Текст книги "Cardinal"

Автор книги: Sara Mack

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Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Fourteen

It’s like we just discovered kissing exists. My back is flush against the wall outside Pete’s apartment as Latson’s mouth leaves a warm trail up the side of my neck.

Earlier, when we left the park, I made him stop at the metallic bean so I could get a closer look. It turns out it’s not supposed to be a bean at all but a sculpture called Cloud Gate. You can walk beneath it, and the mirrored surface distorts your reflection in all sorts of ways. The unique images didn’t hold Latson’s attention like they held mine; while I was looking up I saw him brush away my hair before I felt it. Standing behind me, he pressed a kiss to my shoulder, then glanced up and caught me watching him. His eyes held mine as he made a path with his lips, grazing my skin, to just beneath my ear. When his hands circled my waist and pulled me close, I couldn’t take it and turned around to kiss him. Since we were in a somewhat secluded spot, we stayed there.

We stayed there until a security guard told us we had to leave.

Now, back at the apartment, we’re all over each other again. His mouth leaves my neck and follows my jaw, and I push off the wall to get closer to him. As I slide my hands over his shoulders, I silently hope my brother doesn’t appear. It makes me wonder why Latson stopped the elevator on Pete’s floor instead of his own.

“Damn,” he mutters against me. “I should have asked Diane to keep Oliver overnight.”

“Diane?”

“Mrs. Gibson,” he clarifies.

Oh. We’re here because Oliver is home with his sitter. Since the sarcasm stopped once the kissing began I say, “That’s okay. You weren’t going to get lucky after the first date anyway.”

He leans back, playful. “You’re telling me if I asked you to come upstairs you’d say no?”

I’d so say yes. What is wrong with me?  “That’s right,” I lie. “You have to work for it. The chase hasn’t been long enough.”

“Oh, really?” He zeroes in on my mouth. “I’ve been chasing you ever since you got here.”

His admission causes butterflies to take flight in my belly just like they did when he confessed his crush. He places a slow, deliberate kiss on me, and my hand slides around his neck to keep him close. The other runs down his chest, over his stomach, and lands on the waistband of his jeans. He backs out of my reach, and my eyes fly open.

“Uh uh,” he says. “You don’t get to feel me up.”

“I was feeling down, actually.”

Latson groans, making me laugh. He steps forward and I step back. He sets his hands on either side of my head, against the wall, boxing me in. “I’m tempted to pick you up and carry you out of here.”

My pulse pounds. That would be okay.

Really.

“But since our places are occupied,” he leans forward, “I’m going to go home. So I can think of ways to chase you.”

“Make ‘em good,” I tease. “I can run fast or I can run slow. It all depends on you.”

He searches my face for a moment before flashing his sexy smile. “Little Bird, I don’t care how fast you run. Just as long as it’s toward me.”

My heart doesn’t know what to do with itself and I feel a little dizzy. He kisses me again, and a thought pops into my head. Dare I think it?

I’m sorry Ed, but you may have to move over.

When Latson walks away he does so slowly – and backward. “Goodnight,” he says.

“’Night. Thank you for dinner.”

“Anytime.” He makes it to the stairwell door and cracks it open. “Don’t stay up too late thinking about me. I’ll be the one above you, all alone, in a big, cold bed.”

He attempts a sad puppy-dog face and I laugh. “You’re the one with a kid at home.”

“You’re the one with a brother.”

Touché. “Go work on your chasing skills. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Count on it.” He smiles before disappearing. I wait a few seconds and when I’m sure he’s gone, I let out a sigh. A big, relaxed sigh. A slightly dazed sigh.

A holy-shit-this-night-was-amazing sigh.

I open Jules’ clutch – yet another item borrowed – and hunt for my key to Pete’s door. He had an extra made so I could come and go, and tonight I took it off my key ring because I had too many keys to fit in the purse. Where in the hell is it?  There’s, like, two pockets in here. I pull out my driver’s license, my debit card, a little cash, my phone, and my lip gloss. I could’ve sworn I put it in here. Giving up, I put everything back and knock on the door. I impatiently tap my foot while I wait for Pete. When he doesn’t answer, I knock again. He’s probably asleep. I take out my phone to call him and when I hit the wake button, there’s a message I missed:

I’m with Jules if you need me.

Great. I’m locked out. I start to dial his number when I remember someone else has a key. A certain someone I was just kissing.

