Page 28 of Flawless Lyric

An hour later, we say our goodbyes and my interview is a wrap. It wasn’t as painful as I thought, but I’m still glad it’s over. Tomorrow’s our second press conference and that’s going to be a piece of cake.

The days that follow will be chaotic to say the least, but I’m hoping to spend some time with her tonight. At this point, I’d be willing to lose a night’s worth of sleep just to be with her. That’s how much I miss her. Funny, I know. That someone I’ve only met can have me wrapped around her little finger without blinking an eye. Don’t care. I knew the night I met her that she’d be a big part of my life in some capacity. Meeting her at my mom’s the next day just sealed the deal for me. As far as I’m concerned, I’m in a relationship.

Could you do me a solid and let Lyric know? For some reason she still has cold feet. I know the whole status stuff is BS and so overrated but maybe it would sink in coming from you. Thanks. Much appreciated.

I’m pulling into the driveway now and I can’t wait to sit back with a cold beer and relax for just a few. I’m going to text my girl, see if she wants to pop over after work since I don’t need to be anywhere until eight tonight. Yes, I promised Asher we’d hang out again and now I’m sorry I told him I could. In all fairness, it’s the only day I’ll be able to do it until after the festival.

Do you ever feel like a hamster on a wheel? Running in circles but never getting anywhere? It’s kind of how I’ve been feeling lately. Especially since we agreed to do the Labor Day weekend gig. I get that it gives us more exposure, but we’ve been around for over twelve years. If people don’t know us by now, it’s probably because they don’t listen to heavy metal. And they never will.

After grabbing my bottle and twisting the cap, I take a long drink. Then I pull out my phone and send a message Lyric won’t be able to refuse.

Me:I’d like to take you to the movies, but they don’t let you bring in your own snacks. So get your pretty little ass over here after work instead.

I smile when I notice she’s texting me back.

Lyric:If you were a song, you’d be the number one hit on the album.

See. This girl right here gets me.

Me:Come to me, Beauty. I need you tonight…

Lyric:Open the door, Micah…

Jumping to my feet, I race across the room and fling it open. Now she’s in my arms and I’m tasting what I’ve been missing for far too long.

“Beauty…” is a whispered moan against her luscious lips. Fuck, I want to pick her up and have my way with her, but once just wouldn’t be enough. I’m a greedy bastard like that. Always wanting more where this girl’s concerned.

* * *

LYRIC

“We don’t havemuch time. Bedroom. Now.” I might sound like a tramp, but I’ve been counting down the minutes until I could come here today. Knowing we don’t have much time.

“I knew you were just using me for my body,” he laughs. He grabs my hand and we run down the hall like a bunch of teenagers. It feels amazing!

Halfway there. The doorbell rings. What? No. “Don’t answer the door.” I practically drag him the rest of the way when he pins me against the wall. Almost knocking down some photos that are hanging there.

“Our cars are in the driveway. Whoever it is knows someone’s home. I’ll get rid of them.”

“I know Lyric’s with you, so get dressed. I’m coming in.” Maya! Oh, my god. First Lanie and now Maya.

“Wait. Don’t open the door. Think. Why am I here?” I’m insulted when he throws his head back and laughs. Laughs. I don’t find this funny at all, but apparently he does.

Framing my face, he kisses me breathlessly and then walks away. Gah, he’s so frustrating.

“Knowing my sister, Lanie spilled the tea. No more hiding, Beauty. Eventually they’ll all find out so we might as well come clean.”

He’s right. I know it in my heart, but it’s why I didn’t want to get involved with him to begin with. I might as well start looking for another job since I’ll be on the outside looking in very shortly.

Maya comes flying in as soon as he opens the door.

“I knew something was going on between you two on the Fourth of July. You denied it. Hi, Lyric.” I give her a reluctant wave as I sit on the edge of the chair. Ready to make a run for it.

“Hi to you too, Maya,” Micah interjects. “First, it’s nobody’s business whether or not Lyric and I are seeing each other. Second of all, stop cockblocking me. A phone call would have been sufficient.” I want to smack him in the forehead. Why is he adding fuel to the already blazing inferno?

Maybe this is my chance to set the record straight.

“In all fairness, Maya, we had just met. So it was all new to us, too. It’s not that we were hiding anything from anyone. The truth is we didn’t know if we wanted to continue.” When Micah scowls, I quickly cover up. “Being that Ruth is my boss, I didn’t want to cross that line once I found out Micah’s her son.” A light bulb goes off in her head with the realization of what I just revealed.

---