As Gabe’s Jeep sped down the interstate toward Atlanta, I fought the urge to pinch myself for the thousandth time. It wasn’t just the fact that I was playing hooky from work for the first time in my adult life and leaving Linc for the weekend; it was everything Gabe had said to me.
I haven’t really dated anyone in a long time, and it’s been even longer since I tried to make things work with a woman. That said, I’d like to try with you.”
Gabe wanted to try a relationship with me. Mr. Rich and Famous Country Star wanted to try a relationship with me—a small-town single mother whose glamorous career was running a collision business. Who wouldn’t feel like she was tripping in some alternate universe?
“You’re awfully quiet,” Gabe said.
“Just thinking.”
“About leaving Linc?”
I turned in my seat to smile at him. I couldn’t help loving that he imagined my thoughts were on my son and not him. “Actually, I was thinking about you.”
Gabe’s brows shot up. “Dirty thoughts?”
With a roll of my eyes, I replied, “Not quite.”
“Bummer.” He momentarily took his eyes off the road to grin at me. “What were you thinking about me?”
“At the moment, I’m thinking my original impression of you being a sex fiend still rings true.”
Gabe laughed. “For real though, what were you thinking about?”
“How surreal this all is, how I never imagined when I woke up this morning that I’d be seeing the Atlanta skyline a few hours later.”
“No regrets?”
“None yet.”
“Good. I was afraid you might be regretting leaving Linc.”
“Although I’m always sad to be away from him, it’s not like he’s an infant or it’s the first time we’ve been separated. He went to Boy Scout camp for a week this summer.”
“And you did okay?”
“I might’ve cried the first few days…and the day I went to pick him up.”
Gabe smiled at me. “He’s a lucky kid to have a mom who cares about him so much.”
“I’m sure he would argue that he’s not so lucky his mom cares because she’s always on his ass.”
“He might not appreciate it now, but I’m sure he will when he gets older. I know I did, and that’s coming from a guy who had an ultra-strict missionary mom.”
“Ouch. I’m sure that was pretty intense.”
“Micah and Abby were always these angel kids, the ones who sat perfectly still in church and never had a hair out of place or dirtied their clothes.” He glanced over me. “Eli and I were hell on wheels, practically from birth.”
I laughed at his summation. “Surely you weren’t that bad.”
“I’m pretty sure we gave our parents all the grey hairs they have.”
Tilting my head in thought, I said, “Out of me and my sisters, I would have to say that me and Kennedy probably tie for giving my dad the most grey hairs. Ellie was just like Micah and Abby—she’s never been in trouble a day in her life. I got pregnant at seventeen, and Kennedy fell in love with a married man while she was in culinary school in Paris.”
Gabe whistled. “I’d say you guys were neck and neck there for biggest troublemaker.”
“Thankfully, we both got our acts together, and we haven’t given Dad too much grief since—besides the being unmarried part.”
“Is your dad on your case to get married like my parents are?”
“Yes and no. Although he knows my sisters and I are capable of taking care of ourselves, he wants us to have families of our own. I think he really wants us to have what he didn’t—a happy marriage.”
“My parents want that for Eli and me. More than that, they’d like us on a more straight and narrow path.” He winked. “Give up a life of sin.”
“I wondered what your parents thought of your career.”
“They think we’re incredibly blessed to get to make a good living doing something we love. At the same time, they’d appreciate a little less drinking and a little less…” He grimaced.
“Whoring around?”
“That’s one way to put it.”
“I’m not naïve, Gabe. I’m aware of the type of lifestyle you have.”
“Had.”
“What?”
He took his gaze off the road again. “It’s the life I had. I don’t have it anymore.”
Immediately, the gravity of what he was saying hit me. The lovesick teenage girl in me wanted to clasp her hand to her heart. Of course, the adult Rae, who had been burned too many times before, rolled her eyes at the teenage girl part. I was way too wise to merely take his word. “Old habits can be hard to break,” I murmured.
“I agree, but it helps if you have a reason for making the change, and you’re my reason.”
