Kiss Kiss

by Various Authors

  JR held his breath, eyes intent on hers as she touched him. Holy crap, the girl was hot! He’d have covered his entire face in condiments if he would’ve known it would get her this close.

  Her task completed, Sam’s gaze rose to meet his.

  For a couple of heartbeats neither said a word. The air in the room crackled with energy. Mesmerized by those grey eyes that sparkled like moonlight on the surface of the ocean, a wave of desire built up and then crashed over him.

  Sam really wanted JR to kiss her. In fact she couldn’t ever remember wanting anything more. Closing her eyes, she leaned closer feeling the warmth of his breath fan across her lips. She tilted her face back in anticipation. When nothing happened she opened her eyes. JR was staring at her, eyes dark and intense.

  JR had never wanted to kiss a woman more in his entire life, but didn’t trust himself to stop there. Sam wasn’t like any other woman he’d ever known. He didn’t want to scare her off, so he settled for gently tucking one of her silky chestnut curls behind her ear.

  Sam shivered as his fingertips lingered and grazed the skin behind her ear. In a dazed whisper, she managed to joke, “Do I have ketchup in my hair?”

  “No. Sorry,” he said voice husky, “but I’ve wanted to do that since the day I first met you.”

  She glanced down self- consciously, cheeks blooming with color, and twisted the napkin nervously in her hands. The level of intensity between the two of them frightened her, so much so that she started to second guess her decision. And he hadn’t even kissed her yet.

  “Beautiful,” he whispered in a low voice, continuing to stare at her unabashedly.

  “What’d you say?”

  JR cleared his throat. “I said are you full?”

  “What? Oh, yeah. Thanks for the dinner. You’re a lifesaver.”

  “No problem. My pleasure.”

  The husky tone to his voice had her staring at his lips again.

  He pointed at a spot on the seating chart. “Hey, why don’t you put Besille…here?”

  Reluctantly dragging her gaze away from the object of her desire, she mused, Facial hair should be against the law…especially on him. It too temptingly highlighted and framed those kissable lips. Brow creasing, she focused back on the screen. She squinted at where he pointed and shook her head. “No, that won’t work. That seat is for you… for your guest.”

  Tipping her chin back between a curled thumb and finger, JR told her, “If I was going to invite anyone, Samantha, it would be you. And you’re already going to be there.”

  “Oh.”

  He stood then, tall, lean frame towering over her. “Is that all you had left to do?”

  “Yeah. Thanks again for dinner.” She slipped on her shoes, gathered up the takeout detritus and tossed it in the trashcan. Opening her desk drawer, she pulled out her purse. JR hadn’t moved. She glanced up at him.

  He gave her a worried look. “How are you getting home?”

  “Well, I usually take the bus, but…” she frowned at her watch. “I’ll probably take a cab.”

  “No. No way. Not this late. I’ll take you home, Samantha.”

  “Sam,” she corrected automatically.

  “Sam,” he said in that husky voice again that sent shivers down her spine.

  “Ok.”

  He smiled. “Where are you staying?” he asked as they moved down the quiet, darkened hallway. When he put his warm hand on the small of her back, she didn’t object.

  “What’s the deal between the two of you?” Sara demanded with her hands on her narrow hips. A couple cast wary glances as they sidestepped around the sisters facing off in Black Cat’s long downstairs hallway.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Don’t play coy with me, Samantha Anne.” Sara’s voice rose in volume. “He’s been picking you up and taking you to work. I thought we agreed going out with JR was a bad idea.”

  “No. You said it was a bad idea, and at the time I didn’t disagree. Anyway, technically we’re not going out,” Sam hedged, shifting her weight from foot to foot under her sister’s accusing glare.

  “Semantics.”

  “I think you’re wrong about him,” Sam whispered, lifting her chin.

  “He’s a player.” Sara had seen the two of them eating lunch in the busy break room earlier today. JR’s arm had been across the back of her sister’s chair, and Samantha had been laughing. They’d looked real comfortable together, chairs close enough for their knees to be touching. If they weren’t technically dating yet, it was only a matter of time.

  “I just don’t want to see you get hurt,” Sara’s tone softened and she tugged gently on one of Sam’s curls.

