Chapter Four
Dear Diary,
Today I toured the unknown…
Isabelle managed to get things in order, a process that went a lot smoother than she anticipated. Honesty with Principal Harris about her diagnosis netted an open-ended leave of absence, well wishes, and a job to return to after surgery. She neglected to inform him the latter might not be necessary.
The key slid into the old deadbolt as rough as any other day, but it wasn’t any other day. She placed her hand on her stomach and dropped her forehead to the door. Butterflies always sprang to life with new adventures but never this many, and her friends who waited in the car more often than not took the adventure with her.
She checked the lock one last time, and squeezed the handle of her suitcase. Her determination slowed with each step down her front porch. The soles of her feet were like lead, and encouraged her undivided attention on every aspect of life around her. Fathers and sons played road hockey between bouts of traffic, and the elderly couple two doors down sat out on their swing and sipped what she assumed to be tea.
Her gaze stopped on Katherine’s car and a single tear spilled over. The girls were animated but she could still see the worry in their faces. She wiped her cheek in haste and continued to the car. No regrets.
The luggage for one that she placed in the large trunk launched her solo adventure. She made a conscious note of her home one more time, and wasn’t offered any excuse to stay, so she climbed into the now quiet car and avoided eye contact. Be brave.
The girls resumed their frivolous banter on the way to the airport, maybe to prevent tears but she sat there, quiet, and gazing the traffic.
“Umph”
A journal thrown into her lap jolted her attention forward. Abigail waved as if she’d said something gone ignored. “Stop your worrying. You’ll have the time of your life, and I’m jealous of you for a change.” She laughed. “So, use that book to write because we want to know everything.”
“I’m a grown woman, Abby. I haven’t had a diary in years.” She set the book down on the seat, and stared at Abby with a tilt to her head. The mood in the car shifted. Giving light to the nervousness also gave it strength.
“Izzy, shouldn’t every bucket list be written about? We expect you to text us, trust me, but you are going to be on a bus with a bunch of really hot guys. You will need some way to get your girl moments out of your head. And stop lying. We know you keep a diary under your mattress.” Abigail grinned with confidence and snapped her attention to the front window once again, but removed her sunglasses from the top of her head to cover her eyes. Her shoulders slumped.
Tears formed in the corner of her eyes when Abigail’s words sank in. She reverted her attention to the window, took a deep breath, and willed her heart rate back to normal.
“Did you pack something for headaches? I can’t imagine rock music will be too soothing.”
She eyed Katherine in the rear view mirror, and acknowledged the subtle message that lay beneath. Not many people were aware of the migraines she suffered because of the tumor. “Yes, thank you.”
The shuffle at the airport provided a much-needed distraction from the weighty, unspoken, emotions during the drive. People passed, speeding to their terminals without a care in the world other than being somewhere on time.
“Now boarding flight 425 to South Carolina,” echoed over the intercom. The girls stood up in unison and grabbed their purses off the chairs around them. It was habit for them to take up as many chairs possible, a demand for privacy wherever they were. The angry glares from others no longer fazed them.
She gave her friends a quick hug, and marched through the terminal. Impossible to follow through dry-eyed given the loud sniffles she left behind.
A box of tissues and a beautiful woman’s smile greeted her at the entrance of the plane. “Let me know if you need anything.”
She flopped into her first-class seat, up-grade courtesy of her friends and hugged herself. The world outside of the small window moved, and would continue to do so without her. The observant and well-trained flight attendant offered a selection of beverages, sure to calm her nerves. She sighed, and then accepted the drink. The clear liquid burned as she reclined the seat and blared the music in her ear buds. She let her eyes drift closed and ignored the bustle around her. Country twang bellowed in her ears, and she laughed out loud for all to hear but didn’t care.
The descent jostled her. The combination of migraine medication and alcohol worked wonders for the sleep deprived. A little foggy, she texted Cole while she steered her way through the crowd to the baggage claim.
Hi Cole, I’m here. Let me know where you are so I can catch a cab. Izzy
She shoved her phone into her pocket and waited for the carousel to reveal Taryn’s, impossible-to-miss lime-green suitcase. Geez, Taryn. Really? She extended her hand to catch the handle. A rather large male hand beat her to it. She jumped.
“Please, allow me.”
****
Cole glanced from Isabelle to the floor as he paced. Wear marks were sure to become visible soon, but his knee bounced if he sat.
“Someone special?”
