Chapter 46 #2
She releases my hand and pushes the key into the lock. I hold my breath when she twists it. The door swings open with a gentle push. She steps inside, flicking a light on.
It flickers to life, casting a soft, orange glow over the black room.
A smile tugs at my lips.
I'm not remotely surprising that her space is black. She always did prefer the darkness.
I slips past her, only to freeze as I take in the left wall.
Frames cover every inch of it. Posters, CD’s covers, lyric prints, tour merchandise. Every moment of Reckless Abandon up until this point lives on her wall. I blink. Again and again. But the image doesn’t change.
The warm air thickens. “What is this?”
“Your wall.” Her voice is soft, almost breathless, as it wraps around me. “You probably think I’m a bit of a creeper right now. But, I figured you should see it, before we’re done, you know.”
How the fuck am I ever gonna done be with you?
I turn to face her, but my gaze catches on the right wall and my universe tilts.
Our whole collaborative relationship is etched in white over the black paint. Music notes, lyrics, everything we ever created together stares back at me.
My heart thuds.
Hendrix steps up beside me, her arm grazing mine.
I don’t look away from the wall. I don’t know that I can.
When she brought the cardboard boxes, I assumed she’d tucked me away for years, hidden me in the back of a wardrobe because she didn’t know how to let go. Not that she held on for dear life.
“I—” My voice cracks.
I hear her soft exhale.
“I’ve loved Reckless Abandon since I was fifteen years old.” Her pinkie finger brushes mine. A muscle in my hand jumps. I feel her watching me as I trace everything. “Did you honestly think I wouldn’t have you on my walls?”
I swallow. “This is…”
She huffs a dry laugh.
“It’s a bit much, I know. I just…” She clears her throat. “I didn’t want you to think that I don’t still care. About the band, and the music. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t know if I was ever planning to show you this, but you’re here now, and I don’t want you to leave without knowing.”
“Knowing what?” I breathe.
“That I dreamed for you.”
I tilt my head and our eyes collide.
“I never stopped dreaming for you, Rock Star.” Gold glimmers, wet and misty, as she stares up at me. “I’ve followed every step of your career. I’ve been to more concerts than I can count, bought more merch than I know what to do with.”
Choked laughter bubbles up my throat. “Are you telling me you’re my biggest fan, Rixie Moore?”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” The corner of her mouth flickers. “There’s this girl on the internet, she travels all over the world for you. Could never be me. Never did find the courage to get over my fear of heights and step on a plane—”
Her breath catches when I sweep a strand of hair behind her ear.
My thumb brushes her cheek.
Her skin vibrates, her chest rising heavily.
Make the move, Rixie.
“What was it you said on movie night?” She tips her chin up, her breath coasting my lips. “Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine?”
My throat jumps as I swallow. “Not exactly what I was talking about.”
“I know.” She threads our fingers together. My veins buzz, sparks flickering through every inch of me. She bites her lower lip and her eyes drop to my mouth. “Cole…”
My chest expands. “Yeah, Rixie?”
“I’m gonna kiss you now,” she says, the same words I did all those years ago.
I dip my head, a grin curving my lips as the memory stirs. “I’d be really disappointed if you di—”
Her mouth crashes against mine.
Everything hushes.
She pushes up onto her tiptoes, her lips hot, heavy, and demanding as they claim me. Cold metal pierces into my skin. I sink a hand into her head as she nips my lips.
Every kiss we’ve ever shared rushes me all at once.
She curls a hand around my jaw, and tips my head back.
I stumble.
The back of my knees knock against the small leather love seat and I fall to my arse.
Hendrix follows right after me.
I forget how to breathe when she swipes her tongue over the seam of my lips. Only a fucking fool would turn down the wordless command. My mouth parts, and she wastes no time. Her tongue tangles with mine, teasing, taunting, and owning every inch of my mouth.
I wrap my arm around her back and tug her hair.
She trembles in my hold.
I gasp as she bites down on my lip. In all the ways I’ve kissed Hendrix in my life, this is different.
I’ve never understood the need to chase a high before, but now? Pretty sure I’ll spend the rest of my life chasing this high right here.
“Rixie.” I shudder, my grip tightening when she presses down on my growing length.
She rocks her hips, heat rolling from her as she drags herself back and forth.
I trail my lips over her jaw. My tongue swipes at her sweet, heated skin, and I fucking lose it. I press my fingers into her waist, hard enough to leave marks. She only rocks faster.
I hiss as a sharp pain shoots up my dick when metal catches on my boxers.
I’ve never regretted any of my body modifications until right this second.
A choked laugh bubbles up my throat and I press my forehead to hers.
She pulls back slightly, her brows dipped. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” I press my lips to her, soft and sweet.
She sighs.
There are still things we need to talk about, hurdles we’ll have to jump if this is going to become a forever thing. But all that can wait. For now, I just want to relish the feeling of having my girl in my arms again after all this time. “Never been better, Rixie.”