I make my way upstairs with a smile. Latson will probably assume I’m lying to see him, but that’s okay. Two can chase, right?  When I reach the top of the stairwell I open the door only to hear voices. I stop short and peer into the hallway. Latson is talking to Heidi. I’d recognize that red hair anywhere.

“You came here to complain?”

“You had a party and didn’t include me.” She pouts and tries to set her hand on Latson’s chest. “What’s going on?”

He moves out of her way. “I thought Dean would have invited you.”

“Well, he didn’t.” Heidi crosses her arms. “Has he found out if he’s going on tour?”

“Ah,” Latson snickers. “The real reason you’re here comes out.”

“Just tell me.”

“No. He hasn’t heard.”

“If he goes will you go with him?”

“No.”

Heidi tips her head and sticks out her hip. “It’s because of that girl, isn’t it?  Julia or Genevieve or –”

“Her name is Jen.”

“What-the-fuck-ever.” She rolls her eyes. “Is that where you were tonight?  With her?”

Latson looks irritated. “That’s none of your business.”

“It is,” she insists. “You know I promised Audrey –”

“You didn’t promise her shit.” Latson stands to his full height. “You need to stop using that excuse.”

Heidi tries to look innocent. “She was my best friend. I told her I’d look out for –”

“Stop.” He cuts her off again. “The only one you’ve ever looked out for is yourself.”

Heidi steps back like his words hurt. “I care about Oliver.”

“No. You use him to stay close to me.” Latson leans forward. “I’ve told you before. You need to stop hanging on to something that doesn’t exist. The band is done. I’m not going back to that life; you won’t get your minute of fame from me. Move on.”

Heidi’s back stiffens. “Did it ever occur to you that I stay close because you remind me of your sister?  Because I miss her?”

Latson’s laugh is sarcastic. “Maybe you should have thought about losing her before you did lines together.”

Heidi’s eyes grow wide. “That’s not fair!  When she and I ... you know it was once or twice. It wasn’t a problem then. Levi is the one who ruined her, not me.”

“And we all know who introduced them, don’t we?”

“Why are you being so mean?” Heidi hisses. Then, her voice turns venomous. “It’s Jen, isn’t it?  She’s putting thoughts in your head because she doesn’t like me.”

“We’ve never discussed you.”

“She’s a bitch,” Heidi says. “I can’t believe you hired her and I can’t believe you let her spend time with Oliver. Audrey would hate her.”

Latson’s eyes flash. He sets his jaw and steps into her personal space. “My sister would have loved Jen and you know it. I won’t let you talk trash about her.”

“You won’t let me?” Heidi looks unimpressed. “You don’t control me, Gunnar.”

“But I do,” Latson says. “Utter one more word about Jen and you can kiss following Dean’s tour goodbye. All it takes is one call from me and you’ll be thrown out on your ass so fast you won’t know what hit you.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, but I would.”

Heidi’s eyes narrow. “Fine. It’s only a matter of time before you find out what she really is anyway. I’m just trying to warn you.”

My mind reels. What does she think I am?  We haven’t said one word to each other since we met. The idea of her running her mouth when she knows nothing about me pisses me off. I think it’s time to end this conversation and put her in her place.

Stepping into the hallway, I open the door with enough force for the two of them to hear it. Heidi quickly turns and Latson’s eyes swing to me as I walk toward them.

“Speak of the devil.” Heidi looks smug. “Eavesdrop much?”

“Only when I hear my name and bitch in the same sentence.” I stop walking a few feet in front of her. “Is there something you would like to say to my face?  Because I’m all ears.”

 Heidi looks shocked for a second. Then, she flips her color-treated hair over one shoulder. “You don’t know who you’re messing with, little girl. You’re in my territory now.”

Confusion creases my brow, and I glance at Latson. “What in the hell is she talking about?”

He lets out an exasperated breath. “I don’t know.” He brushes past Heidi and to my side. “What do you mean ‘territory’?  Are you an animal?”

I can’t resist and clap my hands. “Oooooo!  Are you going to piss a circle around Latson to claim him?  I’d love to see that.” I start to open my purse. “Hang on. Let me get my phone so I can take a video.”

Latson covers a laugh as Heidi’s face turns red. “You think you’re funny?” she snaps. “Why don’t you just tell him what you want and save him the trouble?  Then we can all go on our way and pretend like you don’t exist.”

What have I ever done to this woman?  Sure, I may have given her an irritated glance or two, but nothing to warrant her shitty behavior. “I don’t know where you got the idea that I want something. I don’t want anything.” I look at Latson and his eyes dance. He’s clearly enjoying this. My gaze falls to his mouth and I decide to mess with Heidi a little more.

