by Unknown
“I like these.” Liam gestured toward a grouping of five similar photographs of the roiling ocean.
“She took them on the beach in San Francisco. You can almost feel the cold in the waves, can’t you?” Many of the photographs depicted natural landscapes, but a few portraits were mixed in.
“She’s captured something.” Liam touched Shelley’s neck and trailed his fingers down her back.
Shelley shivered in response. “Liam …”
“Yes?” His hand stopped at her waist and he stroked her hip.
Shelley sucked in a breath. “Perhaps you shouldn’t do that.”
“Do what?” Liam led Shelley down the wall, his fingers lingering on the curve of her ass.
“Touch me like that,” Shelley whispered. She glanced around. Was anyone watching?
“Does it bother you?” His tone said that was exactly what he wanted—her, hot and bothered.
“I wouldn’t say that exactly,” Shelley hedged.
“What would you say … exactly?” Liam fiddled with the ends of her hair that curled down her back.
Shelley leaned in close. “Are you trying to arouse me?” She kept her voice soft and low.
“Am I succeeding?” He took her hand in his and rubbed his thumb over her palm.
Shelley was saved from answering by her sister’s appearance.
“Shelley, I’m so glad you came.” Kate kissed Shelley on the cheek and offered her hand to Liam. “I finally get to meet you.”
Liam released Shelley’s hand to take Kate’s. “You’re as talented as your sister said you were. I think you’re a hit.”
“People are looking. That’s the first step.” Kate tapped her fingertips together.
“Are Mom and Dad here yet?” Shelley asked.
“Yeah,” Kate answered. “They’re over there talking to the gallery owner.
Shelley followed Kate’s finger and saw a statuesque woman with pink-streaked hair standing next to her bewildered father. “Dad looks confused.”
Kate laughed. “I know, right? Camilla is terrific, but you know Dad. He doesn’t get out much.”
“Any sales yet?” Shelley wished she hadn’t asked the question as soon as it popped out. She didn’t want to put more pressure on Kate.
Kate looked unconcerned. “No idea, but Camilla says people usually wait until later in the evening after they’ve had a chance to soak it all in. Oh, oh, gotta go. I see a critic walked in. We’ll talk more later.”
“Of course.” Shelley gave Kate’s arm a squeeze.
Liam reclaimed Shelley’s hand. “I like your sister.”
“Yeah, she’s great.”
“Maybe you can help me pick something out.”
“To buy?”
“Yes.”
“Liam, you don’t have to buy anything. I don’t expect it.”
“I know you don’t. I like your sister’s work. I need your help because it will be hard to choose.”
Shelley searched Liam’s face. “It’s hard to choose. You’re right about that. I know she has a group of haunting cityscapes here somewhere. Maybe something like that?”
“Lead on.”
They toured the gallery, stopping to nibble on artfully intricate canapés. Liam didn’t stop touching her. His hands and fingertips roamed her body slowly, right in front of the oblivious crowd.
Eventually Shelley couldn’t take any more. She grasped his forearm. “We need to leave.”
“Mmm? Already?”
Shelley pulled him close and whispered, “I want to touch you. Really touch you. I can’t wait any longer.”
“We’ll come back to buy something later.” Liam pulled her toward the exit.
~ * ~ * ~
Liam pushed her dress off her shoulders. “I’ve been waiting all evening for this.”
Shelley trembled and clutched his arms. “I love how you make me feel. I love …”
Liam’s lips descended on hers, swallowing her words. His nimble fingers unzipped her dress and he pulled it off. “Red undies. Very sexy. Is that for me?”
“I thought you might like them.” The silky red bra and panties had been a splurge she couldn’t resist.
Shelley unbuttoned Liam’s shirt, eager to touch him. She rubbed her palms down his chest and stomach, pausing at the waistband of his pants. A wanton boldness possessed her, and she unfastened his pants, pushing them down with his underwear as she sank to her knees in front of him.
She inhaled his heated, musky smell and touched her cheek to his erection. Her tongue snaked out and licked him, base to tip.
