Ireland waves from her seat in the front row.
I shoot her a wink before we huddle up and figure out a game plan for sound check.We decide to run through one of the new songs and take our places.I keep my eyes on Ireland the entire time, crooning the lyrics to her as we sing and dance our way across the stage.
She claps and whistles, dancing along in her seat.When the song ends, she jumps to her feet, cheering loudly.
For the first time in a long time, I realize that I'm proud to be a member of this band.It may not have been the dream I had when I left Nashville at sixteen for Julliard.I don't think it was Mason's dream when I met him there, either.It wasn't Asher or Jax or Jameson's dream when they answered the audition call either.None of us imagined we'd be thrown together in a boy band.But what we did mattered then.To us and to the fans.And it matters now, too.
I'm fucking proud of that.
I jump down from the stage, pulling her into my arms.
"Hi, rockstar," she whispers, grinning up at me.
I claim her lips, devouring her like the little treat she is.
The guys whistle and cat-call, but I lift my middle finger in the air, ignoring them.The only thing that matters right now is the woman in my arms and the way she clings to me, kissing me back as if she never wants to stop.
* * *
"Thank you," I murmur when I finally let her up for air.
"If you're thanking me for kissing you, you're very welcome.And also, please do it again soon."She shoots me another impish grin, making me chuckle.
"That's not what I was thanking you for, smart ass."I tuck strands of her wild hair behind her ears, smiling.I swear, I've smiled more since I met her than I've smiled in the last ten years."Thank you for reminding me that what we do is important.I'd forgotten that."
"Oh.Um, you're welcome.But I don't know how I did that."
"Just by being you, baby.Watching you out there having the time of your life reminded me that what we do matters.It's always been about the music, the fans, and bringing people together.I'm fucking proud of what we've accomplished."
She throws her arms around my neck, hugging me like I just gave her a fucking present."I'm proud of you too, Crue.Your music has brought so many people together.It probably sounds silly to a lot of people for a group of grown women to follow a boy band around the country, but it isn't just about you guys, you know?We found each other through you, but our friendships have grown beyond that.This trip is a celebration of our friendship and how it all began as much as it's a crazy adventure about a hot boy band."
"A hot boy band, huh?"
"Well, I mean, maybe ten years ago," she mumbles."Before the gray hair set in."
I dig my fingers into her side, making her squeal."I'm just kidding!You're the hottest old man band ever!"
"That's it."I haul her up over my shoulder, smacking her ass before I plant my hand on it to keep her skirt from rising and exposing her panties to the world.She screams with laughter, pounding my back to get me to put her down.I ignore her, stomping toward the steps that lead up the stage while the guys shake their heads, laughing.
"Put me down right now, Crue Blake!"
"Not a chance, Ireland Blake," I say, carrying her backstage.She bounces gently against my shoulder with each step.And then I feel a sharp sting against my ass cheek.
I growl, flipping her upright."Did you just bite me?"
"Yes," she huffs, shoving her wild hair out of her face."And I'd do it again, too!"
I back her deep into the corner behind a stack of crates, dragging her legs up around my waist as my dick turns to steel."Take my cock out, Éire.Now."
She gapes at me for a moment and then jumps into action, scrambling to undo my button and zipper.I slip her panties to the side while she works, parting her slit with one finger.She's already burning hot and soaked.I bet she has been all day.
Fucking hell.This is a bad idea.But I don't even care.Let someone catch us.Let them plaster the news all over the goddamn universe.This wild, carefree little goddess is mine.
Her mouth parts on a moan as she delves her hand into my pants, wrapping around my cock.I grunt, pressing my thumb to her clit as she pulls my dick out.
"Grind that hot little pussy all over me," I order her."Don't stop until you're soaking me just like you did this morning."
"Crue," she whispers.
