“Your parents?” I mumbled, still sprinkling kisses all over her lips.
She got up from her chair and held her hand out, motioning for me to follow. I knew that once I took her hand I was never letting her go. For real this time.
“They’ll understand, believe me.”
Without any reservations, I enclosed her hand with mine and followed her to my destiny.
Chapter 35
ZOEY
Three weeks later
It felt so good to wake up to sunshine. I was so glad that LTZ hadn’t canceled their LA holiday show, the last one before a blessed year-long hiatus. Well, except for the Grammys in late January. We were having my folks and the entire band over for a barbeque later and I couldn’t wait to see Alex. I was still technically healing, but my sling was gone, and the cast was off. It didn’t mean that sleeping in it was a thing of the past, it was a luxury I’d gotten used to in my convalescence.
Stretching, I looked up into the deep-blue eyes of my love. Ty stood before me in only his boxer briefs, offering me a cup of tea. I wanted something else.
“Come here.” I motioned.
“Gladly.” His smile was off the charts. Our reunion had been immediate on the night he came over to my folks’. I moved back into our Seattle house the next day. We were solid. Inseparable. Permanent. As an added bonus, yesterday I’d gotten the all-clear to resume physical activity.
When he was close enough, I rolled toward him and tugged his briefs down, taking great delight in watching his hard cock spring free, thick and gorgeous. All mine. Wrapping my hand around the base, I angled his crown toward my lips and licked and swirled my tongue in a sweet tease before guiding his cock deeper into my mouth. Groaning, he fisted my hair and bucked against my mouth helplessly when I sucked him hard.
Just when I thought, he’d fall over the edge, his big palms caressed my face and gently he pulled out. ‘It’s been so long, butterfly. Today, I want to come inside you.”
Ty knelt next to me and tenderly gripped my calves, placing them on either side of his legs. His savage gaze was focused on my panties, he pulled them down to my knees and then all the way off. The anticipation of his mouth on me made me liquidate with desire. Ty laughed when I tried to arch up to meet him.
“Impatient, are we?” Without missing a beat, he plunged his tongue into my pussy and lapped through my folds. The vibrations of his deep voice sent shivers all through my sex when he growled against me, “I love how you taste, God I missed this.”
From between my legs, his blue eyes blazed when he sucked my throbbing clit between his lips. Ty inserted two fingers inside me and curled them against my g-spot, stroking in time to his oral mastery. My body needed him, needed release. I shoved a fist into my mouth to keep from screaming and alerting our houseguests to our activities. He didn’t stop until I came, limp and panting, floaty.
“Are you feeling okay?” Ty whispered, kissing his way up my body before stretching out beside me.
“Mmm.”
“Did that feel good?” His hand stroked my stomach, caressing lightly.
I smiled, feeling like I was half in a dream. Ty continued to touch me all over, my arms, hands, ribs, breasts, neck. His mouth followed his hands with gentle kisses. Laving my nipples into puckered points. I’d never felt so worshipped. My guy adored me. Loved me unconditionally. He eased down over me, careful not to put his weight against my still slightly sore ribs, but close enough to pepper kisses along my jaw then press his lips against mine.
Kneeling between my legs, he clutched my hips and pulled me to him. His cock nudged against my slick pussy. Gripping himself, he rubbed his tip through my folds before pressing inside with one strong, slow thrust. My eyes flew open, the sensation of having Ty inside me was so much more than physical. It was everything.
“Zoey, oh God.” Ty’s voice cracked.
He picked up a steady rhythm keeping a grip on my hips to ensure my own motions were limited. Steadily, he rocked me back and forth against him, careful not to drive too hard or too fast, even as he picked up the pace. I couldn’t help but bite my lip, all of my inner muscles coiled and tightened again. He gritted his teeth, holding back his own release while he watched me come again helplessly through a long, enduring tidal wave of bliss.
“I can’t believe how good you feel.” Ty’s eyes were practically rolled back into his head. “I can’t last much longer.”
