Wrapped In Silk, page 8
“Are we keeping you from something? Maybe a date with a rock star?” Brody jokes.
“Hmm … Is Maroon 5 playing here tonight? Or no, how about Pearl Jam?”
“Eddie Vedder.” Lila and I sigh.
“Isn’t his music quite serious?” Brody asks.
“Doesn’t matter. He was our favorite in college,” Lila answers.
“Green Day,” I add.
“Emma, you’re drunk.” Lila laughs.
“Buzzed maybe.” I lift my now empty beer, only to have Max, another friend of Brody’s, snatch it up and replace it with a full one. “Thank you.” I look back at Lila. “We should go out and dance, Lila.”
“Or we could dance here?” Lila jumps up and heads to her music docking station.
“But, who would be the lucky rock star?” Brody looks directly into my eyes as he bites his cheek, trying not to smile.
“Do you think you could play the part?” I wink in jest.
“Emma!” Lila blurts out in shock.
“I was joking.”
“Well, that’s a shame.” Joe laughs. “Isn’t it, Brody?”
Brody smiles seductively as he looks me up and down, and if eyes had invisible fingers, he just touched parts of me that have not been touched in forever. “Sure is.”
I stand abruptly and begin clearing empties off the coffee table.
When I return, Lila pats the spot next to her. She’s holding an old photo album. “The college years.”
The men stand behind us as she flips through the pages. Brody, standing behind me, does nothing to calm the desire brewing inside of me.
“Interesting hairstyles,” Max jokes.
“Well, let’s see pictures of yours from this year. I’m sure they would be just as funny,” Lila defends our do’s.
“We were seventeen.” He chuckles.
“Wow, that makes me feel ancient,” Lila mumbles.
“No kidding.” I laugh. “We could be their mothers!”
Lila and I begin laughing.
“Were you sexually active and menstruating at seventeen?” Brody asks, his voice and face suddenly serious.
Lila raises her hand. “Guilty. But not Emma. Well, not the sexually act—”
I cover her flappy jaw with my hand. “Do not throw me under the bus. I was a late bloomer.”
“When did you have sex for the first time?” Brody asks, and I look up to see he’s as serious as the day is long.
“Are you always this serious?”
“Simply curious,” Brody says intensely.
Lila answers, “Well, I was in high school. It was after my junior prom. Emma here made Troy wait two years before she put out. So, that was thirteen years ago, right, Emma?”
Covering my face, I nod. “I tormented him. Perhaps that’s why he turned out to be such an ass.”
“Now it’s your turn, guys. Let’s have it,” Lila says, looking at them.
“It’s not something I would like to share.” Brody bites his bottom lip, trying not to smile.
“Too private? Maybe you should sing the answer.” I giggle.
“Well, my dear Em, I was thirteen. So, by my best guess is I had sex for the first time before you. Making it impossible that you could be my mother. I do hope you understand that,” he says, searching my eyes for something.
It makes me laugh. “I understand completely. You were a horny little lad.”
“Understatement of the fucking century,” Quinn quips.
I shake my head and look at him. “Thirteen? That’s crazy. I can’t imagine London—”
“She’s to wait, like her mother did,” he cuts me off quickly. “But hopefully for a man more deserving.”
“Oh damn,” Max whispers.
Oh damn is right, I think as I attempt to again quell the unease his intensity brings.
“Did you even know what your penis was for at that age?”
“Apparently, I did. I still do. I think, anyway. It’s been quite some time.”
“You’re a rock star, hot stuff, get out there,” I suggest.
“You first, Em.”
“I’m not divorced yet, and I’m a mom. I have little eyes watching my every move.”
His eyes soften, as if he appreciates that, which causes more heat to spread in my chest.
“But I should just go have sex with anyone willing?”
“If I had your body, I would certainly use it.” I laugh, and the room falls silent.
I close my eyes and shake my head.
“I’m very willing to share it,” he says.
“Christ, it’s getting hot in here.” Lila stands up and looks between us. “As your PR rep, I am going to ask that you don’t say things like that to random—”
“Wasn’t offering to share it with some rando,” he says sternly.
“Great job, Emma,” I scold myself. “You’re starting a war.”
“Going to safely assume the Brits will win this time.” Joe chuckles.
I stand, step away, turn back to them, and bow. “I came, I saw, I made it awkward.” I raise my hands in the air. “Goodnight, New York.”.
The guys all laugh, and Brody, his lips quirk up and his eyes turn soft again.
As I’m walking away I swear I hear Max quietly singing that Outfield song, ‘You know he likes his girls a little bit older.’
Chapter 11
“What the hell is going on with you, Brody?” Joe asks after Emma escapes what I know is the inevitable.
“Whatever do you mean?” I tip my second beer of the night to my lips.
“You have a thing for her.”
“I find her interesting, refreshing. As far as a thing goes, I wouldn’t say that thing accurately describes anything, actually.”
Max points to me and addresses the room. “If Dr. Seuss was a lyricist.”
And I can’t help but smile.
“You may not say it, Brody, but those of us watching what goes on with you when she’s present would beg to differ,” Lila says. “But as someone who has access to every private part of your life, I will tell you that, you hurt her, I will socially nut you.”
