Me: Well, between you and me, I might be back sooner than we expected. Depends on how this weekend goes.
Jas: What?!
Me: I'll give you more details later. I've got to finish packing to head to my parents' place for the weekend.
Jas: Aww, that's cruel. Leaving a guy hanging like that.
Me: LMFAO. I am sure Luc would disagree with that!
Jas: You sure? I seem to remember something about a marriage in Vegas and no answer.
Me: You heard that?
Jas: Yeah, I was in the bathroom. I overheard you and Luc on the phone. And you just confirmed that there was no answer given.
Me: OMG, please tell me you didn't tell the others about that.
Jas: Nah, your secret is safe with me.
Me: Thanks, Jas. I love you!
Jas: Ha, wait till Luc hears that you told me you love me!
Me: Now I'm starting to hate you!
Jas: lol. I love you like a sister, Toni. Hope you know we all do.
Me: Jerk.
Jas: I got to poke fun where I can.
Me: Yeah, yeah.
I roll my eyes. Of course, he'd want to poke fun.
Jas: Talk to you later, sweetheart.
Me: Ya, talk to you later, Jas.
I turn off my notebook and head to my room to sort through my bags and pack for my weekend with my family. Practically everything I had packed for my month on tour with the guys is dirty; having an opportunity to get laundry done was a rare thing. Usually if we stayed at a hotel we would make use of their services. I toss everything into the laundry hamper, knowing I'll have to do laundry when we get back.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Toni
Arriving home after my weekend with my parents, I was left feeling confused. My mom and I had gone out for a spa day with my sister, Jessica, and I talked to them about my relationship. I was pretty sure Jessica was a little envious, but she didn't show it. Mom only worried about my happiness. She told me that it's possible to love someone at first sight. Apparently, it was how it was for her and Dad. She explained that a lot of my feelings were due to my unconventional upbringing and that she hoped I could take a chance just to see where things went.
We talked a lot about my past and how it affected the way I think and feel about myself. She said she wished she could have broken down my barriers so she could have helped to change the way I thought about myself and help nurture me. I feel guilty that I tried to shut them out. I was just so used to waiting for the carpet to be pulled from under my feet, and that was my defense against getting hurt again.
What left me confused was the fact that she said she wasn't sure if I was ready for a commitment of marriage just yet, that I needed to learn to walk before I run. That if he did love me, he wouldn't try to rush me into it, and to just wait until we know we are ready. But she wasn't sure if the relationship would be healthy for me if I wasn't with him all the time; that my insecurities could ruin it. I had told her that Lucius's idea of curing my insecurities was to get married, so that I knew he was mine and I was his. I told her he had given me no reason to be insecure, that I just was.
The spa day had been wonderful. I had gotten a manicure, pedicure, full body massage, facial, and my hair done. It was a day of spoiling. I regretted that I didn't take the opportunities to bond with them and do stuff like this when I was younger.
My dad, of course, had heard of the band and actually knew the Blacks, though our families had never met before. He said that, though he didn't want that lifestyle for his daughter, he couldn't stop me if that's what I chose. He wanted me to make mistakes so that I could learn from them, just like he wanted that for Jessica and Dean.
Overall, I didn't get the guidance I had thought I would. So, I sat in my room on Sunday night pondering what I wanted. And what I want is to be with Lucius. But I want to surprise him, make it so that he doesn't know I’m coming. But I need help with my plot, and the only person I can think of getting help from is Jasper.
I grab my cell and send Jasper a text while I boot up my computer to start looking at flights.
Me: Hey, Jas, I need your help, but you can't tell Luc.
Jas: I'll text you when he's in bed. Hurry up and text him to call you, so then he can go to bed and we can talk.
Me: Ok, thanks!
I quickly send Lucius a text letting him know I’m home and available to talk.
A few moments later his ringtone starts to play. Answering my phone, I say, “Hey.”
“Hey.”
“I miss you.
“Aww, baby, I miss you too.”
“So, where are you now?”
“Nashville.”
“And where to next?”
“As soon as the crew finish packing up from tonight’s show we’ll head to Louisville, and then on to Indianapolis after that. Thankfully in Indianapolis we'll have a few days for a break.”
“So, we'll have more time that we can talk, maybe even get some sexting in.”
My toes curl at the sound of his laugh coming through the speaker. “Yeah, baby, we can get some of that in, but I'd rather see pictures.”
“Perv. How am I supposed to take pictures while trying to type and touch myself?”
“Oh fuck, baby. Don't tease me like that.” I can hear his groan, and I know he's already picturing it. “How soon can you come visit?”
“Aww, are you suffering blue balls?”
“No, but I will be later.”
I giggle. “Aww, hunny, I'm sorry.”
“No, you're not.”
“Nope, I’m really not. But just think how explosive it’ll be next time we’re together.”
He chuckles. “More like over the second I get in you. But you know I can make it up to you.”
“Oh yeah, I know.”
“So, how was your visit?”
“It was good. I had a spa day with my mom and sister today. Keri had gone to visit her family.”
“A spa day? I didn't figure you for a spa girl.”