He stumbled toward the cheerful woman’s voice. With caution, he twisted in her direction and frowned at her. He couldn’t recall her approach, but the lust in her eyes for a “bad boy,” he’d seen right away given his years of experience. “I think so.”
He’d help Isabelle with her bag, but the idea to check her out from a distance crossed his mind first. Stupid idea. He glared at the man who, by the grin on his face, enjoyed helping her.
“Goodbye, then.”
He glanced to his side. The young woman’s sullen words hit him a little too late. She fled with her head down.
“Ahem”
He waved off Derek and lowered his ball cap over his face. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make the quick in and out Derek lectured him about on the car ride to the airport. After a deep breath, he stepped toward her and froze when a flush on her skin appeared for the other man. With rigid arms at his side, he balled his hands tight enough to feel the indentations of his fingernails. He tightened his jaw. Her first blush might’ve been for him, if it weren’t for his brilliant ideas.
Lots of time, Cole. He shook his arms, tilted his head from side to side, and got out his cell phone. The corner of his mouth rose when the slight challenge to compete hit him hard, and not just in the chest.
That is some blush Izzy. I’m a little jealous over here.
Send.
The front of his pants tightened, and he scrambled to adjust himself before his condition became apparent to the observant eye. He held up the paper, guaranteed to get her attention.
Believe me now Isabelle—Izzy—Chambers?
Cole rocked front to back with stiff feet, to ease his itch to fidget without her missing him. The paper shook in his hands. She scrambled things around in her arms to search for her phone, and the spasm that tormented his body eased. He stood still for the first time since he’d arrived.
They were both a mess, a perfect mess. When she found her phone and read the message, she popped her head up, right at him. His pulse raced. For a moment, she dropped her gaze to the floor and back up, before she did it again, blushing.
“Yes.” Her gaze lowered to the paper and the lust in her eyes disappeared as she bent over in hysterics. People stopped and giggled at the beautiful woman before them.
He lowered the piece of paper, shook his head, and laughed with her, so hard he had to clench his lips together to prevent a scene. He let out a breath, and a weight lifted from somewhere deep inside. There was a difference between the laughter he experienced every day with the guys and this.
With the paper tucked into the back of his jeans, he strolled in her direction, thumbs hooked in his pockets. He raised an eyebrow at the ugly green suitcase she picked up. Every inch of her creamy skin sparked desire as she drew closer with a sway of her hips. Her beautiful blonde hair, held back in a ponytail, swung with each step.
His libido, suppressed for many years with alcohol, sparked to life at the sight of her navy-blue tank top. Well…more so, the beautiful cleavage beneath, enough to be a handful. He bit his bottom lip at the faint evidence of the blush still on her skin, hidden by material he longed to peek under. The tent that formed in his pants made proper introductions difficult, so he closed his eyes and pictured the most repulsive thing. His mother. That did it.
He stretched his arm out, prepared to take her bags when she stumbled. Sarcastic comments about her clumsiness duly noted, he scooped up her bag and lead her to the private exit, “We better get out of here before people recognize me, Izzy.”
She placed her hand over her chest and inhaled. “Okay.”
****
A tall, older gentleman with silver-streaked hair appeared out of nowhere and placed his hand over hers. She jumped.
“Please. Allow me.”
He winked, removed her carry-on from her grip, and rushed them to the car.
Cole opened the door and raised his hand for her to go ahead. She tensed from his gentle touch on her lower back along with the scent of cologne, anything but scared.
When the door closed, flashes from cameras blinded them. The car bounced with the slam of the trunk. The nice man hustled in behind the wheel and secured the locks. He extended his arm over the seat. “I’m Derek McRae, driver for the Scandals. Seems you two managed to dodge the paparazzi…somewhat. It’s nice to meet you, Isabelle.” He winked again, shook her hand, and glared at Cole. “Have a hard time with instructions, don’t you.” He rotated back to the front of the car, his attention shifting from mirror to mirror.
Puzzled about Derek’s anxiousness, she surveyed the commotion out the windows and held her breath. A swarm of people, most of them women, rushed with the car when they drove away. The door handle and seatbelt, secured tight around her, doubled as anchors to grab onto. “Wow, this is a little crazy, hey?”
Cole shrugged, and she squeezed her thighs together. His presence affected her in the same way, if not more so, as the night she creeped his Twitter profile.
“I hope you aren’t shy, Izzy, this is nothing. We’ll drive around for a while before we make our way back to the bus. Don’t want to lead the pack home.”
