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The music blared as he drove. He still saw her in his mind, leaning against the door, waving goodbye, hair long, flat, and wet against her head. He sighed. The image would not dissipate and he had to smile. He shook his head and then grinned. His luck was definitely changing. His life was on the rise, literally. He shifted uncomfortably in the seat. Thinking about Lori made his jeans tight. His life had been a mess the last few months after his breakup with January. He hated to even go back to that place in his life but now, as he thought about it, it didn’t seem so bad. Probably because he had finally found someone who would fit the void that Jan had left. It was like an open wound, throbbing in pain and bleeding. They had a fairytale wedding in Beverly Hills the year before, January stunning in a flowing, white satin gown made specifically for her by Ellie Saab. The dress itself had set them back almost $20,000. Josh nearly choked when he saw the bill for that! It was the precursor to an argument about frivolous spending and being as Josh had headed up a charity foundation couldn’t see the need for a dress that would be worn once for nearly 20 grand. She had insisted and he reluctantly gave in. She did look bewitching but she probably would have looked heavenly in something for $2,000 too. He rented a tuxedo for $45 and made sure he waved that in front of her face. It had just been the rocky start to a marriage that would end in disaster and heartbreak. He slid his keycard into the slot and the door that led to the underground parking garage at the condo he and Jan once shared rose and he slid the Porsche underneath it before it could finish it’s task. He swung into his space, got out, locked the doors and set the alarm before heading to the elevator that led to his home. He dreaded the awful memories that overwhelmed him the moment he entered but it had been his place before the marriage and would be long after. He would overcome the nausea that passed through him when he walked through the place, he was determined. He opened the door and the cool air hit him like a tidal wave. Since January left he’d turned down the temperature on the air conditioner and kept the place a chilly 65, much like her personality. He chuckled to himself and closed and locked the door behind him. He tossed his keys onto the credenza in the foyer and then made his way to his answering machine to see who’d called in the last day or so when he wasn’t home. He had 8 new messages and as he played them he bent down and untied his shoes.
“Josh, it’s mom. Why aren’t you answering your cell phone?” He chuckled to himself as he kicked his shoes off into a corner, deleted the message and went on to the next.
“Where are you?” It was Chris. Delete.
“Dude! Come down here, I found someone to teach you to play the geetar and you will love her! Dude? Josh?” Eric swore in the background as he hung up the phone when Josh didn’t pick up. Delete.
“Josh …” He felt an ache in the pit of his belly as he heard the soft voice that addressed him on the machine. He pulled his tee shirt up and over his head as she spoke. “I’m just calling to check on you, make sure everything’s okay. I heard you have a tiny break. I’m in Canada on the set right now but if you’d like to fly up we could have lunch or something. Call me.” He reached over and deleted the message quickly. He chastised himself for listening to it at all. His chest ached and he felt sick to his stomach. He never should have listened to it. He unzipped his jeans and slid them down over his slim legs.
“Josh, mom again. Don’t forget about breakfast tomorrow morning after church. We’re going to meet at the restaurant promptly at 11. Don’t be late.” Delete. He had forgotten about it and sighed. His mind wandered back to Lori. It had been heavenly to wake up to her this morning. She was beautiful and smiling. He wondered if she would be willing to go to breakfast with the Groban family tomorrow …
“Hey, ass! You’d better not be where I think you are …” Chris again. He didn’t sound happy. Josh frowned and deleted the message. Not bothering to listen to the rest he headed off to the shower.
The phone rang and Chris snapped it up.
“Where the hell were you?” He said in lieu of hello. Josh sighed and took a swig of his coffee.
“Why? What’s it to you, you a cop or something?” Josh joked. Chris sighed, frustrated.
“I think you were with her.” Josh frowned and pursed his lips.
“Her who?” He said, he was sure he knew full well of whom Chris spoke but he had to find out.
“You know who I’m talking about. I told you I wanted to ask her out and you went behind my back didn’t you?” Josh rolled his eyes and stared out the window at the darkening sky. “You not saying anything tells me I’m right.” Josh sighed.
“Chris, I had already …”
“You know, I’m too pissed off to talk to you right now. That was wrong and you know it!” The phone went dead before Josh could protest. He sighed and rubbed his chin nervously. He didn’t want to hurt his little brother but Josh had already planned on asking her out the moment they crashed into each other at the Greek. He had no clue that Chris was planning the same thing and now here he was in a battle over a woman with his brother that he’d already won. He stared out the window again and then sighed disgustedly. He redialed the number on the cell phone and waited while it rang. Chris picked it up and said nothing.
