“Makes me glad to be male. I’ve got a couple tuxedos I’ve worn to award shows—either one should do the trick.”
Must be nice. “Just out of curiosity, why’d you decide to…?” I trailed off, looking for the right words.
“Give in?” he offered.
“Yeah.”
There was a long, drawn-out pause. I smacked the counter in sheer frustration. Why didn’t I leave well enough alone? Now I’d gone and made him feel guilty.
“It’s been a while since I had a cock-up, so it’s high time for another.”
It was a flippant answer, but what did I expect?
“Still think this is a bad idea, huh?”
“I know it is, but this show’s on the road, love. Can’t turn the tour bus back around now. Speaking of which, why’d you decide to take the risk? We’ve been dancing around this attraction for months.”
“Remember my friend Kate?”
“Yeah, the cheeky one who’s always getting you into trouble?”
“That’s my girl. Well, she came up with this pact.” I explained the premise to him, while he listened. As I said the words aloud, I realized how awful it sounded.
“So I’m to be your last adventure before you settle down and become a real adult?”
Yikes. I’d accidentally made fooling around with Sebastian sound like a ride at the amusement park. I felt like an ass for not putting a better spin on it.
“Er, sort of. Sorry if I offended you.”
“Don’t be, love. I’m not relationship material.”
“And you’re okay with it?”
“I am, as long as we establish a few rules.”
“Like?”
“Don’t tell your mum.”
“Absolutely. Consider this Fight Club.”
I’m a coward and didn’t want to tell my mother. She’d stress about the risk of public exposure. While Bettie was cool about most things, I wasn’t sure how she’d react to this. The situation made me uncomfortable, so not mentioning it seemed the best course of action.
And what she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her, right? Yeah, I was strolling down Rationalization Road.
“Excellent, and let’s nix the Bettie talk when we’re together. Okay?”
“You’ve got yourself a deal. Anything else?”
“Just to be upfront and clear, neither one of us should get attached. We’ll have a few laughs and then move on.”
We’d never work out in the long term, and I’d said the very same thing, yet the words still stung.
I cleared my throat. “Fine by me. So, I’m meeting you at the bar?”
“Yes, see you at seven, love. Tonight, we’ll go out on the town, and then afterward, we’ll come back to my place. Sound right?”
A jittery rush of adrenaline hit me, and all my doubts went poof. This was going to happen—we were going to happen.
“Sounds good. See you then.”
“Later, love.”
***
“And just where are you sneaking off to?”
I froze in the hallway of my mother’s apartment. When I’d keyed in, she’d been on the phone with her agent discussing the details of her upcoming audition, so I’d waved and snuck off to my room. A few feet lay between me and a clean getaway—so close, but so very far.
I bit my lip, cringing at the lie I’d have to tell, and then turned to face her.
“Nowhere, just my place.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“I’m going to a…function.” I lifted the blue-and-white tulle gown. It was wrapped in plastic from the dry cleaners and rustled loudly, as though protesting my lie of omission.
“A function?” Bettie placed her hands on her hips. “How vague.”
“Yeah, it’s a school thing for the, um, new library.”
Crap. I should’ve asked Kate for tips on fibbing. She was a master of the dark arts.
“I see.” She tilted her head to the side. “This is part of the secret you’re keeping, huh?”
“Yeah, sort of.” I offered a phony, bright smile.
She sighed. “Sure you don’t want to talk about it?”
“I’m sorry, Mom.”
“I know, and it’s okay.”
I dashed for the door again.
“Poppy?”
“Yes?”
“Wherever you’re off to, I hope you have a sensational time. And for the record, that gown looks amazing on you.” She pulled me into a hug and kissed my forehead.
Bull’s-eye—right to the heart.
“Thank you.”
And then I got the hell out of there.
***
Somehow, I knew this would be a night I’d never forget. And for the moment, I ignored the voices in my head—the ones warning me I was playing with fire.
