Strings Attached, page 23
“Our first stop?” It was hard to concentrate on making decisions with Nikki rummaging through drawers in the nude.
“Yes. We don’t have to go far, but it starts at eleven. Wear the best outfit you brought with you, and then our second mission will be finding us each something smashing to wear tonight. Sound good?”
She scanned the menu while Nikki was in the shower. Paying for breakfast was out. If she couldn’t even afford breakfast, how was she going to treat them to anything else? Her stupid pride was going to set her back at least half a week’s worth of groceries.
Oh well. So, she’d live off cereal and peanut butter sandwiches for a few days. It’d be worth it. What were credit cards for, anyway? She called in the order, happy that she would be keeping her end of the deal and that she knew what Nikki liked to eat.
She hurried through her shower and dressed in tan khakis and a green and beige pinstriped dress shirt. She took extra care to get her hair just right, feeling anxious and excited for their mysterious “first stop.”
She stepped out of the bathroom. Breakfast had already arrived. “Hey, I was going to pay for breakfast.”
“Don’t worry about it, babe. It’s charged to the room.”
She felt her face flush. Of course it was. How stupid of her. No problem. The day was young. She’d have more opportunities to pay for something.
Their first stop turned out to be a tour of Carnegie Hall. Nikki admitted that although she’d been to a few concerts there with her parents, this was her first tour. Sharing a “first” together only made it more special. They were like kids in a candy store, and the hour went by way too fast.
They stepped out into the brisk November air, and she squinted in the bright sunlight. She hooked her elbow through Nikki’s offered arm, and they walked on with purpose. Drew would have been nervous walking the streets of big cities alone, but Nikki’s confidence filled her with a sense of security.
“Are you ready for a light lunch?” Nikki asked.
“Sure.” A light lunch sounded like something she could afford.
“What are you hungry for? I say we do something that’s totally New Yorky.”
Drew laughed. “New Yorky?”
“Yes. I’m dorky in New Yorky.” Nikki flashed her a huge goofy smile. “What’s your pleasure, my treasure?”
“Pizza, my dear. They say it’s the best here.”
“You’re right. It’s a delight.”
“We should totally write lyrics together. Do your fans know what a goofball you are?”
“No. And don’t tell them, either. My cool factor might slip a few notches.”
Drew yanked her away from the teeming sidewalk crowd and under a storefront awning. She grabbed Nikki’s lapels and kissed her. “Not a chance. You are the definition of cool and hot. You cover the full spectrum, babe.”
Nikki kissed her back softly. “I love that I can let my guard down and be myself with you.”
“You mean you’re not a goofball with other people?”
Nikki shook her head. “Just Jaymi, but only after we have a few beers in us.”
We. Us. Interesting. Nikki told her they only drank socially.
Nikki’s look turned somber as she continued, “We haven’t done that in a long time.”
That was a relief, but what was with the mood change?
Nikki looked at her and smiled. “I’m glad my partying days are over.”
Drew relaxed. Me too.
Nikki hailed a taxi and instructed the driver to take them to the best pizza place in the neighborhood.
“Can we go to one of those parlors where they have those little round tables and you stand up to eat?” Drew asked. They only had one day. She wanted as much of the Big Apple experience as she could squeeze in.
The driver dropped them at a place that matched their request exactly. Nikki agreed to let her pay for the fare and lunch, although compared to all the other activities they were doing, she felt a little cheap that those were her only contributions so far. She didn’t rule out charging something later, too, should the opportunity present itself.
She sank her teeth into the most mouthwatering pizza she’d ever eaten. It was so good, she almost felt guilty that she hadn’t paid more for it. After lunch, Nikki led the way in and out of clothing stores along Fifth Avenue. They had just enough time to get back to the room and change into their new outfits before heading to dinner.
