“Home sweet home,” Tristan mumbles as the bus rolls past the Welcome to Nashville sign. We drove through the night, but it’s hard to sleep when the bus is bouncing down a construction zone. For me, it’s more than that. Cole and I haven’t discussed how things will be now that the tour is over. He’s finally convinced me that he’s in this, but all we’ve ever known in our relationship is the tour bus. I’m nervous and don’t know what to expect now that we’re home. On the bus, there was no space; he may want that now that we’re back. I’ve gotten used to his arms around me at night and waking up to him each day. I don’t want that to change, but I don’t want to turn into a stage-five clinger. I do not want to be that girl.
It’s only been three months. Sure, I’ve known him longer and he chased me longer, but still . . . only three months of really knowing him.
“Hey.” Cole pulls me onto his lap from where I’m sitting beside him on the couch. “You coming home with me?”
Can he read my mind? “Is that what you want?”
“Yes.”
No hesitation. “I’ll need to go visit my parents.”
“We can do that. Later today?” he asks.
“No, not today. Can we go tomorrow? I really just want a nice, long, hot shower and to lounge on a big bed or full-size couch. Anything that is not on this bus.”
He chuckles, hiding his face in my neck. “Done.”
Just like that.
When the bus pulls into Kacen’s drive, there are already three cabs waiting. Cole told me to grab my essentials and we would get the rest later. The driver will park the bus out back; apparently, he has a car here. This business is so different, and there is still a lot to learn.
The cab ride to Cole’s condo is short. As he unlocks the door, I have butterflies in my stomach. This is not a hotel room, or the bus. This is his space.
This is real.
Opening the door, he holds it, ushering me in before him. “Make yourself at home. I’m just going to throw our bags in my room.”
He strides off toward the hallway while I take in my surroundings. Dark leather couch, big-screen television—and when I say big, I mean takes-up-one-wall big. There are a few awards and pictures of his family. If it weren’t for those few pictures, this would be the normal bachelor pad—the clean version, of course.
“No food since we’ve been gone for so long. You want takeout? I can order groceries online so we don’t have to go out.”
“I’ve heard about that new service in some areas, but I’ve never used it.”
“Yeah, it’s nice for the most part. I’m not a big fan of people knowing where I live, but the place prides itself on confidentiality. Or so they say.” He grins. “So far, no issues. So, what will it be?”
“I’m good with whatever.” I smile.
“Hey, now.” He walks to where I’m standing and wraps me in his arms. “Where’s my girl? You’ve never had a problem telling me what you want before. What’s wrong?”
I return his hug and sigh against his chest. “I don’t know. Nothing, really. I just don’t know. . . . We’re no longer on tour.”
He stiffens. “What the fuck does that matter?”
“I don’t know if it does.”
“Sweets, you’re going to have to break it down for me.”
I can tell that I’ve upset him, and that’s not what I want. I need to get out of my own head. He wants me here. “It’s just . . . I don’t want to be in your way. On the bus, you didn’t have an option—there was no getting a break from me. Now that we’re home, you can.” I shrug. Once the words leave my mouth, I know how idiotic they sound, but it’s been an emotional few weeks and he’s right—I need to tell him what I’m thinking.
“Come here.” Lacing his fingers through mine, he guides us to the couch. He sits and pulls me onto his lap. “You want to know what I want?” he asks.
I give a slight nod, while those chocolate-brown eyes of his bore into me.
“I want you. All the time. I want your life so goddamn intertwined with mine that I don’t know the difference between you and me. I want it to be us. So to answer your question, no, I most certainly do not want space from you. My goal is to eliminate that space as much as possible.”
Then he kisses me.
Slowly at first, but then his soft yet firm lips demand a response. I immediately open for him, allowing his tongue to push past my lips. Cole’s hand rests on my thigh; he begins to caress it, and the simple act sends currents of desire through me.
He lifts me in his arms and we’re moving. I assume we’re headed to his bedroom. It’s the touch of the soft mattress against the back of my thighs that confirms my suspicion.
“Beautiful,” he says as I slide back on the bed. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve imagined you here?”
I shake my head. I have no idea, but if the look in his eyes tells me anything, it’s been a while.
“I need you naked, sweets.”
Losing all inhibitions, I reach for the hem of my shirt and pull it over my head. I toss it on the floor and look up at him from under my lashes. My silent taunt telling him it’s his turn.
He doesn’t take the hint; he just stares at me as if he can’t believe I’m actually here. That alone sends my desire for him into overdrive. Climbing to my knees, I move to the edge of the bed. His hand cups the back of my head as he moves in for another kiss. This one is frantic and messy and perfect. It matches my craving for him.
“This needs to go,” I say between kisses, pulling his shirt up his toned abs.
With a groan, he releases my lips to pull his shirt over his head. He doesn’t stop there, making quick work of ridding himself of all clothing separating his skin from mine.
“You’re overdressed.” He smirks.
“What are you going to do about that?”
His deep chuckle fills the room and a smile lights up his face. “Come here, you.” He reaches for my shorts and has them unbuttoned and sliding over my hips along with my panties in a matter of seconds. “Lie back.”
I do as he says and lift my hips, allowing him easier access to finish undressing me. I manage to move myself back on the bed and he stalks after me. His body is now hovering over mine. He leans in for a kiss and I drink him in.
Breaking the kiss, he reaches over and fumbles around in the drawer of the nightstand. I watch as he pulls out a condom. I reach for it, but he holds his hand out of reach.
“You can’t, sweets. I want this to be slow. I need to make love to you, but if I let you do this,”—he holds up the condom—“it will be over before it starts.”
Good to know he’s just as affected as I am. I watch unashamed as he rolls the condom over his length and settles back on top of me. He keeps his weight on his forearms, careful not to crush me.
His hands are in my hair, smoothing it back, his eyes intense as he watches me. A soft, quick kiss to my lips and he’s pushing inside. “I love you, Stacy,” he says against my lips.
I don’t reply. I can’t. All I want is for him to move, to take care of this ache that he caused. I bury my nails into his back and pull him toward me, lifting my hips.
“Slow,” he whispers.
“Cole.” My voice rests somewhere between begging and moaning.
He bites down on his bottom lip as his hips slowly rotate against mine. “Slow.” He groans it this time.
I can tell that it’s taking all his restraint not to let loose. I lift my hips again, moving my hands to his lower back and pulling him into me.
“Fuck,” he moans, burying his face in my neck.
“Yes, that’s the point,” I urge him.
“I want to savor you. I’ve wanted you in my bed for so long and now that you’re here—”
I interrupt him. “Now that I’m here, you’re going to fuck me. I want you, all of you. Don’t hold back, please,” I beg.
I see the moment that he relents; his eyes grow darker and a wicked grin graces his lips. “Hold on, sweets,” he warns, and then unleashes at my request.
Holding on is all I’m capable of as he takes control, giving me exactly what I’ve asked for.
I meet him stroke for stroke, every thrust growing closer to the edge.
“You there, sweets?” he asks. His voice alone tells me he’s losing control.
“Yes!” I cry as we both fall into the blissful existence that is just us. Cole and Stacy.
Nothing else matters.