Unison: An Inner Music Novel Book 3

Prologue

Steve’s eyes moved over the heads of people who had crowded into the room with them. When he found someone who held his interest, he clapped Derek on the back as he called out, Hey, red! causing Derek to follow his line of vision.

Savannah turned to his direction and stared at him blankly.

Have dinner with me? Steve asked, over the hum of conversations.

Savanna just stared at him like a deer in headlights. Her green eyes were unmoving for about five seconds before she answered. Obligations keep me here for the night. But thanks for asking. Slowly, she turned her back to him and made her way out of the room.

A disappointed Steve threw back the shot in his glass. She’s making me crazy, he mumbled. Twice he had suggested they hang out. Twice she had turned him down. Politely… but turned down none-the-less.

What’s going on with you? Derek asked, unable to hide his curiosity any longer. He had been noticing his brother’s behavior around Savannah and was beginning to find it uncomfortable. You can’t start digging on Savannah. Genesis will gut you if you play her friend. You know the rules.

As he stared at his brother, Steve rubbed his well-groomed goatee.  Fuck, man, she’s doing something to me. It could very well be the red hair. You know how I dig ginger.

Yeah, well there’s many more in this world. Savannah is not the one you should be sniffing around. 

Steve rubbed his goatee with his hand again. There were lots of other redheads in the world, but they weren’t Savannah.  They did not have the sexy-cool/don’t-come-at-me-with-any-bullshit/ independence vibe about them. Only Savannah had that je ne sais quois. Charisma maybe? Whatever is was, it called to him on a regular basis. Just knowing she was in the room made him anxious to have her - a lot like heroine used to do to him.  And in her absence he was often uneasy, needing to seek her out just so he could put his eyes on her.  But for some reason, she kept avoiding him – keeping him at a safe distance. He was not sure if it was because he repulsed her or if she was outright afraid of him. 

He ruled out repulsion as he remembered their kiss outside of her apartment. She had definitely kissed him back that day. ‘Could it be fear?’ Steve wondered to himself. ‘What does she have to be afraid of? I’m lovable,’ he thought with a smile. ‘Women are always begging to cuddle with me.’

His gaze found Savannah as she reappeared the crowd again. Completely oblivious to him, she talked and laughed with guests, including a dark haired kid who looked like he was about seventeen.  Something about the way she laid her hand gently on his arm bothered Steve. ‘Is she flirting? Look at him! He looks like his mom still drives him to school!’  He shook his head in exasperation. ‘Sav, you need a man in your life. Leave the boys alone. That’s why you’re never satisfied. You’re too smart and too much woman for them.’

CHAPTER ONE

Show Me What’s Up

Five Months Later

Banging on the front door pulled Steve from his private jam session. He had chosen to stay home for the day, so he could work on some things on his bass guitar. As much as he enjoyed people, there were days he would rather be left alone. Today was one of those days.

Sliding his headphones back off his ears, he strained to hear if there was, indeed, someone at his door. ‘It can’t be Derek, because he’s out at his place in Santa Barbara with Gen,’ he thought. The chances of some chick dropping by was pretty slim. He rarely brought them home, and if he did, they knew not to come back without an invite.

More banging prompted him to set his bass down on its rack and make his way to the door. In his feet bare, he did not make a sound across the hardwood floor. ‘This had better not be that chick from the other night,’ he thought, annoyed.

Who is it? he asked curtly through the heavy industrial door.  Unfortunately, industrial, loft living did not have peep holes.

Open the door, Steve, the smooth, feminine voice answered. It’s Savannah.

Stepping back surprised, he collected himself quickly and slid the heavy door open on its track. Sure enough it was her. Wearing a pencil skirt, sleeveless blouse and strappy high heels, she was the epitome of professionalism.  What’s up, red? What are you doing way down here? He stepped aside to let her in.

She sauntered in, pushing her sunglasses up on her head as she did. Her green gaze made a quick sweep of the spacious loft before she turned her attention back to him. You alone or did I catch you at a bad time?

Just then, a middle-aged, Hispanic woman appeared carrying a tote of an assortment of cleaning supplies. Squeezing by Savannah to get thru the door, she smiled up at Steve sweetly. See you next week, Mr. Castillo, she said, flashing Savannah a polite smile as she left.

Steve nodded in response, then shifted his gaze back to Savannah who did nothing to hide her quick examination of him.

Her eyes moved over his bare chest and abs. Slim and ripped, he was full of eye candy. A light dusting of soft, black hair went from across his chest to a strip straight down into the waistband of his sweat pants which sat low on his hips. Tight, cut abs created an arrow to paradise, leaving Savannah’s mind to imagine what was beyond. His muscular left arm was covered with a colorful sleeve tattoo, rich against the caramel color of his skin.

A smile dusted his lips at the silent approval that gleamed in her bright green eyes.

Naw, girl, he answered. I always have time for you.

The music from his wireless headphones suddenly began to annoy him. Without any real thought, he lifted them off over his head and pressed the power button before tossing them on a bench next to the door. With her there, he was definitely not going to get any music work done.

I need to ask you something and I need a straight answer. She went right to her reason for being there. She was never one for small talk. Direct, she often got straight to business.

Come in. Sliding the heavy door closed, he walked backwards ahead of her to keep his eyes on the sexy sway of her slim but round hips. I’ll always be straight with you, red. What’s up? His dark eyes watched her closely, trying his best to remain cool and calm, when his insides were giddy with excitement about her being there. Alone.