A bit before eight, Sebastian and I arrived at a ball via the back entrance of the museum where it was being held. Photographers and press were lined up on either side of the red carpet, but none of them gave us a second glance as our cab slipped around the corner.
Like the evening before, I was an ordinary girl on a date, and I loved every second of it.
According to the signage, the ball was a benefit for an upcoming van Gogh exhibit. The museum had high ceilings decorated with an enormous blue sky painted overhead, sprinkled with fluffy-looking clouds, interrupted only by massive chandeliers. It made me feel like I was outside on a sunny day.
Masked waiters roamed around the room offering flutes of champagne and appetizers. Sebastian snagged a glass of champagne for me, while he settled on a mineral water. A band played on the stage. As we walked by, Sebastian nodded to one of the performers.
We made the rounds—exchanging polite chitchat with strangers, admiring the artwork, and blending in. It was a shame I wouldn’t be around to see the van Gogh paintings when they came in the fall. As soon as I had the thought, I shoved it aside. No regrets, right?
“Having a good time?” he asked.
I nodded, a little breathless.
“Good. Then let’s dance, Cinderella.”
Sebastian drew me onto the dance floor by the band. He swept me around the room—it whirled by in a blur of light and sound. Our bodies were in sync, moving as one, and I was grateful for the lessons I’d had in junior high.
After a couple more numbers, the band took a break and “Dark Waltz” by Hayley Westenra played on the speakers instead. The melody was poignant and haunting, and all of a sudden my throat ached.
And all my doubts sank in, interrupting my perfect bliss again. It was yet another reminder. Hot tears made my eyes burn, and I blinked them away. Tonight was the end of our beginning—and the beginning of our end. All in one.
Gah, I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. These past few weeks, I’d been more contemplative than usual, as though all my emotions were heightened. There was something melancholy about being at a crossroads in life. I hadn’t started my new life yet, nor had I fully left the old one. Somehow, I felt stranded—caught between two worlds and not belonging to either of them.
“Why are you sad?” Sebastian kissed my forehead.
“I'm all right.”
“No, you aren’t.”
“Just keep moving and don’t let me go.” He cupped my face, and I leaned back to look up at him.
“I won’t.”
I emptied my mind and focused on the movement. After we had danced ourselves into exhaustion, Sebastian grabbed a table in the corner of the room, and we snuck off by ourselves.
When he got me alone in the shadows, he murmured wanton things into my ear. His hand crept up my thigh, trailing higher and higher. A shiver raced down my spine.
“Someone might see.” I gripped his wrist to keep him at bay. “I’m not into public displays of affection.”
He leered. “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re snuggled up in a darkened corner—that’s what there for. Besides, tonight, we’re nobodies, so we shouldn’t give a damn.”
It was hard t
o argue with his logic, but I tried anyway, making half-hearted protests. Although a quick glance around the room assured me no one was paying the slightest attention to us.
“I can’t wait any longer.”
“Here? You can’t be serious.”
“But I am.”
My will was melting under the heat of his stare. It felt like the temperature had jacked up a few thousand degrees. Abruptly, I felt lightheaded.
“Sebastian…”
“Let’s find a bit more privacy.” Before I knew it, Sebastian took my hand and guided me onto the terrace outside, where we found a secluded corner. “How’s this?”
Any second, someone could walk out, and while we might be incognito, if we were caught in a compromising situation, the authorities would be called. Our identities might be discovered, and then we’d be front-page news—national laughingstocks.
“Fine,” I said warily.
Sebastian fastened a hand lightly my throat, holding me still. And then he kissed me, fastening his mouth on mine with an intensity I couldn’t ignore. When he let me breathe again, Sebastian kissed his way down my throat.
After pushing my back against the wall, he propped my leg up on a nearby chair and slid a hand up my thigh. Sebastian traced the outline of my panties, teasing the lips.
“What are you… Mmm?”
