Luci's Lullaby Read online

  Trembling, we hold onto one another. A warmth spreading through my chest makes my already pounding heart thunder. His racing, chasing mine to the moon.

  “That was…” he breathes in my ear.

  I have just enough energy to nod. “Yeah, it was.”

  Pushing up on his elbows, he places the sweetest kisses down my jaw and on my lips. He rubs my nose with his, laying his cheek against mine. “I don’t think I can move, let’s sleep like this.”

  “Okay, but I’m not sure I can breathe.”

  “Do you really need to do that?” he says, making me giggle.

  “Just a bit.”

  He slides from me, and I immediately regret asking him to. “Wait.” I reach for him before he can leave the bed.

  “Yeah?” His nose crinkles.

  I shake my head, silently admonishing myself for being foolish. “Nothing.”

  “I’ll be right back.” He leans, placing a soft kiss on my mouth.

  I watch him walk to the bathroom, rubbing my lips where his just left me. I’m sore, sleepy, and thrilled. I want to scream at the top of my lungs, “I fucked Alden Beck!”

  “And very well, I might add,” he says from the doorway. I close my eyes, praying this isn’t happening.

  Throwing my arm over my face, I feel it heat as I die a shameful death. “You did not hear that.”

  I feel the bed move as he touches my arm, tugging on it. “Hey, Rae. Oh, c’mon. Was it that bad?”

  I move my arm long enough to shake my head. “No but… you heard that, and I don’t want you to think it’s why I slept with you.”

  “Okay.” He doesn’t say another word. My heart stops from the silence. I peek from under my arm to find him staring at me. “It’s alright.”

  I sit up, clutching the sheet to me. “Let me explain.” I can’t. “I’ll say this, I’m surprised I’m here, but I’m okay with it.” I slap my hand over my mouth.

  His brows raise. “You can stop now.”

  “Wait, I have to fix this.” I lick my lips, buying some time. “I never intended on meeting you or staying.”

  He holds his hand up. “Really, please stop.”

  “I suck.” I bury my head in my hands.

  “You don’t suck, and I understand; it’s fine.” He pulls on my hand.

  “If I could explain I would, but I will say this… I’m glad I stayed.”

  His face softens and my stomach flips. “Me too, Rae.”

  My heart sinks when that name falls from his mouth. I’m lying to him, but there’s no way I’m telling him now. Tomorrow. I’ll tell him before I leave. I’ll tell him everything.

  “Now that I’ve thoroughly embarrassed myself, I’ll go get cleaned up.” He wraps my wrist, hauling me to him.

  “How about you wait on that for a little while.” He presses his lips to mine.

  I narrow my eyes as my face heats. “Sounds like a plan.”

  We fall back onto the bed, tangled in all the best ways. His body molds to mine, and we get lost in each other. The night passes quickly, and we force ourselves to sleep. I could get use to this, but I know it isn’t possible.

  Morning comes insanely early. I can’t believe I can move. Stretching, I feel him before I see him. I peel my lids back to find the most entrancing blue eyes staring back at me.

  “Good mornin’, beautiful.” His lopsided grin has me ready to sigh.

  “Mornin’.”

  His hand runs down my side to my thigh, he hooks it, hitching it up on his side. “I had to wake you up early. No way you’re leaving here without me giving you something to remember me by.”

  I throw my arms around him, hooking my feet behind his back. “You were saying?”

  He stares into my eyes as he enters me tenderly and slowly. His hips swivel with each push and pull. I clench around his shaft as my orgasm builds. I gasp when he leans in, kissing me softly.

  This feels real, too real. I’m lost in him and pray I never have to face the world. I know it isn’t real, and all too soon this will end, but I want it. I want this with him.

  This is a mistake.

  He pushes me like never before, steadily breaking my resolve. I can’t stop it, and I don’t want to. No more fighting, I let go and allow everything I want to feel with him in.

  We climax at the same time, exploding around one another. As fast as we climbed, we crash back down. I feel it in my core, the loss before the leaving. This is it, I have to tell him.

