by Amy L. Gale
“There’s a washer and dryer off the bathroom in the hallway.” He opens a drawer full of T-shirts. “I’ll share.”
I take a gray one and throw it on the bed. He licks his lips and stares as I slip out of my clothes and into his shirt, leaving only my panties underneath.
I lick my lips, catching the bottom one in my teeth. Will we ever stop wanting to ravish each other? If I don’t leave this bedroom now I may never have clean clothes. I carry my bag to the hallway and start sorting my laundry. I return to the bedroom. Van has the drawers cleared out for me and also gives me some space in the closet.
I tilt my head and lower my eyebrows. “How do you feel about me leaving my toothbrush here?”
“My toothbrush is dying for company.” He leads me to the bathroom and places my toothbrush next to his in a ceramic cup. He backs me against the sink and presses every inch of his impressive body against the thin fabric of my T-shirt, gently kissing my neck.
The cool porcelain sends goose bumps throughout my body. I slide my hands down Van’s chest and push him away. “Tonight’s a date night. I want dinner first.”
He sighs and places his head on my shoulder.
I giggle and step away. Grabbing his hand, I lead him downstairs to the kitchen. I rummage through the cupboards, find two pots, and start boiling the water for the pasta and defrosting the sauce over low heat. Van sits on a kitchen chair watching me. How can he always look so sexy? I walk over to him and sit on his lap, softly kissing his neck and nibbling his ear.
“You’re quite the tease tonight.” He nudges me away from his neck.
“I’m just trying to keep you wanting more.” I straddle him and run my finger over his lips.
“I never get my fill.” He grabs my face, slamming his lips against mine.
I quietly moan as he presses against the thin fabric of my panties. My breathing increases as he grows. I squeeze his biceps tight and press my body harder against his until I’m grinding myself against him. My heart is racing, adrenaline pumping through my blood.
He pulls my T-shirt over my head, dropping it onto the kitchen floor and lifts me up onto the table. The cool tabletop is no match for the heat radiating from my body. He leans over me, kissing my neck, then breasts, and slides my panties down. Goosebumps erupt on my skin following the path of his hands. He caresses my inner thighs, gently spreading them apart as he continues to move his lips down my body.
My heart is hammering. I moan as his tongue travels over my most sensitive areas, twisting and turning. I gasp and my breathing becomes erratic. Suddenly, my body explodes like an atomic bomb into a frenzy of passion. I groan, loudly calling Van’s name. He stands up, grips my hips, and thrusts himself into me. We both moan as his body rhythmically moves in time with mine. I dig my fingers into his back and wrap my legs around his waist, urging him deeper inside of me as my climax starts to build. I yell out as I find my release. Van yanks my hips against him, roaring in ecstasy as he finds his.
We take a minute to catch our breath.
“I wonder if the water’s boiling yet.” I slide off the table and gather my two articles of clothing.
“So much for dinner first.” Van flashes a sexy smile.
I can never resist him. Hey, everyone wants to enjoy dessert before dinner anyway. “Why don’t you see if you can find us a movie to watch while I finish cooking? We’ll just do everything backwards tonight.” I snicker and push Van into the living room.
The water is already boiling and the sauce is heated. No surprise there. I grab two wine glasses and uncork the bottle, pouring us each a glass. I take a sip, letting the sweet flavor invade my mouth, and head into the living room while waiting for the pasta to finish boiling. I hand a glass to Van and sit down on the couch beside him. “Find anything interesting?”
He runs his hand along my thigh. “Nothing more interesting than what’s right next to me.” He raises his eyebrows and sips his wine.
What a perfect night; just the two of us. Alone time is hard to come by. Maybe that’s why I cherish every second I have with Van. I sigh, I guess everyone wants the things they don’t have. Dean and Brooke don’t realize how lucky they are. I frown, tonight is flying by. I head back to the kitchen, finish preparing the pasta, and fill our plates. Van joins me at the kitchen table.
I lightly brush my fingertips along Van’s forearm. “This is one of the best nights ever. I’m looking forward to next time. Any idea when that will be?”