“Then don’t.” I lifted my hips so Ty could grab my ass and drive more deeply inside me. He watched himself thrust where our bodies were joined, mesmerized, his thumb circling my clit. He found the right angle so that his cock hit my inner spot and my body trembled once more.
“Oh my God, I’m coming again,” I wheezed.
Ty’s eyes squeezed shut and the muscles corded in his neck when he emptied inside me. His guttural, rough moans were so incredibly sexy, I pulled him down to me so I could devour his lips. He shifted so he lay by my side, but he was still able to shroud my body with his. Only then he pressed his lips to mine, trailing kisses across my mouth and neck. Wound together, our bodies touched wherever we could make contact.
“I’ve missed making love to you.” Ty nuzzled my ear.
“Should we go again?” I booped his nose.
Ty cocked his eyebrow. “I’ve just gotten you healed, that will have to carry you over for a few hours.
An hour later, I was showered and dressed, sipping a cup of tea at the breakfast bar. Ty stood behind me, massaging my shoulder the way my therapist showed him, sneaking kisses. After all we’d been through over the past few weeks, something had shifted between us. We’d settled into a deep sense of trust. Something unbreakable.
A knock on the front door startled me, and Ty released me to answer the door, saluting my folks who were approaching from the guest room as he cruised past. A few minutes later, a middle-aged woman with beautiful silver hair came in rolling two racks of high-fashion clothing into the living room. Close behind, a slight, dark-haired man followed with a rack of beautiful gowns, and I recognized him as Christian Siriano, the famous designer.
“What’s going on, Ty?” My eyes were as wide as saucers.
“You’ll need some things to wear for the press interview and the holiday show. Katherine arranged for our stylist friend Lily to make sure you, your mom, and Alex are well taken care of.” Ty wrapped his arms around me and proudly smiled. “Oh, and Zoey, Olivia, please meet Christian, he’s graciously agreed to create Zoey’s red-carpet look.”
My mom was starstruck at first, but the designer was so gracious she was soon at ease. Alex joined us a half-hour later and the three of us spent the next few hours trying on clothes and joking with Lily and Christian as they measured and pinned the different outfits we picked out. After they left, I was, not-so-surprisingly, exhausted but psyched about the outfits I’d have for the show.
Ty and Dad had left together earlier to grab lunch while we were being fashionistas and arrived back to find that the three of us were lounging by the pool.
“Hey, beautiful.” Ty sat on my lounge chair wearing a loose T-shirt, baseball cap, mirrored aviators, and flip-flops. “Did you have fun?”
“It was so much fun, especially because Mom didn’t embarrass me.” I lowered my Prada sunglasses, squinting against the sun.
“Zoey!” Mom chastised, still rocking a black bikini at age fifty-nine.
“You’re going to lose it when you see her dress.” Alex smiled from her lounger in her contrasting white bikini.
“I always lose it when I see Zoey.” Ty bent down to kiss me.
“We’re all set.” Dad sat next to my mom.
“For what?” I sat up, my hot-pink-and black bikini top shifting slightly, causing Ty’s eyebrows to rise above his sunglasses.
“We picked up some groceries for a barbeque.” Ty kissed my head. “We’re cooking you all some dinner, and the guys are all coming over.”
“I can help, babe.” I started to get up, only to have Ty shake his
head and motion for me to lie back down before he headed for the sliding glass door.
“Z, let your man take care of you, he’s so good at it,” Alex smirked.
“You have a wise best friend, butterfly,” Ty called over his shoulder and disappeared into the house.
“Duh!” Alex called back.
“Are you ever going to tell me what is going on with you and Jace?” I said quietly so that only Alex could hear me.
“Zoey, the truth is I probably fucked it up.”
“C’mon, you’ve been circling around each other for years.” I lowered my sunglasses. “He’s a great guy.”
“He’s hot, he’s funny, he’s sexy, and we can’t seem to keep things together. Especially—” Alex stopped herself.
“Especially what?”
“Nothing. It’s not my place to say.” Alex flipped over onto her stomach. “Let’s just say after everything you’ve been through, I’m hoping we will work out. We’re both tired of hiding, but I’m not sure where we stand.”
