Page 383 of Rock Me All Night

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"He won't fuck her," Pete says.

"Cause he can't fuck anyone."

"True." Pete watches the action. "But he won't take her home."

"If I'm really lucky they'll start necking."

"They won't. He doesn't kiss on the lips."

I stare back at him as if to askreally.

"You learn way too much about a person's sexual habits on tour. Not that I can talk."

I look at him curiously.

"Phone sex. I get carried away. Or I did. Long story, not very interesting." Pete turns to me. "You like him?"

No sense in denying something this obvious. "Yeah."

"Tom's never thought about anyone that way. Not sure that he believes anyone will ever love him."

That's sad. The acid in my stomach settles down. It's hard to stay angry at someone who seems so lost. He's dancing with the girl, yeah, but he's not here. Not really.

Pete pushes off the couch and offers his hand. "Come on. Let's go. He won't keep making a fool of himself without an audience."

Tom is already on to a new dance partner. She paws at him. She's clearly not interested in Tom Steele, human being. She stares at him like he's a shiny celebrity trophy to show all her friends.

I nod a yes to Pete and follow him out of the club.

* * *

Back at the hotel, I brush my teeth and collapse in bed. Screw pajamas. I strip to my panties and hide under the covers.

My mind is racing. Almost three a.m. and I'm nowhere near sleep. I toss and turn for a solid hour, trying to think about anything but how good Tom's hands felt against my skin.

He was drunk.

Didn't mean anything.

I will myself to stop thinking about him, but that's a completely useless goal. Fine. I guess there's only one way to satisfy my desire.

I pull the covers over my head and slide my hand down my torso. It's been a while since I've done this. Haven't felt any inclination. My fingertips skim the waist of my panties. Already, I can tell it won't be enough. Won't help the situation any.

There's a light knock on the door.

No. Whoever that is, no. I slink under the covers.

They knock again.

"Willow, hey."

Tom.

Hasn't he tortured me enough?

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