“She really loves your music. You can make it out to Olivia.” The marker freezes in my hand. Everything happens in slow motion. I look up at him and tilt my head.
“What did you say?” I clench my teeth.
“Her name is Olivia. That’s who you can make it out to.”
“Are you fucking with me?”
“Relax, bro,” Ryder says.
“He’s fucking with me, right?” I ask Ryder. Jason is at my side immediately when I stand up.
“Hey, dude, all I want is a signature.” The guy puts his hands up as if he’s innocent.
“What’s your girlfriend’s last name?” I ask slowly.
“Young. Olivia Young.” His smile is cynical. It’s like he knows what he’s doing. Is this some fucker who’s trying to mess with me or does he actually know Olivia? It could be some crazy fucker who saw the news and wants to screw with me.
He pulls out his phone and shows me a picture. My world falls apart in that moment and all I feel are arms holding me back as I spew words I’m unaware of. He laughs sardonically and walks away, leaving the album on the table. I keep yelling after him and I’m somewhat aware of people holding up their phones.
“I want to kill that motherfucker,” I scream out. “Let go of me!” Ryder stands in front of me, one hand on my chest, and although he’s a few inches shorter than me, his strength is equal and right now he’s making sure he’s using it all to hold me back. Cole has one hand on my shoulder and Jason stands next to Ryder.
“You need to relax. Now,” Ryder says.
“Are you kidding me?”
“Now,” he repeats firmly.
It’s impossible that Olivia has a boyfriend. It’s impossible. I refuse to believe it. How did he have a picture with her on his phone? And not just a regular picture. It was clearly a picture of them in bed. This can’t be happening.
“Get me a shot. Now,” I holler.
Cole brings me a shot of amber liquid, and I drink it back and ask for a second one. He hesitates, but I glare at him.
“She’s supposed to be mine,” I mumble, as I chug my beer.
“I think you need to talk to her,” Ryder says. “This could just be a ploy to mess up what you have. Haters will do anything to get to you.”
“Did you see the picture?”
Ryder nods seriously. “Talk to her.”
I place my face in my hands and try to hold it together. She can’t be playing me. She can’t be. I refuse to believe it. I refuse to believe someone else touched her. She deserves better than that.
Unless it is her boyfriend. Then what? What does that make me? A side piece she’s trying to cozy up to because of my name? Could that have been his revenge when he found out? No, she wouldn’t have been so open with me. The things she told me aren’t things heartless people make up.
I drink another beer and replay what happened. I’m sure people took video with their phones, as well. It’ll be all over the media tomorrow, if it hasn’t hit yet.
I was good to her. I don’t deserve this.
“Fuck,” I stand up. “I’m going to see her.”
“Can you drive?”
“I wish the alcohol would have numbed me.” I walk out, ignoring the whispers.
What the actual fuck? I look up from my laptop. I stand to answer the banging on my front door. I see Cash through the peephole and open.
“Couldn’t resist me, huh?” I joke. “What’s wrong?” I say when I realize he looks anything but happy.
“Have you been lying to me?” He demands.
“What?” I lean back.
“Answer my question,” he says through clenched teeth.
“No, I’ve never lied to you.”
“I’m going to ask you one question.” He tries to control himself. I see the veins on his neck protruding and his fists squeezed. I’m not sure what happened, but I don’t like what I’m seeing. I start to panic. Is this where my fantasy pops and disappointment comes rolling in?
“Are you seeing someone besides me?”
“What? No! Who told you that?” I cross my arms and furrow my brows. I’m defensive now.
“Don’t lie to me.” He walks closer and I take a step back.
“I’m not fucking lying to you,” I spit at him.
“Is that why you told me you couldn’t see me until you were done working? Because you have someone else?”
“First of all, I have no reason to lie to you. If I wanted someone else, I’d make it known. Secondly, I have been working my ass off so I can see you sooner than I promised. And thirdly, how dare you come accusing me, instead of asking me like a normal human being and not some pig-headed male.”
