A Beat in Time (13 page)

“I meant it when I said I came up here to get to know you better, and not in the biblical sense, Serena. As much as I want to make love to you, I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t just have sex for kicks.”

That stopped me and I stared into his eyes. “I get that.”

“But believe me, the way you kiss? The sex is going to be phenomenal.”

“It’s all in the kiss,” we both said in unison.

I started at that and Vince smiled, his hand running smoothly up and down my neck.

“We have time, Serena. I want to get to know you.”

“My family is nuts,” I warned him.

“Bring it. I already met some of them.”

I touched his cheek and smiled. “You are so brave.”

Vince laughed and removed me from his lap. I leaned into him once again and we watched the movie. Vince and I laughed at all the stupid shit in the movie and then the credits were rolling. I blinked and looked up at him. His eyes were half opened.

“Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

“Wow, I’m tired and tipsy.”

“It’s the altitude,” I informed him as I helped him up the stairs.

“I got it from here.” He took my hand. “Have to brush teeth.”

“Okay, good night, Vince.”

“Night, Serena.”

I went to my room and shut the door, leaning against it. My whole body was screaming to be taken—and hard. I wanted Vince to pound me into the damn mattress. I brushed my teeth and slid into bed, grabbing my remote. I always fell asleep with the TV on at night; living alone, I liked the noise. I had a hot, sexy firefighter right down the hall from me. I loved the fact that Vince didn’t want to jump into bed with me. It was irritating and endearing all at once. I sighed and rolled to my side. I could see dating Vince, we definitely had a lot in common with both our families being from Europe. It occurred to me that I hadn’t thought of Jensen all day. Maybe things were looking up?

I woke up to the sound of pots and pans clanking downstairs, which was odd for me, seeing as I lived alone. I rolled over and looked at the clock. It was ten in the morning. My eyes widened. I never got to sleep in. I got up and hauled a robe on, heading downstairs to see Vince in the kitchen in nothing but sweats. My eyes perused his muscular body, taking in the many colorful tattoos that covered him from his biceps to his abdomen. I must have gasped because Vince looked up and shot me a wide grin.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

“Damn, now that’s a sight I’d like to see every damn morning,” I blurted out.

“Why, thank you. I’ve made pancakes. I hope it’s okay I rummaged through all your cabinets.” He motioned to the butter, syrup, and flour on the counter.

“Eh, not like I have a lot anyway.”

“You really don’t. Do you ever eat?”

“Sure I do! Every now and then I’ll have a snack between writing.” Vince eyed me suspiciously and I smiled. “I don’t eat much.”

“I’m getting that. Coffee?” he asked.

“It is a must!” I grabbed a mug and poured myself a cup, making sure to add cream and sugar. Vince leaned against the counter as I sipped it. “Oh, so good. How I love thee, coffee.”

Vince cracked up and grabbed a plate down, placing two fluffy pancakes on it. He handed it to me and I slathered it with butter and syrup. I took a bite and groaned. “These are good. What did you add?”

“I sprinkled some cinnamon and nutmeg in there.”

I finished the pancakes in record time and declined the offer of more. Vince went about cleaning my plate, along with all the bowls and utensils he’d used.

“If I may say, your ex is a moron.”

“Oh?” Vince placed the plate in the dishwasher.

“You cook, clean, have a great sense of humor, look like that and are packing. Yep,” I nodded. “Moron.”

“How do you know I’m packing?” Vince lifted an inquisitive brow.

“Um, I felt it last night,” I admitted with a blush.

“Well now,” Vince moved to take me into his arms. “Are you a size queen?”

“I’m an anything queen. I haven’t had sex in a long time. I’m afraid when it does happen, you’ll have to deal with a cave of wonders.”

“Well, I do like adventure,” Vince chuckled.

I palmed his cheek and shook my head. “I don’t get it.”

“What don’t you get?”

“Who in their right mind would cheat on you? There has to be something.”

“Well, I have a great relationship with my mother. She taught me to respect women. I was also brought up cleaning and doing things for myself so,” he shrugged. “I did everything right as far as I know. I just wasn’t enough.”

“Well, lucky me.” I leaned in to kiss him. Our lips met softly and then Vince wrapped me in his arms. We had the kissing down, I couldn’t complain at all about that. Vince broke from the kiss with a smile.

“So, what are we doing today?”

“We’ll figure it out.”

