A Beautiful Instrument

18: You Two Are Going To Be Trouble

Jeremy directs me. "Scoot forward in your chair."

I do as he says and he settles in behind me, straddling the chair. I feel his hardness pressing against my backside. He pulls me back against him, setting me into position. "Does that feel just about right?"

"Perfect." I murmur.

"Go ahead and resume. I'm just going to make a few tweaks as you play. Don't stop when you feel my hands on you." He instructs.

I laugh. "That's going to be hard to do."

"We practice, then we play." His voice in my ear sends shivers through me. He notices and puts his hands on his legs to minimize distraction.

I resume playing. Jeremy makes a few subtle changes to my bow position as I play. I close my eyes and try to memorize what this feels like for next time.

When I conclude, Jeremy moves my hair from my neck and whispers. "You're the image from a dream. Now play me something special to you."

Without thinking I begin playing Faure's Elegie. It was the first piece I soloed in college following the death of my father. I have not played it in many years because it always has the same effect on me.

Jeremy goes still behind me as the familiar emotions start to take hold. The goosebumps of anticipation, the heat creeping among my neck, and the lump forming in my throat that I swallow back as I fight unsuccessfully to keep the tears from rolling down my cheeks.

Jeremy sits behind me, unmoving although I feel his breathing ragged like mine and feel his heart hammering in his chest. I've dragged him along on this emotional journey with me. I stop playing and crumble. His strong arms hold me upright as I sob, wracked with emotion.

"I'm so sorry. I should know not to play that piece, but I felt so safe with you." I weep.

"Shhh. I'm here. It's okay." He cradles me in his arms, kissing my hair. When I've calmed a little, I tilt my neck back to look at him. His forehead is creased with worry, his eyes filled with concern for me. He gives me a soft smile.

"That song holds a lot of meaning for me. It was the first performance I had...after my dad..." I stammer.

"Hey, look at me. He'd be very proud of how beautifully you play and the effect you have on others when you play." Jeremy tells me.

"Thank you, Jeremy."

"Here, let me play something for you." He offers. I go to get up and hand him my instrument. He rests his hands on my hips. "No, stay put. You inspire me, Leigh."

I lean back against him as he assumes control of the instrument. To draw it nearer, he pulls it tight against my body, pinning me between him and it. I have to spread my legs wider and I can feel myself getting aroused by his close proximity.

He begins to play a bluesy number. The vibrations resonant through the instrument and my body as if I have become one with the instrument. As he draws the bow back and forth along the strings, it brushes against my inner thigh and I can't help, but moan.

Jeremy commands. "Lean your head back, Leigh."

I tilt my head back against his shoulder, opposite the cello. His lips find mine and we kiss passionately while he continues to play. He trails his mouth down my jaw to neck. I reach my hands out to his thighs and run my fingernails along his muscles.