Body, Ink, and Soul (16 page)

You’re my Rock Star now.
I pushed Tristan to the back of my mind, trying to concentrate on Levi and how good everything would be with him. ''You’ve become my rock.'' I admitted. ''Be honest with me, always, or I think you’ll break my heart. I'm falling for you, Levi. What happened today turned my life upside down. I need you.''

''I’m right here... right here.'' Lev held me in his strong hard arms and it felt so good, I was able to relax a little. His cologne, his buff chest, I knew this was where I belonged. I circled my arms around his waist and squeezed him tightly.

''Let’s go back out, okay?'' I had to get back to work, Tyler was a really understanding boss, but I couldn’t hide out in the restrooms all night. ''I can't wait to go home though,'' I admitted. I just wanted this shift to be over, so I could escape and try and forget everything which had happened tonight.

Levi took my hand and led the way. Bekka was still cleaning up spilled drinks and broken glasses, and Tiff was serving customers.

''Sorry, girls, I'm back now.'' I kissed Levi briefly on the lips before I headed back behind the bar. ''No more drama for tonight, please.'' I said with a hint of humour. It wasn't possible to forget what I’d learned about Tristan, but it was the past and it should remain there.

While I was serving drinks to the customers, I tried to concentrate on the future. Strange as it sounded, I could imagine myself twenty years from now with Levi. It had been a little over twelve hours since our revelation and I couldn't help but think about how real and strong it felt. Already. Was I scared? A little, but I trusted him and it made a huge difference.

In the space of twelve hours I had quit one job and gotten another. Levi had moved in and we’d made out all over the kitchen. I’d been called a slut and a whore for the first time in my life and I’d slapped a guy for the first time. All these events plus I’d felt one emotion about a guy for the very first time... love.

After the earlier altercation, the club was calm, almost too calm. The music was loud and only a few people were dancing on the dance floor. Tristan had the guts to stay, but a few of his friends showed up and he left not too long afterwards. I was relieved. Having him in the club was making me uncomfortable.

''Phoenix, you can go home. The girls can handle closing up and you’ve had a rough night,'' Tyler said gently. He didn't leave any room for argument and I appreciated it. He was not only my boss, Tyler was a good friend, too. I said goodbye to the girls and Tyler, Levi grabbed my purse and we walked out the back door. Once we were outside, we kissed for a few minutes, but we were interrupted by noises coming from a nearby car. A quick glance confirmed it was Tristan’s car. They were the types of noises which are normally reserved for the privacy of a bedroom. I could hear a girl moaning softly and then Tristan’s quiet voice. I couldn’t make out what he was saying, but judging by the urgency in his voice and the way the car was rocking, they weren’t discussing the weather.

''Tell me this is not what I think it is,'' I said through gritted teeth.

Levi shook his head in disgust. ''I’m sorry, Rock Star, but it's exactly what you think it is.''

''I can’t believe this! Not after tonight, not after everything he accused me of!''

''Let it go... I know you probably want to kick his ass, or worse, but it wouldn't change who he is.''

''Asshole!'' I said it loudly enough for Tristan to hear. He was disgusting and I was praying I wouldn't ever see his face again.

We walked to Lev’s car and he drove us home. Thank God, his radio player had good music because I just couldn't speak at the moment. My mind was racing at a frantic pace and it was hard to slow it down. His hand was rubbing up and down my thigh as he was driving, the touch soothing. He very wisely didn’t ask any questions, content to let me be and work through my thoughts. When we got to the apartment, he opened my car door and we walked hand in hand to the door.

I was so happy to be home. I’d had a rough day and falling onto the couch or collapsing into bed were the only things I wanted to consider right now. Either option was suitable, as long as Levi was with me, of course. I went into my bedroom and changed into a short sleeve t-shirt and my favorite underwear. Levi had slipped into his room and returned wearing only his boxers. I loved seeing him like this, it felt like he was sharing so much more with me. His skin was like his own personal journal and seeing him like this, practically naked, was the hottest thing ever.