Shifting from one leg to the other, Savannah swung her long auburn hair back over her shoulder, letting it fall in layers down her back. What’s going on with you? she started. Every time I look around, you’re hovering and asking me to hang out. And do I need to even mention the serial kissing thing? She did not pretend to cover up how much his behavior had disrupted her life.

Rubbing his goatee with his hand, Steve stared up at the ceiling. Of all the ways he had played this scenario over in his mind, he never saw it playing out like it was. I’m digging you, girl. That’s all.

Digging me, huh? she chuckled to herself. Are you making wedding plans or are you trying to get in my panties?

Chuckling, he shook his head. He had known she was a spitfire. He just never knew how bold she really was. Until now. What do you think?

I think you’re chasing a dream and just need to get it out of your system. Her gaze bore into his, daring him to contradict her. I’m not what you have me made up to be in your mind, Steve.

What do you know about how I see you in my mind?

She moved further into the loft for a look around as Steve’s eyes admired the smooth line of her gray pencil skirt. Nice place. Just what I expected. There was something going on with her, but it was hard to say what, exactly, it was.

Pulling his gaze from her skirt, Steve relaxed a bit and went to the kitchen to offer her a drink. Refusing, she put her hands on her small round hips. There was an odd sort of tension in her.

You good? he asked, observing her inability to relax and stay still.

Nodding, she took a seat on the bright red sofa that sat in the middle of - what was designated as - the sitting area.

He was glad to have her there. For months he had tried to get her to go out with him. He had even asked her out for coffee once - and he’d never seen her drink coffee.  Now, out of the blue, she shows up at his door. Unannounced, to top it off. A surprise, when he did not even know she knew where he lived.

So what? You decided to go out with me after all? He smiled. His angular face lighting up when he did. ‘Mom said persistence always wins a girl over,’ his mind whispered.

Savannah just stared at him like she had made a habit of doing every time he asked her out. The thing was, she could not figure him out. Not knowing what he wanted from her made her uncomfortable.  He seemed to never take anything seriously. So why was he always staring at her from across the way, and getting agitated whenever she had a date?

She had questions.

What?  We go out, get drunk, find our way back here and tumble into bed? Then wake up the next morning to awkward goodbyes so we’ll never be comfortable in the same room again?

Staring at her lips and the way they moved around her words, Steve had to fight the urge to kiss her again. Why not? It wasn’t like she never kissed him back whenever he did.

Instead, he grunted his response as he rubbed his hand over the top of his head. That wasn’t what he had in mind at all. But since she brought it up…

You’re a beautiful woman, Savannah. I’m drawn to you and want to get to know you better. His fingers pulled up on the long, off-black hair on top of his head to leave it standing.

Chuckling at his response, she could not take him seriously. She was Savannah Rachel Davidson. She never took the time to really get to know any man who followed behind her.

Girl, you are fire. You know that? Amused by her frankness, Steve sat down next to her in the middle of the long sofa and spread his arms out over the back of it. His right arm rested behind her.  You more comfortable with hooking up and moving on? He knew the game. He had been playing it for most of his life.

Maybe. Fearless, she stared him straight in the eyes. Sometimes that’s all we need in order to end our delusional state.

Her gaze held him prisoner. Bright, green pools with gold flecks pulled him in. Large and almond shaped, her eyes were truly the mirror to her soul, telling him and anyone else who dared to look her way, not step to her with any bullshit. But what was also there, was evidence that she did not really believe what she was saying to him.  He had finally sparked her curiosity, making her wonder what it felt like to walk on the other side. Maybe he should call her bluff? Maybe he should - just so he could see how far she was willing to go to shake him off her scent?

She knew he knew about her and her habits - never getting locked down with one guy. Truth was, she was there to get him to stay clear of her. She was afraid he would lock her in, simply because, in the far recesses of her mind, she was interested. He was Steve Cass, bass and guitar player for Wicked. The easy one of the group with a big sense of humor and an even bigger appetite for women (mainly redheads with big boobs).

Maybe it is, Steve replied, not pulling his gaze from hers. He picked up a lock of her thick, silky hair between his fingers. The color of it was not a bright red. It was a deep rich auburn that kind of shimmered in the light which filtered through the window. Perfect.

Her eyes shifted to stare at his fingers as they rubbed her hair between them. She turned her head away and broke their connection.

Perhaps, she responded quietly, suddenly not so sure of herself. His response had rattled her.

He was curious to see what she would do next.

I’ve been feeling you for a long while now.

This thing you have about me has to be put to rest right here, right now, she said, thru her perfect red lips. This is no good. We are…

Friends? Steve interrupted, dipping his head so his laughing eyes had to look up at her. With Derek being a brother to him and Genesis being like a sister to her, they could not be called anything else. They were practically in-laws.

With a quick hand, she swept her hair from his hold to rest on her opposite shoulder. I don’t get involved with friends.

His brows arched. You got involved with Jacob.

Her head snapped around to look at him square in the eyes. That was a moment of weakness and bad judgement. And thank you for arguing my case for me.

Raising his hands in surrender, Steve’s mouth curled up on one side and introduced a dimple. Fine. Didn’t mean to make you mad. His arm went back to rest on the back of the sofa. Leaning in close to her, his voice dropped low. "Jacob was a bad call."

Quiet for a few moments, Savannah thought on what to say next. ‘Jacob was a bad call. Worse than bad. How nice of him to notice my failures,’ her mind whispered sarcastically.

Get over whatever crush you have on me, Steve.

His brow creased into a frown. Crush? He shook his head. Girl, I’m too damn old to have a crush. I have wants and…

Obsessions? Savannah’s head cocked to the side.

With his crooked smile, he nodded his head. Yeah.

