Page 15 of Flawless Lyric
I’m jolted out of my thoughts when someone or something hits the hood of my car. The guys are waiting on me—I never heard them pull into the parking lot. That’s how sidetracked I was after reading the texts.
“Sometime today, bro. You might have all day, but I don’t.” Zander takes every opportunity that he can to bust my balls.
“You have a promise back at home?” Melody’s very pregnant, and I’ve been around enough pregnant females to know they get very horny. Lucky bastard.
“Don’t be jealous, bro. We’re here to jam so let’s get going.” Zander unlocks the door, and we follow him inside. It’s only been a month or so since we’ve been here, but it feels like coming home.
Since Ace is on vacation, Zander straps on his guitar while Jax sits behind his kit. After I plug in, we just follow Jax’s lead as if we were playing live. He chooses Flawless Melody to start us off, which might have something to do with it being about his sister, Zander’s wife. It’s a beautiful song, and when that one ends he continues with our latest playlist.
After we’re ten songs in, we decide to take a short break. Jax grabs a few drinks out of the mini fridge and hands us each one. I hadn’t realized I was so thirsty until my bottle’s empty.
“I don’t know about all of you, but I needed this today. There are only so many things I can do to keep busy on any given day.”
“I know exactly how you feel, Micah. Hanging around with Zander and Melody gets fucking old after a while. All they want to do is fuck like a bunch of rabbits.” Zander throws his bottle cap at Jax and he ducks just in time.
“Fuck off, Jaxon. I’m just glad that Melody’s done touring. Being pregnant took a toll on her this last time. Caleb assured us that he’ll try to separate our tour schedules so one of us will be home with the baby at all times.” Caleb’s our boss and CEO of Morris Music.
“Being apart is going to suck. So you’ve already decided not to take the baby on tour with you?” This coming from Uncle Jax.
“We’d like to hold off until she’s at least one or two. Not sure how I feel about the terrible two’s being on tour with us, but we’ll find out soon enough.” I don’t call Zander out to let him know he’s still several years away from that happening.
“Okay, break’s over. Let’s wrap it up because this feels way too weird without Ace. Maybe if Melody’s up to it and everyone helps out we’ll have a big barbecue at the cabin.” Zander has a gorgeous cabin on the lake and the weather’s great for a swim.
A short time later, we all jump in our cars and go our separate ways. Since it’s lunchtime, I decide to grab something to eat from my favorite bistro. Should I order for one or two? I like the latter so much better. I also know for a fact that Mom won’t be in the office all week. I’m not sure what to order for Lyric, so I decide to get a few things and let her decide when I get there. Either she’ll be happy to see me or not so much.
Lyric glances up when the bell jingles and I walk in clutching two bags and a holder with a few drinks. I hesitate for just a second until she smiles and comes to my rescue.
“How did you know I forgot to take my lunch this morning?” She sets everything on her desk and then clears a space for us to eat.
“I had an inkling since I picked you up and didn’t see you carrying anything. Of course, there was the possibility you stuffed it inside that huge bag you always carry.” Another smile and it melts my heart. I’m wearing her down. Didn’t I tell you I would?
“Mm, it smells delicious. And there’s enough food here for the rest of the week.” She peeks inside all of the containers, and I know she’s afraid to take something if it’s mine.
“I chose all of my favorite dishes so you’re free to sample them all or take whatever you’d like.”
She fills a small bowl with some Cobb salad and then takes half of the turkey, apple, and brie sandwich on a ciabatta roll. Then she walks to the door, flips the sign to closed, and closes the blinds. Now she’s talking.
“Thank you for being so thoughtful. Between lack of sleep and hunger pains I wasn’t sure if I was going to last the day. This should do the trick.” Taking a bite of my sandwich, I place one of the drinks in front of her.
“You’re welcome. Here, this might help you get through the day.” She looks confused until she takes a sip.
“Oh my god… I never knew I needed this in my life. It’s delicious! I’m afraid to ask how many espresso shots are in here.”
“I’ve no idea, but it’s a knockoff to one of those fancy iced coffees from Starbucks. Enjoy but don’t blame me if you can’t sleep tonight.”
“Promise. And just for the record, I could kiss you right now.” Without missing a beat, I grab her by the waist, settle her on the desk, and kiss her fucking breathless.
* * *
LYRIC
Sitting at my desk—thesame damn one I was sitting ON just a few hours ago—I touch my lips. They’re swollen and bruised after I personally thanked Micah for coming. Even though he took the lead, I showed him I’m a woman of my word. Now I’m wet and needy, remembering how it felt to have his mouth on my other lips. While his beard scratched my tender flesh in the most erotic way. How is it even possible that I can be so obsessed with someone in less than a week’s time? It’s easy. He doesn’t see my many flaws. Micah just accepts me for being me.
That’s a powerful punch straight to my heart, and it scares me. Since old habits die hard, I’m afraid he’s hanging around just because I’m vulnerable. Stop, Lyric. Just stop. I know he’s not that kind of man, but it’s hard to shake my insecurity since we met at a bar. It was only supposed to be a one-nighter. A hookup. One and done. But the gods had something else in mind. Now he’s sending me flowers, bringing me lunch, and playing superhero all while making me smile. What’s a girl to do?
With his scent still surrounding me, I buckle down and get back to work. There’s a ton of emails and cancelations that came in while I was on lunch. And I need to schedule new appointments and relay all of that to Ruth before going home. My only consolation is the day will fly by and now I’m grateful for the iced coffee Micah brought me. I’m wide awake and focused on just doing my job.
After I hit send on my last email of the day, I glance at the clock and I’m shocked. It’s seven at night and I haven’t even locked the door yet. Pushing away from my desk, I walk over to the door, flip the lock, and turn the sign around. Once I’ve closed the blinds, I do my nightly walk-through to make sure everything has been turned off. Stifling a yawn, I grab my bag, make sure I have my keys, and get ready to leave. Then I stop dead in my tracks when someone jiggles the door handle.