Better than Sexy

by Carly Phillips

  She grasped his hand, and he curled his fingers around hers, finding comfort and a jolt of arousal at her touch. “I’m glad. It’s what I was hoping for. Although I didn’t expect you to join me with an audience.”

  He shrugged. “Like you said, it was an unexpected night.”

  He stared at her, lost as to what to say next. Finally he decided to break the ice with the what was probably on both of their minds. “Look, I don’t like that you’re related to Vic. It’s the worst possible scenario.” He held on tight to her hand. “But I know you tried your best to back out of this situation. I pushed you to take the job.”

  She swallowed hard, meeting his gaze with a vulnerable look in her eyes. “Vic is something that’s always going to be between us. I get that. But if I can have your understanding, if you don’t blame me for not telling you who I am, that’s enough for me.”

  He paused, knowing now was the time to walk away if that’s what he wanted … but in his heart he couldn’t do it. “What if it’s not enough for me?” he asked.

  Sadness crossed her face. “We have too much to overcome for anything serious between us. Your friends, your family, and what my brother did. Not to mention, I might be leaving at the end of the summer, hopefully to go on tour with a big act.”

  His stomach clenched at the thought of her leaving but also with the truth of her words, yet he refused to let anything stand in the way of him having her. “Ever hear of one day at a time?”

  He held out his arms and she ran, jumping into them and wrapping her long legs around his waist. Whatever time they had together, he’d take it and deal with the issues later, he thought, as their lips joined.

  A few steps and he backed her against the wall, his mouth hard on hers, the kiss long overdue. Kissing her felt right, and he didn’t plan to stop for a long time. His cock throbbed in his pants, pulsing against her soft heat as his mouth devoured hers.

  They stood in place, her legs tight around him, the warmth of her sweet body pressing against him, his fingers gliding up and down her sides and over her breasts, which fit perfectly in his hands.

  Her nipples puckered, tightening against his palms, but the slick bodysuit material kept him from feeling her supple flesh, and he needed skin-to-skin contact. “Upstairs,” he said, breaking the kiss long enough to tell her what he needed.

  “My bed.” A sexy smile lifted her lips.

  Obviously she was willing, at least for tonight, and he was happy to take whatever she offered.

  She lowered her legs, and he waited until her feet hit the floor, steadying her before releasing his grasp.

  They needed to walk through the bar to get to the elevator, and though he’d prefer a route that didn’t involve passing by people who might stop them for conversation, he didn’t care.

  “Ready? Or do you need to get your things?” he asked.

  She opened a drawer and pulled out her keys. “I’m good to go.”

  Knowing he was making a statement he’d have to deal with later, he grasped her free hand and led her out through the bar. His partners were with their women, and he caught Tanner’s gaze, nodding his head and silently daring him to start trouble. He already knew how they felt about Vivi. The same way he’d felt only yesterday, except he’d been in denial.

  He’d just have to deal with Tanner and Jason later. He led her to the elevator and stepped through the doors the second they opened. Although desire was a low, heavy pounding inside him and he wanted nothing more than to press her against the wall again, they’d be upstairs quickly and he’d have her in his arms soon enough.

  Finally, the doors reopened and they walked into the hall. Fumbling with the keys, she let them into the apartment, and he kicked the door closed behind them, then she dropped the keys on a foyer shelf and spun to face him.

  His heart beat heavily in his chest as he took in her shapely body and those well-kissed lips, and his cock gave a jerk of approval. “Undress,” he said in a gruff voice. He knew better than to think he could get that tight material off her by himself.

  She toed off her ballet slippers, then bit down on her lower lip, the tiny movement incredibly sexy. As he watched, she pulled at the rounded neck and slid one arm out of the stretchy material, then tugged again so she could free her other arm and expose her perfect breasts. No bra, her hard, perky nipples calling to him and causing his mouth to run dry.

  He took half a step forward and she held out a hand.

