Page 14 of Falling Faster
"Thanks." The energy from the show still flows through my veins. The desire to pull him someplace dark and private and use that adrenaline to bring him passion and pleasure is stronger than I anticipated. I reach for Ty, the reflex almost automatic, and he slips into my arms like he belongs there.
Long fingers stroke up my chest, over my neck, and into my hair. Then Ty pulls me forward, directing me down to meet his waiting lips. Instead of the brief brushing I expect, he captures my lips, slanting his head to take things deeper. The kiss is hot, wet, and tastes of whiskey. A thrill rushes through me, like an unexpected dip and spin of a rollercoaster ride.
Ty's tongue strokes the seam of my lips, demanding entry. Groaning, I open, clutching the artist's back. That talented tongue… Those firm lips… My body yearns for the promises Ty is making with his mouth.
Hard, aching, and breathless, I fight for control of the kiss. When Ty allows it, melting against me, I give back as good as I receive, with strokes of my tongue, a nip of my lips, and sliding our torsos together, showing Ty how desperately I want him.
And then I fight even harder to remind myself where we are and how we aren't alone. Gentling my hold, I ease the kiss from sexy to sweet and then made myself lift my head. Ty pulls back, eyes glittering with desire, and an answering call echoes in my blood.
I suck in a breath as scents and sounds of the room slowly come back into focus. Willing my system to level out, I wrap an arm around his waist. His presence, a solid warmth against my side, feels too good and keeps my pulse tingling. I can't let go, can't lose that amazing connection. Curling my finger through the belt loop on the side of Ty's jeans, I walk with him to where his friends wait and then greet Slater and Noah. "Thanks for coming."
A smile curling his lips, Slater glances from me to Ty and back again, then shakes my hand. "Great show, man."
"Can we buy you a drink?" Noah's tone is casual and friendly, but the protective way he and Slater both look at Tymakes it clear they intend to ensure their friend is in good hands.
"Sure." I understand. Hell, I'd do the same thing for any of my buddies. From everything Ty has told me about them, his friends are good guys. There is something about Ty, not quite an innocence, but something fresh and young and effervescent. Of course his buddies would want to look out for him. Even after only knowing him two days, I want to protect him at all costs.
Drinks in hand, we move to a high top table.
Ty sits beside me. His hand casually resting on my thigh is a welcome and comforting weight. "When you said you were filling in for a friend, I didn't know you meant The Fury. They're a huge band."
Multiple platinum records level huge, and now they've added the responsibility of creating and running a music label too, but they're still the guys I know and love. "Luke and I have been friends for years. We met when my old band opened for them on tour."
Smile soft, Ty moves his hand from my thigh to my biceps. His fingertips cover the narwhal's tail. "Is that when you got the tattoo?"
I take a long pull from my bottle of beer and rock the barstool onto its back legs. I've come a long way from the person I'd been back then, when I'd felt immense pressure to live up to the rock star persona. "Yep. Last night of the tour."
A bit of nerves hover on the edges of my concentration. Making a good impression on Ty's friends is important. Letting them sit in the Batmobile may be a point in my favor, but it's not enough. Sipping my beer, I stroke small patterns on Ty's shoulder as we chat with Slater and Noah about their trip, bands they like, my work with the foundation, their off-season training, and the comic book series. Music pulsesaround us, filling in the spaces as the conversation ebbs and flows.
When the guys finish their drinks, Slater stands and shakes my hand. "We're heading out. Thanks for inviting us tonight."
"See you later." Noah waves at me and then bends to hug Ty. I catch the whispered, "I like him," intended for Ty's ears.
Relief flows as fast as the frenetic beat pounding from the speakers. After the couple walks away, I lean into Ty, lengthening the caresses along his shoulder. "I like them."
"And they liked you." Gaze sparking fire, Ty cups my cheek and slowly strokes his thumb along my stubbled jaw. "I do too."
The words and touch are like a match to kindling. Banked desire flares bright. I slide into Ty's kiss and the flames stoke higher. "Another drink?"
Ty shakes his head. He nips my lower lip and walks his fingers over my chest. "Actually, would you mind if we got out of here?"
Those fingers roam lower, teasing over my stomach, and come to a rest at the top of my jeans. Ty raises a single brow.
Hot and hard, I suck in a breath and capture his hand to hold it in place. "Do you want to go to my place?"
"Yes."
We're kissing before we get through the front door. Distracted by Ty's lips and tongue, I wrestle with my keys, and then my guitar case. I manage to get the door closed and locked and the case propped against the wall, and then Ty is back in my arms.
Darkness surrounds us, but I don't want to stop for a light. Holding him close, I back the artist through my apartment.
In my bedroom, I draw him onto the bed, the mattress creaking under our weight. Muted light from an outside streetlight filters through the edges of the blinds, painting our bodies with a pale wash of gray. I need more, need Ty in full color. Blanketing the long, lanky body, I tap the bedside lamp. A soft, warm glow spills over the bed.
Ty lays under me, lips parted and eyes darkened, and so beautiful. He traces his finger along my jaw. "Kiss me."
Blood buzzing, I shift my weight to my forearms and bring our mouths together. Long moments stretch out as we kiss. Every brush of lips and tease of tongue stokes desire higher. Rock hard, I thrust my hips into Ty's, groaning at the feel of his arousal pressed against mine.
With seeking hands and whispered promises, we move together over the mattress. I can't get enough. Ty is everything warm and giving and wonderful.
