Between Love & Fire (Backstage #1) (7 page)

“I would.”

I turned on the lights as we entered the living room. Inside my tiny space again, Callum’s scent invaded the room. “Make yourself comfortable. I am just going to change.”

“Into something slinky and sexy I hope?” My glare quietened his chuckle immediately. “I was kidding, you need to lighten up, Petal.” His words said one thing, but the hungry gaze that travelled over my body said something different.

Once in the safety of my bedroom, I changed into a tank top and a pair of sweats. Fully aware of Callum sitting in my living room, my body was tingling in anticipation. This will be interesting. There is nothing that can prepare you for Callum Hayes on your sofa. Relaxed. Sexy. Perfect. He had taken his jacket off and the shirt he wore hugged every muscle in his torso and chest. “Tea, coffee, wine, beer or water?” I grinned. His eyes sparkled taking in my casual appearance. The heat of his stare warmed my skin and the knot in my belly tightened. I was in so much trouble.

“Wow, what a selection. Wine will be a perfect start.”

“Start? Are you planning on staying that long?” I giggled.
Since when do I giggle? Seriously
.

He winked and that cheeky arrogance was back. “As long as you want me.” I shook my head as I strode towards the kitchen. Grabbing two wine glasses out of the cupboard, I placed them on the counter and selected a red wine. Not that my collection was that big. Once the bottle was open, I half-filled both glasses.

I felt him before I turned. His body radiating heat towards me. He had won this round because I was helplessly aching to be near him. To have his body against mine. When I turned—slowly—careful not to spill wine over him. I peered up through my eyelashes and those intense deep-blue eyes were staring down at me. His tongue flicked out moistening his soft pink lips, and the gesture sent a tingle straight to my clit. My pussy pulsed with need.

“Thank you.” He took the glass from my hand. When his fingers brushed against mine, I almost dropped the glass. The way he held my gaze had my panties melting. My need for him surpassed every rational thought in my head. I needed to put distance between us. He was too close. Desire swirled thick in the surrounding air.

“Callum.” I breathed his name. My voice was low, raspy, and I chided myself letting him get to me this much. Even though his name was a warning on my lips, he ignored it and leaned down. Instinctively, my eyes fluttered closed. His lips feathered mine and this time I had nowhere to go. He reached behind me and set his glass down on the counter. He freed me of my glass and gripped my hips in a vice like hold, pulling me into him. His rock hard body flush against mine. Every ridge and plane of those sculpted abs pressed against me. I was lost. Just for that moment. I let myself go in that minute. I gave in. And let this annoying man kiss me. I am so fucked.

I ran my fingers through his soft hair and completely forgot about anything around me. He growled into my mouth as his tongue twirled with mine. It was such a sensual dance that my panties were soaked with arousal. I was fully aware of his erection pressing against my stomach. I had to catch my breath. He needed to stop. I needed to stop. My control slipped, but I had to get it back. This situation overwhelmed me. I placed my hands on his chest and I could feel his muscles tense. A low groan vibrated under my touch.

The taste of him was intoxicating. With a slow push, he reluctantly broke the kiss. He held my face in his hands and looked deep into my eyes. The pad of his thumb brushed over my lower lip. His voice was hoarse. Filled with desire as he whispered. “Now that is a first kiss.” Reaching behind me, he picked up his wine glass. Turning, he walked into the living room. Leaving me reeling from the most amazing kiss I have ever had. I picked up my wine, gulping a mouthful, then refilling my glass. As I walked back into the living room, he smiled like nothing happened.

“Well, that was…” My words trailed off and I couldn’t find an apt description. Callum patted the space beside him on the sofa and I sat down watching him.

“Yes, that was.” He replied in his low timbre. It seemed we were both stunned. I definitely wasn’t expecting a kiss with Callum Hayes to be so good. Well, that’s a lie, I knew it would be. A small smile spread across my face and he noticed. “Did I bring on that smile?” He inquired, I nodded slowly.

“You surprised me, nothing more.” He reached out, starting at my shoulder, tracing a slow feather light path down my arm. It sent electric currents shooting over my skin. Goose bumps rose in the wake of his touch and I shivered involuntarily.

“You do realize that you’re beautiful,” he whispered.

“Callum, I am just an average girl. Please don’t say things like that?” He sat forward, his fierce gaze burned into me.

Ignoring my request, he murmured. “You couldn’t be more wrong. Average doesn’t even begin to describe what you are, Tayla Quinn.”

