Off Sides (Off #1)(31)

"Thank you," I whisper. "It's beautiful."

"Play it for me," he demands softly.

Lifting the violin out of the case, I take measure of its size and weight. It feels strange in my hands and I feel an overwhelming sense of grief over the violin that I had sold a few months ago to help pay for my mom's medical expenses. I had had it since I was eleven years old and it was like losing an old friend.

I look into the case and there is a small pitch pipe. I pick it up and blow on the A note. I pluck the corresponding string on the violin and it rings true. I do each of the successive strings, only having to make a small tweak to each tuner.

Glancing at Ryan I see he is watching me intently. He gives me an encouraging smile.

I pick up the instrument and tuck it under my chin. I tighten the bow, draw it over the rosin and quickly run through the scales in each key. I'm rusty and awkward but I don't care. The simple notes coming out are beautiful in a way that only a music lover would appreciate.

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and I start playing Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 in A. The music is ingrained in me and the notes come out smoother and cleaner with every second that passes. I immerse myself in the sound, in the vibrations running through my hand, in the way the strings are cutting into my fingers because I've lost my callouses from lack of play. My heart swells with the music and I can feel tears leaking out of my eyes, but I keep playing. I don't want to stop, ever again.

After what could be minutes or hours, awareness of the outside world sweeps back in as I play out the last, long notes of the piece. I inhale shakily and let it come out slowly. And then I hear loud applause and my eyes spring open. Several people have gathered nearby and were listening to me play. I give them a small smile and then turn to look at Ryan.

He has a light sheen in his eyes and it's clear he is deeply moved. I just stare at this incredible man who has given me back something that I honestly didn't think I would ever have again. And then I throw myself into his arms and kiss his face all over, whispering I Love You's with every touch of my lips. He takes the violin from my hands and sets it aside. Pushing me back down to the blanket, he rolls over on top of me, framing my face with his hands.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"My pleasure," he replies and kisses me again. When he pulls back, he grins wickedly at me. "You know, that was really hot. Think I can get you to play for me naked while you straddle me?"

I burst out laughing. "I think I can arrange something."





CHAPTER 13


Ryan



The sun is streaming in through the window of my room and it’s hitting Danny on the head, making it look like she’s wearing a halo. She's so cute lying there...on her stomach...studying. She has a pencil gripped between her teeth and her brow is furrowed. I'm sitting at my desk, trying to get studying done of my own, but it's not working. I keep looking over at her and find myself getting lost.

I smile because apparently Danny has figured something out. Her scowl disappears, and one cute dimple peaks out. She erases something with her pencil and writes something else instead. She looks extremely satisfied with herself.

Oh, to hell with studying.

I stand up from my chair and walk over to my bed. Danny is deep in thought and doesn't pay any attention to me.

I'll change that.

I quickly cover her body with my own and hear her intake of breath before she giggles.

Pulling her long hair back away from her neck, I lightly graze my lips back and forth, just below her ear. She shivers in response and squirms underneath of me.

"Do you like that?" I ask softly in her ear, just before I lick the outer edge.

Danny issues a low groan and I flex my hips into her butt in response so she can feel what she's doing to me.

"Ryan...lock your door..."

I jump up from the bed to do her bidding but just as I reach the door it swings open. Mike is standing there with a shit-eating grin on his face. I glare at him.

"Hope I didn't interrupt anything?"

Danny laughs under her breath and I look back at her. She's flipped over and scooted back to lean up against the headboard. She's resting her head on her knees, looking completely innocent. I sigh and step back for Mike to come in, knowing that I'll have to wait to get my fill of Danny.

"What's up, man?" I ask.

"I come bearing bad news, buddy. Your mom is downstairs and wants to see you."

"Fuck!"

I scrub my hand through my hair in frustration. My mom has been trying to reach me for days and I've been ignoring her phone calls. I was hoping she'd just get tired of it and leave me alone. She is on a mission to try to get Angeline back in my life and that will happen when Hell freezes over.

I walk over to Danny and kiss her on the head. "I'll be right back."

Mike pipes up. "I'll keep her company while you go battle the grizzly bear."

"Thanks, dude."

I slowly trudge down the stairs, feeling like I'm walking to my death. My mother has a way of making me feel about two inches tall, just with a look. I will have to steel myself to tell her in no uncertain terms that I am not getting back with Angeline. In fact, now is as good a time as any to tell her about Danny.

As I enter the foyer, my anger burns. Angeline is standing there beside my mother. They're both dressed in their best. Wool and cashmere and thousands of dollars in pearls. I'd take Danny in a ratty t-shirt and sweat pants any day.