Jack called to say he was running late, so she left to meet him at the bar. The twenty-minute drive seemed to take forever. Anticipation fluttered in her belly, and she had to blast the AC to keep from sweating. When she arrived, Nicki and Curt were seated at a high round table. She felt self-conscious and resisted the urge to tug the skirt down. It ended an inch above her knees, and even though the opaque stockings hid her scars, Emily hadn’t worn a skirt this short in ten years. She always felt more at ease in pants, but on those occasions where a dress or skirt was required, even though the fabric reached her ankles, she still wore tights. It was the only way she felt covered enough.
When she approached the table, Curt whistled, which made her smile. Nicki playfully swatted his arm. His love for Nicki radiated off him like a disturbance in the atmosphere, and Emily had never seen Nicki happier.
Nicki tore her eyes off Curt and stood to hug her. “You look amazing, Emi. Is that new?”
Emily felt sexy so she turned in a circle which was so unlike her. It must be the outfit. Dressing in pants and long skirts had robbed her of this sexy feeling.
Curt looked down. “Jack called, he’ll be another half hour.”
“Oh.” What if he was losing interest in her? He met hundreds of beautiful, stylish, sexy women. How could she compete with that? Maybe he was just trying to break it to her gently. But Nicki would’ve said something if Jack’s interest was waning. Damn. She needed a drink to calm her nerves.
Curt raised his hand to the server, but Emily was too nervous to sit. “I’ll go to the bar.” She noticed a few guys staring at her, and even though she was flattered, that wasn’t why she’d dressed like this. She’d done it for one very special guy who she hoped wasn’t standing her up.
The bartender was helping another customer, so Emily—way more carefully than she needed to—sat on the bar stool. She had no interest in cultivating attention from any other guy. The lace tops of the thigh highs were meant for Jack’s eyes and hands only.
She felt someone behind her, and then a large hand placed a glass of red wine on the bar. A deep voice said, “Have a drink with me.”
Shit. She hadn’t anticipated Jack not being here. When she turned, ready to blow the guy off, her mouth dropped open, but no words came out.
Brown hair, combed and parted, sparkling blue eyes, and that smile. He’d purposely lowered his voice when he spoke, so the shock of seeing him standing there, looking utterly delicious, in a navy blazer, sky blue button-down, and tan slacks, almost had her sliding off the barstool.
“I’m sorry, I’m waiting for my boyfriend.” He looked so handsome she had a hard time keeping her breath steady.
He sat on the stool next to her. “Boyfriend, huh? Lucky guy. Are you sure he’s worth the wait?”
His blue eyes sparkled which sent a shockwave down to her belly. Suddenly hot, she resisted the urge to fan herself. “Definitely.” She smiled coyly. Her brain was so clouded with lust it had taken her a few seconds to realize this was a scene from one of the stories she’d written for him.
“Definitely, huh? Well, if I were your boyfriend, I would’ve picked you up. Certainly never let you walk in here dressed like that”—Jack’s gaze stroked over her—“without staking my claim.”
Emily smiled, but she couldn’t keep up the pretense that she wasn’t interested as her character in the story had. They hadn’t been together in eight days, and she’d missed him. She slid off the barstool, being sure to let her skirt ride up a little so the lace tops of her stockings peeked out. She knew he’d seen because he gulped. She threw her arms around him, and when their lips met, she was lost to the fact they were in a bar, in public, with dozens of people around.
There was only Jack.
He groaned when she leaned into his body. He pulled back and whispered, “Baby, this isn’t a good idea.” His eyes were dazed and filled with desire.
Emily pouted. “I thought that was the idea.”
Shock registered on his handsome face. “As much as I’d like to take you out back and fuck you up against the building, it’s way too public,” he whispered.
Emily grinned. The idea was so tantalizing that if he’d been into it, she wouldn’t have refused him. At least one of them was thinking clearly. She liked seeing his shocked expression, so she said, “Maybe out back is empty?”
Jack narrowed his eyes then grinned. “It isn’t. There’s a clear view to the apartment complex, and they have patios.”
“You checked out back?” Heat pooled between her thighs.
