Bittersweet Symphony (The Damaged Souls series Book 2) (16 page)

Pushing away from the car, I cocked my hip to the side, my hands on my waist. “Well, you’re not having sex with her.” I’d pulled out the big guns.

“No, I’m not,” he carefully replied, eyeing me.

“Do you enjoy having sex with me, Cooper Hensley?” I bit the edge of my lip, desperately hoping the look I gave him resembled a sexy seductress versus someone about to sneeze or have a stroke or something.

He reached out for the top of my jeans and dragged me to him. I offered him no resistance. I was still feeling the left over bliss from our earlier romp.

“You already know the answer.” He chuckled and ducked his head into the crook of my neck to kiss the skin there. “Caylee . . . Sawyer.” The way Cooper drew out my name—that lustful drawl he knew I couldn’t ignore—sent lust straight down between my thighs. Damn him.

We were in public while a mom filled her mini van a few stands over, but that didn’t stop me from fighting fire with fire.

I stepped forward, guiding his body backward until we were both resting against the car. The gas had stopped pumping moments ago but neither of us cared. Stealing a kiss, I lingered over his mouth.

“Is that how you’re wanting to play this?” Cooper wasn’t prepared for where I next placed my hand. “Are you sure?”

He quickly glanced around, checking to see if anyone was watching; the night in the stairwell at the university had left me feeling brazen.

“You don’t play fair, sweetheart. What happens if I call your bluff?” He raised his eyebrows in challenge, but I saw right through it.

“Go ahead.”

Cooper gently cupped my behind, showing no sign of relenting. “I’ve got to say I like this side of you. Not sure whether everyone else will, though. You’ve got me in a hard spot here.”

“Oh, you’re hard all right,” I retorted, inwardly delighted at how sultry I sounded. I’d honestly not known I had it in me.

“Sweetheart,” he croaked when I casually pressed my hand against his erection, slowly adding a little friction. “We’re going to Vegas. Cian Black called and invited us to come see the band play so we decided it would be the perfect chance to celebrate and get you to relax before you become unbearable with stress—Rebecca’s words not mine—with finals. Please keep having sex with me and protect me from that psycho roommate of yours. Please.”

The entire sentence had come out in one long breath.

“Hensley!”

At the sound of his name being screeched from the sliding doors of the store, Cooper’s eyes widened partially in fear, partially in humor. “Promise me, Caylee. She’s fucking scary when she chooses to be.”

Pecking his lips, I nodded. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ve got you.” Then whirling around, I pointed my finger at the betrayer. “Vegas. We’re going to Vegas and you weren’t going to tell me until what? We cross the
Hoover Dam
or saw
The Strip
?”

Rebecca had the decency to look somewhat remorseful. “Until we pulled into the hotel’s valet?”

When she held out a
Twix
bar, I shook my head, refusing to accept her feeble bribe. “Oh, it’s going to take much more than that! I’m thinking . . . I don’t know. I’ll figure something out when we get there.”

She threw herself at me, hugging me so tight around the neck that I coughed. “Sorry. In my defense, it really was Marty’s fault. I wanted to tell you straight away because, you know, we’re soul sisters, but he thought it would be better to surprise you.”

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed for the chocolate bar anyway. “Then I guess he’s the one I need to be punishing.”

“Who’s in trouble?” Marty finally added, coming into the conversation late. He tossed Cooper a bottle of water before handing me one. Glancing between the three of us, he let out a huge sigh. “You know and I’m the one facing your wrath. Fine, go ahead.” Pocketing his wallet, Marty walked over to the back of the car—his legs spaced apart with his hands firm on the top of the trunk. “Do your worst.”

“That’s not the first time she’s been told that today, buddy.” Cooper snorted, taking the opportunity to return the gas nozzle to the pump and replacing the cap before closing the small latch. “Just saying.”

“What?” Forgetting what he was doing, Marty’s curiosity taking over, a lewd grin lighting up his face. “You can’t bring shit like that up and then say nothing.”

“So you’re admitting your guilt?” I interrupted. “That it was your idea to keep me in the dark?”

“Absolutely,” Marty confessed, returning his gaze my way. “Especially if it means you do to me what you did to him?”

Even he groaned the second he realized how bad that sounded. Rebecca slapped him across the chest. Cooper threatened to leave him behind so he could walk the hell home.

“You know what I mean, jerks.”

“So that’s a yes?” I pressed.

“I’m in trouble even if I didn’t do it, aren’t I?” He aimed his question at his best friend now. “What the hell did I walk into, bro? You couldn’t have warned me?”