Liam sucked in a breath and buried his fingers in her hair.
Shelley nibbled back down his shaft, smiling as he jerked against her. “Tell me what you want, Liam.”
“Oh yeah. Suck me. Do it,” his husky voice pleaded.
And she did. Shelley took him into her mouth and flicked her tongue around the head of his cock. She focused her efforts on the underside, sweeping back and forth before sucking him fully inside.
“That feels so good. You have no idea.” He groaned and closed his eyes.
Shelley didn’t answer and she didn’t stop. Her hands grasped his ass and one fingertip wandered to the dark cleft between his cheeks.
Shelley looked up. “As much as I’d like to continue, I think I want something else from you.”
“Whatever you want, you can have it.” Liam’s sexy accent was pronounced.
Feminine power flooded through her. She stood up and walked to the bedside table. Liam’s gaze followed the wiggle of her ass. She opened the drawer and fished out a condom. She walked back toward him, ripping open the packet. Gripping him firmly, she placed the latex ring around the head of his cock and unrolled it to the base.
Shelley clutched his shoulders and pushed him onto the bed. “Get in the middle of the mattress.”
Liam crawled backwards crab-style as Shelley followed him onto the bed. She straddled his hips and rubbed herself against him.
Liam lifted his hands to touch her and she grasped his wrists, pinning them to the mattress. “Keep your hands right there.”
“Are you going to have your way with me?” Liam chuckled.
“Oh yeah.” She took his erection in her hand and guided him inside her. She flexed her hips until she felt the friction where she wanted it. She clenched him, tight, lifted off and then buried him within her depths again.
“Shelley, you’re making me crazy, but don’t stop,” he pleaded, his voice husky.
“That’s the general idea.” Shelley thrust against him again and again, driving herself toward climax. She cupped her breasts and squeezed her nipples.
Liam groaned. “That’s so sexy. Touch yourself. Let me see you touch yourself.”
Shelley slipped her hand between her legs and her finger zeroed in on the sensitive bundle of nerves she found there. She closed her eyes and surged against him, her finger rubbing her clit back and forth. Heat rose within her and she twitched around him once.
Liam grasped her hips, unable to remain still. “Yes, don’t hold back.”
Shelley’s eyes flew open and when she met Liam’s dark gaze, she reached the edge. Her head fell back and she pressed against him, holding him tightly inside as her orgasm rippled through her.
Liam thrust up underneath her and growled as his orgasm claimed him.
In the aftermath, Shelley slumped against him and Liam rolled so they lay side by side, still connected.
Chapter 8
Liam rubbed Shelley’s shoulder as he answered the phone. “What’s up?”
“It’s Sean. Rob’s in the hospital.”
“What?” Liam’s hand dropped to his side.
“Yeah, it’s an OD, man.” Sean’s weary voice cracked.
“Is he okay?” Liam asked.
“No idea. David called. I’m on my way to the hospital now.”
“Shit. Shit. Okay. I’m coming.” Liam threw the phone at the wall, swearing.
Shelley touched Liam
’s arm. “Liam? What’s happened?”
“Fucking Rob. I’ve gotta go hospital.”
“I’ll come with you.” Shelley picked up the phone from the floor.
“No, you don’t have to. Damn, that fucker better not die.”
“Liam, I know how much he means to you.”
“Yeah. Yeah, he does. He’s a good guy, really. He’s been making shit choices. Some of the same shit choices I made, but I’m here and he’s in the hospital.”
“Hey, it’s not your fault.”
“I should have watched more carefully. I should have spent more time with him. Talked to him. Hell, I should have hired some kind of minder.”
Shelley shook her head. “Rob’s an adult. I’m sorry for what’s happened, but you can’t watch him every minute. He wouldn’t allow it even if you wanted to.”
“Yeah. Okay. Okay. Let’s go.” Liam didn’t bother to hide his impatience.
“Do you want me to drive?” Shelley offered.
“No. It’s okay. I’m good to drive.”
