Familiar Pull: Decadence Series, #2

By Lyndi Stuart

Gabe Johannson, lead singer for the band Decadence, was once a laid back and all-around good guy.  That is until he was told to end his relationship with the love of his life or his band would not succeed.  He then turned into a hard, cold, heartless jerk who did not care about anyone’s feelings but his own.

Lexie Beth Brantley was on top of the world until her rock star boyfriend gave up their relationship for his band’s success.  After spending a year recovering from the break-up, Lexie was moving on with her life.  She had a successful therapy practice and was in a steady relationship.

One concert.  One front row seat.  One backstage pass.  One night would change both of their lives forever.         

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lyndi Stuart
• Release date: Feb 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781523650576

Book preview

~ PROLOGUE ~

C’mon, babe.  Go out with me.  I promise you’ll have a good time! I said to Lexie as I bent down close to her ear so she could hear me over the music.  "Noooo!  I am so not going out with you Gabe, she said to me grinning.  C’mon Lexie!  Why not?  You know you want to say ‘yes’."  Lexie shook her head.  If I wanted to say yes I would.  I can decide things for myself, you know.  "Are you sure about that?  Because I think not going out with me is a really bad decision," I said trying to convince her with my charm.  All she did was laugh at me and walk off. 

Damn.  What is it going to take to get this girl to go out with me?  I guess I’m going to have to step up my game.  I followed her outside the frat house that was hosting this little shindig we were at.  I saw her leaning against the rail on the porch looking all sexy.  When I approached her she started to walk off again.  She was totally trying to avoid me now.  As she passed me on the porch I grabbed her wrist tugging her against me.  Our lips were so close.  I could actually taste the margarita on her breath.

Where’re you goin’? I asked her with a curious expression on my face.  She motioned toward the front yard of the house.  I was going out to get some air.  Lexie was acting so nervous.  Babe, you’re already outside.  You can get fresh air right here.  Why were you taking off the second I walked out here?  Um...I was going to go to my car and get something.  Yeah, I forgot my phone in my car.  I was going to get it, she replied.  She was lying through her teeth.  I had already noticed her phone in her back pocket.  Yeah, I had been looking.  I couldn’t help myself.  She has the perfect ass.

I noticed Lexie kept staring at my lips.  It was driving me crazy.  I wanted to kiss her and it would be so easy to do.  All I would have to do is lean forward about a half an inch and my lips would be on hers.  I could tell our close proximity was affecting Lexie.  Her breathing was fast and shaky.  It was causing her breasts to brush against my chest every time she took a breath.  I looked down at her lips then back up to her beautiful ocean blue eyes.  I sure could get lost in those eyes.

You sure you’re not running away from me Lex? I asked with a raised eyebrow and half grin.  She looked me in the eyes this time and spoke, No, Gabe.  I’m not running away from you.  She was so damn cute.  I moved in a bit closer and pressed my body completely against hers.  Then why are you making up shit to get away from me? I asked her.  I-I’m n-not, she said nervously.  Hmm.  Well, I happen to know you are because your phone is right here in your back pocket, I said as I ran my hand around her waist taking her phone out of her pocket and handing it to her. 

Lexie was so embarrassed I could see her red cheeks on the dimly lit porch.  She looked down and slid her phone back in her pocket.  Before she could move again I reached around both sides of her and held onto the porch rail.  I didn’t want her running anymore.  What are you doing, Gabe? Lexie asked me breathlessly.  I leaned in closer and she put her hands on my chest as though she were trying to hold me back.  She still couldn’t seem to keep her eyes off my mouth.  I took advantage of that and moved my head slightly forward barely brushing my lips over Lexie’s.  Her hands were gripping my shirt tight now.  I decided to chance another kiss since she hadn’t slapped me yet.  This time I was going full on passionate. 

I leaned in once more softly pressing my lips to hers but with more urgency behind this kiss.  Lexie gripped my shirt even tighter and began kissing me back.  There was so much heat between us.  I had never felt this kind of physical connection with anyone I had ever kissed until now.  It was so amazing.  I could kiss this girl all night.