He set his glass down on the coffee table and leaned in towards me. My body reacted to his proximity and my lips tingled. My mind pleaded for him to kiss me again. And when his lips met mine, my eyes fluttered closed and the stars behind my eyelids sparkled. The heat of his kiss traveled over my feverish skin and my pussy pulsed with need. My clit throbbed for his fingers to tease me. To slide into me. My panties nearly disintegrated when his hand gripped my thigh, then continued to tease its way higher. His kiss scorched me. His touch ignited my skin. A primal growl from low in his throat tightened the desire in my belly. Slowly he moved over me. Our bodies in sync as I laid back welcoming him as he nudged between my thighs. Our tongues glided sensually over each other in a seductive dance. With his body hovering over me, his one hand slipped down and gripped my hip. My molten core was a volcano waiting to erupt. The scorching lava flowed through my veins.

My top had ridden up and his fingers finally came into contact with my skin. A low mewl escaped my lips, and he swallowed it in the kiss. With a leisurely caress, his fingertips found a path to the under-wire of my bra. He knew how to touch. Soft. Light. Making me moan into his mouth. My body arched up, towards him. He licked into me tasting me—and the wine—as I tasted him. I was drunk. Although wine had nothing to do with the heady feeling. He was claiming me with just this one kiss.

“Callum.” His name came out softer than I meant. Breathy. Raspy. He knew I wanted him, and if I didn’t stop this now, we would do something we shouldn’t be doing. The moment was broken. The magic that spiraled around us dissipated and our eyes locked for the longest time.

“Petal, I am sorry. I couldn’t help myself. I haven’t been so attracted to someone in a long time.” He moved off me and I sat up slowly. Immediately missing the heat of his body. Every inch of my skin tingled, and I noticed his rock hard length strain against his slacks.

“Look, Callum, I’m sorry. It’s just…” He placed his hand on my knee, and another shock-wave traveled through me. When he peered up, my heart ached. He looked sad. If he only realized that I was never this attracted to anyone my whole life. Just with a kiss, a small touch my body came alive.

“It’s okay, I understand.” I put my hand over his.

“No, you don’t, I can’t do this. Romantic relationships with someone you work with can add extra pressure. More tension.”

“That doesn’t bother me, Petal. Unless you have someone?” I glanced at him, a frown creased my eyebrows.
Someone?
When the realization hit me, I wanted to giggle.

“God no! I haven’t had someone in years, I mean. I mean not… uhm… shit. I mean I am not seeing someone.” Abruptly I stood up. His stare was too much, too intense. My heart raced, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say. “People will talk and I can’t afford to lose my job. You’re a rock star. What will people think? Your friends and family?” He got up, the irritation was visible in his features and in his stance. He grabbed my shoulders and spun me around. When he pulled me towards him. I stopped breathing. Our bodies were once again remarkably close and I couldn’t think straight.

“Tayla, stop. Just for one-second stop and don’t worry about what everyone else will assume. Stop worrying about the rules. What the fuck do you want? Open yourself up and stop being so fucking stubborn.” Sky-blue eyes turned stormy, and it took him shouting at me to realize I wanted him to kiss me. Without another word his mouth crashed down on mine and I didn’t care. I didn’t stop him. Kissing him back, surprised by how much I wanted it. How much I wanted him.

The past I worked so hard to keep buried better stay buried. Because if I was going to do this with him, he couldn’t know what happened.

Glancing down, the lights shining on me hide the eyes that are glued to me. I swirl around the soft fabric holding me up in the air. Their hungry gazes are locked on my every move. They anticipate my movements, holding their breath. From this high up they can’t see the girl beneath the façade that I portray. The scars that have marred my skin. It’s okay. I did it to keep my sister safe. There isn’t a day that goes by I regret what I did. She was safe. This was my final performance. He made sure of it. His promise will be kept. There is no choice for me. I had to leave. The burn on my skin still aches from last night.

I am upside down. He’s here. I can feel his filthy leer on me. I need to finish my routine. My heart shudders in my chest. He came back. After all he did. I can’t hide. That’s what he told me. Fear grips me and I almost fall. I take a deep breath and swirl down, in a slow effortless movement. The song slows to a stop, and the applause deafens me. He’s watching. Waiting. I offer the crowd a small smile. Walking off the stage, I make my way to my dressing room. The girls up next pass me on the way and then I am alone. With my thoughts. Alone. He will follow me. I wait for it.

As soon as I walked into the house last night, or should I say early this morning, I realized I would get the third degree today. Liam knew I had taken Tayla out, but what he didn’t know was that she wanted me. That much was obvious. Even though we didn’t fuck, her body told me all I needed to know. Nothing will stop me from ripping her panties off. Or sliding them down her legs. As I roll over in bed, I glanced at the clock. Fuck, it was only eight on a Friday morning. There was so much shit to do. I wasn’t in the frame of mind.

