“I’d say wait until you finish college, have a career, know yourself. You lose yourself when you have a child. Yeah, they’re a blessing, but I wish I’d been more financially set and less in a position where I was stressed about her needs. Children are priority number one. I didn’t tell Jase about Faith at first for a couple of reasons. I thought he wouldn’t want her, and I was ashamed I’d gotten pregnant. That may sound silly, but there are a lot of women who would trap a man—especially one in Jase’s position—with a child just to get ahead in the world.” Fallon laced her fingers with his hand resting on her shoulder, and she crooked her head so she could look at him. “I was wrong. I should’ve told him the moment I found out I was pregnant with Faith. He deserved that. He had a right to know.”
Without thinking through his reaction, Jase kissed her forehead and nose. On the tip of his tongue were the words ‘I love you’. No idea what halted the confession, the shock circuited his nervous system and caused his extremities to tingle as if waking up from being asleep.
That he wanted to admit his love to her in front of the world confused him too. He stared at her longer than was practical. Ralph would surely note his pause. But in those minutes as he took in her green eyes and flaming red hair, along with the light smattering of freckles across her cheeks and bridge of her nose, he realized he had fallen for Fallon Morgan in the worst way. It wasn’t her beauty, even though she was prettier than the average woman. Instead, it was the beauty that shined from within her. It infected people. Sam loved her, and just this morning went on and on about how much fun she had with Fallon at the spa. How down to earth she was. How she got along with all of the employees there, and how Omega had already claimed her as one of his new beasties. Not that Omega’s opinion mattered at all.
His band mates even loved her. Keys had claimed her as his newest adopted sister. Derr defended her as stoutly as Jase did—had even almost accosted a reporter last night in her defense. A little bit of information he hoped never got back to Fallon. Even Fang liked her, and he didn’t vocally give an opinion about any of Jase’s girlfriends. Fang worried Jase would break her heart, and there’d been a protective glint in Fang’s eyes when he’d made the accusation.
Jase had fallen hard, and instead of being terrified by the idea of handing his heart to a woman to mutilate, he welcomed the emotions that suffused him.
I’m so fucking in love with her.
The interview hadn’t been as bad as Fallon anticipated. After Jase defended her with a big ‘fuck you’ to the world on what she guessed would be national television when the interview aired, she’d loosened up. How could she stress when he made it obvious he would protect her?
By the time the interview ended, she’d been laughing with the reporter, Ralph. Even Jase had been grinning, and he’d chuckled at least once. Ralph wasn’t so bad, and he seemed like a nice enough guy. He put her at ease, which had been a blessing. Fang spoke well of him, so that had to indicate she could trust the reporter more than others. She wouldn’t make the mistake of trusting any others though. Oh, no, she’d learned her lesson.
After the interview, Jase had kissed her on the cheek, told her she did a fabulous job, and then secluded himself in the recording studio with his band mates and Tab. She’d given Faith a bottle while chitchatting with Sam poolside.
“So….” Sam had said as she flicked her fingers through the pool water. “Would you consider being my last bridesmaid?”
Fallon had choked on her tongue. What’d she say to that? She didn’t want to hurt the other woman’s feelings, but… “I might not even be around when you get married.”
“Heath’s getting the ol’ ball and chain New Year’s Day.” Sam winked at her, and Fallon reminded herself that Sam called Fang Heath. “So, you’ll be here unless you’re planning on leaving before Faith’s one.”
“I’m not saying no, but I don’t understand why you’d want me? You hardly know me.”
Sam shrugged. “I know you well enough to predict we’ll remain friends regardless what happens between you and Jase.”
The gentle reminder that she was in Jase’s house for a limited time cooled her earlier joy. She’d needed the reminder. She would work harder at keeping that reality front and center in her mind, too, otherwise she’d be hurt when Jase did nothing to prevent her from leaving after Faith’s first birthday.
“Huh?” Fallon said when she realized Sam had continued talking and she’d tuned out Jase’s sister.