“Chris, don’t do this. I didn’t know you planned on asking her out.” Silence on the other end.
“Yeah, you did.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Uhhh probably because I told you I was going to.” Josh sighed.
“I’d already been out with her once by then.”
“Dammit, Josh! You didn’t even tell me then, just let me go on believing that I had a chance. This sucks and I am not happy with you right now. I hope you’re not planning on going to breakfast tomorrow because I don’t want to see your face. I feel like punching it in!” The phone went dead once again and Josh leaned his head back on the couch and sighed. Well … he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, held it for a moment, then let it out … things had been looking up.
Josh dressed in dark blue jeans and a button down shirt after Lori called and he gave her directions to the condo. While waiting for her he called his mom, hoping to give her some insight on what was going on between he and his brother and not knowing she was going to light into him the moment he addressed her.
“I think that was dirty what you did to Chris. Joshua, you should be ashamed of yourself.” He sighed and frowned into the phone.
“Well what’s up with that, mom? It’s not like I stole his girlfriend or anything.”
“Don’t start with me young man, you knew he wanted to date her.” He felt his temper flare but bit his tongue.
“Not until after we’d already gone out once, mom. This isn’t fair that you’re taking his side without even knowing mine.” That’s the way it had always been when they were growing up. Until Josh because a famous singer in his own right, Chris was always the golden boy of the family.
“I don’t need to know yours Joshua. Not only that …” He knew what she was going to say next and cut her off before she could come out with it. He didn’t want to hear it. Bad enough it went through his own head on a daily basis …
“Don’t want to hear it.” He said matter-of-fact.
“You’d better do something about it then.” He sighed.
“I will. She’s just too far away right now …”
“That woman is despicable and I’m ashamed she was even in our family at all, even for a year!” Josh clicked his tongue disgustedly.
“You didn’t think so at first, you were all about having a real celebrity in the family. As if I wasn’t one.”
“You sure know how to twist things Joshua. I didn’t really like her from the start. And she was never a real celebrity. She rode on your coat tails 90 percent of the time so don’t go putting words in my mouth.” Well this phone call had taken a nasty turn and wasn’t cheering him up any. He glanced at his watch and figured that Lori would be there any minute.
“Well, I don’t know if I should go to breakfast with you guys tomorrow or not then. Chris is mad at me and now you are too.” Lindy was silent a moment.
“You’re not planning on bringing her are you? ‘Cause honestly Josh, it would cause trouble.” His heart sank into his belly at the same time the doorman rang him that Lori had arrived. He got up from the barstool he perched on and headed for the front door.
“No, I wouldn’t bring her.” He said disgustedly. “I’m not sure I’m going to go.” Lindy sighed.
“You’re doing it again.” She said. He frowned.
“Doing what?” He asked and opened the front door. He peeked down the hallway to see if Lori was there yet. When he didn’t see her, he leaned against the wall and waited.
“Putting a woman ahead of your family.” He rolled his eyes again. Would he ever win? He doubted it …..
“Mom, I’m not … Chris is the one making a major deal out of this.”
“I’m sure you think so.” Lindy said. Just then the elevator door opened and Lori stepped out. Josh’s heart leaped into his throat at the very sight of her and he felt himself shudder.
“Mom, I have to go but I’ll talk to you later.” He said and hung up the phone as he watched her approach. She wore a short skirt with a beaded, sparkling blouse over it, her legs were long and bare and her hair was up, pinned at the top and falling loose down her back. It bounced against her back as she walked. He slid his arms around her as she approached him and he pressed his mouth against hers hungrily.
“Wow!” She said, taking a deep breath as he released her reluctantly. He winked at her. “I missed you too.” She said as he pulled her into his place and closed the door behind them.
“So this is where I live.” He said as she looked around. The place was neat as a pin and tastefully decorated.
“It’s very nice.” She said going over to a grouping of photos on the wall and looking them over. “Did you decorate it yourself?” She eyed the photos and Josh felt a rush of panic as she looked at the wedding photo of him and his ‘ex.’ He rushed over to her and led her away from the photos by her elbow.
“No, I didn’t decorate. I am a man, I have no taste, you know that!” Lori giggled. “Let me show you around …” He led her down the hallway and into the kitchen. “This is the kitchen. You see it’s been used very little …” Lori sighed. She loved to cook and she loved this kitchen. She could whip up something good in here for sure!
“Okay.” She said. He dragged her into the dining room where there were stacks of mail all over the table.