Liam handled the car with extra care. The last thing they needed was an accident. The streets weren’t crowded and they made good time getting to the hospital.
Liam held Shelley’s hand in a tight grasp as they headed for the hospital entrance. They were almost to the doors when two men appeared from the side, cameras in hand.
Shelley held up a hand. “Hey, now’s not the time.”
Without even a pause, they started firing questions at Liam as they took pictures. “Is it true that Rob overdosed? What did he overdose on? Is he expected to recover? What does this mean for your tour?”
“Get the hell away from me.” Liam’s hand knocked a camera lens, pushing it the side.
“Hey man, we’ve got a job to do.” The man lifted the camera back to his face.
“Do it somewhere else.” He’d never used such a cold, flat tone in Shelley’s presence before and it was jarring.
“We can be here,” the man whined.
Liam grasped the camera strap of the closest man and pulled hard.
“Shit. Let go of me.” The photographer struggled to stay on his feet. The other cameraman kept shooting.
Shelley tugged on his arm. “Liam, it’s not worth it. Let’s get inside.”
With a last furious look, Liam acquiesced and they entered the hospital. They didn’t say a word on the way up to the ICU but Shelley squeezed his hand. They found Sean and David in the hallway, along with Rob’s sometime girlfriend, Gina.
“What’s his status?” Liam grasped Shelley’s hand like a lifeline, bracing himself for the worst.
David didn’t make him wait for the answer. “He’s lucky. He took over-the-counter stuff and drank alcohol. His blood work showed nothing illegal. He should be all right.”
“Were you with him?” Liam asked Gina.
Gina shook her head. “No, not exactly. I went by his place to speak with him and I found him. I called 911 and then I called David.”
“So, it was an accident?” Liam asked.
Sean nodded. “Near as we can tell.” Gina hung heavily on Sean and he guided her to a nearby chair.
Liam spared them a long look before turning to David. “Do we need to delay things?”
“Probably not. We’ll have to see how he does, but his doctor is saying he’ll be out in a few days, barring any complications.”
The fear clawing Liam’s chest since the phone call eased a bit. “That’s a relief. Not about the tour. About him, I mean.”
“We all need to keep a closer eye on him.” David pointed at each of them in turn.
Sean didn’t look up. He simply said, “Yeah, okay.”
Liam sat down and Shelley joined him. He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For everything.”
Chapter 9
Shelley stepped out of the terminal and wrinkled her nose. New York sure didn’t smell like LA. Of course, LA didn’t always smell that great, either. She dragged her bag along the sidewalk and joined the taxi queue, which fortunately wasn’t that long.
The ride into the city offered a spectacular view of the skyline. The gleaming reflections of skyscrapers alternated with historic stone buildings. The taxi sped along and Shelley placed a call to her cousin to let her know she was on the way. She hadn’t seen Faith in over a year and looked forward to the visit. As children, they’d been two peas in a pod, and Shelley still felt a special closeness to Faith, more sister than cousin.
When the cab stopped in front of her building, Faith rushed out. As Shelley exited the taxi, she enfolded her in a tight hug. “I’m so glad to see you. It’s been too long.”
The driver placed Shelley’s bag on the curb and she passed him some bills. “I’m glad to see you, too. You look terrific.”
“Something tall, dark, and handsome is agreeing with me.” Faith winked.
“You’ll have to tell me all about it.” The news of Faith’s new man thrilled Shelley. She’d been worried about Faith since her fiancé broke it off right before their wedding.
“I will. Let’s get inside.” Faith picked up Shelley’s suitcase and led her up the stoop.
Faith’s apartment was small, but homey. Shelley loved the combination of family treasures, soft fabrics, and earthy colors.
Shelley hugged Faith again. “So, so, how’s the job?”
“The same. Let’s talk about something more interesting. I do believe I saw a small mention about you and a certain rocker? It might have been more than a small mention,” Faith teased.
“I know, it’s crazy, right? Who’d think a guy like that would be interested in me?” Shelley still hadn’t gotten used to the idea.
