“That wasn’t even a real kiss. Just an experiment.”
“It felt real to me. You’ve always believed in me, Zoey. Even when I couldn’t believe in myself. I’m the man I am today because of you.”
She blinked and he suspected it was to hold back tears. He hadn’t meant to make her cry. There had been too many tears shed this year. He kissed her cheek, her forehead, her lips.
This time, she broke the connection. “Funny how different our perspectives are. I look at my life and it seems to be one long list of times when you saved me. You held my hair when I was sick, offered to drive me to the drugstore after I’d been stupid. You pointed out some hard truths when I was dating Drake and this year, Christ, I wouldn’t have lasted a minute without you here.”
“No. That’s not true. You saved yourself. Every time, Zoey. I just held your hand while you did all the hard stuff.”
She reached up to where his hands lay beside her head. He grasped them, clasping their hands together tightly. “Promise you’ll never let go of my hand?”
He kissed her. It was the easiest vow he’d ever made. “Promise.”
With the words spoken, Rob felt free from the demons of their past. All the walls fell away. He lifted his hips and slid home. As he pressed his cock inside, he kissed her, their hands still linked. Zoey wrapped her legs around his waist, encouraging him to go deeper.
The pace they set was gentle at first, a calm rocking that allowed Rob to feel every movement of Zoey’s hips, the clenching of her inner muscles. He heard every soft cry and felt her hot breath on his face.
Soon, the easy thrusting wasn’t enough…for either of them. Zoey’s legs tightened around him, urging him to move faster. Rob released her hands and her lips, opting instead to hold her shoulders, holding her steady as he increased his pace.
Zoey’s hands locked on his upper arms, her grip and words driving him on. “Harder.” The demand came out as a harsh gasp. “God, please. Harder.”
Rob took her at her word, relishing each groan that told him he’d hit the right spot.
“On top,” she said on a gasp. “Let me on top.”
He shifted their positions, taking care not to leave her body. It was an awkward transition, but once they’d made it, Rob looked up at Zoey’s flushed face and knew he’d discovered paradise. She placed one foot on the floor, using it to aid her as she rode him. Stars flew behind his eyes, but Rob tried to fight off the urge to come. This was too fucking good to end so soon.
Unfortunately, Zoey’s breasts bounced in unison with her up and down motion. He reached up, unable to keep his hands off them. He was a breast guy and hers were gorgeous. When he squeezed the soft globes, slowly adding to the pressure, Zoey exploded. Rob gritted his teeth, determined to stave off his climax.
Zoey, exhausted, sank down on his chest. It took several breathless moments before she realized he hadn’t joined her. She lifted her head. “Robbie?”
“Not finished yet.”
She frowned. “You helped me survive months of chemo and cancer only to kill me with sex?”
He laughed. “You have to admit it’s a better way to go.”
“My whole body is Jell-O. I can’t possibly—”
Rob held her knees as he twisted and sat up. The sudden movement caught Zoey by surprise.
She straddled his lap, his cock still hard and buried deep. Rather than respond, he reached down and touched her clit. Still sensitive from her previous orgasms, the simple touch had the effect he hoped. She jerked as if shocked by a live wire. He rubbed harder, amazed and thrilled when her body responded. Her pussy grew wetter and her hips began thrusting in time with his caresses.
Rob cupped her ass with his free hand, urging her on. While her motions were sluggish, even a bit ungainly, she didn’t resist.
“I’m never going to be finished with you,” he admitted.
His words stopped her for a moment. Her lips lifted in a crooked grin. “Could make it rough for me at work. Not sure Nick would like it if I tried to transpose depositions while riding your cock.”
“I’m never going to stop wanting you. I think I promised you kinky and dirty a few months ago”
Her smile never dimmed. “Sounds compelling. Tell me more.”
“How would you feel about experimenting? Handcuffs, anal, wax play? I want to try it all with you.”