Marty watched me warily as I approached him. I had a specific punishment in mind—one that was fitting for his crime.

I hugged him. Holding him close, I whispered in his ear, “I know it wasn’t your idea, but thank you anyway. I have a feeling this is exactly what I need.”

“You want to do what to me?” Marty thundered with mock outrage. His arm hooked around my waist when I tried to pull away. “Do you kiss Cooper with that mouth?”

“Let me go, asshole!” I exclaimed, laughing so hard tears began filling my eyes. “I did not say that, you liar!”

“
Rock my world, Marty
, sounds a lot like thank you. Can’t be upset that I misunderstood. I am, after all, just a simple man.”

It was another dig at an older argument—one where we teased him about how simple he was. Apparently, the word meant something different to him and it had taken some convincing for him to accept we weren’t calling him stupid.

“Shot gun!” Rebecca cried out.

“It doesn’t matter how many times you say it, roomie. It only counts at the beginning of the trip,” I answered, skipping away from Marty to the passenger seat.

“The only thing that counts is the opinion of the owner. And seeing as that would be me . . . I decide who sits by me.” Cooper blew me a kiss across the top of car roof, followed by a wink as everyone slipped inside. “Buckle up, everyone.”

“Yes, Captain Safety.”

Peering at the back at Marty via the rearview mirror, Cooper retorted, “Ever walked one hundred and fifty miles in the heat?”

“I’ll make sure he behaves,” Rebecca assured him.

“In that case, you know the rules . . . hands on the ceiling where I can see them.”

I chuckled out loud. This was
exactly
what I’d needed. Just this week, it had started sinking in that the semester was almost over and that meant finals were approaching with a nauseating swiftness. While I was confident I’d pass, it didn’t stop my stomach from churning at the thought.

“I love you, guys,” I blurted out. “Seriously. Thank you.”

It was Cooper who answered first, taking my hand to give it a squeeze. “You might want to wait until you arrive home safely before you show your gratitude, darlin’.”

“Exactly,” Rebecca chimed in and poked her head between our seats. “Because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

“Oh God,” I mumbled.

“Why do you think I voted we surprise you? No chickening out!”

“I’ll keep you safe,” Cooper whispered, casting me a quick sideways glance before returning his focus to the road. “I promise.”

I snuggled into the seat as I got comfy for the next stretch of the long drive to Nevada.

“I don’t doubt it for a second.

Cooper and me in the City of Sin.

It sounded like the perfect way to unwind and get into a little mischief.

Honestly? I couldn’t wait.

Chapter Seventeen

Cooper

“Viva Las Vegas, baby!”

Standing in front of the large window, Caylee’s body was silhouetted by the sun. She looked so incredibly beautiful—her eyes practically feasting on the view of the Strip below us, as if she didn’t quite know where to gaze next. I’d been to Vegas on numerous occasions in the past, but this was her first time.

It made me feel like I was the king of the world—knowing that I was able to be the one to give this to her and be part of the wonder that had captured her the instant we saw the famous hotels lining the horizon.

She’d clapped with giddiness and bounced in her seat,
Elvis Presley’s
iconic song,
Viva Las Vegas,
blasting at full volume over the car stereo system.

As far as kicking off the weekend was concerned, it was the perfect way to begin. I’d be lying if it didn’t bolster my own excitement. There was something about viewing familiar experiences with someone you loved, especially when they’d never been here before. It made me eager to finish getting acquainted with our room so we could explore
Planet Hollywood
, before going out onto the Strip with all the hustle and bustle and vibrancy.

Damn. Had I just admitted I couldn’t wait to get my girl out in public and not take this alone time to christen the massive king size bed we’d asked for?

As much as I had confidence in my skills to woo and fuck, I also knew Caylee. Her mind and imagination had already left our decent sized accommodations. Standing here, fantasizing about what it would be like to press her up against that window naked, was just delaying the inevitable.

“So you approve?” I teased, arms folded against my chest. “Because I can’t tell whether you like Vegas or not.”

She actually squealed and raced from her spot to tackle me onto the bed.

Cupping her behind, I calculated how long it would take for me to rip the clothes from her body. Hopefully, she wasn’t too attached to the t-shirt she had on.

Me? The thought of it discarded in pieces while we celebrated our arrival with a bang made me even harder. Who said I couldn’t be sentimental? Right now, I felt all touchy-feely . . . the shape of Caylee’s ass was the perfect fit for my hands. I could think of other things that would do the same.

“Whatever you’re thinking about . . . yes.” Caylee laughed, her hair cascading over us like a waterfall. I had no doubt she knew exactly where my mind was—where it always was with her.