Van narrows his eyes and turns toward me. “I thought you wanted to get settled with your job before we make any more plans.”
Are guys really this clueless? “Yeah, before we decide what we’re doing after your tour ends. We still need to plan to see each other until then.”
He twines our fingers together. “We have a show in Wyoming on Friday. I’ll come to your apartment Saturday and we can do something special to celebrate the start of your job.”
My face erupts into a huge smile. “I would love that! I’ll bring some of your stuff to my apartment so you can travel light. Since I’ve developed a habit of keeping your T-shirts, this one’s coming with me.” I stand up and spin myself around, modeling my newly acquired tee.
“I’ve never loved that T-shirt more than I do right now,” he grins, “except maybe when it’s lying on my kitchen floor.” He raises his eyebrows.
I suck on my pointer finger. “Maybe we can see how it looks on the floor in my apartment soon.”
Van lets out a quiet sigh and stares at my mouth. “Ready for dessert?” He walks toward me, pulling me into an embrace. His soft lips brush against mine, softly at first, and then increasing in intensity with each passing moment. He traces his hands down to my hips and lifts me up, holding me against his waist as we continue to kiss.
My body trembles. I wrap my legs around him tightly and we began to move. He carries me up the stairs and into his room. The soft satin sheets caress my body as he gently places me on the bed, running his tongue over every inch of my skin. I need to feel him inside me; time for round two. My body erupts with pleasure as I collapse into a sea of purple satin.
I eventually muster up enough energy to make my way to the bathroom and freshen up. My toothbrush is leaning against Van’s in the cup on his sink. What a glorious sight! It’s never been at a home other than my own, and represents a milestone in our relationship. I stare at it for a few minutes, and then quickly brush my teeth, returning my toothbrush to its cup.
“We better get some sleep. Tomorrow may be exhausting.” Van pulls me close to him.
I’m sure it will be a drama fest, plus I’m flying out on a red eye back to my apartment so I had better catch some Z’s. “Good night, I love you.” I rest my head on Van’s chest and listen to the strong rhythm of his heart as it slowly lulls me to sleep.
∞
A familiar sea of purple greets me as I wake and roll over to face Van. The soft rays of sunlight peeking through the window glisten over the peaks and valleys of his chiseled abs, accentuating them. He’s propped up on his elbow, bare-chested, with the sheet covering his waist. My heart pounds out of my chest. Wow, he could grace the cover of a romance novel.
“Good morning.” He tucks a few loose strands of hair behind my ear. “Looks like the left side is yours.”
“Left side it is.” I sink into my pillow and yawn. “Are you sure we can’t stay here all day?”
“Maybe someday,” Van runs his hand along my cheek, “but not today. Everyone will be here in about an hour so we should get dressed.”
I take a deep breath and stretch. Van’s bed really is comfortable. My body moves in slow motion. “Any chance there’s coffee in my future?”
“I’ll make a quick stop at the donut shop while you’re getting ready.” He slides out of the satin sheets and slips into his jeans and T-shirt.
Oh well, time to haul myself out of bed. I finally sit up and get myself moving. My clothes are still in the dryer. Guess I lost track of time, no surprise there. Thi
s meeting with the band is going to be intense. Even though I have no issues with confrontation, I need to keep myself in line. I certainly don’t want to ruin any of Van’s friendships, so I better watch what I say.
The front door closes and the sound of jingling keys fill the house. I’m just about ready, so I head downstairs.
“I wasn’t sure what kind of donuts you like so I got us a variety.” He places a box on the countertop.
“Great, I’m starving.” I take my cup of coffee and snatch a donut from the box.
Boston Cream, my favorite! The swing is calling me. We both make our way to the porch to enjoy our breakfast along with the beautiful scenery. I could certainly get used to this life.
My muscles tense as a car pulls up the dirt road and into the driveway. Van lets out a deep breath and stands up, cracking his knuckles.
“Hey Van. Should we head downstairs?” Marcus tips his chin.
“Yeah, you guys want anything?”