Turning in the seat to face him, I countered, “While that is immensely flattering, I would argue that it’s easy to utter the words, but it’s the actual action of changing that speaks louder.” When Gabe opened his mouth to argue, I wagged a finger at him. “Don’t even tell me your actions speak for you. It’s not like you’ve had any temptation holed up here in Hayesville.”
Gabe shook his head. “That’s where you’re wrong. I’ll have you know, I’ve had other offers, and not just from Rejune.”
“Ew.”
He shrugged a shoulder. “Hey, I’m just being honest.”
“And so am I.”
“What exactly do you think is going to happen? I’m going to go back out on the road and start banging women left and right?”
Just the thought of Gabe looking at another woman, let alone having sex with one, turned my stomach. It wasn’t just about the fact that I had yet to have sex with him, but it was more about my growing feelings for him. “Maybe.”
With a grunt, Gabe replied, “Wow, I’m glad you think so highly of me.”
“I do think highly of you.”
“Could have fooled me.”
“I know you’re first and foremost a man, and men have urges. You’re also an extremely good-looking man who is surrounded by beautiful women who want nothing more than to fuck you.”
“Yeah, and that’s it.”
“Which part?”
“The part about the women who just want to fuck me.” Gabe threw a glance at me. “They only want me because I’m Gabe Renard of Jacob’s Ladder, or they want me for my money, but you”—he gave me an earnest smile—“you want me for me.”
“Yes, I do,” I replied softly.
“And that right there is worth turning away every stray piece of ass who throws herself at me.” Taking one of his hands off the wheel, he reached out for mine. “I don’t want to destroy what’s between us before it even has a chance.”
I dropped my gaze from Gabe’s eyes to his outstretched hand. Nibbling on my lip, I weighed his words along with the sincerity with which he had spoken them. Deep down, I knew nothing he had just said really soothed my fears of his infidelity. The fear of being cheated on and abandoned was deeply rooted in my childhood, and nothing that had happened in my adulthood had managed to lessen it.
“Don’t take your past out on me,” Gabe murmured.
Sucking in a breath, I replied, “How did you know I was thinking about that?”
“Because I know you, and I know your past. I can understand why you don’t want to trust me.”
I shook my head at him. “I want to trust you. It’s just hard.”
“Then just promise me you’ll try.”
I slipped my hand into his. “Okay, I’ll try.”
Gabe turned his head to smile at me. “Good.” After bringing my hand to his lips, he kissed my knuckles. As his breath fanned against my skin, I battled the annoying romantic in me that wanted to swoon at the gesture.
After dropping my hand, Gabe motioned to a sign above us. “There’s our exit.”
“I can’t believe we’re already here.”
“Me either. The drive from Jake’s farm usually feels like it takes forever, and it was even longer this time.”
“It’s totally cheesy, but I’m going to say it anyway: I guess it was the company this time.”
Gabe grinned. “I totally agree with that one.”
Once we exited off the interstate, Gabe made a turn onto a side street then we pulled into the parking deck of a high-rise office building. It was exactly the kind of place I expected to house a recording studio.
“Are you sure they won’t mind that you brought me along?” I asked as he eased the Jeep into a parking space.
“I don’t give a shit if they do.”
“But this is important to you and your band.”
Gabe turned to stare intently at me. “You’re important to me.”
Slowly, I shook my head back and forth. “Once again, is this real life?”
With a laugh, Gabe replied, “What do you mean?”
“I mean, am I really in the car with a handsome and famous musician who considers me his muse? Things like this just don’t happen to girls from Hayesville. Surely I’m going to wake up to find this has just been a dream.”
“You think I’m handsome?” Gabe asked, batting his eyelashes teasingly.
Holding my finger and thumb slightly apart, I answered, “Just a little.” When he playfully swatted my hand down, I added, “Okay, okay, I think you’re very, very handsome.”
“Damn straight. And sexy?”
“Very sexy.”
“And well-hung?”
I cocked my head at him. “Sadly, I can’t answer that one.”
“You could take my word for it.”
“I think it’s better if I get firsthand knowledge before commenting on that.”
Gabe leaned across the console. “What does firsthand knowledge entail?”
“Hmm, I think both visual and physical contact would be necessary for me to do a thorough investigation.”