“I said I needed a third bridesmaid because my side was uneven. My best friend since I was thirteen, Nessa—you’ll meet her next week when she comes for her dress fitting—will be one, then you, if you agree, and of course Omega.”
Unsurprised by the unorthodox bridesmaid line up, Fallon wondered what Omega thought about being one of the girls standing for Sam. Predicting the male cared little about public opinion, she grinned.
“Omega says he’s the ‘stud of honor’ instead of a maid of honor.” Sam had rolled her eyes and Fallon had laughed. “Jase will of course give me away and then stand beside Heath as his best man. Keys and Derr are his other groomsmen. So please think about being one of my bridesmaids. I’d be honored if you’d agree. And don’t worry about money. We got this covered.”
Fallon had looked away, studying the landscape. It annoyed her to not be able to pay her way. Unused to being a charity case, she wanted to be able to offer something to the dynamics.
She’d sucked up her pride and agreed to Sam’s request. It’d make Sam happy and that in turn made Jase happy. It was the least she could do for all they were doing for her.
Afterward, she’d tucked Faith into her crib for a nap. The nanny, Helen, had left Creatura and Fruit of Misfortune, by Nely Cab, on the table with a note that they were her gift to Fallon and she hoped she enjoyed the read. Clutching the books to her chest, Fallon went back to her room and curled up on the bed. She fell asleep thinking about her circumstances.
A little while later she woke to an arm wrapped around her waist, a warm chest and pelvis snuggled against her back and butt, and humid breath puffing against her nape. With no idea how long she napped, she realized it couldn’t have been too long because Faith hadn’t woke up.
Already knowing who snuggled with her, she teased, “You’re interrupting my nap.”
Jase nuzzled her neck, his lips flicking against her flesh as he spoke. “Why aren’t you in my bed?”
Gooseflesh circuited her spine and erupted along her exposed skin. The gentle puffs and the movements of his lips against the back of her neck served as an erotic caress and wetness surged between her thighs.
“It’s your bed.” She thought she sounded a touch breathy.
Fallon wasn’t sure if she should be amazed or horrified that her body seemed to always be primed to his. She wasn’t certain, but she didn’t think her reaction was normal.
The hand positioned on her belly slid upward between her breasts until he cupped her jaw. He turned her head as he elevated his torso with his forearm. His hair was clipped back, and she had the crazy urge to release the dark strands.
She stared at his lips wishing they were on her naked flesh, while thankful he wasn’t navigating them in that direction. Vulnerable in this moment, she would’ve surrendered to her body’s desires.
“Every moment you sleep, I want you in my bed. Move into my room with me.”
Her focus wrenched off his lips and slammed into his eyes. That sounded more like a command than a request. Typical Jase.
“No.”
“Fallon—”
“No,” she interrupted him. Jase had resorted to his soft, cajoling tone, which she was discovering was his go-to tenor when he wanted something. Fallon wouldn’t be coerced into making a decision that affected their relationship. As she studied him, he rolled to his back and pinched the bridge of his nose. “You have no idea how much I want to give you what you want.” Her decision had nothing to do with him always getting what he wanted and everything t
o do with them. His hand shifted away from his face, and she threw up her hand to halt his comment when it became clear he would say something. “I don’t want to move too fast, Jase. I’m scared to death as it is already.”
He sat up and notched the loose stands of his hair behind his ear. “Why?”
“I—” Realizing what she would say would leave her too exposed, she blew out a long breath to prepare herself. Here goes nothing. “I feel too much around you, Jase.”
“That’s not possible.”
“It is! This feeling”—she placed her fist in the center of her chest—“makes me ache here. I feel weak and jittery. More alive when I’m with you than any other time.” Her voice trembled, and she struggled with the inclination to turn away, to hide her vulnerability from his prying eyes. “I don’t want to rush into anything and regret it later.”
“You trying to guard your heart?” He was always so perceptive.
I’d be crazy not to. “Yeah.”