''Come here, Rock Star,'' he said huskily, with open arms. ''I'm sorry about the way I acted at the club. I never got the chance to say it. I'm not that type of guy, but what he said to you was wrong and unacceptable.''

''Is your hand okay?'' I asked, concerned that he might have hurt himself.

''No, it's fine. I only hit him once, to be honest. Tyler got a hold of me before I could punch him again.''

''I don't know if I should thank you, or yell at you for getting into a fight over me.''

''You are the cutest girl alive, I'll never get enough of you,'' he murmured against my lips.

We cuddled and made out on the couch. I knew he was holding back, not wanting to push me further but, I was happy. The day couldn't have ended in a better way. My head was resting on his warm, inked chest. He ran his hand through my hair and he was feathering kisses across my skin with every chance he got. I relished every touch, every kiss and the warmth of his body close to mine.

I woke up hours later in bed with the comforter drawn over. Levi had apparently put me in bed and hadn’t joined me. Why not? We hadn’t known each other long, but I wanted him, and could see no reason why we shouldn’t consummate our relationship. Even if he didn’t feel ready for that I had a desperate urge to see him, feel him lying next to me.

I tiptoed out of my room, confirming the living room and kitchen were empty. I continued my search, heading to his bedroom. He was lying on his stomach, his boxers had lowered and I could see his glorious swell of his muscular backside. My smile was my worst enemy right now, I couldn't hide how much it was amusing me.

''Stop staring, Nix... and come here.''

I did, and he drew me into his arms and we cuddled, then fell asleep again. I drifted off with his arm around my waist and his lips pressed against my shoulder. I had never really spent time like this with a guy before. With my parents, I wasn’t even allowed to have a boyfriend. I was able to sneak out once or twice, but it was nothing compare to lying in his arms like this. Knowing Levi was now living in the apartment, I planned on never letting him sleep alone in his room again.

His alarm clock woke me up with the sound of dogs barking. ''Lev, what kind of alarm is that?''

He laughed and turned it off. ''A loud one. I've got to get ready for work, beautiful. Are you coming in today?''

I hesitated for a few seconds, because sleeping sounded so much more appealing than working. But the thought of spending time with Levi was all it took to get me moving. ''Yeah, I’ll go with you.''

''We need to hurry then. Go get in the shower first, I'll get your breakfast ready,'' he ordered.

''Maybe you should come in the shower with me, we could save time and water,'' I suggested with a sexy smile.

Levi studied me for a second, before he responded with a husky growl. ''Hell yeah, I like the sound of that.'' He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him, kissing me like there was no tomorrow. Levi lifted me into his arms, and I circled my legs around his waist as he walked us to the bathroom. I rubbed my hands over his tattoos and my lips were busy kissing every inch of reachable skin.

He stepped into the shower, started the water and pushed me up against the cold tile wall, while he searched my eyes for confirmation. ''Are you sure you want this, Phoenix?'' I loved how he said my name, making it sound so incredibly erotic. And I adored him for being so careful with me, wanting to make absolutely certain this was what I wanted, before he would act.

I wanted him, there was no doubt. I wanted to start living my life with Levi and enjoying everything about him, and that included sharing our bodies. ''I’m sure, are you?'', I asked tentatively.

His lips crushed down on mine, giving me his answer. The shower sprayed against us, streaming over Levi’s head and his back, turning his pale brown hair much darker. He was so stunningly sexy and we gazed at one another, both knowing exactly what we wanted. I wriggled in Levi’s arms until he let my feet reach the tiled floor. My t-shirt was clinging to my skin, I tried to get it off under the streaming water but I was failing miserably. In one swift movement, Levi slipped it off and gazed down at my chest, his green eyes darkening with unconcealed desire. It felt so completely natural, to be here with him like this, and no hint of shyness overtook me under his fervent gaze.

I stepped closer to him, our skin touching from one end of our bodies to the other and the sensation of it was incredible. My insides tightened and my sense of touch became ten times more sensitive. I slipped my hand under the elastic waistband of his boxers. His body tensed for a split second but, he relaxed as soon as I started caressing his behind. He was firm and warm and just perfect.