Derek’s concentration remained on the road while he spoke. Cole sat with his hand fisted on his knee. She focused on Derek in the rearview mirror. Although well aware of the traffic ahead, he glanced in Cole’s direction every few seconds and shook his head. Cole mouthed the words fuck off back at him.
With her brows furrowed, she gazed out the window. The landscape that passed by was a similar green to Florida, only green though, no other color. At least in Florida there was an array of color added to the city by flowers. Really, Izzy? Unsure of how to start the conversation, she sat as quiet as he was for most of the drive, which dragged out the distance. She rubbed her crossed arms and continued to watch, but couldn’t track where they were going.
“Cold?”
She startled back to his curious smile. Her body heat rose in reaction to the provocative excitement it stirred in her. She shoved her laced fingers between her legs. He raised an eyebrow.
“What? No. Just a little nervous, I guess.”
When the tour buses in the parking lot ahead came into view, she swallowed hard but the ramble still bubbled up her throat. “Will all the guys be there? Are you sure this is okay? Maybe I shouldn’t have come.”
He laughed and wiped his palms down his thighs. “Breathe, Izzy. See?” He held his hands in the air and pointed his finger down at his legs. They bounced faster than she’d ever seen before. “You rub your arms, I do this. You’re not the only nervous one. And to answer your question, the guys went out to eat but should be back any minute. We have to get back on the road. They are more than okay with you being here, but I have to warn you, the grown men you see on the outside take a back seat when we’re on the road. It can get a little immature in there.”
He got out of the car first, rubbed his hands down his pants and took her hand. “Derek will get your bags. Come on, I’ll give you the grand tour.”
He opened the door to the bus and stepped aside so she led. The possibility that he struggled with something nagged at her. When she peeked back over her shoulder, he held his hand an inch away from the small of her back without the actual follow through of physical contact. Their gazes locked and he jerked his hand to scratch the back of his head. He didn’t fool her.
“It may seem big, but it gets claustrophobic really quick.”
He climbed the steps behind her at a safe distance. She held back her sarcasm. They didn’t know each other well enough yet. At the top of the stairs, he pointed to the tall, gray leather driver and passenger seats. “Derek is very much like a father to us on the road. He gives us shit all the time, but there is usually one of us sitting up front getting some type of advice from him. He is our Yoda.”
“Good to know. Does his wisdom work well on women?”
His expression changed when he glanced over the seat at a picture of a woman, and a young girl who could be in her early teens. “I’m sure Derek would enjoy some female company again.”
Sadness covered his face. She bit her lip; it wasn’t her place to ask.
They continued forward, and he showed her the small lounge in the front. The walls of the bus were cream colored and the furniture a light gray with dark hardwood flooring. It really didn’t appear as small as he’d let on. Still caught up on the elegant, yet manly bus, she was somewhat tuned into his emphasis on the well-stocked bar.
“Wait. You do drink, right? I mean, you’re not some kind of recovering alcoholic or anything, are ya?”
She couldn’t resist. “You know, admitting you have a problem is the first step.”
The charade couldn’t be maintained with the panic on his face. She turned her head away from him, the laughter bubbled over.
He hip checked her and moved on. “You’re gonna fit in here just fine, beautiful.”
Her fingertips drained of color as she gripped onto the counter beside her. She didn’t want to make anything of what had to be an error in words.
“Pfft.” She waved her hand in the air and urged her feet to follow him. “How do you think I concocted the list? Alcohol can be as therapeutic as it can be damaging.”
“Very true. I often lie back on the couch and sing my woes out to Dr. Jack Daniels.” He opened a narrow door and took a quick peek inside. “Yes.” He flung it agape and pointed in. “The bathroom isn’t big, but does have a shower. I hope you are familiar with short showers. The supply of hot water sucks. If you want hot, you will need to beat me to the shower.” He winked and raised his eyebrows with all kinds of suggestion as he strolled away.
She stopped at the doorway and stared at the radiant white shower with a clear glass door, no longer empty. Her skin warmed.
Cole stood under the stream of water and tipped his head back to wet his hair. The blond strands darkened to a rich shade of brown. She stood in front of him, and splashes of water from his movements sprinkled her bare skin. She smoothed her hand up his muscled chest. “Touch me, Cole.”
He met her gaze, stepped forward with one arm around her lower back, and guided her until the cold tile wall met her heated skin. He used his free hand to raise her chin, and lowered his mouth to hers. “My pleasure.”