“I see. I’d be happy to oblige.”
Grinning, I said, “I’m sure you would.”
Just as Gabe dipped his head to kiss me, his phone dinged. When he glanced at it, he took my hand. “Come on, we gotta hurry. Eli is asking where we are.”
“Great. Not only am I going to be crashing your session with the label, I’m also the reason you’re late,” I protested as Gabe dragged me over to the elevators.
“Once again, I don’t give a shit.”
“You’ve really got to work on your professional attitude.”
Gabe laughed as he punched the up button. “Trust me, the minute they hear the songs I’ve brought them, they’ll forget all about me being a little late.”
“And bringing some random chick.”
“You’re not a random chick to me. You’re Reagan Hart, miracle muse.”
I grinned at his summation. “Let’s just see if the record execs think the same thing.”
The elevator dinged on our floor, and we stepped out into the lobby.
A beautiful blonde practically leapt at us. “There you are. We thought you might be stuck in traffic since the Falcons are playing today.”
“Sorry. It took a little longer to pack up and get here than I thought.” Gabe glanced over at me. “I’d like to introduce you to someone. Abby, this is Reagan Hart.”
When Abby turned away from her brother to focus her curious gaze, I could see the questions rolling in her blue eyes. Since my name didn’t seem completely foreign to her, I assumed Gabe had mentioned me, but from the extreme surprise on her face, I didn’t think she’d expected to see me in person. After recovering from what I imagined was intense shock at my presence, Abby extended her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, Reagan.”
“Actually, it’s Rae, but thank you. It’s very nice to meet you, too. Gabe has told me a lot about you.”
“Oh he has?”
“Yes.”
Abby grinned while eyeing her brother. “I hope it was all good.”
I laughed. “Yes. It was all very complimentary.”
“Phew, that’s a load off my mind. I’ve heard very good things about you as well. Gabe told us how wonderful you’ve been for him creatively.”
“Although I still don’t quite understand his process, I’m really glad I could help.”
Motioning with his hand, Gabe said, “We better go. From his text, Eli’s inside keeping the execs company, and God knows what he’s saying to them left to his own devices.”
I followed Abby and Gabe through the lobby’s heavy oak door, and a long hallway stretched out in front of us with different rooms on the left side. When I peered inside, I could see a small sound booth in each one. “This is where a lot of voiceover work is done,” Gabe explained.
“This is amazing,” I murmured. Even though I wanted to play it cool like I hung around recording studios every day, I was sure the mesmerized look on my face told the truth.
Gabe opened the door to a large office. When we walked inside, I saw three men and a woman sitting around a glass-top table. At our appearance, they rose from their chairs, and it took less than a second for me to spot Eli. As he strode over to us, it was like looking straight at Gabe.
“Glad to see you could finally bless us with your presence, bro,” Eli said teasingly.
“Why don’t you get off my dick?” Gabe shot back with a grin.
While the two of them hugged, I oh so eloquently remarked, “Wow, you two really are twins.”
“Didn’t Gabe tell you we’re identical?” Eli asked.
“He mentioned it.” I shook my head. “But it’s not the same as seeing the two of you side by side.”
“There are some small differences between us when you look really hard,” Gabe said.
Eli winked at me. “Don’t tell her that. If she looks too hard, she’ll realize I’m the better-looking twin.”
While I laughed, Gabe gave his brother a playful smack on the arm. “Keep dreaming, bro.”
One of the men cleared his throat. “If you guys are ready, we’d love to hear what you have for us.”
With a forceful nod of his head, Gabe replied, “We’re ready, Pierce.”
“Should I wait out in the lobby?” I whispered.
“If you went back to the lobby, you wouldn’t be able to hear the songs.” He stared intently into my eyes. “I want you to hear what you inspired.”
His words sent my heartbeat accelerating, and I found myself unable to respond with anything other than, “Okay.”
Taking my hand in his, Gabe led me over to a smaller room. Inside was what I assumed was the sound booth. The record execs had already taken a seat on the couches and chairs to the side. Instead of steering me over to them, Gabe took the extra chair and pulled it up beside the guy manning the soundboard. “Hey Johnny, how are you?”
