Between a Rock and a Hard Place

by Jenna Galicki

  Tommy took the phone from Angel and put it in his pocket. “You’re not listening to me, Jessi. If I go back, everything is going to be exactly the same. I’m still going to spend every minute in the studio or on stage or at an interview. I’d be spending all my time with Angel, even though we would be working, and not with you. That’s not fair to you and it’s no way for us to live.”

  “Wait a minute.” A light flickered behind Angel’s eyes. “Audra can help us, Tommy. She specifically asked me if Angus was working us too hard. She said that she arranged it so we could have two days off. I’ll bet she has some kind of pull or rank over this guy. She could talk to him about lightening up our schedule.”

  “I find that hard to believe.” Tommy didn’t share Angel’s optimism. “She may be the boss’ daughter, but she’s young. She’s new to the business. Angus is a hot shot manager.”

  Jessi coaxed the phone out from under Tommy’s hand, where he held it tightly inside the pocket of his jeans. “Please call Audra. If you really want to make me happy, do this for me.”

  Tommy stepped closer to her and slid his hands around her waist. He rested his forehand into the crook of her neck and exhaled. Jessi could feel the turbulence that coursed through him. She recognized his indecision by the tiny shake of his head. Tommy wasn’t a risk-taker and Jessi knew that he wasn’t going to gamble with their marriage, that’s why he left the band and opted for the security of returning home to resume a normal life. Jessi almost laughed aloud. Their marriage was anything but normal.

  She lifted his chin so she could look into his eyes. “Call Audra. Explain what’s going on. Please. I’m begging you, Tommy. Don’t walk away from the band.”

  He stared back at her, and she saw his resistance begin to crumble. He took his phone from his back pocket and punched in some numbers on the keypad.

  Audra’s voice came through the phone right away, before Tommy had a chance to say anything.

  He held the phone pressed against his ear and looked off into the distance. “There’s only one way I’m coming back. We need to finish the album at our own pace. If it doesn’t get done before the tour is over, we’ll finish it as soon as we’re back home. We’ll work on it when we can, but we’re not machines. We can’t keep going at the pace Angus dictates.”

  Jessi took Angel’s hand while Audra’s muffled voice fed through the phone.

  “You need to clear it with him,” Tommy said. “I’m not just going to take your word for it, Audra, and I need a little more time here to handle some personal business. And I’m never touring during New York Fashion Week. My wife’s a clothing designer, and I need to be there with her to show my support when she sends her designs down the runway. I know it’s a lot to ask, but it’s very important and those are my terms.”

  There was more inaudible chatter from Audra on the other end.

  “Thank you. I appreciate everything you do for us.” Tommy shut his phone off and put it back in his pocket. “She said it’s not a problem, but I can’t believe that someone as tough as Angus is going to take orders from Audra, just because her last name is Abelman.”

  Jessi wasn’t fooled by Audra’s naivety. “Don’t be misled by her sweet personality and the girly crush she has on Angel. Audra is very smart and she knows how to get what she wants. Like you said, her last name is Abelman.”

  Tommy wrapped his arms around her. “Everything I do is for you. I love you so much, Jessi. I was miserable without you this last week. I can’t take being away from you. I need you.”

  He pressed his lips against hers in an eager, tender kiss. His hand moved to the back of her neck, and the tips of his fingers poked through her hair. She pulled him closer and pressed her body into his with a deep sigh.

  Angel circled his arms around the both of them and whispered in her ear, “I knew you would never let him leave the band.”

  Sometimes Angel was so in tune with her, it was eerie. She turned to smile at him and he snuck a kiss. “What can we do to help you, sweetheart?”

  “Actually, there’s not much that needs to be done. Isabella has everything under control with production. The woman can sew as well as I can, only she’s faster. She’s very efficient. I thought I’d stay another week to make sure there weren’t any more complications, but if you have to get back to Europe, please go. I can handle things here. Don’t push it with Angus.”

  “We’re not leaving without you.” Tommy was adamant. “When you feel confident that you can rejoin the tour, we’ll all go back together.”