A Broadway-sized butterfly dance took over her insides as she shrugged into the blazer and straightened the collar of her white tuxedo shirt. She’d decided to be pseudo-mod stylish by going without a tie. She topped off the fitted suit with the fedora Nikki had suggested to conceal the bruise above her eye. She checked her look in the mirror and liked what she saw. She felt classy. She shoved away the guilty budget-brain nag and delighted in the joyful perfect fit of her new attire.
Nikki was certainly accomplishing her goal of spoiling her. Drew beamed at her reflection. I look damn good with this smile on my face, too.
***
Nikki turned around when she heard Drew come out of the bathroom. “Wow.”
“What do you think?”
“Wow.”
Drew did a little spin, her confident smile filling the room with a glow that could put Broadway spotlights to shame. Then Drew turned that smile on her, and Nikki knew that Drew also liked what she saw.
She smoothed down the front of her white coat with tails and stepped into Drew’s arms. “Wow.”
“Is that all you can say?”
“Drew, you’re absolutely stunning. How do you expect me to pay attention to the orchestra with you sitting next to me wearing this?”
Drew’s smile widened, if that was even possible, and said, “I guess we’ll both suffer, then, because you look gorgeous and dashing and downright delicious in that tux.”
“Delicious, huh?”
Drew cleared her throat. “Scrumptious.” She gave Nikki a soft, sensuous kiss that promised of things to come.
Things that had to wait. Drew’s kiss chased away coherent thought and tempted her to say to hell with dinner and concertos. Drew finally pulled away, leaving Nikki’s feet struggling for purchase and her heart threatening to escape her chest.
“You kiss as good as you look. Which is why we need to go.”
Drew caressed her with her eyes. “I already know what I want for dessert.”
“That makes two of us.” She led them to the door before she completely crumbled.
She checked her pockets, making sure she had everything, and offered Drew her arm. “Are you ready for the night of your life?”
“Lead the way.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
As hard as it was to leave the hotel suite earlier, Nikki wouldn’t have traded Drew’s obvious enjoyment of their evening out together for anything. It began with a divine Tuscan meal at Trattoria Dell’Arte on Seventh Avenue. After the spill incident during her first meal at Drew’s apartment, she avoided ordering a dish with red sauce. Nikki guessed Drew’s hesitation in ordering was a reaction to the prices, but she convinced her to pay no attention to them. A deal was a deal. She’d let Drew pay for a few things today, which meant the rest of the weekend was her treat. It was worth it when Drew couldn’t stop raving about the food and the vintage white wine Nikki had chosen.
If that weren’t enough, the concert was perfection. Drew seemed spellbound by the sights and unmatched sound quality of Stern Auditorium. During the second movement, appropriately entitled “Romanze,” Drew’s eyes closed as if the delicate piano melody was flowing through her veins and filling her with peace. She was angelic. Nikki gently took Drew’s hand, prompting a contented sigh and sweet upward twitch of Drew’s lips.
Nikki lost the ability to breathe. Everything shifted. Every defining “before and after” moment in her life and every significant event that was burned in her memory galloped through her inner vision. The day she acknowledged she was a lesbian. The first time she kissed a girl. The 9 / 11 terrorist attacks. The day she signed Passion Play’s recording contract. The night she crossed the line with Jaymi. And now…the day I knew I was in love with Drew. As sure as she’d been able to visualize her musical dreams coming true, she could now picture Drew in every dream she wanted to come true from this point on.
The movement ended, and Drew met her gaze. “How did you know?” Drew said softly.
“Know what?”
“How’d you know that’s my favorite piece of music ever written?”
“I didn’t. I remembered how much you enjoyed it when we watched Amadeus. It’s played at the end when they roll the credits, right?”
Drew kissed her cheek. “You are beyond sweet.”
They quieted as the third movement began. Nikki was swept up in the music and Drew’s beautiful face, but her new mission in life challenged her focus. She wanted nothing more than to spend her remaining days making Drew happy.
And nothing was going to stop her.