I laugh. “They’re relaxing. Especially the full body massage. Too bad my sister got the better masseuse. How are the guys?”
“Those assholes. Fuck, they’re annoying the crap out of me right now.”
“Is it because they’re teasing you about sulking?”
“Who told you I’m sulking? I’ll beat his ass?”
I giggle. “I'm not telling, he's got a pretty nice ass.”
The growl that comes over the line makes me giggle even more. “You'd better be joking, baby, I don't want to have to kick their ass.”
“I'm just teasing,” I say while still laughing. Although, Jas does have an amazing looking ass.
“Since we have a break when we’re in Indianapolis, why don't I catch a flight after the show to come see you and I can fly back to Detroit to meet up with the guys in time for the show we have there? Depending on the flights, I'd get at least a day and a half, maybe two with you.”
“Don't book just yet. I'm not sure what I’m doing. My old boss's boss emailed me Friday evening, asking me to come in tomorrow to meet with him. I'm not sure what Mitch wants yet.”
“I just want to see you. I miss you.”
“I miss you too. But it's something we have to get used to. What happens when we start a family and you go on tour? There's no way we can bring a baby with us, and I wouldn't want a child not to have structure.”
“I know, but until then I want to be selfish and keep you with me.”
I can't help but smile. “Let me see how tomorrow goes. I want to know what Mitch has to say.”
“Ok. Let me know how it goes, even if it's just a text. But, I'm getting pretty tired, I was trying to stay awake so I could talk to you.”
“Aww, no more late nights because I'm not there?”
“No, I'm sleeping like shit because you aren't here.”
“Have a good sleep. I love you, Lucius.”
“Love you too, baby. Sweet dreams.”
I han
g up, smiling. I don't really have a meeting with my old boss, but he didn't need to know that. I just had to stall him from coming here for my plan to work.
My phone vibrates in my hand. Looking down, I see a text from Jasper.
Jas: Want me to call?
Me: Are you far enough away from him that he won't be able to hear us?
Jas: We told his moody ass to use the bedroom, so we don't have to deal with his sulking. So, he's out of earshot.
Me: Ok, call.
Seeing Jasper's face lighting up my screen, I click on accept. “Hey, Jas!”
“Hey, sweetheart. What's up?”
“I want to surprise Lucius.”
“Ok?”
“Well, I quit my job Friday. I was thinking since you’re heading to Louisville tomorrow, if I can get a flight in that maybe one of you can pick me up from the airport. If I can't get a flight in time, I can always meet you in Indianapolis. Even if I just fly into Indianapolis and spend a night at a hotel would be fine.”
“Fuck, I have the perfect idea. Hang on a second.” After what feels like forever, I hear Jasper, “Ok, sweetheart. I'm going to send you a text shortly with information for your flight. We're going to get you a room at the hotel where we’ll be staying. I'm getting Al to call the hotel to make sure the room is the same one that Luc will be in.”
“Devious.”
“We'll text you when we’re on our way up. Get packing and get to bed. Your flight is at six fifteen tomorrow morning. You'll arrive at two thirty-three p.m. local time, with a layover in Denver for about an hour. That will give you the night to relax. I'll text you when we’re at the hotel so you can surprise him.”
“Thanks, Jas. Have I told you lately that I love you?”
“I know you do, sweetheart. Get ready. We'll see you soon. Don't forget to pack your gear too.”
“I will. I'll see you guys as soon as Luc let's me out of the room,” I reply, smiling. I know full well he won't be letting me out of the room the first day.
He hangs up and I whip into action. I tell Keri that I’m leaving in the morning and she comes to sit on my bed while I pack. I fill her in on my plans to join the guys and take the chance to see where things go.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Toni
I sit in the hotel room waiting. I know Jasper’s supposed to text me when they arrive so I can be ready, but I’m nervous as all hell. I didn't talk to Lucius last night. I was too nervous that I would ruin our surprise. I slept most of the afternoon and into the night after arriving and woke early this morning in anticipation. I was excited to be able to see him again, even if it’s only been a few days that we've been apart.
My phone pings with a message.
Jas: He's got the key to the room and we’re heading up.
Me: Ok, thanks!
I quickly lay back in the bed to pretend I’m sleeping. Of course, once he discovers that I’m naked, I'm sure he’ll be surprised and happy to see me.
My heart stops when I hear the door unlock with his key card. I try to make it look like I’m sleeping.
“What the fuck? Who the fuck let you in here?” he demands.
I let out a groan as if he's woken me and lift my head, looking in his direction. “Luc?”
“Toni?”
“Yeah.”
“Fuck, baby, you scared the crap out of me. What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Surprise!”
“How long are you here for?” he asks, as he stalks toward me, stripping down to his boxers on the way.
I lick my lips, noticing his arousal. Swallowing, I rasp out “That depends.”
“On?”
“How long you want me to be here?”
“Are you serious? You're going to stay?”
“Yeah. I got a one-way ticket.”
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he leans down and kisses me. “Why didn't you tell me?”
“I wanted to surprise you. I had Jasper help me plan it. Al made sure that we were in the same room. I got in town yesterday afternoon; there was no way for me to get to you yesterday in time. So we figured that surprising you here would be the best.”