  His loyalty and support were overwhelming. The last few weeks were insane. It all caught up to her and she almost collapsed into his arms. “Thank you, baby. You have no idea how much it means to me that you were willing to throw away everything you worked for your entire life, because of me.” That damn sob was fighting its way up her throat again, but she gulped it down.

  His fingertips were as soft as butter on her cheek. “I’m still ready to give it up. Are you sure you can trust this Isabella? What about the store manager? Are you sure she’s reliable?”

  His concern for her boutique was moving. He was still worried about leaving it in capable hands, and she realized she forgot to tell him about Ella. “I hired my sister. It’s only part-time, but they cut back her hours at her job and she’s been spending so much time at the boutique anyway that I figured I could at least pay her. I have complete faith in Isabella, and Rachel has shown me nothing but integrity as the store manager. Ella will be there a few hours every day, just in case. And now that I don’t have an obligation to Falcon, if I need to run home for a day or two to address a problem, I can.”

  Angel put his arm around her shoulder. “You sound like you have everything all figured out.” Pride and admiration reflected in his voice and he leaned in and kissed her. She wasn’t expecting the rush of heat that his lips brought. She was overwhelmed by his eagerness. His hands took possession and held her in place by the waist, while his tongue told her how much he missed her. When he broke the kiss, she was breathless and flushed.

  “Tommy’s not the only one who loves you, you know. I’d do anything for you, too. I never tried to talk him out of leaving the band. I want you to know that. You and Tommy come first, before anything. Familia primero, remember? Family first.”

  Chapter Forty

  Tommy wasn’t used to the quiet of the house after being on tour. Angel left right after breakfast to surprise his dad at the restaurant, Jessi was upstairs in her sewing room and Tommy was alone in the kitchen loading the dishwasher. Silence – it was both tranquil and creepy.

  He just got off the phone with Audra. She worked her magic and bought them a week off. She swore Angus was on board with giving the band the freedom to work at a reasonable pace. As long as Jessi was ready to return to the tour, Tommy was fine with the week, but he wasn’t going back until the three of them were getting on the plane together.

  He poured the last of the coffee into two mugs and brought them upstairs. He found Jessi in her walk-in closet in front of the mirror, but she didn’t notice him standing in the doorway. She had her tank top bunched up in her hand exposing her tight, flat stomach as she scrutinized her skirt. He watched her, obscured by the racks of clothing that surrounded him, and admired her body. Contrary to the hard muscles of Angel’s chest and chiseled abs, Jessi had soft, slender curves and she was blessed with round perky breasts that demanded attention.

  She pivoted halfway around on the ball of her foot so she could see the back of her skirt in the mirror. His silhouette caught her attention and she focused on the coffee cup in his hand. “Did you bring that for me?” She dropped the hem of her top and reached for the cup without waiting for an answer. After she took a long sip of coffee and set it down on one of the shelves, she turned back to the mirror. “What do you think of this skirt I just made?”

  The black leather mini skirt was covered from front to back with spikes dangerously protruding at every angle. It was sexy as hell. The excessive amount of
visible skin made his eyes drop to her bare legs. “How are you going to sit down in that thing?”

  She laughed a little, and it reminded him how much he missed the sound of her laughter. Tension and stress over the last few weeks robbed her high spirits. They were back, and he would do whatever he needed to do in order to make sure nothing chased them away again.

  “I know it’s not practical, but I love it.” She pulled the shirt up, exposing her midriff once again, to get a clear view of the skirt. “I would wear it like this, but I’d eliminate the studs from the back of the skirt for retail.”

  He wasn’t listening anymore. It was her body that held his attention and asked to be touched. He walked up behind her and slid his hands around her slim, naked waist. He pressed himself against her, but the spikes on her skirt hit him in the groin and he flinched. Jessi’s fashion was dangerous.

  The crooked smile that she returned over her shoulder signaled the naughty thoughts that lurked behind her half-closed eyes. She turned toward him, slowly unzipped her skirt and let it fall to the floor, along with her panties. She stepped out of it, pulled her tank top over her head and slowly unhooked her bra. She stood perfectly still so he could enjoy the sight of her naked body.