He nodded, an expression of grim acceptance settling into the creases of his eyes. He pushed off the bed and stood in front of her.
“I get it,” Jase said. “I can promise you I’ll be faithful, but those are hollow words. I’ve gotta prove it.”
“That’s not even what I’m talking about, Jase.”
A cute frown settled along his brow. “Then…you know I’m crazy about you, Fallon. My heart aches for you too. If I could pick any one woman in the world to be in my life, it’d be you. I don’t want anyone else. I’m all in when it comes to you. I’ll try to go slow for you, but I can’t promise because I’m not a slow type of guy, and I don’t want to break a promise to you.”
She didn’t think she’d ever understand this man. He jerked his shirt up and grabbed her hand, drawing her into a seated position, as he settled her palm over his heart. She could feel the steady thump against her touch. “My heart beats for you alone, Fallon.”
Despite its lack of originality, that was the sweetest thing she’d ever heard. “Asking you to go slow doesn’t irritate you?”
“Of course it does. I hate waiting for something I want. But I’ll do anything for you.”
Saying her thanks felt inadequate so she hugged him. Not that the gesture was much better. At best it was lame.
He squeezed her back, pressing kisses to the top of her head. “Will you still sleep in my bed at night with me? I like having you next to me.”
“I’ll think about it.”
He squeezed her a little harder. “For the record, I didn’t get my way this time.” She grinned, but knew he couldn’t see it. “But once a day is more than I can tolerate. If you don’t sleep in my bed, consider this fair warning that I’ll be obligated to invade yours.”
Fallon laughed. “I know this is a topic change….”
“Mmhm…spill what’s on your mind.”
“Sam asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, and I said yes.”
“That’s it?”
“Omega invited me to join Sam and Fang at his party the first of December. He says it’s a big shindig.”
He tensed against her. “I’d say fuck no, but I don’t control you. That’s your decision.”
“I want you to go with me.”
His chuckle warmed her in all the wrong places. “To say Omega and I dislike one another is like saying a preacher kinda wants to defeat sin.”
She rolled her eyes. “He’s not all that bad, and you need to learn to get along with him for Sam’s sake. I don’t think he’s leaving her life anytime soon.”
“If Fang wasn’t such a pussy, he’d give Sam an ultimatum. Omega or him. Sam would—”
“Sam would kick his ass, and he’d be thankful she didn’t rip his balls off.”
“True.” He sounded smug. “I taught her well.” He sighed dramatically, a totally put on affection. “I guess I’ll sacrifice myself and go with you, on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“You let me buy you a complete new wardrobe.” She frowned at him. “And you attend the benefit concert we’re scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving, as well as the ChartToppers Music Awards in December. Hot Wired’s been nominated for the Storm Award or some shit.”
That was more than a band of the year nomination. The Storm Award was given to the band that blew all the other bands off the market in record sales. The elite band that created its own chart. It was so coveted an award it wasn’t even given out every year because most bands didn’t knock the others off the charts enough to count.
“The Storm Award is a big deal, Jase.”
He shrugged. “I guess. Fang said it was an honor. All I care about is the band being great.”
Funny how Jase could be simple and complicated all at once. “That means more shopping with Sam?”
“Yep.”
Fallon sighed. “And spending your money.”
“I’ll set up a bank account in your name. Then it’ll be yours.” He produced that panty-dripping grin.
Silly man, she’d still know where the money came from even if it was in her name. “Whatever makes you happy.”
“Oh, no, darlin’, this is about making you happy. But if you want to make me happy, wear something sexy to all those events. Something so sexy I’ll want to rip your clothes off right there and bang you until you’re crying uncle from coming so much.”
Fallon laughed, but nixed the eye-roll at the last second. “You have such a way with words, Jase Collins.”
“Didn’t you know I’m a man of many talents?” He winked as Faith’s cry came through the baby monitors. “I got her. You rest.”
Rest would be impossible after this conversation.