You’re obsessed with me?

I am.

Why?

His dark, laughing eyes locked with her green ones. I’m an addict. That’s what I do.

Savannah popped her lips and turned away. Obsess over one of your many bitches-in-waiting.

Won’t happen. They’re not you.

It was true he had chicks at his beck and call, but they weren’t Savannah. There was something about her that pulled at him. Maybe he would not have ever noticed her if Derek had not gotten together with Genesis. Maybe he would have never had the opportunity to get a glimpse of how fucking sexy and amazing she was. But he did, and he was hooked.

He shifted in his seat to face her. Why’s this a problem for you? He knew the answer. As hard as she tried to ignore and avoid him, she was giving in.

You have got to stop the way you stare at me and corner me every chance you get.  It makes me uncomfortable.

He chuckled low and quiet with a touch of raw sex appeal that did not go undetected by Savannah. That’s our sexual tension.

Shrugging, she crossed her legs. He was too close. So what? All I need to do is let you have what your obsessing over so you can move on to something or someone else?

Maybe. His dark eyes twinkled at the thought. All he wanted was to have a shot at her. He knew things would change for them if he did.

Smooth, she stood to her feet and tossed her purse on the coffee table in front of her. Green eyes looked down at him with something unreadable in them. Keep in mind, this is a private show.

What is that supposed to mean? he asked, as his gaze moved down the length of her.

Manicured fingers pulled her sunglasses off her head to let her thick auburn hair fall toward her face. The heavy sheet of her hair fell in close, leaving only enough space for her eyes to be seen. Tossing the sunglasses on the table, she began unbuckling the wide belt around her waist.  Her head cocked slightly to the side, sending her hair to fall diagonally across her face.

Steve bit his bottom lip as one bright, green eye held him.

It means, bass player, Savannah said, with a cool determination only she possessed. let’s do this funky thing.

He stared up at her speechless for a moment, his gaze moving to her perfect, slightly parted lips. Naw, girl, he turned her down. That’s not how I want you. He tipped his chin up to her. I’ve been trying to take you out so we can build something. I got plenty of other bodies waiting at my fuck and call.

‘Huh…fuck and call.’ His answer was both clever and amusing.

Her eyebrow arched as she looked down at him. He had been obsessing over her for months and now he was turning her down? Take it or leave it, she replied. Remember, this is a one-time offer, so if you pass this time, that’s it.

She waited, but he did not make a move.

Suit yourself, she said, as she collected her things from his coffee table and headed back towards the door. Taking control of the situation, she had offered him a way to be done with her.  He did not want to take her up on her offer, so it was his loss.  I’ll see you around, Steve. Just make sure you’re not hovering around me next time we see each other.

Striding toward the door in no real hurry, Savannah reached out to slide it open when Steve’s colored arm held it closed. His hands against the metal door trapped her in.  Heat rose from his bare chest as he leaned in close to relieve her of her purse and sunglasses. The scent of soap and sweat rushed her nostrils, making her mouth water. He smelled delicious as his bare chest brushed against her back when he placed her belongings on a bench that sat beside the heavy door.

He swept her long hair away from her back to rest over her shoulder. He could not let her walk through that door. Something told him if he did, he would have lost his first and only opportunity to rock with her. And where Savannah was concerned, they did not come twice. Every man who had crossed her path knew that much about her.

With a flick of his finger, he undid the button of her blouse behind her neck. Surprised to find a tattoo there, he squinted to read the thin line of script down her spine. Live Free. Love Fierce. Huh. Is that so?

It’s my mantra, she said, trying her best to sound unaffected by his closeness.

Have you ever been in love? He was curious to find out as much as possible about her while he had her attention.

Never, came her quick reply. I had a high school sweetheart once but realized that wasn’t love when he started getting on my nerves.

He chuckled. Then how do you know you love fierce? His fingers grazed the words inked on her skin before his warm full lips kissed her there.

Savannah whirled around to lean back against the door. She looked him directly in the eyes to convince him she was immune to his seduction.

I feel everything strongly. Anger. Fear. Happiness. Sadness.  Why should love be any different? Scanning his face, her eyes settled on his full lips. That’s assuming there is a such thing.

Hmm. Letting his gaze drop to her waist, his fingers pulled the hem of her top free from the waistband of her skirt and effortlessly lifted it over her head. He watched as it pulled at her auburn hair. The scent of it filled his nostrils, letting him know he was not in a dream. Savannah was truly there. She was standing in front of him, allowing him to undress her.

Staring down at her pink, lace bra, he carelessly dropped her blouse to the floor. Nice. You have matching panties on?

Licking her lips, she bit her bottom one to hide her nerves. I have some, but I rarely wear panties, she said, her voice dropping low. A glint of something mischievous sparked in her eyes.

Leaning back, he stared at her. Are you shitting me?

They just get in the way, she answered, the corner of her mouth curling up.

Without pulling his gaze from hers, he grazed his fingers up the side of her thighs, under her skirt. He watched her eyes threaten to drift closed while his fingers lightly felt the smooth warmth of her flesh underneath.

Shit, Savannah, he groaned, as his eyes darkened with immediate want. He thought he had her figured out. Now she throws him a curve ball, rattling him. As if she was not already his type, he had to find out she doesn’t wear panties under her clothes.

He stepped back to gather himself.  There were many things about Savannah that drew him to her. A long list of positives, he could not find anything wrong about her. Now that she was there in his loft, offering herself to him, he was afraid of blowing his chance at a real relationship with her.

Disappointed? she asked, incorrectly reading the look of turmoil on his face.

