Notes of the Past (Lightning Strikes Book 2)

by Jodie Larson

  Whoever invented glass showers is a genius.

  She gets to a part in the song about touching her body and she follows suit. From here I don’t have a good angle, but I can see her hands gliding over her breasts and across her stomach. Whatever pain I had is gone. In fact, an idea hits me as I strip out of my boxers and open the door. Her surprised gasp greets me first, then her gaze roams over my naked body, focusing on my semi-hard erection.

  “I didn’t hear you come in.”

  Standing under the waterfall showerhead, I wet my hair and run my hands through the strands. “I was enjoying the show.”

  Tatum licks her lips, eyes staying focused on mine. “A show, huh?”

  I move closer, watching the drops of water slide down her body. “Is this a single show or can I join?”

  A seductive smile plays at her lips. “Care to dance?”

  Backing up, I sit on the bench in the corner. “I’d rather watch you.”

  Tatum wastes no time, picking up where she left off. She sways her hips, running her hands over her body, teasing me with her smile. It takes me a second to recognize the song. “Into You” by Ariana Grande. When I was home earlier this year, Lizzie was playing it nonstop that weekend. Drove me nuts. Watching Tatum touch herself to this song has given me a new appreciation for it.

  She puts on a show, running her fingers down her stomach until they disappear between her legs. My semi-hard erection turns into a full-blown hard-on as her moans echo inside the glass enclosure. Pink coats her cheeks as she moves her hand faster and faster, never once breaking eye contact. Her body shakes, on the verge of orgasm.

  Before she has the chance to fall over the edge, I grab her wrists and pin her against the wall. Her sharp breaths beat against my cheek as I run my lips over the slope of her neck. She continues playing the ultimate seductress, rubbing her breasts against my chest while nipping at my ear.

  “Myles.” The warmness of her breath sends a chill down my back, even though the warm water covers us. “Take me now.”

  “Wrap your legs around me.” She follows instructions and within seconds, I’m plunging inside her.

  Heaven. That’s what this is. Nothing between us, only her and I joining together. Our past doesn’t matter. What’s happened these last few years isn’t important. Reconnecting with Tatum in this way is what I’ve missed. Maybe it’s the reason why I’ve been so reluctant to trust her. We’ve been missing this piece, the empty hollow that’s never been filled.

  “God you feel so good.” The way her body slides over mine, her tight pussy gripping my cock as I slide in and out of her, makes my knees quake with every movement. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would feel her like this again. Just us, two people joined together in the most intimate way possible. Each curve of her body I’ve memorized by heart. And like memory control, my body takes over.

  Tatum pulls my hair, directing my attention to where she needs it most. Not that she had to. If there’s anything I know, it’s how to please Tatum Mitchell.

  “Harder.” Listening to her beg is like music to my ears.

  “Anything you want, baby. Hold on.”

  Her nails dig into my shoulders, clawing to hold on for her life. I take her mouth, pillaging every corner until all I can taste is her. Every brush of her tongue increases my tempo, sending our bodies sliding along the wall, covering every inch of space we can.

  I’m getting close. The pressure crawls up my spine like a snake. She feels it too as she tightens her legs around my waist. Knowing what’s about to happen, I quickly pull out. Tatum starts to protest, but I set her down and drop to my knees. Spreading her legs apart, I lick at her center.

  “God, Myles, please. I need to come.”

  Smiling against her soaked pussy, I give her what she begs for. She grips my hair so tight, I’m afraid she’ll tear every strand from my head. But as she screams and her legs shake, a sense of pride takes over, knowing all her pleasure comes from me. It’s almost enough to forget the blue balls I’m forming from not coming.

  I stand and meet her glossed over eyes, the smile addictive as I take her lips.

  “What about you?” she asks, pulling away. Pink still tinges her skin as her breathing calms down.

  “I’m fine.” Not really, but since we never had that discussion, this was the safer bet.