I took Vince all over Flagstaff. He seemed to really love it and I was having fun. By nightfall, we’d gotten dinner and were on our way to the Green Room. I wanted Vince to meet the guys and I really was in the mood for live music and drinks. Vince held my hand as we entered the bar, the place was already jumping and people were already crowding the stage area. I waved as Aarin and the guys were setting up.

“This is pretty cool.” Vince took a look around. “Want a drink?”

“Sure. Just one, though.”

We took a seat at the bar and both ordered a beer. Vince leaned back against the chair as the music started on stage. I liked all kinds of music and I liked it loud, so I was wondering how Vince would feel about the music currently being belted out.

“You like it?” I almost shouted.

“Hell yes!” Vince held up his beer in salute.

We really couldn’t talk over the music, so I took that time to inspect him thoroughly. He was so… alive and animated. I laughed as Vince got up and jumped into the mosh pit overflowing with folks currently bashing into one another. His smile was infectious; his laugh, addictive. There was still so much about him I didn’t know, and I found myself wanting answers to all my questions.

Vince came back to me and sat down, laughing and wiping sweat from his forehead.

“I haven’t done that in forever!”

“You looked like you were having fun.” I handed him a napkin.

“You never do that?” he asked.

“I’m afraid someone would hit me in the boobs.”

Vince stared at my chest with a salacious grin. “Now that would be a shame.”

I slapped his bicep and waved the bartender over. Raucous applause and screams erupted behind us and I turned on my stool. The first face I saw was Jensen’s. Our eyes met and I looked away quickly. The guys on stage began to clap and then Aarin’s voice floated over the building.

“Let’s give it up for Breeding Blood! You guys going to play?”

Jensen moved towards the stage area with his guys in tow. Wyatt came over to me with a genuine smile.

“It’s good to see you, Serena.”

“Hey, Wyatt. This is my date, Vince Rossetti. Vince, Wyatt Presley. He gives me guitar lessons,” I added.

“You get guitar lessons from Wyatt Presley?” Vince said in awe.

“She’s not too bad,” Wyatt shot me a grin as he shook Vince’s hand. “You two sticking around?”

“Oh, I—” I started.

“We’d love to! I can’t believe Breeding Blood is here!”

“I’ll buy you a beer after, dude. Good to meet you.” Wyatt told him honestly.

I watched as he walked across the bar to the stage and huddled in with the guys. Jensen’s eyes met mine again and I turned back to the counter. Vince leaned into my ear.

“What’s wrong? He seems nice.”

“Wyatt is Jensen’s guitarist. You know, the Jensen I told you about.” I stated.

“Jensen Pratt is your high school sweetheart?” Vince said in astonishment. “Fuck, I’ve got no chance.”

“Stop that.” I took his hand. “Look, nothing has changed, okay? Everything I told you is still true.”

Vince peered over my shoulder. “Well, if looks could kill, I’d be six feet under.”

“Vince, please.” I turned his face to mine. “It doesn’t matter who he is, he still chose to hurt me. I’m here with
you
. We can leave if you want.”

“Nah, I’d like to hang out and get a beer with Wyatt, at least.”

I eyed Vince carefully. “I know what you’re up to.”

“Moi?” Vince placed a hand on his chest in mock horror.

“I get it, you know? You guys and your testosterone.”

Vince snorted. “I learned a long time ago that you can’t make someone be with you. They either want to be or they don’t, and forcing the issue only makes it worse. We both agreed this was casual and I’ll stick to that.”

Jensen and his band started playing and the bar broke out in utter pandemonium. I watched from across the room as Jensen played the drums. He still looked the same, even after all this time. Eyes shut in concentration, sweat flowing freely down his arms and face. He really was a sight to behold. Vince was rocking it out in front of me and I laughed. He really was fun to be with.

After a half hour of playing, Jensen and his guys bowed to the screaming hoard of fans and then walked towards the bar. I tapped Vince on the shoulder and let him know I was going to the ladies room. I crossed through a throng of people before hitting the hallway to the bathrooms. I barely placed my hand on the door when another hand grabbed my bicep. I twirled around to see Jensen standing there, his chest heaving.

“Is that your date?” he asked.

“Yes, Jensen. It is. So if you don’t mind, I’d like to pee and get back to him.”

“Really, Serena? What is he? An UFC fighter?”

“Nope, he’s a fireman.”

“Well, shit. I’ve got no chance now, do I?”

“You had your chance, remember? I basically got on my hands and knees and begged you and what did you do? Oh, that’s right, you left. So excuse me if I can’t muster up some sad feelings for you.”

