Page 50 of Rockstar Next Door Neighbor

“Oh, I couldn’t—“ Lila starts.

“Please?” Dad gives her that look—the one that always made Mom cave. The same one I hopefully inherited. “The guest rooms are all made up, and it’s a long drive back to Jacksonville.”

She glances at me, uncertain.

“Stay,” I say softly. “Marie would feel better knowing someone’s here overnight anyway.”

“Well...” She smiles. “I did promise to show you how to make proper French toast in the morning.”

Dad beams. “That’s settled then. Luke show her to the guest room. I’m going to turn in.”

He hugs us both—before heading upstairs. I lead Lila to the guest room, trying not to think about how right it feels having her here.

“Your room’s right here,” I open the door, and she follows me inside. “Bathroom’s connected.” As I turn to leave, I suddenly turn back. “I forgot you might need something to wear tomorrow.”

“I have spare clothes in my catering kit,” she says. “Always be prepared, right?”

“Right.” I hesitate at her door, the air suddenly thick with everything we’re not saying. “Lila...”

“Don’t.” But she doesn’t move away when I step closer. “Luke, we shouldn’t...”

“I know.” My hands find her waist, drawing her closer. “Tell me to stop.”

Instead of answering, she rises on her toes, her fingers curling into my shirt. When our lips meet, it’s like a culmination of every kiss we held back these past weeks. Her mouth opens under mine, soft and warm and perfect, and I press her roughly against the doorframe.

She makes a small sound in the back of her throat that nearly undoes me. My hands tangle in her hair as the kiss deepens, becoming something hungry, desperate, and dangerous.

“We should stop,” she whispers against my mouth, even as her body arches into mine.

“I know.” But I can’t resist trailing kisses down her neck, feeling her pulse race under my lips.

“Luke...”

I force myself to step back. Her lips are swollen, her eyes dark. I turn to leave, but I just can’t do it. I can’t leave her standing here alone—not now that she knows the truth about Crystal.

Turning, I quietly shut the door. When I turn, I notice how her breath quickens, betraying how much she wants this, too.

Seventeen

Lila

When Luke shuts the door, my breath catches, but my heart almost stops when he turns and starts walking toward me with that determined stride. His eyes are so intense, burning with desire. When he reaches me, his eyes, up close, are such a clear blue, and they darken as they lock onto mine.

He then reaches out to touch my chin, lifting my face to his. As if in slow motion, his lips come down, covering mine. He takes his time, slowly savoring my taste. Instead of deepening the kiss, he pulls back slightly, nibbling on my lower lip and teasing me with his slowness.

My hands reach up, tangling in his hair as I pull him closer, my body melting into his. As he continues to taunt me with his nearness, I pull slightly on his hair in retaliation. I feel more than see his grin, but then his arms tighten around me, fitting me snuggly to his body, and I feel his instant arousal against my belly.

He immediately deepens the kiss. I feel his tongue slide against mine, exploring. I’m suddenly aware of his taste, his touch, his scent. He smells like the outdoors, and underneath that is his pure male scent, which arouses me more than anything else. His masculine scent goes right to my head, leaving me feeling dizzy. My hands tighten in his hair, and I lean into his chest.

His hands wander down my back, over my ass, and then he cups my bottom in his broad hands, fitting me to him, letting me feel his hardness. He grinds me against him, then eases up, and his hands give my generous backside a lusty squeeze. I can tell he appreciates my softness, my curves as he continues to fondle my ass.

He’s building a need inside of me with his slow caresses. I can feel it increasing, and I want more. I rub against him, letting him feel my response, urging him to go faster. He doesn’t. Instead, Luke takes his time as his hands leave my bottom, lightly caressing my thigh. When I think he’s going to touchme where I ache the most, his hand instead travels up to my waist.

I sigh against his lips in frustration and disappointment. The man is driving me wild with wanting—and he knows it. When his hand tightens around my thigh, I shift my weight, allowing him access, and again feel his grin. He knows exactly what he’s doing to me. Damn him!

I tug on his hair, and his grin widens as he lifts his head. When I open my eyes, I see his face. And the flame in his eyes sends another zing straight to my core. He’s taking his time, yes, but he wants me just as urgently as I want him.

He suddenly bends, cupping my ass and lifting me against him. My legs automatically rise around his waist as he carries me to the bed. My legs go down, but I’m unsteady on my feet, and his hands are around my waist, steadying me.

---