After perusing the gift shop for souvenirs, they walked to Times Square. She happily tagged along as Drew marveled at the neon signs and flashing lights and led her into shops that captured her interest. They popped into a café and warmed themselves with piping hot chocolate.
It was after one when they finally got back to their room. Drew’s cheeks were pink from the cold as she hung their overcoats in the closet.
She slinked her arms around Nikki’s waist. “That was the most fun I’ve ever had in my whole life.”
Nikki felt her smile reach her ears. “Yeah? Which part?”
“All of it.”
“So…I did a good thing bringing you here?”
“Yes. Nikki, thank you so much. I had such a blast. The symphony alone would have been more than enough. But dinner and Times Square, too? And this outfit! I don’t think I’ve ever worn anything so fancy before. I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you.”
Nikki cupped Drew’s face in her hands. Drew’s eyes darkened. “Kiss me, and we’ll be even.”
She closed the gap and lost herself in Drew’s lips. Your happiness is all the thanks I need.
***
Skip the bubble bath tonight. She was taking Nikki straight to bed. Their cheeks were chilled, but Nikki’s full lips were hot against hers. They’d kissed many times by now, but there was something different this time. Despite the long day and late hour, she lost all sense of time. She wanted to savor every minute of this glorious night. Nikki seemed to be in no hurry, either.
She reluctantly pried her lips away. “Nikki.”
Nikki didn’t stop. She just kissed her elsewhere. Her face. Her jawline.
“Baby.”
Her neck.
“Oh, God. Baby, I don’t want to sleep standing up.”
Nikki traced the shell of her ear with her tongue. “Who said anything about sleeping?”
The warm breath sent shivers straight through to her pulsing center. “Then take me to bed and make love to me.”
Nikki kissed her lips. “You’re reading my mind again.”
Drew sat on the bed, and Nikki kissed her again, pushing the blazer off her shoulders. She worked two buttons open on her shirt and kissed her bare shoulder. She unbuttoned two more and placed kisses along her collarbone.
Drew closed her eyes and dropped her head back, reveling in the torturously slow process. Nikki took care of the last button. She waited for her to remove the shirt, but Nikki surprised her by unbuttoning her pants instead. Nikki knelt and kissed her stomach as her hands reached behind her and unhooked her bra. Her kisses traveled downward to just above the waistband of her underwear. She teased one finger along the edge.
She combed her fingers through Nikki’s hair, tempted to urge her head between her legs. Instead, she let the anticipation build for whatever Nikki had in store for her. All thoughts drifted from her consciousness, and her physical senses took over.
Nikki kept kissing her stomach as she removed Drew’s shoes and socks. Drew caressed her back and shoulders and then braced her weight on her palms behind her. The throb between her legs grew stronger. Nikki came back up and placed a firm kiss on her lips. She slipped off Drew’s shirt and then her bra. She scooted Drew back and straddled her before their lips connected again.
“Take off my shirt.” Nikki’s voice was hoarse with desire. She held Drew’s gaze and removed her tie.
She took her time with the shirt, as Nikki had, and kissed her body as she did so. God, her skin was like silk. She brushed her hands across Nikki’s abs, her back, and in a few easy moves, Nikki was topless. They came together again in a more urgent kiss, breasts pressed together and their centers growing hotter with building friction.
“Drew.” Nikki’s breath was ragged. “God, Drew, you’re so beautiful. I want to show you how special you are to me, baby.”
They finished undressing and got under the covers. Nikki lowered herself on top of her and gave her another round of kisses all over her lips, her face, and her neck. She was so achingly beautiful; Drew couldn’t believe Nikki was with her when she could have any woman she wanted.
Nikki stroked her cheek with the backs of her fingers, triggering another response below. “I wanna get lost in you.”
