Tell Me Why (21 page)

He laughed and shrugged. “What can I say? You do it for me.”

“You weren’t kidding when you said we were going to spend a lot of time in bed, were you?”

“Not even a little,” he replied, bending to kiss my neck. “I plan on spending more time in it than out of it. Does that bother you?”

I shook my head. “No. I’m just wondering how long I’ll be able to survive your exquisite torture.”

“What about the torture you’re serving me?”

“I guess we’
ll both die together then.”

Laughing
against my skin, his tongue darted out to lick me. “Death by sex. I can’t think of a better way to go.”

My laughter joined his. “You are so bad.”

“Yes, I am,” he agreed. “And you’re going to love every minute of it.” Rolling off me, he stood, holding his hand out. “Come on. Let’s go shower.”

I slipped mine in his, wincing as he pulled me to my feet.

“Still tender?” he asked, concerned; and I blushed, but nodded.

“Then we can wait.” He swept me into his arms and headed for the door.

“I don’t want to wait,” I said boldly, and he grinned widely.

“Then we won’t.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Anna-

Exhausted, I’d lost track of how many times Caleb and I had made love through the night. All I knew was now that we’d crossed this line, we couldn’t seem to get enough of each other. Once again, I had no first-hand knowledge, but I was pretty sure Caleb was some type of god when it came to sex. He played my body just like he did his guitar, masterfully. Of course, there were several times I had him singing my praises too, as I explored his body with my mouth—much the same as he had mine. This new, intimate connection between us was exhilarating and I was as insatiable as he was.

Languidly
lying cuddled in his arms on my narrow bed, I wondered what the future would hold for us. We hadn’t really talked about any of that. Did he still want me to move in with him? Or, did he want to take things slower, after everything that had happened.

I only knew I wanted to be with him, wherever he was. “Are you awake?” I whispered
, softly.

“Barely,” he muttered. “You wore me out last night.”

I laughed. “
I
wore
you
out? Right. It’s a good thing you were able to go buy more condoms or we would’ve been in trouble.”

“Yes, we would’ve, because there was no way I was stopping.” His hand slid up my bare stomach to my chest and he fondled me, squeezing lightly.

Sighing, I close my eyes for a few seconds to relish his playing. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask earlier, but I was a little preoccupied. You said you were here on business. What for?”

“An agent came to see us play in Seattle. His label wants to sign us. They brought all of us down here to show us around their studio an
d to discuss particulars.”

Rolling over so I could face him, I hugged him tightly. “Caleb! That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you!”

He sighed, embracing me back and kissing my neck. “I’m not. I don’t want to do this without you. Come with me to the meeting today and let them hear you sing with us. You were the whole reason we got the look in the first place.”

“I was?” I asked, surprised by that.

“Yeah. He said someone had called and told him about Fringe, and you in particular.”

“It sounds like you didn’t need my help. I’ve always said you were good enough to front the band, but you wouldn’t listen to me.”

He shrugged. “It never really was my thing. Guitar has always been my first love.”

“I thought I was your first love,” I teased, kissing him lightly, and he laughed.

“You are. My first and only love. You know what I mean.”

His words made my heart soar and I kissed him again. “What time is the meeting?”

“This afternoon, at three.”

“Hmmm. So that leaves us plenty of time for some more fun.” My hand drifted between us
, down across his abs, dipping lower and finding him ready.

Groaning
as I wrapped my fingers around him and stroked his full, hard length, he began lightly thrusting his hips in time with my movements. “I think I may have created a nymphomaniac.”

“Are you complaining?”

“Not even in the slightest. I love feeling your hands all over me. And when you took me in your mouth—well, let’s just say I’ll be happy to let you do that any time you want.”

“You liked that did you?” I asked with a
wicked smile.

“More than you could possibly know.”

“Well, then let me entertain you again. Pushing him on his back, I made my way down his body and slid my lips around him.

“I think I’ve died and gone to heaven,” he rasped out, grabbing fistfuls of my hair. I didn’t reply, eager to continue pleasing him. He was too big for me to take all of him in my mouth, so I continued to use my hand around the base, doubling the action, as I locked gazes with him.

