Scorched Beats – By Arell Rivers #4
Ashton finishes chewing. “I’m sure you’ve heard about twin telepathy?
” At my nod, he continues, “Yeah, well we don’t have it.
Our parents had us in a competition forever, and the captain of the baseball team always beat out the theater nerd.
Especially one who wasn’t even on the actual stage. ” He cuts another piece.
“I remember you in my English classes. You always seemed to have the answers right when the professor called on you.” I continue devouring my decadent dinner.
“Those classes were great. I had a lot of fun in them.” He swallows. “I liked watching you.”
“Watching me ?”
“You had to know I had a crush on you back then. Guess it’s the only other thing Ryan and I had in common.”
His admission rocks me. Ashton liked me when I was dating his brother? “I—” I shovel more food into my mouth. “I didn’t.”
His eyebrows wiggle. “Perhaps I should’ve become an actor.”
Would things have been different if I had gone out with Ashton rather than Ryan? Something tells me the sound engineer wouldn’t have cheated on me like his baseball-playing twin. And he likely would’ve treated me a lot better. “Seems like I got the short end of the family tree.”
He downs his beer. “I’m no baseball minor leaguer, but I do rub elbows with the rock elite. Who actually know me by name.”
“I’m sure UC appreciates all the hard work you do.”
“I like to think so.” He puts his napkin on top of his empty plate. “The band and crew are awesome. When we’re in town for the show, I’ll introduce you.”
This man is offering to bring me to meet his famous co-workers? And the not-so-famous ones, who make the shows work? “I’d offer to do the same for you, but, well, I’m not working anywhere at the moment.”
“You will soon.” He lifts his glass in a toast. “To selling your screenplay!”
“From your mouth,” I raise my drink.
Ashton’s been nice to me, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know him—separate and apart from his shitty twin.
When I look at him, I see the similarities, but they’re definitely not identical.
Ashton has a twinkle in his eye Ryan never had.
Plus, he has this dimple in the middle of his chin that I just want to lick.
Lick ?
I’m sure he isn’t interested in me this way any longer. Still, I haven’t been touched in a long time. I don’t censor myself and reach out to grasp his hand. “Thank you.”
He stares down for a moment, then entwines our fingers. He rubs his thumb over my palm. “For what?”
“Believing in me.”
The server comes and we decide against dessert, so Ashton gives him the UC credit card. Once he’s signed the receipt, he gazes into my eyes. “I’ve enjoyed myself immensely with you today, Renata. I’m so glad we got to reconnect.”
I rush to respond, “I am, too.”
He wets his lips. “Would you like to continue this upstairs?”
I know what he’s asking, and it isn’t for me to check out the paintings in his room.
My body hums with the prospect of sharing more time with him, and it’s not due to the fact I haven’t been with anyone for a few months.
No. I want to learn more about the brother the college coed in me didn’t choose.
This man is infinitely more complex and intriguing.
“If you had asked me this at LAX, I would’ve left you to make your own way to the Hollywood Bowl. Now, though, I don’t know. You’re different from how I remember you.”
“Different good, I hope.”
“Yes. You intrigue me, Ashton Noonan.”
ASHTON
I’m not like the band or other crew members.
I don’t usually bring a girl back to my bunk for a quickie.
Sure, I’ve had my share of hookups, but not on the regular like most of them do.
Asking Renata up to my room took a lot of guts, especially since she used to date Ryan.
But I’m happy I did. I think we have the possibility of being more than a one-night stand.
At least I hope so.
I scoot around and pull her chair back, assisting her to her feet.
Grabbing her hand, I hold it as we walk through the hallways and enter the elevator.
When the doors close, I glance over at her, and don’t want to be a wham-bam guy.
Or anyone who resembles my twin—on the inside.
Even though I can’t help looking a little like him on the outside.
“We can simply continue our conversation in my room, you know.”
“I like talking with you.”
The elevator pings on my floor, and I guide her to my room. Inside, I open the mini-fridge and ask if she’d like something to drink.
“Oh, no,” she replies. “All that stuff’s marked up like twenty times.”
I smile. “It’s on UC.”
“Thanks. I’m stuffed from dinner.”
I don’t push it. She’s had so much trauma with the fires—lost her home and job—she’s making sure every dime counts. “Let me know if you change your mind.” I point to the free bottles on the counter. “Want some water?”
