Take Me Home Tonight (19 page)

She stroked the hair off his forehead. “Didn't you have some kind of fantasy about my mouth?”

The look on his face, hungry but hesitant—as if he didn't expect her to do anything but holy shit did he want her to—got her pulse spiking. “Did you picture it here?” She pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth, his scruff tickling her cheek. “Or here?” Another to his jaw. “Maybe here?” She kissed his neck, right at the curve of his shoulder, and because he smelled so good, she sank her teeth into the muscle.

He sucked in a breath, his dick so hard it throbbed against her. She reached down and gripped him through his jeans, and he pushed into her hand.

Lifting his shirt all the way up to his collarbone, she kissed each pec, then licked his nipple, biting down on it.

“Fuck, Mimi.”

“Not there? Sorry, maybe you meant here instead.” More kisses down his chest, following the thin line of silky hair that led to the waistband of his jeans. She gave his erection another squeeze, and he shuddered.

Popping the stud open, she kissed until she reached the head of his cock. Holy crap, he went commando. Why was that so hot? She peeled back the material, exposing his jutting masculinity.

A hunger so intense it stole her breath gripped her. She closed her hand around him, so hard, so perfect. But instead of taking him in her mouth, she licked underneath the ridge. “Right here? Is this where you wanted my mouth?”

She glanced up at him, and he let out a choked sound.

“Don't fuck with me, Mimi.” His fingers curled around the back of her neck.

“Can I fuck with you just a little?” She shoved his pants down. He lifted his hips, and she pushed them down to his knees.

“Mouth, Mimi.”

“Oh, did you . . .” Her tongue swirled around the head of his cock. His eyes closed, and his ass muscles clenched. “You must want it right . . . here.” And then she took him all the way in.

His eyes rolled back in his head. She could feel the tremble in his legs as he let out a shaky breath. His hand tightened on her neck. “Fuuuck.”

She licked all around the head, breathing in the smell of soap fresh from the shower he'd taken right before picking her up. Stretching out on her side, her bare feet hitting cool sand, she gripped his ass as she drew him deeper into her mouth.

“Ah, Jesus, Mimi, so good.”

She sucked hard, flicking her tongue across the vein on the underside of his dick.

“Gotta see you.” As he rolled onto his back, his hand at her neck urged her to stay with him. She got up on her knees, not releasing him, and he hitched up on his elbows. His gaze turned crazy with lust. “Look at you.” He grew even thicker, harder.

She loved having him in her mouth. Loved it. Loved the sounds he made, the impatient thrust of his hips, the restraint she felt in his body. Because he cared. He didn't want to hurt her.

She pulled off him. “Don't you dare hold back with me, Calix Bourbon. If this is a fantasy, then you let go.” They might never have this kind of intimacy again. “Take it.”

He drew in a deep breath, desire softening his tense features. She sucked him in, deep, all the way to the back of her throat. Her hand slid around his thigh, holding him tightly to her.

Collapsing onto his back, he let out a moan of ecstasy, his fingers curling into her hair as he guided her movements on his cock, and it thrilled her. Thrilled her that he'd let go.

She wanted him to give her everything he had to give. His neck arched, and his hand fisted her hair as his hips pumped. “Holy shit, Mimi.” His vein thickened under her tongue, and she knew he was close. So she sucked him harder, flicked her tongue faster.

And when his hand pressed down, holding her against him, when his hips jerked up and his cock swelled, she knew he was there.

He started to pull out, but she wouldn't let him. She clamped her hand on his thigh and held him to her. “I'm coming. Fuck. Jesus, I'm coming.”

His body went rigid, and with a roar he exploded into her mouth. She loved it. Loved that he finally let himself go. His pumps slowed, and his dick softened. When his fingers relaxed in her hair, she eased back. He lunged forward, his hands catching under her arms and hauling her up to him. His body still shaking from his explosive release, he kissed her. So much passion and hope in that joining of their mouths.

But when she settled against him, her ear pressed to his
chest so she could hear his thundering heart, she couldn't help facing the truth.

