Redemption(11)

He snaked an arm around my lower back, pressing me firmly to his chest. Eye to eye we glared playfully. “Yeah, you do. He needs to know you’re spoken for, and dates to the symphony won’t happen with anyone other than me.”

“You don’t want to go to the symphony. Plus, Ya-sang Min is a soloist.”

“I don’t care if Ya-sang Min plays at the Grand Ole Opry. You won’t be going with Rob.” He swatted my butt playfully. “Now, let’s get to class. We can talk about the ya-ya guy later.”

I rolled my eyes, but I was anything but irritated. Dan just staked his claim, and now my panties were uncomfortably damp.





5





Chapter Five





I’d thought having Dan in my class would be awkward, but it only took a few minutes for me to forget he was there and get lost in the group. These were all seniors who played beautifully. I used them as excuses to join in, which they graciously allowed me to do. By the end of the class, Brielle, the best in the bunch had challenged me to a dual of strings. I loved this form of banter, the way the mind worked to create quick snapshots of fantastic tricks to highlight a performer’s skills. It was a conversation of sorts, a musical jousting, but with the right partner, it was fun and playful. Brielle reminded me of why I’d always loved the violin.

I conceded, granting her the win when the class was over. Each of the students talked gaily as they packed up their instruments. When I’d finished with my own and closed the case, Dan joined me at the podium.

“Bye, Dr. Jackson. Have a great weekend.”

“You too. Stay out of trouble.” I winked at Brielle knowing the girl likely couldn’t spell the word trouble much less find it.

“Yes, ma’am.” Then she looked at Dan. Smiled. And looked back at me. “You, too.”

My jaw dropped, and eyes went wide at her insinuation. She just laughed as she left the room with her friends. I was embarrassed and probably a profound shade of red.

“I had no idea you played like that.”

My focus returned to Dan. I waved him off. “We were just messing around.”

“If that’s just messing around, I’d be blown away by anything serious.”

“It’s my job, Dan. I’m supposed to be able to play well.”

“That wasn’t playing well, Lissa. That was like watching one of those rap face-offs where they come up with stuff on the fly, and one of them ends up slamming the other—except there was no slam. You were both freaking great.”

“Thank you. But really, it’s nothing. I just studied for a lot of years and had more time on my hands than most teenagers. Life of a nerd.” I shrugged off the compliment, but internally I devoured it like it was my last meal.

“I wish I’d known nerds like you when I was in high school. I would have been putty in your hands.”

“Doubtful you would have even noticed me. I was a bit of a Wallflower.”

“How could anyone have ignored that gorgeous hair of yours? It’s like a beacon in the night.”

I rolled my eyes. He laid it on thick, but I appreciated the sentiment. He pulled me to him, taking my violin case in his other hand and escorted me out the door. With a quick stop by my office, we were on our way back to his place—in separate cars. The traffic was a nightmare as usual on a Friday afternoon, and by the time we’d reached his house, my nerves were frazzled. It was still difficult being in the car for extended periods of time, especially when it was hot outside. The memories plagued me, and I’d do anything to escape them, hence the reason I usually stayed in my office to work until everyone else was long since home.

Dan jumped out of his car and came to my door to help me out. I’d been here several times, but it always seemed new every time I arrived. Nothing changed, but I still hadn’t settled into the idea that this relationship was indeed that—a relationship and not just a fling. Today was the first time Dan had confirmed it was anything more than just dating, but I wasn’t ready to hang my hat on that just yet. Being possessive was a far cry from being committed.

He led me into the house by my hand. The moment the door closed behind us, he was on me. Hands in my hair, feverishly pulling me into him, taking my mouth. The way he kissed me always left me undone, but in the moments where he was heated, it was almost unbearable. I craved his touch, was desperate for intimate contact but feared what that meant for us in the long run. Dan had admitted he hadn’t been the relationship type prior to me, and I wasn’t ready to have my heart stomped on by the first person I let in. But sometimes, lust won over love—today was one of those days.

“Please don’t make me wait any longer, Lissa.” His voice dropped an octave and vibrated through my body the way the piano does when I’m playing dark, baroque pieces. The sound of his words strummed my most intimate parts.

I didn’t respond with words—actions seemed more appropriate at this juncture. My hands slipped back under Dan’s shirt, but this time, I grabbed the hem and took it up as I explored. He took the hint, removing the garment when I hit his pecs. We’d been handsy, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight of Dan shirtless. The way his abs rolled, the thick corded muscular shoulders, the definition of his biceps, all the way down to the chiseled V in his waist, was perfection. I’d managed not to drool but not by much. His hands dropped to his sides allowing me time to take it all in without judgment. Dan didn’t rush me through getting acquainted with his physique, and I hoped I had the patience to allow him to do the same.