URGENT (Book 2 of the Soundcrush Series)

Chapter 86: Hippie Chics Make a Decision

I feel like we need Ashlynn's reaction to Leed's hug to set us up for Tantric. I hope to have a full chapter update later today, in which many things between rock stars, Ballard sisters, and Ballard parents are decided...

Ashlynn, inside Leed's hug, 

He smells like musk and weed and chocolate.

That should be gross.

It's so not.

Oh man, the way he hugs.

It's like being inside a dream.

A really good dream.

The best world you've ever been in, but you know it's not real.

God, he's so confusing.

He saved my life.

Then he reawakened my soul.

His calls--his optimism, his hope, his confidence spilling through the line to me— became the best part of my day.

He texted me that he wanted...things.

Hot, dirty things.

He made me think...maybe I could want those things, too.

Even though I know I shouldn't.

He scared me, and I froze up.

Then he disappeared.

He didn't call me for a month.

I was sad, but I survived just fine.

Of course I did.

I am a survivor. I know that about myself, now.

He should not be hugging me like this.

He should not be tickling my ear with his grin.

He should not be teasing me.

He should not be whispering,

"My headstand is fucking perfect, baby. How's yours?"

Dammit.

Why am I still hugging him so tight?

Oh right, because I don't want to wake up from him.

He sighs and whispers into my ear.

"I thought I should...fade, after my drunk text. But I was wrong. Missed you. Your voice. Your words. Your sunny side. If you missed me half as much as I missed you, I'm so fucking sorry."

I can't speak. His presence took my breath and he's holding me too tight to allow me anymore. He realizes, and eases his tight embrace.

When I inhale, it's only more Leed I breathe in.

"Missed you too," I murmur, because it's true.

"Thank fuck," he chuckles. "Let's never not talk again. Or not do this." He squeezes me tighter, and his hands splay against my back, fingering my shoulder blades, then my spine, exploring as they travel down. "Fuuuuck. I miss things I don't even know about you. Yet."

I catch his hands, lean back and catch his eyes.

Full of lust. And something smoother. Surer.

Yet, he says. It's a threat. It's a promise.

Damn him.

He thinks he's so inevitable.

The world turns for Leed Lawson.

My world could easily turn for him.

Upside down. Inside out.

I could give him everything he thinks he needs.

I could be so good to him.

But he's larger than life, and I'm afraid he would take all of me.

He's self-absorbed. Self-indulgent. Self-deluded.

And yet he's kind. Wise in the ways he sees others, and sometimes surprisingly giving.

Wonderfully beautiful.

Inside and out.

There's no denying this man wants my time and my body.

But does he want my heart?

Shit.

One of us is in real trouble here.

One of us has to move from center.

One of us has to risk our balance.

It has to be him, because I can't afford for it to be me.

Yeah, decision made.

I will not fall at Leed Lawson's feet.

If anyone falls, it has to be him.

I don't know about you guys, but I think Ashlynn sounds pretty determined here. And if she can kick a drug habit, she can probably resist getting addicted to Leed Lawson. 

Maybe. Wink! Hope you'll join me in Tantric!