Page 31 of The Duet

“You don’t have to resist me,” I whisper back—most certainly a sentence I’d never dreamed I’d say to the likes of Lana Lynch. “Can we get together tonight?”

“I’d like that, but let’s see.” Lana gently kisses me on the cheek. “Let’s play it by ear. You know how it is on tour.”

I do know, but I’ve never toured—or slept—with Lana before so, for me, all the usual rules are out of the window.

“Sure.” I try to sound casual. Should I say something about how much last night meant to me? But after how it was between us, surely she knows.

Lana reaches her arm across me and grabs the corner of the duvet. “Now,” she says, as she slowly peels it away. “Time for you to go.”

I pretend to shiver, even though I’m running hot with desire for her.

Lana seems to have second thoughts about kicking me out as well. She gazes at my naked breasts as though mesmerized. She huffs out some air.

“I told you,” she says on a sigh. “You’re irresistible.”

“And I told you.” I look into her eyes. “You don’t have to resist me.”

A hint of smile plays on her lips. “I do right now.” She quickly presses one last kiss to my cheek, then looks away. “Go. I can’t watch. You’re too gorgeous. Just gather your stuff and go.”

I maneuver onto my knees and glue myself against her naked back, making sure she feels how hard my nipples are. “Tonight,” I whisper. “Because I can’t resist you either.”

I kiss the nape of her neck, take a deep breath, and get out of bed.

Chapter 19

Lana

Logan’s going over the schedule with me on the bus, but I can barely focus. Whereas previously when I engaged in a bout of bedroom activity, I felt invigorated, restored even, it’s different this time around.

“We’ll be in New York next week,” Logan says. “Isabel Adler has confirmed she’s coming to the show.” He all but bats his lashes. He wasn’t there when Isabel and I recorded “I Should Have Kissed You” and he doesn’t miss an opportunity to remind me of that. “I don’t ask for much, I think.” He tilts his head and puts his hands together. “But, please, pretty please, can you introduce me to her? I will forever be indebted to you. I will love you and stay with you, working for you in this capacity as your humble servant, forever. And I swear to take all your secrets to my grave.”

Secrets? What’s he talking about? Someone might have seen Cleo leave my room this morning, but Logan’s not the type to keep quiet about something like that.

I ignore the unruly thought. “No problem. I’ll make sure you meet Isabel.” Another thought pops into my head. “Actually, we should all get together. You know what? I’ll text her myself.” I want Cleo to meet Isabel Adler. After all, she sings her part in our song every single show.

Logan claps his hands together. “Great idea!”

I fish my phone out of my pocket. There’s a message from Cleo. Instinctively, I turn my screen away from my assistant’s gaze. Cleo has left me a voice message instead of a text. I can’t possibly listen to that with Logan sitting so close to me.

Instead, I text Isabel, inviting her to a get-together with The Lady Kings and The Other Women. Has she seen any of the videos on the internet of Cleo and me singing our song? If so, what does she make of it? And can she tell that it was in the cards that Cleo and I would do much more than sing? That we would actually kiss—and then so much more than that? I’m swamped with a cascade of memories from last night. Cleo’s lips against mine. Her perfect breasts resting in my palms. Her mouth on my—

My phone buzzes in my hand. Isabel has texted back already.

* * *

Leila and I would love to have you all over for a party. Anything for The Great Lana Lynch (says Leila). ;-) Have your people contact mine and we’ll make it happen. We’re looking forward to The Lady Kings’ show So Very Much! Izzy xo

* * *

I make Logan’s day by showing him the message. “How about that?”

Logan pretends to faint on the spot, the back of his hand dramatically pushed against his forehead. “Have you read her biography?” he asks.

“Of course.” That reminds me I need to read the script Roy gave me—the one about my own life. Maybe I should ask Cleo what she thinks of someone making a movie of my life. It would be great to get a fresh perspective on that, from someone much younger with very different viewpoints.

“Some people are just… larger than life,” Logan muses.

“You go dream of Isabel Adler,” I say. “While I make some calls.”

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