“He knew your name and had a picture with you . . . in bed.” I see the sorrow in his eyes. I see the defeat fall over him and the anger get replaced with loss. Holy shit. What the fuck happened and who has a picture of me in bed?
I soften for a second, still aware of the fact that he accused me of cheating. “Does this look like someone who has had company over in the last few days? Do you want to smell me so it’s confirmed? I have yet to shower today. And trust me, you won’t be smelling lingering sex on me.”
“Olivia . . .” he sounds torn.
“Who the hell told you that?”
“Some guy. He came up telling me he was a big fan and if I’d sign something for his girlfriend, Olivia.”
“What was his name?”
“I didn’t catch it.”
I know. Fucking asshole. “Was this him?” I show him an old picture I still have on my phone.
“Yeah. Who is that, Olivia?” His stance is defensive.
I sigh. “That’s my ex-boyfriend, Nathan. We broke up about a year ago, when I realized that our relationship wasn’t what I ultimately wanted, but he didn’t want to end things. I ran into him the other day at the coffee shop and he stopped to say an awkward hello. I should’ve known better. That sleaze.”
“So what? He lied?”
“Yes, he lied. For a long time after we broke up he contacted me every way possible so I’d give him another chance, a.k.a. have sex with him. He must’ve seen our connection somewhere.”
“You promise?”
“You don’t believe me? Jen!” I yell for her to come downstairs. “Jen! Get your ass down here,” I call out again when she doesn’t come down the first time. I cross my arms, a barrier to keep my distance from Cash.
“What?” She looks half asleep.
“Nathan.”
“Ugh! Asshole,” she responds. “What did he do now?”
“He went up to Cash and told him I was his girlfriend.”
“That fucker. I’ll kill him.” She’s fully awake now. She angrily looks between us. “Where is he?”
“So that’s done?” Cash asks.
“So done, so long ago. Way before I met you.”
“Trust me, Cash, this girl hasn’t gotten any in a long time. I’m surprised she doesn’t have cobwebs down there,” Jen shares.
“Goodnight, Jen,” I say tightlipped, as Cash tries to hold it together. I glare at him and he bites his lip down. She goes back to her room, groaning about being woken up and shuts the door. That’s her karma.
“Look, I’m sorry he did that, but I can’t control his actions. I was actually staying up late to finish up as much as possible, so I could surprise you tomorrow.”
“You couldn’t resist me, huh?” Cash instantly relaxes.
I arch an eyebrow. “I resisted, but I did work doubly hard to make it quicker to see you.”
“Sorry I slammed on your door.” He moves closer and the last bit of tension leaves his body. “I wanted to kill him. When I saw that picture . . .” He shudders.
“It’s okay. You’re lucky I was awake. I don’t like being woken up suddenly. I guess I’m not the only one getting shit for our relationship.”
“You’re telling me. He knocked the wind out of me. I should’ve known by the smile he was giving me. Lord help him, if I ever see h
im again.” I’m glad he’s relaxing, but this is just the beginning of more. I expect to hear from Nathan soon. It’s who he is. A persistent son of a gun.
“You’re cute when you’re jealous.” I try to ease the tension.
“You’re mine and I don’t appreciate people trying to play me for what’s mine.”
“Jealous and alpha. Talk dirty to me.” I giggle when he carries me over his shoulder and climbs the stairs two at a time. He slaps my ass, and it shoots straight to my core.
“I’m going to talk dirty to you, all right.”
He lays me down on my bed and looks down at me. “I’m sorry. I should’ve come when I wasn’t so angry. I just . . . I don’t know. I lost it. The media is going to have fun with this one. I’m sure everyone at the bar documented my outburst and how he walked away smiling smugly.” I run my hand down his face.
“Cash, you can’t assume.”
“I know.” He places his forehead against mine. “But you’re mine.”
“I’ve never given you a reason to think otherwise. You’re in a career where people like Nathan are nothing compared to what others will try to do to bring you down. They will use me, or anyone else, to destroy you. Jealousy is an ugly creature.”