I stepped closer pressing my body flush against hers.  Lexie responded by sliding her hands from my chest up the back of my neck and into my hair pulling me as close to her as she could.  She opened up to me and our tongues began touching and teasing each other.  She tasted amazing.  I could never have imagined a kiss making me feel the way I do right now. 

Feeling her body against mine and her tongue in my mouth was driving me crazy.  I couldn’t help myself anymore.  I had to touch her body.  I was trying so hard to be good and not touch her but damn this woman was hot with a capital H.  I moved my hands off the porch rail and gripped her hips pulling her tight against my aching body.  When I pressed myself against her center a shiver ran through her body.  Baby girl, you can’t be doing that.  Makes me wanna bend you over right here and have my way with you.  I heard Lexie gasp.  Gabe, you c-can’t.  I didn’t give her a chance to finish what she was saying.  I slammed my lips against hers again tasting as much of her as she would let me. 

After making out like a couple of teenagers for what seemed like hours, I pulled back and looked Lexie in the eyes.  We were both breathing hard and obviously turned on.  Well, I know I was and she definitely appeared to be.  I leaned my forehead against hers and asked, So, Lex, I gotta ask just one more time.  Will you please go out with me?  I kissed her once more before she could answer hoping to convince her to say ‘yes’.  After about five more minutes of making out I pulled back.  Lexie still had her eyes closed and was breathing hard.  I couldn’t stop staring at her.  She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. 

Lexie slowly opened her eyes and looked into mine.  Okay, she breathed out.  It was almost a whisper.  I wasn’t sure what she said.  "What was that baby girl?  I’m not sure I heard you right.  Did you just say ‘okay’?  I couldn’t hide the smile on my face.  I know I looked like a dork.  Yes, I said okay, she said as she smiled at me.  Oh wow.  I can’t believe you finally said yes.  I must be dreaming or something.  There is no way you said you would go out with me.  You’ve turned me down like six times!  And that’s just tonight!  Lexie’s smile widened a little more.  Well, I did say yes, she said shyly.  Hot damn!  We are gonna have so much fun baby girl.  You won’t regret it.  I promise!  She stood up on her tip toes and brushed a kiss on my lips then said, I know I won’t regret it Gabe."

For the next eleven months Gabe and Lexie dated each other exclusively and had the perfect relationship.  Then life happened...

~ GABE ~

I opened my eyes and immediately closed them again.  It was so bright in my room.  I pulled the covers up over my head searching for darkness.  I had forgotten to close the curtains last night when I came in from the after-party we had at the club.  It had not been a good day yesterday.  Not at all.  And this morning I had a massive hangover.  I was not in the mood to deal with life right now.  I wanted to wallow in my depressed state for a few more days.  No one understands why I get this way every March.  Well, no one but my best friend, Kris.  He was there when it all went down so he gets it.  He just leaves me alone and lets me have my time to deal. 

While I was trying to will this damn pounding in my head to go away, I felt movement in the bed beside me.  Suddenly, I remembered my dream.  Wait, was it a dream?  Could she actually be here with me?  No.  It was definitely a dream.  I would remember if she was here.  And I know I wouldn’t feel the way I do if it was her in my bed with me.

A feminine hand slid its way along my abs.  All I could picture was her.  She always invaded my thoughts.  The hand slowly moved its way up my chest and unfamiliar lips began placing small kisses along my back.  I was getting lost in the feeling.

The gentle touch began moving lower, lower.  Each slender finger wrapped itself around my rock hard length.  I groaned from the contact.  I was imagining her being the one who was doing the touching.  That made this so much better.  I couldn’t think straight.  I was lost in thoughts of her.

