The Rock Star’s Baby Bargain

by Lili Valente

  “I’m not into make-up sex,” Zack says, a husky note in his voice that brings my gaze back to his face, his very handsome face, which is now closer to mine than it was a moment ago.

  My breath catches, and my pulse speeds faster as I ask, “No?”

  “Nope. I’d rather skip straight to making my partner feel good, no shouting match required.” He tilts his head, bringing his lips into a perfect kissing position.

  “Well, that’s ideal, obviously,” I breathe. My nipples tighten against the thin cotton of my T-shirt, making me wish I’d put on a bra. “But isn’t make-up sex just making the best of a bad situation?”

  “Maybe. But why stay in a situation like that?” he asks in that soft, sexy rumble that makes my perky nip situation even worse. “Why not find a lover who makes you happy in the bedroom and outside of it? Don’t you think you deserve that?”

  I nod, not trusting myself not to say something scandalous. I want to kiss him so badly it’s scary. But I can’t. He’s Theo’s friend, and I’m going to run into him on a regular basis for the rest of our lives. I don’t want to make that awkward.

  But fear of future awkwardness may not be enough to keep me from jumping his bones, not if he keeps looking at me like he wants to give me everything he thinks I deserve.

  I should ask him to leave. Now. Tell him I have an appointment I forgot about or have a sudden, urgent need to wash my hair or clean the oven or something. Any excuse to put some distance between us before I do something I can’t take back.

  Instead, I say in a husky voice, “But people don’t always get what they deserve.”

  “You should,” he insists. His face is now so close that I can feel his breath hot on my lips as he adds, “You should insist on it. Don’t settle for less than everything you want.”

  “What if what I want is a bad idea?” I ask, every nerve ending in my body tingling as he shifts on the floor, bracing his hand on the cabinet beside my face. “Like…this?”

  “This doesn’t feel like a bad idea to me.”

  “Me, either,” I say, my hands skimming up his ribs to rest on his chest.

  “So I should kiss you, right?” he murmurs, brushing the side of his nose against mine, making my lips part and my chest ache.

  “Yes,” I say, the word ending in a moan as his lips crash into mine. The kiss is instantly urgent and hungry, not at all the gentle brush of skin against skin that I was expecting. Our tongues tangle, and desire ignites inside me, going from tingling to dying-to-get-naked in less time than it took for me to pop the top on my jar of fluff.

  I fist my hands in his shirt, clinging to him as he pulls me onto his lap, kissing me harder, deeper until my nipples sting with the need to be touched, and my panties are wet, and I can’t remember a single reason we shouldn’t make each other happy.

  Right now.

  “Bedroom?” I pant against his lips. “It’s down the hall.”

  “Not now,” he says, his fingers digging into my ass.

  “Yes, now.” I guide my knees to either side of his hips and kiss him again, sucking in a breath as the thick ridge of his erection makes contact with my clit. I grind into him, loving the way he groans in response as I say, “We don’t have to tell Theo or anyone else. It can be our secret.”

  “I don’t like secrets, either.” He grips my hips, holding me still at the end of my next hip roll, making my head spin. “And I don’t take advantage of people when they’re sad.”

  “You wouldn’t be taking advantage,” I insist. “I’m not sad anymore, I promise.”

  “Your eyes are still puffy from crying, Colette.”

  “I’ll wash my face and be good as new,” I say, though I can sense I’m fighting a losing battle. His cock is still so hard I can feel it pulsing against me through our clothes, but the look in his eyes has gone from hungry to determined.

  I sigh, shifting gears as I ask, “Tomorrow night, then? I’ll make you dinner, and then we can…make each other happy?”

  “I’m leaving town tomorrow afternoon,” he says, sinking my spirits. “Why don’t you come with me?” he adds in a softer voice.

  “Come with you?” I blink, but the idea doesn’t sound nearly as crazy as it should, and I don’t sound at all sure of myself when I say, “I can’t. I really can’t.”

  “Sure you can. It’ll be good for you. You can get out of town for a couple of weeks, put some distance between you and Fernando, remember how nice it feels to be with someone who doesn’t make you cry…”

  I bite my lip, wavering. I can’t go out of town with Zack, can I?

  “It’s not like you have to be at work, right?” he asks, arching a brow. “So…?”

  Heart racing, I fight the grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. “But we barely know each other.”

  “I know enough to want to know more,” he says, his fingers curling into my hips, pulling me tighter against him. “And not just your body. I meant what I said before. I like you.”

  “I like you, too,” I say, catching hold of the misgiving wafting through me and using it to bring myself back down to earth. “But I’m not in a place to start anything too serious. Are you?”