  Chris had stopped in the hall before rounding the corner, hearing most of the animated conversation. As he emerged from his eavesdropping vantage point, he was confronted with two sets of identical questioning eyes. He wasn’t sure why it hadn’t dawned on him before now that the congenial intern and the prickly diva were sisters.

  Sam pulled Sara in for a quick hug. “I’ve gotta go. Don’t worry so much. I promise to be careful.” Then speaking louder for Chris’ benefit, she wagged her finger. “Play nice, Sara.” Moving past her sister, she patted Chris on the shoulder. “Always nice to see you.”

  “Likewise,” Chris replied automatically before turning to Sara. “Your sister, huh?”

  “Yeah.” Sara’s posture noticeably stiffened.

  “She’s a sweet kid. I’ve worked a little bit with her this past month. Smart, too.”

  Sara smiled. Playing nice might be easier than she’d previously thought. She was a sucker for compliments about Sam. It didn’t hurt that the man wasn’t hard on the eyes, either. His sexy ass jeans hugged his lower body in all the right places and his grey t-shirt stretched tightly across his thickly muscled chest.

  Chris thought the seductive smile on Sara’s face ought to be illegal, or at least come with a written disclaimer. It made her grey eyes twinkle and softened her expression, bringing her beauty up to another level of irresistible.

  “So, I listened to what you’ve got so far on the album.” She arched a brow. “It’s good… really good. Reminds me a little of Mellencamp or Mumford & Sons. A lot of potential for crossover. Once our song’s released, I’m sure it’ll bring in some of my country fans for you.”

  “That’d be great,” he said, following her into the recording room. Maybe she wasn’t such a dragon lady after all. Her next words confirmed it.

  “Mary might know what she’s doing, after all, huh?”

  He nodded and pulled out his guitar. “You got any ideas for us?”

  Sara gave him a quizzical look and shrugged, a subtle movement that caused the front of her purple shirt to shift across her breasts.

  Staring at the enticing view, Chris lost his train of thought for a moment. “I mean for a song,” he clarified, licking suddenly dry lips. “When in doubt I always choose one of the big three. Which will it be: Sex, drugs, or rock ‘n roll?”

  Sara chuckled. “In country music it’s more like trucks, honky tonks, or heartbreak,” she quipped.

  “I can certainly relate to that last one,” he said with chagrin. “Why don’t we work with that?”

  Sam dropped her coat and messenger bag on the suite’s upholstered living room chair. “Hey,” she said with a sigh.

  “Hey, yourself. How was work?” Sara asked, unfolding her legs and looking up from her laptop. She patted the seat cushion next to her on the couch.

  Sam flopped down beside her. “Tiring.” She chewed on her lip and gave her sister a tentative sidelong glance. “Sara, listen. I’ve decided to go out with JR and I just wanna know… what’s it gonna take to get you to tone down the rhetoric?”

  “I don’t know Sam.” Sara grimaced. “I have a lot of reservations about the guy, but you’re a grownup. It’s your life, not mine.”

  “I appreciate that. But it would make me feel better if you’d at least give him a chance.”

  Sara rub
bed the back of her neck. “Alright, Sam, I’ll try.”

  “Great. Listen, I heard that JR and Chris are going to be at Soho Billiards tonight. They’re celebrating with some guys Chris hired to be in his band. Why don’t you and I crash the party?”

  Sara smirked. “You already had this all planned out in your mind, didn’t you, Munchkin?”

  Sam blushed. “Maybe.” She stood, grabbed her sister’s hand, and pulled. “Come on. Let’s show ‘em how hot Texas girls can be,” she said in a drawl, raising a teasing brow. “I’m sure you want to look nice for Chris.”

  Sara followed behind her, muttering indignantly, “Why in the world would I care what he thinks?”

  Soho’s was a guy’s kind of place. Nothing fancy or trendy, just basic pub fare, a bartender slinging drinks, and well-maintained pool tables in the back room. Masculine décor predominated: dark burgundy walls with oak wainscot, a colorful mural breaking up the monotony, and well-worn but sturdy furnishings. Smoke free by provincial regulation, no blaring jukebox disturbed the muted sounds of clinking glasses, conversation, and occasional fraternal laughter.