“Still wanna tell me no?”
I barely managed a shake of my head, because words failed me. If it weren’t for the bricks behind me, I wouldn’t be standing upright.
“Hmm, seems like somewhere in between a yes and a no.” Sebastian grazed the edge of my clit, and my thighs clenched around his hand.
“Let’s go back to your place.”
“It’d take too long,” he muttered.
He pushed my underwear to the side and slid a finger up and down the folds of my sex. I squirmed, desperate for more contact.
Sebastian slipped his fingertips inside me and played with my pussy. I’d wanted this for long that it almost didn’t feel real, like one of my fantasies come to life.
And I couldn’t resist him any longer.
He drove me higher and higher, playing my body the way he coaxed beautiful sounds from the guitar. And then I lost control, moving against him, seeking more.
While Sebastian had his way with me, I desperately clutched his shoulders and watched for busybodies.
It wasn’t going well.
All I could think about was his clever fingers, making me so wet I could scream. The potential danger of discovery only intensified my desire.
“You’re close, aren’t you?” His heated breath was on my neck.
“God, yes.” I shivered. “You’re driving me crazy.”
I wobbled on the verge of a cliff, about to plunge in—so close to coming, I could feel it. Sebastian wouldn’t stop, dragging me closer to the verge, pushing his fingers into me persistently. I rubbed myself against the palm of his hand, panting his name.
“Then we’re even—you’re driving me mad.”
And then I heard a commotion around the corner—two people walking, footfalls on the tiles.
“Stop. Someone’s here,” I said.
With a groan, Sebastian pulled away. I scrambled off the chair then smoothed my dress down. We were both glassy-eyed and flushed.
“Good save.” He took my arm, as though we’d been going for a moonlight stroll. I noticed he stood slightly behind me, so his lower body was covered by my dress.
I smirked. At least I wasn’t the only one suffering.
“Yeah.”
We feigned smiles as another couple nodded and continued on down the path. After they left, I was boneless with relief and sensual overstimulation. Bracing a hand against the wall, I steadied myself.
“Come on, let’s have another dance.” Sebastian tugged me toward the door.
I bit my lower lip. “You mean you don’t want to, er, finish?”
“Thought you didn’t engage in PDA.” His brows pulled together.
“Right. I did.” I nodded, feeling dazed, then shook my head, trying to clear the sexual fog.
“When I get you back to my place, I’ll finish what we started.” With an unholy look, Sebastian escorted me back inside.
Even though I was aching to continue, it was for the best. God, we’d come close to discovery. What if I hadn’t been paying attention? Nothing like my O-face being caught on someone’s phone camera.
It was my worst nightmare—public exposure. If these shenanigans continued, sooner or later we’d get caught. Yet I couldn’t make myself back off.
Regardless, I was going on this wild ride, no matter how it ended.
Chapter Eight
Sebastian
This felt like a dream—or maybe fantasy was a more apt term.
Everything about tonight was magical. I’d wanted her for so long that I had to make this evening perfect. As dates went, it was over-the-top romantic, but I couldn’t resist.
Teasing her on the terrace had been delicious, even if it was inviting trouble. The couple’s interruption had been unintentional, but it’d heightened the experience. I loved how she clung to my arm the rest of the night, the way her eyes were a bit unfocused. There’s something to be said for the slow burn, keeping a woman on the edge of her seat, not knowing what to expect next.
At the end of the night, I brought her back to my apartment. The bartenders and busboys had gone home, and the bar was closed.
So we were all alone. Another attack of conscience hit me. We were about to change our relationship. No going back now, even if I wanted to. And I really didn’t, despite my reservations.
I could take control of this situation, steer us toward the bed, but I didn’t. Not sure if I was savoring the moment, or summoning the will to stop.
Poppy seemed at ease, though. With a muffled giggle, she sat down on the end of the couch. I strolled to the fridge and grabbed a couple of sodas for us—stalling, perhaps.