Last night differed from past dates. Just sitting on her sofa, chatting, drinking wine, and learning more about each other as the night turned to morning. Since I didn’t get home until five am. There would be no stopping both Liam and Kierra asking me shit loads of questions I don’t want to answer.

Ki is worried about me getting involved with someone who works with us. Liam would ask how tight she is. My brother can be crude. He loves women, lots of them. Sometimes at the same time. But for me only one woman outshines the rest.

The memory of Tayla’s lips on mine is seared into my mind. Her body so pliable against mine, under my touch. In my control. That beautiful blonde hair fanned over her pillows when I left her, haunt me. It took all my self-control to walk out. We had taken things slow. She told me she’s not ready to get into a serious relationship.

Although I highly doubt it will be long before she is waking up next to me. Naked. I can’t wait to see what her sweet little body looks like without the barrier of material. That ass is perfect, fitting into my hand. Glancing down at the tent in my sheets, I grip my hard shaft. I stroke it with thoughts of her running through my mind. Her soft lips would feel so good wrapped around me. I want to fuck her sassy little mouth. With those beautiful eyes staring up at me.

My fist moves faster over my hard cock, imagining her sucking me deep into her throat. Fucking all that sass and cheekiness away. Then taking her body and bending her over my piano. Watching that pert little ass as I ram into her. Deeper. Harder. Until she’s crying out my fucking name. Callum fucking Hayes. My body tenses and my release shoots over my stomach. As soon as I open my eyes, I take a deep breath. The realization hits me then; I want this girl and nothing will stop me from having her.

Grabbing my shirt from the empty side of my bed, I clean myself up and hop out of bed. A shower, then I need to work. This fucking melody in my head is in need of an outlet. The warm spray is calming. Thoughts of Tay invade my mind again, I have to figure out a way of getting her to trust me. After talking to her last night, I realized she’s different to the groupies we typically have hanging around. She’s intelligent, mysterious, sexy, and I need her. I knew one night with me would get her over her apprehension about being with me because we work together. She will be mine. All fucking mine. Once I am out of the shower, I wrap a towel around my waist.

“Callum!!” Liam’s voice is shrill from my bedroom. As I enter, I find him standing there looking like someone stole his coffee.
What the hell is wrong now?

“What the fuck is your problem?”

“The label called. We have to have three songs ready by Friday next week. We have eight days.”

“Fine. Done. What else?” His incredulous stare was piercing through me. Questions danced in his eyes and I waited for it. My brother didn’t disappoint.

“So I guess the date went well?” The smirk curled his lips, and I hated that he knew me so well. He assumes I had sex with her. Well surprise brother, I didn’t.

“It was good. We didn’t fuck. If that’s what you’re thinking? And she’s not that type of girl.” His laugh echoed through my room. I pulled out a new T-shirt from my closet and tugged it over my head.

“Not that type of girl? Are you going soft on me brother?”

My glare cuts to him. “No, I don’t want to fuck up with our intern. Tayla isn't a fucking groupie. She does work with us after all.”

“So you’re being a gentleman?” He flopped onto my bed as I walked out of my walk-in closet dressed in my ripped black jeans with my “$uck It” tee. “Bro, be careful. We don’t know if we can trust her. What if she sells the story after she’s done with her contract?”

“That won't happen. Jesus, what the fuck is wrong with you?” My heart lurches at the thought of her being like the other groupies we have. She’s not. My feelings for her shouldn’t be so protective, and my brother knows it. He can see it in my expression.

“I am just saying man. You don’t even know her.”

“Neither do you. Get off my back about this brother.” He gets up and turns towards the door. I watch him shrug and walk out, shutting it behind him. I can’t believe Liam is always such a dick and yet the girls flock to him. I need to stop thinking about this. My phone buzzing on the nightstand grabs my attention. Unlocking the screen, I find a message from Tay.

T: Good morning boss, I will be a few minutes late. The queue at the coffee shop insane.

C: Okay, Petal. We have a busy day and my brother is driving me fucking insane.

T: Would you like me to spill coffee over him? I’m pretty good at that! LOL

I chuckle at her making fun of herself. She’s adorable. Liam is right, I don’t know her, but my gut tells me I am right. There is no way she would do something like selling a goddamn story to the press.

C: I don’t want you doing that, he may just want to take you out. That’s not a good idea.

T: Why?

C: I want to keep you to myself. I don’t like sharing. My brother on the other hand, he does.

Slipping my phone in the pocket of my jeans, I make my way into the kitchen. I want coffee and then I need to get this song finished. “Cal, dude.” I turn to find Ryan leaning against the doorjamb.

“What’s up, man?”

“Your brother stormed out of here, what’s going on with you two?”

