“Sandalwood essential oil,” I murmured into her hair.
“It’s so yummy.” She leaned into me, pressing her tits against my chest just slightly.
I swallowed. I couldn’t speak but resumed eye contact, still threading my fingers through her soft, blonde tresses.
“I want it to be you, Jace.” She reached up with both hands and placed them on my shoulders.
Her words stunned me. My voice came out rough, shredded. “Why?”
“Because we’re friends. And you’ll also let me go do my thing without trying to make this into a Ty-Zoey situation.” Alex’s hands had intertwined behind my neck and she leaned up toward me, her lips parted.
“Where?” I closed my eyes for a minute, willing myself to say no.
“My mom had to go out of town for a couple of days. No one is home at my house until late tomorrow.” Alex pressed herself even closer to me, willing me to say yes.
Alex won. Cupping her face with both hands I lowered my lips to hers, holding her gaze. Her grip tightened on my hair at the base of my neck. My lips brushed against hers slowly, gently. Barely even a touch. I could feel the energy between us buzzing all the way to my toes. Drawing in a tight breath, my lips moved more firmly against hers. I parted them gently with my tongue. Savoring the orange flavor of the remnants of her lollipop, I began a warm, languid exploration of her mouth. Alex’s body stiffened and then melted into me. She tilted her head and kissed me back. Softly. Nothing wild. Our tongues slid against each other, lips melding as we found our own rhythm.
Everything inside me ignited when I yanked Alex tightly against me, gripping her ass to grind my swollen cock against her. The hard points of her nipples pressed against my chest, causing me to moan against her mouth. She shivered in my arms. Her fingertips explored my neck, my cheek, and then moved back to grip my hair as we nuzzled and sucked on each other’s tongues. Exploring deeper, grinding against each other until the loud clang of the studio door startled both of us apart.
“You gonna finish loading out or what, man?” The tech stood glaring at us with his arms crossed. “We need to turn the studio.”
Red-faced and laughing, Alex helped me load out the rest of my drums into the Green Dragon and jumped into the passenger seat after we were done.
“My house?” She slipped her aviator sunglasses on.
“Are you really sure?” I felt like I was going to go to hell but would enjoy the ride.
“I’m positive.” She smiled saucily. “If I had any doubts, after those kisses I don’t now.”
Chapter 6
ALEX
My heart couldn’t have been beating harder unless I was having a heart attack. I couldn’t believe my boldness. I’d put on a confident persona and had gone through with it. For weeks after that first night at Carter’s, I took advantage of every opportunity to hang out with Zoey and the band. Hoping for a repeat of the near-kiss. Instead, Jace went out of his way to avoid me or treat me like a kid.
Time was running out. The band was done in the studio and were heading on tour. Zoey was off to college and my plane left the same day. Mom had made plans for us, but then got called out of town unexpectedly to help my aunt, who broke her ankle. With her return looming to send me off, desperate times called for desperate measures. I put on my big-girl cutoffs this morning, determined to get my man.
“Alex, this really isn’t a good idea.” Jace looked at me from the driver’s seat.
“Don’t think so hard.” I rolled my eyes at him.
“Look, I just got out of a friends-with-benefits situation, it doesn’t end up good for anyone.” He shook his head sadly. “I don’t want you to be hurt.”
“Dude, I’m not going to get hurt.” I laughed. “I’m going to Europe to explore and soak up the culture and have a great time. I have no idea when I’ll be back or if I’ll ever come back.”
“You’re a beautiful girl, you need to be very careful.” Jace narrowed his eyes at me.
“Awww. You do care.” I teased.
“Of course I do,” Jace muttered.
“Can you just enjoy a moment in time with me?” My voice came out almost begging. “We won’t have any strings, if that’s what you’re worried about. I won’t be like that girl Cassie who kept showing up at the studio.”
“You couldn’t ever be like that.” Jace winced like I’d punched him.
“Exactly. Turn here, my house is over there on the corner.” I pointed and Jace followed my direction.
Silently, we got out of the van and strode up the walkway to my front door. Jace put his hand on my nape, his palm expanding to cup the back of my head. After unlocking the door, he followed me through the entryway into the adjacent living room. Kicking off my boots, I sat on the overstuffed, floral-patterned sofa and tucked my feet underneath me. He followed, sitting on the edge of the seat, his elbows bent on his knees. His hair fell across his shoulders like a curtain.
“Are you excited to get on the road?” I wanted to draw him out.
“Yeah, I’m so ready to go.” He glanced sideways at me.
“Yeah, me too.” I leaned toward him, hoping to ignite the spark again.
“Alex.” His clear, green eyes caught mine, the cleft in his chin quivering.
“Come here,” I whispered. “I want another kiss.”
Jace groaned and leaned back against the couch, dragging me to him. I couldn’t help but nuzzle his neck, breathing in his manly scent before tilting my face up to meet his lips. His strong biceps stretched across my shoulder, his hand caressed the side