Her inner muscles tightened against his cock. He knew it. Knew Zoey had a rough edge she’d failed to recognize. A wild side she’d yet to explore.
“What if I don’t want that? What if I say no?”
She was testing him. He pressed harder on her clit, gathering up some of her body’s moisture. Reaching behind her, he spread her ass cheeks and pushed the tip of his wet finger inside her ass. “Are you saying no?”
She shook her head and, for a moment, he paused. Was she resisting his offer? No. He couldn’t believe it. There was no way he’d read her wrong.
“No. I’m not saying no. I want to try all that too. You’re the only man I’ve ever trusted enough to play that way. But, Robbie, the games are going to go both ways.”
He narrowed his eyes. She was about to corner him and he knew there was no way around it. “How so?”
“I want to tie you up too. And I’m definitely going to push your anal boundaries.” Her smile was wicked, wanton and too much to resist.
“Shit.” His control was fading fast. Dirty talk got to him every time. He lifted her off his lap, ignoring her protests.
Her arguments faded when he threw a pillow on the floor for her knees and bent her over the coffee table. She hissed when her nipples brushed the cool glass surface. “Cold.”
“We’ll heat it up. Ready to christen another piece of furniture?”
She nodded and Rob entered her again. Despite his best efforts, he knew this wouldn’t last long. Doggie-style was his favorite position. He loved how deep he could go, how hard he could move against her.
Zoey met him thrust for thrust, crying out loudly when he reached around her waist and rubbed her clit. Hot juices covered his fingers as he pressed more firmly.
With his free hand, he grasped her hip, urging her to move even faster.
“God, Zoey.” He couldn’t fight it any longer. She hadn’t misspoken about the power of the moment. His heart beat so quickly, he feared it would burst. His chest was tight from a lack of air. His body quivered as his fatigued muscles began to give out.
Death by incredible sex? So be it.
Zoey came again and this time he was helpless to resist the pull. His fingers tightened in her flesh as he searched for something to steady him. Jets of come shot from his cock like bullets from a gun, the pulsing so powerful, it almost hurt.
“Fuck. Jesus. So freaking good.”
Zoey lay motionless, the side of her face pressed to the coffee table, her eyes shut. As his climax began to wane, he leaned forward, resting his arms on the glass and his forehead against her slick back.
It felt as if his life passed before his eyes as a million images flew through his mind.
Of a pretty little girl with sad eyes, pretending to know how to play basketball so he’d keep her company.
Of that same girl as a teenager, closing her eyes as he kissed her under the pine trees.
Of the look of shock in her ice-blue eyes when she pressed her body to his the first time they danced and realized how much he wanted her.
Of her mischievous gaze, her face covered with shaving cream as they wrestled in the bathroom.
Of her trying to hide a black eye while swallowing her pride and asking if she could come back home.
Of those same eyes, puffy from too many shed tears, as she told him she had cancer.
All his life, it was her eyes—Zoey’s beautiful blue eyes—that called to him, spoke to his heart. A tune jiggled and a song played. Her song.
Lifting up, he slowly withdrew from her body, then together they fell into an exhausted heap on the couch.
Zoey looked at his face curiously. “That’s a suspicious smile.”
His grin grew. “I just thought of a new song I want to write.”
Zoey rolled her eyes. “Awesome. I’m lying here so fucking blown away I’m struggling to remember my own name and you’re composing music in your head. I clearly suck at sex.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Nope. More like you’re so freaking good at it, you inspire me to compose entire symphonies, operas, movie soundtracks.”
“Oh. Well, that’s okay then.” She lifted her face to his and they kissed. It was a simple kiss, but the impact of it was just as powerful as the longer, hotter ones. “You know, speaking of muses, you’ve inspired me too.”
“How so?”
“I’m going to make us a romantic dinner and then, once we’ve determined it’s inedible, I propose we christen the dining room table. Or the kitchen counter. I’m flexible.”