The air of his breath drifted against her lips before he consumed her with his need. She pressed her body into his and he responded. He massaged his hands down her body and cupped her behind to lift her higher and braced her against the wall. At that height, his swollen crown touched her opening. He inched forward.
“Something interesting caught your attention?”
His voice was distant, and the image vanished. Now more aware of her stance, frozen in lust, she closed the door with a little more force than intended. “No…um…just. Never mind, what were you saying?” She crossed her arms and spun in his direction, already down the aisle. He slid back a bunk curtain, but given the gleam in his eyes, his curiosity pestered at him to ask. She was in trouble.
“This here will be the only place you have for privacy, outside of the bathroom, of course.”
For her size, the bunk appeared spacious, but for the men, like a coffin. “Do you guys really fit in these?”
He laughed and yanked back the curtain to the one she assumed was his, and climbed in. It also happened to be right below hers. “It’s not bad, although we do enjoy the occasional novelty of a hotel bed. You will have to step here on my bunk in order to haul yourself up into yours, I hope that’s okay?”
He dug his phone from his pocket at the sound of a beep and read a message. He rolled his eyes and scooted to the edge. Instinctively, she offered her hand for support. His grasp swallowed hers, but somehow it still fit perfectly. They both stared at their joined hands, speechless.
He tugged her toward the back of the bus. “Come on, only one more room to show you. The guys are here. This is the room we spend most of our time in.”
He opened the last door and strolled in like he’d come to rest at a familiar place. From the large, well-used couch he sprawled out on with a sigh, she figured he had. It was big enough all the guys could relax and stretch out a little.
A big-screen TV hung in the corner with a stand below that held the largest DVD collection she’d ever seen. On the other side of the room was a small table with well-used playing cards thrown about. She’d invaded a man cave.
She scurried in and sat beside him when loud voices rumbled from the other end of the bus. Her heart raced. What would the other guys think of her?
Sitting next to Cole, a somewhat friend in progress, should have eased her nerves. It didn’t. His proximity and the affect he had on her, accelerated him past the friend zone, and right into the fuck me now zone. The picture he’d sent her didn’t capture all of his best features. His sculpted physique, obvious through his snug shirt, was built to embrace a woman. She held her breath, refused to take in the cologne and his natural scent that did wonderful things to her body. If she didn’t, the temptation to nuzzle up close wouldn’t be satiated until she straddled his lap.
Her heart pounded harder as deep male voices neared the lounge. She jerked her knees up in front of her, and wrapped her arms tight around them. Cole’s panic reflected hers, only his stiff posture and the rapid bounce of his knee appeared more out of concern. About her? He placed his arm on the back of the couch, around her shoulders. They both tensed.
“Cole, where are you? Get your lazy ass out here and help with the groceries before—” A bald, tanned, liberally tattooed, and easy-on-the-eyes man stumbled through the door as if he’d been forced to move. He spun to give someone the finger behind him.
“Shit. Sorry Izzy, nice to meet you.”
His first impression she’d expected, tattoos and all, but the nipple piercings that poked through his snug T-shirt when he neared—wow.
“I’m Zander Wells, bass guitarist and the talent behind the band.” He shook her hand. “Glad you’re here. Maybe you can help Cole get the pole out of his ass.”
She snapped her attention back to Cole, who glared at Zander.
“And when she does, she can stick it right up your ass. I’m sure you can find some lube in any of the bunks, Izzy, maybe even some cuffs if you search Zander’s.”
Zander winked. “That and more, sweetheart.”
Between the sex talk and terms of endearment, her skin warmed and if she predicted right, deepened to a bright shade of red. There was something different about Zander, even more so when he sauntered out of the room. He carried himself with a class that didn’t match his appearance.
Caught in a stare, Cole nudged her. She shimmied to get her knees in closer and put her forehead down to hide.
He leaned in close to whisper. “That blush is going to kill me, Izzy. I’m going to go help put the groceries away. There should be a certain box of cookies to hide in my bunk before these losers get their hands on them.”
She’d offer to help, but all those men, at once—not a chance. Hell, Zander Wells, by himself, took her breath away.
“Second thoughts already?”
The tender voice calmed her, and drew her from her jitters without a startle. However, not enough to chance the glance up from her hidden position, and check out the source.
“I’m Drew Michaels, Lead guitarist and long-time friend of Cole’s.”
She grabbed onto the edge of the cushion when the couch sank, and a new male scent joined her. Her eyes widened as she lifted her head, much higher than she had to with Cole, to check him out. Dark-haired, slender, and pale compared to Cole and Zander, but no less attractive. So tall his shoulder towered above her when he sat, he appeared more humble than scary.