Nikki’s dark eyes caressed her soul with a longing look that said this wasn’t just sex to her. Before she could register what that meant, Nikki claimed her lips again and began an easy stroke between her legs. She lost interest in analyzing anything. Nikki moved to her breasts and alternated between nipples, licking and sucking and nibbling to her heart’s content. At the same time, Nikki’s fingers teased her into a need so fierce she couldn’t think if she wanted to.
She arched into Nikki’s movements, craving release yet never wanting it to end. “Baby, oh God, this feels so good.”
Nikki kissed her. “I could make love to you all night, and I still wouldn’t get enough of you.”
Her heart pounded and swelled with emotion. Their connection was so intense, and she still wanted more. “Nikki. Come to me, baby. I want to taste you when I come.”
“Oh God.” Nikki exhaled deeply against her skin, sending another jolt through her system. Nikki swung her body around and lowered herself onto Drew’s mouth.
Drew almost lost control when Nikki brought her lips against her. Nikki slowed her pace, giving her own body time to catch up to Drew’s, until they matched each other’s rhythms. Drew exploded seconds before Nikki. They fell apart, gasping for air and moaning in shared pleasure.
Moments later, Nikki wrapped her body into hers and kissed her gently. “I have never experienced anything more beautiful. Thank you for sharing yourself with me.”
Her words touched Drew’s heart. “What a beautiful thing to say.”
“I mean it, Drew. This…what I feel for you when we’re together like this…it’s like nothing I’ve ever known.”
Drew swallowed hard. Was Nikki falling in love with her? It was too soon for that, wasn’t it? She’d heard of people falling fast. They’d discussed being in a relationship, but she needed to be careful to take things slowly now for exactly that reason. She needed to make sure this was right before throwing around the L-word.
***
Nikki was too wound up to sleep. As far as she could tell, Drew was dead to the world, totally oblivious to her inner war of words. Words that almost slipped out last night on more than one occasion. I’m falling in love with you, Drew. Did she even have to speak the words for Drew to know? Could Drew feel it when she touched her? When she kissed her? When she was making love to her?
Drew rolled over and hugged her from behind. A lock of Drew’s hair and warm breath caressed her bare shoulder. She never wanted this night to end. She peeked at the clock. She needed to get to sleep. They had to check out by eleven, and then she planned to surprise Drew with a tour of the Met before they headed home. It was crazy to cram in so much in only two days, but she had no idea if and when they’d ever get this chance again.
Their lives were going to get busy again after the holidays, and they wouldn’t have much time together. Drew might find that she couldn’t handle it. She was used to a simple, routine life in one place. If Drew didn’t feel the same way about her, she probably wouldn’t stick around.
The last time she’d fallen in love, she’d waited too long to act on it, and she lost out to another woman. That was different. She’d known Jaymi for a few years, not a few weeks. She’d buried her feelings because of the band’s “no dating each other” rule. There were no such rules with Drew.
She didn’t like waiting to go after what she wanted. She wasn’t a rock star by accident. Still, singing her heart out wasn’t the same as putting it out on her sleeve to be stomped on. She might get her heart broken again. Or scare Drew off. Why couldn’t she have as much courage in the love game as she did in the music business?
She needed advice. Maybe she’d call Randi next week. Right now, she needed to sleep. She brought Drew’s hand to her lips and drifted off, too exhausted to think about it anymore.
Chapter Thirty-Five
For the first time in a long time, Drew had no gumption to go to work. She was exhausted, but it was a good tired. She floated into DJ’s with a newfound energy and sense of adventure. She buzzed around the store all morning, rearranging instruments, setting up new displays with Geena, talking her dad’s ear off with ideas for boosting sales, and basking in the afterglow of everything she’d shared with Nikki in the last few days.
She caught herself fantasizing about playing with a symphony orchestra. She’d never had such lofty ambitions before. Maybe she’d allowed the anger toward her mother to squelch her dreams. Now it felt as if dreams were just waiting for her to reach out and grab them.
“My God, woman. You’re on fire!” Geena said as they finished the last grouping of Black Friday package deals.
