Joy Ride by Desiree Holt (bill gates best books TXT) 📗

from her face. One of these nights he’d figure out how to slow down the first time and not take her like some horny teenager.

He wondered if they’d ever reach a point where the sex was less explosive, less dynamic. Less emotional. God, he hoped not.

Her head nestled on his shoulder, her eyes closed, and her lips slightly curved in a satisfied smile. Her satiny skin retained the rosy flush of sex, and her nipples were still taut peaks. Marc trailed his hand along the line of her body, following the dips and swells, the curve of hip and thigh. Jesus, she was a pure treasure. So much more than any other woman he’d known. A total assault on every one of his senses.

The connection between them from the beginning had been more powerful than anything he’d ever felt, and the intensity of it just continued to increase. He still didn’t know how he’d gotten lucky enough for her to go home with him that first night. And to come back again. And if he had to play by her rules to keep her, so be it.

At least for now.

“Hey, Music Lady,” he said in a soft voice.

She opened her eyes languidly. “Hey yourself.”

“So. You said earlier you’d never been to a rock club before. Does that mean you don’t know much about the business?”

She quirked an eyebrow at him. “To be truthful, I don’t know anything. I felt so stupid because my friend knew all about your band, and I had to Google you to even realize who and what you are.”

“So no rock clubs? No wild night life?”

She blushed. “No. ‘Fraid not. Just didn’t do that scene.” Snuggling closer and burying her face against his chest, she asked, “Do you think I’m weird? Want to change me for a more up-to-date model?”

For the first time, he was beginning to understand what her hang-ups were. But maybe the kind of life she led, the overwhelming nature of the club scene and their unexpectedly explosive sex was the reason why telling him her name was such a big deal. It was like exposing who you really were to someone and not knowing if that person would be turned off. Or something. But rather than doing that, it only made him fall for her a little bit more.

He didn’t think he’d ever met someone who’d never been to at least one rock club. He wondered exactly how sheltered her life was. Had been? Okay, so she was a little bit of a novice in bed. That only told him she hadn’t had many lovers. And that was good. Very good. He wanted to teach her everything himself.

“Hell, no. Are you kidding? It’s not a big deal but just where did you go?”

She lowered her eyelids but not before he saw embarrassment flash for a moment. “We went to…other kinds of place. And not too many concerts. I really led a much different kind of life than you have.”

“Not really so different,” he contradicted. “You don’t know anything about me except what you see in the club and here. I think you’d be surprised at how my normal life really was. Is.” Wouldn’t she just be shocked if he introduced her to his mom and dad and his brothers? He cleared his throat. “But maybe we can play a little game. Exchange a little information.”

She tensed. “Marc, I don’t—”

He touched a finger to her lips. “Hush. Nothing big or important. Just little stuff. Any time you want to stop we’ll call a halt to it. Okay?”

“Okay.” But she said the word as if she didn’t quite believe him.

“It’s not a trick, babe. I promise.” He moved his head just enough to feather a kiss over her lips. “I’d never do anything to make you uncomfortable or unhappy. I just thought it would be a fun way to get to know each other a little.” He tightened his arm around her. “So. You can go first. One question.”

“Hmm. Let’s see.” She chewed her lower lip, a habit he’d come to recognize as her nervous meter. “All right. How did you start playing the bass guitar?”

“Easy. My dad played bass in a band in high school. He hung on to that guitar until I got old enough for him to pass it along to me.”

“So your father plays guitar?” She stared at him.

“Yes, but don’t start thinking he was some long-haired freak rockin’ around the country. He and the guys played clubs around the area while they were in college and for a while afterward until they all got too busy with work and families.”

“That sounds….” She frowned. “Not like what I expected.

He laughed. “I figured. See? I told you I might not be what you thought. Okay. My turn. What’s your favorite color?”

She answered immediately. “Blue.”

“A good color. My favorite, too.”

“Me, again,” she said. “When did you start playing in a band?”

“In high school, just like my dad. Favorite food.”

“Pizza. Are any of the people in this band ones you played with in high school?”

“No. Favorite season.”

“Spring.”

“I like winter.” Now why had that just popped out? Because he liked the cooler weather so much or because it was an opposite season from the one she named? He’d never really given it much thought.

“Really?” She tilted her head back slightly to look at him. “You like the cold?”

“I like having a fire going. This house didn’t have a fireplace so I put in a gas-fired one.” He laughed. “If we ever get out of the bedroom, I’ll show it to you.”

“I love fireplaces.” Her smile was unexpectedly shy. “They’re great in winter, aren’t they?”

“Uh huh.” He studied her face, saw the hint of a smile curve her lips. “Maybe this winter we can cuddle in front of mine.” Because I want you to still be around when winter shows up. And not just this one. “What else do you love?”

“Mmm, let me think.” She wrinkled her forehead in a frown of concentration. “Warm chocolate