Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
I removed my heels and dress, wondering if I was making a mistake.
A tryst with Eric could be just what I needed to get out of my funk, but would it make things weird at work?
Could we pretend like nothing happened, or would I imagine how his hands felt on my body while I sat across from him at our weekly meetings?
I’d just turned the water on in the shower when I heard a knock at the door. Shutting it off, I slipped on my robe and went to the door, tying the belt as I went.
Eric was standing on the other side, his hand braced against the door frame and his chest heaving. His gaze was on the floor, but when his eyes lifted, they dragged all the way up my body. My legs were bare and exposed beneath the short robe, the belt haphazardly tied in a bow.
I took a step back, silently inviting him inside. He shut the door and closed the distance between us, fingering the loop at my waist and pulling with just enough tension that I felt the tug, but not enough to untie it.
“If you don’t want me to kiss you right now, tell me to leave.”
I pressed my lips together in response, wanting to feel his mouth on every inch of me.
In the next moment, his free hand cupped my face while the other yanked open my robe, exposing my nakedness underneath.
His warm palm slid against my hip and his arm curled around me, drawing me closer as his tongue dipped inside my mouth.
I moaned into his kiss. It was euphoric and new, the culmination of weeks of stolen glances and subtle flirtation. He lifted me off my feet and I wrapped my legs around his back as he carried me to the bed. His belt buckle dug into my sensitive flesh, rubbing against me with each step he took.
He tossed me onto the bed and my robe flew open, each side pooling next to me. He swore and tilted his head back, an almost pained look crossing his features.
“You are fucking flawless,” he praised, his fiery gaze meeting mine.
He ripped his shirt off over his head and lowered his body over mine.
His lips met mine again and I parted them, letting him inside.
A growl rumbled in his chest as his hips flexed against my center.
I gasped and his mouth left mine, moving to my neck and working its way down to my breasts.
My back bowed off the bed the moment his tongue circled my nipple.
Flattening a hand on my stomach, he inched his way down and when his thumb connected with my clit, I let out a string of unladylike curses.
His lips curved against my skin as he began circling the tender bud.
My body had been neglected for far too long, so it didn’t take long before an orgasm wracked my body.
Legs shaking, I cried out, curling my fingers into his dark hair.
After a long moment, I finally peeled my eyes open to find him watching me reverently, but also with a hint of surprise.
“How long has it been?” He didn’t have to elaborate. I knew what he was asking. It had taken less than a minute for me to reach my climax.
“A while,” I admitted.
“Gianna,” he began, brushing the backs of his fingers against my cheek. “If you don’t want to take this any farther-”
“I do!” I barked out. “I mean, I want this. I want you.”
“Glad to hear it.”
His lips tipped up in a pleased, lopsided grin before he leaned in to kiss me again. I heard the unmistakable sound of a belt loosening and sliding through the loops of his jeans. My core tightened, anticipation tingling across my skin.
“Look at me,” he whispered once his clothes were gone and he was sheathed with protection.
I obeyed, opening my eyes to peer into his.
His length nudged my entrance and I let my legs fall open a little farther, ready to welcome him inside.
He held my gaze as he pressed into me inch by inch, retreating and pushing in further each time.
“Fuck, you’re tight.” He dropped his head to my shoulder, groaning in pleasure, and I nearly cried.
It might have been silly, but I’d been so insecure about my body since having a baby.
I worried that sex wouldn’t feel the same, that I wouldn’t feel the same.
My stretch marks were a constant reminder of the beautiful life I brought into this world, but what if they were a turn-off for the next man I allowed into my bed?
Eric hadn’t seemed to notice them, though. His eyes coursed down the length of me reverently at the first sight of my bare form, and his rough, calloused hands explored every inch of the skin I was insecure about. He made me feel beautiful and worthy.
Our lips collided and tongues tangled as he thrust into me, driving me closer to release. Every muscle in my body was strung tight as a bow string until finally, it snapped. I shouted his name as my body shuddered around his, my thighs quivering and heart pounding.
