Hooded eyes lift, lasciviously roaming over me. Devastatingly sexy pupils pin me in an impenetrable stare. Without uttering a word, he nods to the spot on the couch next to him, his thick, strong fingers continuing to strum a familiar hypnotising tune.
When his mouth parts, his low velvety voice penetrates the room, sucking the air from my lungs. Words paralyse me to a position that I’d happily adopt for the rest of my life if it meant I got to enjoy this show.
Once again, I’m hit with the devastation that I can’t leave with him tonight. The thought of the electric atmosphere, the deep unwavering bass that blasts from a live concert. And the man before me, centre stage, commanding the arena before him.
One day, I’ll get to see him in action.
A frown inches onto his brows. I’m still standing gawping, worse than any desperate groupie. He gestures to the couch again, finishing the final few bars before lowering his guitar, leaning over it to press his hot, luscious lips against mine.
‘Am I completely mistaken, or is that the same guitar you’ve had like forever?’
He nods. ‘I should probably invest in a new one, but it has sentimental value.’
I know what he’s alluding to. All the times we spent strumming it together, composing with the innocence of youth, big plans and even bigger dreams.
A resounding sigh permeates the air. It could have come from either of us. All I know is it simultaneously screams relief and a longing for more.
When eventually he pulls back from another dizzying kiss, I’m left breathless.
‘Hello to you too.’
‘I need you, before you leave me again.’ The words jump bluntly from my subconscious.
‘I told you, Sasha, I’ll never leave you.’ Earnest eyes bore into mine, radiating a deep unquestionable love. How is it possible we’ve fallen so far, and fast, in love again?
I prise the guitar from where it rests between his thick fingers. He passes it over willingly, but when I try and place it on the table he stops me, gently pushing it back towards me.
‘Play for me.’ He pouts with lips that are hard to say no to.
Hard, but not impossible.
I shake my head, the guitar oddly hot in my hands. ‘I told you. I don’t play anymore.’
‘You didn’t do a lot of things while I was gone, apparently.’ He arches an eyebrow, meaningfully.
‘I’ll have you know I went on five dates without you.’ I huff, cradling the guitar in my lap because he’s blocking me from putting it down on the table and I don’t know what else to do with it.
‘Is that right?’ Ryan stands, then slips in behind me on the couch, placing a large thigh either side of mine, his bare chest pressing against my back, his chin resting on my shoulder.
‘So who were these five lucky guys? And should I be worried?’ From his playful tone, it’s obvious he’s not overly concerned.
‘It was five dates with the one guy. A son of Aunty Mags’ friend.’
The growl that vibrates in his throat sends a ripple of pleasure through me. I never had myself down as one of those women who go for the whole alpha thing, but when he growls like one, it makes my panties melt.
Heated breath grazes my neck as he presses tiny sweeping kisses across the sensitive skin.
‘Did he kiss you like this?’ It’s barely more than a whisper.
One hand slips under my shirt, sliding upwards across my stomach towards the silk of my bra, which he yanks low enough for my breast to spill out over the top.
‘Did he touch you like this?’ Fingers circle my nipple, gently teasing. His growing arousal presses into my lower spine as he nudges himself against me.
Giddy with lust, I can’t even bring myself to form a coherent answer.
‘Did he do it for you like I do?’
‘No.’ Sizzling desire emanates from my every pore.