“Nothing. He’s being a dick, and I called him out on it. I am not in the mood for his shit. It’s fucking annoying. He needs to pull his head out of his ass. This whole bad boy fuck-up game he’s playing is getting old.”

“I know, but we need him right now. The more you fight, the more you push him away.”

With a shrug, I grab my mug and walk towards the door. Ryan looks tired. We all are. The record label wants this album out as soon as possible. I am a perfectionist with my music, not submitting something that’s not perfect. “I know, I can’t deal with it now. I heard we need three songs ready. There's a lot to get through today. I am writing today. Do you need me down here?”

“No. I am working on the keyboard for the last track we did. I will be in the studio with Tayla.” At the mention of her name, my heart lurches. “Call me if there are any issues.” I turn and make my way upstairs into the music room. My sweet little piece of heaven. Setting my phone and coffee down, I slip into the seat. I inhale a deep breath, position my hands over the ivory keys. As my fingers dance over the black and white bringing the melody to life, I grin. It’s been in my head for the past week. I close my eyes, brown eyes and blonde hair flit through my mind.

My fingers fly over the keys gently. The tune is beautiful; I need to write it down, but I can’t stop. Not right now. The echoes of the keyboards and guitars downstairs filter up through the air vent and I feel the song with every beat of my heart. My pulse races and I am possessed by the notes. Not stopping until I reach that last note.

And before I am ready for it to end, it’s finished. The song in my head brought to life. “Fuck.” My voice is a rough growl. I have never had something hit me so deep. To my very soul. Grabbing a notepad and pen, I jot down every note. Every key. The melody on paper doesn’t look good, but when you hear it. Something about this courses through my veins. I don’t have a title and it’s far from complete, but something tells me this will hit number one.

The buzzing of my phone pulls me from my thoughts. I pick it up to see Tayla’s name flash on the screen. I hit the green button. “Hello, Petal.”

“Callum, I wish you wouldn’t call me that.”

“Why? You’re gorgeous, delicate, and sweet, well… That I still need to find out.”

Her sweet soft laugh makes me smile. I envision her beautiful brown eyes sparkling with amusement at my silliness. “Cal, don’t be ridiculous. Just letting you know I am downstairs. Ryan said you were writing. I didn’t want to disturb the genius at work.”

“That’s okay, Petal. Any disruption from you is welcome.”

“I have to get back to work.” Her voice is soft and so goddamn sweet.

“Have fun, Petal. I needed to get a song written. I am under pressure to finish three songs by Friday.” Her gasp across the line sends a jolt of heat to my crotch and I am suddenly rock hard.

“Will you be able to do it?”

“I think so. I will see you in a bit okay?”

“Okay.” I can hear the grin in her voice. I hang up. A knock on the door startles me. When I twist to find Ki, I realize I am in for my second round of third degree.

“You hiding?”

“Writing.” Her eyes narrow and I know what she’s thinking. Kierra is a shrewd pain in my ass. I can’t do anything without her noticing. I wait for the question that's burning in her stare.

“Is it Tayla inspiring you?”

“Why?” My voice comes across harsher than I wanted it to and she smirks. Kierra did it on purpose. She knows me too well. This will not blow up in my face.

“I know it is, Callum. You’re an open book. Let me warn you…” She strode into the room until she’s close enough to slap me. She doesn’t. Instead, she prods me in the chest. “If you fuck this up, I will fuck you up. DO. NOT. BREAK. HER. HEART.” With every word another stab.

“Kierra, I am not planning on breaking her heart. Just relax.” I notice Ryan watching us from the doorway. I knew he had a crush on her. Problem is he doesn't have the balls to ask her out. Granted, she’s difficult. Since her ex left her because she took her job so seriously, she's steered clear of men.

Most people think I am dating her. Which is a fucking joke. I would and could never date Kierra. She’s only three years my junior, but I see her as a younger sister. Ryan is a good guy. I hope he gets his head out of his ass before someone else moves in on her. She won’t be there forever.

“Ki, we need you in the office.” She turns and walks out leaving me chuckling. The door nudges again, this time my beautiful girl is standing there.

“May I come in?”

“Absolutely, Ms. Quinn.” I wink, which earns me a blush.

“How is the song coming?”

“It’s perfect. I finally got the melody. Which is the most challenging. I will write the lyrics later. Can I take you to lunch?”

She shakes her head. “You can’t. I have work in the studio. A quick snack has to suffice. I am helping Ryan with the sound for the track he laid down yesterday.”

“Okay. I should join you downstairs and keep you company.” She nods and leaves me to finish my writing. It’s Friday today and I can’t work over the weekend. I have plans for my sweet Petal. Hopefully it proves I am sincere.