“I know. I know all of this. I’m usually the grounded one.”
“Except for when they rock your ground.” He kisses me softly.
“I don’t like it. I don’t like not being in control.”
“You’re going to have to get used to it.”
“Will you be able to? You seem to be handling this much better.”
“I have first-hand experience with Nathan. We need to ignore it. He’ll think his stunt worked but, in a few days, he’ll see us together again and try for me. He’s relentless and wants the attention. We can’t give it to him,” I explain.
“I don’t want him harassing you.”
“He hasn’t in a long time. It was probably a jealous stunt.”
“I want to kill him.”
“I know,” I whisper. “How about you kiss me instead?” He crushes into me, teasing me with his tongue.
I arch up into him, wanting to feel his weight on me. His scruff scratches my face with the right amount of pressure. We kiss wildly, my hands running up and down his back. He kisses my neck, I sigh and close my eyes.
He whispers, “I want you.” And nips my ear lobe.
“You have me,” I murmur and moan softly. His tongue trailing down my skin only intensifies my fire.
“I want you so much, but I need to know you want me, too.” He pushes himself up a bit and looks down at me.
“I want all of you,” I place my hand over his heart and stare into his eyes. He stares back at me, we’re speaking volumes with just our eyes. Then, we’re both desperate. My legs wrap around his waist and all constraint we have had until now disperses as our bodies take over.
I pull his shirt over his head and feel his skin burning beneath my hands. He palms my breasts, pinching my nipples through my clothes. I moan and arch my back, feeling his hardness against me. Then, he stops and moves away.
“I want to take this slow,” he says. I just nod breathing way too fast. He runs a finger over the sliver of skin peeking from below my shirt and then slightly runs his fingers on the inside of my leggings. “I want to savor this moment.” He kisses me straight on the lips. “I want to remember every detail.” He moves my shirt up slowly. “Every inch of you.” He pulls it over my head and kisses the top of my breast. He reaches around when I give him access and undoes my bra.
“Perfect.” He takes a nipple between his lips and sucks, grazing it softly with his teeth. My skin is covered in chills as my desire pools at my core. I’m so turned on that I don’t care about slow right now, but I know it will be worth it. It will be worth remembering what being with Cash is like.
He hooks his fingers inside the waistband of my leggings and pulls down ever so slowly, taking my underwear with them. My muscles contract as he kisses my lower stomach. His smile is devilish and sexy.
He steps back and looks at me. “I want to kiss every inch.” He begins at my lips and moves down, torturing me. His mouth touches each part until he swipes his tongue at my core. I jump slightly and get lost at the feel of his mouth on me.
I fall apart, gripping sheets and thrashing my head when my orgasm rips through me. I reach for his jeans and remove them once I’ve somewhat recovered. I wrap my hand around him and stroke his length. I love how he feels against my hand, but I want him inside of me.
I take him in my mouth briefly, wanting a taste of him as well. He groans when I do, his knees shaking a bit.
Cash sheaths himself with a condom and crawls over me. His hand brushes my hair away from my face and he kisses me as he pushes in. His movements are slow and deliberate, until we move together. I clench around him causing him to groan.
He begins to move faster, with purpose; one hand rolling its fingers over my nipple and his mouth nipping the skin on my neck and throat. He hits the right spots inside me as he rolls his hips and I continue to move and tighten around him.
I feel the build up again, the heat spreading all around me. He takes my nipple in his mouth, sucking and licking to add to my growing orgasm. I spiral down, calling out his name. He follows after a few more thrusts.
We’re both sweaty and slick with a post-sex hangover. Kissing me, Cash walks into the bathroom and returns to the bed. He pulls me into him and kisses the top of my head.
“Now you smell of me,” he whispers and I giggle. He pulls back and stares at me. “I want all of you, too.” He lifts my chin and places a single kiss on my lips. I fall asleep blissfully in Cash’s arms.
There’s always a turning point in a relationship once you become intimate. Cash and I totally got it on last night, and it was hot. Sometimes as women, we never know what sex will bring to a relationship. Will the guy suddenly ghost on us? Will he be clingy? Is he only going to want sex, now that he found the pot of gold?