  “I’m not finished.” And with that statement, she hooked her thumbs into the sides of her bodysuit and pulled it down, taking her lace stockings along with all that confining material.

  She pushed it past her hips, then her thighs. And fuck him because she bent over and removed everything, kicking the clothing aside and standing before him gloriously naked. Her body was a sight to behold, small but perfect breasts, dusky tight nipples, and her pussy glistening, calling to him.

  “Am I going to stand here naked by myself?” she asked in a teasing voice.

  He grinned and let his sport jacket slide to the floor. She came to him, her nimble fingers quickly releasing his shirt buttons, pushing the material off his shoulders so it joined his jacket. She pressed her hands to his chest, her painted nails scraping over his nipples before her hands slid lower and she unhooked his pants and undid the zipper.

  Before he could process her next move, she’d dipped her hand inside his boxer briefs and gripped his aching cock in her palm. “Mmm. Smooth. Hard. Is this all for me?”

  “Every last inch.” He kissed her hard on the lips, and she released his dick, working instead on lowering his pants to the floor so he could kick them aside. Then he pulled her flush against him, skin to skin at last.

  Her perky nipples pressed into his chest and she moaned. “Now this is more like it,” he muttered, savoring her warmth and the feel of her in his arms.

  “How about a shower?” she asked.

  He met her gaze.

  “I just had a really long set and I could use one.” Her cheeks flushed an adorable pink at the request.

  “Come.” Knowing the layout of the apartment, he took her hand and led her into the bedroom and adjoining bath.

  While she ran the water, he traced the length of her spine with his hand, then followed it with his lips, feeling her tremble, knowing he was arousing her with the slightest touch.

  They stepped under the warm water, and when she turned in his arms, he blanked out in utter bliss. The heat of her body, the softness of her skin, the way she fit against him … all perfect.

  Breaking contact, he reached for the body wash, realizing he was going to smell like fruit when he was finished, but so would she. And he’d be the one who rubbed the suds over her creamy skin. He considered that a win.

  He soaped up his hands and began a thorough cleaning, making sure he touched every inch of her flesh, from her pink-painted toes up over her legs, calves, knees, and thighs, pausing at the creases where her thighs met her pussy.

  She gasped and grabbed his shoulders, holding on while he slid his fingers lightly over her sex, tracing his way around the delicate folds and landing on her clit.

  “Landon,” she murmured, arching onto her toes, trying to get him to press harder.

  He had no problem complying. “Do you like that?”

  Taking her sigh of pleasure as a yes, he circled his slippery finger over her clit, back and forth, until her fingers were digging into his shoulders and she was rocking her hips in time to his movement.

  He felt the moment she climaxed, her body stiffening and a low moan coming from the back of her throat. Nothing was better than the sound of a satisfied woman, he thought, holding on to her as she came, then sweeping a kiss over her mouth.

  She glanced up, her wet fringed lashes fluttering over her eyes as she blinked up at him, a pleasured smile lifting her lips. He brushed a kiss over her mouth before returning to their shower, which was a rush to get out and into bed. No way would he let her touch his cock or he’d go
off like a firecracker, and he wanted to be inside her when he came the first time.

  After she’d washed and conditioned her hair and he’d soaped up and done the same, they climbed out of the shower and wrapped themselves in white fluffy towels.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked, knowing she probably hadn’t had anything to eat since before the concert.

  Darkened eyes met his. “I’m hungry for you.”

  * * *

  Vivi wrung out and dried her hair as best she could, the rest of her wrapped in a towel. Tanner let his towel drop and Vivi’s gaze traveled over his olive-colored skin and defined muscles. Though her sex still quivered from her orgasm, she could have another one from just looking at his gorgeous body, she thought, pulling her bottom lip into her mouth, then releasing it.

  His hot gaze meeting hers, he reached out and plucked at where she’d tucked in the towel, letting it fall. “Bed, Vivi.”

  When he was hot for her, he was a man of few words and she liked it.