“I’m sorry. I know that our situation hasn’t helped over the years.” I turned over too and rested the side of my face on my folded arms.
“No offense, but it doesn’t have anything to do with you guys. I’m just facing it head-on.” Alex swatted a fly away from her face.
Through the sliding glass door, we could hear the telltale commotion that the band had arrived. Both of us looked up at the same time to see shirtless Jace standing in the doorway wearing board shorts and flip-flops, his long, blond hair blowing in the slight breeze. Mirrored shades covered his eyes, but it was clear he was appreciating Alex in her full bikini glory.
“I need a minute.” Alex got up and wrapped a towel around her waist and headed to the guest cottage.
Jace went back inside and I could see him sit at the breakfast bar through the window. My mom had already gone inside to change, so I got up and padded into the kitchen where Ty and my dad had trays of steaks for the BBQ, a bunch of corn on the cob, and a big bowl of potato salad set out. I waved to Ronni, who was sitting at the counter next to Connor and Jace. Zane was lounging on the couch in the living room talking on the phone.
“If you don’t cover yourself up, I’m liable to embarrass both of us. You’re so fucking hot I want a repeat of this morning.” Ty came up behind me and whispered into my ear.
Swatting him and giggling, I headed back into the bedroom to throw on a white caftan and check myself in the mirror. For the first time since the accident, I looked normal. Earlier in the day I used my mom’s laptop to get caught up on email, but I’d deliberately avoided all social media and gossip sites. Ty’s tablet was on the bed. I picked it up, wondering if it was a good time to see what was happening.
“Put it down, baby.” Ty stood in the doorway before crossing the room toward me.
“You’re right.” I acknowledged.
“You have press training before the interview tomorrow.” Ty’s cheek rested on the top of my head as he cuddled me. “Everything has leveled out. Can we just enjoy everyone in the safety of our house tonight?”
“Yes. we can do that.” I tightened my grip on him as we held each other.
“I’m going to go grill the steaks.” Ty pulled away but kept a grip on my waist. “And then I want to shoo everyone away so we can get a good night’s sleep.”
“Sleep?” I waggled my eyebrows.
“Well, at some point.” Ty laughed and headed out the door.
Everyone stayed to eat, drink, and swim until the early evening. Alex and I hung out with Ronni and getting to know her was fantastic. She shared the funniest stories of her and Ty’s fake romance and all the mischief they would get up to for paparazzi shots. Connor didn’t take his eyes off Ronni and Jace didn’t take his eyes off Alex, but both rockers sat stoically, listening to us giggle and gossip. Ty and Zane were in deep conversation with my folks and Carter, who had arrived just in time to eat.
As I looked around at the group, it felt like a million years since New York. Ty caught my eye and winked at me. In that instant I truly knew that everything was behind us. It didn’t matter what anyone said about us or wrote about us. Together, we were invincible.
Chapter 36
TYSON
Our town car whisked us through Hollywood on our way to the television studio, I played with Zoey’s fingers while she looked out the window. Feeling confident, I was actually looking forward to the interview we had lined up. Zoey looked beautiful in a simple black-and-white, color-blocked jumpsuit with her hair in her trademark beachy waves and black Prada boots. I wore dark jeans, a white T-shirt, and green Valentino sneakers, which Zoey picked out for me during her meeting with Lucy.
“Are you nervous?” I brought her pink-tipped fingers to my lips.
“Yeah, actually. I’m a little out of my element.” She looked over at me, her eyes flickering gold in the sunlight.
“You’re going to be so great, don’t worry about a thing.”
“It’s intimidating.” Zoey leaned her head on my shoulder.
“You’ll be fine, just remember to think through your answer and be authentic. You can’t go wrong.” I snuggled her into my side, not intending on letting her forget that I had her back, ever again.
“Do you know how good you are at this? You’re so unbelievably poised and professional. It’s very sexy.” She purred into my ear, causing my dick to perk up.
“Knock it off, butterfly.” I jokingly swatted at her. “You’re getting me all riled up on purpose.”