“Wait,” I say, holding up a finger. “I changed my mind. There is one thing I want.” Reaching over, I grab Latson’s shirt and pull him to me. I find his mouth with mine and press my body against his. He leans into my kiss and reciprocates, his hands sliding around my waist and down to my ass.

“Just like I thought,” Heidi snipes. “You’re nothing but a gold digging attention whore.”

Latson’s lips leave mine and he growls, “That’s enough.” He steps back and takes my hand, pulling me toward his place. “Go home, Heidi. If you want to know about Dean, ask him yourself.”

Without another word he opens his door and ushers me inside. He lets the door close behind us, and I catch a glimpse of Heidi’s angry expression before it shuts all the way. If she hated me before, she loathes me now.

“Well, that was fun,” I joke. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t stand there and say nothing.”

Latson walks toward me. “Why were you standing there?”

“I’m locked out. I forgot my key and Pete is with Jules.” I reach for my phone. “See?”

He takes my cell and glances at the screen, then gives me a sly smile as he slides it into his back pocket.

“Um … can I have that back?”

“Maybe.”

He moves closer and reaches for my purse. I give it to him, along with a questioning look. He sets it on the table in the entryway, then threads his fingers through my empty hands. Gently, he winds my arms around my back and pins them there, bringing his chest to mine. “I like how you stood your ground with Heidi.”

I look up at him. “I like how you defended me.”

He starts to walk forward, pressing me back. “I like that you like how I defended you.”

I smile taking careful steps. “I like that you like my like of your defense.”

He pauses and squints. “This is getting complicated.”

I laugh.

We keep walking. As we do, I realize the lights are off in the apartment with the exception of a lamp in the living room and a kitchen light. As we pass the dining table, I see Latson’s jacket tossed over a chair, and his wallet and keys next to a note. I assume it’s from Mrs. Gibson, which reminds me of Oliver. I stop walking. “Is Oliver asleep?”

“Funny you should mention him.” One side of Latson’s mouth quirks up. “You’re not the only one who’s been abandoned tonight.”

He leads me over to the table to read the note, but doesn’t let me go. Someone named Nathan is staying at Mrs. Gibson’s house, and the boys were begging for a sleepover. Despite it being a weeknight, she caved and will drop the kids at school in the morning.

“Who’s Nathan?” I ask.

“Diane’s grandson.”

I look at Latson and he looks at me. “So, we’re all alone?”

He nods and my pulse quickens. His breathing increases too, because I can feel the rise and fall of his chest. He leans forward and brushes his nose across my cheek until his mouth finds my ear. “I was headed outside to your window when Heidi knocked on the door. I was going to ask if you wanted to have a sleepover of our own.”

My breath hitches and a warm anticipation starts to spread through my veins. “Hmmm,” I tease. “I’ll have to check with Ed. He doesn’t like to share, remember?”

Latson frowns. “Again with Sheeran?”

I nod with a smile and he pauses to think. Then, he cocks an eyebrow.

“When’s the last time he kissed you?” he asks.

“Ummm ...” He’s got me there. “Never.”

Latson gives me his sexy smirk before lowering his mouth to mine. He takes his time teasing my lips, first the top and then the bottom, by slowly pulling each one between his own and sucking on it. No one has paid such delicate attention to my mouth before and the feeling is incredible. When he finishes his individual attention, he takes my lips together, parting them with his tongue and branding me in his own way. A whimper escapes my throat, and I feel Latson smile before he pulls back.

“That’s one for me and zero for Ed,” he says as I catch my breath. “When’s the last time he touched you?”

I shake my head. “Never. He’s touched me with his words, though. That should count.”

“Maybe,” Latson concedes. “But, what if you could have the real thing?”

Before I can answer, he releases my hands. He runs both of his up to my shoulders and focuses on my eyes. “I haven’t forgotten about the chase,” he says. “I said I didn’t care how fast you ran and I meant it.” He turns his hand over and trails his knuckles over my collarbone. “If you decide to stay with me tonight I’ll still chase you. Nothing needs to happen that you don’t want.”

My heart races and all I can think is I want. His brings his hands to my waist and leans in close, following the same path over my collarbone with his lips. I reach for him, to wind my arms around his waist, his neck, anything, but he suddenly backs away. He smiles as I frown.

“I think that’s two for me and zero for Ed.” He grins as he pulls my phone from his pocket. “Would you like to tell him it’s over or should I?”

