Found in Understanding: Refuge Series Book Three by Debbie Zello (25)

Chapter Twenty-Five

I was in the whirlpool bathtub soaking in giant bubbles when Understanding came back. “You look comfortable,” he said laughing.

“I am. Care to join me?” I made certain to flash my smile toward him.

“I wish I could but duty calls. I left your tickets on the table in the other room. Order room service for dinner. The backstage pass is for six-thirty and the concert is at eight. I’ll be around but I won’t be able to spend any time with you until Josh leaves. His next concert is in Tanglewood, Massachusetts, with the Boston Pops. I’m sure he’ll be gone by midnight.”

“Have you met him yet?” I was curious.

“Yes. He’s very funny. He’s cracking jokes with quick, snappy comebacks. I’m impressed. He’s down to earth and not a divo at all.”

“I can’t wait to see him. Where are you eating?”

“They have food around, sandwiches and such. Don’t worry about me. You look so beautiful in all those bubbles,” he said smiling.

“Why thank you, good sir. You look all handsome and professional in your suit,” I said smacking my lips.

He growled. “Did you notice the fancy recliner out there?” he said pointing towards the living room.

“I was sitting in it. It’s very comfortable.” Again, I flashed a smile.

“It should be for what it’s used for,” he said looking smug.

“What’s it used for?”

“It’s called a Tantra Chair. I had it brought in for us, special request.”

“What does it do?”

“You’ll see…after midnight,” he raised his eyebrows, as if he was up to no good. “I have to go. I’ll see you downstairs.”

The crowd of people in the room where Josh was greeting them was huge. As a non-paying guest I stood near the back of the area feeling a bit self-conscious that I was even there. Understanding was only a few feet behind him and motioned to me several times to come closer but I stayed planted where I was. I blew him a kiss just as Josh lifted his head and saw me. “Don’t be shy, I won’t bite you,” Josh said motioning me forward. I almost swallowed my tongue.

“I’m fine here,” I squeaked out.

“Your boyfriend tells me I have to meet you. So if you won’t come to me, I’ll have to come to you,” he said walking in my direction. Oh legs, don’t give out on me now, I kept saying in my head.

A few broad steps and I extended my hand to him. “Firelight, um, I mean Neomi Dillon. I’m very happy to meet you, Mr. Groban.”

“That makes me feel old, thanks. Call me Josh. Did you say Firelight?”

“It’s a nickname my family gave me,” I explained.

“It should be a song. Maybe I’ll work on that. I hope you enjoy the concert.”

“I’m sure I will. I have a front row seat,” I said smiling. I looked up to see Understanding snapping pictures on his phone.

The concert was amazing. He sang several songs before stopping to have a conversation with his audience. His self-deprecating humor cracked me up. He spoke about the beginning of his career and the wide variety of people he had had the privilege of working with. He took a few audience questions and then went on to finish the performance.

We were all on our feet by the end. The arena was packed full and I saw some people drying their eyes as he sang, You Raise Me Up. I was a fast convert and couldn’t wait to buy a CD.

I hung around for an hour or so backstage. I texted Understanding to let him know I was going back to the room. My day had begun at five this morning and I was beat.

I got back to the room and stripped before lying down under the covers. The room was chilly and I had no idea how to turn down the air-conditioner. I fell asleep almost as soon as I hit the pillow. Sometime during a sweet dream, I felt strong arms pull me against a warm, moist chest. “Don’t wake up, it’s just me,” he whispered.

“I’m awake. What time is it?”

“Two thirty. I was talking to the management about future jobs. Josh said to tell you good-bye,” he kissed my neck and back.

“He’s very talented. I didn’t know he played the drums and piano.”

“Sounds like I’ve lost you to him. I’ll pack my bags.”

“Don’t you dare. I think I’m going to keep you around for a while.”

“Go back to sleep. I love you.”

“Don’t you want to make love?” I asked.

“Of course I do, but we’re both tired. I’ll take a rain check for the morning.”

