Take It Off Read online

  “Least I could do, given all the shit she put up with over the years.” He stopped at a light and turned the radio on, keeping the volume low. “I wanted to buy her a new house—something newer and bigger—but she claims that the old house is just fine for her.”

  “You still livin’ in the same house?” It was one he’d bought after we got engaged. We went to look at houses together and I’d fallen in love with the ranch style on eighty acres.

  “Of course. You loved that house. I’d never get rid of it.”

  I tried to ignore the rush of excitement his words provoked. Pierce always knew the right thing to say to get him out of trouble, but there was no way I was gonna make this easy for him.

  “You like livin’ there?” I asked, looking out the passenger’s window. We were nearing the drive-in and I began to question whether I’d made the right choice. Being alone in a vehicle with Pierce—especially in the dark—had always led to trouble.

  “It’s kinda lonely.”

  “Right.” I tapped my finger on my bare leg when one of my favorite Jason Aldean songs came on. “Like you’re lonely. You probably have a different girl there every night.” I tried to pretend it didn’t bother me, but how could it not? I’d been engaged to this man once, and as much as I liked to pretend I was over him, I wasn’t sure that was even possible.

  “I haven’t been with anyone else.”

  I gaped at him, but he was rolling his window down and handing some cash to the attendant, who recognized him right away and asked for an autograph.

  “You’re lying,” I said, when he rolled the window up and inched forward behind the line of cars in front of us. “You can’t tell me you’ve kept it zipped for a whole year!”

  He shrugged. “Believe what you want, babe. It’s the truth.”

  I was still chewing on that, trying to decide whether I could believe him when he asked, “How ‘bout you?”

  Shit. I didn’t want to answer that question, especially not if he’d abstained. Not that I had any reason to feel guilty. I’d believed he’d cheated on me. The first time was half-drunk revenge sex and the other time was with a guy who lived in a neighboring town. We’d been on half a dozen dates and I wanted to know if any other man could make my toes curl the way Pierce had. The answer was an emphatic no.

  He pulled into a spot far away from other cars and asked, “I’m guessing you don’t want to answer that because there have been other guys?”

  “Did you expect me to live like a nun?” I snapped. “I believed you’d cheated on me. I was hurt and angry—”

  “So, it was revenge sex?” He was staring straight ahead at the blank white screen ahead of us while it gradually grew darker around us.

  “The first time.” I slipped my hands under my thighs when he glared at me, barely resisting the urge to squirm. I had nothing to feel bad about. Logically I knew that. So why did I feel like shit, confessing to my ex there had been other men in my life since he broke my heart? “The other time was someone I’d been dating for a while.” If six weeks could qualify as a while.

  “There were two?” I could see the muscle jump in his jaw as he clenched his teeth.

  “You don’t get to make me feel bad because I didn’t do anything wrong! You were the one who screwed everything up so—”

  “You’re right. Believe me, I know that.” He sighed. “And for the record, I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at myself. If I hadn’t been such an idiot, you wouldn’t have had reason to look at anyone else.”

  “That’s true,” I said, feeling vindicated. I took my seat belt off and reached into the backseat for the folded plaid flannel blanket he’d left there.

  “You cold?”

  “Why? You gonna offer to warm me up?” I was feeling a little lighter now that I’d confessed my sins to him and he hadn’t lost his shit. Maybe there was hope for him after all because the guy I used to know would have lost his mind over an announcement like that.

  “You know I’d be happy to,” he said, with a sly smile. “But I don’t wanna get smacked again.”

  That night in the hotel room came rushing back. That was the only time I’d slapped him, the only time I’d even been tempted to make him hurt the way he’d hurt me.

  “Sorry,” he muttered, obviously realizing he’d stirred up bad memories.

  “I have a bone to pick with you, by the way.”

  “Oh yeah?” He turned the radio station to the one that would allow us to receive the signal for the movie, though it would probably be half an hour before it started. “What’s that?”