She'd crossed a line.

Calix wanted to date her. But she wanted more.

She wanted everything.

Calix parked his bike in the driveway of Slater and Emmie's house.

Yesterday, his dad had agreed to produce Blue Fire's album. So he'd called a brief meeting this morning to talk about his plans. Since work wouldn't start until contracts came in, Emmie was on her way into the city right then to take care of it.

His boots crunched gravel as he walked along the side of the house. Each step that brought him closer to the kitchen wound him up tighter.

Mimi.
Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her face, that lush mouth wrapped around his cock. Her sexy expression when she'd looked up at him. Jesus, he'd never come so hard in his life.

Honestly? Most girls treated sex like an audition. They wanted to give him the best time of his life so he'd come back for more. But Mimi, she'd been in it with him—and that was what undid him. He'd felt so damn connected to her.

Fuck.
He had to stop thinking about her.

This is what you do. You get carried away with shit.

Finding out his dad had taken this job had thrown
everything into a tailspin. Of course, his mom had given him the green light, but what was she supposed to say?
No, stay home so I can continue to avoid you?

What Mimi said struck a chord. His mom
wanted
them to leave her alone. Having her husband out of the house—having all of them gone—she'd welcome that.

But what would she do with all that time alone? If all three guys were off working on the album—and no doubt the hours would be long and grueling—what would the loneliness do to her? If Mimi was right, it would give her time to grieve and figure out a new kind of life for herself. One without children to care for.

But what if Mimi was wrong? What if being alone in her grief proved unbearable? What if she couldn't see a future—and the only relief she could imagine came from joining Hopper?

A shock of fear skidded along his nerves. He couldn't take that risk.

Voices in the backyard tore him out of his thoughts.

The band stood around the table, backs to him, as they ate the breakfast Mimi had set out on this warm, sunny day. All kinds of baked goods, a couple carafes of coffee, some jugs of orange juice, and tableware covered a folding table.

Mimi stood talking to Violet, using her hands to tell a story. She was just a woman standing in the sunshine on a clear May morning, but she made his heart expand so swiftly, it hurt. Her dark red curls gleamed in the morning sun, and her round ass in the black yoga pants made his cock go hard. Because he'd held it in his hands last night. He'd squeezed it, and she'd gone wild in his arms.

As she threw her head back in laughter, her gaze caught on him. Joy burst from inside her and shone right through her skin. She turned toward him, the smile so fucking glorious it snapped the bindings, catapulting him head over ass. She started toward him, and he just knew what she'd do. Knew she'd rush him, throw herself into his arms, wrap her legs around him, and kiss the motherfucking daylights out of him. Right there in front of everyone.

Because Mimi Romano didn't hold back.

She gave everything—and in turn she wanted everything. But he couldn't give it to her. He wanted to more than he could breathe, but he couldn't.

Could. Not.

Abruptly, he looked away. Kept walking. Went right into the studio. He gave her no acknowledgment whatsoever. With every step he took, he expected her to approach him, call out, do something to get his attention. So he moved faster. Had to get away, because if she so much as touched him, smiled up at him, he'd lose it.

He flung the door open so hard it jerked on its hinges.

Once inside the quiet, dark lounge of the studio, he quickly shut the door.

Sweat popped out on his forehead, and he tugged on the leather band, separating it from the others. He was such an
asshole
. Running from her like that?

Look, he was obviously into her, so he had to figure out a way to keep himself in check. He wasn't the selfish, reckless bastard he'd been three years ago. Hopper's death had made sure of that.

He could keep himself from getting carried away. He'd
have
to do that, because he wasn't giving her up.

Sounds from the control room snagged his attention. Low murmurs and a muted, “Fuck, yeah. Oh, yeah.”

Opening the door, he found his brother's back against the wall, Laney on her knees in front of him. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

Laney didn't even pull off. She just turned, giving him seductive eyes, and then continued sucking Gus's cock. Gus pushed her head back. “Lane, stop.”