  Tatum runs her hand down my face. “You don’t look fine.” She presses a kiss to my lips. “Let me help you.”

  My dick is so sensitive right now that it won’t take much to get my release. She trails her fingers over my flesh, gripping and twisting as she works my shaft. I brace my hands on either side of her head and let her work her magic. The twisting motion she incorporates sends a jolt down my leg as she does it faster. Within seconds, I come all over her stomach, grunting out the last bit while pressing my forehead to hers.

  It’s like I’ve run a marathon instead of having the best shower sex of my life. The water starts to cool, or our skin is too hot to notice the difference. Everything about this woman sets me on fire. Maybe this was what I was waiting for, to reconnect and prove that we are the real deal, just as we thought when we were younger.

  “You are amazing,” I say, kissing her forehead. Without a word, she grabs the soap and starts lathering us up, washing away any evidence of what we’ve done. It’s intimate and gentle, but needed. So desperately needed.

  After shutting the water off, I grab two towels and wrap her in one. “Thank you for waking me up. You were right. I needed a wake-up call.”

  Tatum just smiles and wraps her arms around my neck. “Okay, Loverboy, time to get dressed. We’ve definitely missed our coffee date, so you owe me. Big time.”

  She drops her towel and leaves the room. This woman will be the death of me if I’m not careful. But being careful is for pussies, and I’m anything but that.

  My phone rings and I toss the book to the side to check the Caller-ID. Not many people have my number, let alone want to talk to me. But this call is expected.

  “Tatum Savanna Mitchell, why haven’t you called me lately?”

  Oh great, the middle name came out. Now I’m in trouble.

  “Hey, Mom. Sorry, I’ve been busy.”

  “Busy?” She scoffs and I can hear a cabinet door close. Checking my watch, I notice it’s lunchtime for her. It also dawns on me that I haven’t talked to her since Myles and I reconnected. I’ve been so wrapped up in him that I’ve completely forgotten about the world outside of this tour. “I see how this goes. You get a little bit of fame and everything else doesn’t matter. Didn’t I raise you better than that?”

  I settle back into my bed and sigh. “Of course. There have been a lot of changes happening so I lost track of time.”

  “Well, it’s not like you’re goofing around with those boys again. It is a job so I can cut you a little slack.”

  “Goofing around with those boys?” I try to control my laugh. If only she knew.

  There’s a pause on the line before she speaks. “How’s Myles?”

  I knew she couldn’t resist. “He’s fine.”

  “Still causing trouble?”

  “No, he’s different than he was back then.” Which isn’t a lie. He’s definitely changed, not all of it for the best. She doesn’t need to know that, though.

  “So what’s been going on? Catch me up.” I tell her about the change in the lineup, about all the sites I’ve been able to see as we travel on the road and when we stop in the cities. She clues me in on her job and promotion to charge nurse.

  “Any pains?” It’s the same question she asks every time I talk to her. The nurse in her can’t help it.

  “Nope, nothing.”

  “You know I worry about you on your own. When are you coming for a visit?”

  “Actually, we’ll be stopping in L.A. next week for a few days. I can drive down and see you during one of those days.”

  “Won’t you have work to do?”

  “I don’t think so. Kade says Don has
projects for them to work on right away, but nothing that involves me. So I’m free.”

  A timer sounds over the phone and I hear the unmistakable sound of the microwave door open then close. “Let me know which day you want to come down so I can work my schedule around a bit. I want to spend time with my girl.”

  “Can you not make a big deal about me coming home? No parties or people over. I just want to relax and take it easy. Maybe hang out by the lake?”

  “Sure. Whatever you want.”

  Chewing on my bottom lip, I bite the bullet. “How’s Sam?”

  If I could hear a smile over the phone, I swear I could hear hers. “Sam’s fantastic. You’d like him. I’ll cook dinner and you two can meet.”