“You’re an arrogant ass,” I laugh as I swipe my cell from him.

He shrugs. “My point has been made. I’m better than your imaginary boyfriend.”

He definitely better than anything imaginary. Hell, he might be better than anything I’ve ever had.

Just then a phone rings and it’s not mine. Latson glances at his cell before picking it up and answering. “Hey, buddy.”

I decide to walk over to my purse to give him some privacy.

“What are you doing up?  It’s after ten,” he says. “Yes. I know school’s over next week. You still have a bed time.”

I smile as I put my phone away.

“Jen,” Latson whispers and I turn around. “Where are you going?” he mouths.

“Nowhere,” I whisper back.

“What, bud?  No, you cannot have that game. We’ve talked about this before. You know –” He’s cut off. “Oliver. It’s too late for this discussion.” He sighs. “Yes. We can talk about it tomorrow.”

Latson paces back and forth as he talks to his nephew. Watching him makes me wonder how hard it was to go from fun uncle to father figure and having to set rules and boundaries. The realization hits me that he went from single rock star to single dad in the blink of an eye. The situation had to be a huge change.

“I love you,” Latson says. “Sleep tight.”

“Wait!” I whisper-yell and wave my arms to get his attention. “Tell Oliver I said hi.”

Latson smiles. “Hey, O?  Remember when I told you I was going to see Jen tonight?” He waits. “Well, she said to tell you hi.”

I walk over to him as he ends the conversation. “Okay. I’ll tell her. I don’t – I can ask. Buddy, she might be busy.” Latson winks at me. “We’ll see. Goodnight. I’ll pick you up from school.” He hangs up the phone.

“What was that about?” I ask.

“Oliver would like to know if you’re free next week.”

“For?”

“The end of the year first grade picnic.”

 My heart melts for the kid a little more. “When is it?”

“Thursday afternoon. You don’t have to go.”

“Are you kidding?  Of course I’ll go. I have nothing else to do.”

Latson’s arms circle my waist and he pulls me close. “You have me to do.”

My heart skips. “Oliver asked first. I can’t see you next Thursday.”

He leans in and rests his forehead against mine. “Sneaky kid.”

“Are you jealous?”

He looks up. “I have been. The night he fell asleep with you on the couch?  I’ve never been so jealous of a seven-year-old in my entire life.”

I want to grin. Instead, I tip my head and run my finger along his shirt collar. “Is that why you felt the need to carry me to bed?”

Latson’s eyes grow dark. “No. But I feel the need to carry you to bed right now.”

He tightens his hold around my waist and presses my body to his. I can feel the need he’s talking about.

Holy shit. It’s an impressive need.

“I thought you said we didn’t have to do anything I didn’t want.”

He blinks. “I did. I’m sorry.”

He tries to step back, but I hold on to him. “That’s not what I meant.” I stand on my toes and find his ear. “I meant I don’t want you to carry me to bed. I can walk.”

He buries his face against my neck. “You’re killing me.”

Latson starts to walk backward, pulling me along with him. His mouth assaults my skin, kissing and nipping wherever he touches. I close my eyes and run my fingers into his hair, behind his head, to keep him in place. We make it into the hallway, the one where I shot him during the Nerf war, and his hands slide from my waist, to my hips, to my ass. When we stop walking, one of his hands disappears and I hear a door open. He steps back and takes my hand, leading me into his room.

The lights are off, but the moon is high in the sky. Its light shines through sliding glass doors illuminating an impressive master suite. It’s big, bigger than any of the rooms in Pete’s apartment, and I remember Latson renovated the entire floor. In addition to a California king, there’s the typical furniture – a large dresser and two end tables. There’s also a seating area, with an entertainment center and a loveseat. I can also see a set of double doors which I assume lead to a closet. Or maybe it’s a bathroom.

We stop walking next to the bed and Latson wraps me in his arms. He runs his fingers up and down my back and asks, “Are you sure?”

I want to tell him my freaking blood is on fire, of course I’m sure. Rather than do that, I reach between us and pull at the bottom of his shirt. “I want to see you,” I whisper. Without question, he reaches for the back of his collar and pulls the shirt over his head. He crumples it in his hands and tosses it on the floor as I stand there and stare.

Good lord.

I go for his abs first. There’s no other choice when there are so many of them. I set my hands flat on his stomach, then run them over his defined muscles. I feel his breathing catch as I take my time tracing them before moving higher on his chest. His skin is so smooth I start to worry about my own. Pushing the thought aside, I step closer and start to follow my fingers with my tongue. Yep. I literally lick him.