Kissing the tip, Laney got up, licking her lips, while Gus pulled up his pants.

“Get
the fuck
out of here.” Calix held the door open. “You don't come back to this studio, you hear me?”

“I'm his girlfriend.” Her eyes fired with defiance. She snatched her bag off the chair and strode to the door. Before she left, she said, “See you at home, baby.” And then she was gone.

“
Home?
” Anger burned so hot in his veins, Calix kicked the chair into the console. “What
the hell
is she talking about?”

“Nothing. I'm going to her place after work, that's all.” He had a hard time articulating and reeked of pot.

“You're high.” Calix could not believe this.

Gus buckled his belt with fumbling fingers.

“You show up for work high . . . you get a blow job in the control room? Jesus, Gus, the band's right outside.”

“Like you'd turn down a blow job?”

“Yeah, asshole, I'd turn down a blow job by that skank any day, but I sure as hell wouldn't get one in the control room on a job. The whole point of this gig is to help you build a career. How's that gonna happen when you get fired from your first job?”

“I didn't get caught. Jesus. Calm down.”

“
I
caught you.”

“You're not with the band.”

Why Calix felt that remark so harshly, he didn't know. Of course he wasn't with the band. He knew that. “I'm taking you home before Dad or any of the guys sees you. You need to sober up and come back when you're ready to work.” He stepped closer, leaning in to make his point. “You get one pass. The next time you come to work high or have sex with that girl on Slater's property, you're out. Do you understand? And if you don't think I'll do it, think about this. I'm a session musician. This is my livelihood. You don't mess with my reputation. Now, get out of here.”

“No. Laney left. I don't want to miss the meeting.”

“You either get out of here now or you're fired. Don't test me.”

“You're an asshole.” As Gus passed him, he rammed his shoulder into Calix. But he saw his brother's expression. He wasn't angry. He was scared.

As Calix followed him out, Gus turned and said, “I'm going. You don't have to follow me.”

“You think I'm letting you drive home when you're high?” He held out his hand. “Give me the keys.”

“Fuck you.” But there was no heat behind his words.

“Give me the fucking keys.” Calix shouted it so loudly, Gus flinched.

His brother dug into his pocket and tossed the keys at Calix, then headed out the door.

Goddammit.
He'd have to deal with Mimi later.

*   *   *

As
soon as they got home, Calix steered Gus toward his room. Then he headed into the kitchen to grab something to eat while he waited for his brother to shower and change his clothes.

At the table, Lee hovered over a bowl of cereal. “S'up.” She straightened, brow furrowed in confusion. “Where's Meems?”

Dammit
. He'd forgotten about her lesson. Since she had her competition that afternoon, she'd wanted to do it earlier in the day. He'd planned on bringing her home with him after the meeting. “Forgot.”

So not only had he hurt her, but he'd bailed on her.
Well done.

And this was why he didn't do relationships. Not now anyway.

He closed his eyes, remembering how happy she'd been—how beautiful she'd looked standing there in all that sunshine. And he'd blown her off.

“You forgot Mimi.” Lee's flat, challenging tone put him back in motion.

He aimed for the refrigerator. “Yeah, Lee. I forgot.”

“Okay, that makes absolutely no sense. You were just at the house. Aren't you supposed to be in a meeting with Dad?”

As he leaned in, the cool air hit him in the face. But he didn't see food. Since he hadn't looked at Mimi, he'd never seen the hurt he'd caused by ignoring her. He imagined it right then. “Forgot something. Had to come back home.” The image crushed his heart like an empty Coke can.

“Baloney. Last night you left the house with a picnic basket. And don't think I didn't hear about the flowers all over Slater and Emmie's kitchen. And then you forget about her the very next morning? Something happened. Spill it.”

“Nothing happened. Leave it alone.”

“No, I want to know. How did you forget her?”

He gave her a hard look.

“Shouldn't mess with Mimi.” His mom came in from the garden carrying a basket full of herbs. Since when did she get up so early?