Unable to speak, he shook his head slowly. Reaching out to her, his fingers went to the back of her bra and unhooked it. As if opening a highly anticipated gift, he peeled it from her. His gaze fell upon her small, firm breasts which were covered in rich, tan skin that held a strange golden, orange undertone. His breath caught in his throat as he let his eyes caress her tan nipples to see them come alive for him. Every redhead he had ever had was pale skinned with freckles.  She was a rare find, different from what he was accustomed to. Every inch of her was wrapped in a warm glow. Soothing him. Beckoning him.

The smolder of his eyes excited her, and she was able to feel a flush rise over her face. But as his gaze swept over her small breasts, she suddenly lost confidence. He was, after all, used to having women with curves and boobs for days.  Compared to them, she had the body of an eighth grader. But something in his eyes told her he was pleased with what he saw. Maybe it did not matter how small her breasts were - or the fact that he could probably wrap both of his hands around her slim waist. It could be all he cared about was how warm her inside parts were. Either way, she had tricks of her own.

After he dropped the bra to the floor with her blouse, he moved his fingers to the back of her pencil skirt and unzipped it. Sliding it down over smooth, round hips, he let his fingers feel the absence of panties.  Squatting before her, he pushed it to the floor down strong athletic legs to her ankles, then hooked his fingers under the straps of her shoes. He slid them off her feet one at a time.

The way he undressed her was seductive.  The feel of his strong hands around her ankles as he relieved her of her shoes was downright enticing.

‘Savannah, what have you gotten yourself into?’ she asked herself. ‘This man is nothing like the poor souls you’ve had in the past.  He is straight testosterone, smoothed over and honey-covered with rich chocolate eyes. You have definitely gotten in over your head.’

His face so close to her quim was unnerving her. Shifting again, she turned her back to him to lean against the metal door. Her face flushed, and her body grew hot. Her mind scrambled for a way for her to regain the upper hand.

Steve looked down at her ass, softly rounded, tight and ripe.  While admiring it, he noticed two tiny dimples at her lower back. He loved those dimples. Definitely a huge turn-on for him.

You know you have dimples at the base of you back?

Really? she responded quietly. No one had ever mentioned them before. Maybe because, every other man she had ever been with was afraid to say too much to her – worried if they did their time with her would be cut short. Huh. She swallowed hard, forcing her nerves back under control.

That is incredibly sexy, Savannah. He lightly grazed her lower back with the back of his hand as he pulled at the string of his sweatpants with the other to loosen them.

At the feel of his hand, Savannah’s eyes drifted closed and she pressed her hands and forehead into the door. Slowly and silently, she exhaled through her tinted lips. To her, his gentle touch was tantalizing, producing a reaction that was completely foreign to her. She clenched her teeth, not wanting him to know she was falling under his spell. The upper-hand had to be hers. She had to remain in control of what was about to happen between them.

But when the feel of his hand moved around to her stomach to pull her close to his warm body, she involuntarily moaned. Skin on skin, the sensation caused her to melt against him.

Feeling her surrender against him, Steve closed his eyes to the warmth of her skin next to his. He dipped his head and pressed his lips behind her ear. She smelled fresh. Clean, like no part of her body had ever touched dirt.  New, like no one had ever touched her before him. He felt goosebumps grow on her skin under his lips and knew she was just as wrapped up in their contact as he was.  Then, he buried his nose in her hair and inhaled the light lavender aroma of it.

He urged her to turn to him, his gaze taking in the lines and shadows of her face. Along the wisps of downy, baby hair that lined the edge, his fingers smoothed down to her jaw and cupped it.

Her eyes were closed now, taking in the feel of his fingers on her. Lips slightly parted, rosy and full, they begged for him to kiss them. He had stolen kisses from her many times before, but not once, had he really kissed her. And that’s what he intended to do now. He wanted to kiss her, long, tender and sensuously.

But warning signs flashed in the back of his mind. ‘This one kiss will change you forever.’

Throwing caution to the wind, he gently brushed his lips over hers. Soft, like he remembered them to be, he kissed them, gently sucking on her bottom lip. Delicately, his tongue moved in to touch hers and she allowed him to timidly taste her. His tongue swirled around hers, their mouths fusing over with a light touch. Heaven. Kissing her was heaven, and upon her lips he found warm contentment.

Picking her up by gripping the backs of her thighs, Steve stood between them and pressed her back up against the door, never taking his mouth from hers. Long, slender athletic legs went around his waist, ankles hooked behind his hips. Kissing her, his mouth grew urgent as he felt her arms wrap around his neck.

‘Ah, Savannah. I knew you wanted to kiss me. The eyes never lie.’

As exciting as it was having her naked body against his, all Steve wanted was to kiss her. He was satisfied to have her fused at the mouth with his, tongues caressing each other in a deep, passionate kiss. He groaned as he felt his himself grow hard and strain closer to the warmth of her quim.

Moving away from the wall, he carried her to the sofa as he continued to kiss her. She was light and that made it easy to lay her down beneath him on the sofa for him to nestle between her legs. He could not remember ever enjoying kissing anyone before. Something about her mouth, her lips, the way she felt underneath him, made him feel completely gratified even though he had not yet had her.

He was barely aware of her arms leaving his neck to rest her hands on his waist. She pushed at his sweats to force them down over his hips after she removed a condom from his back pocket. She obviously knew his habit of always carrying one around. Steve did not care. All he cared about was losing himself in the warmth of her mouth.

At the feel of her hand around his member, he ended their kiss to look down into her smoldering eyes as she expertly slipped the condom over him without looking.

