey is gone. “Where’d my mark go?” My fingers brush her braid over her shoulder as I cup her neck.
“It’s still there, just covered by an expert makeup job.” Her voice takes on a husky tone as her eyes meet mine.
She takes a small step away from my looming presence. Fortunately for me, her back hits the wall. I reach out and press the emergency stop button. My hand moves to her nape, gently guiding her head to tilt upward toward mine.
“I don’t like that,” I whisper, my lips just barely brushing hers.
“Good thing I don’t live to please you,” she whispers back.
I smile as my lips meet hers. She moans as my body presses hers against the wall. I take advantage of her parted lips and slip my tongue inside her mouth. She tastes like champagne and moonlight. My cock instantly hardens between us, the thin fabric of my shorts doing nothing to camouflage it.
My other hand grips her full hip, kneading the skin there through the fabric of her dress. I growl in annoyance feeling the shapewear she always seems to wear under everything. It’s impossible to get a handful of her when she’s wearing them, and all I want is to be surrounded by her. To sink into her and drown in the heady attraction between us.
I drink from her lips in greedy gulps. Consuming her moans is my new favorite drug. She’s the best high I’ve ever had. Her hands find their way under my shirt, moving up my back slowly.
A loud buzz startles us, breaking us apart. Then a voice comes over the speaker asking if we’re okay. We share guilty smiles and assure them we’re fine. The moment is over as the elevator starts moving again.
I’m just about to pull her against me again when the elevator doors slide open, and she darts through them like a startled rabbit. That’s okay, if she wants to run I’m happy to chase.
Adam is standing discreetly at the door to the stairs when I step out into the hall. I smirk at his raised eyebrow which makes him chuckle silently. He’s used to my antics, but I’m about to introduce a whole new Stone Tyler. One who is dedicated not only to the music, but the woman who has already inspired two songs that I’ve yet to play for anyone.
Since Sierra is staying to watch the concert with Hazel tonight, I haven’t had much of a chance to see her. Had I not overheard a heated discussion between Jade and Darren about Hazel’s having to share a room with Sierra, I would have ended up knocking on her door last night.
Alas it was just my demons and me all night. And a long, hot shower during which my mind played out every single dirty fantasy I have about my little Archer.
I don’t remember ever feeling like this about anyone else. The desire is sharper, the yearning deeper. Maybe it’s because I’m sober. Or maybe Hazel just makes everything that much brighter.
My reflection stares back at me in the mirror surrounded by lights in my dressing room. I’m in my usual performance attire of jeans and a black t-shirt that will likely end up getting tossed into the crowd by the end of the night. It was hot as hell during sound check.
“Come in,” I say as I hear a knock at the door.
“Hey,” Jade says as she steps inside. Her eyes look me up and down. “Don’t move and look in the mirror again.” She pulls her phone out and snaps a few photos.
“Do I look good?” I turn and rest my weight against the table.