  Talking about my mom’s boyfriends isn’t a pleasant subject. It’s still weird that she’s dating, even though it’s been well over a decade since my parents’ divorce. Plus, Paul was less than desirable. It takes a special kind of asshole to force a woman to choose between him and her sick daughter. The fact he thought he’d win that fight was laughable. I just wish it didn’t hurt my mom in the process.

  “I’d like that. And mark me down for a plus one.” I pull at my sleeve, wondering what she’ll say to that.

  “I thought there was nothing going on between you and Myles?” The suspicion in her voice catches me. I’m not sure what made me think I could hide it from her. She knew back when we were teenagers that we were dating before I had outright told her. Something about the way I would talk about him or the smile I would have whenever his name was mentioned.

  “Myles and I…well…”

  “When did it start again?”

  I sigh. “When I stopped calling you. We had a fight, which turned into making up, and we’ve been together ever since.”

  “Is he treating you okay? Does he know about the tumor?”

  “He does.” A pain hits my heart as I think about his face when I told him. “He didn’t understand why I stayed away, but he’s coming around. Myles has every reason to be upset. I didn’t tell him why I left and then stayed away without reason. I’d be pissed too if the roles were reversed.”

  “I can’t blame him. How many times did I beg you to call him and let him know what was going on?”

  More than I wanted to hear. But I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to listen, nor did I want to acknowledge what was actually happening to me. It was easier to live in denial than face reality.

  Speaking of, Myles knocks on the door before making his way to our bed. “I gotta go, Mom. I’ll call you soon when I know what’s going on next week.”

  “Okay, love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Hanging up the phone, I set it on the table and pat the space next to me. “Join me?”

  Myles shakes his head and keeps his arms behind his back. “Nope, you come join me.”

  Confusion crosses my face as I follow him into the living room. Kade, Pax, and Breck are sitting at the table playing a game of cards. Myles leads me to the couch and pushes me down, taking a seat next to me. He places something in my lap and I gasp when I realize what it is.

  “Where did you find that?”

  He takes the notebook from my hands and starts paging through it. “Under the bed. I was looking for my lucky socks and came across this instead.”

  I was hoping he wouldn’t find it. It’s not even close to being ready. They’re just random musings, jumbled thoughts without a melody in mind.

  “You should have left it there.”

  He doesn’t listen as I try to take it away. All he does is push me away, laughing at my plight as he reads. When I stop fighting, he pulls me into a kiss. “This is great. Why didn’t you want me to see it?”

  I can feel the heat coloring my cheeks. “They’re random words put together that don’t make sense. Believe me, it’s crap.”

  Myles flips between a few pages before abandoning me to our room. Another notebook is in his hand when he sits back down. “We’re going to fix them so they make sense.” Taking the pencil that he stuck under his hat, he starts writing things down, transferring them from one notebook to the other. All the while, he hums a tune, something I’ve never heard before. Once again, he amazes me with his talent, making something out of nothing.

  “Come with me.” Myles grabs my hand and drags me back to our room. Before I have the chance to ask why, he shoves the notebooks into my hands as he pulls his guitar out from the closet. He joins me on the floor, our knees touching as we face each other. “Okay, write down the chords as I say them.”

  Finding his new song, I sit and wait as he makes a few adjustments. When he plays the first chord, I jot it down quickly. Myles looks up, a smile gracing his face. Pride takes over as he plays the chords, not needing to say them aloud. Those years of lessons taught me to listen to chords and know exactly what they are. He’s impressed as he starts playing the song. While he plays, I sing the words he’s written down, figuring out where to take a pause, what chord marks the change, and when it should be instrumental. It’s been so long since we’ve worked like this, only before I just sat there as he did all the work, playing and writing. His talent was a drug I couldn’t get enough of. Watching his fingers manipulate the strings into the most beautiful melody is my addiction.

  Halfway through the song, he stops. I look up from the paper to find him staring at me.

  “What?” I run my fingers around my face, trying to brush away anything that might be sticking to it.

  Myles shakes his head and sets the guitar to the side. “Nothing. You just look so beautiful right now.”