“I meant what I said, Serena. This isn’t over between us. It never was.”

“Oh, but it is, Jensen. Where’s Noelle?”

“We broke up.”

“Nothing new there,” I said wryly.

“Oh, but it is different this time. I can assure you of that. I’m seeing a psychiatrist, Serena. I’m going to be the man you fell in love with.”

“I fell in love with the boy, and he’s gone,” I said sadly. “I’m sorry, Jensen.”

I knew his eyes were on me as I entered the bathroom. I shut the door behind me with a loud growl. I couldn’t deal with this right now. I had a great guy just waiting for me, and I wasn’t going to hurt him.

We stayed until closing. Vince, Wyatt, and I were sequestered near the back of the bar talking about Wyatt, the band, and their upcoming tour. Vince and Wyatt really got on and exchanged phone numbers. Vince looked like a little kid that was told he could have candy, he was so happy. We went back to my house after and separated at the stairs on the top floor.

“Night, Vince.” I kissed him lightly.

“Night. Thanks for introducing me to the guys.”

“I didn’t do much, Wyatt did it all.”

“Well, thanks anyway.”

I smiled and walked into my room, closing the door. I had some serious pent-up sexual energy that needed to be freed. I climbed into bed and turned the TV on just loud enough to cover the vibrations from my toy. I cocked my head to the side to listen for any movement on the other side of it before undressing and getting comfortable. I closed my eyes and envisioned Vince naked, his hands sliding up my thighs and touching me. A soft moan escaped me as I moved my toy around, trying to get the best possible spot. A soft knock sounded on my door and I froze.

“Serena? I know you’re trying to be quiet, but I can hear you. Can I come in?”

“Um, sure?” I hastily hid my toy under my pillow.

Vince cracked the door and poked his head in.

“I’m so fucking hard right now just listening to you. Can I help?”

I sat up with what I knew was a look of shock. Wasn’t this the beginning of a porn somewhere?

“You want to help me?” I said slowly.

“I meant what I said about no sex, but I can be of service.” Vince walked in, shut the door, and removed his shirt.

Oh. Fuck. Me.

“Where is it?” he rumbled huskily.

“Where is what?”

Vince cocked a brow and I sighed, pulling my vibrator out for him to see. He grinned and climbed up on my bed. “Damn, look at you all naked and shit. Are you wet?”

“I am now.”

“Let me take that.” Vince took the toy and positioned himself next to me. “Spread your legs out. Let me see.”

Damn. That was just fucking sexy as all hell. I did what he asked and he turned the vibrator on. His fingers brushed my landing strip and I actually shivered. Vince pulled his sweats down a little and I was treated to his elephant trunk in all its glory.

“Holy fucking hell. How big are you?”

“Bigger than this.” Vince held the vibrator right at my clit and I arched into it, my fingers gripping the sheets. “I want to see you lose it,” he whispered.

“Oh fuck yeah, a little to the right,” I rasped.

“Has a man ever made you cum while inside you, Serena?”

“Rarely,” I admitted shyly.

“That is a shame. They didn’t take the time to get to know your body, did they?” Vince slid the vibrator over my clit repeatedly.

A tingle spread through my abdomen as Vince pushed the vibrator inside me. He tortured me with the clit tickler and his finger at the same time.

“They didn’t find your G spot, but I’m going to.”

His tone of voice sent me writhing and then the vibrator was out and Vince’s long fingers went in.

“Oh fuck yeah, so damn wet. Love it, Serena. Tell me how you like it.”

Well, no one had ever asked me that and right now, I couldn’t think. I squirmed on his fingers as he shoved them in higher and faster. His mouth met mine and then I was soaring, my body racked with spasms as I shot all over Vince. Vince moaned in my mouth and the heat slid down my thigh. I realized Vince had just shot on me. Fuck, that was hot. He removed his fingers slowly, licking them as he watched my face.

“You are naughty,” I whispered.

“And you taste good.” Vince gripped his dick, squeezing any remaining cum out and I couldn’t help it, I swiped some and stuck my fingers in my mouth.

“Now who’s naughty?” Vince leaned in and licked my lips.

My bed was soaked and I sat up, staring down at the sheets.

“What the hell?” I said in awe.

“You just squirt all over. Love it that you’re a squirter.” Vince grabbed me and held me hard. “I wanted to jump on you and show you what it’s like to cum with a dick inside you, but we have time, Serena.”

“Yes, we do. I want to spend as much of it as I can with you.”