“Doing pretty good. How about you?”
“Pretty good. This is Rae.”
As I waved, Johnny said, “I’ll take good care of her while I’m making you guys sound good.”
Gabe laughed. “You do that.”
After I sat down, Gabe kissed my cheek. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
I nodded. Since I didn’t know exactly what to say to wish good luck to musicians, I said, “Break a leg.”
With a grin, Gabe replied, “If I do that, I can’t play the drums, and we’re screwed.”
“Whatever. You know what I mean.”
“I do, and I appreciate it.”
He then hurried out of the room and into the recording booth to join Eli and Abby. Since they weren’t actually recording, he would be playing guitar instead of his usual drums. He handed the sheets of music to his bandmates, and they spent the next few minutes warming up and harmonizing a bit. Apparently, over the last week, he’d faxed them the songs he had been writing, and they’d even rehearsed once over FaceTime.
When their voices and instruments were once again silent, Gabe glanced through the soundproof glass to the execs. “I think this is the single we should lead with on the album.”
He and Eli began strumming the opening of a slow song. During the time we’d spent together, Gabe had educated me enough about music that I knew to call it a ballad. Abby’s beautiful voice filled the booth, and as her hand gripped the lyric sheet in front of her, her expression changed to reflect the emotions she was emitting through the song.
Trapped inside these walls,
I made a prison all my own
As I listened to the words, it amazed me how differently they sounded coming from Abby and not Gabe. Although his sister had a much better vocal range, I still preferred Gabe’s singing. Maybe it was the rough, masculine quality of his voice that spoke to me both emotionally and physically.
Closing my eyes, I imagined myself back in that room with Gabe…the way the sunlight streamed in through the windows, basking him in an almost angelic light…the way his voice delivered the range of emotions the lyrics contained.
When the song ended, I popped my eyelids. My thought process immediately went from listening to the song to wondering what the execs thought. Glancing over my shoulder, I surveyed their expressions. When I saw that they appeared to be very satisfied, I exhaled the breath I’d been holding.
A tall, lanky man, who was the definition of California cool, stood up and came over to the soundboard. After holding down a button, he said, “I know we still have a lot to hear from you guys, but I’m really feeling that one as the first single, too. I should know by now to trust your judgement.”
Gabe grinned. “Glad to hear it.” Turning to his siblings, he said, “I’d really love to call the album Ray of Light.”
“Works for me,” Eli replied. He then gazed out of the sound booth at me and winked. I couldn’t help smiling back at him.
“Abs?” Gabe asked.
Abby bobbed her head enthusiastically. “Not only do I love the song, I love the message the title would convey for the album.”
A pleased expression came over Gabe’s face before he glanced out at Pierce. “Then Ray of Light it is.”
Pierce nodded. “I agree with Abby on liking the message.” After the other execs murmured in agreement, Pierce said, “All right. What else do you have for us?”
“Two more ballads and then three upbeats.”
“Okay. Take it away again.”
As Gabe and his siblings played through the rest of the songs, I remained on the edge of my seat. I knew I was witnessing something special. I mean, how many people could say they’d seen the inception of a band’s new album? I couldn’t help feeling honored considering what an intimate moment it seemed to be for the band. Sure, they had an audience of execs, but there was something very pure about the process. It was three artists uniting to weave together the many pieces of a song.
After they played each song, I held my breath for Pierce’s opinion. It felt like I was watching an episode of American Idol and waiting for the yes or no from each judge. Maybe it was because Pierce’s British accent made me think of Simon Cowell.
Out of all the songs they played, there was only one Pierce and the others weren’t too thrilled with. Even then, they only asked for the song to be reworked, not completely scrapped. From the light dancing in his eyes and his beaming expression, I could tell Gabe was on cloud nine. I couldn’t imagine how proud he must be. It was like the old saying that after the darkness comes the dawn. He had trudged through the worst writer’s block of his life to pen some truly amazing songs. I was so very proud for him and of him.
When Gabe and the others came out of the sound booth, I hopped off my stool and hurried over. Before he could ask my opinion, I blurted out, “That was amazing—you were amazing.”