Jack raised a brow and smiled in response. He kissed her lips too briefly. “Yup.”
His wicked smile caused her nipples to pucker, so she leaned into his chest.
Jack groaned. “Are we back to being us?”
Emily nodded. She was in serious trouble here. She should know better than to play games with Jack. There probably wasn’t a sex game he hadn’t played. Then, a most unwelcome thought took up residence in her mind. She shook her head to try and banish it, but it didn’t work. What if he’d slept with Meg? The idea that they might have hooked up back in the band’s early days turned her stomach.
Jack’s hand waved in front of her face. “Hey, you okay?”
“Sorry. Yes, we’re back to being us.”
He took their drinks from the bar and escorted her to the table. “Might as well enjoy drinks with friends.”
He was so thoughtful. This was a normal thing for couples to do. She missed Nicki almost as much as she missed Jack. She was used to having her to bounce ideas off of but found herself not wanting to interrupt Nicki’s time with Curt.
Nicki smiled wickedly. “You two practically devoured each other.” She winked at Jack. “At least you kept your head.”
Emily sat next to Nicki, and Jack sat on the other side of her. His hand settled on her thigh. “So, how’s life on the road?” Emily asked.
Nicki’s smile widened. “I love it. I would hate to be away from Curt—Sorry.”
Curt put his arm around her. “I’m sure it’s okay, babe, Emily knows what you meant.”
His attention never strayed from Nicki. Until Curt, the guys Nicki had dated were mostly mid-thirties, but she’d told Emily that she didn’t care that he was almost three years younger than her.
Jack’s fingers teased at the hem of her skirt. Emily shifted closer and took a sip of her wine.
“Nicki says you’re an amazing writer, too. Have you ever considered quitting your day job?” Curt asked.
Luckily, Emily had just swallowed her sip of wine. “Uh, no, not really.”
“Why not?”
Everyone at the table stared at her, and Jack’s hand stopped teasing her thigh. She took a deep breath. “Eighty-eight percent of writers have day jobs. I have to be able to support myself. Besides, I love working at Bradford and Ross. I’m lucky that I get to write for my job, too.
Jack squeezed her thigh. “I love your books. They’re amazing.”
Nicki had been telling her for years to give up her day job, but Emily hadn’t received a trust fund when she’d turned twenty-five. Emily turned to Jack. “You have to say that ’cause you’re my boyfriend.”
He tilted her chin so she’d meet his eyes. “I’m saying it because it’s true.”
She wanted to look away, but he held her gaze with those tractor beam eyes of his. “Thank you.” This was all new to her. She was used to Nicki cheering her on; they did that for each other, but the idea that Jack really loved her stories sent a warmth spreading through her. She had no doubt he meant it.
Nicki cleared her throat. “You two already put on one show. How’s the new book coming?”
Emily somehow managed to tear her eyes away from Jack’s. “Pretty good. I’m about a third done, and Meg loves the title.” Emily always found the titles to be the hardest part. But with this book, it had come to her first, and she was writing the book around it.
“I suck at titles,” N
icki said. “What is it?”
“No More Yesterdays.”
Nicki squealed. “I love it.” She also gave Jack a wink.
Since their first week together, Jack hadn’t asked her a single question about the accident, and Emily suspected Nicki told him. She wasn’t exactly mad, but if she were being completely honest with herself, she was jealous that Nicki got to see more of Jack than she did. “Anyway, Meg had a few suggestions, but other than that, it’s the usual problem.”
Curt tilted his head to the side. “I’m new to all this writer stuff. What’s the usual problem?”
“Never enough time,” Emily and Nicki said in unison.
“You know, Em, I could help—”
Emily’s head snapped to Jack so fast it cut him off. “Don’t.”
“I just want to help.”
She swiveled her stool so she could face him. “I know that, but I’m not your responsibility.”
A hurt look filled Jack’s eyes. Damn. It always came back to this. He wanted her to be his responsibility, but it was too soon. Way too soon. Maybe someday, after they were married—Whoa. Where the hell had that thought come from? “Excuse me.” She slid off her stool before Jack could stop her. Nicki followed, but Emily didn’t stop until she’d pushed open the door to the ladies’ room.