  “You warned Paul to back off.” I’d called earlier to tell him I wouldn’t be able to go out with him tonight and he informed me he knew the reason why. My ex had paid him a little visit.

  “Not in so many words,” he admitted, looking more amused than contrite. “But if that’s what he got from our little chat, I’m okay with that.”

  I backhanded him in the chest, trying not to smile at his smugness. “You had no right to do that. He’s a nice guy. I like him.”

  “Sure you do.”

  “I do!” He was sweet, and cute, and kind, and… dull as hell.

  He chuckled. “You’re a terrible liar, sweetheart.”

  “Now you sound like Carolyn,” I said, smoothing the blanket over my bare legs. “She’s tellin’ me that all the time.”

  “Oh yeah? What else do you try to lie about?”

  “My feelings for you.” I slapped my hand over my mouth, my eyes wide when I realized I’d actually said that aloud.

  He chuckled as he took his seat belt off and reclined the seat. “You’re cute when you’re busted.”

  “I am not!”

  “What?” he asked, turning slightly to face me. “Cute or busted?”

  I pinched my lips together, refusing to say anymore in case I incriminated myself.

  “So, is there anyone else I need to worry about? Aside from this Paul clown?”

  “Paul is not a clown. He’s a good guy.”

  “Whatever. Answer the question.”

  “I don’t have to.”

  “No, but you will, ‘cause you’ll want me to answer all your questions.”

  Damn. He knew me too well. “Fine, there’s no one else. Happy now?”

  “Gettin’ there.” He grinned. “Spendin’ time with you like this goes a long way toward makin’ me happy so thanks for that.”

  I couldn’t help but return his smile. He was just so damn sexy. I could resist if he was just another pretty face but he wasn’t. This was the man I’d built my dreams around… and the same man who’d crushed them.

  Chapter Six

  Pierce

  It felt so damn good just being with her again. I vowed to take it slow, not push her too hard. I just wanted her to get used to the idea of us spending time together again. The only goal I wanted to accomplish before I left town in a few weeks was to reopen the lines of communication between us. Talking on the phone, texting, maybe having her to come to a few of my concerts, or inviting her to come to Nashville when I wasn’t on the road were all things I was hoping could happen.

  If the past year had taught me anything, it was that time passed whether you were happy or miserable so I just wanted the next year to be better than the last had been, and I knew it would be if she was a part of my life again.

  I’d made a pit stop at the concession stand before the movie started, stocking up on all her favorite junk food so she’d know I hadn’t forgotten the little things that made her happy. The errand had taken twice as long as it should have because people kept asking me for autographs and selfies, but I didn’t mind. These were my people.

  “You hate this, don’t you?” she asked between bites of caramel popcorn.

  I glanced her way as I bit off a piece of red licorice. “Yeah, gets stuck in my teeth.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I meant the movie, smartass.”

  It was some sappy romantic comedy about a couple who were getting a second chance
later in life. Since I suspected he was gonna get the girl in the end, I didn’t mind suffering through it. Besides the first movie was an action flick and she hadn’t complained.

  “Doesn’t suck as bad as I thought it would,” I said, winking.

  “You suck.”

  “Are you asking? ‘Cause if you are, the answer is hell yeah.”

  “Don’t say shit like that.” She sounded a little breathless as she reached for her soft drink.

  I hadn’t made a move all night and I got the feeling the sexual tension was getting to her. I wanted to be all over her, but I was waiting for her to make the first move.

  Not that I had any shame where she was concerned. I’d pursued this girl relentlessly last time. It took six weeks to get her number, another three to get a date, and another week to get my first kiss. She was a good girl afraid of being corrupted by a bad boy. But once I made her see how good being bad could feel she was all in.

  “Like what, baby?”

  “You know.” She pushed the blanket off her legs, letting out a frustrated little huff.

  “What’s wrong, sweetness? You hot?”

  “You are. And I hate it.”