“That’s one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen,” he said, staring at me sultrily. “I could get used to waking up to this every day.” He groaned closing his eyes as he rocked his hips lightly, thrusting to meet me. “Oh, that feels so good, baby.”

I continued to work him over, loving every moan that escaped him and knowing I was bringing him such pleasure.

“Anna,” he bit out, his voice growing harsher. “Come sit on me now.”

Removing my mouth, I moved to straddle him.
“We need a condom.”

“Trust me this time
, please. I promise I won’t go inside you.”

I hesitated for a moment, before relenting. I would trust him like he asked.
He positioned himself and slowly I sank down, allowing my body to stretch and accommodate him. He felt so huge and foreign inside me, but yet, as if he belonged there too. “Wow. This feels even better without a condom,” I said beginning to move.

“Yes, it does.” H
e groaned again, grabbing my hips and helping me along. “We need to get you on the pill. Then we can have sex like this all the time.” His eyes drifted over me. “I may have lied. This might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I love the way your pretty, pert boobs bounce when you’re riding me.”

I laughed. “Face it. It doesn’t matter what position
I’m in, if it involves sex, it’s going to be your favorite.”

Grinning, he continued to fix his gaze on me. “You’re probably right. I love looking at anything that has a part of me inside a part of you.” His thrust grew harder. “You turn me on so much.”

“Likewise,” I replied, moaning when his hands slid up higher to pinch me, shooting hot sensations straight to where he penetrated me. Instantly, I felt the waves already building inside me. “Caleb,” I said, tossing my head backward, my long hair swaying across the small of my back.

His hands cupped my butt, helping me continue to move. “That’s it. Ride it out, baby.”

Successive moans escaped me as I shattered, falling over the edge as he continued to move inside of me. His expression was determined, mouth clenched, forehead furrowed as he fought to contain his own release. Grabbing my shoulders he rolled me onto my back, pumping into me heavily before giving a loud shout. Withdrawing quickly, he came onto my stomach and I reached down to continue stroking him until he quit thrusting into my hand.

Staring at his climax on my belly, he took my hand and traced it through the creamy liquid, holding it up for me to see. “And you were worried you wouldn’t please me,” he said. “Here’s your proof. How many times have I done this with you now?”

I couldn’t help my giggle. “I lost count,” I confessed.

Smiling, he leaned over and lightly kissed my lips. “I didn’t wear a condom because we’ve used the entire box. Trust me when I say, you please me just fine.”

“You please me too,” I replied, and he kissed me, again. Seeing the love in his eyes and the way he looked at me made me feel more beautiful than I’d ever felt in my life. “I love you, Caleb.”

“I love
you too, Anna. So much.”

***

Standing in the elevator, I gripped Caleb’s arm nervously, wondering if my being here with him was going to upset anyone.

“Do you think they have cameras in this thing?” Caleb asked absently. “I’ve never done it in an elevator before.”

“You haven’t?” I asked. “I have to say that surprises me.”

Glancing over at me
, he chuckled. “The ride in my elevator to the loft isn’t long enough; plus, I get a little anxious about one of my neighbors stepping on and catching me in the middle of the act.”

“Oh, I see, but you’re willing to do it now, on the way to meet record executives that might be signing you
?”

“Sure. They expect it of musicians. Shoot, I bet this elevator has seen lots of sex.”

“Ew!” I stepped away from the wall, eyeing it suspiciously.

Caleb laughed loudly. “I’m sure it gets cleaned regularly, Anna.”

Before I could reply, the doors swished open, revealing people I knew very well.

“Anna!” Stix called and I rushed to hug him before moving to do the same with Rick and Riley.

“I’ve missed you all so much!” I exclaimed, happy to see them.

“We’ve missed you too,” Riley spoke, hugging me tightly. Releasing me, he glanced between Caleb and me. “Are you back for good?”

I nodded. “Yes. Caleb and I managed to work things out.”

“It’s about time,” Stix grumbled. “Caleb has been an ass since you’ve been gone. It’s like
living with the Grim Reaper.”

“That bad?” I asked, casting a glance at Caleb as I slipped my hand into his.

