“I don’t want to use threats to get you to talk.”
“Threats?” She whirled around, getting caught up in his grin.
“I’ll tell the guys you’re a squealer.” His grin turned to an unabashed smirk. “I’ll tell them everything. Every dirty little detail.”
She raised his smirk and countered with a sexy saunter toward him, stopping toe to toe. “You wouldn’t dare. You’re too much of a gentleman.”
He shrugged, the confident response making her pussy clench. “Wouldn’t I? Pretty soon the world is going to think I turn women to the dark side. Bragging about your orgasm tally will help to keep some balls in my court. And I’m sure Mason would appreciate finding out I was undoubtedly the biggest pain in your ass last night.”
Her mouth fell open.Don’t say it. Don’t say it.
“Literally,” he added.
“Oh, my G—”
He tugged her into his arms, pulling laughter from her in one movement. She knew he’d never rat on her. He was too kind. Too loyal. But he was certainly no longer a gentleman behind closed doors.
“Tell me.” He smiled down at her, not relenting on his tight grip until she calmed and relaxed against him.
“It was nothing.”
“Then spit it out.”
She sighed. “I was only thinking that someone else will get the blame for the marks I left on your body. Photos will end up online and name Felicity or Hannah as the culprit. And even if I was held responsible, it would be evidence to ruin my career. So, either way, those marks aren’t something I can laugh about.”
There. The truth in black and white. Also the reality she hadn’t wanted to face after such a fantastic night. She’d anticipated this moment of painful simplicity. The one which sucked the happiness out like a vacuum and replaced it with guilt and paranoia.
“I’ll cover them.”
She sighed and wiggled from his arms. This would be their routine from now on. At least until she found the much needed leverage to take to her boss. They’d have to hide, to sneak, to lie. Every moment would be tainted and juvenile.
“Stop worrying. We’ll work it out.” He glanced at his watch. “Damn it. I’ve gotta go. I’m supposed to be ready for that school motivational talk in half an hour.”
Her gaze dropped to the bedside clock—midday. Wow. He was the cure to her insomnia. “I won’t get a chance to see you before tonight’s show.”
“You can’t fit me in?” He reached down to pick up his shirt off the floor, the betraying material moving over his head to cover a large expanse of gorgeousness. “Not even five minutes?”
“Five minutes would turn into ten, then twenty, and so on.” He was addictive and definitely not a case where a five-minute fix would appease. “I’ll try to see you before you get on the bus.”
“I guess that will have to do.” He strode to her, one hand gliding around her cheek to cup the back of her head. “Until then.” He pressed his lips to hers, once, twice, the connection fading before she had a chance to deepen it. “Be good.”
Chapter Fifteen
Ryan:Where are you?
Leah:Shit.Sorry.
Ryan:Where. Are. You?
Leah:Sidney may have led me astray. It was only supposed to be one drink at the airport bar but her flight was delayed…and more drinks were necessary. I caught the end of the concert but when I went to put my bag on the crew bus I must’ve got distracted.
Ryan:Distracted with what?
Leah:Sleep. I think I passed out. I don’t remember crawling into my bunk.
Leah:Hell, I have no idea how I ended up in an old Korn shirt that isn’t even mine.
Ryan:Are you joking?