“Fuck, I'm glad you’re here, baby.”
“I know you are,” I say, as I cup him.
Growling, he pushes back the covers to discover me naked. Making quick work of his boxers, he looms over me, nudging my legs open to settle between them. I pull him down for a kiss as I arch into him.
He deepens the kiss as he enters my waiting sex. We moan into each other’s mouths. I know it won't take much for either of us to reach our release. We've been dancing the fine line of teasing since I left.
He's being tender, showing more restraint than I thought he would. I figured he would have ravished me and made up for it the next time. I know today we won’t be leaving our room except for their show tonight.
As I lie in his arms, sated, I ask, “Good surprise?”
“Yeah, baby, it's definitely a good surprise.”
“I talked with my mom some to get her opinion and perspective on some things. I do want to be with you, Luc, but I think it's too soon for us to be thinking about getting married, especially in Vegas. I think we should wait a while and see where this goes and get to know one another better before we take that step. Maybe live with one another, like a normal couple, to see if we’re compatible. Sure, it's fun while on tour, but who's to say being alone twenty-four seven without the guys won't make us go crazy.”
“I get it, baby. I might have jumped the gun, but I know there's no one else for me. You're it.”
Leaning up, I give him a quick kiss before settling beside him with my head on his chest. Content that he knows that I want to wait, I start to drift off.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Toni
I'm woken up by pounding on the door. Luc groans next to me. Getting up, he pulls on his boxers while I pull on the shorts and tank top that I discarded last night while waiting for them to arrive. Looking back at me before opening the door to make sure I’m decent, Luc opens the door.
I smile at the sight of Al, Jasper, Nic, and Chris grinning at me. “Hey, guys.”
Jasper is the first to pull me in for a hug before I’m passed amongst them, laughing each time. “Wow, you guys miss me or something?” I ask.
Al chuckles. “Fuck no. We're glad you’re back so my brother can stop sulking.”
We all laugh at the same time as Luc says, “Fuck you, Al.”
“Nah, that's her job. Maybe now she can get your panties out of a twist.”
I can't help but snort as I laugh, which makes me laugh harder. “Oh my God, I've missed you guys,” I say, as I wipe the tears from my eyes.
“Get ready, we're taking you to lunch,” orders Nic.
“Um, do I have time to shower?” I ask.
“You will later, we're starving. Hurry up. We'll meet you down in the lobby. And don't get sidetracked, please.”
They leave us alone to get ready. I can't help but laugh. It's not just Luc that makes me happy but the fun of antagonizing each other too. How it's so easy for us to get along. How they feel like family to me. It's ironic that they mean more to me than the family I was adopted into, and yet he's made it possible for me to become closer to my family.
As I pull on a pair of matching lace lingerie, I watch Luc out of the corner of my eye. The tenting of his black boxer briefs shows his desire for me, but as ordered, we don't have time for it. But I know once we are free of the others he's going to devour me. I’m sure all the pent-up sexual frustration was not expelled this morning when he found me naked in bed, and I know I am not nearly close to my fill of him.
I slip on a pair of hip hugger jeans and a comfortable, form-fitting tank top before sliding my feet into a pair of flip flops. I head to the bathroom to sort out some makeup and my hair. Even though I’m wearing clothes for comfort, I still want to at least look good for my man. Us girls have to look nice when going out, especially in public with the c
hance of us getting caught in pictures.
When I leave the bathroom ready to head out, I find Luc leaning against the window frame staring out at the world surrounding us. I drink in the sight of him. Loving how the jeans he’s wearing showcase his long legs, hug the curve of his ass that I love so much, and knowing it will show some of his endowment from a front view. The t-shirt looks like it's painted on with how it's hugging his upper body. His raven hair is shorter than it was before; he's cut it since I've last seen him. I'll miss grabbing the long locks while his face is buried between my legs or when I pull on it just before I bite his neck as I come.
As if sensing me watching him, he turns to look toward me. His blue eyes brighten from the dark color they were, almost as if he had been thinking about something bad. I can't help the natural smile that appears any time he’s around me.
Taking my hand, we head out of our room to join the guys before they come looking for us--even if I'd rather be pushing him on the bed and having my wicked way with him. It’ll just have to wait till later.
In the lobby, Jasper wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me against him. “Come on, sweetheart, let's show you how a real man should be treating his woman by showing you off rather than keeping you hidden,” he teases.
I can't help the giggle that escapes. “He's a real man where it counts. Needless to say, I'm very satisfied in that department.” I know I’m blushing at the reference of our sex life. Leaning my head close to his I whisper, “Thanks again for this, Jas.”
I pull away from Jas so I can wrap my arm around Luc's waist and be anchored to his side. I know some may think our constant contact is crazy and that we’re insecure, but it's not that, it soothes us both. We feel whole, rather than like a half missing its matching piece. When I look up at Luc, knowing how confident he is, I never would have thought that he felt the way he did with his family; that he felt like he came second to his twin or pitied by his other brothers, despite being close to them. Who knew that two misfits like us would be perfect for one another?
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