Ah. She'd gotten up for Mimi's lesson.

“I agree,” Lee said.

“It's not that big a deal. I'll go back and get her.”

“The whole point of the early lesson was so Mimi could get it in before she has to catch the train into the city,” Lee said. “Going back to get her will waste an hour. That's shitty.”

“Jesus, we had one date. That's it.”

Lee came up behind them. “So the date sucked? She was boring? Her touch repulsed you?”

The back door opened, and his dad walked in. “Hey.” He shot a look to Calix. “Where'd you go? We had a meeting.”

Well, he wasn't about to tell his dad what he'd found in the control room. “Sorry, didn't think I was needed.”

Disapproval tightened his dad's features. “You in the band?”

Calix shrugged. Technically no, he wasn't
in
the band.

His dad gave him a look that said,
You can't be serious
. “You were needed.”

“Hey, Dad, you didn't bring Mimi with you, did you?” Lee asked.

“No, should I have?” Terrence asked.

“She's got a lesson this morning, but apparently Calix
forgot
to bring her over.”

“Oh, hey, how'd the date go last night?” his dad asked.

He should never have made such a big deal about it. “It was fine.”

His dad held his gaze a little too long, before giving a nod of understanding. “Got it.”

What did that mean? “Got what?”

“No sparks. It's cool.”

Sparks? Just looking at Mimi set his heart pounding. But touching her? She made him burn. “It's not like that. We're just dating.”

“Sure.” His dad looked indifferent.

“Just dating?” Lee pulled his arm so he faced her. “A, since when do you date? B, you don't spread flowers around her kitchen, make her truffles and a picnic dinner if you don't want her to
think
it's a date, and C, you're full of shit. I know you, Calix, and right now? You're full of shit.”

He shrugged, trying to play it cool when his insides felt like curdled milk. “You're making this thing way bigger than it is. We want different things. She knows that.”

“What exactly does she want?” Lee asked.

“A serious relationship.”

“And you want, what, a hookup?” Lee planted herself right in his path.

“Leave it alone.”

Now was not the time to point out the facts to her. That she was going to be alone with their mom all day, every day. She should be begging him not to get involved with anyone.

“Lee.” His dad gave her a shake of his head. “Doesn't work like that. When a man wants a woman, nothing stops him from going after her.” He watched his wife. “Trust me, we can screw around all we want, talk about how we're never gonna get tied down, but when we find her, it's done.”

“Is that how it was for you and Mom?” Lee asked.

“Hell, yeah.” He kept his gaze on his wife, who looked as if Terrence were standing on a landmine and shouldn't dare make a move. He came around the table and crouched beside her. “You're the love of my life, you know that, right?”

Every muscle in Calix's body tightened. He couldn't take his eyes off the private moment between his parents. For three years his mom had given Terrence nothing. But right then, when he'd put his heart on the line? Publicly? She
had
to give him something back.

If his mom rejected Terrence again, Calix thought a piece of his heart would die.

She let out an uncomfortable laugh and shoved a hand through Terrence's long hair. “Yeah, I suckered you in all right.”

His dad looked like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He didn't smile, just brushed a kiss on her cheek
and pulled out a chair. “Trying to convince a guy to date a woman's useless. Believe me, when Calix falls, you'll know.”

“Then don't play with Mimi,” Lee said. “She's way more sensitive than she lets on.”

“What's that mean?”

“Nothing. Forget it. It's not like you're interested in her, so what does it matter?” Lee brought her bowl to the sink and dumped the leftover cereal down the drain.

Calix got up and stood beside her. “Tell me.”

“Tell you what? What it feels like to get flowers and truffles, to have the guy you're into make a big deal about a date, and then have him kick you to the curb the next day? Do I really have to explain how that feels?”

“I'm not kicking her to the curb. I wouldn't do that.” But, of course, he'd done exactly that. And what Lee said was right. He'd made a big deal out of the date. And worst of all? Mimi had trusted him—trusted his intentions—enough to be totally open and uninhibited around him.