“Sounds good, actually.”
“Glass?”
“Nah.”
I open and pass her a bottle and take one for myself. After we sit on the sofa and hydrate, I ask, “I know the library where you worked burned down, as did your rental. Do you still want to stay in California, or have you considered moving elsewhere?”
She glances around the room, clearly uncomfortable at my question. “I’ve made LA my home.”
I grin at her. “Then LA is lucky to have you.”
“Thank you.” She picks at the label on the water bottle. “It’s like you and I are both sort of nomads. Me because of the fires, and you because of your job.”
I cock my head. “Never thought about it in quite those terms. But you’re right.
” I lean closer to her, inhaling her unique scent, a blend of roses and the beach.
I want to take this lost yet determined woman into my arms and make her feel anchored.
Who am I fooling? I’ve wanted to kiss her ever since we met in English lit, back in college—if only I had gotten to her first.
To my undying surprise, Renata mimics my posture, leaning forward even more. “I like being right.” She places her hand on my forearm.
Taking her touching me as a positive sign, I say, “I remember.”
And I do. In school, she stood up for whatever theory about the reading she had, often arguing her point ardently.
It was probably then that she ensnared my heart.
A woman standing up for herself always gave me a hard-on.
Speaking of which, I take note of my hardening cock, and adjust my position, which only brings us even closer together.
My palm skims over her gorgeous brown hair.
She sucks in her breath, and I stay quiet. Then she bestows a wide smile on me. “Still do.”
“I wouldn’t want you any other way.” My fingers move inward, cupping her cheek.
She squeaks, “You want me?”
“Have for years.” I stare at her lips. “I’m not in a relationship.”
“Neither am I.”
Her response ignites my body. I have to kiss this woman. Now. I lick my lips while staring at hers. “May I?”
Her mouth forms a perfect O. “I think I’d like that.”
I lean forward and give her a soft kiss. While my head explodes, I need to be sure she’s on the same page. “Only think?”
This time, she touches my cheek. “Not sure. Maybe we should do it again, so I can make up my mind.”
Never one to miss this type of opportunity, I agree. “By all means.”
I wrap my arms around her and pull her tight to my body.
Years of pent-up desire overflows our embrace.
My mouth devours hers in a denied hunger finally being set free.
Renata opens hers and my tongue swoops inside, swiping and learning her secrets.
For her part, she does the same, which only serves to heighten the sensations rocking my body.
“I’ve waited for this for so long,” I admit as I rain kisses down her neck.
Her head lolls backward, offering me better access. “I can’t believe—oh!”
Her thought process appears to change when I remove her shirt. Unable to wait, I unclasp her bra and toss it to the side. “You’re beautiful.” I kiss both of her breasts. “So beautiful.”
“And you’ve grown up, Ashton.” Her fingers reach for the hem of my shirt, which I help her take off my body. “Who knew you were hiding all these muscles under here?” She traces my four-pack—almost six—a feature I’ve developed while on tour with UC. Those guys work out like they mean it.
I quirk my lips. “I suspect I have a lot of hidden talents you’ll appreciate.”
I’m focused on making her nipples stand to attention when she moans, “I already do!”
Because I’m leaving tomorrow and only will be back for the concert, this encounter has to be as memorable as possible. Not going to waste it on a dinky sofa. Standing, I extend my hand. “Join me on the bed?”
I allow her to make up her mind, which she does a moment later by placing her palm in mine. “You’re the man I never knew I wanted.”
Her description washes over me, urging me to show her exactly how much I want her. When we reach the bed, I hug her. “This means more to me than I can say.” Then I kiss her with abandon. She reciprocates, making me yearn for more.
Breathing hard, I step back. Holding her gaze, I unzip my jeans and roll them, plus my boxer briefs, down my legs. All my clothing and shoes quickly are kicked to the side, followed by my socks. Naked, I stand in front of my college crush, offering her all of myself.
She walks around me, planting tiny kisses on my pecs, my back, and ends by rubbing her palms up my torso. “Ashton.” Renata squeezes my biceps.
I want her as naked as me, but manage to keep my instincts at bay. More than a quick tumble , I remind myself, then repress a chuckle. If the UC guys could see me, they’d urge me to take her now and be done. But I don’t want this to stop. “You were built for me.”
She tightens her grip around my neck, obviously knowing my body’s ready for fun. “I can get on board with this.”