“Holy shit, you’re tall.” She held out her hand and giggled. “Nice to meet you, Drew. No second thoughts. Just not quite acclimatized to the atmosphere yet, if you know what I mean. Zander is a very unique guy.”
Drew’s deep laugh could make any woman’s panties combust but when he smiled, it was as provocative as his dark hair against his light-colored skin. “Ha. Guys are already acting like two-year olds?”
She put her feet on the floor once again, and folded her hands between her thighs. “Oh, I would give them a little more credit. Maybe more like the five-year olds I teach.”
Her body vibrated from his boisterous laugh. She relaxed a little and joined him.
The roar of the engine shocked her from that comfort, and she fixed her gaze out the window. The empty parking lot outside provided nothing, not even a car she could pretend to be interested in. An increase in the commotion outside the lounge drew her attention from the onset of nausea. Cole, Zander, and Brett Young paraded through the door, captivated by something funny enough to make them bump fists.
“We’re heading out now, Izzy, sink or swim?” Cole stuffed his hands in his back pockets, focused on her.
She straightened her back and challenged the hesitation in his eye. “I’m pretty sure if I can handle a room full of kindergarten kids, I can handle you guys.”
The men laughed and got comfortable in what seemed like claimed seats.
“We’re heading out, boys. Try not to scare the little lady, would ya?” Derek appeared in the doorway and offered a father-like smile. “If you need a break, and trust me you will, come on up front, sugar. It won’t take too long to get to the venue from here. Relax and get comfortable with the boys.” He pierced the men with his gaze. “Stay on the bus for the rest of the night, please. I don’t have the energy to hunt ya’s down.”
The muscles in her legs relaxed enough to sit Indian style. “Thank you, Derek.”
Minutes, that’s all it took for her to understand why these men could have any woman. They were carefree and uninhibited or so it seemed.
Cole handed her an envelope. “Didn’t take Tony long to prove me right.”
She accepted the envelope and hit him with it. “I told you I would sign anything.”
“Well then.” Brett stood up, and shook his hips while he unzipped his pants in front of her. Hoots and hollers filled the common area. Thankful for the documents, she raised the envelope to cover her face.
I have officially met Taryn’s match.
Brett zipped his pants up and raised his hands in surrender. He was attractive, young. Lots of tattoos covered what she could see as well as piercings. Although young, his posture was aged and his eyes haunted as if his life’s story were incomparable to any other.
A loud smack echoed in the tiny room. She dropped the envelope to see the recipient of the blow.
“Fuck off, man.”
Cole’s face was serious but Brett still laughed. “Get use to him, Izzy. He always butts his head in when the going gets good.”
A little more relaxed with the familiarity of friendly banter, her time to be a wild woman would be now or never. “Too bad, I was really interested in seeing how big a canvas I had to work with.” She waved the pen in the air and attempted the naughty grin she’d seen Taryn use many times, while waiting on attractive male customers at the bar.
Brett changed directions, pumped his fist in the air, and headed out of the lounge. “Damn Izzy, this is gonna be a riot. I’m on drinks, someone get a poker game set up.”
At the word “poker” all the guys arranged themselves like they’d done it a million times. Cards with her friends could get intense, but these guys would kick her ass.
They carried on with an ease and routine that reminded her of many nights spent with the girls. “Shit.”
She scrambled for her phone, the promise to let them know she’d arrived safe struck her a little late. Thankful the guys were busy at the moment, she sent out the first of what would be many mass text messages to the girls.
Sorry, I know, don’t get mad. I am here. The bus is just leaving now. The guys are all great. All I can say is, wow.
Send.
She set her phone on vibrate and scooted over to the seat Cole patted.
****
“Now Izzy, the rules of the game are simple. The losers chug their drink.”
He leaned in close to whisper the last part in her ear, and she squirmed as if his closeness affected her in a likeable way. Nice. He nudged her and winked, her scent—vanilla—drifted in his direction. He closed his eyes for a brief moment before he glanced around the room and adjusted himself under the table. The brush of his own hand escalated his arousal further, so he searched out the window for a diversion from his lewdness. The usual, a humdrum highway. Crap.
He hadn’t experienced a strong gravitation to anyone since Alexis. Their relationship had appeared steamy to onlookers, and was, but also full of drama that ended just in time. Isabelle on the other hand, with her sheltered blue eyes, natural blonde hair, and thin but curvy figure—innocent. That he found attractive.