“And you see that I eat lots of dinners in here …” She sighed disgustedly and he laughed. He showed her the rooftop porch, the guest room and finally his bedroom. He led her inside and then, embarrassed, kicked the pile of dirty laundry he had laying near the dresser. The room was very plain, no pictures on the wall, the only decoration being the color which was slate gray and the comforter on the bed; it was black with silver threads running through it. It had been decorated once and the same day Jan moved out, Josh cleaned out the room and discarded everything that reminded him of her – including the laundry hamper.
“Oh very romantic room you have here Josh …” She teased. He blushed and pulled her into his arms. Leaning down he pressed his lips against hers and kissed.
“It’s not the room, babe. It’s what goes on in it.” He raised his eyebrows at her and slid his hands up her back and then down again. She rested her wrists on his shoulders as his lips pressed against hers, opening to her mouth, his tongue snaking out and mingling with hers. She sucked at him, their mouths together making a slurping sound. He pulled back and looked at her, he was breathing heavily, his eyes smoldering. “I want you …” He whispered. She smiled slowly and licked her lips. It was obvious she felt the same.
“I do too.” She confirmed. He went to kiss her again but she pressed two fingers against his mouth and giggled. “No!” He backed up and stared at her. He blinked a few times then smiled.
“Why not?” He questioned. She unbuttoned the first button on his shirt and pulled it open a tiny bit, exposing his furry chest.
“Because we’re going out for dinner, remember?” She turned and walked out of the bedroom. He watched her go, the hem of her skirt bouncing off the back of her shapely thighs as she walked. He made a growling noise that began deep in his chest and then followed her.
They went to Restaurant Row in Beverly Hills. Josh took her to his favorite place. They were seated in a private corner towards the back of the dining room. After they ordered Josh poured them both a glass of wine and then folded his hands on the table in front of him. His eyes roamed over Lori. Noticing this she blushed slightly and smiled. Josh thought about the breakfast in the morning and sighed.
“What’s the sigh for?” She asked as she took the first sip of her drink. He bit his lip, not sure if he should divulge the situation to her or not.
“My parents want me to go out to breakfast with them tomorrow morning.” She frowned and then raised one eyebrow.
“And that’s a bad thing?” She asked, confused.
“Not necessarily but my brother and I have had a sort of … falling out.”
“You and Chris? About what?” He took a drink of his wine and finished half of it in one gulp.
“Yeah. Well … it is just something stupid really. I’d rather not discuss it right now. I just don’t know if I want to go or not. I was going to ask you to come with me but not if he’s going to act like an ass.”
“I thought he was nice when I met him.” She said.
“He thought you were very nice too.”
“Well I’m sorry you guys are fighting. Anything I can do to help?” He looked at her pretty face and fell into her blue eyes. Her lips were tinted pink obviously from lipstick. They were plump and sparkly, completely inviting. He shook his head and brought himself back to the conversation.
“No, nothing you can do. We have to work it out amongst ourselves.” He sighed. Especially since it was her they were arguing about. She nodded.
“So I’ve heard your mom is deeply involved in your charity foundation.” Josh nodded.
“She is. She’s a champ when it comes to charity stuff.”
“That’s quite admirable. I’d do it if I had more time.” He finished his wine and poured himself another glass. “Soooo …” Lori said, staring down at her glass and turning it around and around with two fingers around the stem of the glass. Josh had an ominous feeling about what was to come after the ‘sooo.’ “I saw the photos of your wedding in your condo.” She glanced up at him. His eyes were nervously opened wide and he almost choked on the drink he was trying to swallow.
“Yeah, I’m sorry I didn’t take those down yet. It’s been six months since we split and I haven’t gotten around to cleaning out the memories. Not to mention I’ve been on tour so I haven’t been home much.” She nodded but still looked down at her glass. Josh reached out and slipped his warm hand around hers. She looked up at him, he caught her gaze and held it. “It’s over. It’s been over.” Her eyes softened. He pulled her hand to his face and kissed it then he turned it over and kissed her palm a few times. He stuck his tongue out and licked her palm a few times. She sighed as her body reacted instantly. She pulled her hand back and made a fist trying to silence the desire that was threatening to flow through her. The food came and they ate in silence. After dinner they decided to go to a VIP only club. Josh’s ego was slightly bruised when the bouncer at the door recognized Lori and not Josh. After he said who he was then the big, burly guy knew but until he said his name he was just another guy. They went in and found a table close to the dance floor. Josh sighed.
“What was that for?” Lori asked. The waitress appeared out of nowhere and took their drink orders. She brought back their drinks as quickly as she had appeared then disappeared.
“Nothing.” Josh said, just a little put out. He took a gulp of his beer. Lori smiled.