  “Rae, you are an amazing woman,” he murmurs when he falls down beside me.

  “Right back at’cha.” What the fuck was that, Charlee?

  He chuckles. “Thank ya.”

  “I need to run to the bathroom. I don’t want to do the walk of shame looking like this.”

  “Beautiful?” His brows pull low.

  “Umm, alright. Would it be okay if I showered?”

  He grins. “Of course and if you need a shirt or pants, just ask.”

  “If I can wear your pants, I’ll leave now.”

  He smashes his mouth into a thin line. “I meant sweats or something like that.”

  “Oh, yeah.” I giggle, throwing my thumb up in the air. “I’ll just… be a second.”

  I hurry from the bed in all my nakedness, shutting the door behind me. I stop by the mirror to check myself. “Holy shit!” I look like hell but can’t help to laugh. “It was a good night.”

  Turning to the shower, I twist the knob and jump in as soon as it runs hot. I begin to wash off the remnants of last night when I feel a breeze. I turn to find Alden standing behind me.

  “I hope you don’t mind; it’ll save time.” He takes the soap from my hand.

  “I suppose we could conserve water.”

  He nods, putting his hand between my legs. “Let me help you.”

  “Why do I feel like this is a bad idea?” I bite my lip as he washes me, sliding his hands everywhere.

  His eyes focus on my hardening nipples. “I think I might like this.”

  “I know I do.” A delicious pull stirs deep in my core.

  I jump when there’s a thud at the door. “Alden, get your ass moving.”

  I cover my mouth as I mumble, “Shit! Is that…?”

  “Reese, my best friend.” He rolls his eyes. “I’m coming.”

  “No, you’re not.” I shrug peering down at his hard-on. “And neither am I.”

  Another thump on the door, and we both scurry. I wash off, trading places with Alden as quickly as possible. I step out, wrapping a towel around me. I turn with one for Alden as he opens the door.

  I’m dumbstruck as I watch the water run over his hard stomach. He takes the towel and his muscles flex with every turn; he’s hard and cut damn well. I turn away to keep from jumping him. I don’t think I could ever get enough.

  I try to collect my thoughts and my hormones but when I look in the mirror, he's standing in all of his naked glory, grinning at me.

  “Alden, don’t make me come in there.” Reese beats on the door again.

  He winks at me, causing me to blush. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  We work together getting our hair brushed but when he hands me his toothbrush, I hesitate. He quirks his brow, and I take it from him without a word. I brush quickly, rinse it and hand it back over.

  “I was gonna say, I think we’ve exchanged enough bodily fluid, so sharing this shouldn’t be a problem.” He winks at me, and I roll my eyes.

  “Alden, if you’re late, I’m gonna kill you,” Reese yells from the door.

  “For the love of all that’s holy, don’t you have a family?” he shouts as he opens the door.

  “I do…” She stops when I walk out behind him. “Charlee?”

  “Hi, Reese. How are you?” I grab my clothes from the floor.

  She looks from Alden to me and back. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”

  “We’ll be out in a minute,” Alden says nonchalantly.

  Reese turns, walking out as she closes the door. I
start yanking my clothes on as fast as possible, but Alden is ready in a flash. My face is burning from embarrassment.

  “I’ll go keep her company. Take your time, we have twenty minutes.” He kisses me before leaving.

  “Shit! Shit! Shit!” I continue putting on my clothes, but I’m still wet and struggle with every piece. It doesn’t help that my palms are sweaty.

  I finger comb my hair after fighting with my clothes and quietly walk through the hall to join them. I’m brought up short when I overhear the conversation. I stop dead as my stomach sinks, peeking around to watch it unfold.

  “Don’t tell me you didn’t recognize her.” Reese glares at him.

  He shakes his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about and lower your voice, she might hear you.”

  “It’s Charlee.” She leers at him, and my belly sinks. I’m nauseous.

  “Her name is Rae.” He crosses his arms.

  She shakes her head. “Her name is Charlee Rae, we went to school with her.”