“Fine, okay.” She crossed her arms and slumped into the seat, giving me a sly grin from the side. “I think my idea is better than an interview though.”
Once we arrived, after the whirlwind of producers, makeup and lighting, and sound-checks, we were sitting in on a stage on two bar-height director’s chairs facing Diane Kennedy, the network host of the segment. Katherine had ensured this would be a soft-ball interview, to reestablish focus on the foundation.
While I took the lead for most of the interview, Zoey killed it on camera. She looked radiant and serene. Her confidence and passion about the foundation and its mission came through loud and clear. She also easily deflected Diane’s query about the accident and our relationship in a way that was satisfying yet not revealing. When we finished a few hours later, we took some pictures with various staff at the studio and got into the car to head home.
With our media commitments behind us and the negative press mostly turned around, I could finally focus on the holiday show, which was sold out. We’d be playing in front of nearly sixty thousand people. Because it would be the last live show LTZ played before our hiatus, we all wanted it to be extraordinary. Zane and Connor had taken the lead with our lighting and technical team, and when they shared their plans it made me giddy with anticipation.
On the day of the show, the band dealt with soundcheck and more media interviews. Zoey spent the day with Ronni getting beautified for the red carpet courtesy of Ronni’s glam-squad. Ronni was expected to attend all high-profile events like the film opening as part of her television production contract. She jokingly suggested that she walk down the carpet with Zoey and me for a sister-wives moment, but Connor surprised us all by asking if she would walk the red carpet with him.
I arrived back home in the nick of time to change, and we were off for Zoey’s first big Hollywood event night.
My beautiful girl clutched my hand as we walked the red carpet, looking stunning in a pink fluttery dress with silver straps and silver sandals. Her beautiful hair was loose but held up by a myriad of small braids. I felt a bit silly in a Dolce & Gabbana black, shiny, patterned suit of gold and silver stars, but Zoey and her mom gushed over the outfit, so I wore it anyway.
As the lights of the photographers flashed and we posed on the step-and-repeat, I ignored all requests for my picture without Zoey. Making sure she was tightly by my side, we gave the press ample opportunity to capture us from all angles. On the other hand, when the paps requested to photograp
h Zoey alone, I stepped away for a minute to let them capture my stunning girl in all her glory.
Earlier that day, our interview aired. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the requests for more interviews, reality TV shows, and other appearances were being fielded by Katherine. As far as I was concerned, until it was time to promote the foundation and Zoey’s role as CEO, my days of media-pandering were done.
After the red carpet, we headed straight to the venue to get ready for the show. Led by a nearly recovered Sergey, Alex and Zoey’s mom and dad met us in our dressing room. Zoey changed into more comfortable concert clothes and emerged wearing black, distressed jeans laced together at the sides and her vintage Van Halen shirt, cut out in all the right places.
“Holy shit! Is that—” I ran to her.
“Yep, Mom found it in my closet,” Zoey laughed.
“I’m still not too thrilled about it.” Olivia raised an eyebrow.
“Neither am I!” Mike laughed.
“Well I am! I love it, it’s so perfect!” I ran my hands along Zoey’s sides, caressing the bits of soft skin through the tears in the shirt. “I’m having a flashback to the first time seeing you. My heart has never been the same.”
Zoey stood on her tip-toes to kiss me, which I eagerly returned tenfold.
I stripped off my dress shirt and blazer and threw on an LTZ T-shirt and changed into my combat boots, opting to keep the starry, shiny pants from the suit on. The rest of the guys had filtered in and changed by that point, and we settled into our pre-show routine of vocal warm-ups, visualizations and, for Connor and Zane, shots.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Alex tentatively walk toward Jace, who was leaning on the edge of the sofa with his arms crossed, his head down. He looked up at her and shook his head sadly. Her expression crumpled, but she put her hand on his shoulder and brushed his dirty-blond hair from his eyes. He gave her a weak smile, and she whispered something into his ear and returned to Zoey’s side where they spoke in hushed tones.
ENDLESS: A Less Than Zero Rockstar Romance: Book 1: Ty & Zoey Page 29