“Nope, we’re good.”
Chaz walks past us with his head down not even saying hello. Tyler follows suit. Well, this is starting out just great.
“I’ve missed you.” Jenna smiles and gives me a hug.
I squeeze her back. “I’ve really missed you too. It’s nice to know at least one person doesn’t hate me.” I look down at the ground.
“No one hates you. It always ends up a heated discussion when there’s too much testosterone in the room.” She rolls her eyes.
Jenna and I follow the guys downstairs into the finished basement. They’re all sitting on the couch as we walk in, completely silent. God, I hope this doesn’t turn ugly.
“We’re all here so let’s get this shit settled.” Van rises from the couch and begins pacing around the room. “I know you’re all pissed at me for blowing off the show but I had no other option. Sometimes we have other obligations.”
“Are you fucking serious man?” Chaz leaps up, his hands clenched and his knuckles white. “Your obligation should be to us, your friends and your band. You fucked us all over for your chick.” He grinds his teeth. “Marcus is married and he doesn’t even pull that shit.”
Here we go. I’m the evil one who’s sabotaging the band.
“Chaz, don’t be an asshole. I have obligations to the band and to Lexie. She doesn’t ask me for much, so when she needs me to do something for her, I’m doing it.” Van’s face flushes and his hands ball into fists.
“I think all of our lives were better before you met her. Women are everyone’s downfall.” Chaz points his finger right at me as he mutters the words. The vein above his temple throbs.
“Watch your fucking mouth!” Van charges Chaz, shoving him hard. Rushing forward, he grips Chaz’s T-shirt and pushes him once more, holding him against the wall. Crimson fire spreads across Van’s face and his lips pull back, baring his teeth. His arms tremble, right down to his pure white knuckles. He pulls one arm back, keeping Chaz pinned against the wall with the other.
I cover my face with my hands, tears stream down my cheeks. They’re going to kill each other and it’s all my fault.
Marcus steps firmly in between them. “Stop! You two are acting like idiots.” He holds his arms out, separating them the best he can. “You can be committed to the band and to your girl. I do it every day so I get it.”
“Yeah man, you chose the chick over us.” Chaz jerks his arms and breaks free from Van’s death grip.
Van pushes Chaz’s shoulder and points his finger in Chaz’s face. “Don’t make me choose. It will always be her.” He steps back.
“You’re such a pussy. You would never say something like that a year ago.” Chaz throws his hands in the air.
“Fuck you! You don’t even know what you’re talking about.” Van storms toward Chaz again, his lips flatten into a hard line.
This is going nowhere. I jump in front of Van right before he reaches Chaz and throw my arms around his neck. He exhales deeply, a low growl in his throat, and wraps his arms around my back. The ferocious beating of his heart pounds through his chest as he holds me tight. I loosen my hold and take a step back.
“Listen everyone. I know this is my fault and I’m sorry. I asked Van to be my date for my sister’s wedding last month. Before he committed, he checked the schedule to make sure you guys weren’t playing. If he cancelled he would have looked undependable and irresponsible to my whole family. Since the show was last minute he decided to keep his commitment to me. I only have one sister and this was her wedding. It’s over and done with. Nothing like this should come up again but if it does, I promise to talk to all of you about it and we’ll make a decision that’s best.” My hands are shaking as ten eyes stare at me.
“Please, the decision that’s best will always be what you want. You women are all the same. You have us by the balls and if we don’t do what you want, you threaten us.” Chaz rubs his hand over his head and pinches his lips together.
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. You’re such an ass. If you’ve ever even had a girlfriend you’d know that isn’t true.” Jenna glares at Chaz, shaking her head. “Lexie is trying to make things right so we can prevent this from happening again. Give her a break, asshole.” She folds her arms across her chest.
Ah, there’s the Jenna that I know and love.
“Don’t you morons realize that this show would’ve been huge for us? Opening for Cryptic Mayhem is like playing at the White House for bands like us. We passed it up because Van had a wedding? That’s so fucked up I can barely believe it myself.” Chaz pinches the bridge of his nose.