I take another drink, trying to hide my smile.
“And furthermore, she said she wasn’t ready, and that means—”
“She’s not yet in my hands, Lila, but when she is, I assure you that she will be in good ones.”
“She has a daughter,” Lila says, as if I need to be reminded.
“A little princess, I’m aware.”
Once Lila has left us, I sit back on the couch and spread out.
“You think a sweet little lass like that is going to be down for all you expect?” Quinn asks.
“I’ve settled in the past.”
“Ariel was—”
“I won’t settle again,” I interrupt Max.
“Brody, man, you—”
“And she’s settled enough.”
* * *
For a man whose control has meant everything, it is damn near impossible for me to admit that this … something is out of my control. I spent the day trying to talk myself down from making a move, yet have done everything I can to ensure, by nightfall, she knows my intentions.
Sitting at the island when she walks in from her interviews, I smile.
“Hi, Brody.” She walks as if she’s going to pass by me.
“Good afternoon. How did your interviews go?”
“They went fine,” she answers.
I pull out the barstool next to mine and pat it. “Why do you look bewildered?”
Letting out a breath, she sits. “I guess because I am. If any of them offer me a job, it will mean I’ll have to move.”
“And did you not expect that?”
She looks up and into my eyes, hers stunning, the green so deep that I know I could easily get lost in them if I allowed myself to.
“I guess I just don’t want to do that to my daughter. She’s already had to make a lot of changes.”
“Children are resilient, right?”
Emma laughs softly. “That’s what they say.” She then mumbles, “Whoever they are.”
“Explain.”
She looks back up at me. “I honestly believe adults say that to alleviate their own guilt on having to make a major life change that involves their children.” She shrugs. “But it’s my job to figure out what is best for her, and I will.”
“What are your options?” I ask.
“I could stay where we are and hope to get enough substitute teaching jobs to pay living expenses, dance tuition, and eventually promised piano lessons. This would enable me to be the mother that I want to be. Being there for everything, which I have been fortunate enough to do thus far, even after the split, or I could take whatever offer I’m given and move in with my parents until I find a place and depend on them to pick up my slack.”
“Or, as you mentioned before, you could run away with London.”
Emma laughs softly, still gazing down at her entwined hands. “There’s that, too. Lots to figure out.” She sighs then looks up at me. “So, what’s next for you?”
“I guess I’m going back to my home in Liverpool to finish my album and breathe.” Immediately after speaking my plans, I feel conflicted. “After I wrap some things up here.”
“Well, I truly wish you the best, Brody Hines,” Emma says, voice barely over a whisper.
Dragged by her eyes and the sincerity in her voice, I lean forward, closer to her.
Her eyes widen when I take her hand and kiss the back of it. Then she bows her head and looks at her hand, as if she’s seeing it for the first time.
“Am I making you uncomfortable?”
“God, yes,” Emma gasps nervously.
“I’m going to hug you, Emma.”
Her still looking at her hand, I stand, palming the back of her head and pull it to my chest, not giving a damn that she may hear how fast my heart is racing.
“You being all right is of great importance to me.”
She wraps her arms around my waist and looks up at me. “Thank you.”
“Emma, I’m going to kiss you.”
When I lean down, less than an inch from her lips, she turns, and my own land on her cheek.
Shocked that I have read her wrong, I step back and apologize immediately. “I’m extremely sorry.”
She grabs my hand. “Please don’t be like that, please.”
“No, I overstepped, I just thought …” I look up at the ceiling. “I’m a damn fool.”
“Oh, Brody, please don’t make this awkward. I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know you,” Emma pleads.
“I don’t know how I can avoid awkward after that.” I drop her hand and head toward the door.
When she yells, “Please don’t go,” I turn back and see her hands slapped over her mouth.
“Emma, I thought there was something between us. I’m sorry.” I grab my jacket, needing to get the hell out of here.
“Maybe I messed up,” she blurts out.
“Emma,” I breathe out as I turn around, “you’re confusing me.”
“You just tried to kiss me, and now you’re leaving?”
“Do you want me to stay?” I ask.
She nods.
“And the kiss, was it truly unwanted?”
She looks down. “Try it again.”
Never in my life have I had a woman react this way, I think as I walk to her.
I wrap one arm around her waist and lift her chin with my other hand. I kiss her cheek.
“You’re trembling.”
“Sorry.” She places her hands on my hips, and when her fingers dig into my flesh, heat surges through me like a wildfire.
I slide my lips across hers, and she pushes up on her toes to deepen it.
I move my hand from her chin, across her cheek, through her silky waves of chocolate hair, and grip the back of her head. Unable to stop myself, I grip her hair and pull her head back as I tug at her lip to give me access to her hot, sweet mouth. She lets out a breath that smells of chocolate and mint, and I dip my tongue inside to taste her and groan as I pull her body tighter against me, licking, caressing, tasting her mouth.
“Fuuuck,” I groan as I pull away.
Her forehead drops to my chest, and I press my lips to the top of her head.
“Was that all right?”
