Turn up the Tempo (Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star Series Book 4)

by Charli B. Rose

“Your Valentine’s Day present.”

  “I thought the bath bomb basket, the ballet tickets—by the way, Cleo and I had a blast—the roses and the song were my Valentine’s gifts,” she said in a teasing voice.

  “They were all bonuses, except the song. This was honestly my original plan. I didn’t know if I’d finish the song in time. And the flowers and ballet tickets were in case you thought your real gift was lame.” I shrugged sheepishly.

  “You could never be lame.” Gingerly, she took the box from me. With two fingers, she tugged on the ribbon, causing it to unravel and fall away. She peeked up at me then dropped her gaze to the box. Lifting the lid off, she revealed a circular, platinum pendant nestled inside.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said and slid her fingers beneath the metal disc so she could see it better. Her index finger traced over one engraved symbol.

  “It’s one of a kind. I had it made for you. It’s a symbol.” God, I was so nervous, trying to explain the gift I’d had created for her.

  She looked up at me expectantly, waiting for me to continue.

  I inhaled deeply through my nose. My palm slipped beneath her hand, bringing the pendant cupped there up to where our faces leaned over it. “This necklace represents the day my life changed. Notice there are eight nested rings carved in the metal.”

  ♪ Two is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls

  She nodded, her forehead brushing mine.

  “And see the little divots randomly scattered on the rings?”

  Another nod.

  “This is a space-time coordinate pendant. The center divot represents the sun. The other little depressions are the planets, and the circular rings are each planet’s orbit around the sun.” Without lifting my head, my eyes rolled upward to see if she’d figured it out without me having to put it all out there.

  Confusion still clouded her eyes as she stared straight at me.

  Here goes … I dropped my gaze again, touching one of the little indentations. “The planets on this are in the exact position they were the night we met.” I couldn’t look up at her. Everything inside me shouted that she’d think it was lame. That had to be why she was so quiet. She was trying to think of a way to tell me. “You know, if you hate it, I can get you something else. A locket with my picture in it for when you’re on the cruise ship or—”

  Her mouth crashing into mine forced my moronic ramblings back down my throat. I wasn’t sure if the kiss was a pity kiss or an ecstatically happy about her gift kiss.

  She pulled back a few seconds later, her eyes glistening. “This is perfect. I love it. Put it on me.” Britt tipped her hand, pouring the pendant and chain in my palm. Then she shifted farther up my lap so I could reach her neck better and lifted her hair up.

  Fumbling only a little, I managed to get the little clasp open so I could put the necklace around the slender column of her throat. Once the tiny ring was secured by the hook, I let the chain drape down. The shiny, round disc dropped down the V created by the overlapping lapels of her robe. Gently, I parted the fabric to admire the necklace now nestled between her breasts. It was perfect.

  “Brooks, I never would’ve imagined you had this kind of romantic guy hiding beneath all that dirty talking gruffness,” she said, a slight teasing note in her words.

  In the blink of an eye, I flipped us, pinning her to the couch beneath the weight of my body. “I’ll show you some dirty talking gruffness.” I ran my palm up her leg, now hitched around my hip. When I reached the apex of her thighs, I wasted no time dipping into her wetness, circling her already straining bud.

  “Mmm, angel,” I moaned against her throat. “Did my super romantic gift get you this aroused?”

  “Yes,” she breathed, jutting her hips up into my touch.

  Greedy fingers gripped the bottom of my shirt and yanked it over my head, leaving it dangling on the arm of my occupied hand. She rubbed her hands across my stomach and abs.

  One-handed, I tried to work the knot loose on her robe. It was impossible. Giving up for the time being, I shifted my thumb up to put pressure against the tiny bundle of nerves that turned her into a writhing puddle of want. I slid two fingers inside, stroking along her inner walls. They began to ripple with my touch. I nipped at the sweet flesh of her neck and shoulder. One slightly harder bite and increased pressure with my fingers had her falling apart and groaning my name.

  I was pretty sure I could be happy for the rest of my life so long as I was allowed to bring this woman pleasure every day.

