“That reminds me,” she says, tugging down her black leggings and panties and sitting on the toilet seat. “I need to send her a card to thank her for all the baby stuff she gave me. It’s saved me a fortune.”
I lean back against the bathroom counter, smoothing a hand over my black leather leggings, enjoying the feel of the material against my skin. “She was just happy to have someone to give it to. I think she finally understands I’m serious about never getting married.”
“Never say never, babe. I used to think the same. And now look at me.” A goofy smile appears on her face, and it’s the same dreamy look she always wears whenever she thinks about her man.
“You did good, girlfriend. Gage is a real catch, and I’m so happy for you.”
“Your time will come,” she says, a more serious note in her voice.
“You know my thoughts on that, and it’s not something I want to dwell on tonight. Let’s just go out and let loose and have some fun.”
The bar-slash-club is hopping by the time we arrive, and I’m grateful Gage reserved a section for us because there’s no way Kayla could stand on her feet all night in this place. I push my way through the boisterous Friday night crowd, clearing a path for my bestie, as I head toward the front of the room. Gage is performing a soundcheck up on stage with the rest of the guys, and as soon as he spots us, he jumps down, making a beeline for his fiancée.
Kayla shrieks as he scoops her up into his arms, cradling her protectively against his massive shoulders as he walks toward the section he reserved. “Thanks, baby.” Kayla grabs him into a deeply passionate kiss as he places her carefully down on a seat, and a pang of longing runs through me. Kayla and Gage are so fucking hot for one another, and extremely open with the PDAs, and, sometimes, I find it difficult to be in their company even though they’re two of my most favorite people in the world.
I slide into the booth and shrug off my leather jacket, reminding myself how happy I am for my friend. It’s just that, looking at how close they are, how much in love they are, reminds me of how good it was with Ryder, and those feelings are always bittersweet.
“Grabbed you a beer, princess.” Gus—Gage’s brother and drummer with the band—says, leaning across the back of the booth, and reaching down to hand a cold bottle to me.
“Thanks for the beer, and quit with that princess shit. I’m about as far removed from a princess as you can get.” I gesture at the tattoos on my arms, my oversized Jim Morrison T-shirt, leather leggings, and studded knee-high boots. With my dark hair, smoky eyes, and red lips, I’m in no way a girlie girl.
“I don’t know about that,” Gus says, blatantly staring down the front of my top. “You’re definitely my kind of princess.”
I shove him back. “Stop staring at my tits, and go finish your soundcheck.”
“But I like looking at them,” he pouts. Coming around the front of the booth, he plants his large hands on the table—hands that have explored my body intimately—and leans forward, pressing his mouth up to my ear. “You have the best tits, and I really want to fuck them again.” He stares at me, his eyes darkening with lust. “C’mon, babe. One more night. No strings attached. You know you want to.”
For the first time in a long time, I actually kinda want to go back for seconds. I’m strict with my one-time rule, and I’ve only bent it for one guy—Brody from work—but that was a bad judgment call, because now he won’t stop pestering me for dates. But I’m seriously tempted with Gus, because he was a terrific lay, where most times the hookups I engage in are usually a disappointment.
Sex and I have a checkered history, and I know my predilection for casual hookups and one-night stands isn’t the norm—hell, it’s basically frowned upon by society—but I have a strong sex drive, and no desire for a relationship, so how else am I expected to meet my needs? And why is it okay for guys to fuck around, but girls are called sluts when they try to take control of their sex lives? I’m always safe, the sex is always consensual, and I make it clear up front that it’s a one-time thing, so I don’t see that I’m doing any harm.
I know Aunt Jill is concerned about me, and my therapist agrees it’s related to my upbringing and my past, but I’m not my mom, and I won’t let anyone else make me feel like I’m doing something wrong. I’m not charging men for sex, and I’m the one who’s always in control.
“I know you’re into it,” Gus adds. “And you know I’m not looking for a relationship either. With the band going places, I fully intend to take advantage of all the pussy that comes my way.” He winks, rubbing his thumb across my bottom lip.
“Spoken like a true rock star,” I tease, knowing full and well how hedonistic the lifestyle is.
“Don’t make me beg, babe. Say you’ll spend the night with me tonight, and I promise you won’t regret it.” He pins me with puppy-dog eyes, which just looks ridiculous on his broad six-foot-four frame. But I’ve got to hand it to the man—he’s charmingly persistent.
“Gus, stop bugging, Zeta,” Gage interjects, slapping his brother on the shoulder.
“I’ll think about it,” I say, and, without warning, Gus grabs my head and pulls my mouth to his, kissing me deeply with a promise of more to come.
“We can leave right after the set.” He slides his hand up the inside of my thigh. “I’m already so fucking hard for you.”
“I didn’t say yes!” I splutter.
“C’mon. We both know you did.” With a quick peck to my lips, he saunters off with a cheeky smirk.
“Your brother just completely ambushed me,” I complain to Gage.
He chuckles, pulling Kayla in closer under his arm. “Yeah, he seems to have that effect on women.”
“Not on this woman,” I protest, taking a healthy glug of my beer.
“I’ll tell him to back off if you want,” Gage offers in all seriousness.
“Nah, it’s cool. I can handle your brother. Don’t worry about it.”