Rob laughed as he lifted her leg and placed a quick buss on her ankle. “I’ll be the judge of just how flexible you are.”
Zoey stood, reaching out a hand to lift him as well. “Shower first? We’re sort of sticky and sweaty.”
“A shower sounds good.”
Zoey led the way, holding his hand. “Great. And while we’re in there, I’ll tell you my ideas for redecorating the bathroom.”
Epilogue
New Year’s Eve
Zoey looked around the table and grinned. Another New Year’s Eve and this time, she was celebrating the event in style. She was surrounded by the wine girls, listening as Rob performed with his band. Express Train was on a hiatus from touring and, on a lark, they’d decided to do an impromptu show at the club where they’d first performed. They asked Rob to join them for the special evening. The club owner, Jake, was a good friend of Rob’s and he jumped at the opportunity to host such a big event.
The bar was packed to the rafters. Jake had given Zoey and her friends a table at the front of the room, offering them the best view of the stage and the dance floor.
Nearly everyone in the place had come over to speak to her. Thanks to her rock star, she’d become a bit of a celebrity in an odd fashion. Robbie hadn’t lied about her being his muse. He’d written a song called “Zoey’s Eyes”. The Traffic had loved it so much, they’d recorded and released it as a single. It hit the top of the chart within weeks and was shaping up to be their best-selling song of all time.
She smiled as she watched Robbie jamming on his guitar. He’d recently started playing at the club a couple nights a month. While she truly believed he was happy with the songwriting, she was glad he’d found a way to continue performing. His talent was too good to hide from the world.
As the song faded, he stepped up to the microphone. “As you all know, we usually don’t cover other band’s songs, but tonight, I talked the guys into backing me up as we perform an awesome song from Cold Play.”
His gaze searched the room until he found her. “It’s called ‘Fix You’ and I’d like to dedicate it to Zoey. It was a rough year, baby, but from here on out, things will be better, I promise.”
Josie leaned closer. “Holy shit. I love this song. I’m totally going to cry.”
Zoey nodded. “I made a New Year’s resolution not to cry this year.”
Robbie began singing and despite her best efforts, tears formed in her eyes. She glanced at Josie. “Of course, it’s not midnight yet.”
Josie sniffled, picking up a napkin to wipe her nose, while handing one to Zoey as well. “Good. We still have time.”
They laughed quietly as tears streamed down their cheeks. As the song ended, Zoey blew Robbie a kiss.
He smiled. “Marry me.”
Zoey blinked rapidly, uncertain she’d heard the words despite the fact he spoke them directly into the microphone.
Georgie, who was sitting on her other side, nudged her. “Nod, Zoey. The man just proposed and if you don’t say yes, I’ll kick your ass.”
Zoey nodded rapidly. Fuck it. She’d have to come up with another resolution. There was no way she’d make it through an entire year without shedding a few happy tears. Robbie had a knack for touching her heart, in a way no one else had ever managed.
His smile shone brighter than the spotlights on the stage. “Yes?” His voice betrayed his excitement and maybe a bit of amazement.
“Yes.” Her voice carried loud and clear, helped by the fact the room had gone quiet, waiting for her response. That silence only lasted a second before the crowd erupted into applause and loud hoots. Robbie took off his guitar, hopping down from the stage. She stood and met him halfway across the dance floor. Picking her up, he swung her around as the wine girls laughed and cheered him on.
She gasped when he reached into his pocket and pulled out an engagement ring. He slid it on to her finger, then gave her the most beautiful kiss of her life.
She’d done it.
She’d gotten her second chance.
At love.
At happiness.
At life.
About the Author
Writing a book was number one on Mari’s bucket list and on her thirty-fourth birthday, she set out to see that goal achieved. Now her computer is jammed full of stories—novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends. A New York Times and USA Today bestseller as well as winner of the Passionate Plume, Mari found time for writing by squeezing it into the hours between 3 a.m. and daybreak when her family is asleep and the house is quiet.