by Kacey Shea
Sean laughs, pocketing his winnings and then hugging Jess to his side. “I told them Jayla’d make you work for it. She’s classy like that.”
“Thanks?” Jayla says, and everyone laughs.
I can’t help but be a little disappointed. We have ten hours on this bus . . . with everyone, and I don’t think I can wait that long to be with Jayla. By the longing stares she keeps sneaking, she feels the same.
“We’re going out for dinner,” Lexi announces, and narrows a glare at Trent. “You’re evil, letting these two think they weren’t getting any alone time.”
I blow out a sigh of relief. “Thank fuck.”
“What?” Trent laughs. “It was funny. You saw his face.”
“Sorry,” Lexi says to Jayla and then turns to meet my stare. “But, um, before we leave you two alone, I have something I want to say.” Lexi steps away from Trent and reaches for Opal’s hand to gives it a squeeze. “Something we want to say.”
Opal’s lips part in a wide grin, and she nods to her sister. “You tell them.”
“I know these last few months have been challenging, and we’ve all been adjusting to the management under WMI.”
“More like weathering a storm,” Trent grumbles.
“A shit storm,” I say.
“Anyway, while you guys have been playing, Opal and I have been talking, and planning, and starting our own company.” Lexi’s lips spread wide with her smile and she bounces on her toes.
“Babe, that’s amazing!” Trent says. “What type of company?”
“A music label.” She glances at all of us before answering.
“You’re kidding.” Leighton’s eyes widen.
“Nope.” Lexi smiles and turns to Opal. “We love music. Opal’s going to continue writing, and I’m not giving up my solo career, but we still have our inheritance, and decided on a better legacy than it just sitting there collecting interest.”
“This is amazing,” Jess says.
“We’re starting small,” Opal looks to her sister.
Lexi shrugs. “I mean, we only have two bands at the moment.”
“You’ve already signed two bands?” Trent’s eyes widen, obviously impressed. “Babe, that’s incredible.”
“We paid a premium, had to buy them out of their current contracts, but I think they’ll be good for business.” Lexi shrugs, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so smiley before.
“That’s sort of risky, isn’t it?” Trent’s brows knit with concern.
“Who’d you get?” Leighton asks.
Opal’s lips press together as if she’s holding back her smile. “Some group called Three Ugly Guys, and a solo artist, Lexi Marx.”
If a pin were to drop, we’d hear it.
“You’re fucking kidding me,” Trent exclaims, his hands reaching for Lexi and a hopeful smile on his face. He practically bounces up and down.
“Not even a little.”
Our bus becomes an impromptu celebration. Leighton kisses Opal. Jess laughs as Sean whoops with joy. Lexi claps and laughs while Trent breaks out the dancing.
Jayla squeezes my leg and bites her lip, holding in her laughter. My friends are crazy, but she already knew that.
I lean my head onto her shoulder. “Do you think they’ll leave soon?”
“Stop.” She slaps my thigh, but I catch the hint of her smile. I’m no fool. She wants to get down as much as I do.
“Wait.” Trent stops dancing. “Did you really start a label just so we could spend more time together?”
Lexi stares back and blinks several times. “That’s your takeaway?”
“You must really love me.” His grin is teasing.
Her hands land on her hips and she scowls. “You’re very conceited, you know that?”
“So, you won’t coordinate our tours and recording times and breaks? That had no bearing on your decision to start a label.” He drags out the last word in challenge.
“No. Yes.” She pinches her lips together and raises her chin in defiance. “That’s not the only reason.”
“God, I love you.” He scoops her into his arms and presses his lips to hers.
I glance away and find Opal’s gaze. “Looks like we’ll be calling you boss.”
She shakes her head, but there’s a prideful smile on her lips. “Don’t be silly. Not that much will change.”
But she’s wrong. Everything’s about to change. She’s having Leighton’s child. Lexi and Opal will be running a label. We’re all in committed relationships. In no time at all there’ll be weddings and more babies, and I’ve never been more excited for what the future holds.