He followed shortly after with his own release and we laid there, both panting, our bodies covered in a thin sheen of perspiration.
It was the most relaxed I’d been in nearly two years.
Eric’s lovemaking was like a drug, the euphoria and sedating effects unrivaled. I just hoped I didn’t become addicted.
The next morning, I awoke to find the spot next to me empty.
Had I dreamed that Eric was here last night?
The lingering scent of his cologne and a long-forgotten soreness between my legs assured me that it was real.
A note on the nightstand indicated he left early to avoid being caught sneaking out of my room by any of the band members.
The day went by more smoothly than I could’ve hoped. The band’s performance on the morning show was impeccable and they interviewed like pros. They had another performance booked this evening at a historic venue where several big names had gotten their start.
The guys spent the afternoon resting up for their gig tonight, but I couldn't sit still. After video chatting with Antonio and Lucia, I decided to do a little exploring. I didn’t want to go out alone in an unfamiliar city, so I decided to see if Eric wanted to join me.
I knocked on his door, and when it opened a pleased grin spread over his face.
He easily agreed when I proposed a little sightseeing and we hit the town.
The air was warm and the sun was bright as we strolled down the street, taking in our surroundings.
Eric had been there before, but this was my first time in the city.
He took me to an ice cream shop that served the most extravagant confections I’d ever laid eyes on.
Though I had a stomachache by the time we left, it was totally worth it.
We talked about everything from music to our families.
He told me about his kids, but quickly changed the subject when the conversation veered toward their mother.
I, too, left out much of mine and Antonio’s story.
It was just too much, and there was no reason to share all my ugly truths with him just yet.
By the time we returned to the hotel, it was almost time for the show. I hurriedly freshened up and changed clothes, applying a little extra makeup to take my look from day to night.
The venue was nearly packed by the time the guys took the stage. They were halfway through their second song when I felt a tug on my arm. I turned to find Eric, a conspiratorial half grin tipping up one side of his mouth.
“Come on,” he instructed with a jerk of his head.
“Where are we going?” I inquired, even as I allowed him to lead me away.
We turned down the hallway where the dressing rooms were, and he glanced from side to side as he opened one of the doors.
We slipped inside and he shut us in, nothing but the vanity light across the room to illuminate the space.
I opened my mouth to ask what we were doing in there when his kiss swallowed the sound.
His hands cupped each side of my face as he devoured me, his tongue licking at the corners of my mouth.
I was panting when Eric finally pulled away, dazed by his luscious lips and the fervor with which he’d kissed me.
“I’ve wanted to do that all day,” he confessed.
“Why didn’t you? We were together all day.”
“I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it,” he answered sheepishly. “We didn’t really talk about what happened last night or whether we wanted it to happen again.”
My lips turned down in disappointment. I thought he’d enjoyed himself as much as I did. It never crossed my mind that he wouldn’t want to sleep with me again.
“Don’t get me wrong, I definitely want it to happen again,” he rushed to say. “But there are a lot of factors to consider since we work together.”
“Then what was all that about just now?” I asked, waving a hand in the air between us.
“I kinda threw all my concerns out the window when I saw you this evening.” He stepped back into my space, his voice low and sultry as he spoke. “I couldn’t wait to get you alone so I could touch you and feel your body against mine again. I just hoped you wanted that, too.”
“I do,” I breathed. He kissed me again, pressing me against the door as his hand slid up my shirt.
“I want to keep doing this,” he announced as his fingers plucked my nipple.
“Me too.” My head fell against the door and he took his opening, his lips latching onto my neck.
“I meant even when we get back to Nashville, Gianna.” He pulled away long enough to slip my shirt over my head.
“We can’t tell anybody,” I said, confirming my agreement as I unbuckled his belt and swiftly pulled it through the loops. It came loose with a loud snap and Eric growled, his hand tangling in my hair as he angled my mouth to his.
“Agreed.”
Minutes later, I was glad the sound of the steel guitar playing overhead drowned out my screams of pleasure.