Damn, girl, he breathed before he commenced to kissing her again.

Small hands slipped under his sweats to his ass and grabbed a handful of it, forcing his hips forward. As if the move was involuntary, he slid into her warm, snug body.

Fuck, Savannah. What are you doing to me? The words were said against her mouth, feeling her breath escape from her in a rush.

Savannah’s head fell back to expose her neck. He looked down at her in amazement, certain he had never seen anything so beautiful. He was into this girl. No matter how they had ended up on that sofa, he wanted more from her than just a fuck. He watched as she bit her bottom lip and he moved her head so he could kiss her mouth again. Thrusting his hips, he pushed deep into her. While holding her head to his mouth, he lost his fingers in her hair. Gripping it, he attempted to claim her as his own – make her never want to look at another man again.

She felt it. She felt his need to tame her. Even though she offered her body to him, she feared his hold on her. Circling her hips to smooth over him, she urged him deep within her. She had to control how it went down. She had to display her ability to handle him as she saw fit.

‘Don’t get swept away, Savannah. Don’t get swept away. This can’t grow into anything. This is just a hook-up. That’s all.’

The feel of his tongue stroking hers, his fingers tightly in her hair and his stiffness driving into her pulled at something deep in her person. Against her will, her body yielded to him, screaming to be a part of his. He had barely touched her, but she yearned for him. All because of a kiss. A kiss that seemed to drive both of them senseless. A prophetic kiss that had her feeling as if she were experiencing what could be.

It was the way his hips rolled like a wave into her, rocking her in a rhythm that hypnotized her. It made her cling to him and forget her need to be in control. His mouth moved to her neck and a smile spread over her lips. Hot and smoldering, she gave in to him, letting him have her however he wanted her. Not having to do anything, he took her body to a place where she could not think. All she knew, was that life was blissful in his arms. Lights flashed before her eyes and she bowed her back as she lost all control. Savage and raw, his body pulled her from herself.

Lost in the feel and scent of her, Steve felt her spasm. Still moving within her, he looked down in her face as she orgasmed.  Breathless, she laid her head back as her eyes drifted closed. She whined his name quietly, as her hips ground hard against him in powerful circles.

‘Good. She knows she’s with me,’ Steve thought, as he listened to his name fall from her.

Come on, Sav. Ride it, baby. It’s all yours, he whispered, as he watched her. Clenching his teeth, he felt his body defy him to go with her. Hurriedly, his mouth covered hers again to muffle their cries of ecstasy. His grip tightened in her hair as he held her close. He squeezed his eyes shut as stars flickered before them. His head spun as he groaned into her mouth. Paralyzed, he thrust into her, releasing what he knew would have been baby making cream had it not been for the condom.

They breathed into one another as they shook with pleasure - clinging to each other like it was natural for them. Their shared orgasm lasted for a few long moments, exhausting them before they were able to drift back from it. Both quivered.

Shifting his weight and hips from between Savannah’s legs, Steve moved so that he was able to lay on his back. Pinning her between his body and the back of the sofa, he held her close so that her head rested on his shoulder. He was not ready for her to be away from him, so he cradled her body to fit against his. At a loss for words, he kissed her tenderly again. Half-closed lids allowed his chocolate gaze to caress her features. The after-glow on her face was something he wanted burned into his memory.

Her gaze pulled him in without her saying a word. As they gazed into each other’s eyes in the silence, they tried to make sense of what had transpired between them. And they stayed that way until Savannah finally dropped off into a light sleep.

Only then, did Steve move to remove the condom from himself and carelessly drop it on the floor next to the sofa. There existed a strong connection between them and he did not want to get up and risk waking her. He was perfectly content with having her asleep in his arms and was in no hurry for her to leave. And he knew when she woke up, she would make a run for it.

Snuggling in to bury his face at the top of her hair, he gave in to his own exhaustion and closed his eyes.

But their nap was short.  Waking up first and remembering what had happened, Steve looked down at a still sleeping and very naked Savannah. Feeling a slight chill, he covered her with a throw that hung over the back of the sofa. He turned on the television with the volume low, and flipped through channels, all the while aware of Savannah’s body snuggled close beside him.  With a smile curling up one side of his mouth, he often peered down into her sleeping face.

For a time, he held her warm body next to him before she finally stirred. Greens eyes flitted open and focused on Steve’s face above hers. Confused for a moment, Savannah stared up at him until her memories were back in order. With a start, she sat up and clumsily climbed over the back of the sofa, holding the throw tightly around her.

Baby, you okay? he asked, with one side of his mouth curled up. A twinkle of amusement was bright in his eyes, knowing she had given him more of herself than she had planned to.

A flustered Savannah looked around then to headed over to the door where her clothes waited in a pile. Frantically, she pulled on her skirt and top, then slipped on her shoes the best she could without unbuckling them. Tossing the throw on the bench beside the door, she grabbed her purse and shoved her belt and bra into it before she slipped her sunglasses on her face. She had to get out before things got too complicated. ‘With Steve, it’ll get complicated and I need to get the hell out before it’s too late,’ her mind warned.

Jumping to his feet, Steve realized she was about to leave without a word and walked toward the door as he pulled at his sweats that hung low on his hips. Savannah. His voice was commanding and caused her to stop in her steps.

With a rigid back, she let her head fall back to look up at the ceiling. I never should have come, she said, in a quiet voice.

But you did and we’re here now. He made his way over to her to stand in front of her. Looking down at her face, his gaze caught hers. You can’t just walk out without a word.