“All right, I was promised one hour,” I say, and point toward the door.
“Good. I’m starving.” Sean grabs Jess’s hand. “Let’s take the party elsewhere.”
Soon everyone follows suit, shuffling toward the exit.
“Have fun, love birds!” Trent calls over his shoulder.
“I think I’ll go have a smoke,” Ace mumbles. “I’ll just be outside if ya’ need me.”
“He totally knows we’re about to bone.”
Jayla turns to me, her eyes wide and laughing. “I should feel bad, but it’s almost been a month, and I want you.”
I love the sound of that. “So, what do you say? Bus sex, once more for old times’ sake?” I waggle my brows and take a step toward her.
She laughs and shakes her head. “I think bus sex is the only thing on the table right now.”
“I’m so excited!” I rub my hands together. “I fully intended to rub one out in the shower, but now this. I feel unprepared.”
She crinkles her nose but her eyes dance with humor. “Be careful you don’t get too excited. Don’t want you to embarrass yourself.”
“I might.” I grin, but it’s the honest to God truth. I look around the empty bus. “What do you think? Bathroom?”
“Actually”—she bites the inside of her cheek and glances down the hall—“do you think Leighton and Opal would mind if we borrowed the bedroom?”
My eyes widen with surprise. “You sure?”
“Yeah.” She walks over to the kitchen table, retrieving a handbag from the bench seat.
“As long as we change the sex sheets, they won’t care.” I shove my hand into my pocket, suddenly a little nervous. Jayla is trusting me to make this good and I don’t want to screw it up.
She pauses and lifts her brow. “Sex sheets?”
“Yeah, it’s a thing.” I chuckle, and meet her stare. “You’re sure about this? We don’t have to.”
“I want to.” She closes the space between us and grabs my hand. She walks backward, leading me down the hall and holds up her purse. “I brought ties. I hope you’re okay with that.”
My dick rises in agreement, my entire body game for whatever she has planned. I don’t know what I did to deserve this woman, but I’m never letting her go. “Fuck, I love you, Jayla.”
“Don’t try to butter me up.” She opens the bedroom door and reaches for the waistband of my jeans. With one swift tug she hauls my front to hers. “I’m still planning to tie you to the bed.”
My dick gives an excited jump against her core. “Yes, please.”
38
Jayla
“Undress. Now.” I close the door, turn to lean back against it, and flip the lock.
Austin’s lips part and he lets out a soft groan. He likes it when I’m bossy. The more forceful I am, the more his eyes light with desire. The more control he gives, the bolder I become. We’re a perfect mix of push and pull. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it, or stop being thankful for him.
While Austin discards his clothes I move to the dresser and set down my bag. I dig through the contents, producing everything I need. I sync my phone to the portable speaker, and press play on the mix I made. It’s mostly throwbacks from our youth, a few Motown faves, and yes, Beyoncé. From the corner of my eye I catch Austin’s lips lift appreciatively at the first song to play, “Bring It On H
ome to Me” by Sam Cooke.
My body tingles with anticipation as I retrieve the padded cuffs and adjustable tethers. I take in Austin’s naked form, a beautiful work of body art and taut muscle. I love how he stands confidently, his fist gripping his hard cock, waiting for my next command.
“On the bed. Lie on your back.”
He does as I say, leaning back on his elbows.
I drop the restraints on the bed next to his feet, but then step back, swinging my hips to the sensual rhythm of the song. He whispers encouragement as I remove my blouse and skirt. The thong and bra my girls insisted would drive him crazy seemingly do just that.
“Oh, my God. My cock is so hard right now.”
“Hands on the bed,” I direct, and take one of the cuffs. I climb over his body, teasing as I allow my skin to rub against his. When I get to his chest, I sit off to one side and slide the fabric along his wrist before fastening it to him, and then the attached restraint tie to one side of the headboard. There’s still lots of give, but before I move to his other side I make sure he’s comfortable. “This okay?”
“It’s so good, baby.”
“Tell me if it stops,” I say, a line he’s used on me several times.