“But don’t you want to go and play?” Grabbing her hips, I held her still—partly so I wouldn’t blow my load before we even got started, but also so she knew that I was fully prepared to prove my superiority to the call of bright lights and glitter.

Vegas Schmegas. There was no gamble when it came to me—I played to win and Caylee would always come out on top.

“No reason why I can’t have my cake and eat it too,” the bewitching siren answered, slowly edging her way off my body. I instantly missed the contact.

I grabbed her hand before she was out of reach and tugged hard. I chuckled when Caylee toppled back. “Where are you going?” In a lightning quick move, I flipped us both over. “There, much better. Now, where were we?”

There was no need for her to reply because we already knew the answer.

Absolutely nowhere.

Burying my face into the crook of her neck, momentarily drunk on how intoxicating her scent was, I lavished her skin with kisses—each one becoming more heated than the last.

“Damn, you smell so good, sweetheart.”

Her fingers dug into my side, grasping my shirt as she frantically yanked it upward. When I bit at the spot right above her collarbone, tracing the raised ridge with my tongue, there was only one thing I knew with a surety.

She was wearing way too many clothes for my liking.

Abruptly kneeling, I pushed on the bed to get up, sending a whimpering Caylee a silent message with my eyes that my absence was only temporary. As soon as I remedied the fact she wasn’t naked, nothing on this planet would be able to tear me away from her.

“Get naked,” I growled, disposing my clothes. I removed a condom from my wallet and tossed it within reach on the bed, my gaze never leaving hers. Pants, shirts, everything . . . dropped to the floor as I impatiently watched Caylee wiggle out of her own top and bottom.

Fuck that
, I mentally cursed. This was taking too long.

In an impatient rush, I finished stripping her until all that remained was the gorgeousness God had blessed with her. She was a vision—all softness and curves, thick blonde hair and a smile that set fire to my libido. It made me wonder whether she understood just how much power she held . . . even in just her pinky.

She could bring me to my knees, have me begging for her mercy, and somehow I didn’t think she knew.

“I love it when your eyes are on me, Cooper,” she purred, and that was my undoing.

“That’s not the only thing of mine I want on you, darlin’.” I just didn’t know where to begin. The greedy bastard I was . . . I wanted it all—at the same time—I wanted to ravish every inch of her. My hands longed to be caressing her. My mouth watered for a taste.

When Caylee brushed her hand over her stomach before lightly grazing her breasts, the truth hit me hard. It was as if a neon sign inside my head flashed bright—totally eclipsing anything down on the Strip.

I didn’t have to choose.

Caylee had been right to tease—to ask why she couldn’t have her cake and eat it too—because that’s exactly what I planned on doing . . . starting with the beacon of sweetness at the junction of her thighs.

When I was done, she’d be lucky to walk through the casino let alone leave the bed. Everything else could wait.

I was insatiable and she was the cure.

“Show me. Now,” she whispered, reading my mind.

So I did.

****

“You sure we have enough time for this?”

Peering at
Ink Edges
, the tattoo studio recommended by our taxi driver, I squeezed Caylee’s hands and nodded. “Absolutely.”

“And we’re here . . . why?” she asked, not moving from the curb.

“Listening to my beautiful girlfriend.” Laughing at her hesitancy, I kissed the side of her head affectionately. “Trust me.”

Caylee stumbled a little, more from a sore, but languid body, than clumsiness. Sex had been phenomenal—both on the bed and in the shower afterwards as we cleaned up. I was still adamant I’d enjoy her against the room’s large window that overlooked the Strip.

We had to save something for later, after all.

“Of course, I do. Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t worry when my boyfriend knows I’m terrified of needles and brings me to a place where they wield them in the name of art!”

The slight shrill of terror in her voice was adorable. I knew I should’ve felt like an asshole for keeping my intentions a secret, but I wanted it to be a surprise. “Whoa, sweetheart.” I cradled her face between my hands, forcing her to stop biting on her lip. “I would never force you into something you didn’t want. While this is definitely for you . . .” I chuckled this time when her eyes widened. “Whatever happens in there . . . will be to me.”

You’d have thought I’d just saved her from brain-eating zombies storming the street for the apocalypse or something. Her relief was practically palpable.

“Quit laughing at me,” she grumbled. Caylee elbowed me in the gut. I deserved it.

“Do you trust me?” I asked, extending my hand out, inviting her to take it. “Or does it only work for street rats and Aladdin?” I knew using the reference would make her smile. Caylee had a weakness for all things
Disney
.

This time she didn’t hesitate. “You’re lucky I love you.”