  JR smiled to himself as he left Keith to set up for the next game. He hopped up the two steps into the main room and headed to the bar. Despite the acrimonious circumstances surrounding Keith’s departure from Brutal Strength, the two of them had remained close, and now that Keith and his drummer Danny had signed on with Chris Alex, they would be able to hang out more together, and that was cool with him. JR wasn’t so sure how Marcus would take the news, however. He and Keith’s issues were public knowledge.

  A blast of cold air drew his attention as the outside door admitted the Daniels sisters. JR did a double take. Damn. He’d never seen her in anything but those prim and proper business suits she wore to work. Noticing similar looks of appreciation from the other guys in the lounge, he suddenly wished he could put her right back in the curve camouflaging attire.

  Her face was angelic, but her curves in that red halter top and tight skinny jeans were sinful. Hail Mary, full of grace…Where the hell was her coat? It was five degrees Celsius outside. He pushed away from the bar and strode over to meet her.

  Chris intercepted him, blocking his path. “Hey, where’re you going? Keith and Danny are ready for another game. You and I can totally take ‘em, man.”

  “Not now.” JR looked pointedly over Chris’ shoulder. He didn’t want to take his eyes off of her for even a second.

  Chris swiveled around to see what had caught JR’s attention. “Holy shit!” His eyes widened, although Sam’s presence barely registered. His focus was completely on Sara and a neverending long stretch of tan legs showcased by a jean miniskirt. Her blessedly undersized white peasant blouse revealed an enticing amount of cleavage along with a sliver of bare midriff. Drawn like a moth to an open flame, Chris took an involuntary step in her direction before remembering that sharp tongue of hers.

  “Hold on a minute, man.” JR clapped Chris on the shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”

  Sam watched JR moving toward her in faded jeans and a vintage Pink Floyd concert t-shirt. Gosh, but the man was fine. His clothing highlighted the corded muscles of his lean build, and his smile was a slash of white underneath his tawny mustache. Like a love struck teen, she wanted to skip toward him and throw herself into his arms.

  JR picked her up and swung her around in a circle. She giggled as her favorite red Prada pumps flew off her feet, landing provocatively on the wide planked oak floor. She bent over to slide them back on. JR could not believe how sexy that simple gesture was.

  When she stood up he leaned over and whispered softly in her ear, “You look gorgeous.”

  Sam blushed. “Thanks.”

  JR turned to the tall woman next to Sam and stuck his hand out. “You must be Sara. I’m John Raymond, JR to my friends. It’s good to finally meet you.”

  “Yes I know who you are.” Sara shook his hand. “I know all about you.”

  JR’s smile tightened. He’d suspected all along that she was the reason behind Sam’s reluctance. Her demeanor tonight confirmed it. Ignoring her seemed to be the best course of action. He took Sam’s hand and tugged gently. “Come over and meet my buddy Keith. He used to be our guitarist before Marcus ran him off. We’ve known each other since we were kids.”

  Hand in his, Sam trailed behind JR as they weaved through the crowded bar area. Sara followed behind them, speculative male heads turning to follow her.

  Chris fell into step beside Sara, entranced by those sexy long legs and ankle high cowboy boots. So intent was her focus on the couple in front of her that she didn’t seem to notice. Chris touched a finger to Sara’s bare arm. She stopped and turned toward him, crossing her arms over her chest. The pose was obviously meant to be aloof and intimidating, but it pushed her breasts up and even further out of her blouse. His pulse revved up into high gear.

  Chris wanted her. So much so that it was actually becoming physically uncomfortable. Shifting his stance, he finally found his voice. “Hey, didn’t know you and Sam were coming by tonight. Want me to get you a beer?”

  “It was a last minute decision.” Sara glared at Chris, but that was a mistake. Looking into those milk chocolate eyes of his made her slowly melt. “No on the beer,” she managed, irritated by the fact that he had such an unsettling effect on her. She turned abruptly to follow after Sam.

  Sara stepped down into the billiard room, admiring the serious set up. Eight pristine pool tables well lit by low hanging brass chandeliers were lined up in two rows, racks of cues and chalk within easy reach. She spotted JR and Sam talking with two other guys along the far wall. As she came closer, they both turned their heads in her direction.