He meets my stare with a nod. “I will.”
I climb off the bed, grab another tie and run it along the length of his body as I walk to the other side of the headboard. I reach for his hand, but he’s already offering it.
“Someone’s a little excited,” I murmur through my smile.
“Guilty.” He grins back, but as soon as I fasten the cuff around his wrist his humor fades and in its place, lust. A thrill works down my spine as I adjust the tie to the bed and step back to assess my work. He arches his back and his muscles strain for my touch. He’s beautiful. Exposed. Mine.
I dance for him, this time closing my eyes as I run my hands over my body. His groans of pleasure spur me on, and I remove my lingerie before climbing over his body. I kiss up his abdomen, purposefully avoiding his cock to drag out his pleasure. I kiss the hard planes of his abs, his chest, nipples, and straddle his waist as my lips finally find his.
“I want you. Please” I like that he begs.
“What do you want?” I say between passionate kisses.
His breath is heavy and labored. “I want to taste you. I want you to ride my face.”
My legs press together, wetness forming with his request. “You do?”
“Fuck, yeah.”
Cupping his jaw between my hands, I kiss him hard. My body grows hotter, my need for him greater. His tongue battles with mine, a fight neither of us loses as we stoke the fire of desire to a point of no return.
“Okay,” I say, finally breaking our kiss. With confidence, I scoot up his body until my thighs spread wide over his mouth.
“Give it to me, please,” he shudders, completely at my mercy.
I reach for the headboard, finding my balance as I spread my legs wider and lower myself. When his lips make contact with my sensitive skin I gasp in a mix of pleasure and surprise. He licks my center, eating me out like it’s his favorite dessert. It’s a heady mix, the music, his mouth on me, my thighs straddling his face. He uses his tongue, lips, and face, circling my clit and bringing me to the edge.
I could come like this. I kind of want to. If we had all night I would, but already two songs have played on my mix, and as much as I want to orgasm, I want him inside me more.
Using the headboard, I lift my body off his face. Austin opens his mouth to argue, but doesn’t when I grip his shaft. With my back to him, I move down his body as I stroke him, reveling in the softness of his skin and the hardness of his cock.
“Oh, fuck, yeah.” He groans.
Spreading my thighs over his hips, I line his thick cock at my entrance and glance over my shoulder to watch his face as I sink down and take him inside, inch by glorious inch. I’m so wet and he slides in deep. We both let loose moans of satisfaction. I grab his thighs for support and arch my back to ride him this way.
“I’m not gonna last,” he says. “Fuck, your ass looks so good.”
“I want us both to come.” I reach between our bodies to find my clit. I’m so turned on. So full of desire and power. It won’t take long to meet him at the edge. I swivel my hips, gyrating over his hard length and rubbing my clit in circles. A sheen of sweat covers my body and the entire room smells of sex. Austin doesn’t hold back, voicing compliments, praises, and naughty thoughts. Within minutes my body clenches with the onset of my orgasm.
“Fuck, I’m coming.” I pant and writhe, over and over again until pleasure rips through my body.
“Yeah, baby. Ride me. Fuck me.” Austin lifts his hips and his entire body spasms as he joins me, crashing over the edge. “Oh! Yeah,” he shouts.
My sex pulses and my body tingles. So good. My eyes shut tight as aftershocks of my release shudder through me and I work to catch my breath.
“Oh, fuck, Jayla,” Austin praises, and I hear his smile before I look over my shoulder to see it. “I think that was the best yet. Damn.” His chest heaves. “Fuck.”
“You said that already,” I tease and climb off his body, unfastening his restraints before joining him on the bed. We lay next to each other, him smiling like a fool and me doing the same.
He turns on his side and slides the back of his knuckles over my scar. “It looks much better.”
“It does.” I agree with a nod.
“Good call on the music. Nice selection.” He catches my hand in his and pulls it to his lips, kissing the back of my palm. His lips lift with a satisfied smirk, and the sight alone makes my heart beat a little faster. He releases my hand and lays his head against his arm, using it as a pillow.