  “Come again?” He straightens his back.

  “Charlee Rae Wright, she was two years older than us.” She waves her hand in front of him, trying to jog his memory.

  He half shrugs. “I have no idea who you’re talking about.”

  He doesn’t know me. I clutch at my chest. It feels as though something heavy is laying on it. I struggle to maintain my breathing as I look for an escape.

  “Are you such a slut puppy that you can’t remember any woman other than me?” Reese growls.

  “I wasn’t planning on sleeping with her, but she’s fucking hot.” He laughs.

  Reese narrows her eyes at him. “Alden, if you hurt her.”

  “Hold up, she knew exactly who I was when she got into my bed.” He leans against the counter, crossing his arms.

  “I like her, we’re friends, okay. Don’t fuck this up.” Reese points at him.

  “Fuck what up? We’re not together, it was sex. Just sex, Reese.” He shakes his head. “Besides, she’s a big girl. She knew what she was doing. Damn, if she didn’t know.”

  I can’t take another word, I stumble from the hall. I refuse to look at him. “Hi. So I need to go.” I spin, rushing to the door.

  “Hey Rae… Charlee?” Alden calls from behind me.

  I turn, gritting my teeth. “It’s Charlee, like Reese said. Charlee Rae Wright.”

  “So you do know me?” He stops in front of me.

  My eyes dart to Reese, who looks like she wants to hug me. “Yes, we went to school together.”

  “I think I’d know if you were in my school.” He laughs until I lock eyes with him. “Tell me you’re joking.”

  “You once knocked me down in the hall.” What the hell, Charlee? You’ve waited thirteen years to talk to him and that’s what you say.

  He steps back, blinking as if the entire thing is playing out in his mind. “No.” He shakes his head.

  “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you last night, but things kinda snowballed.” I shrug.

  His face twists. “You lied to me?”

  “She didn’t lie, Alden.” Reese tries to back me up.

  “I was wrong. You were honest with me, and I should have been with you.”

  He rubs the back of his neck. “Why would you lie to me?”

  “Seriously? You’re Alden Beck, that’s why.” He shakes his head. “You don’t even remember me, Alden. Do you have any idea have how many times I’ve been in the same room with you only for you to ignore me?”

  “I would never intentionally ignore you. No way, Ra-Charlee.” His brows draw together.

  “Maybe. Maybe not.” I hesitate. “I’m sorry I lied to you.” I turn, hurrying out the door before anything else can be said.

  I click my car alarm and jump in, turning the key before I have my seatbelt on. Backing out, I stop and put the car in drive. Alden stands at his door, confusion written all over him.

  We stare at one another, and my heart races until he spins and slams the door. I hit the gas and drive away.

  “What the fuck was that?” I slam the door, turning to Reese.

  She crosses her arms. “I’m not sure what you expected.”

  “Huh? Are you implying this is my fault?”

  She places her fists on her side. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.”

  “How in the hell is it on me that she didn’t tell me who she was?”

  “Have you ever considered keeping that thing in your pants long enough to talk to these women?” She narrows her eyes.

  “Why are you mad at me?”

  She shakes her finger at me. “I like her, she was one of the first people I met down here. She’s always been good to me, but if you mess with her.”

  “She’s great, that’s what she is,” I mumble as I grab my shoes.

  Reese tilts her head. “Come again? Are you saying you had an actual conversation with her?”

  “Surprise!” I flip her off. “Yes, Reese. We talked, I guess that’s why I thought I knew a little about her. She was with Aksel and Em; why didn’t they call her out when she said her name was Rae?”

  “Would it have mattered? It was obvious you had no clue who she was.” She glares at me. I hate when she ‘mom’ talks at me.

  “It would’ve,” I snap. “It still matters.”

  She watches me as I tie my shoes. “Wait, were you showering with her?”

  “What’s your point?” I stand, shrugging.

  A smile creeps on her mouth. “Did she get in with you?”

  “No.” I hang my head. “Why does that matter, Reese?”

  “You never shower with them.” She shifts her feet. “Why would you get in with her?”

