Page 75 of Undeniable Temptation

“I’d do it for you.”

Her smile faltered, the twinge in expression letting him know he’d be on his own if he walked away from his friends. “I’d never forgive you if you left the band. Music means the world to you.”

“You mean more.” It was the truth. He could give it up. He could walk away from Reckless and never look back because this feeling—with her in his arms, smiling up at him—was beyond anything he’d ever experienced. He wasn’t merely happy, he was at home. This sensation wasn’t neatly packaged into a box titled—Love. It was about devotion. About strength. This thing between them consisted of unfaltering faith and reciprocated vulnerability.

He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her more than he needed to be on stage. Music would always be there. You couldn’t stop a torrent with a stone. All he’d have to do is find another outlet.

“And if you walked away,” she whispered, “we’d never see each other. I’d be with Reckless and you’d be somewhere else. The distance you experienced with Julie would start to settle between us. We’d drift apart.” She turned away and nestled further into his chest. “Working together is the best and the worst part of this situation.”

“I know.” He sighed and nuzzled his face into her hair. “Are you still going to meet with your boss?”

“No.”

He closed his eyes and fought against frustration. “Because of Julie?”

“It’s bad timing. My boss is now annoyed with me for casting a shadow over the company. Telling him how I feel about you, even if I did lie about us already being together, wouldn’t turn out well. It’s best to wait.”

“How long?”

“However long it takes. At least until your divorce is final and the tour is over.” She wiggled, turning her body around to face him, her beauty making it hard for him to form a protest. “I don’t want to rush this. I think my initial plan to speak to him was a smidge optimistic to begin with. If I hold off, it will give me more time to find the leverage I need.”

“And you’re happy to wait?”

“I have to be.” Her gaze raked his face, the gentle touch of her appraisal filling his chest with heavy beats. “Who knows? By then, it could be better to tell him the truth. If we can be together and not let it get between our working relationship, it might work in our favor.” She gave a sassy smile. “All you need to do is keep your protective nature in check.”

“That won’t be a problem if Mason shuts his pie hole.”

She chuckled, the brilliant laughter peppering his lips.

“Did I hear my name?” the lead singer called from the other side of the cabin.

“No,” they said in unison and shared goofy grins.

It was as if the tension had been paused. The drama on hold. They were smiling through the impending onslaught, both content to live in the moment.

“You know, even with all the crap going on, I’m still the happiest I’ve been in…ever.” She wove an arm around his waist, her fingers gliding under his shirt. “How can I feel this energized when my world is upside down?”

He had no response. No words, at least. Only a kiss. He tasted her smile and fought for control when her nails dug into his skin. Every inch of him was alive for her. Especially his heart. Her hold was beyond anything he could’ve imagined. When she inched her mouth away he waited, thankful for the pause in proceedings so he could leash his dick.

“When are you meeting with Julie and your lawyers?”

“There’s no lawyers. I’m going to the apartment.”

She caught her expression a second too late, allowing him a glimpse of her disapproval.

“Don’t worry. I can handle her.”

“You’re too sweet, Ryan.” She lowered her gaze, focusing on his beard. “She’ll manipulate you.”

“Let her try. I’m already prepared.” He leaned down, reclaiming those sweet lips with a quick peck. “She has no hold over me anymore.”

She whimpered, their noses brushing. “Will you call me afterward?”

“As soon as I leave. I promise.”

Her mouth tentatively glided back and forth, her teasing tongue adding to the delirious mix. “You’ve promised a lot.”

“Mmm.” He nipped at her, earning a gasp. “I’ll promise you everything.”

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