  Her firm breasts and perky pink nipples stared at him. He caressed one with the palm of his hand, while he tasted the other with his lips and his tongue.

  Her breath was heavy and deep as she leaned her head back and grabbed a chunk of his hair. They slid to the floor of her closet, onto the thick flokati rug. She pulled his shirt over his head and tugged at his sweatpants.

  His large erection greeted her with assurance and she dove for it with her hands and mouth. Her tongue stud relentlessly hit the most sensitive part of his cock, sending a ripple down to his toes. She knew how to please him, but he wanted to please her. He pulled her up and kissed her soft, sensual lips. “You first,” he whispered.

  She shook her head and her mouth was on him, hungry and eager. She nipped at his neck, then sunk her teeth into his flesh. He jolted at the pressure and sucked in a gust of breath. The unexpected flash of pain sent his endorphins reeling. Before he recovered, her mouth was on his chest, twirling small circles with her tongue. Without warning, her teeth clenched his tender nipple. He cried out and almost ejaculated at the same time. She licked her lips with a mischievous smile and glanced up at him, before kissing the pain away. Her tongue left a wet line down the center of his chest, over his navel and straight down between his legs. He exploded as soon as her mouth engulfed him. His body convulsed while spasms of liquid hit Jessi in the back of the throat.

  While he was still trying to catch his breath, she pulled him up to a sitting position. “Now it’s my turn.” She flipped on her back and tugged him down on top of her. She lifted her knees and pushed his head between her legs. She was freshly waxed, totally bare, and her flesh was smooth as silk. He loved the way his lips glided over her sleek skin. He took his time running them over the soft mound. He teased her until she begged to be touched. He put his mouth to her pussy and was met with a rush of warm liquid. He lapped it up. Thirsty and greedy, he drank her nectar. It was warm and salted to perfection. He needed more and probed his tongue inside her, sucking and licking any bit of juice that remained. He loved the taste of her body, and the softness of her flesh.

  He ran his hand over the arch of her hip, across her flat stomach and over her breast. Her body was the exact opposite of Angel’s. They were yin and yang to him. They complemented each other and appeased the duality of his sexual desires. He couldn’t live without either one of them.

  She pawed at his shoulders and moaned. “I need you inside me,” she whispered.

  Even though her body was wide with reception, his size made it difficult and she groaned. She wrapped her legs around his back, pulled him closer and impatiently forced him inside her. He was fully within her and occupied all the space she had to offer. She rode him from beneath and bounced between the floor and his body. His hair fanned over his face in a wild mess. She pushed it back and behind his ears so they could see each other.

  Her lips were slightly parted, her eyes rolled into her head every few tenths of a second while small puffs of breath escaped her lungs. A few more heavy thrusts and fluid covered his crotch. He couldn’t be sure if it was his or hers, or a mixture of both, but his entire body shook and his heart beat almost out of control. He collapsed on top of her and stayed there for several seconds, before he rolled onto his back and brought her onto his shoulder.

  She pressed her face into his neck and draped her leg over him as she snuggled close to his body.

  He smoothed her hair down with his hand and kissed her. “I love you so much, Jessi. I’m sorry if I made you feel neglected. I meant what I said, you take priority over everything: the band, music, the tour, my own personal shit. You come first for now on.”

  He cradled her in his arms, and she rested her head on his shoulder, as they lay on the furry rug on the floor of her closet. It was enormous. She could probably fill half of her store with the clothes she had stuffed in here. They were surrounded by racks of clothes, shelves full of shoes and boots, cubbies stuffed with belts and accessories. His gaze moved back to the compartment with the belts. There was something behind the black leather belts that looked like a dick. He squinted. “What is that?”

  She snuggled closer to him and made sleepy noises. “What are you looking at?”

  He pointed to the mysterious phallic-shaped object. “Right there. In that bin. Is that a dildo?” A wicked smile crossed his face. “Is that how you entertained yourself while I was in Asia?”