The most adorable blush fanned over his cheeks, one I’d never seen before. It was quite a difference from the usual smirk he wore whenever someone complimented him. “If anyone should be giving praise, it’s me. Without you, none of that in there would have been possible.”
Slowly, I shook my head back and forth. “It still floors me that I had any effect on your creative process whatsoever.”
“Never doubt the effect you have on me.” His voice had taken on a husky tone that caused goosebumps to pop out on my arms. Even though we were in small room filled with people, it felt like it was just the two of us. As the tension crackled, I inched closer to Gabe.
Just as my body was in reach of touching him, Eli popped up beside us.
“Hey guys, you wanna grab something to eat?” Eli asked.
Without taking his gaze from mine, Gabe replied, “Sorry, we have plans.”
After glancing between us, Eli grinned. “Yeah, I can imagine what kind of plans you have and what you’ll be eating.”
While I didn’t find the innuendo insulting, Gabe growled, “Watch your mouth.”
Both Eli and I widened our eyes at his reaction. Holding up his hands, Eli said, “Easy now. I was just joking.”
“Yeah, well, don’t joke like that in front of Rae. She’s not one of the guys.” Gabe turned his gaze from Eli to me. With a smile, he said, “She’s special.”
Holy swooning hell. I fought the urge to melt into a puddle at Gabe’s feet. Sure, I knew he felt that way about me, but it was extremely sexy hearing him say it to his brother.
“I’m sorry for being offensive, Rae,” Eli said sincerely. If I hadn’t already liked him before, I especially liked him now. Even though Gabe hadn’t demanded an apology, Eli was willing to give me one.
“Thank you, and it’s okay. I’m surrounded by men on a daily basis, so I’ve certainly heard worse.”
“Gabe told me you run a collision business back home.”
“I do. I mean, I run the business side. I’m not actually welding on bumpers or anything like that.”
Eli grinned. “It would be pretty cool if you did.”
I laughed. “I’m sorry to disappoint you.”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m totally impressed that you run your own business, especially one that’s so male-dominated.”
I fought the urge to smile as I thought about how Gabe had been right when he’d called his brother a smooth talker. It was somewhat charming. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
“I’d love to hear more about it. Although you guys are busy today, maybe we can get together for drinks or dinner while you’re in the city.”
My gaze bounced from Eli’s to Gabe’s. When I cocked my brows at him, he nodded. “Sure. That sounds great.”
Nodding, Eli said, “You guys just text me when you have a free moment.”
“I’d love to come too,” Abby piped up. I hadn’t realized she had joined us. “I’m sure Jake would love to meet you.”
“I’d love to meet him. I’ve loved Runaway Train for years,” I replied.
While Abby beamed at my response, Eli cocked his head at me. “What about Jacob’s Ladder?”
When I winced, both Abby and Eli laughed. Gabe saved me by saying, “Rae doesn’t do country.”
“Well, I didn’t do country before I met Gabe,” I added. I smiled at Abby and Eli. “After today, I’m a huge fan, and that has nothing to do with Gabe and everything to do with how beautiful the music is.”
“Okay, I guess you’re forgiven,” Abby said.
Eli held up a hand. “Hold on—I would argue that since Gabe’s the one writing the music, it’s still all about him.”
With a shake of my head, I replied, “It would only be his words on paper without you two. You guys came together to make music today, and it was amazing.”
Eli’s eyes bulged as he turned to Gabe. “Dude, she gets it.”
Gabe grinned. “I know.”
“What exactly is it that I get?” I asked.
“The process of making music.”
I laughed before protesting, “But I don’t play an instrument or sing.”
“It doesn’t matter. You either get it or you don’t, and you totally do.”
“Then I’m glad I do.”
“So am I,” Gabe replied.
Turning to his sister, Eli said, “Since Gabe and Rae have plans, why don’t you let your big brother buy you lunch?”
“Actually, I was planning on using my child-free time to get a facial and a massage.”
Eli bobbed his head in agreement. “I’m totally down for that—if we can grab a bite first.”
I smiled at the two of them. “It sounds like you guys have an amazing day planned. I can’t even remember the last time I had a facial or a massage.”
Abby’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, you should totally come with us. I mean, no offense to Eli, but it would be much more fun having a girls day.”