Bright green eyes filled with confusion. She had no idea what had just happened between them. Somewhere between making out and taking a nap, they had sex. Intercourse. Whatever one would call it. Either way, it brought up feelings that were confusing to her.

I have to go, Steve. I can’t be here.

Because… There was no way he was going to help her out of this one. For months he had tried to get her to go out with him. Far too many times he watched her go out with other guys. The way he saw it, it was his turn. And now that he had her there, he was not going to make her swift departure an easy one.

Because this should not have happened.

Why not?

You still have your strange crush on me?

He chuckled. It wasn’t a crush. He was too old for a crush. Worst than before you walked through that door, he said, his eyes shifting from her face to the entrance.

Exactly. This should not have happened. Stepping around him, she closed the short distance to the door. Grabbing the handle, she pulled it open on its tracks.

Savannah, he said, stopping her again. This is not over. We’re not finished.  Just because you walk out doesn’t mean we’re finished with this.

‘Of course, it does,’ she thought to herself.

Without looking back, she walked out and left him the same way she had found him when she arrived. Alone.

For the next couple of hours, Steve paced his loft, trying to keep his mind off Savannah. He had her number, but refused to call her. She had waltzed in his place, offered herself to him then got him hooked - only to get up and high-tail it out before they had a chance to talk about what had happened. There was no way he was going to call her. She knew she left him wanting more. She knew his nose was wide open for her now that he’d had a taste. That was her game. Always leave them wanting more. Isn’t that how drug dealers work?

Well, he did want more. He wanted all of her. He wanted her asleep in his bed tonight and every night after. Rubbing his face with his hands he cranked up the stereo system. ‘I could just go over to her place and make her talk to me. That way, she’ll have nowhere to run off to. She showed up here without a call first. There’s my excuse right there.’ Cursing under his breath, he ruled that out as a bad idea. If she was in such a hurry to leave him, there is a good chance that she doesn’t want to have anything to do with him.

But something had sparked between them. Not able to put his finger on it, he could not give it a name. Even still, something was there. If only she gave it a chance to work itself out.  He picked his cellphone up from the kitchen counter to call Derek, but thought better of it. He already knew what he would say; and he was not ready to listen to his warning to leave Savannah alone. It was too late for that now. Like the crocodile in Peter Pan, he was going to follow her around until he got the rest of her. No, this had to be settled between he and Savannah. The only people who could work this out was the two of them. Involving friends was not going to do them any good.

His cellphone rang in his hand startling him. The name Charlotte flashed on the display, but he chose to ignore it, then blocked it once it went away. Tossing his phone on the table, he made his way to his bedroom to lay down. If Savannah had not stopped by his place earlier, Charlotte would have been his entertainment again for the evening. But now that Savannah was in the picture, with her scent still lingering in his nostrils, he had no desire to be inside anyone else.

He wanted the memory of her to linger through the night. Somehow she had branded him, making him crave no one but her. And to think, he barely touched her. ‘What would have happened had I really touched her the way I had planned?’ His mind went to her mouth and how much he enjoyed kissing her. If she had not urged him, they probably never would have had sex. He was, after all, content with kissing her and would have for hours if she had allowed. But their bodies got the best of them, pushing them to take more.

Letting out a long sigh, Steve sunk onto his bed and looked up at the ceiling. Heavy Metal music poured thru the speakers of his stereo and filled the large space he called home. It was 10:00PM and he had no desire to go out on the prowl. How could he when he and Savannah had unfinished business. Until he knew where they were headed, he needed to lay low. He made the decision to sit back and wait. Patience was the best way to deal with a woman like Savannah. Being a free spirit, she would not take to pressure. He had to wait for her to be around. And with their next encounter, he would not let her slip through his hands again.

It wasn’t until two days later, when he would run into her again.  He rode his Harley up the coast to Derek and Gen’s house. It was Sunday morning and there was nothing they had to do before Monday. Determined to not let a day off go to waste, the two men decided downing a few beers while cooking meat on a hot grill was the best way to spend it. They had a tour coming up and times like these were going to cease to exist.

Music blasted throughout the 4000-square foot house, coming from speakers in every room. It was loud, crisp and Heavy Metal. Just like Derek liked it. Stopping in the kitchen to grab a cold beer from the fridge, Steve stepped out thru the double doors to the backyard where Derek stood over the grill at the outdoor kitchen.  With a beer in his hand, he stared up at the flat screen T.V that hung on the wall.

What’s up, bro! Steve called, as he approached him.

Hey, man. Watching this Tigers game. Derek looked over his shoulder quick before he returned his attention back to the game.

How are we doing? Steve asked, as he took a drink from his bottle. He had spent some time in Detroit as a child which made him a fan as well.

Derek shrugged and went to poking at the coals in his grill. His belief was that gas grills were for women, not real men.

Where’s Gen? Steve asked, as he took a seat at the counter.

She and Savannah signed up for a beach soccer team. Their first game is today and they took the boys with them. With his nephews and Cal’s boy in town, Derek was enjoying a bit of quiet time alone at the house. He loved the boys, but they were constant energy.

Steve laughed. Bro, you know they get on your nerves because you’re the same way, right?

Chuckling, Derek shook his head. His brother was right. At nine years old, he was just as bad. Whatever, dude. They don’t get on my nerves. They just tire me out. He eyed Steve sideways. You good, man?

He was very observant, and Steve hated that quality about Derek. He was rarely able to slide anything by him.

Yeah, I’m good. With the mention of Savannah’s name, he had gotten a bit tensed. He was not going to let Derek know that. He was not going to admit it, at least.

