Page 42 of Undeniable Temptation

“Are you sure?” She glanced down at where his thigh rubbed against hers. “Because you’re practically in it already.”

“I’m keeping things close while I can.” He brushed his hand over hers, entwining their fingers.

She sighed and rested her head against the window. “We need to cool it for now. I don’t even want the guys to find out until I have my bearings.”

He couldn’t help smiling at her. He was already in freefall and she was still grappling for stability. “Sure.”

“I’m serious, Ryan. Wipe the smirk off your face.”

“Anything you say, boss.”

“Stop it.” A grin pulled at her lips. “This isn’t a joke.”

He leaned in as the van started, his mouth temptingly close to her ear. “I’m trying,” he whispered. “But I’ve gotta admit, it’s kinda hard to keep my hands off you now I’ve been given a green light.”

She pulled her hand away. “There’s no green light.”

He shrugged. “Then maybe I should run the red.”

There was another kick to those gorgeous lips. “Maybe you should move over and give me a little space. We need to figure out what to tell Mason. He was there. He knows you went after me. Felicity probably told him, too.”

He skootched away, not for her sake, but for his. The crotch of his jeans was unbearably tight. It’d been months since he’d had any sort of sexual relief. “She didn’t. He took off straight after I did, in search of Sid. He doesn’t know anything.”

“I’d like to keep it that way.” She stared outside at the passing buildings, quiet in her contemplation.

The rest of the ride was done in silence, the barely audible drone from the radio seeping into the back seat. She continued to watch the scenery go by, while he stared at her, trying to read what was worrying her most.

He understood the troubles they faced. Some were bigger than others. Some external. Some emotional. Some revolved around his manhood and if it would work under the heat-of-the-moment pressure. But they were all manageable hurdles. Ones they were destined to leap, given a little practice.

He’d give her the chance to tell people in her own time. What he couldn’t give her was space. He couldn’t even allow a two-foot buffer as they climbed from the van and made their way through the staff entrance of the stadium.

She remained stuck in her own thoughts as they approached the sound of tuning instruments. Greeting the rest of the band wouldn’t be easy. The news of the mistaken cocaine incident would already be a hot topic, and the alone time with Leah would be up for discussion. It was all part of the process. Part of the awesomeness that being with her was shaping up to be.

“We’ve got this,” he whispered as they entered the main stadium, Mason, Mitch, Blake, and Sean all coming into view on stage.

She hit him with a frantic look. “Keep quiet and don’t elaborate.”

“Sure thing.” He winked.

She winced, probably at his enthusiastic smirk, and turned away, outpacing him on their approach.

“Nice of you two to join us,” Mason’s amplified voice carried from all angles. “What’s with the cocksucker grin, coke sniffer?” The question echoed around the empty outdoor stadium, attracting attention from the crew.

“Jesus Christ.” Leah stopped and glared at him. “Stop smiling.”

He tried. Failed. He couldn’t quit the upward curve. “Can’t help it.”

She mimicked his smile, hers threatening. “Try harder.”

“I will,” he muttered. “I promise.” It was a lie. The roll of her eyes announced she knew it, too. There was no point fighting the pull. The grin was there to stay. Unmovable.

She sighed and stopped three feet from the stage. “Mason, do you mind putting your immaturity on hold for a moment so I can give you all an update on the schedule?”

“Sure thing, captain.”

The guys came forward, Mitch and Blake taking the temporary stairs, Mason and Sean jumping to ground level.

“I spoke to the stadium manager this morning. He wanted to make you aware of the water leak in your dressing room. Contractors will be going in and out during the day, so make sure you don’t leave any valuables in there.”

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