“Thanks a lot,” Eli muttered.
At the same time, Gabe stepped forward. “She can’t go, Abby. She already has plans with me.”
Something about his caveman attitude caused me to giggle, and then I knew I had to have some fun with him.
Moving away from Gabe, I linked my arm through Abby’s. “Come on, Gabe. Would you really begrudge me a massage and a facial? I mean, don’t I deserve a break?”
Gabe appeared so crestfallen that I struggled to hold back a laugh. Abby immediately picked up on what I was doing and held the hand linked through her arm so I was even closer to her.
“Rae’s right, Gabe. From what you’ve told me of her running her own business and being a single mom, she deserves a little pampering, doesn’t she? Forget just a massage—I think she should spend the whole day at the spa.”
Gabe’s expression was priceless, his gaze bouncing between me and Abby like he didn’t know what to say or do. It was then that I lost it, and a very unladylike snort escaped my lips before I burst out laughing. My reaction caused Abby to lose it as well. Before I could say anything, Gabe untangled my hand from Abby’s and practically dragged me away from her. I quickly waved over my shoulder to Abby and Eli, who were both laughing at their brother’s antics. “Next time, Rae. I’ll take you next time,” Abby called.
“You. Are. In. So. Much. Trouble,” Gabe growled. Naturally, it only made me laugh more.
When I could finally get words out, I said, “I’m sure you’ll enjoy doling out the punishment, Mr. Renard.”
That comment earned me a stinging smack on the ass, which had the opposite effect than Gabe had intended. It totally turned me on, and when Gabe looked at me, he saw exactly that. The smile on his face was not only a little victorious, it was also very sexy.
Jerking his chin at the door, Gabe said, “You know, they really liked you.”
“Wait, how do you know? You guys didn’t even get a chance to talk alone.”
“I didn’t have to talk to them about it. I could just tell.”
A warm, fuzzy feeling filled me at his remark. “That makes my day. Even though I didn’t get to spend much time with them, I really liked them, too. Abby just has this aura of sweetness about her, and Eli is amazing.”
Gabe peered curiously at me. “You’re not having second thoughts about me after meeting him?”
I rolled my eyes. “Have you lost your mind?”
“It’s an honest question.”
“No, it’s not.” I closed the gap between us to jab my finger in his chest. “There is no way I would ever be more attracted to Eli than I am to you. Sure, he looks just like you and he’s funny, but the most important thing is, he’s not you.”
With a smirk, Gabe countered, “That is not necessarily a good thing.”
“It is to me. There is no else like you for me. I can’t replicate what we have with Eli just because he looks like you, and even if I could, I wouldn’t want to. You are the Renard brother for me. You’re the reason I came to Atlanta. I only want to be with you.”
“If you say so.”
“Oh, I know so.” I slid my arms around his waist. “I like you just the way you are, Gabe.”
This time Gabe gave me a genuine smile. “Thank you.”
If there was one thing I was beginning to see clearly, it was that Ryan had it all wrong. He had been so consumed by his own talent that he’d shut himself off from relationships with other people to chase dreams he’d never obtain. Gabe had immense talent. He had reached for the stars and surpassed his dreams. He was a man who had such a strong love for his family as well as possessing something else I was starting to truly admire: humility.
“You’re welcome. You know what else I like?”
“What?”
“When you told your brother I was special.”
Gabe bent over to kiss my forehead. “I meant it.”
Gazing around the empty recording booth, I said, “Now that you’re finished here, I guess we have the rest of the day to ourselves.”
“Is there somewhere you’d like to go?” When I slowly nodded my head, he asked, “Where?”
“Your apartment.”
A sexy smirk curved Gabe’s lips. “I was hoping you would say that.”
“Is it far from here?”
“Ten minutes across town, depending on traffic. Why?”
“Because I don’t want to wait to be alone with you.”
“Then let’s get the hell out of here.” He took my hand in his before gently tugging me forward, and I fell in step beside him as we made our way down the hallway of the studio.
Stopping in front of one of the dark and empty voiceover booths, Gabe turned to me with a lascivious leer. “We could slip inside and not have to wait.”
