Chapter Eleven
Kit
After we finished loading the instruments and moved the drum set and backdrop out of the way, I locked the trailer and said goodbye to Sam and Allen. The security crew went with the band to the Beer Fest, and I got into the cab of my truck on the driver’s side.
When I didn’t see River sitting in the passenger seat, I turned to look in the sleeper and smirked when I saw River on the bed with my pillow covering his face. “Are you smelling my pillow?” It was cute.
He abruptly sat up, his face flaming bright red in an instant. “Uh, well, I just wondered… I wanted to know what you liked to smell when you were going to sleep.”
“What do you think? It’s the same fabric softener my mom used when I was a kid,” I answered.
River smiled. “Smells really nice. Do you have trouble sleeping?”
I stepped through the cab and sat next to him on the bed.
“Some nights. If the weather doesn’t cooperate and there’s nowhere for me to get a workout, then I have trouble staying asleep.
I’m used to driving around eleven hours a day, and that’s after a ten-hour rest. I have to stop for half an hour every four hours for a break, so I try to do some calisthenics or go for a run if there’s a place where I won’t get hit by a car.
This job is great for me because the way the tour is set up, with breaks in between, it won’t take ten hours to get to the next city, so there’s time for me to exercise and relax. ”
“Yeah, I guess that’s right. They spaced it out pretty well.
We, uh, we would have been fine coming straight here after San Diego, but we had to make some changes to the song for that movie coming out next week.
We have a few more days in the studio to record the rest of the songs for the album, and after that, we’ll ride the bus, which will be crowded and noisy, but I guess we’ll manage. ”
My mouth suddenly started moving before my brain kicked into gear. “Well, if you need a break, you can ride with me. I’ll be going to the same places as you.”
River’s eyes doubled in size, and the flush of his skin started again. “Thanks. Uh, I might take you up on that. Do we need to move the truck?”
I’d forgotten what the hell I was even doing. “Yeah, sure. Come up front so you can strap in. Safety first!”
How fucking lame did that sound? Jeez…
River got up from the bed and moved to sit in the passenger seat, buckling the seatbelt.
“I’ve never been in a truck like this. I was on the bus that Regal and the band had for touring, but I was little back then.
Skyler went with him more than me, but From the Ashes was more popular when he was younger.
It’s ironic that Sky’s settled down with a husband and a kid, and I’m on the road with my own band. ”
I started the Peterbilt, slid my seatbelt into the latch, and checked both of my mirrors to be sure I didn’t run over anyone. I shifted into gear and slowly approached the gate. Allen was there with the security guy to let me out, waving me through.
We drove to the resort and I turned into the security lot, happy the gate guard recognized the truck and opened it without an issue.
“Do, uh, are you meeting someone there? I wouldn’t mind sitting here for a while and talking,” River said, his voice soft. My heart spiked.
“No, I’m not meeting anyone. I was just going to get some food and a beer or two before I crashed. You sure you don’t need to meet with the band?” My stomach churned a little.
I’d eaten a couple of tacos at the venue while the band was in hair and makeup, and I didn’t want them to return anytime soon. The longer I stared at River, the more I wanted to hold him in my arms and keep him safe.
What the fuck am I doing?
“No. The band and I need to spend some time away from each other. We don’t see eye to eye on much outside the music. It’s better if we have our own interests and only collaborate on things related to Accidental Fire. We work better when we’re not smothering each other.” River didn’t meet my eyes.
“Do they bother you? Your bandmates?”
I was no therapist, but thanks to Nate, I was supposed to be a sort of mentor for the band members. What I wasn’t supposed to do was fall for River Ashe.
I took a huge breath. “I’m not gay…or I’m not sure… I never thought…” I had no idea what I was trying to say.
“Oh no, Kit. I know you’re straight, and the shit that happened—that kiss? It means nothing. We were drinking and—”
“No! I refuse to blame my feelings for you on alcohol. I’m not sure why, but I’m attracted to you, River.
I’ve only been attracted to women over the years.
Some I’ve bedded, but many I haven’t. I have no idea why you’ve gotten into my head and my heart, but there’s something that makes me want to be around you. ”
I had no idea what the fuck to do. I couldn’t take my eyes off the man. He was unlike anyone I’d ever met.
“You’re attracted to me? You just said it yourself—you’re straight, Kit.”