“Hey,” Nicki said, rubbing her back. “What just happened there?”
Emily ignored her and wet some paper towels and dabbed her burning cheeks. She needed several deep breaths before she looked at Nicki. “The same thing that always happens. He’s hurt because I’m not in the same place he is yet.”
“You mean in love with him.”
She swallowed hard. “Yes.”
“Are you sure?” Nicki reapplied her lipstick.
Emily looked at her reflection in the mirror. “I think I’d know.” She met Nicki’s eyes in the mirror. “I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.” Nicki turned and they hugged. “Traveling has really sparked my creativity. I’m almost done with the book I started before we met, and I have ideas for two more.”
“I’m so happy for you, sweetie. You deserve this.”
Nicki pulled back. “So do you. You’ve been through so much. Jack’s just trying to help.”
“I know. But he helped his last girlfriend too much. He doesn’t know when to stop. I don’t want that to happen to us.”
“It won’t. You’re Emily, not Christie. He loves you. Curt told me he’s never seen Jack like this before. When you guys aren’t together, he’s cranky, and apparently, Jack’s never cranky.” She smiled. “Elliot says he’s being a bitchy girl. He’s so funny.”
Great, now not only was the pressure to return his feelings growing, but she was making him cranky. Emily slumped against the counter. This wasn’t the beginning of their two days together that she’d hoped for.
The door swung open, and two very tipsy women stumbled in, giggling. One nearly spilled her wine. Who brought their wine into the bathroom? Gross.
When they got back to their table, Jack and Curt stood. She smiled at Jack.
He dropped a featherlight kiss on her lips and smiled. “Sorry.”
They finished their drinks with easy conversation and plenty of laughter. Seeing Jack had so scrambled her brain that she’d forgotten she’d driven here. Emily was glad she’d only had one glass of wine; otherwise, they’d have to leave her car. They waved goodbye to Curt and Nicki. Emily dug out her keys, but before she could unlock the door, Jack took them from her.
“Jeff will drive your car back, if that’s okay?”
She hadn’t seen him in the bar or waiting outside. Sneaky bastard. “That’d be fine.”
Jeff smiled knowingly. “Didn’t see me, huh?”
“No.”
Jack unlocked a silver SUV, opened the door, and helped her in.
J
Jack’s heart still hammered in his chest. He’d never expected her to show up looking so…slutty: that plaid short skirt with the black not quite see-through blouse. And she wore thigh highs. His heart almost exploded out of his chest when she walked into the bar. He’d texted Curt to tell her he’d be late because he needed time to get himself under control.
He kept his speed five miles over the limit, because the last thing he needed was to get pulled over. He needed to fuck her soon; otherwise, he was positive his dick would explode.
They’d had the same idea, though. Her outfit was exactly like the one described in the story with the slutty professor. He was her student, and she’d offered to tutor him. Privately.
The twenty-minute drive did nothing to ease his discomfort, and she knew it. She’d pay for that sassy smirk of hers. When he finally pulled into the parking lot of her complex, he left the SUV running, helped Em out of the truck, and handed the keys over to Jeff. Jeff handed Emily her keys, and they walked hand in hand to her front door.
Emily flipped on the light switch as they went up the stairs. As soon as he reached the top step, he grabbed her and pulled her into his arms, sending her purse and keys crashing to the floor. Enough games. His lips took hers in a fiery kiss as he lifted her, and her arms and legs wrapped around him. He had her right where he wanted her—up against the wall. Except they were still dressed.
Her hands traveled down his chest as she undid the buttons of his shirt, stopping halfway so she could touch his bare skin. Her tongue explored his mouth, and any doubts that developed while they were apart vaporized. She wanted him as badly as he wanted her.
He tore his lips from hers. “I need you naked. Now.”
She nodded as her hands left his shirt and undid the buttons on her blouse, but he stopped her. That was his job. When he pulled her away from the wall, she whimpered. He kissed her deeply then bit her bottom lip gently. “Don’t worry, baby, we’ll get back to the wall as soon as we’re naked.”