Derek gave the rock star tilt of his chin before returning his gaze back to the baseball game. You’ve been a bit quiet for the last couple of days. Something was up and he knew it. There had been a strange energy in his home lately when Savannah came around.

Naw, I’m good, Steve said quickly, careful to not make eye contact. With Derek living in Santa Barbara and married to Genesis, Steve figured his mood change would slip under Derek’s radar and go unnoticed. Apparently, he had been mistaken. Just dealing with these chicks hanging around, that’s all. Thinking about staying clear of them for a while.

With an arched eyebrow, Derek turned to look at him. Really? He knew that line. It was the same one he used when he decided it was time to settled down for Genesis.

Yeah, I think so.

Who is she, man? Not wanting to waste time, Derek went for it. The family would be back soon so their time alone was limited.

Startled, Steve almost choked on his swallow of beer. She who? he asked, trying to make it seem like Derek was losing his mind. You know better than to ask me some craziness like that, man.

Yeah, whatever. Derek continued to eye his friend as he counted on his fingers while he said, Adam. Callum. Myself. I know that line well by now.

Just then, the sounds of laughing came from the kitchen, letting them know they were no longer alone. Steve exhaled. ‘Saved by the troops.’

The heathens-plus-one are home, Derek groaned. There goes my peaceful Sunday.

Laughing, Steve watched as the boys ran out of the house and headed straight for the pool. They did not acknowledge the two men before they sailed through the air to land their cannonballs into the water.

You better not get sand in my pool, you little heathens! Genesis appeared thru the double doors wearing her new soccer uniform. I will hang you up by your feet if you get my pool too dirty for me to do my laps in the morning!

Damn, woman! Steve laughed, as he got up to hug her hello. His eyes settled on Savannah who stepped from the house behind her. Their gazes found each other for a split second before she averted hers elsewhere.

Whatever, Genesis smiled. You’re not the one who has to deal with it.

Genesis moved to greet Derek with a full-on kiss, giving Steve the opportunity to glance at Savannah who parked herself in a chair. What’s up, girl. He smiled his half-smile. Dipping his head with a slight tilt, he let his eyes look up at her.

Hey, she answered, kicking her feet up in a chair across from her. She acted like the day in his loft never happened.

‘Oh, she’s good,’ Steve thought to himself. He was used to women getting all mushy and soft after spending time in his bed. This behavior, he was not used to. But then again, that’s why he had a thing for Savannah. She was not like the rest. Savannah was cool. Sexy.

After giving Derek the love he deserved, Genesis sat down at the table with Savannah, strategically blocking Steve’s view of her. She knew what had gone down between the two. Savannah told her all about it.

You see, two days ago, Savannah had showed up at the house a bit agitated. She walked straight to the office with barely a hello, giving Genesis a nod for her to follow. Once in the office, Savannah peered back thru the door to be sure they had not been followed before she closed it.

I’m in trouble, Gen. I fucked up, she had whispered, as she went to the desk to have a seat. Her blouse was not buttoned at the back and it was clear to Genesis she did not have on a bra.

What did you do, Savannah? Genesis asked, with an edge to her voice. Savannah was shaken up. There were few things that did that to her.

Putting her elbows on the desk, Savannah buried her face in her hands. I don’t know what I was thinking going over there. Shit, I fucked up bad.

Genesis pulled up a chair and looked straight at her friend. Okay, you need to calm down and tell me what happened.

An eye peeked through Savannah’s fingers to look at her. I fucked Steve, she said quickly.

Leaning back, Genesis looked up at the ceiling over her head with her mouth open. ‘This is a surprise,’ she thought. Shit, Savannah, she whispered. What were you thinking? When? Where?

I stopped by his loft to get this thing he has for me out in the open, she started. I couldn’t take it anymore.  The constant stares and sexual tension was driving me crazy, so I figured if we got it out of the way, then he would be done with me.

And?

She leaned back in her chair to stare out of the window across the room, not seeing the thick vegetation outside. Not sure on how to answer Genesis’ question, she slowly shook her head.

Come on, Savannah. Genesis waited to hear the whole story.

I don’t know.  It wasn’t what I expected it to be.  I underestimated his feelings for me. She raked her slender fingers back through her hair and held them there. I intended for him to realize I was just another piece of ass. I figured, once we fucked, I wouldn’t hold his interest anymore.

You think he’s still interested? Genesis had asked.

Savannah’s gaze shifted to look at her friend. I woke up and he was holding me. He was kicked back watching T.V. like it was normal for me to be there. I got up and high-tailed it out of there. Not, of course, before he stopped me to tell me this thing was not over.

Rising from her chair, Genesis began to pace the floor. This is not good.

Right? Savannah whined. That’s what I was thinking. Why didn’t it work? Why did he get upset because I left?

He got upset? Genesis’ head snapped around to look at her again.

He was calm and made it a point to hide it, but I could feel it. He was upset.

Wow. With a finger tapping her lips, Genesis thought for a minute. She had been familiar with Steve for a few years, now. To him every chick was a fuck. A toy. Nothing more. She had no idea he was a cuddler. Steve likes to cuddle? Huh.

Savannah turned back toward the desk and flopped over it like her life was falling apart.

Out of nowhere, Genesis’ curiosity got the best of her. How was it?

It was…It was…, Savannah could not really say. It was different from the rest. Emotional, almost.

Bad?

Not at all, Savannah defended.

Then what? The suspense was killing Genesis.

Sitting up, Savannah got ready to work at the computer, but changed her mind. What was she doing? She could not focus on work. I have to go, she had said, as she stood and grabbed her purse. Need to clear my head so I’m headed to Brody’s place. With rosy lips pressed in a line, she rushed out of the office the same way she had arrived.