Fame kept him alert to the possibility women desired the spotlight more than him. Who would believe being known by millions of people could feel so lonely at times? He shook his head to clear the negativity before it creeped in. It would only induce yet another bad mood, and he didn’t want her to see that part of him.
The tssk of beers opened alerted him back to the room.
“Didn’t know what your poison was, Izzy.” Brett set a beer down in front of her and smacked the back of Cole’s head on his way to his seat.
“This is fine, thank you.”
Brett sat down on the other side of him and wiggled in his seat. “Good, ’cause I always get a hard-on when a woman chugs a beer. Ready to lose, sweetheart?”
Laughter echoed in the room along with the smack of many high fives. Cole peeked at her. His knee bounced under the table; this was nothing yet. She held her own better than he’d imagined, but something in her eyes surprised him when she shifted back to the others. Defiance maybe?
“Huh, who knew I’d get to ride in a bus with a bunch of limp dicks, then?”
Cole laughed, raised his hand to her and she hit it. Hers was small compared to his and so chilled he held on while he lowered them under the table. His fingers laced between hers with ease, something he’d been dying to find out since the airport. How much more of her body could use the warmth of his?
From the corner of his eye, he glanced at her. She stared down, stock-still, so he let go and took a long drink from his beer, and emptied it.
Many deals and chugs later, everyone hollered over one another, eager to be the person who took the inappropriate jokes to the next level. Cole raised his eyebrows with his jaw dropped when she gave as good as she got.
“So Izzy, what’s on this bucket list anyway?” Zander asked and tossed one of many beer tabs down the front of her tank top.
She dug it out with more forethought about her company than his desperate libido cared for. Her head still down, she scoffed. “Ha, the edited version you read online, or the real one in my back pocket?”
All movement around the table froze when she revealed the silver tab and squeezed her eyes shut tight. “Shit.”
She couldn’t shield herself in time before Cole tackled her in the seat. Loud whistles pierced the air when the scuffle resulted in the two tumbling to the floor, him on top of her. It took little effort to pin her down.
“No fair. You’re bigger.” She squirmed so much he lost his grip on one of her hands. She wiggled and shoved it underneath her butt.
“Yes, I am.” Cole winked, scooped her wrist in time and slid both up, over her head. The quick motion drew her scent to his nose. He leaned in and inhaled deeper into her neck. A quiet moan escaped her lips.
There wasn’t an inch of him that didn’t touch her, the bulge in the front of his pants included. If he had to guess, Izzy was just as aroused, and so wet he could slide right into her channel. Her breath caught when he pressed forward, and moaned so low only she could hear. The pulse at her wrist raced in his grip, and when he held them both down tight in one hand, it damn near exploded. He affected her the same way she did him, and now he held the proof.
Cole used his free hand to roam down her arm. Her skin glided under his like silky cream and the urge to bend forward for a lick controlled him. How far will she let this go? He stared into her eyes, waited for her to stop him; she didn’t.
“I give up.” She panted and relaxed her body beneath him.
He continued downward with his fingertips, along the side of her soft breast and ribcage. Her neckline tugged with it, revealed more of Isabelle’s skin. “Me too.”
Rather than get caught up on the swell of her breast, Cole drifted his hand underneath her lower back and lifted her into him, but their clothes made it impossible to sink into her heat the way he needed. His head buzzed on alcohol, but Izzy under him like this was a whole new kind of drunk.
His body responded without control, and he thrust his hips for friction. He loved the soft curve of her body, the way she reacted to his silent commands.
He couldn’t believe this was happening but wasn’t ready to stop it either. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d taken a woman in front of the guys. However, she deserved better. He respected her. Guilt now in place, he squeezed his eyes closed and held his breath, avoiding her lush scent.
In one quick motion, he swept his hand under her, and hurried into her back pocket. The wrong pocket. The curve of her cheek warmed his hand. An invitation to stay longer is how he interpreted it, so he gave it a gentle squeeze. He stilled his movements, gave her a chance to reject his advances before he moved in for the other pocket.
Nothing.
Her gaze tested him, as if she not only dared him to go for it, but welcomed him to. When Cole pressed into her in order to extend further for her other pocket, she wrapped her leg around his ass and guided him. He touched his forehead to hers and growled. They both breathed heavily, their faces so close he could feel her breath on his lips and her breasts against his chest.
“Ahem”
The lure of Isabelle’s scent intoxicated him beyond comprehension, over and above his ability to abide Drew’s subtle caution. Just one taste would do. Her eyes were still closed, so he shifted his body and pressed into her to gain access to the other pocket.