“Pretty much,” he replied, not refuting the comment.

“Hello, gentlem
en.” A female voice interrupted and we all turned to see a very shapely blonde enter the lobby. Her eyes landed on me as well. “Excuse me. I see I missed someone. Are you by chance Anna?”

“Yes, I am,” I replied in surprise, extending my hand to shake hers. “Wonderful! Stone told me that Caleb was going to try to bring you too. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Stone?” I asked, unfamiliar with the name. “Stone Hensley. He’s the agent that went to Seattle to see Fringe play; and he is the one responsible for bringing them here to LA. You’ll meet him shortly. My name is Bailey Fuentes. Why don’t you all follow me, please?”

Leaving
the sleek, minimally decorated lobby, we passed through some frosted glass double doors into a long hallway that maintained the black and white office theme. As we walked, bold red splashes of color began to appear and soon it was everywhere—on abstract paintings and the floor. It was a cool effect, but reminded me of blood. That was a bit creepy.

Bailey led us past several offices which
, I assumed because it was the weekend, were empty, and then through another set of large double glass doors. This hallway was decorated in gold records with artists’ pictures underneath them. I was overwhelmed as I recognized many great names. These people were the real deal, obviously. I couldn’t believe they were interested in adding Fringe to their mix. It all seemed so surreal.

“In here
, please,” Bailey said, holding the door open to a large conference room. “Have a seat and Stone will be right with you. Can I get you anything to drink? Water, coffee, juice?”

“I’ll take a water,” I said my mouth suddenly feeling dry.

“Anyone else?” she asked, but all the guys declined. “Okay, then. I’ll be right back.”

“This place is insane,” Stix said as soon as she was gone. “Did you see all those gold records?”

“Ours will be up there too, someday,” Caleb said with a grin.

“Heck yeah!” Riley said, high fiving his brother. Seating ourselves all together on the nearest side of the table, we waited for Stone.

Before long, Bailey reappeared with a notepad in her hand and a bottle of water. She handed the water to me just as the door opened, revealing a young looking man, in his late twenties, dressed in casual attire.

“Fringe!” he called out in a fri
endly manner, reaching over to bump fists with some of the guys and I couldn’t help smiling at his demeanor. He seemed very laid back. “And this must be our lovely, Miss Anna. I’m so glad Caleb convinced you to join us. Any chance I could get you to sing for me while you’re here?”

“I’d be happy to,” I replied, shaking his hand.

“Perfect! Okay, then. Here’s the deal. I’m going to take you down to the studio and have you guys play a few of your numbers for me while I record you for a demo track to play for some of the other executives and my colleagues who are out of the office today. We’ll also tour you around our facility and tell you about some of the things we do as a company and what we expect of our musicians. We have a couple artists in studio today, who’ve agreed to share with you some of their experiences while working with us. If you like what you see, we’ll draw up a contract. You’ll need to get yourselves a contract lawyer you trust to go over everything with you and make sure all is fair, before signing. If there’s something you don’t agree with, let us know and we can try to negotiate a satisfactory deal. That way everyone ends up happy. How does that sound?”

“Sounds pretty great to me,” Caleb said, grinning happily
. He was like a little boy at Christmas it made me want to kiss him.

“Awesome,” Stone replied. “Then let’s head to the studio and see if we can’t make some music together.”

“Do you have your instruments?” I asked, shooting a worried glance at Caleb as everyone stood and began filing out.

“I hope so.” He grinned. “The guys were supposed to bring everything over from the hotel this morning
, except for the drums and keyboards. They are providing those. We left ours in Seattle.”

“Oh, all right. I was worried for a second. I know you prefer your own guitars.”

“It’s all taken care of, baby.” Placing an arm around my shoulder, he squeezed me tightly. “All you’ve got to do is open those pipes and sing. Let everyone in the place know who the real rockstar of this group is.”

“That’s you,” I argued. “This band wouldn’t exist without you.”

“That may be, but you’re the one who truly makes us shine—the icing on the cake so to speak.” His eyes drifted over me. “Mmm, icing. That might be something fun to try later.”