Now, with Steve and Savannah in the same space, Genesis was forced to be the block for them both. If she needed to sit herself between them at every event and every get-together, then she would. Her friend was fucked-up over her moment with Steve. It was her job to keep her from him.

How was the game? Derek asked, taking a seat next to Steve at the counter.

We kicked ass, Genesis said, as she lifted her hand to the air.

As usual, Savannah finished, as he high-fived Genesis’ waiting hand. They didn’t know what they were getting themselves into.

Especially not with you guys! Aidan’s voice yelled from the pool. The nine-year-old was all over their conversation. They play like animals, Uncle Derek!

Take that back you little shit! Savannah laughed. What do you know about soccer, anyway?

I know it’s illegal to cage someone in the face and push them off the ball, Aidan grinned.

No more games for you, traitor! Genesis yelled, with her pointed finger.

Steve and Derek laughed, looks of disbelief of their faces.

You kidding me? Derek asked his nephew.

Raj shook his head as he hung onto the edge of the pool. Aunty Red is vicious! he laughed. She got two cards in one half.

Whatever, I shouldn’t have gotten ejected from the game, Savannah defended herself, pursing her lips. The guy was a baby.

Steve’s eyes twinkled. You got kicked out of the game? he asked, as he watched Savannah push herself out of her seat to saunter into the house.

Laughing, Genesis waved his question off. Royalty will leave you now, she said, as she followed Savannah thru the doors.

Aidan and Raj joined Derek and Steve. Uncle, Raj started. I’ve never seen anything like it from a girl. She just caged his face and took him down like he was my size. It was kind a scary.

Patting Raj on the back, Steve stood to his feet. Get used to it, son. Those type of women are the ones you’ll be chasing in a few years, he laughed. What did you think about the game? He directed the question to eleven-year-old Gib who lounged coolly on the furniture in front of the T.V.

He smiled a half-smile, a twinkle surfacing in his green eyes like his father Callum’s often did. I think she’s hot. A woman with fire, he said, like he had every right to comment on Savannah.

My boy, Steve praised, as he held his fist out to bump with Gib’s smaller one. I see you’re a man of rare taste, he said, before heading into the house to get another beer. No more hugs for you. Savannah is off limits to you, you little perve, he laughed.

Stepping into the cool air of the house, Steve was making his way to the fridge when he heard Savannah’s voice carry from down the hall. Pushing the sleeves of his Henley up his forearms, he followed the sound through the floor level to the office. Coming from around the corner, his gaze fell on Savannah who was leaned up against the credenza on her cellphone while staring out the window. Crossing the threshold, he quietly closed the door behind him then waited for her to notice him.

Talking business, Savannah did not hear him enter. With Cal’s assistant Mallory on the line, they swapped notes regarding the upcoming tour in Australia. It was a short tour, but that did not mean less arrangements. With Genesis going along, she had to make sure Genesis’ schedule remained open so she could accompany Derek. That meant a lot of schedule shifting when it came to La Douleur Exquise.

…so once we land in Sydney everyone will be camped out for most of the tour? Or are we moving to other hotels?

Steve watched her pull her hair tie free from her long auburn hair, only to pull it back up on top of her head to secure it again. She had come out of her slides at the front door and was now barefoot in her soccer shorts. Her jersey was draped over the back of the desk chair leaving her in a bikini top.

Okay, then let me know, she continued with her call. Gen and Derek don’t intend to be apart at all this tour, which means I need to be able to make sure Genesis’ time away from him is minimal. What I would like to do is schedule her guest appearances for when the tour is in the LDE designated cities. Unexpectedly, she turned to look Steve’s way. Yeah, she said into the phone as she looked straight at him like she knew he had been there the whole time. Talk soon. Without taking her eyes off him, she disconnected the call.

Hey, sprite, Steve greeted, with his head dipped and tilted. His signature curl on one side of his mouth.

Savannah smiled a closed-mouth smile and stood to her feet. Hey.

He closed the distance between them, shoving his hands down in the front pockets of his jeans. How have you been?

She nodded her head and turned her body to the side away from him. He was getting too close and her body was ready to go into flight mode.

Stepping into her space, he looked down in her face. I’ve been waiting to hear from you. He knew she would not call, but he wanted to give her shit about it anyway.

Savannah cleared her throat as she turned her back to him to look out the window. She could not bring herself to say anything. Ever since the other day, she had not been able to stop thinking about him. Odd, but true.

His gaze dropped to the dimples at the base of her back. Gently, he reached out to graze them with the back of his hand like he had when they were last together. Warm, the feel of her skin sent chills up his arm.  He felt her tense as he placed his open palm flat against her to move it around to her stomach. As he got closer, she seemed to lean back against him.

I’ve been thinking about your kisses, he whispered in her ear.  His other hand turned her face back towards him. Holding her there, his lips covered hers in a tender kiss.

Right away, her skin grew warm and flushed with color. Her hand covered his at her stomach as she kissed him back. Like a magnet, she was pulled to him. Under his spell, she melted into him. It felt good to have him close after the two days she had spent avoiding him.

He felt her fingers lightly touch his pinky ring as if they were too shy to touch him.  Twisting his hand, he caught hers and held onto it tightly. It was his goal to get her to stop being afraid of him. Whatever it was that made her keep him at a distance, it had to go away.

She pulled her mouth from his and snatched her hand free.

Breathless, he stared down at her. Relax, sprite. Nobody’s going to come in here. He pushed his hands back down in his pockets, but