His lips brushed against her neck and the reason for their tumble was lost to him. He inched his tongue out and skimmed her neck for a delicate taste. Her whole body quivered. She was sweet, gave him more satisfaction in that one second than years of hidden cookies in his bunk. She should be in his bunk right now, under the sheets, under him.
His body heat rose, and the trust he had in his own resistance broke. The urge to rip her clothes off overwhelmed him. If he didn’t end this now…he’d take her. He swiped the paper out of the other pocket, forced himself up, and collapsed on the couch. The cold seat warmed to his temperature in record time, and his breath came out in pants.
He didn’t care to exchange witty comebacks with the guys; the paper and what she held back intrigued him. Curious to know what other hopes he could help her with, he leaned back and read the list before one of the guys could rip it from his hands.
He lowered it in his lap, once again aroused beyond belief, and stared down at the blush that covered her skin. The absence of his heat hadn’t hit her yet, or she couldn’t make herself forget.
His eyebrow raised at Drew, standing over her with his hand held out, and a grin on his face. “Still need a moment, or can I help you up?”
“Ugh.” She threw her arms over and slammed them on the floor beside her squeezed thighs, accepted his help up, and swayed on her feet. Her complexion varied between pale white and green. She covered her mouth, and her eyes widened. Drew let her shove past him to run to the bathroom.
Cole sat there frozen and read the list several times. He couldn’t believe this beautiful, innocent woman’s desires matched all the scenes that played through his head, only moments ago.
Someone grabbed the paper from him before he could fight back and keep it for his eyes only.
“Share dipshit. The grin on your face tells us there are some very impressive items on the list.” Zander laughed while he and Brett sat far enough away they could read the list while Drew held Cole’s arms back. The men’s eyes opened wide, reflecting Cole’s from seconds ago, only their jaws also hung open.
Brett fanned his face with the paper. “Holy fuck, not so goodie, goodie is she?” He contemplated Cole’s reaction with a devilish grin. “Do you think she’d let me help her out with number thirteen? You know I have a thing for a hot tight hole.”
Cole jumped, cleared the table between them, and grabbed the hat off Brett’s head to hit him with. He ripped the paper away. “We all know you like ass, man or woman. Lay a hand on her and I will shove the closest object up yours.”
The three men sat back in their seats in silence and gaped anywhere but at him.
Where the fuck did that come from?
****
Isabelle flushed the toilet. A cold sweat along with goose bumps broke out over her skin. She searched the tiny bathroom until she found toothpaste and used her finger to scrub the fuzz from her mouth. With her back against the wall, she slid down until her butt hit the floor and wrapped her arms around her knees. She closed her eyes with a sigh and let her head fall back to the tile wall.
Girl’s poker nights did not prepare her for a night with experienced drinkers. In only a matter of hours, she’d second-guessed her bucket list, well, several times. Now they were out there with her most secret desires, the ones that were difficult to share with her friends, who’d known her a hell of a lot longer.
A light tap sounded at the door. She groaned and put her head down on her knees. If she ignored them, they’d get the point.
The tap continued.
“Ugh, clearly they aren’t bright as they are talented.” She squirmed up off the floor and cringed at her reflection in the mirror. “Not even with a miracle.” She whipped the door open to see Cole, and what appeared to be guilt on his face, along with water and acetaminophen in his hands.
“Sorry. I didn’t know if it was nerves or the beer. Are you all right?”
She dropped her gaze to his large hands, and chuckled when the tattoos up his arms revealed something other than the gentleness in his palms. “Thank you, Cole, maybe a little of both. I’m such a dork. If you guys don’t mind, I am just going to call it a night.”
Rather than relinquish the pills, he held them and rested his hand in hers. A current she couldn’t describe passed through their contact. She didn’t give in to it again, just pried the pills from his fingers and squeezed by him. Every bunk in the aisle mirrored the next. Her stomach fluttered again as she dragged her feet and inspected the curtains, which all displayed the same solid charcoal grey color. She didn’t realize he’d followed her until the warm solid body collided into her back when she stopped.
He latched onto her hips with his large masculine hands to prevent another tumble. “Careful, sweetheart. Let me get that for you.”