I shot him a disgusted look. “You want our first time together to be some sleazy hookup in a voiceover booth?”
“Public sex is hot,” he countered.
“That’s true, but while I might sound like some doe-eyed virgin romanticizing the act, I want our first time to be special. Don’t you?”
“I do, but my dick doesn’t.”
I laughed. “For once, think with the head above your shoulders, not the one below your waist.”
Gabe exhaled a ragged sigh. “Got it.” He then pulled me on down the hallway toward the elevators at a frantic pace.
“Would you slow down?” I called.
“I’m just trying to get you back to my place.”
“Well, I’d like to get there with my arm still in my socket, and at the rate you’re pulling on me, it’s questionable whether it’s going to stay in.”
Gabe laughed. “Okay, okay. I’ll take it easy.”
“Thank you.”
True to his word, Gabe managed a leisurely pace to the car. After he started the car, he even said, “If you’re hungry, we can grab something to eat.”
While my stomach did feel a little empty, I didn’t think my nerves would allow me to eat anything. Normally, I didn’t get too anxious when it came to having sex. Sure, there was a little apprehension the first time with someone, but I’d never quite experienced what I was feeling at the moment. “I’m good.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am.”
Gabe grinned. “I was so hoping you’d say that.”
I laughed. “And I’m so not surprised that you were.”
As we drove across town from the recording studio, Gabe and I rehashed everything that had happened in the studio. After thankfully not getting into much traffic, we also made a quick stop at a sandwich place, despite having said we would skip lunch. Since neither one of us had eaten breakfast, we were starving. After eating outside at one of the umbrella tables, we then made our way back to the car, and it was only a few more minutes before Gabe pulled into a gated high-rise building. He punched in his code on the keypad, drove through the gate, and then pulled into a numbered parking space not too far from the building’s entrance.
“I see you’re a VIP even in the parking lot,” I mused.
Gabe laughed. “As much as I pay for that penthouse, I deserve some VIP status.”
I widened my eyes at him. “Penthouse?”
He nodded. “I bought it off the drummer of Runaway Train. After he got married and had a family, he needed more space.”
Sucking in a breath, I asked, “AJ Resendiz?”
“You know AJ?”
“Well, I don’t know him, know him, but I do listen to Runaway Train.”
“Just not my band.”
“You’re country, remember? Not my favorite.”
“Yeah, yeah. I get it. You hate country music and have a lady boner for AJ.”
With a laugh, I replied, “I do not have a lady boner for AJ. Do I find him good-looking? Yes, I do. There’s just something about the whole Latin lover thing.”
“The dude’s married with two daughters.”
I shrugged. “Just because I can’t touch doesn’t mean I can’t look.”
Gabe grunted as he shook his head. “If AJ finds out you think he’s hot, he’ll never let me hear the end of it.”
“Thought,” I corrected.
“Huh?” Gabe questioned.
“I thought he was hot, not think he is hot. I only have eyes for you now.”
“You better.”
I smiled at him. “I promise.”
“Come on. Let’s go.”
After Gabe grabbed my bag out of the back of the car, we headed inside. When we stepped onto the marble-tiled foyer, I couldn’t help craning my neck to take in all the opulence. “Wow. This is…wow,” I murmured. Not my most eloquent moment.
“Does that mean you like it?” Gabe asked with a smile.
“How could I not?”
“Sometimes I think it’s a little over the top. I think I’d like something a lot simpler.” He dug his wallet out of his pocket then pulled out a keycard. “I mean, this whole process is a little excessive.”
“True, but it’s also probably a necessary evil for someone like you. It helps to ensure your security.”
“I seriously doubt there’s anyone out there obsessing over me.”
After he swiped the card, we stepped into the elevator. To make it to the penthouse, he had to insert the keycard into a slot above the buttons. “Oh, I’m sure there’s a horde of women out there obsessing about you, dreaming about the day they can get their hands on you.”
Scratching his chin thoughtfully, Gabe replied, “I do have quite a lot of female admirers.”
I cocked my brows at him. “How about focusing on the one female admirer in front of you?”