He groans and grabs hold of my waist, pulling at my dress and lifting my skirt. “How does this thing come off?” he murmurs as he tries to figure it out.

I stop treating him like an ice cream cone and move back. I step out of my shoes before reaching behind my neck. “It’s pretty simple.” I smile.

He smiles back, but doesn’t let me continue. He turns me around and then gathers my hair in one hand. I feel the tie on my dress loosen, then watch as the top half falls away. Suddenly, his mouth is on me, devouring the nape of my neck and traveling down across my shoulder. His touch feels warmer than before as he gently grips my hair and pulls, tilting my head in the opposite direction of his lips. His free hand sends a shiver down my spine as it slides around my middle, just grazing the bottom of my breasts. I think he realizes they’re free, because it takes only a second for his hand to find one and consume it.

It’s not long before my dress is gone and I’m lying on the bed. He stands over me, his feet still planted on the floor, and his eyes rake over my body as his hands skim every part. My nerves jump into overdrive when he gets to my pink bikinis and stops. He threads his thumbs under them at my hips, pauses to kiss around my belly, and then slides them slowly down my legs. When they’re off, he stands and spins them around one finger. “I think I’ve seen these before.”

I’m confused. “What?  How?”

He grins and lets my underwear fly off his finger. “I believe you called it Stripper Therapy.”

Oh my God. He’s right. I didn’t even realize I put on the same pair. Wait. “You remember what I was wearing?”

He leans halfway over me and lifts my legs, running his hands down the back of them. “Every detail of that performance is burned into my mind.”

Everything inside me tenses. My eyes fall on his jeans and I set my feet against the front of them, curling my toes over the waistband. “Why are you still dressed?”

He undoes the button, and I help him shove them off with my feet. When he’s standing there in his boxer briefs, I have a flashback to dinner. My glasses fantasy can totally come true. When he rids himself of his Calvin’s, I make a mental note to make that fantasy come true. This man is gorgeous.

I push myself sideways, further into the center of the bed and toward the pillows.

“Where are you going?” He grabs my ankle and pulls me back.

“Not far. I just –” Sweet mother!  His hand slides between my legs causing my back to arch and my hips to jump. As my limbs go limp and my mind clouds over, I’ve never been so happy that he picked up a guitar and mastered it than I am right now. All rational thought leaves my mind as his movements bring sensations that build and build until my body lets go and hums.

When I come down from the high, my eyes flutter open to see him backing away. Now it’s my turn to murmur. “Where are you going?”

He kisses me and smiles. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right back.”

When he leaves, I want to complain about being cold without him near, but I can’t. The view I get when he walks away is priceless. Shoulders: strong. Back: toned. Waist: tapered. Ass: perfect. I bite my lip to suppress a grin. I can’t wait to get my hands on every inch of him.

Latson makes it to the doorway and reaches inside to flip the light switch. He enters the bathroom and stands there, butt naked, and starts to rummage through the medicine cabinet. I think I know what he’s looking for, so I slide myself up toward the head of the bed.

When he turns off the light and returns to me, he wastes no time covering my body with his. He plants kisses along my chin and down my neck, and I zero in on his shoulder with my lips. As my hands explore his back, he leans up on his elbows and holds a condom between his fingertips. “Sorry. I don’t keep these handy anymore.”

I tilt my head. “There’s one in your hand right now.”

“I meant in a convenient location. It’s been …”  He looks down and then back at me. “It’s been awhile since I’ve had anyone in my bed.”

“Are you blushing?” I tease.

He shakes his head and gives me his lopsided dimple smile.

“You are blushing!”  I grin. “Give me this thing.” I steal the plastic from him. As I tear it open, he brings his hands to the sides of my face and gently pushes my hair behind my ears.

“Jen.” His eyes focus on mine. “I don’t know what this is.”

“It’s sex,” I laugh.

His eyes grow intense. “Hell, yes.” He flexes his hips against mine, giving me a taste of what’s to come. My laughter fades into a moan.

“God. I love that sound,” he breathes. “What I meant is I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.”

Speechless, I get lost in his gaze, in his burning expression and beautiful eyes.

“I don’t know what that means, but I want to find out,” he says. He runs his thumb over my lower lip. “Are you okay with that?  Jumping into the unknown?”

I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. I lift my head, plant a slow kiss on his lips, and then whisper against them.

“Geronimo.”