  She spun and headed for the other room, settling on the mattress just as he climbed on and covered her body with his. Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms around him and moaned, his cock throbbing against her core. She parted her legs, and he settled deeper against her, bracing his hands on either side of her head and pushing himself up, meeting her gaze. “Condom?” he asked.

  “Just a colored-packet joke pack Ellie got me for my birthday. It had been awhile, and she thought maybe it would encourage me to get back out there,” she said with a grin.

  He shook his head and laughed. “Not sure I can imagine myself in…”

  “Blue.”

  “At least it’s not pink. Where can I grab them?” he asked.

  She tipped her head right. “Nightstand drawer.” She hoped he wouldn’t ask why she’d kept them when she moved. It had been an impulse and now she was glad she had.

  He slid to the side and opened the drawer, returning with the colorful packet. “You didn’t mention it was neon blue.”

  She shrugged. “Do you think your manliness can handle it?”

  He pushed to a sitting position, grabbed his cock, and pumped his hand up and down the thick shaft. “Still worried?” he asked with a wink.

  She laughed, grateful for the lightness between them. She knew this night was nothing more than fulfilling mutual need, and when he came to his senses, or his friends or family pushed hard enough, she’d be the casualty. But she’d told herself she’d take what she could get with him, and she meant to keep that promise.

  He ripped the packet and rolled on the condom, which was bright and big on his heavy cock.

  “Blue is your color,” she said, giggling, but she stopped laughing when he rose over her and he was poised at her entrance.

  “I want you, Vivi,” he said, growing serious.

  She swallowed hard. “I want you, too.” So much. It was crazy how much she felt for this man who was totally off-limits to her in the long run.

  He slid his hand between her thighs and slicked his finger over her sex, coating her with her own wetness, then pushed inside her. “You ready for me, beautiful?”

  Her throat swelled at the compliment. “Yes.”

  He hooked his finger inside her, and she moaned as he pressed on the right spot to arouse her incredibly fast. He pumped his finger in and out until she was breathing fast and waves of arousal hit her without warning, a hard and quick climax overtaking her. Then, while she was still coming, he removed his finger and thrust, his hard cock settling deep inside. He filled her completely, and the ripples that had already begun picked up again as he began to thrust into her.

  “Eyes open, Vivi. I want you to look at me.”

  But she didn’t want that. Looking into his eyes while he took her would only bond them further, and she already felt too much for this man. But she did as he asked, keeping her gaze steady on his as he slid in and out, grinding his hips against her with every successive push.

  She tightened her legs around his hips and arched up, meeting him thrust for thrust until waves of pleasure took hold once more.

  “Oh. Oh. God.” Another orgasm hit with more force than the first, his thick cock swelling inside her. “Landon, harder please.”

  He complied and she fell apart, glorious waves of satisfaction flowing through her.

  When she relaxed against him, he pulled out and lifted her up. “On your knees.”

  She blinked, her body limp from coming so hard, but clearly he had other ideas for them. So she settled on her hands and knees. He wrapped himself around her, his cock nudging at her entrance. Hooking his arm around her belly, his other hand on her hip, he began to take her in a hard pounding rhythm. Just as she was convinced that she couldn’t possibly come again, his cock hit the right spot and she saw stars. She pushed back against him, meeting him as he worked his way toward his own orgasm.

  To her shock, his shout of pleasure triggered her own release, a third climax that, if it weren’t for his arm securely around her, would have caused her to fall onto the bed.

  “Vivi, fuck, you feel good.” Her body trembled at his words.

  Finally they both collapsed, his heaviness pressing her onto the bed and his big body feeling so good cushioning hers. Don’t get used to it, a little voice told her. But for right now, his weight against her was everything she needed and wanted.

  Chapter Six

  Landon fell into a deep sleep, his body curled around Vivi’s softer one. Though he normally had a fitful night, dreams of Levi always occupying his mind, this morning he woke up realizing he’d had his first solid eight hours in what felt like forever. He owed it to the woman in his arms. Something about her soothed him, which made no sense considering who Vivi’s brother was, but Landon wasn’t about to argue with facts.

