AllFreeNovel
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I’m not sure he’s ready, but I throw another option at him. Jake already uses humor to deal with stress. “A lot of times, laughter can be the best medicine. Sharing funny stories or happy memories of Aria with your friends and family is a powerful way to heal.” And it would just be an extension of a tool he already has. He needs to talk about Aria. He won’t heal until he can.
His jaw tightens, and he takes another swig of soda before giving me a stiff nod. That’s the only acknowledgment I get before he changes the subject.
“So, how long will you be here before Mindy forces you out into the real world?”
“We’re heading back to the city sometime next week.”
We chat about the upcoming tour, how long it is and where I’ll be performing. I do my best to give Jake my full attention, knowing he’s trying to distract himself from thoughts of drinking and I can’t just kick him out.
But Mindy is still hiding in the hall closet, and my eyes keep drifting to the clock over the oven.
Finally, Jake crushes the soda can while letting out a burp and chucks it in the trash. Then he slaps me on the shoulder. “Thanks, man. You’re easy to talk to. I love Archer, but he’s like a really annoying uncle.”
“Anytime. Truly. Call me if you ever need to talk, even if it’s late or early or . . . whatever.”
He nods. “Thanks.”
As soon as I shut the front door, the closet pops open and Mindy steps out.
“I’m sorry. That took longer than I thought. He needed to talk and I—”
She halts the rush of words by stepping into me and wrapping her arms around my waist, hugging me tightly. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For talking to Jake.” She pulls back and regards me, her eyes glossy. “For trying to help him.” She kisses my jaw. “For being here for him.” She kisses my cheek. “For being so incredible.” She stretches up, feathering a light kiss over my mouth before her lips trace the edge of my jaw. She sucks lightly on my neck, just under my ear, then her hot breath puffs against the column of my throat.
I swallow.
How is it the simplest of her touches affect me so viscerally?
“Luke,” she whispers, her hand sliding down my stomach, over my pants and then grasping my once again raging erection through my clothes.
“Yes?”
“I want you.”
Our bodies align like two puzzle pieces snapping into place, and then we’re kissing again. I could kiss her forever and never tire of the sensation. Heat surges through my veins, melting me from the inside out.
I pull away to tug her dress off, sliding it easily up and over her head, hesitating a second to take in the black lace bra cupping what must be the most perfect breasts in all of existence.
“Too many clothes.” I kneel in front of her, taking off one boot at a time before peeling off her nylons. Once those are flung to the side and she’s wearing only her bra and underwear, she pulls on me, attempting to tug me back to standing, but I don’t acquiesce.
Instead, I lean forward and press my mouth between her legs, rubbing my lips against her over her panties.
She gasps. Her hips tilt toward me, a soundless plea for more, and my erection jerks in my pants.
Fuck.
I look up at the passion etched over her features, her head thrown back, eyes drowsy with lust, and a wave of heat seizes me by the balls. The image of her in the throes of desire will be scorched into my memory forever.
This is not going to last long.
“Luke,” she groans out my name, tugging on my head. “Let’s go upstairs. Do you have condoms?”
I move my mouth away from her body with effort.
“Yes,” I say, the automatic agreement rising to my lips before I’ve quite registered all of her words—wait. Condoms? “No.”
