Irreversible Damage (Irreparable) (6 page)

When he says it like that, looking all adorable and sweet, I agree — that is all she needs. My lips twist into a guilty grin. “This isn’t even all of it.”

His brow creases. “There’s more?”

I nod. “Yep. A crib, a dresser, and a rocker.”

“You’re not shopping with Liv anymore.” He kisses me along my jaw, chuckling. “She’s a bad influence.”

“It was nice hanging out with her.”

He gives me a quick peck on the lips. “I’m glad you had fun.”

“I did.” I get to my knees and then stand up. Brady stands, too. “I need to sleep. You coming?”

He nods toward the door. “No, the guys are still here.”

I stick my bottom lip out, exaggerating my pout.

He chuckles and taps my nose with his finger. “I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

I smile at his promise, spin him around, and smack him on the butt as I push him toward the door.

Chapter 7

Tori

I open my eyes the next morning and stretch, my arm feeling the empty spot next to me. Brady never came to bed. I get out of bed, slip on some sweats, and go downstairs to the studio. As soon as I push the door open, I see him asleep, sitting on the small couch against the wall with papers in one hand and a pencil in the other, both arms dangling at his side. He looks uncomfortable. I smile, watching his lips part slightly as he breathes through his mouth with his head bent, resting on the back of the couch. I watch him for a bit, wondering how long he was up writing after they left. It’s not the first time I’ve found him down here in the morning. I love how dedicated he is to his music.

I tiptoe over to him, hoping he stays asleep long enough that I can wake him with kisses. I reach for the back of the couch to brace myself above him. Before my lips reach his, I’m flipped onto my back and pressed into the couch. Brady’s body covers mine as he rubs our noses together.

“It’s not nice to watch people sleep.”

I try to wiggle free. He doesn’t budge. “You were awake.”

His smile tells me he was. He pins my hands above my head and kisses me deeply before lifting his head, his hungry green eyes scouring over me. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it to bed.”

“It’s okay.” I shift, trying to free my hands, but he holds them tight. “I know how important this show is to you.”

His lips move up my neck, finding my earlobe and sucking gently. “Nothing is more important than you.”

A smile stretches my face. He doesn’t need to tell me, but I love hearing it. “I know,” I whisper.

His nose skims my cheek as he hums. “We can go to bed now.”

I laugh. “I’m not tired.”

His face is in front of mine again. He’s smiling brightly. “I didn’t say we’d be sleeping.” The low promising timbre of his voice has me squealing on the inside.

“Good. Kiss me again.”

He dives right in, freeing my hands and kissing me so long and hard that we both moan. His hands circle my hip before finding the back of my thigh. He pulls on my leg, wrapping it around his waist. We drown in the undying love we feel for each other, devouring each other’s mouths as though it’s the last time we’ll ever kiss.

“I love you.” He stops the kiss. I hum, yanking him back to me, thrusting my hips upward. He doesn’t move.  “What time is it?”

“It was after nine when I came in here.” With my hands on the back of his neck, I push my head up and try to kiss him again.

“Shit!” He grabs my hand and jumps to his feet, yanking me up with him. “The guys will be here at nine-thirty.”

My excitement fizzles as we walk toward the door. “Oh.” I’m unable to hide my disappointment.

He spins to face me, an undeniable look of lust in the green depths of his eyes. “I didn’t say I was done with you, but I won’t have the guys walking in on you naked.”

My body is suddenly zinging with excitement again, all disappointment replaced with anticipation. I’m the one pulling him now. He laughs as he follows me to our bedroom, ripping his shirt over his head and dropping it to the floor in the hall.

When we’re through our bedroom door, I slam it shut and push him up against it.

He laughs, a sexy promising laugh. “Hey, easy, tiger.”

He has no idea. I’m definitely on the prowl. My hands smooth over his hard chest, gliding down every ridge of muscle along his abs as I drop to my knees in front of him. My hands find the button of his jeans while my tongue skims his stomach just above his waistband. His head falls back, hitting the door, and he groans. His hands find the back of my head, tangling in my hair as I undo his jeans. I drop them to the floor along with his boxers, immediately wrapping my hand around his erection while my free hand finds his tight ass. He lets out a bark, his glute muscles flexing under my palm.

“Hmm,” he hums, massaging the back of my head.

I look up to see his glazed green eyes hooded, a small smile on his closed lips.

“Are you sure?”

