Page 32 of Laying it Bare Backstage

Three thrusts later, Teak followed me into that heavenly state, moaning my name. Ducking his head, he rained kisses along my neck, collarbone, and the top of my breasts before he dropped to the bed beside me on his side and gathered me to his chest. “You still feel okay? That was really intense.”

Leaning back, I stared up into his concerned eyes, even as traces of hunger still colored the gorgeous blue. “I feel wonderful.” Running my fingers along his scruff, I smiled. “I love you. And I really needed you to make love to me tonight. It was just as incredible as the last time and I needed the reminder of it.” I didn’t want to ruin the moment by bringing up my anxieties over my current situation, but I was well aware he knew where my thoughts had headed.

Tugging his hand gently through my hair, he kissed my forehead. “I’ve got you.”

He could’ve said more, but I was glad he didn’t.

We both understood it was my reality and we also recognized it had no place in our bed.

“How about we go again, just to make sure the reminders stick?” He shot me a wolfish grin before he rolled me to my back and hovered over me.

“Yes, please.” My giggle transformed into a moan as Teak loved my body again.

The next two days, I resumed my normal work schedule without any issues. On Saturday, we met up with Ivy and Ascher for some miniature golf and then dinner. Once again, the guys were swarmed by fans for autographs and pictures, but after happily getting their treasures, they were content and allowed the guys to return to their dates.

Ivy hadn’t admitted anything to me, but I got the sneaky suspicion things with Ascher were growing as serious as my relationship with Teak. They might not have discussed the future, but I could tell in their actions and words that this wasn’t a fling to either one of them. And I was so excited for her and wondered when she’d confide in me.

The following week, Teak and I were easily falling into a normal routine, like we had been living together for months rather than just a few weeks. Since my car was still getting worked on, I met with my co-workers through FaceTime again. However, my online time was back to my usual hours.

Saturday morning, Teak and I had a big breakfast since the concert started at one. Even though he was the last act, he still needed to be there by noon.

“Are you sure you’re okay with watching me from the sides? The seats are for ticket holders only so they could get the most profit for this fundraiser.” Teak scooped a bite of eggs into his mouth.

“It will be fine. I’m actually closer to you then.” Smirking, I took a sip of my coffee. “Besides, Ivy and Ascher will be there keeping me company. And I don’t know anyone coming to the event anyway. There’s no point sitting out there since it’s not like I’d have someone to talk to.”

A roguish grin crawled across Teak’s face as he eyed me mischievously.

“What are you up to?”

“Nothing. I was just thinking about last night.”

“Uh huh.” I mean he could’ve been. He was a guy after all. But I didn’t buy it.

When we were finished eating, we headed back to the bedroom to get dressed. I put on a pair of pink capri pants and a flowery halter so I could wear sneakers. I was going to be on my feet for several hours so I wanted to be comfortable. Teak pulled on a pair of light colored dress pants and a light blue short sleeved dress shirt. The blue made his eyes pop.

Once we were dressed, guitar in his hand, Teak led me out to his car. After he pulled into the back lot at Choco Hall, the two of us headed inside. He flashed his pass at the back door to a bald headed guy wearing a security uniform. The guy studied me intently with his brown eyes before allowing us entrance.

“That was really weird.”

“I wonder if he thought you were a groupie, even though this isn’t that type of concert. And if so, I’m going to be pissed.”

“It is wrong of him to label, but it is pretty commonplace and maybe that’s all he’s seen.”

Taking my hand in his free one, Teak led me to the staging area. Four other musicians were expected to perform, so it was starting to get packed. And busy. As more people arrived, the hustle and bustle of organizing and setting up grew a bit crazy. I was relieved when Ivy and Ascher showed up about fifteen minutes later. It helped calm my nerves. Maybe because I wasn’t involved in the activities, it made me feel wildly out of control. The chaos didn’t wind down until almost show time.

The first musician, a country singer, took the stage.

“Are you as excited about this performance as you were about the last one we went to?” Ivy’s eyes twinkled as she shot me a teasing grin.

“It’s a different type of excitement. I think now since I’m not just a fan, the entire experience is special. I’m here to listen to the man I love sing and do something he loves and support him in that.”

Ivy’s eyes grew comically wide. “You said you loved him. Did you realize that?”

“Yes. And I already told him that.”

She tugged me into a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you. I knew it. See, aren’t you glad you have a mischievous meddlesome bestie?”

“I love you for many more reasons than that.”

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