  I grinned while I watched her close the popcorn box and toss it in the backseat before making a grab for my licorice bag. “Help yourself.” The licorice bag was in my lap and her hand skimmed my dick. Whether that was accidental or intentional, I didn’t care. It still felt good, having her hands on me again.

  She narrowed her eyes as she bit off a piece of the strawberry candy. “What’s with you tonight? I’d have thought you’d be all over me by now.”

  “You want me to be?” I asked, not even trying to hide my smile. “Because that can definitely be arranged.”

  “You think I’m so desperate I have to beg for it?” she asked, staring straight ahead at the screen.

  “Honey, I’m the desperate one here. Been over a year for me, remember?”

  “I still find that hard to believe,” she said, tipping her head to look at me. “Is that true?”

  “I wouldn’t lie about something like that.” I reached for her hand, stealing her last bite of licorice. “No point hookin’ up with anyone else. Just would’ve made me miss you more.”

  “I know what you mean,” she said, sounding sad as she tossed the licorice on the dashboard. “I wish I’d never…” She bit her lip. “You know, been with anyone else.”

  I couldn’t change the past, and I knew it was my fault she’d had the opportunity to have other lovers. If I hadn’t been so stupid, she wouldn’t have looked twice at anyone else. “Can’t change that, baby. It is what it is.”

  “Then it doesn’t bother you?” she asked, looking surprised.

  “Tears my heart out,” I admitted, using the first words that came to mind to describe how I felt about it. I knew there’d probably be a song about it in my future because shit like that would eat away at you if you didn’t get it out… either through lyrics or in a shrink’s office. I wasn’t into spilling my guts to a stranger, so I locked myself in my studio instead.

  “Then you know how I felt when I thought you cheated on me.”

  “So you believe I didn’t?” That was huge. It meant she was willing to take me at my word.

  “I believe you.” She kicked her flip-flops off and rested her feet on the dash.

  Her toes were painted hot pink and it reminded me how much she used to like it when I trailed my tongue over her arch, up her calf, around her thigh, stopping only when I got to her sweet spot.

  “What’re you thinkin’ about?” she asked, nudging me.

  “Licking you.” I promised myself I wouldn’t sensor my thoughts with her. I’d tell her the truth, even if it was hard or embarrassing to admit.

  She swore softly. “I told you that you can’t say shit like that.”

  “Why not?” I shifted so I was facing her, leaning my elbow on the armrest between us.

  “You know why,” she whispered, her eyes lingering on my lips. “Because I’ll want you to do it.”

  “Let me, baby.” My mouth was watering at the thought of tasting her. “You know how good I can make you feel.”

  She leaned in at the same time I did, but my lips hovered just above hers as I whispered, “You sure this is what you want? ‘Cause once I kiss you again it’ll be a bitch if you make me stop.”

  She fisted my shirt in her hand and pulled me in, slipping her tongue inside my mouth before I knew what hit me. But it didn’t take me long to catch up. Before long I was tugging on her hair and flipping the armrest between us up so I could drag her closer.

  The slow slide of our tongues mingling with the desperate sounds hanging in the air were making it tough to remember why I had to slow the fuck down. I tore my mouth away from hers, letting my lips trail down her neck while my hand slipped between her thighs. My only goal was to make her feel good. I didn’t even care if I got mine tonight. Just being able to touch her again was reward enough after so many sleepless nights alone.

  “Pierce,” she whimpered, digging her nails into the back of my neck when I slipped a finger into the band of her silky panties.

  “You want me to touch you, baby? You need me to make you come?”

  “Yes.” Her eyes closed as she tilted her head back. “Please… God… I need you.”

  I’d heard a lot of sweet sounds in my life… this girl telling me she loved me for the very first time… a presenter at a big awards show calling my name, but hearing her tell me she needed me did something to me. It made me crazy.

  I rubbed my thumb over slickness while thrusting two fingers inside of her. I was dying to lick her, but the close confines of the truck made that impossible. Soon, I promised myself. Soon I’d have the full Keira experience again.

  “You,” she panted. “Are so amazing.”

