Nowwasn’t on the list.
“No shit.”Godthat brought back some good memories.Better than janitor closet sex for sure.“Should we?”
“Maybe.”Reese’s reply was a lot more likewell duhthanI don’t think so.
Brandon looked between the two of us.“Want to fill me in?”
Reese clucked.“It’s easier to show you.Stand back and enjoy the show.”
“What show?What are the two of you up to?”Brandon’s question landed against our backs.
I approached the keyboard first, and plucked out a few tentative notes.The opening chords toCarol of the Bells.The shoppers nearest me glanced in my direction, but most everyone ignored me.My hesitation was an act that built into confidence as I tapped at more keys, and then flowed into the music.
I’d played this song enough times I could keep half an eye on the building crowd.Without looking, I knew Reese was edging closer, with a similar feigned hesitation to when I’d started playing.She was waiting for a cue only we knew was coming.
When I hit that point, Reese was close enough to strike a few keys in the higher ranges.
I never paused.
She slid into a few more bars.
This was dangerous.Technically it violated Reese’s contract.But she was already in trouble and this was a lot of fun.Within a few seconds, the two of us were playing a full duet, pounding the keys with ease and fluidity.
I rose from the bench, still playing.That was Reese’s next cue.We moved toward each other and swapped places, her sitting and me standing, the song never stopping.
It was so easy to lose myself in the music.Every time I played with Reese it was like this.It was why I didn’t care what kind of crowds we drew as a band—I was there for the performance and the synchronicity with her.
Disappointment twinged inside as we neared the end of the song, but I’d rather appreciate that we got to do this at all.
We finished, and there was a heartbeat of silence before applause broke out around us.
Reese had to be devouring that, and I couldn’t stop grinning.We stood and took a bow in each direction, and finished by facing each other.
Instinct and memories kept the show going as she grasped my fingers, stepped in, and pressed her lips to mine.
Exactly the way we used to.To an even louder round of applause.I leaned into the kiss, relishing her moan and that no one would hear it but me.She traced her tongue along the seam of my lips.Sparks threatened to consume us as heat flooded my body.
This was the chemistry I’d told myself for years was gone.The need I’d tried to bury underwe’re just friends.
And now I didn’t have to stop.There was no going back from this.I cared about Reese as much as I always had.My entire world had just changed.
Sixteen
Reese
I didn’t deserve this.I didn’t deserve Danny.But the instant his mouth met mine, it was impossible to pull away.
If we stayed here, I’d shove him back onto the piano bench to find out just how okay Brandon was with me fucking his boyfriend, and I didn’t care how many of these people saw.
I broke away from Danny with a gasp.“I think I’m done shopping.”
“Me too.”He tangled fingers with mine as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Brandon fell into step with us.There wasn’t any conversation as we left the mall behind and headed out to the parking lot.
I was surprised when Danny opened the front passenger door rather than getting the back door first, especially when he slid into the seat.
He tugged my hand.“I want you on my lap.”