  “Sara.” Sam reached out and put an arm around her sister’s waist, pulling her close. “This is Danny James, just hired as the drummer for Chris’ band, and this is Keith Smith, JR’s good friend and Chris’ new guitarist.”

  No woman would fail to notice this one, she thought. Keith met all the bad boy prerequisites, handsome and tall with black shoulder length hair, hazel eyes, and a hawkish nose. However, a present partiality toward brown tousled hair and brown eyes had Sara dismissing him and casting a searching glance back over her shoulder.

  Walking back from the bar, beers in hand, Chris’ lips flattened. The sight of his new guitarist holding Sara’s hand annoyed him. Keith grinned at her like an idiot and she returned the smile. Why the hell was she so cozy with that guy when all she gave him was grief?

  The bistro style table wobbled as Chris set the bottles on it with too much force. He sat and watched Sara and Keith, absently twisting on the leather cord around his neck. The bastard was flirting with her. Even worse, she looked like she was enjoying it. He started to get a sour feeling in the pit of his stomach. He’d never been a possessive guy, not even with Andrea, and they’d been married almost two years. Hearing Sara laugh at something Keith said, his eyes narrowed. She had his insides all twisted up in knots. He realized to his chagrin that he was jealous.

  When Keith tried to place his hand on the small of her back, Sara took a step forward out of his reach. She followed that move with a look that said back off.

  Better, thought Chris.

  “I hear you’ll be singing some lead vocals,” Danny said to Sara. “I like that plan,” his lips curved, “a lot.”

  Sara didn’t return Danny’s smarmy smile. Rarely had the man’s gaze risen above her chest level. Unlike Keith, he was nondescript and not at all charming. He made her flesh crawl.

  “Why don’t you girls join us for a game of pool?” JR asked. Noticing Chris’ obvious interest in the older sister, he thought he’d help a brother out. “We can split into teams. Twenty bucks a pocket, and the loser picks up the bar tab.”

  “Sure,” Sara quickly agreed. “That sounds fun.”

  “Great. You can pick one team, Sara. I’ll pick the other.”

  “You don’t know what you’re getting into,” Sam said, pulling on JR’s sleeve. �
�Sara’s really competitive, and she’s pretty good at pool.”

  JR raised his eyebrows.

  Sara shrugged noncommittally.

  “Then it’s probably only fair if I get to choose first.” JR crooked his finger at Samantha.

  Sara smiled at his choice. Though she loved her sister, the girl sucked at pool. She looked at her remaining options. Keith winked at her. The guy was obviously a big flirt. She called him over.

  Chris frowned.

  Then JR tabbed Danny next. Sara sighed. That left Chris with her. At least the major creepster was on the other team.

  Chris flashed his lady-killer smile as he walked over. “We’re gonna roast these suckers.” He gave Keith a high five.

  “You’re lucky I was still left,” Chris told her in a sultry voice with his lips close to her ear. “I’m really good.”

  His warm breath stirred the fine hairs on the back of her neck. An involuntary shiver went down her spine. She swallowed. Yeah I bet you are.

  “How are you at pool, baby?” JR asked, grabbing Sam by the waist and pulling her back into his arms.

  “Not very good.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “No worries,” he whispered so only she could hear. “I don’t care if we win or lose as long as you’re standing here with me like this.”

  Keith threw an arm around Sara’s shoulder. “Hey where’s the kiss from our team leader?”

  Chris shot her a speculative glance.

  “Um, no,” she said, lifting Keith’s arm off her shoulder like it was a vine of poison ivy. “You wish.”

  “Hey, it was worth a try,” Keith said with an easy smile.

  Good, Chris smirked as he racked up the balls. He wasn’t the only one who got the ice treatment from her.

  A couple of hours and a few pool games later, Sara had a huge smile on her face. “Chris Alex, pretty good?” She laughed, giving him a wide eyed look. “You’re a pool shark.” After years on the road with nothing better to do, she’d gotten pretty good herself, but he was better. It hadn’t even been close. She wondered why JR hadn’t picked him.