He extended around her with one hand while his other remained on her hip and wrenched back the curtain to her bunk. She twisted back with a smile, and her breath stalled mid inhale. The proximity of his lips to hers created a surge of attraction she’d ignore, if that were possible. When her gaze lowered to his lips, his noticeable desire nudged her behind, and the memory of their earlier X-rated scuffle rose. Her pulse raced. They leaned into one another like a magnet that found its counterpart, on the verge of a kiss when reality hit. She squirmed out of his hold and climbed into her bunk.
“Thanks again, Cole, you really don’t have to take care of me. Please don’t let my presence get in the way of what you guys do.” With a shaky hand, she closed the curtain, thankful for the barrier that separated her from him, and the attraction that grew stronger with every glance. If one day with these guys unraveled her, she didn’t know if she could survive a full week.
She stared at the closed curtain and strained to listen for his retreat. He released a loud exhale of breath, and his footfalls hesitated before they moved away. She too exhaled when she was certain he was out of earshot. With a devious smile, she changed into her Jake Owen concert tee. What would they say if they found out her preferred music?
Her pants vibrated as she folded them. She whipped the pants in every direction, and scrambled for her phone before the ignored text messages resulted in an actual call she’d have to whisper through.
Izzy, we are dying here. Or are you already being ravished? LOL Luv u, Katherine
I know it’s only your first day, but do you know where Drew’s tattoo leads to yet? Luv Taryn
Send me a picture to gawk at please? Work is boring today. Abby
She tapped the phone with her nail and bit her lip. Should she tease them a little?
Ladies, chill. Drinking, poker, fondling, and puking. I am so out of my element. Passing out now…
They would be drawn to fondling, so she loaded the three contact numbers, sent the text, and stuffed the now muted phone in her bag.
Drunken nights with the girls exhausted her, made it quite easy to pass out before her head hit the pillow. A restful night of sleep after all that’d happened with him was beyond possible. Her mind replayed the night like one of her favorite love songs on repeat. The weight and warmth of his body on top of her sparked an addiction she couldn’t satisfy.
She rummaged for the journal Abigail insisted on and sat with it in her lap. The tiny space, and all it had to offer, held her attention as she tapped the pen on the hard covered book. She had her own mini TV up in the corner and a light that offered more than enough visibility in the dark. The little bit of anxiety about the trip eased. She could escape the trivial times, or hide, since she was prone to unintentional falters of embarrassment. A family trait inherited well.
****
She closed the book and hesitated. If they found it, would they read it? A lock might be nice, just in case. The men were quiet, only the faint hum of Derek’s music from the front of the bus. And a few snores. They must have gone to bed while she wrote, so now should be a good time to sneak out to the bathroom before she slept. She peeled the curtain back slow, every little sound echoed.
She flopped over onto her stomach, and lowered from the bunk with a wiggle of her foot in search of support from Cole’s bunk. She didn’t want to wake him, so the second her toe touched down she hurried but slipped.
“Eeek!”
Without luck, she grasped at the mattress with one hand and covered her mouth with the other. A large, warm grip caught her thigh, and slid farther up her shirt while she continued to tumble. A deep growl snapped her attention forward, right into his eyes. Only, they weren’t on hers. She followed his gaze down to his hand at her waist where it held up her T-shirt, and revealed her lacy red panties.
The image of him using his strength to lure her into his bunk crossed her mind. Within seconds, her panties were wet, and her breathing became shallow. She squeezed her eyes closed and whispered, “I’m fine now, Cole, you can let go.”
“Izzy.” He panted and rubbed his thumb over her waist. She could sense he held on by a thread. Liked it. He let her drop to the floor and glanced away for a moment, cleared his throat, and then gave her a childlike grin. “Sorry about the slight fondle.” He winked. “Well, no, I’m not actually but, really Izzy?”
She raised her eyebrows and followed his pointed finger.
“Don’t let the guys catch you wearing that. They will rip it off for reasons other than what’s going through my mind right now.”
With a seductive sway of her hips and a giggle under her breath, she strolled to the bathroom. “Cole Davies, I am not sure you men would know what to do with me once you got this shirt off.”
He growled again.
She covered her mouth to prevent a full out belly laugh.
“Damn.”
She swiveled back to the bunks and inched her way backward to the bathroom. Drew?
“Oh, I would know what to do all right.”
With a gasp, she opened her mouth under her hand. Brett?
“I am sure there is something on your list that can be taken care of, if we get you topless, Izzy.” The little lights that glowed along the skirting of the aisle made it possible to see Zander peek out from behind his curtain and wink at her.
She scooted in and closed the door fast, not able to hold in the laugh any longer. Cole laughed too. A nice laugh.