I stood from my seat and moved back to the sleeper, taking a seat on the bed. When River didn’t move, I reached over the passenger seat and ran my fingers through River’s soft hair, tugging a bit. “Come back here.”
He got up, ducking under the frame, and came into the sleeper. I reached over to the small fridge I had, opening it and pulling out two beers. “Want one?”
“Yeah, I mean, if you’re having one.”
I smirked at him. “If we drink these and want more, I can get some delivered, or if you’d rather go to the resort and sit at the bar, we can do that. I’m not sure I’m in charge of my own mind right now.”
The man with the nimble fingers and the beautiful voice leaned forward, his lips a millimeter from mine. “I’m not sure what I’m doing either, Kit. I know you’re not gay. I don’t want to—”
I pulled him on top of me as I reclined on the bed. I slid River up my body so our eyes met. “I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m pretty happy I’m doing it with you.”
I moved my hand down his body and touched the belt of his tight jeans. His gaze met mine, but I had to ask. “Is this okay?”
“Are you sure? We don’t have to do anything.”
I opened his pants and wiggled my hand inside, wrapping my fist around his thick cock. I gently slid my hand over his hardness, feeling the precum leaking down his length.
“Please don’t take this wrong. I can’t figure out why I’m attracted to you—not that you’re not attractive, but I’ve only ever…” I stopped talking and moved my hand over his length, feeling my own cock fill until it was hard enough to pound nails.
I opened my pants and gripped my cock, shoving my boxers down and wrapping my fist around both of us. I slowly moved my hand to our cockheads. Fuck if it didn’t take my breath.
“You don’t have to do this,” River gasped as I continued to stroke us.
I couldn’t stop. “What are you doing to me?”
I reached my free hand behind his neck and pulled him closer, our lips touching. I pushed my tongue into his mouth and glided it with his while stroking our cocks, using the leaking precum as lubricant. His sexy moans were fueling my own orgasm as it came at me at breakneck speed.
“Come on me, Riv. Let go.”
I moved my mouth to cover his as he climaxed because the dude was vocal, which I fucking loved, but I didn’t need the cops pounding on the door of the semi. I followed him an instant later as white lights sparked behind my eyelids.
What the fuck just happened?
River and I panted together for a moment as we tried to catch our breath. Never in my life had I felt anything as intense as what I’d just shared with him. I was nearly brain dead, but as River’s head rested against my chest, I was sure I’d never be the same.
Honking horns interrupted me from a restful sleep. I was spooned around River and didn’t want to move. We were only wearing our underwear, having slipped out of our clothes before we fell asleep in the sleeper of my truck cab.
River’s head was nestled into my neck, his hot breath against my throat. I damn well didn’t want anything to interrupt the bliss I was in.
“Mmmm.” River’s eyes popped open, and a huge grin appeared on his face. “Hi.”
A quick kiss to the end of his nose was my first impulse, and I acted on it. “Hi, yourself. How’d you sleep? This is the second time we’ve slept together. You’re a good bed companion.”
He giggled. “So are you. Do I get a prize if we sleep together again?”
I laughed. “Hmm. I’ll consider it. We should head back to the resort. You probably need some rest since you have another show tonight.”
I pushed up to climb over him to get out of the bed so I could get dressed, freezing when River put his calloused fingers on my cheeks. “Do you regret what happened last night?”
“Do I what?” His fearful expression concerned me.
“You know, sometimes, people have a few drinks and do things they regret, like sleeping with someone. I don’t want to be a regret.” His gaze left mine.
I quickly rolled over and lay on my side, reaching for the shelf to grab an elastic band to put up my wild hair. “I’m not sure how I feel about it, honestly, but I don’t believe it’s regret.” I turned my head to stare into those deep blue eyes. “I don’t think I could regret anything with you.”
River rolled on his side and put his hand on my bare chest. Feeling his skin next to mine while we slept was…soothing. I’d never experienced anything like that.
“But you’re not gay, right?”
“Labels aren’t really my thing. Do I gotta know right now?”
River chuckled. “No. You don’t have to know or label yourself. We can just see what happens. I mean, if you want…”
I reached for his hands and held them. “Thanks.”
Leaning forward, I kissed his soft lips. The idea of no labels was exactly what I needed to hear.