Chapter 23
Lily
Electric Love
Borns
I decideit’s better to keep a low profile until things are more clearly defined between Luc and I, and don’t go to either of his shows in Los Angeles.I could tell he was a little disappointed, but I don’t have anyone to stay with Larkin and I was most definitely not bringing her to a concert at less than a year old.
He offered to let me bring my mother or even Briana with me on the tour, so I could have help with Larkin.Briana is a definite no.She’s the one that would need a babysitter and I’m not up for that role.And while I know my mother would be an amazing help, and has the time, I’m not sure I want her here, witness to my grappling confusion.
There’s so much more going on than Luc getting to know his child - there’s the question of us.If there is even an us.It’s more than obvious to me what he wants.He made it clear during his plea with me to come on this tour.And the tension that crackles between us every single time we’re together is undeniable.
That one quick kiss from him had set me on fire.Heat had been simmering in my veins since, and it was probably just a matter of time before the flame between us ignited again.
I want him.I won’t deny it.But would it just add a complication to his relationship with Larkin if the spark between us is just temporary?Was it merely lust and the memory, his memory anyway, of what had happened between us two years ago?
These were the endless questions that keep me tossing and turning long after Larkin had fallen asleep in her crib.Giving up on the possibility of getting any rest, I toss the covers off of me and rise from the bed.
I tiptoe over to the crib, Larkin’s little body spread eagle as she snores softly.I press a kiss against my fingertips and brush them softly on her forehead.
I pad in my bare feet to the door, turning the knob before sneaking out of the room as silently as I can.I turn, my heart almost flatlining when I spy Luc sprawled lazily on one of the couches, a bottle of beer in one hand.
He’s wearing a faded pair of jeans.That’s all.And Christ on a cracker, he looks damn good.Who knew he had all that going on?He’s lean, but his chest and abs are defined.The denim waist of his pants rests low on his hips, exposing a chiseled V that points right to his happy place.His hair is tousled and damp.Whether it’s because he’s sweating or just got out of the shower, I’m not sure from this far away.
He's staring at me, and I realize it’s probably because I’m not wearing much either; an oversized t-shirt that does fall to mid-thigh, but no bra underneath.I glance down to see if the girls are betraying me, and of course they are at full attention, two peaks straining against the thin cotton material.I feel my cheeks heat as I dare to lift my gaze back toward Luc.
“I couldn’t sleep.”I stammer, frozen in place.
“Me either.”He shifts so he’s sitting up straight, lifting the bottle in his hand.“You want a beer?”
“Uh, sure.”I nod, forcing my feet to move as I shuffle toward the couch.He rises at the same time, and I have to stop short so I don’t collide with him.I tilt my head back, our eyes locking, his tongue dragging across his lower lip leaving it glistening.
“See something you like, Kitten?”His voice gravely as he stares down at me, a soft chuckle escaping those lips.
Am I panting?I feel like my chest is heaving…
“Take this one.”He drawls, my attention focused entirely on his mouth as he hands me his beer.“I just opened it.”
Somehow my mind has enough sense to slide my hand around the bottle, sparks tingling up my arm as our fingers brush together.He moves to his right just as I step to my left and our bodies meet in a soft collision.
I go to take a quick step back, an apology already streaming from me, but his hand wraps around the back of my neck keeping me in place.He crooks a knuckle under my chin using it to tilt it up until I can see him peering down at me.
“You’re fire.”He growls softly, forehead pressing to mine.“And I’ve spent two years pretending I’m not built to burn.”His thumb traces my lip and its slow torture.
I’m silent, our breaths the only thing between us.
“I’m going to kiss you now, Lily.”He rasps as his stare penetrates through me.“I’m only warning you because if you don’t want me to, you better stop me before I start.”
I blink in response, feeling myself surrender as he begins to lean.
“Final warning.”He murmurs, the last thing I comprehend before his lips crash against mine.His mouth possesses me like he’s spent every sleepless night trying not to do this and finally snapped.
There’s no polite testing of the waters.It’s heat and hunger and a low, rough sound rumbling in his chest like he’s starving and I’m the first real thing he’s tasted in months.
The beer bottle slips from my fingers, thudding softly onto the carpet, my fingers suddenly weaving through his hair, pulling him closer, like my body decided for me that distance is no longer an option.
His lips are warm and firm and just a little desperate, and the way he kisses me - God, it’s like he’s pouring every unspoken thing between us into my mouth.It’s messy, breathless, all teeth, grazing lips, low groans and the faint taste of hops and heat.