“Uh-huh.” She looks up at me, eyes full of desire, and then she takes my face, rubs her thumb across my lip, and kisses me. She thrusts her tongue into my mouth and whimpers. Mine meets hers, and her lips wrap around it and sucks.
Heart pounding, I run my hands down her back, over her shapely hips, and down her thigh, lifting one of her legs and hitching it around my hip. Her hands run up my sides, my arms and shoulders, before linking her hands behind my neck.
“Emma,” I groan as I grind against her.
She whimpers as her head hits my shoulder and teeth scrape against my neck.
“Christ,” I groan as she grips my shirt and presses against me, lips and body, and then she’s pushing me across the hall until my back hits the opposite wall.
Hands on her ass, I lift her as she feasts on my mouth while wrapping her legs around me. I walk us into the living room and lay her out of the chaise lounge.
“I need to taste your pus—”
“Oh shit,” comes from behind me, and Emma sits straight up, our foreheads mash into one another.
“You okay, Em?” I ask and attempt to kiss her forehead, but she basically rolls off the chaise and pops up.
“Hey, Lila.” Her voice squeaks adorably.
Cock hard, I dare not turn around, so I walk out of the room.
“Oh Emma, I’m so sorry,” Lila whispers and giggles.
“Oh, shush,” Emma says, and I hear her heels click across the hardwood floor.
I walk out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. “Sorry about that, Lila.”
She shakes her head. “I highly doubt that’s true.”
“Where did she go?” I whisper.
“I’m sure she’s halfway back to Blue Valley by now.”
“What?” I snarl.
She smirks. “The bedroom. Maybe you should go see how she is.”
“Did she look upset to you?”
“I’m not sure. You should go find out.”
Chapter 12
Oh my God, oh my God, Oh my God! I scream quietly into the pillow.
At the knock on the door, I drop the pillow, and he walks in.
“Emma, are you all right?”
“Um … yes,” I say, trying not to smile as I turn so my back is to him.
I feel the bed buckle and know he sat down. “Why are you hiding your face then, Emma?”
Turning to look at him, I say, “Well, Brody,” using my best English accent and answer honestly, “I’m embarrassed.”
“Why’s that?” He moves to the head of the bed, lays down, and pops his head up on his hand, blue eyes sparkling.
I cover my face and laugh into my hand.
“Emma, are you and I twelve again?”
“I just kissed you.” I shake my head. “And I liked it.”
He gasps, mimicking what I assume is my expression, and we both laugh.
He rubs his neck. “You also bit me.”
Again, I cover my face, but he grabs my arm and pulls me closer, whispering into my neck, “And I liked it.”
When he starts to kiss my neck, I whisper, “Lila’s here.”
He moves to my lips. “Mmhmm.”
And we kiss hard, deep, passionately.
We pull apart to take a breath, and I ask, “What time is it?”
“I don’t care.” Brody kisses me again.
I turn my head to reach for my phone, and his lips land on my neck.
“London’s going to be here at seven.” I look at the screen. “One hour, and I get to see my little girl.”
“I would like to meet her.” Brody smiles, and my face falls. “That’s not all right with you, is it?”
I nod. “Yes, you’re Lila’s friend.”
“And London’s extremely beautiful mother’s future lover?” Brody winks. “Oh, I’m sorry, do you think she is a tad young to hear that?”
I feel my face, as well as other parts of my body, blush.
“I’m joking. I would never tell her of my intentions. I haven’t even told her mother yet.” He smiles and kisses me sweetly.
I sit up and shake my head. “Brody, I—”
“Don’t worry. I’ll behave.” He grins.
“Another side of you—you’re being silly.”
“Do you prefer the tormented chap you’ve gotten to known over the past few weeks?”
“Well, no, but which one are you truly?”
He curls up to seated position. “Tormented was when I knew I was wildly attracted to you when I ran into you at the park, then amused at the club, then angry the next day because I thought you may possibly be trying to play a game. Even angrier when I realized you weren’t and I hurt you by being so self-centered, followed by truly intrigued by how you care for your child and said you felt about my music. Yesterday with your ex, I was, again, irrationally angry and felt protective, and then particularly turned on by your confession of what you might want to do to some rock star.” He rolls his eyes then smiles softly. “Then last night, Emma … You are the loveliest woman I have ever encountered, and now I want to kiss you again.”
“Then do it,” I say, completely enamored by his confession.
So, he does. He kisses me breathless.
When we part, he presses his forehead to mine. “Tell me what you’re feeling right now.”
And … my phone chimes.
He smiles. “You don’t need my permission.”
Holding my phone up, I laugh. “I’d never ask for it.”
He chuckles.
- Mommy, we are about thirty minutes away!!! … <3 London
- I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!!!! … <3 Mommy
He presses his lips to my cheek then pushes off the bed. “To be continued, Emma?”
I can’t hold back my smile.
He points at me. “You need to do something with your hair. You look freshly fucked.”
After a shower and fixing my hair, I throw on a pair of leggings and a button-down shirt. After a quick look in the mirror and reminding myself to attempt to hold back my smile, I walk out to the kitchen where Lila, Brody, and the guys all fall silent as they look at me.
