Caught In The Way You Got Me (Book One)

Will You Dance To This Beat And Hold A Lover Close?

Brendon:

I've let out my anger in the first few songs and now it's the song I've been waiting for. How fucking dare she show up with Douchebag Greg. I take a deep breath and get ready to kick off the song. I turn to look at her and she looks right back at me.

"Is it still me that makes you sweat, am I who you think about in bed? When the lights are dim and your hands are shaking as you're sliding off your dress?" I start walking to side stage as I sing. "Then think of what you did, and how I hope to God he was worth it, when the lights are dim and your heart is racing as your fingers touch his skin." 

The crowd's cheers edge me on and I keep going. I gently pull her onto the stage and when they recognize her they scream louder. 

"I've got more wit, A better kiss," I sing and I pull her waist against mine. I can see that she's becoming intoxicated with her hormones and she swallows, trying to collect herself. "A hotter touch, A better fuck, than any boy you'll ever meet. Sweetie you had me."

I turn away from her and perform for the crowd now. They scream and I embrace their reaction, rooting for me despite having no idea what's going on. When I look Greg is laughing and I'm infuriated. What is so fucking funny? Asteria giggles with him and she covers her face and fans herself. They're still laughing when I finish the song and he hugs her. Behind him another guy joins the hug and I'm starting to piece together what's going on. I'm an idiot. I would get so mad at her for just assuming things and here I am, assuming like an ass. I start to laugh and she's noticed that I've noticed. I take a break and lose myself on stage, letting my relief flow through my music because I know she's here because she's here for me.

Halfway through the set my stomach tightens. It's time for Northern Downpour. I had forgotten that we were adding this song to this leg's set and she has no idea. The rest of the band leaves the stage and it's just me and the piano and she knows exactly what's next. I lose myself in the emotion of the lyrics and feel myself cry.

"The ink is running toward the page, it's chasing off the days. Look back at both feet and that winding knee. I missed your skin when you were east. You clicked your heels and wished for me." I look over and she's singing too and this sends me over the edge. I'm sobbing while I sing and she's the only person in this venue. 

The rest of the night is full of energy. She jumps to some songs and dances to others and the curves in her body inspire me to do the same. I've missed you, goddess.

At the end of our encore, she whistles and cheers and I thank the audience for being there before we run off. I run to her and scoop her into my arms. She immediately wraps her arms around my neck and we start kissing in spurts, ranging from quick pecks to longer and softer kisses with laughs in between. I press my forehead against hers, happy to have her in my arms again.

"I'm so sorry, Ri," I tell her as I kiss her cute little nose. She giggles and I'm ecstatic. 

"Me too."

"I won't do it again," I promise her. She nods.

"I know." 

"Wow, I actually make it to the show and you totally ignore me!" The guy that I realize is Greg's boyfriend gives Asteria a small nudge. 

"I'm sorry!"

"It's not all about you, babe!" Greg tells him. I laugh again at how stupid I was.

"I'm sorry, man," I tell him and hold out a hand. Greg shakes it. 

"No worries. You're her fucking boyfriend," he says immitating my angry tone from the night we met. "You were just doing what you had to do." 

I look over to Asteria and scoop her up again, lifting her up and she wraps her legs around my waist. This catches me off guard and my breath hitches. 

"I'm sorry for always thinking the worst of you, Brendon," she tells me softly. I don't even remember why I was mad at her at this point. I'm lost in how soft her skin is, how good she smells, how beautiful she looks.

"I'm sorry that I keep messing up," I tell her. My breathing is pathetically heavy. She leans in and starts kissing me. I know this is her accepting my apology and we hear her two new friends leave and talk about how we need time alone. And God, do we need time alone. 

She's silent the entire taxi ride. Once we're dropped off at her apartment she jumps out and runs to open the door. I follow her quickly. 

"You're in a hurry," I tease.

"It's cold!" she shouts and I'm slightly disappointed that it isn't because she can't wait to be alone with me. We enter her apartment building and she gently takes my hand.

"We have a lot of catching up to do," I tell her with a smile and she gets nervous. "I mean, talking wise."

Once I clarify she lets out a breath. We head into her apartment and it's just like always, completely spotless. She has little Christmas decorations and a small Christmas tree up. 

"Aren't you supposed to wait until after Thanksgiving to put your decorations up?" I ask her with a laugh.

"Well, that's in two days and I don't really have anyone to celebrate with this year, so I got started a little early," she says with a smile. My heart sinks. Her and Davey must still be distant. I really started to ruin her life and didnt realize it. A month away from her showed me a lot of things about myself and I need to grow up. It's strange how you can get so close to someone so quickly.

"Come with me," I tell her and I go into the kitchen and grab her hand. The water in her kettle is starting to boil.

"What?"

"Come home with me, to Vegas. Have Thanksgiving with my parents and me," I ask softly. It'll probably be good for her to get out and go somewhere. Alone on Thanksgiving?

"I don't know Brendon...After everything I don't think it's such a good idea for me to meet your parents right away..." I know she's right but I can't let her be by herself.

"There's a guest room, you won't have to stay with me. And you'll get some warmth from this New York winter. I mean honestly, how bad could it be to just be with a family for Thanksgiving?" I'm convincing her and I can tell because she's trying not to smile. Eventually she gives me a small nod and I scoop her up into my arms. I drop her immediately.

"I'm sorry! I forgot about your ribs!" She giggles at me and gently touches my arm.

"They're healed," she says happily and I'm ecstatic. I scoop her up again and kiss her as fast as I can. Her nose, her cheeks, her lips, her chin, her forehead, her jaw, her neck, her collarbone.

"It tickles! Stop!" she giggles and when I pull away there are tears coming from her eyes from laughing so hard. The kettle sings to let us know that the water is done and she heads to the tea cupboard. I admire the woman in front of me. Every curve of her body is perfect and she looks amazing in those jeans. I take out my phone and realize that I'll need to get her on my flight, hopeful that there are still seats left. I smile and purchase a second first class plane ticket right next to mine and turn my phone screen to face her.

"It's done. You should pack tonight because we leave tomorrow afternoon," I tell her with a smile. 

"Okay!" She says excitedly and runs to her room excitedly before even making her tea. I peek inside and see that she's getting her luggage ready and suddenly my stomach tightens...I'm going to have a girlfriend to introduce to my family this Thanksgiving...