She smiled, and his heart flipped. Sexually, they were definitely on the same wavelength. His fingers deftly undid the buttons on her blouse, revealing a black satin push-up bra. As the tops of her breasts were revealed, he couldn’t resist placing hot, wet kisses on her beautiful, creamy flesh.
Her head lolled back, and she moaned as he caught her nipple in his teeth. “Fuck, Jack, ohhh.”
His girl liked it rough.
Jack dropped to his knees, kissing her exposed belly as he unbuttoned the final button. He grabbed her ass and pulled her to him, nipping her skin. She ran her hands through his hair, tugging. His fingers found the hem of her skirt, and he ran his hands up the backs of her thighs, not stopping until each hand was filled with a perfectly rounded cheek.
He sat back on his heels, taking in the highly aroused state she was in. Her lips were parted and swollen, and her eyes were dazed. He reluctantly let her ass go so he could push the skirt up her thighs, reveling the intricate black lace tops of her stockings. He didn’t stop until he had the skirt bunched around her waist. Holy fuck. Her black satin panties were soaked, and her thighs trembled. He leaned in, using his thumb to push the drenched satin aside so he could taste her.
Her clit was swollen and warm on his tongue. He greedily drank from her as he slid two fingers deep. Her muscles contracted wildly around his fingers.
“Oh, yeah, baby, don’t sto—”
Her juices gushed around his fingers and onto his tongue. He sucked her clit into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it. When the last of her tremors subsided, he stood, unzipped his pants, and pushed them and his underwear down to his knees. His cock burst forth, pointing exactly where it wanted to go.
Jack pulled a condom from his pocket and quickly protected them, as Em pulled off her boots and slid her panties off. She unclasped her bra and threw it aside. His hands cupped her full breasts, and she shuddered when he rubbed his thumbs over her distended nipples.
She pulled him down for a long, hot kiss. Jack’s head spun with desire. Em broke the kiss and, with a wicked grin, pushed his jacket and shirt off his
shoulders and down his arms. Jack shrugged them the rest of the way off.
“Fuck me now,” Em commanded.
He lifted her and rested her back up against the wall. Still wearing the stockings, her long legs circled his waist, and her arms went around his neck. He slid into her wet warmth, her body stretching to take all of him. Em took his mouth in a fierce kiss, hot and wet and so filled with need that Jack locked his knees to keep them from buckling.
She nibbled a path to his ear and in a desperate whisper said, “Please.”
Feeling steadier, Jack pulled out and thrust back into her. Em whispered words of encouragement as he fucked her.
Feeling his climax fast approaching, Jack eased off and took a steadying breath. “So fucking wet, so fucking tight.” Em opened her eyes, their green depths glistening with passion. “So beautiful.”
Her lips curled into an almost shy smile. Jack wanted to say more, but the primal need to possess her completely overrode his ability to speak. He thrust into her over and over. Every nerve ending tingled in anticipation. She nibbled her way over to his neck, nipping and biting gently. That drove him wild, and she knew it. He returned the favor, nipping her gently until he reached her shoulder. He opened his mouth on her soft skin and bit. Mine.
His balls tightened, and he came, thrusting as she tightened around him. His mouth stole her moans of pleasure as her climax shuddered through her.
Jack stood there with Em’s body locked around his. She pulled back first and kissed him, a tender, emotion-filled kiss, and his heart skipped a beat. His body reminded him that he still had her up against the wall. Jack wasn’t about to let her go, so he looked around. He couldn’t slide to the floor because his pants were around his ankles.
The closest piece of furniture was a black leather recliner, but he didn’t want to sit on her chair bare-assed.
Em tightened her arms and legs around him and whispered, “It’s his.”
Taking three steps, Jack flopped in the chair, still holding his beautiful girl. She rested her head in the crook of his neck. Her breathing was as wild as his. Normally, he’d never be so inconsiderate of someone else’s property, but the fucker should’ve collected his shit by now, and since Jack didn’t want to drop Em, the chair lost. He resisted the urge to wiggle. Barely.
No More Yesterdays: A Rock Star Romance (Rocked in Love Book 2) Page 23