“How much did you drink?”
She popped the top of her can. “Three glasses of champagne over the course of the evening, so I’m not drunk, just a bit relaxed,” Poppy said with a flip of her hair.
“I should get you out of here.”
“But you won’t.” Her solemn eyes met mine.
“Someone as unspoiled as you deserves better.”
“Aw, you’re not so bad.”
If she only knew the whole story.
“Don’t let the façade fool you, love. I’m broken beyond repair.” The term “damaged goods” didn’t even cover it. “Not on the outside.” I touched my chest. “Inside, where it really counts.”
It’s smug of me to say, but I’d aged pretty well. Sure, there were a few more miles on this machine than there used to be, but I wasn’t quite decrepit yet. Nothing sadder than an aging rock star who might break a hip on stage.
Years of hard living had taken its toll on some of my former band members. Somehow I’d escaped unmarked—physically, at least. I’d been clean for a while, so I didn’t have as much wear and tear. But I still carried all of the ugliness around with me, in my head and my heart. If Poppy knew the whole story, she’d never look at me this way again.
“We’ve all got scars, Sebastian.”
“I suppose.”
Poppy sighed. “Well, you’ve got me all alone here…”
The look she gave me was expectant, and I couldn’t resist teasing her.
“Here I am, being a charming host, and you’re trying to have your way with me.”
She giggled.
I loved the sound of her laugh, so bright and lovely. Like her. She made me optimistic like I’d been in my early twenties before my life had crashed. Poppy wasn’t tainted by any heartache or pain. I’d spend years mired in darkness, and it was good to glimpse the sun again.
Her cheeks brightened. “Speaking of having my way with you, in my nervousness earlier this evening, I left the house without any, er, supplies. Think I was too distracted by getting read
y.”
I appreciated her upfront attitude. These days, I never had sex without a condom. Children would never be part of my picture. Some men simply aren’t father material.
“I’ve got rubbers in the drawer, love.”
Perhaps, one day, I’d stop wallowing, mulling over my past mistakes. Maybe I could forgive myself. Right now, I was too chicken. When you’ve got nothing to lose, it takes the pressure off. But tonight wasn’t the beginning of my path to redemption—it was more of a backslide.
“I see. Always prepared, huh? You must bring lots of girls here.”
I could detect a note of jealousy in her tone, and it was gratifying.
“Maybe, but I haven’t been serious about a woman since Shellie.”
“I understand.”
Of course, she’d heard the story about my former fiancée, although Poppy didn’t know the whole truth. Another downside of fame is a lack of privacy—everyone knows my business. Most of my skeletons had been laid out for public consumption, right on my Wikipedia page.
“Sure you want to do this?”
Poppy stood and turned away from me. “Yes. Now help me out of my dress.” She turned to glance at me over her shoulder—the look was smoldering.
A man can only stand so much temptation. I’d never been good at running from it, anyway.
With trembling fingers, I pulled the zipper down and kissed each inch of bared skin. Then I peeled the gown off her and laid it over the arm of the couch. It left her in a pair of white lace panties and a matching bra, along with thigh-highs.
Somehow, Poppy was a temptress and utterly innocent at the same time. For a moment or two, I just admired the sight. I must’ve imagined her like this hundreds of times, but the reality was even more stunning.
And then I lost myself in her.
I took Poppy in my arms and placed her in my bed. Then I kissed my way down her body, starting at the hollow of her throat, collarbones, and on down along her ribs. She made these trembling, soft sighs.
After removing her bra, I cupped her breasts, kissing them, making her squirm. She clasped my head as I sucked, pausing now and then to lightly run my teeth over each rosy nipple.
She had a young woman’s body—velvety, supple, and unblemished. Her soft skin had a pale pinkish hue. I stopped to kiss her navel before I arrived at her abdomen.
Wild Ride (Let it Ride Book 2) Page 6