Gabe grinned. “It would be my pleasure. In fact, I plan to focus on every aspect of the sexy-as-hell female in front of me.”
“Which aspect do you plan to focus on first?”
After closing me into the corner of the elevator, Gabe loomed over me. His nearness coupled with the lust glittering in his blue eyes made me shudder. “Your lips.”
“Interesting choice. I imagined you starting farther south.”
He slowly shook his head back and forth. “Ah, but any good lover knows you need to capture the north before you divide and conquer the south.”
I laughed. “Is that right, General Renard?”
“Yes, it is.”
The elevator dinged, and the doors opened to reveal Gabe’s penthouse. Neither one of us moved.
Reaching out, I ran my thumb over his bottom lip. “So I should start here”—with my other hand, I reached out to cup his jean-clad cock—“instead of here?”
As I rubbed his growing erection, Gabe threw his head back and groaned. “Screw it. What do I know about military tactics? Just keeping touching my dick.” When I pulled my hand away, he hissed.
“But I want your mouth on mine,” I said quietly.
“And I want your mouth on my cock,” Gabe growled.
Tsking at him, I replied, “Patience.”
“Fuck that!” he exclaimed before pouncing on me. The next thing I knew my feet were flying off the floor as Gabe drew me up into his arms to carry me into the penthouse.
“I’m very capable of walking you know,” I protested.
“It would take too much time,” he replied as he power-walked me through the foyer.
Tilting my head, I gazed up at the glittering chandelier. “That’s so beautiful.”
Gabe’s response to my compliment was to sprint through the living and burst into the bedroom.
“You know, you’re acting like a released convict desperate for sex. Did you even stop to think I might have enjoyed a tour of your place?”
“I’ll give you a tour after we have sex.” After easing me back onto my feet, Gabe grinned down at me. “And as for the convict part, I can promise I’ll last longer than a released convict.”
“I certainly hope so.”
“Trust me, Rae. You never have to doubt my stamina, especially not where you’re concerned.”
“Hmm, I think I’m going to need you to prove that to me before I can believe it.”
“My pleasure.” Once again, Gabe leapt at me like a wolf with its prey. We became a tangle of arms as our tongues battled each other, and there was a frantic desperation in Gabe’s kisses. While wetness pooled in my underwear from the excitement of his need, I didn’t want it to be so fast. I wanted to savor the feel of his hands on me. I wanted a small ember to grow into a crackling flame.
As Gabe’s hands fumbled with the button on my jeans, I tore my lips away from his. “Slow down,” I panted.
He gazed at me, eyes hooded with desire. “But I just want to be inside you. After having my fingers and tongue in you, I’ve been fantasizing for days about what your tight walls will feel like around my dick.”
I shoved Gabe away. “No,” I said firmly.
His hazy eyes stared questioningly at me. “No?”
“Sit.” I then pointed to his bed across from us.
Gabe’s brows shot up at my command. Instead of arguing with me, he obediently began backing away. I followed close behind him, keeping my eyes on his. When the backs of his knees hit the edge of the mattress, he flopped down on the bed.
Jabbing a finger into his bare chest, I said, “Now you listen to me: we’re not going to rush into this like two horny teenagers pawing at each other in the back seat of a car.”
“We’re not?”
“No. We’re going to fuck like adults who know about the merits foreplay and delayed gratification.”
“Can’t we at least have a horny teenager quickie and then move on to fucking like adults?” Gabe suggested.
I shook my head at him. “I’m not one of the groupies you stick your dick in for a quick release. I’m special, remember? I’m your muse, and I demand more.” Holy shit. Had I actually just said that to him? Even though it was exactly what I was feeling, I couldn’t believe I’d had the balls to say it. I sucked in a breath as I waited for Gabe’s reaction.
“You’re right. You don’t just demand more—you deserve more.”
My heartbeat accelerated at his words. “Thank you for acknowledging that.”
Gabe slid his hands around my waist. “You drive a hard bargain, Rae Hart.”
I reached out to cup the bulge in his jeans, causing Gabe to suck in a deep breath. “Mm, yes, very hard.”
“You. Are. Killing. Me,” he bit out.
With a wink, I replied, “Oh, but I’ve only just begun.”