“Don’t tell me ‘nothing’ when I know it’s something.” Josh stared out onto the dance floor where sexy bodies bumped and grinded to the loud, hip-hopping music. Lori got up from her chair and sat down on Josh’s lap straddling him, and facing him. He glanced down at her skirt which was hiked way up exposing her thighs. She rested her forearms on his shoulders. “Is the mega big recording star a little bothered by the fact that he wasn’t readily recognized and the lowly DJ was?” She teased. He broke out in a sly, crooked smile and Lori laughed. “I knew it!” She said triumphantly. He laughed. She covered his mouth with small kisses as he slid his hands around her waist. She left a little wet trail that led from his lips to his ear where she moved his hair and nibbled his ear lobe. “Check underneath my skirt, I have a surprise for you.” She whispered. He moved a hand to her leg where he slid it slowly up her thigh until he was underneath the fabric of her skirt and found nothing but a thin string and a triangular patch of silk that covered her mound. He gasped audibly. She lapped at his ear then dipped her tongue inside. His fingers wiggled down her thigh and back up again. He wanted to touch her but was afraid. Nervously he glanced around. “Oh baby …” She sighed into his ear. “I feel you getting hard.” He blushed though no one else could see in the darkened lounge. Silently he trailed his finger down her thigh again and boldly slid it between her legs. She moaned into his ear as he ran his finger up her hairless mound and the tickled the inside of her. He groaned as she moaned again, her excitement obvious. He moved his other hand from her back to the back of her neck and pulled her mouth down on his.
“I want you.” He groaned. She giggled and pulled away from him. She stood and backed onto the dance floor using her fingers to indicate he should follow. Josh couldn’t stand. He was so huge and hard in his pants that it was all too obvious his desire for her. He shook his head no, embarrassed. She danced around in front of him, the music moving her body erotically. He watched as she writhed to the beat, his heart pounding to the music. She turned and wiggled her behind at him, the skirt flapping up and exposing her well-formed, rounded cheeks. He growled. Suddenly the beat changed direction. Lori wiggled herself backwards towards him and rubbed herself on him. He slid his hands up the backs of her legs and over her ass. She turned and climbed onto his lap again running her hands through his hair, she pulled his mouth to hers. He sucked at her hungrily. Had it not been for the hundreds of people around he would have thrown her to the floor and nailed her right there. His hand found the spot between her legs and this time he wasted no time in parting her soft lips and slipping a finger into her. She moaned as he moved in and out, the wetness dribbling out into his palm. Josh found he could take no more. He grabbed her hair and held it tightly.
“We have to find someplace …” He ordered. She hopped up off of him and pulled him by the hand to the back of the club. Bursting into the bathroom, she dragged him into a stall. Pinning him against the door, her hands groped his erection through his jeans. He slid his hands down over her ass and lifted her skirt up as his mouth overtook hers. Suddenly, not able to contain himself any longer, he turned her around and pushed her forward. She waited impatiently while he unzipped his pants and pulled out his massive hard on. Lori opened her legs wide to allow him access and he slipped quickly inside and buried himself deep. They fucked in the tight space, their carnal need for satisfaction overcoming the desire to make love as their bodies slammed together, Josh grunting with every long stroke. He came with such force that without realizing it he cried out and clutched Lori to his chest, his arms wrapping tightly around her, his body trembling. She held onto the wall for support as her legs wobbled with the weight of Josh on her back. When he felt his breathing returning to some semblance of normal he pulled out and tucked himself back into his pants. Lori sat heavily on the toilet and leaned forward against him. Smoothing down her hair, he then pulled her up as she extended her hands to him. He held her against his chest. She could hear his heart thumping.
“Dear God …” He whispered, not even sure about what had just transpired. All he knew is that it felt wicked. “I’ve never done anything like that before.” Lori smiled.
“Let’s get out of here before we get caught.” She said. They almost made it out the door when four women came in. Josh ducked his head as they brushed past and back into the dark club. Josh and Lori fell back into their seats laughing.
“Oh my God!” Josh gushed. “I can’t believe that!” Lori giggled.
“You’re an animal!” He gulped down half his drink.
“Me? No, it was you!”
“Pffft!” She said as she drank her beer. “I wasn’t the one about to cum in my pants!” He pointed at her and frowned.
“That was because of you!” Lori laughed again. She knew it was and she loved it. He was so easy! She hopped up and took his hands into hers.
“Can you dance now?” She asked tugging at him. He got up willingly and followed her onto the dance floor.
“I will certainly try …” He said.