  He must be joking. I’m in my grubby sweats and worn t-shirt that is barely hanging on. “You’re crazy. I look like a hobo.”

  “Yeah, but you’re my hobo.” He leans forward and takes my mouth in a sweet kiss. Never once pushes the issue, just lightly presses his lips against mine. It’s the chastest kiss we’ve shared since high school. Warmth spreads through my veins, making me think I’m overly dressed and need to cool off. Every touch and caress of my skin by Myles brands me as his. Almost like he’s putting a tattoo on my heart.

  When he pulls back, the smile on his face practically melts me into a puddle. “What was that for?”

  Myles brushes his thumb over my cheekbone. “You’re amazingly talented. These lyrics speak so much about you, like you’ve painted yourself onto the paper.”

  “They’re just words. You’re the one using your talent to put music to them.”

  He places a hand on my knee and rubs his thumb in small circles. “Do you know why?” I shake my head. “When I read the lyrics, I can see you in my head, see your smiling face, hear your laugh, feel your body. The melodies come easily because it’s your song. Your notes course through me like wildfire. If you weren’t around…”

  How can he be an asshole and the sweetest man alive, knowing exactly what to say? My heart’s going to explode from an overload of emotions and hormones. Those three little words I’ve been fighting are so close. Not that they’ve ever been far away. Myles will always be the only one for me. That was never a question. The only unknown about those words was if the owner of my heart still felt the same way.

  “Why do you love me? You have so many other options out there.”

  I slap his chest while simultaneously snuggling into him. “I do not. Stop spreading lies.”

  “If everyone knew you weren’t with me, there would be a line of guys stretching out of town.”

  “Flattery will get you nowhere.” I squeeze him tighter to get my point across.

  Myles leans on his propped-up hand, stroking my arm with the other. “You didn’t answer my question.”

  How do I put a feeling into words? “Well,” I clear my throat, “there’s this.” I trail my index finger over his forehead. It crinkles beneath my touch, making me giggle.

  “My head?”

  “No, your mind. I’m amazed at what comes out of it, how smart you are and how quickly you’re able to pick up song
s. Not to mention the beautiful ones you write, like you’re pulling magic out of the air.” He smiles. “Then there’s this.” I drag my finger across his lips.

  “Ah, now you’re speaking my language.” Myles leans forward, but I stop him before he can get too close.

  “Um, yeah, I love your kisses, but it’s what comes out of your mouth I love just as much. The way you speak, how you treat other people, not to mention the way you sing. It’s gravelly and seductive, yet rough and tender at the same time. I could listen to you speak for hours, even when you’re talking gibberish. Or in your sleep.”

  He rolls me over, covering my body with his. “I do not talk in my sleep.”

  I laugh. “Sure, sure. And no, I didn’t get the rice.” His brows crunch in confusion, but I wave it off. “You sat straight up in bed last night, looked at me and asked if I got the rice. Then laid back down and snored. I sat upright for a good five minutes trying to figure out what in the hell you were talking about before going back to sleep.”

  “You lie.”

  “Nope. I only speak the truth.”

  “Okay, what else?”

  Placing my hand over his heart, I just smile. “Do I need to explain this?”

  “No, but humor me.”

  Wrapping my legs around his waist, he settles further against my body. “Your kindness, your spirit, the passion you feel for music, all of it makes you who you are. Without this, you wouldn’t be the man you are right now. You don’t hesitate to help someone in need. Everyone knows you’re there for them. Heck, I’ve even seen you get emotional at movies before.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with crying at the end of Field of Dreams. It’s a sad moment.” His defensiveness makes me smile.

  “Whatever you say. Anyway, your heart is pure and easy to love. Any girl would fall head over heels.” Trailing my hand south, I slip it between us and grab his semi-hard erection. “Then there’s this.”

  “We’re all done talking now.” He sears my mouth with his kiss and our discussion comes to a screeching halt.