What happened next was a blur as we worked together to remove the last pieces of clothing which separated our bodies. His lips were on mine one second and on my breasts the next. I heard him groan more than once and it proved again just how much he desired me. It still stunned me that Levi would fall for me, when he was so incredibly beautiful and I was just, well, Nix. Levi’s intensity made my pulse race to sky-high levels. I gripped his hair, wanting him to take me, to make me his in every possible way. The more we kept arousing one another, the less control we had. All the touches and kisses led to one thing. Levi pushed me gently again against the wall, hitching my legs around his waist and with one smooth, slow push, we became one. He stopped in his tracks, cupping my face with both his hands and he whispered the words which made my heart melt.

“I love you
.
”

We eventually ran out of hot water and he was late to work, but it was worth every single moment.

''P
hoenix... I can't believe you! Already?'' Bekka had one hand resting on her hip and looked at me in disbelief.

''I'm no saint,'' I giggled nervously.

''I know, but you’ve always said you’d wait at least a week.'' She chuckled. ''You didn't even last twenty-four hours!''

I was embarrassed. My whole life had changed in those twenty-four hours. ''I know, but what I feel for Levi is stronger than I ever thought possible.''

''You are so in love with him,'' she announced with a knowing grin.

We were trying to shop for new clothes, but her words hit me like a sledgehammer.
Yes I am
, I thought. ''I think you’re right, my friend, because I’m missing him like crazy and I’ve been away from the shop for,” I glanced at my watch, “forty-seven minutes. He’s gotten under my skin already.''

''NIX IS IN LOVE! '' Bekka yelled enthusiastically in the middle of the mall, wrapping me in a huge hug. ''I’m so freaking happy for you! He is the perfect guy for you.''

I blushed terribly, even though it was good to see Bekka so happy for me. I needed her comfort. In moments like this, I wished Val was still around. I might try to call her later today, I missed her a lot and wanted to tell her the good news.

I had planned the shopping trip to get a few things. Now that I had someone to impress, I wanted some lingerie, deciding sheer or lace would become my new best friends. We’d started by looking for the basics; tops and bottoms. We kept Victoria’s Secret for last, because we both knew this was going to be a long task. Given that I was shopping to impress Levi, and Bekka was shopping to impress Tyler, I imagined we’d be there until the store closed its doors.

I wanted something in pink or black. I loved both colors against my skin. I was proud of my full ‘C’ cup, and judging by Levi’s fondness for them, he was impressed also. Maybe I carried a few extra pounds than I needed to, but I didn't care; there was nothing wrong with my figure. With Levi’s love, I felt sexier now than ever before.

Bekka, who was both thin and tall, looked fabulous, just like a model. Neither of us were shy about showing one another what we tried on, so we managed to find two change rooms next to each other, so we could help each other choose.

With her darker skin colour, Bekka preferred white and cream, or even yellows. She tried on more than a dozen different bras, much to the salesperson’s pleasure. I’d already chosen two bras and that was enough for me.

For another twenty minutes, I watched Bekka parading in and out of the room. She was deciding between five different styles and even my opinion wasn't helping. After a few recommendations from the salesperson, she finally made a decision and bought four of them with the matching panties.
Tyler was a lucky guy
, I thought, and Levi too.

As much as I enjoyed the shopping spree, I was anxious to get home and find Levi. I didn't know if he was still at work or would have headed home by now, but either way, I was going wherever he was.

I sent him a text message as soon as we got to Bekka’s car.

Where are you?
I pressed ‘send’ and waited impatiently for a response.

It came within a couple of minutes.
Hi, Rock Star. I'm at work with a client.

I sent another message, unable to stop grinning.
I'm on my way.

His reply came through within seconds.
About time...

I laughed when I received the last message. He was missing me and I loved it.

''I have to stop by the tattoo shop, right?'' Bekka asked. She did her best to sound irritated, but she had a big smile on her face.

''If you don't mind.'' I was dying to see Levi again.

''I thought we were going to have a nice dinner at home, just the two of us,” Bekka said with a fake whine, before she grinned. “But I guess it's OK; we’ll have to find time some other night. I can't wait to see Tyler either.''