Page 26 of Hidden Truths

He wants to play. I can play too.

“VD stands for Vocal Daddy. Cal loves it when I call him that,” I announce to the room. Cal’s mouth drops open, and Willa laughs loudly. Kai and Belle look just as shocked. Mav is smiling but doesn’t seem surprised. I glare at Jo, and she shrugs. She definitely told him. Traitor.

Cal’s face is now just as red as mine, and he’s glaring at me. I walk up to him and get close enough for him to hear me as I whisper, “I’m not wearing any panties.” I watch him long enough to see his eyes dilate and his jaw clench.

Turning, I grab Cora. “Jo and I are going to lunch. She fired Geoff.”

There are a lot of questions, but Jo directs them to Jon, who seems less than enthusiastic about having to answer them.

“See you at home, Vocal Daddy!” I throw over my shoulder, not bothering to see any reactions as I walk out the door.

Silently hoping I’ll pay for it later, but terrified my heart will pay too.

nine

CAL

“Harlow!”I yell, slamming the door behind me. I texted my dad and asked him to take Cora to hang out at Belle’s. So I know it’s just Harlow in the house right now.

I hear a small yelp coming from the kitchen. I smile and make my way to the fiery redhead that’s been under my skin all day. After she left the studio, we decided to make use of the space since it was already paid for and practice the songs we haven’t yet.

“Don’t hide from me, Firecracker,” I say, rounding the island and seeing her crouching behind it.

“Um, hi,” she says as she pops up from the floor.

“That’s all you have to say for yourself?” I ask, slowly stalking her as she tries to put space between us. She’s always beautiful, but right now, with her flushed cheeks and wide eyes. Fuck, she’s perfection and temptation rolled into one.

“I put panties on?” she says, still trying to keep the island between us.

“Did you? You don’t seem too sure. Should I check?” I smile, knowing I look every ounce the predator I feel.

“Cal,” she says, but then her eyes go impossibly wide as she trips over one of Cora’s toys and falls backwards. I grab her rightbefore she hits her head on the floor. Pulling her into my chest, I watch as her eyes trace my lips before coming to my eyes. I feel her chest heaving against mine, her heart beating so loudly I can hear it. Or maybe that’s mine I hear.

I lean in, waiting for her to pull away. To tell me that this attraction is one-sided. Or hell, to be the logical one and tell me that it’s a line we shouldn’t cross.

But she doesn’t do any of that.

She grabs the back of my neck and pulls me the rest of the way. Her soft lips meet mine hesitantly. I pull her into me until I can feel the warmth of her body everywhere.

“More,” I whisper against her lips. The change is instant. The hesitancy is gone. Harlow wraps her arms around my neck and pulls herself up to wrap her legs around my waist. I turn so I can prop her on the counter. She gasps when the cool granite meets her hot skin.

Her tongue prods at the seam of my lips, demanding entrance. And fuck do I let her in. Her tongue tangles with mine in a dance for dominance that I never want to end.

I trace my hands up her smooth thighs until I get to the hem of her shorts. She changed out of the leggings she was in earlier into a pair of loose cotton shorts. I pause and pull away from her lips so I can meet her eyes. Those beautiful green eyes are unfocused, but she still sees the question in mine. She nods her head vigorously.

“Touch me. I need you to touch me, Cal. I’m so wet,” she pleads, trying to rub herself against me, needing the friction.

“Fuck, baby. No panties,” I groan as my fingers explore. “You’re so fucking wet.”

“Please,” she mutters against my lips before kissing me again.

I slip a finger inside her and groan. She’s so hot and so tight. I’m on the edge of my control. I’ve never lost it.

But I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want Harlow.

Being near her is intoxicating. Her laugh, her smile, the smell of her lavender shampoo in the air after she showers. I’m drunk on her.

I break away from her lips so I can kiss along her neck. I add another finger and rub her clit with my thumb once I find the pulse point on her neck.

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