  He’d have enough people to argue with in his life soon enough. Leaning over, he kissed Vivi’s soft lips and she moaned, her eyes fluttering open.

  “Good morning,” she murmured.

  “Morning.”

  “What time is it?” she asked.

  He lifted his arms and stretched, planning to scoop her up and make love to her again. “Almost nine.”

  “Oh my God! I have to be at the recording studio in half an hour.” She scrambled out of bed, leaving him disappointed and stuck with an erection he had no outlet for.

  “Hey,” he called out.

  Naked, which only served to strengthen his morning wood, he crooked a finger. “At least give me a better good-morning kiss.”

  With a sexy smile on her lips, she walked back to the bed and leaned over, sealing her lips over his. He grabbed her and yanked her on top of him, the comforter separating their bodies, but he didn’t care. He had her in his arms.

  “Landon, you do not play fair.” Her bottom lip slid out in an adorable pout.

  He nipped at her there. “Never said I did.” He kissed her long and hard, then slapped her ass. “Now go or you’ll be late.” He could get into a long conversation about where things between them were headed but had already decided against it.

  He’d promised her they’d take things one day at a time, and he’d keep his word. He just planned to be around each and every day until she realized things between them could, somehow, work out.

  * * *

  Vivi rushed through her shower, dressed, and was downstairs before Landon even climbed out of bed. She walked through the club, startled when she heard someone call her name.

  She spun around to see Tanner leaning against the bar, an iPad in front of him.

  “Can we talk for a minute?” he asked.

  Of all the partners, Tanner was the most intimidating. A well-built man, he exuded less charm and more power, and an aloofness that made her uncomfortable. Knowing he’d seen her leave with Landon last night, she could only imagine what he had to say to her now.

  “Sure.” She strode over and slid onto a barstool, determined not to shrink under his serious gaze. “What’s up?”

  “So. You and La
ndon.” Tanner leaned one arm against the shiny glass and wood.

  She narrowed her gaze. “You don’t strike me as a gossipy guy, so let’s just cut to the chase.” She dropped her bag to the floor, settling in. “You don’t want me with your friend.”

  His eyes flashed with something akin to respect. “Normally, what my friend does with his love life isn’t any of my business.” He pushed the tablet he’d been looking at aside. “But you’re Vic’s sister and that changes everything. I would think you’d have enough smarts to back off on your own.”

  She swallowed hard. “Not that I owe you an explanation, but don’t you think I tried? Landon’s persistent when he wants something.” And the chemistry and need between them couldn’t be denied. Not that she’d admit as much to Tanner. “And what you said applies. Landon and I are none of your business.”

  But the fact that his best friend didn’t approve? As much as Vivi had expected it, it hurt.

  “Look,” he said. “I’m sure you’re a nice woman. But you bring up all sorts of shitty memories. No offense.”

  She gritted her teeth. “None taken,” she lied, accepting that she’d forever be tainted by her brother’s actions. And it sucked. “Now if you’re finished expressing your disapproval, I have a recording session to get to.” Leaning down, she picked up her bag, then straightened, meeting Tanner’s gaze.

  A flash of regret flickered across his features. “None of us created this situation,” he said in a softer voice.

  “Except my brother. I. Know.” She hefted her bag over her shoulder and walked away, head and heart hurting.

  Vivi spent the rest of the day with people she loved, she and her band finally getting an opportunity to record their music. Together they created magic, and she was extremely happy with the way things were coming together for her professionally.

  On a personal level, her body still hummed from her time with Landon. He’d been a thorough lover, showing her all she’d been missing with other men. He played her body as well as he played the piano, pressing all the right keys to make her sing beneath his hands. Alone, just the two of them, things were perfect. Unfortunately life wasn’t about two people living in a bubble. And though she’d tried to put Tanner’s words out of her mind, whenever she took a break, his disapproval returned, ruining what happiness and satisfaction she found in her work and with Landon.