  Moments later, she opened her eyes to meet my happy gaze. “I love you, Brooks.”

  And my happy gaze turned deliriously elated. When I shifted, her gaze dropped to my chest. Her eyes widened and she pressed against my abdomen until we were both sitting up.

  Lightly, she ran her fingers over the new ink decorating my skin. “You got a new tattoo?”

  “Finally found something important enough to permanently ink over my heart,” I said, my voice thick.

  She eased herself across my lap again. One lone finger touched the fiery, heart-shaped sun in the center of the three-dimensionally drawn orbits of the planets. Each planet was colorfully inked. A galaxy of stars was peppered around the solar system. She touched each one, traced each orbit. Her hands on me, examining the symbol of my love for her, was turning me on more than I’d ever been aroused before. And she wasn’t even naked. It was the awe at love in her eyes when she peered at me.

  “I need you, angel,” I rasped, my voice filled with vulnerability. Using both hands, I unknotted the sash that had been allowing her robe to hide her from me. My gaze was drawn to all that bare flesh, the only thing touching it was my pendant.

  She fumbled with my belt, button and zipper. It didn’t take her long to free my aching cock. She lined me up with her entrance and sank onto me.

  When I was as deep inside of her as I could be, I wrapped my arms around her, holding on tightly. I never expected it to happen, but I’d found love. And now I was ready to chase heaven with her.

  “You can’t just barge down there,” a voice hissed from the top of the stairs.

  “Why not, flutterby? It’s our house,” Dawson whispered back loudly.

  “Because you have to warn them that we’re home. That our flight landed early in case they aren’t expecting us yet.” A loud set of stomping sounded.

  “Britt, Brooks, anybody home down there?” Iz shouted from the top of the basement stairs.

  Britt was sleeping in my lap, her head on my shoulder and my semi-hard cock still inside her heat. “Wake up, angel-love. Dawson and Izzy are home,” I whispered in her ear, placing a kiss below the lobe.

  “Hmmm?” she mumbled, blinking at me.

  “Sit up.” When she did, I pulled her robe back up over her shoulders and then tied the sash as tightly as possible. Ideally, I’d put more clothes on her, but she came down in only the robe, so we had to work with what we had.

  I shifted her off my lap carefully. My cock sadly slipped out of her. As I tucked it back into my pants, I willed the blood to leave the area.

  “Britt, are you here?” Iz called again.

  “Yeah. Down here,” Britt answered as I fastened my pants.

  By the time the newlyweds reached the bottom of the steps, I was redressed and Britt was snuggled up against my side.

  “Hey, guys,” I called out, trying to sound nonchalant and innocent.

  Britt hopped up, causing her robe to hitch higher on her body, barely covering the essential bits.

  “Angel,” I hissed, subtly trying to yank the edge back down.

  “Thanks,” she whispered from the side of her mouth.

  Dawson chewed on his lip, but I could see the laughter threatening to erupt.

  Britt rushed over to Izzy and threw her arms around her best friend. The two girls whispered so low I couldn’t hear them.

  Dawson strode over to me. I stood, giving him the classic one-armed bro hug.

  “Good trip,” I asked, hoping to distract
him from asking questions about having found a scantily clad Brittany with me.

  “The best. But we have time for that later.” Dawson glanced back at the girls still excitedly talking in quiet tones. “So … you and Britt?”

  “Yeah, about that,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’m in love with her.”

  He sank to the coffee table. “What?” He shook his head in shock.

  “No one’s more surprised than me, except maybe Britt.” I sat on the couch in front of him. “Even more outrageous is that she loves me back.”

  “Dude, I’m so happy for you,” he said, a wide smile overtaking his face.

  “Thanks. I have a lot to catch you up on. But later. Now, I need to go finish celebrating Valentine’s Day with my girl. We’ll get together tomorrow or the next day or maybe next week. How about I call you?” I rambled.