I turn to mirror his position and give in to a smile, my gaze voraciously memorizing his naked body. I already want him again.
“I’m glad you’re here.” His gaze dips to my mouth and he narrows the space between us. As his mouth moves with mine in lazy, languid strokes, my back presses into the mattress. Except there’s no anxiety threatening to ruin this moment. No bolt of fear from the ghosts of my past. His kiss is warm, steady, and my heart races with love for this man. My safe space. My home. He pulls back to meet my gaze. “I lost you before, and I never want to again.”
My throat catches at the sentiment. His words are sweet and full of the same truth I feel down to my soul. “Never.” I whisper against his lips. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yeah?” He leans back to study my expression. His eyes flicker with a vulnerability he only shares with me.
“Yeah.” I swallow back the surge of emotion, thick in my throat before I can continue. “I used to think I was damaged. Irrevocably changed in a way that meant I could never have this.” My hands greedily skim across his body.
He nods, his expression open and inviting.
“I didn’t think I could accept love. Thank you for proving me wrong.”
He shrugs, a flicker of mischief in his gaze. “I am irresistible.”
I push him to his back and roll onto my stomach, shaking my head. “And completely inappropriate, self-absorbed, and entirely too sure of yourself.”
He just grins. “You love me.”
I do. I really do. “I love you, Austin Jones. I will love you forever.”
“Fuck.” He scrunches his nose and gives me a wink. “This got really deep. I’m torn between making a dick joke or throwing caution to the wind and asking you to be my wife.”
“Your choice.” I shrug, the challenge flying from my lips without filter. “How lucky do you feel tonight?”
“Shit.” His eyes widen.
Mine do too. What did I just say?
“Really?” He coughs as he clears his throat and sits up in bed. “Fuck!” His eyes bug out and he looks as though he might pass out any second. It shouldn’t be funny, but it is.
I laugh, letting loose some of my nerves, and shake my head. “Did I just render you speechless? Because I think that’s a
first.”
He moves his mouth open and shut as if he wants to speak, but can’t quite decide.
“I didn’t think it was possible.” I laugh again. “It’s too soon. Right?” I’m not sure who I’m convincing more, him or myself. Because we haven’t been a couple very long and the logical thing is to wait. Yet there’s this tiny voice in my head that says I’ve always been his. Knows there’s no other man in this world I’d rather build a life with.
“Yes.” Austin nods, finding his voice. “It’s too soon.” He stares, narrowing his gaze. “And I can’t tell if you’re fucking with me or being serious.”
I bite my lip, not wanting to admit I was dead serious when the words rolled from my mouth.
“So, I’m going to date you. I’m going to earn your trust. And when I ask you to be my wife, you’re going to say yes.” His smile is big. Confident. Like he’s won a million dollars.
“See. You with the self-assured again.”
“Well, this proposal is going to be so over-the-top extravagant you won’t even know what hit you.” He shrugs. “You’ll have to say yes.”
“Austin, I don’t need grand gestures.” I push to my knees and straddle his waist to steal a kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck and gaze into his eyes. “Only you.”
He grins. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
“I guess we will,” I say, my lips wide with a smile. My future has never looked brighter. Bigger. Full of possibility, and a love I’ve always wanted but never thought I’d have. He was my best friend, and though I hate that it took us so long to find our way back to each other, it only makes the love we’ve discovered more treasured. I’ve been searching my whole life, but little did I know the key to my happiness was tied to my past. We’re meant for each other, because I think Austin was waiting for me, too.
“You know, I was thinking . . . you and I are a lot like a great song.”
“How’s that?” I thread my fingers through the hair at the base of his neck before meeting his gaze.
“Some songs are so good, you know, but they’re even better on the replay. It isn’t until you’ve memorized the lyrics that they become significant. It’s not until you appreciate the complexity of the music that it becomes better. The more times you listen, the more you fall in love.” He paints his finger between my breasts, down my stomach, and draws lazy circles around my scar and over my hip. “You’re my replay, Jayla, and I’m so damn lucky to love you.”