  He shakes his head without a beat of hesitation, making me suspect he must have thought this through. At least a little. “No, I’m not. I have no idea what the next few months hold, let alone any farther into the future than that, but…” He cocks his head and looks up at me with those soulful eyes of his. “If we’re both on the same page, and we’re both okay with something casual… I think we’ll have an amazing time together.”

  “I do, too,” I whisper. I’ve always liked Zack as a person. I’ve always liked him a lot. And now I also want to get naked with him a lot.

  Like—a lot a lot.

  I want it so much that it’s easy to banish the voice of reason. The inner voice and I can discuss this later, after Zack and I are on the road to New York. “What time should I be ready?” I ask.

  Beaming like Christmas came four months early, Zack says, “I’ll pick you up at four. We’ll drive halfway and stay at a hotel, then finish up the trip on Saturday. The house is booked for two weeks, but don’t feel like you have to overpack. We’ll be able to do laundry while we’re there if we need to.”

  “Two weeks,” I echo with a shaky breath. “What if you decide you hate me by day two?”

  “I could never hate you.” He kisses me again, his tongue dancing with mine as his hands skim up to mold to my ribs just below my breasts, ensuring I’m soon dying for him to touch me again.

  But instead of taking things any further, he abruptly guides me off his lap and stands, crossing the kitchen so quickly I barely have time to get to my feet before he’s at the door.

  “See you tomorrow,” he says, shooting a look my way that makes the ache twisting low in my body even more intense. “Unless you decide to cancel, which is fine, too. Whatever you think is best for you.”

  “I’m not going to cancel,” I promise, knowing it’s the truth.

  Will I second-guess this decision at least a dozen times? Yes.

  Will I decide it’s a bad idea to have a fling with someone so deeply entrenched in my inner circle? Almost certainly.

  But in the end, I’m going to pack my bags and meet Zack downstairs tomorrow. I can’t remember the last time I wanted a man as much as I want Zach. And he’s right—I need some joy in my life.

  I’m as desperate for happiness as I am to be naked with the oh, so sexy rock star closing the door behind him and thudding down the stairs, leaving me alone.

  But not for long. In less than twenty-four hours, I’ll have him all to myself for two whole weeks.

  It sounds dangerous.

  And it sounds delicious.

  And I can’t bleeping wait.

  Chapter Three

  From the texts of Colette Blanchett

  and Theodora Devi

  * * *

  Colette: Hello, beautiful! I hope you’re having an amazing honeymoon!
I’m loving the pics, so keep them coming. (The one with you and the lobsters dressed up as Marilyn Monroe was especially fabulous. Only in Vegas, huh?)

  Sadly, however, I’m not going to be able to make it to the post-wedding party next week, after all. Something’s come up, and I have to go out of town. But please know that I’ll be with you in spirit, and don’t worry about the flowers or decorations. I’ve already placed the order, and the florist assured me she’ll arrive at the venue an hour early to make sure everything is perfect.

  Have a great rest of your stay, and I’ll talk to you soon! Can’t wait to catch up on all your newlywed news.

  * * *

  Theodora: Wait a second! Talk to me now! I’m here! What’s going on? What came up? Are you okay?

  * * *

  Colette: I’m fine. I just need to get out of town for a little while. Nothing to worry your honeymoon head about.

  * * *

  Theodora: If it weren’t something to worry about, you wouldn’t be missing the party. I’m TOTALLY fine with you skipping it, by the way, I truly am, but I know you. You wouldn’t bow out unless you were urgently needed somewhere else. Is it your mom? Is she in trouble again?

  * * *

  Colette: Not that I know of. We haven’t spoken since her last visit. She’s called, but I’m not ready to cross the make-up bridge yet.

  * * *

  Theodora: Understandable. And again, I’m sorry for the part I played in the last disaster.

  * * *

  Colette: Oh, stop. You didn’t play any part. How were you supposed to know that my mother can’t be left alone in my apartment without stealing everything of value that isn’t nailed down?

  * * *

  Theodora: Well, I knew she’d been caught shoplifting. I should have at least thought to check with you before I left to deal with a work emergency while you were still out grocery shopping.

  * * *

  Colette: Seriously. Stop. You have no experience with drug addicts. And she was doing such a good job of pretending to have her act together. Even I was fooled, and I should know better by now.

  * * *

  Theodora: So if it’s not mama drama, what’s going on? Are you and Fernando okay?

  * * *

  Colette: Ugh… Why do you have to know me so well?

  * * *

  Theodora: Because I love you. So…is it over for good?

  * * *

  Colette: It is.

  * * *

  Theodora: Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. But we kind of saw this coming. You two have been struggling for a while now.

  * * *

  Colette: I know. But I’m still sad.