  She was holding the door handle, grinding against my hand while I kissed her neck. Just watching her fall apart for me was such an erotic experience I was surprised I’d been able to hold it together. That’s all I’d need, to lose it like a teenager, and have to go home with the evidence coating my jeans. My kid brother would never let me live that down.

  We were steaming up the windows, not that anyone could see inside. The SUV’s windows were tinted, and all of the cars in the parking lot were spread out to maximize privacy. I suspected we weren’t the only ones fooling around tonight.

  She lifted her hips off the seat and curled her nails into my wrist as she squeezed her eyes shut. “Right there…. oh… ah… Pierce…. I’m gonna… come.”

  I kissed her neck tenderly, making my way up to her cheek and finally her temple as she finally sank back, spent.

  “Thank you,” I whispered in her ear.

  She laughed, a broken sound that made me smile. “I haven’t done anything… yet.”

  Yet. I was afraid if she touched me now I’d go off like a rocket, that’s how close I was.

  “You let me touch you,” I murmured. “That’s a privilege I’m never going to take for granted again.”

  Her eyes were soft when she looked at me, like she was as grateful for this experience as I was, even though neither one of us knew what it meant for the future yet. “Does this go both ways?” she asked, licking her lips as she looked down at the bulge in my jeans. “Am I allowed to touch you now?”

  “If you want to,” I said, trying to resist the urge to beg. “But don’t feel you have to just because I—”

  She cut me off with a kiss, her eyes trapping mine. “I really want to.” She reached for my belt buckle and I had to remind myself to breathe as she lowered her head. She undid my jeans and inched them down along with my boxer briefs before she took me in her mouth.

  “Fuuucccckkkkk….” I wasn’t prepared for how good it would feel. It’s not like I’d forgotten. I’d fantasized about her nearly every night we’d been apart, but nothing compared to the real thing.

  I closed my eyes, willing myself to think about anything other than the tight sucti
on of her mouth when she pulled me deep.

  “Ke…I…can’t… fuck…” I was a babbling idiot. I could barely get a word out, much less form a cohesive thought.

  Her hand drifted up, gliding over my abs and I clenched, wrapping my hand around her head, guiding her gently. “So beautiful,” I whispered, thinking I could die a happy man if this was the last sight I ever got to see.

  She moaned, setting off a vibration that rocked me as I dug my heels into the ground as my hips shot up, accidentally forcing her to take me deeper. “Sorry, babe,” I muttered, cursing myself for being an idiot. I swore tonight would be about her pleasure, yet I was thinking of myself.

  “Keira, come here,” I said, pulling her head up. “Baby, let’s get a room. I want to do this right. I want to spread you out on a bed and…”

  “I want this for now. Just this.”

  Which meant she wasn’t ready for sex. I told myself I wasn’t disappointed and had to be more patient, but damn it, I wanted all of her. I wanted her to be mine again.

  She distracted me, using her hand and mouth in unison, making me forget everything except how amazing she could make me feel. “Oh God…” My breathing was labored and I curled my hand around the gearshift, squeezing tight while I tried to hold back. “Baby, I can’t, I’m gonna…”

  She didn’t give me a chance to warn her before she finished me off. My heart was beating so hard and fast I wondered if she could hear it as she kissed her way up my chest, holding my shirt out of the way before she dropped a chaste kiss on my lips.

  “You’re making me miss the movie,” she teased, her eyes sparkling.

  I grabbed the back of her head, trapping her. “I love you. You know that, right? I’ve never stopped loving you. Not for a single second, baby.”

  She swallowed before closing her eyes and sitting upright.

  “Say something.” I didn’t expect her to tell me she felt the same way. It was too soon for that, but I wanted to at least know she could get there eventually.

  “There’s obviously still something between us,” she said, covering her face with her hands. “But I’ll be damned if I know what it is. I still want to be with you, like this, but that doesn’t mean we’re good for each other, Pierce. It just means we know how to make each other feel good.”