  “Sounds like a plan,” Dawson said, chuckling at me. He turned to Izzy. “Come on, wifey. The bed for the balcony was finally delivered.” Dawson scooped his bride up in his arms and darted up the stairs.

  Izzy peeked over his shoulder and shouted down, “Congratulations, Brooks. Britt, you owe me more details. We’ll talk later. Love you, guys.” Then they disappeared from view.

  Bending over slightly, I hoisted Britt over my shoulder. With my arm below her ass, I held down her robe as I ran up the stairs. “I don’t know where we’re going to go, but I need you again, and we’re not going to get into a moaning competition with Dawson and Izzy.” I rounded the corner of the hallway and dashed up the next flight of stairs to get to her room before Dawson and Izzy got started.

  “Get dressed,” I ordered as I set her on her feet inside her room. “And pack a bag. I’ll rent us a hotel room.”

  Britt started to throw on some clothes. “You don’t have to get us a room. Izzy told me I could move into the pool house since I have work here and will need a place to stay. I’d already told her no way was I going to live in the house with them. They don’t always know how to be quiet.”

  “Neither do you, angel. And I plan to have you shouting in the next ten minutes since we don’t have to leave the property.” I stalked toward her, desperate to make love to her again.

  Epilogue

  Britt

  Several weeks later …

  “Great job,” I whispered as one group rushed off stage for a costume change after their paired swing dance number.

  I stepped back into the large dressing area. “Hustle, hustle,” I exclaimed, clapping my hands. We had two minutes to get the full cast out on stage for the closing number.

  I was already dressed and ready. Though I knew every dance like the back of my hand, I didn’t often perform unless someone was sick. But because tonight was the opening performance for this batch of visitors, I was taking part in several of the dances, including the closing one.

  Since we’d embarked earlier this afternoon, I’d been running around like mad, trying to distract myself. Distraction was why I was even dancing tonight. The group didn’t need me. But if I had to stand quietly backstage, I’d worry.

  Tonight, I’d be meeting with the powers that be for the re-evaluation of my contract. Over the past month, I hadn’t heard anything which would lead me to believe they were less than pleased with the job I’d done. I’d even taken the initiative and trained two assistant lead choreographers in the event I got seasick or something. So far, so good on that front.

  The weeks had been busy, but the nights had been lonely. I missed Brooks terribly. We spoke on the phone or video called every day. But it was hard being apart while things were so new in our relationship. He was amazing though. He encouraged me daily, and he was certain the cruise line was going to extend my contract.

  If they did, it would be my first big success as a dancer.

  “Ready, Brittany?” Chelle asked.

  I nodded. “Let’s do this.”

  Like a well-oiled machine, we waltzed our way onto the huge stage, now completely open. And we treated the guests to a medley of dances from the decades.

  By the time we were done, I was giddy and breathless. Backstage, I congratulated each member of the cast on a job well done. Then I excused myself to my private dressing room. A note rested on my vanity asking me to report to the Owner’s Suite whenever I was able.

  Butterflies flapped in my stomach as I hurried through my shower. Figuring I might not have time to return to my cabin after the performance, I’d brought an appropriate outfit with me. I slipped into the black, off-the-shoulder jumpsuit and black sandals. Methodically, I brushed my hair then checked my reflection. The one-piece outfit was professional enough to meet with the management team while still being casual enough that I could wear it to the party for the cast later if the meeting ended early enough.

  I checked my little ship map in my bag so I could figure out how to get to the Owner’s Suite. I hadn’t ventured to that area of the boat the whole time I’d been on board. I hadn’t really had time. A tiny part of me had envisioned working on a cruise ship like being on vacation. I was wrong.

  Once I had my route figured out, I set off in that direction, using the crew hallways and elevators as much as possible. The guests liked to talk with the performers whenever they saw us. I didn’t want to have to rush away from anyone to avoid being late for my meeting.

  When I finally reached the luxury quarters for the ship’s most prestigious guests, Stacia waited with Jack.

  Jack reached for me and kissed me on the cheek. “You look gorgeous, dear.”

  “And you’re looking quite dapper yourself,” I complimented, adjusting his lapel.