  Her eyes flipped open, and she picked her head up. She knew exactly which bin he was referring to, and turned toward it right away. She cupped her hand over her mouth and giggled before she buried her face into his chest. “That was a welcome home present for you, but I forgot to give it to you.”

  Tommy laughed. She was nutty sometimes. “You bought me a dildo?”

  He watched her naked ass crawl toward the bin. It was like two perfect little round melons, and he just wanted to bite it. And he did. He snuck up behind her and took a chunk of her delicious ass between his teeth. She swatted him away and rolled on the floor with laughter. “Stop it! I want to show you your present.” She braced her hands on one of the bottom cubbies and stood up. She retrieved his new toy from the back of the bin with the black belts. It was a strap-on. She fastened it around her hips, positioned it so the cock was directly over her crotch, and turned to him with her hands on her hips.

  His dick jumped to attention. The real one, not the fake one Jessi bought for him. Why hadn’t he ever thought of this before? He sprung up from the floor and grabbed the rubber cock in one hand, his other hand found its way between her legs and he took her nipple in his mouth. It was the perfect combination of male and female. It ignited all of his senses, and he was ready for another romp on the floor of her closet. He did a quick scan of the bins. “Do you have any lube in here?

  “No.” She held the cock in her hand. “I’m going to shove it in dry.” She took his arm and tried to spin him around.

  He pulled out of her grasp. She always got a slightly dangerous look about her whenever they took a foray into rough sex and it made him nervous. He hoped she was joking.

  She smiled at him. “I have some in my nightstand.”

  Thank God.

  She returned to the closet with the small bottle of lubricant, her fake dick bouncing along the way. He couldn’t help but laugh.

  She laughed with him. “This is heavy. How do you walk around with this stuffed in your jeans.”

  He didn’t want to point out that he was half the size of the monster that hung between her legs.

  She stroked it in her hand and smiled. “I could get used to this.”

  He was only half listening. He was focused on her hand on her makeshift cock. She didn’t seem aware that she was stroking it while she rambled on.

  Jessi held her cock at t
he base and jutted her hips forward. “Are you ready for this, baby? Because I’m ready to give it to you.”

  “I’m ready.” No he wasn’t. Not really. He was looking forward to it, but she didn’t exactly look like she was going to be gentle with that thing.

  She put her arms around his neck, and her cock hit him in the groin. He pressed his hips forward and the two cocks bounced into each other. She took them both in her hands and stroked them together. It was hard to remember that her cock was fake. It was smooth and lifelike. He wanted to bend down and suck it, but she went to her knees first.

  His erection was big and she gagged on it. He placed his hand on top of her head. “Easy. I don’t want to come until you’re inside me.” It sounded so bizarre and unbelievable. Exciting.

  He went down on all fours and presented himself to her. She spread his cheeks and her mouth took over, licking his bottom until it was wet and slippery. She toyed with him by pressing the head of her cock into the tight ring of his butt. It was too tight but she kept pushing without preparing his bottom first. He couldn’t accept something that size without manipulation. He looked over his shoulder. She didn’t return his gaze. She was mesmerized by the cock she held in her hand, as she kept prodding it into his bottom.

  He smiled at her. “You like wearing that thing, don’t you?”

  She looked up with seductive half-closed eyes. “There’s something in this thing that’s stimulating my clit. I’m going to come before I even get it inside you.

  She was going to enjoy this as much as he was.

  She used her generously lubed fingers to spread him open. She shoved one finger in, all the way up to the knuckle. He wasn’t expecting it and lurched forward on his hands.

  She pulled him back by his hips and he regained his position.

  She touched him with the tip of her cock and it slid inside far enough to hit that bunch of nerve endings that set his body into a static frenzy. Every time she pushed her hips forward, her cock rubbed back and forth over the knot inside his bottom. He clutched the flokati rug in his fists, in order to brace himself. He felt his body stretching to accommodate the enormous dildo. Jessi held him by the waist so he couldn’t escape. She was forceful and strong, pumping him from behind, determined to put the entire cock inside of him.