I bite my lip and nod. I’ve had an awful gag reflex for most of my pregnancy. It’s been better for a while. Seeing how much he wants this, I’m determined to see it through. I swirl my tongue around his tip as his head falls back again, hitting the door with a thud.

My tongue licks down and up his shaft before I take him in my mouth with a loud moan.

“Fuck,” he yells, pushing his hips forward. “I’ve missed your mouth.”

I smile around him before taking him deep. His hips move, pushing in and out of my mouth as I increase my suction, working him low with my hand. His hand leaves my head long enough to remove my hand from his length.

“Just your mouth,” he growls, thrusting forward.

I feel him hit the back of my throat, kicking my gag reflex into gear. I fight against it as he pulls back, looking down and assessing if I’m okay to continue. I curl my fingers around the backs of his thighs, bringing him back forcefully to let him know I’m not stopping. His hips begin working again, faster now, moving in and out of my mouth with a quick, unrelenting rhythm. He bucks, surging forward. I increase my suction, fighting the urge to gag. He’s close. I want him to finish. Just when I think I can no longer fight off the reflex threatening to send me sprinting for the bathroom, Brady thrusts forward with a roar, filling my mouth with his warm, salty release. The second the thick liquid slides down my throat, the urge to vomit hits me hard. I jump up and run to the bathroom, making it just in time to dispense the contents of my stomach into the toilet. After several minutes of mostly dry-heaving, I finally register Brady behind me, holding my hair and stroking my back. I’m completely mortified. He must be disgusted. I fall onto my butt and reach for a towel. After I wipe my mouth, I chance a glance at Brady. He’s smiling, though his wrinkled brow tells me he’s concerned.

“Pretty sexy, huh?” I laugh, attempting to hide my embarrassment.

He slides in next to me, joining me on the floor. “You’re always sexy.”

“Right.” I nudge him with my shoulder. “Just what every guy wants.”

“I always want you.” He pulls me to him, kissing the top of my head. “Never be embarrassed with me.”

His smile is sincere. How could I have ever thought he’d be bothered by this? Brady has never made me feel like I fall short in the bedroom. If anything, he’s given me confidence, showed me that I can trust him completely. And I do.

He hops up from the floor, yanking me up with him. I frown, knowing he’s about to leave me so he can make it down to rehearse. Their show is tonight, and he can’t waste time looking after his pregnant, hormonal girlfriend. He reaches into the shower and starts the water.

I look up at him in complete surprise. “Aren’t you going to be late?”

“They won’t be here until eleven. Davey’s running late.”

I frown again. How can he be late the day of their first show? Brady’s hands skim the skin just above the waistband of my sweat bottoms. My annoyance with Davey immediately disappears as Brady slips my top over my head. 

We take a shower together where Brady expertly worships my body, reminding me exactly how much he wants me. At times like this it feels like we’ve left the house and landed on our own little island of ecstasy. I never want to leave.

Chapter 8

Tori

“Morning, you two,” I say cheerfully, fetching the box of cereal from the table and searching the cabinet for a bowl. Liv and Harrison exchange a glance and laugh into their cereal. I thrust a hand on to my hip, glaring at the two of them. “What?”

They both burst out laughing. Harrison won’t look at me. Liv has tears, she’s laughing so hard. She waves a hand in front of her face, attempting to calm her fit. “Nothing,” she belts before laughter overtakes her.

“You guys suck.” This causes them to really let go into full-on, gut-busting laughter. Now I’m getting pissed. “What the hell?”

“Okay…Okay…” Liv tries to gain control again. “We don’t…” More laughter ensues as Harrison shakes his head at her. She looks up at me, her face twisting in total amusement. “But apparently you do.”

Oh.My.God.

 My skin feels like it’s boiling as my insides start to shake with humiliation. “You heard us?”

They’re still roaring with laughter. “The whole neighborhood heard you,” Harrison blurts, but turns his head when I narrow my eyes at him.

“Whatever.” I scowl, glancing at both of them. “It’s not like you two haven’t woken the neighbors before.” I pat myself on the back, watching as the color in their cheeks now matches my own. I spin on my heels, leaving them giggling to each other.

I spend the few hours before we have to leave for San Diego pampering myself, although when I try to paint my toenails, I make a complete mess of my feet. After maneuvering around my baby bump, my toes look like a child’s finger-painting project. I can’t imagine what it would be like if I was much bigger. After removing the polish, I clean up and get ready, slipping on a simple sundress and curling my long blonde waves. Although I’m not one to fuss over makeup, I take care to use it tonight and apply it a little heavier than usual.