Faith scoffed. “Who’d think that? Ah, who wouldn’t? You’re beautiful, talented, and va va va voom.” Faith moved her hands in a way that indicated a curvy figure.
Shelley laughed. “You’re too kind.”
“No, I’m not. I’m nice, but I’m not going to lie to you. Maybe I’m a little prejudiced, but if you’re giving him your time, he’s lucky. Is he as sexy in person as he seems?” Faith wiggled her eyebrows playfully.
“Yes, actually. He makes my whole body go haywire,” Shelley admitted.
Faith sighed. “I thought so.”
“What about your guy?” Shelley asked.
“Eh, it’s just a physical thing. Nice, but just sex. Do you think Liam’s the one?” Faith walked to the kitchen and removed two glasses from the cupboard.
“No, probably not.” Shelley hated saying it. Her heart ached thinking about the end.
“How come?” The glasses clinked as Faith added ice.
“He’s got this wild, rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle and I don’t see us fitting together over the long term.”
“Are you sure?” Faith poured the ice tea and stepped back into the tiny living room, handing Shelley her glass.
“He says he’s left it behind, but Faith, his life is crazy. Fans all the time. Paparazzi. Tabloids. It’s hard. People are always looking for a compromising picture or a juicy story.”
“That’s not his fault.” Faith sat on the couch and patted the cushion beside her. “Sit.”
Shelley sunk onto the cushion. “No, I don’t blame him. I just can’t imagine living like that over the long term.”
“Hmmmm.”
“Plus, he’s leaving on a long tour. We’d be spending a lot of time apart. That’s too much for most relationships.”
“So you aren’t even giving it a chance?” As usual, Faith cut right to the heart of the matter.
“I’m giving it a chance. Sort of. I mean, we’re going out.”
“Shelley, either you’re trying or you’re not. What if it’s real? What if it’s true? Are you really going to pass up love because some photographer might take a picture of you eating dinner?”
“You’re making me sound silly.”
“I don’t think you’re silly. I think you’re stronger tha
n you realize. If he’s on tour, why not go meet him? Can’t you schedule appearances where he is? They have planes, you know.”
“Yeah …”
“All the BS. The fans. The tabloids. They don’t matter. What matters is what’s between you two. What matters is what happens when you’re together. How he makes you feel.”
Shelley sighed. “He makes me feel wonderful. Desirable. He’s so funny and sometimes sweet. Yet, he has this fierce, protective side… and the sex. He makes me melt into a puddle of quivering pleasure.”
“You’re going to give up on that because some woman in a bathing suit threw herself at him?”
“You saw that photo?”
“I think everyone did. But Shelley, it was pretty clear he wasn’t happy with her. I mean, his scowl was a mile wide.”
“Yeah, it was. I didn’t think he did anything. Not even for a minute.”
“See? You trust him, too.”
“Yes. You know, I guess I’m afraid,” Shelley admitted.
“Of what?”
“That he won’t love me. That he won’t love me enough. That I won’t be enough for him. I want the whole thing—something long-term. A home. Children of my own.”
“Has he told you he doesn’t?” Faith asked.
“No, he hasn’t.” They’d never discussed the future. Liam had never said where he saw himself down the road. He was good with children, but that didn’t mean he wanted his own.
“Maybe you should ask him.”
~ * ~ * ~
Shelley walked into the red and gold lobby of Radio City Music Hall short of breath, not from exertion but rather nerves. She was glad she’d taken time to appreciate the murals earlier in the week, because now her focus was elsewhere.
The rehearsals went well, and Shelley had been thrilled to meet so many fellow performers. She even felt good about the presenting. Vera was right. The producers left nothing to chance. The whole show was tightly timed and scripted.
Faith took her shopping and she had a brand new dress to wear for her performance. The material hugged her curves, while still being appropriate.
Shelley dodged the milling guests and hurried through the theater. She was running late. She found a quiet corner backstage and played through Dixie Dog a few times. She listened intently as the show started. The crowd clapped in all the right places and the performers sounded great.
