Page 46 of Animal Beats

Sure, I push myself to perform better on the drums. The guys make me want to hit harder beats. But never has another person sunk so deeply under my skin merely because she was genuinely interested in me. The last woman who did this was my mother for all of eight years, before my parents’ marriage went to shit. Since then, no one gave me a second look unless I was acting out. Got plenty of attention from my teachers—and resultantly, Pop—for such behavior.

But not Hayden. She doesn’t mention the reason that brought us together. Never complains about it. She merely looks on the bright side and offers positive alternatives. My gaze lands on the empty flute on the coffee table. Sparkling cider instead of bubbly. Even when we were out to lunch in Barcelona, she saw an impending shitshow with fans and avoided it like the pro she is. I want more of her in my life.

“Río,” she says, her fingers lightly pressing against my chest. “This is a bad idea.”

“Yeah, it is.”

She doesn’t pull away.

I give her one extra second. Then, dropping her hair, I direct her head toward mine. My mouth crashes against hers, the light citrus scent spurring me on. Our first kiss is sweet, almost gentle. An exploration of uncharted territory. For once, I’m not ripping off clothes and grabbing a condom. I’m sharing the breath of an intriguing woman.

Her hand slides up my arm and ends by cupping my cheek. The gesture is innocent yet sexy. She’s claiming me.

For what? I’m not sure.

I mimic her motions, confident that I’m claiming her as mine. Someone who understands me, where I came from. A smart, capable woman, whose work has already helped UC. But never with a heavy hand. Someone who urges me to do better. No, she makes me want to be better.

I open her lips and my tongue slips inside. She’s warm and welcoming, inviting me to do a dance I haven’t done in years. French kissing simply is not my thing. But with her? It’s all I want to do.

I whisper, “What are you making me do?”

“Other way around,” she replies, her tongue tangling with mine.

I wrap my arms around her body, running my hands down her back. She’s not stick thin, which I appreciate. I explore her curves as she timidly squeezes the muscles on my arms. All the while, our lips continue to bring chills.

Breaking apart so I can suck in much needed air, I kiss a trail down her exquisite neck. At her collarbone, I lick a special spot and she moans. Against my pants, my cock hardens. At least I’m still wearing dress trousers from the awards ceremony—jeans would make this situation more painful.

My fingers reach to her back, lowering her dress’s zipper halfway. Leaving her bra in place, I lightly tap a beat on her naked back. She giggles. “Ever the drummer, huh?”

My shoulders lift. “What can I say?”

I rap out a couple of paradiddles before leaning back. Her face is flushed and her chest moves to its own faster drumbeat. My own heart rate is as fast. Our lips crash together again, this time with more access to her body.

My fingers run over her chest, impeded by the white bra she wears. White? When was I last with someone wearing something so basic? I stop myself. It doesn’t matter. Whatever Hayden wears is her choice. It looks fucking amazing because it’s on her anyway.

Her fingers reach the buttons on my shirt, which she tries to open. I pull back and watch her fumble with one, impatience raging inside. “Let me,” I say before grabbing the material at both sides and yanking it open, buttons flinging in all directions.

“Oh my.” Her giggles fill the room.

When I’ve tossed what’s left of my shirt onto the floor, I take both of her hands and place them on my bare chest. “Better?”

She blinks. “Much.”

“Feel free to explore. I’ve got all night.”

She takes me up on my offer, her fingers roaming over my pecs. When I can’t take anymore of her sweet exploration, I lean forward and kiss her boob over her bra. She rocks against me.

Taking this as she wants more, my fingers go to the back of her bra. Before I unhook it, though, I do something I never do. All the other women I’ve been with practically threw their underwear on the floor. Not Hayden.

“May I?”

A darkened blue gaze travels up to mine. Her lips, swollen and glistening, drop open as her head gives me the permission I seek. I smile and soon the underwear’s on the floor with my shirt.

Proud, beautiful pink nipples reward me. Of their own volition, my right hand reaches out and weighs its prize, while my lips travel down to the other. When my mouth closes around the bud, she utters, “Oh.” Her back straightens, pushing her boob deeper into my mouth.

I don’t let this moment pass. Rather, I flick my finger across her other nipple while laving the one. After giving both their due, I direct her to lay down on the sofa.

Looking up at me, she runs her fingers through my hair, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. “Should we be doing this?”