  “To save time, which I need to do now.”

  “One of these days, you’re gonna have to put someone else before yourself.” She jerks her purse from the floor and heads toward the door.

  “How did you know who she was?”

  She stands with it open, ready to leave. “She works at the grocery store.”

  “The one down here?” I point in the direction behind her.

  “That would be the one.” She nods.

  I rub the back of my neck. “For how long?”

  “Since we moved here, Alden. So I guess a couple of years now.” I frown, and she goes on. “She moved down here her junior year because her mom had cancer. Her uncle lives close to town, and it made it easier for the family. She got a job and helped to raise her brother.”

  “So that’s why I never saw her after I knocked her down?”

  “Did you think it had anything to do with you?” She quirks her brow.

  “No.” I roll my eyes. “Something she said last night but decided she didn’t want to talk about it, so I let it go.”

  “Don’t you dare hurt her.” Reese stares at me. “I mean it. You bed hop, and she’s a great girl.”

  “She knew exactly who I am and what I’m about.” I shove my hands in my pockets. “It’s not like we were drunk and besides she drove me here.”

  She opens her mouth, then closes it. “What are you not telling me?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, like I could hide something from you.” I walk past her. “C’mon, I gotta get outta here.”

  She follows me out the door. “I only came by to make sure you’re not late to the appointment.”

  “How’d you know?”

  “I’m your attorney, it’s my job,” she says walking to her car.

  I chew my lip, trying to decide what to say. “Reese Cup?”

  She turns with a smile. “Yeah, Mars Bar?”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you.” She yanks her door open. “Don’t you dare see Charlee again, I mean it. She’s a good one.”

  “Whatever, Mom.” I wave as she gets in and drives away.

  Unlocking my truck, I slide in and adjust the radio. I crank it up and back out in just enough time to make it downtown. I’m five minutes into the drive when it hits me.

  �
��Damn, girl.” I flip the station to a country channel. “She’s got me so tore up, I’m listening to pop.”

  I get caught by the light at the corner. Across from Food Lion. Yeah, that one. “Don’t look.” I cut my eyes. “Why are you doing that?” I shake my head. “You’re a grown damn man and if you want to hook up with Ra-Charlee again, you can.”

  A horn blares behind me, making me jump, so I step on the gas without getting a good look. I have no idea how to get in touch with her. I guess I can drop by sometime. For food.

  “She lied to you.” I shift in my seat, popping my neck. “And now, you’re talking to yourself. Get a fuckin’ grip and move on.”

  I upshift, passing every car I can, I need to get away from her. I turn into the lot and see Aksel first thing. He waves and points to a parking spot. I straighten my shirt and climb out to go meet him.

  He’s smiling as he puts out his hand. “Good morning.”

  “Good mornin’.” I take his hand, shaking it a little too hard.

  “Nervous?” Aksel asks as I release his hand.

  I half shrug. “It’s been a morning.”

  “Care to share?” he asks, holding the door open for me.

  I lick my lips, tasting her on them. “Not at the moment.”

  “Is everything alright?” His voice is low as he pauses at the office door.

  “For now, we’ll talk later.”

  He pulls the door open, and we’re greeted by a threesome in suit and ties. “Gentlemen, Alden Beck.”

  I’m passed around and shown off. I press more flesh than a night at my apartment. Flashes of light begin to blind me, I’ve taken so many photos. When I finally get to sit, it’s to go over a million pieces of paper.

  All I want to do is make music, but I suppose this is what it takes. I give the okay to have the contract sent over to Reese.

  “I’m sure Sam will want to see you before you go,” Aksel says.

  “That’s fine.” I rub the back of my neck. “Can I ask you something?”

  He immediately picks up the tone in my voice. “Yeah, anything.”

  “Why in the hell didn’t y’all tell me Rae was Charlee?”

  His mouth twitches. “I mean, her name is Charlee Rae, and I suppose I was thinking she didn’t want you to know her real name. Once we got home, Emerson explained it.”

  “Explained what, exactly.”