None of these scenarios sound like Cash, but a girl has to wonder, because the relationship will always shift, for the good or bad.
I left him sleeping in my bed and went downstairs to make some much-needed coffee and breakfast. I’ve barely eaten in the past few days, trying to finish up my work, and after last night’s workout I need a meal.
I can close my eyes and relive last night. It had been a long time since I had gotten any action, but Cash was so worth it. I shiver when I feel his arms wrap around my middle.
“Hey,” he says against the skin of my neck.
“Hi,” I respond, as I flip a pancake and then turn around.
“I was kinda hoping to have you for breakfast.”
“Maybe for lunch.” I wink and kiss him quickly. “I made coffee, if you want a cup.”
“Yes, please. And maybe a cold shower.”
“You can have that, too, if you’re too hard up,” I tease. He squeezes my butt and the sensation shoots through me, puckering my nipples.
“Looks like you might need a cold shower, too.” He looks down at my chest. Bastard. He did that on purpose.
I hand him a mug and ask how he likes his coffee before I decide pancakes are overrated and having Cash for breakfast is a much better idea. Once he is settled on a stool at the kitchen counter, I finish the pancakes.
“Did you clear out the cobwebs?” Jen says as she bounces down the stairs.
“You’ll be happy to know that there were no cobwebs.” Cash looks back at her and smiles before winking at me.
“Oh, good. I’m happy to hear she keeps herself in check down there.”
“I’m right here.” They both laugh. “No breakfast for either of you.” I point at them with the spatula.
“I actually gotta run. I will take some coffee to go. I have a meeting for one of my classes before the semester begins and I’m running late,” Jen says, as she grabs a to-go cup and fills it with coffee.
“Pancakes?”
“Save them
for later. I love having breakfast for dinner!” She yells as she walks out the door.
“Good luck,” I call after her and find Cash amused at our exchange.
“Pancakes?” I offer.
“Please.”
I serve us each a portion and place the syrup on the counter.
“These are great,” Cash says.
“They’re pancakes.” I laugh.
“Yeah, but they’re fluffy. I also can’t cook, so this is a lot better than a granola bar.” I laugh at his honesty and finish my breakfast.
We talk a bit about his upcoming performances and he tells me they are working on new music for their opening act for Tyler Hunt.
I almost squealed like a little girl when he told me he would open for his Nashville show. Tyler’s music is edgier, but I love it. To say I’m a fan is an understatement.
“Should I be jealous?” He arches an eyebrow.
I drag a finger up his arm and smile. “I wouldn’t say jealous . . . but you know.” I shrug, teasing him. The humor in his eyes makes me laugh. “I can’t keep a straight face.”
“I’m glad you’re entertained,” he says.
“You’re just as amused. Honestly, I think it’s amazing that you guys are going to open for him. It’ll be a bigger venue than you guys are used to, but you’re ready.”
“Thank you.” He leans in and kisses me. “I’m sorry about last night.”
“Don’t be. I would’ve been pissed if I were in your shoes. I am glad you came to confront me, instead of just disappearing.”
“I was pissed. I was going to come and call you out on it.” I kiss him softly. “You have to work today?” I nod.
“I have to meet with the guys and do some work, also. Can I see you tonight?”
“Yes.” I think it’s cute he’s asking when he’s sitting in my kitchen, half-dressed from last night’s action.
He pulls me onto his lap. “Thank you for not just kicking me out last night and actually talking to me.” He kisses me. “I’ve never been so pissed before. Not sure what’s spreading over the internet right now,” He chuckles nervously.
I place my head on his shoulder and curl into him. I know his reputation is important and he’s always been known as levelheaded. I’m not sure how bad it was last night, but with how he showed up here, I can imagine it was bad. I hate that Nathan pulled a stunt like that, knowing fully well what he was doing. Boy needs to let it go. Petty revenge is no way to prove you’re worth my time. Not that I want him back in my life.
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