I woke to the most amazing feeling of my body cocooned next to Understanding. His arm was under my neck and across my chest with his hand on my shoulder. His other arm was around my waist and one leg was scissored between mine. I took a long, deep breath and sighed.

“That sounds like a happy girl,” he whispered in my ear.

“I am happy. Sad too, though.”

“Why, baby?”

“Because we have one more night together and then it’s back to the chaos and drama of the dorm.”

“Don’t go back. Move in with me. I want you in my bed,” he said as he nuzzled my ear.

“Don’t tempt me. I need to keep a clear head here. It’s not fair if you use your sexpertise on me,” I said turning around in his arms. He kissed me groaning in my mouth.

“I’ll use whatever I have to, to change your mind. We’ll get you a car. You can use my office to study. Say yes.” His hands roamed over my willing flesh.

“One more year and if you still want me then, I’ll move in with you. I want the time with my girls. How about the weekends with you? Deal?”

“I don’t like it but I can live with it,” he sulked. Once he settled his hips between mine his mood visibly improved. “Thank you for being my fire and light. Since you came into my life, everything is focused and clear. I know what I want and what I need. I love you with all that I am.”

“I want to feel you,” I murmured lost in his virility.

“I’m inside you, baby. Please tell me you can feel me,” he said circling his hips.

“Oh God, yes, I feel you. I want you to lie on top of me. I want to feel your weight, your skin on mine. I want you closer,” I said pulling his arms to me. He shoved his hand under my butt and flopped on his side taking me with him.

“You’re too small to hold all of my weight. I’ll crush you. You lie on top of me. Don’t ever ask me to hurt you, because I won’t.”

We showered and ordered room service. I sat at the table wearing the thick comfy robe provided by the hotel. Understanding had his faded jeans on and no shirt. A few drops of water fell on his chest and my eyes went right to them. “You look hungry,” he said teasing me.

“Do I? Actually I’m still quite full.”

“Even after the morning’s vigorous exercise? I would have thought you had worked up an appetite.”

“A little. I bet you’re hungry.”

“Always, especially for you. Did you get a chance to look at the pamphlet for the chair?” he said tilting his head towards it.

“I didn’t know there was one,” I said getting up and walking over to it. On the end table was a very thick book. I picked it up and opened to the first page.

The Tantra Chair

There appeared to be anatomically correct stick figures diagramming out what can best be described as anti-gravitational gymnastics routines in sexual poses. I knew I was late to the romantic playground and severely stunted in the adventure department but some of this defied balance and all known laws of physics.

I attempted to calm my face into a tranquil façade knowing by looking up at him, he was wearing his ‘all knowing Oz’ look. He had been a patient, gentle and generous teacher but he did love to tease me with my lack of experience. I knew when I spoke I’d have that damn squeak that my voice took on in all of these situations. Another thing he took great pleasure in. The bastard had set me up.

“So, any questions?” he had the nerve to say. With a nonchalant toss of my head, I smiled.

“I don’t think so. Looks very self-explanatory. Are we going to do all of this today?” I say thumbing through what had to be one hundred pages with several diagrams on each page.

“We could try but I’ll need a lot of water,” he said. I knew was baiting me. I would not give him the pleasure.

“Water? Why?”

“To stay hydrated. I wouldn’t want to lose so much fluid that I pass out or something.”

“No, we wouldn’t want that to happen. So how did you find out about this uumm, chair?”

“I read and do internet searches. It’s amazing what you can find on the internet,” he said as he got up and walked over to me. He was so sexy, the way he swayed and the look on his face.

I lay back on the chair and fanned myself with the book. He smiled wider as he reached me. He threw his leg over the chair, pulled my legs over his hips facing me. Then he slid down so his hips were touching mine.

“This way first…because I want to see you. You are the most beautiful, smart and sexy woman in my universe. I love you.”

“And I love you. You handsome, thoughtful, crazy hunk of a man.”