“Yes, I am, sweetheart.” Grasping her hand, I turned and pushed on the door. The sound of soft rock music playing over the studio’s sound system greeted us. As I glanced about, I was grateful to find no one else waiting. While I wanted to do this for Caylee, I also knew we didn’t have hours to waste sitting around.

“Be with you in a sec,” a males voice called from somewhere behind the counter. Images of tattoos hung on the different walls as well as books filled with examples on the counter and side tables. Dropping her hand for a moment, I approached the photos of people the shop had worked on, showcasing a wide variety of ink.

There was a reason why
Ink Edges
came so highly recommended—especially the employee called Six. From what I could see, the dude had some serious skills with the needle, making me mentally file it away for the future. There were still things I wanted—coloring and a few more pieces—and good tattoo artists were hard to come by.

There were artists and then there were
artists
.

If this guy was legit, I would travel back here when the time was right.

“How can I help you?” I looked up as a tall guy approached, a smile on his face while he quickly finished wiping his hands with a paper towel. Caylee returned from where she’d been casually browsing, curious to finally find out why we were there.

I shook his hand. “I’m here to make my girl’s wish come true.” I got a small rush when I winked at her and she ducked her head and blushed. God, how I loved seeing how she reacted to what I said and did. I could study her for a lifetime and never be bored.

Six busted out laughing.

“What?” Caylee asked, unsure about what was so funny.

“You’d be amazed at how many times I hear that,” he volunteered, dragging his fingers through his dark hair. “I just didn’t expect to hear it here.” When Caylee and I said nothing, he added, “I have a night job at Leathers.” We must’ve looked like idiots standing there with blank expressions. “It’s a strip club. I’m also an exotic dancer.”

It was my turn to laugh when Caylee’s eyes widened, her gaze drifting up and down his body, her face turning that gorgeous shade of pink again.

“Well, I guess we can save that for another day,” I joked, wrapping me arm loosely around Caylee. She still hadn’t said a word. “For right now, I’m looking at getting my nipple pierced.”

That admission jolted her back.

“What? Really?” Forgetting whatever she’d been thinking about, Caylee whirled to face me, her eyes so big that they resembled saucers. “Are you being serious?”

I dragged her tighter to my body and whispered into her ear. “You did say what a turn on it would be.”

Molten desire filled her gaze and, heaven help me, it made me want to take her into the back and bury myself inside her. One day I would need to let her know exactly how her reactions affected me . . . or maybe not.

If she ever realized just how much I thought of us naked, of the things I wanted to do to her, how often I wanted to do them, she would run for the hills based solely on the way she seemed to undress me with her eyes at the moment, straight to the nearest bed.

It was good to know I wasn’t the only one with a healthy sex drive. She poured gasoline all over mine and, when she struck a match, there was no holding back the intensity of the ignition.

I loved knowing she was just as insatiable—that she enjoyed my body just as much as I did hers.

Six glanced down at his schedule book. “I’ve got some good news for you then. There was a cancellation so, if you want to do it now, the spot’s yours. We have all the gear here to do piercings and I’m certified.” He pointed to the license and certificates also displayed for customers.

“Sounds good,” I replied, moving to follow him back to wherever his instruments were set up. “Name’s Cooper, and this is Caylee.”

Six led us into a neat space where the tattoo bench was empty and the tools of his trade lay organized on the counter and a wheeled shelf system. Just from what I’d seen at other studios, I recognized he took his job seriously. Everything looked spotless and sanitized.

“Take your shirt off and lie up on the table.” Grabbing some gloves, he came closer. “My name’s Trey Jagger, but my friends call me Six. It’s great meeting you both.” He then grinned at Caylee. “And it’s my pleasure to make your wish come true today.”

She squeaked.

I laughed.

“So Six? Military?” Sizing him up, he had the build of a Marine. Sometimes you could just tell by the way someone held themselves.

“No. It was a nickname my grandfather gave me growing up and it kinda stuck.” Six snapped on his gloves and leaned in to take a better look at my chest. “I take it you are?” Before I could answer, his focus shifted to my tattoos. “Let me see . . . Seal. No, Marine.”

He was good. “Marine. Served a few tours in Afghanistan before being medically discharged.” Caylee placed her hand on my arm, reassuringly. She was always so mindful when my service was brought up. While I wasn’t always so fragile and could handle certain topics, it meant a lot that she watched out for me.

“Whoever did these pieces knows his stuff. Great artwork. Clear and concise lines. No ink bleed or breaking down of the design. I’m impressed.” Six dropped himself onto the swivel stool and scooted it closer. “These look like they have a story.”