Fallon would be the death of Jase Collins. She was reserved toward him during the day, but she snuggled in his arms at night. Where she belongs. The mother of his child was a fucking conundrum, and he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. On Thanksgiving Day he should be thinking thankful thoughts instead of how he wanted to strip her out of her clothing and fuck her until she was comatose.
“You watch her like a lovesick puppy,” Keys kindly pointed out.
“Blow me,” Jase replied.
“Keep your fantasies to yourself.” Keys tipped his glass of whiskey to his lips as he stared at Fallon. “When you first mentioned her while in the hospital after your accident, I thought you were deranged from the cocktail of pain meds. You of all people stuck on one girl.” An ironic chuckle slithered from the lead guitarist. “Apparently miracles do still happen.”
“You getting to a point?” As he watched, Fallon giggled with his sister, and they hip-bumped one another in celebration of running the pool table on Derr and Fang.
“Mah brat need a victory kiss?” Fang tacked on a heavy dose of Southern twang and gave Sam a lurid grin.
“Chicks so fucking beat your asses!” Vanessa—Nessa for short and his sister’s best friend since middle school—ran off at the mouth, while throwing her arms around Fallon and Sam’s shoulders. “Cough up your man cards because y’all have been pussy whipped, boys!”
Yep, they had. The guys had sunk two balls in total before Sam mopped up the table with them.
“She’s a keeper.” Keys eyed Nessa as he said that. Even though he knew his band mate referred to Fallon, Jase thought his interest in Nessa was all too obvious. She was a looker with her blonde curls, a pin-up-girl hourglass figure, and busty chest. And to be one of Sam’s lifelong buddies, there had to be a rule or something that required her to be a smack talker. Yeah, she fit right in with this gang.
Jase expelled a weary breath. His friend could micromanage his own love life, because Jase had his own love problems. He knew Fallon was a keeper. The trouble was getting Fallon on board with that concept. She’d already admitted to safeguarding her heart against him. That didn’t work for him.
“That right there has to be stopped.” Jase nodded toward the girls’ celebration. “I wanna spank some ass.”
Keys chuckled, but saved the smartass comment for anot
her time.
“Y’all have a sharpshooter on your side, the odds are skewed in your favor.” Jase crashed their games. “Take Sam out of the equation, and that there is a true challenge.”
Jase’s comment had Nessa eyeing him with a rebellious cant to her jaw. “You know I used to have a severe crush on your guy,” Nessa said to his girl. Fallon opened her mouth to say something, but Nessa talked over her. “Glad I’m over that foolishness. I prefer a guy who can take an ass whooping without bitching about it.”
“My ass wasn’t beat.” He wedged his hip against the pool table. He picked up a ball and tossed it up…caught it. Without lauding his own marksmanship at billiards, he said, “And you don’t hear my guys whining. Why don’t y’all beat us at something interesting, Nes.”
“We could beat y’all at a pissing contest.”
Keys laughed outright at Nessa’s bold statement. Whose side was he on, anyway?
Jase elbowed Keys in the ribs. That shut his guitarist up.
“Not sure about that,” Sam shook her head and blew Fang a kiss. “Keep me outta that particular contest.”
“Me too.” Fallon set her pool stick aside and walked to the wet bar. Not surprisingly she retrieved a bottle of water. He’d yet to see her drink alcohol, and he’d love to see how silly she got when she was tipsy.
“Take your pick of games.” There was no shortage of games in the game room. “Ping pong, video games—”
“Can’t beat me at Sniper,” Derr bragged about his skillset with that particular video game.
“—basketball, foosball, whatever you ladies prefer. Even poker.” Jase swept his arm to indicate the room. There was a multitude of games in the room, including an arcade style basketball set up.
“Poker,” Sam piped in. “I’m pretty good at poker too.”
Nessa nodded her agreement, and they glanced at Fallon.
Fallon wiped her mouth with the back of her hand holding the bottle of water. Features blank, she shrugged. “Okay, why not.”
Lost in the Beat Page 18