  * * *

  Theodora: I’m sad, too. *sad face emoji* So stay home and let me have you over for a girls’ night sob fest when I get back. I’ll send Cutter to his dad’s place so we can have my apartment all to ourselves and eat gallons of ice cream and cry without any witnesses.

  * * *

  Colette: No way. You just got married! And you’ve been apart from your man for most of the summer. You and Cutter need time together.

  * * *

  Theodora: We’ve had plenty of time together. I could use a night off, honestly. It’s the only way I’m ever going to get a good night’s sleep.

  * * *

  Colette: That’s right. Rub it in, Mrs. Constantly Getting Laid by Her Hot Husband.

  * * *

  Theodora: I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it that way.

  * * *

  Colette: LOL! I know you didn’t. I was just kidding. I’m actually on track to have my sleep disturbed, too, so I’m not too desperately jealous. That’s, um…

  Well, it’s why I’m going out of town. To have hot, heavy, drown-my-heartache sex with a handsome almost stranger. Do you hate me for missing your post-wedding party to bang a gorgeous man for two weeks?

  * * *

  Theodora: WHAT?! Of course not! Not even a little bit! Get you some, girl! With my blessings.

  But you have to tell me more! Who is this almost stranger? Is he nice? Safe?

  Do you have his background information, including full name, date of birth, last three counties of residence, and phone number? And can you please forward it to me before you leave town, so I’ll know where to start looking if you drop off the face of the earth?

  I don’t want to scare you out of your sex fest, just make sure you’ve done your due diligence. Sadly, you can’t be too careful these days.

  * * *

  Colette: I know, but you don’t have to worry about this guy. I couldn’t be safer.

  * * *

  Theodora: Oh yeah? So who is it? Do I know him?

  * * *

  Colette: Um…yes, but I’d rather not say who it is. I’m sure we’ll have a fun trip, but there’s no future for the two of us. So it’s probably best to keep it all on the down-low to avoid unnecessary awkwardness later, you know?

  * * *

  Theodora: Oh my God, it’s Zack.

  * * *

  Colette: No, it’s not!

  * * *

  Theodora: Yes, it is! It so is!

  * * *

  Colette: Argh! You’re the worst! How do you read my mind like that? I mean, in person, I can sort of get it, but you can’t even see my face right now!

  * * *

  Theodora: I have a sixth sense when it comes to my best girls. You know that. And I’m so glad I do because I am SO ON BOARD with this! You and Zack would be the cutest couple!

  * * *

  Colette: We’re not going to be a couple, Theo. We’re going to bone and go our separate ways. I’m on the rebound, and he’s going through a lot of changes, and our lifestyles just aren’t compatible. We’re hooking up for a good time, not a long time.

  * * *

  Theodora: Whatever you say. I’ll have the china pattern and wedding invites picked out by the time you two get home.

  * * *

  Colette: *eye roll emoji* I’m serious. This is a friends-with-benefits situation, nothing more, and I’d appreciate it if you’d keep it between us. I know it’s weird to ask you to keep secrets from your husband, but I’m not sure how much of his personal life Zack wants to share with Cutter.

  * * *

  Theodora: Things with Zack and Cutter are definitely a little weird at the moment. But I’m hoping the situation will improve now that they won’t be working together twenty-four seven anymore. I hate that Zack’s left the band, but in the end, I think it’ll be good for him. And I can’t wait to hear his solo stuff! I’m sure it will be amazing.

  He’s an all-around amazing person, and should this “casual” thing you two are doing turn into something more, I, for one, would be thrilled. And if not, it could still be a fantastic opportunity for you, my friend.

  Not to stick my nose too far into your business, but you two would make some very pretty babies…

  * * *

  Colette: Theo! No way. I can’t ask him to do that! He’ll think I’m insane!

  * * *

  Theodora: No, he won’t! And you can’t fool me, Little Miss Innocent—you’ve already thought about it.

  * * *

  Colette: Okay, fine. I’ve THOUGHT about it. I can’t help what crazy, baby-obsessed thoughts race through my brain, but I’m still capable of controlling my actions.

  * * *

  Theodora: Explain the situation. Tell him how short you are on time and funds. He might surprise you.

  * * *

  Colette: I’m not discussing this any further with you.

  * * *

  Theodora: Good, because I’m not the one who matters. Talk to Zack, and then get down to baby-making business, mama. Aunty Theo needs an excuse to buy baby clothes!

  * * *

  Colette: You’re out of your mind.

  * * *

  Theodora: Except that I’m not. The next best thing to an anonymous sperm donor is a man so noble and above reproach that you’ll never have to worry about him making trouble in your b
aby’s life. Zack is that man! I’ve known him forever. Trust me. He is kind and good and honorable and a health nut who’s in incredible physical condition. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn he has super-powered sperm capable of impregnating even the gimpiest of uteruses.