“Hot mama!” Brady’s grinning in the doorway.

“Thanks.” I smile at his compliment. “Is it time to go?”

“The guys just left. They’re going to meet us over there.” He comes up, slipping his hands around my waist and smiling at me through the mirror’s reflection. I admire the two of us. We look good together. He twirls me around and gives me a quick kiss. “I’m going to load the car. Come down when you’re ready.”

I smile as I watch him walk away. This is really going to happen. He tries to play it off as no big deal, but I feel it. They’re going to rock.

***

We arrive at Humphrey’s just before five so the guys can set up and do a sound check. Before we go inside, Brady and I stop on the dock and admire the view. The sun glistens on the water’s surface, causing me to squint. I cover my eyes, noticing a few boats returning to the harbor and a couple more leaving. It’s breathtaking.

When we go inside, Brady holds my hand as he strolls to the bar. After a brief conversation with the bartender, he leads me over to a small table about ten feet from the front of the stage. I feel a set of eyes on me. When I turn, I see a woman walking toward us. Her long golden waves flow out to the side as she beams at Brady with a perfect smile. She’s tanned, fit, and gorgeous. I’ve never felt so insecure – or so pale, fat, and unattractive. Even though she is definitely older than Brady, I can’t help the stab of jealousy I feel toward her as she plants a kiss on each of Brady’s cheeks before wrapping him in a tight hug. He squeezes back, lifting her from the ground. Who is she? Did he sleep with her? Oh, good God! I don’t want to know.

When Brady sets her down, I’m suddenly engulfed in a hug. My arms are pinned to my side as she squeezes all the air out of me. She even smells amazing. Oh, yeah, I hate her. Why is she hugging me? Upon releasing our hug, she holds both of my hands and looks directly into my eyes, smiling like we’re best friends.

“You must be Tori.” Even her voice is raw perfection, all low and raspy, oozing a bluesy sexiness. Who the hell is this woman?

Brady introduces us. “Tori, this is Mercedes.”

Oh, of course. I relax a little. This is Chad’s cousin.

“It’s so nice to finally meet the woman who stole my guy’s heart.” Her hand rests on Brady’s chest as she says it.

Her
guy
? Oh, no. He
has
slept with her. The stab is back, hard and deep. I shouldn’t be surprised. Who hasn’t he slept with? I’m sure she won’t be the first woman I meet who’s had a piece of
my guy
.

I want to tell her that he is my
guy
and she’d better back off.  I don’t. Instead, I fake a smile and say, “It’s lovely to meet you, too.”

Brady gestures to the guy behind her. “And this is Mercedes’ boyfriend, Scott.”

I have to admit, I’m thrilled she has a boyfriend. He’s cute, with close-cut dark hair and a goatee. I spot tattoos peeking out from under the sleeves of his baby-blue button-up. He’s smiling at Mercedes as though she’s the air he breathes. It’s sweet. They make a picture-perfect couple.

Scott greets me. “Hi.”

I accept his hand, shaking it limply. Next, I’m introduced to their bass player, Freddie. He flashes a big smile as he shakes my hand. There’s an easygoing nature behind his eyes that relaxes me.

Mercedes gestures to the guy next to Freddie. “This is our drummer and Scott’s best friend, Mark.”

Though we’re inside, Mark is wearing sunglasses. I can’t see his eyes, but he smiles brightly and shakes my hand. Mark and Freddie seem nice. They don’t hand around long, instead choosing to mingle with fans. I’m relieved.  On top of being nervous for Brady, I’m completely overwhelmed.

Scott takes a seat at the high table next to Mercedes. They carry on an intimate conversation. Brady slips a hand around my waist and starts nibbling on my neck.

Over his shoulder, I see Jesse and Chad stroll into the bar. I guess Chad does own a shirt. He’s wearing a plaid flannel with jeans. He looks different. I’m thrilled to see his girlfriend, Jessica is with them. Her sleek, black hair sways as she walks. I’ve hung out with her a few times while the guys practiced, and I like her a lot. Mercedes hugs all three of them, much in the same way she hugged Brady. Hmm…maybe she hasn’t slept with Brady. Perhaps she’s just a hugger.