  I turned to Stacia. “And your dress is amazing,” I gushed over her floor-length, silver gown.

  “Thank you. I’d love to chat, but I don’t want to keep Mr. Rockford and the others waiting,” she said.

  My heart leaped in my throat at the mention of the owner of the Rockin’ Royal Cruise Line. I had yet to meet him. He and his wife were onboard when we first set sail weeks ago, but I only saw them from afar.

  Jack offered me his arm as we set off down the long corridor. Plush carpet swallowed the sound of our steps. Burnished metal wall fixtures lit the way.

  “Is the rest of the board here?” I asked. I’d feel a lot better if a bunch of friendly, familiar faces were going to be present.

  Jack shook his head and patted my hand in the crook of his elbow. “I’m afraid it’s just me for this one. But they did give me permission to speak on their behalf.”

  I looked up at him expectantly, hoping he’d elaborate on what they’d said of my work, but he didn’t.

  Silently, we boarded an elevator at the front of the ship. Stacia swiped an access card along the panel, which automatically commanded the glass-enclosed cube to ascend to level fourteen. I stared out at the waves we towered above. In the distance, a crescent moon reflected along the rippling surface. The sky was star-studded. It was gorgeous. But it reminded me of nights with Brooks on Dawson and Izzy’s upper-story balcony. Watching the sky while in his arms. With him whispering filthy promises and sweet nothings in my ear. With him kissing my skin. With him inside me.

  If they decided to extend my contract an additional five months, what was I going to do?

  It would be so foolish to turn down a steady job and a chance for more work, right? Especially at the pay scale they had me on.

  Of course, it would.

  But what about Brooks? If I stayed, I wouldn’t be back before he left for Vegas. And I’d be busy in LA doing things for Dub’s music artists once the ship contract was up.

  “Why the long face, dear?” Jack said, staring at my reflection in the glass.

  I snapped out of my mental musings. “Oh, nothing. Just wondering what everyone’s been thinking about my work,” I explained with a half-truth.

  “You’re about to find out,” he said cryptically as the elevator slowed to a stop.

  My knees wobbled as we exited and marched to the door just down the hall from th
e elevator. Jack gave a gentle rap against the wood before he opened the door.

  I skidded to a halt a few steps inside. The entryway of this suite was bigger than my entire cabin on the second floor. Crown molding with fancy scrollwork rimmed the tops of the walls. A chandelier dripped with crystal droplets in the center of the room beyond the foyer. Everything inside, from the carpet to the artwork on the walls to the plush furniture to the floral arrangements, screamed decadence. I had no idea such luxury existed floating on the ocean. I spun in a slow circle, taking it in.

  Mr. Rockford walked in with a couple other people I had yet to meet. “Ms. Miller, thank you for meeting with us tonight.” He held out his hand for me to shake.

  I slipped mine in his and gave it a squeeze. “Please forgive my stupefied reaction. I had no idea such opulence could exist on a boat.” Internally, I kicked myself for my uncontrolled tongue.

  Laughter burst from his mouth. “It is pretty over the top, huh?” he said, taking a look around. “I will say, this one isn’t mine. My wife prefers the other owner’s suite. That one isn’t two stories,” he said nodding at the stairs spiraling up in the corner. “Her knees don’t care for climbing anymore.”

  “Well, this suite is beautiful. Everything on your ship is lovely. I understand why your cruises are so highly sought after,” I said as he indicated I should take a seat at the eight-person table situated in front of a glass wall overlooking the ocean.

  “Thank you. We’re very proud of what we’ve built. And I have to tell you, we’re very proud of the show you created. You even had these old feet shuffling along in my seat.” His face was wistful, younger for a moment.

  “Glad to hear that. The entire cast has been incredible,” I said, beaming with pride at his praise.

  He opened a folder in front of him and took out a stack of papers. He looked to Jack, who spoke up, “The entire board has seen at least the video of the entire show. Many of them were able to watch in person. I speak for all of them when I say, that even though we were highly impressed with your interview …”