Tyler stands up and grabs a beer from the fridge. “Everyone realizes what happened. Lexie’s trying to make things right. Van’s back on board. What more do you want?”
Chaz rolls his eyes “I want to know that this won’t happen again. I don’t even have a chick and I’m suffering. All the aggravation and none of the pleasure.”
“It won’t happen again. I promise.” I walk over to him with tears in my eyes. “I’m sorry.”
He has a much easier time fighting with Van. Maybe he does have a soft spot for women.
Chaz shakes his head, finding himself unable to yell at me. “It’s a shame I like you so much.” He exhales loudly. “I’m holding you to that promise. Don’t fuck me over.”
I place my hand on Chaz’s shoulder. “I won’t.”
“Alright, are we done fighting? I’m ready for some pizza and beer.” Marcus grabs the phone.
Chaz and Van shake hands and everyone sits down on the couch. Wow, girl fights are so much more destructive. It’s as if nothing ever happened. The guys play video games, eat pizza, and drink beer. Hmm, this is kind of like hanging out at the frat house in college.
Unfortunately, the real world awaits me. I excuse myself and go upstairs to pack my things, and a few of Van’s to take to my apartment. Jenna comes up to help me.
“I’m going to miss you. I have to put up with all these guys by myself. It’s like having four husbands.” Jenna laughs and folds a few T-shirts. “I may have to keep a journal to hold as evidence in case I kill them.” She lowers her eyebrows. “So, what happens after our tour ends? Are you staying here while the guys work on the record, or are you going to keep doing the long distance thing?”
That’s the million dollar question. If I only had the answer to it. “I’m going to see how it goes when I start work and decide then.” I toss my toiletries in my bag.
“You better feel sorry for me. I have to put up with a lovesick Van who has no idea what’s going to happen after the tour. Ugh, I’m doomed.” She rubs her hand along her temple.
Is she trying to win an Oscar? I zip my bag shut. “I don’t think it’ll be that bad.”
“You don’t have a clue how into you he is. He’d do anything for you. Are you planning on coming with us on the next tour?”
I sigh. “You’re asking a lot of questions that I don’t have the answers to yet. My heart tells me to run away with Van, to go on the tour, an
d to live happily ever after. I would love it to work out that way, but what if it doesn’t?”
She grabs my arms and faces me. “I really think it will, but you need to take risks to achieve anything great in life. I took a risk and ran off with Marcus, and I love my life.”
I drop my bag onto the floor and sit on the bed. “I know, but you and Marcus have a strong commitment, you were married first. I’ve been dating Van for about four months. I’m scared that my fairytale could be over someday and I want to make the right decision.”
Jenna sits beside me and puts her hand over mine. “I can understand that. I also know that Van is head over heels in love with you and if you need some type of commitment, you can get it from him.”
Is she saying what I think she’s saying? “If all of that’s true then we’ll make it work, no matter what.”
She raises her head and stares into my eyes. “I just know that I’ll be at your wedding someday.”
I jerk my head back and gasp, my mouth falls open. If she’s waiting for me to say something she better get comfortable. It’s not like I haven’t thought about it, but that’s a conversation I should have with Van, not Jenna.
I finish up and we head back downstairs. Van’s still playing a video game when I walk into the room.
“All packed?” He rests his head against the back of the couch and turns toward me.
I glance at my watch. “Yeah. We’ll need to leave in a half-hour.”
He puts the game controller down and stands up. “Wow that went by fast.” He grabs my hips and pulls me into a tight hug, softly kissing my lips.
“We’re heading out. Meet us at Marcus’s after you get back from the airport.” Tyler cleans up the last few beer cans and the gang makes their way out.
My stomach rolls and a sour taste invades my mouth. No matter how many times I do it, saying goodbye never seems to get any easier.
Van sits back on the couch and pulls me backward until I plop down next to him. He eases me across the cool leather until I’m sitting on his lap.
“Here we are again. Another ‘see you soon’ moment.” I wrap my arms around his neck and try to suppress the tears forming in my eyes.