I began thrusting myself in the hand that was sheathed around me.  The girl in my bed pressed her body against my back.  I wrapped my hand around hers squeezing a little tighter and pumping a little faster.  When I couldn’t hold back any longer I cried out her name.  Oh God, Lexie!  The hand on me stopped moving.  I didn’t give a shit.  I ripped it off of me and finished riding out my orgasm on my own.  I’d been doing it for years thinking about Lexie.  Today was no different.  I always came harder when I thought of her. 

What the hell?!  My name is Kimberly-not Lexie!  The girl in my bed was pissed to say the least.  Um-sorry babe.  I shrugged as though I didn’t care.  And to be honest I really didn’t.  Ugghhh-you asshole! the girl yelled at me.  What was her name again?  Kylie, Kelli...Kimberly-that’s it.  I have really got to work on remembering people’s names. 

Kimberly got out of the bed jerking her clothes on as fast as she could.  Good.  Maybe she’ll leave and I can get back to my dream.  I’d been having the same dream a lot lately.  Of me and her-Lexie Beth Brantley.  She was the one that got away.  No one but Kris, our drummer, knows why we aren’t together now.  He was there when I met her.  He was also there when our relationship ended.  He understands my feelings for Lexie aren’t just fleeting.  He knows they are soul deep.   

Babe, I don’t know why you’re getting so pissed off.  You knew what this was when you came back here with me.  You need to just calm the hell down.  I know my words probably just pissed her off even more.  Kimberly looked at me with pure disgust in her eyes.  You are such a self-righteous son of a bitch Gabe Johansson!  I’m outta here!  Yep, that’s me babe.  Biggest S.O.B. on the planet, I replied.  As she headed out of the hotel suite I called out, Sorry for the misunderstanding babe!  Then I heard the door to the suite slam closed.

Finally, I was alone again.  I got up to use the restroom and to get me something to take for this pounding headache.  I closed the curtains and fell back into the bed.  It didn’t take too long for me to drift back to sleep and back to my girl. 

~ LEXIE ~

Alexis, I really don’t like the idea of you going to a rock concert with a bunch of girls, Jonathan voiced his opinion.  He had been griping about it ever since I told him the girls at work had surprised me with tickets to see Decadence at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.  I had never seen them live.  The girls knew they were my favorite rock band.  They just didn’t know why they were my favorite.  They loved them too so they got all of us tickets. 

Jonathan, it’s just a concert.  We’ve been to concerts together before.  I don’t see what the problem is, I said in response.  He shook his head and rolled his eyes.  Alexis, the concerts we went to were classic musicians; James Taylor, Michael Buble’, John Mayer.  Rock concerts are immature.  They are places where people act out and do things they aren’t supposed to do. 

I was nearly speechless.  I stood there with my jaw on the floor.  I could not believe he just said that to me.  He knew how much I loved this kind of music.  It was what I grew up listening to.  He had taken me to some concerts before, but it was mostly people I really didn’t listen to.  I hadn’t complained though.  I just went with him and was appreciative.  I never put down his music or any of the things he enjoyed.  How dare he do that to me.  It was selfish and rude.   

I respect how you feel Jonathan, but I don’t have the same opinion of these concerts as you do.  This is a gift from my friends.  It’s something I want to do, I defended.  So, if I said I didn’t want you to go you would go anyway?  Even though it would be against my wishes?  Un-be-lievable.  I took a deep breath and slowly blew out.  "Jonathan, don’t do this to me.  These are my friends.  I am just going to listen to some music that I enjoy and then I will be home.  It’s no big deal.  It’s not like I’m going out partying or anything.  It’s just a concert for god’s sakes.  Let it go.  Please." 

I was so tired of arguing with him about this.  It had been going on for a solid week.  I hated when he got like this.  Jonathan couldn’t stand it that he couldn’t control every aspect of my life.  He was a good guy and I had no doubt that he would take care of me when we were married someday, but this is a part of him I could not stand.  It drove me insane.  If I didn’t think exactly as he did about something he acted like I was against him.  He couldn’t accept that just because people had different opinions than him it didn’t mean they were wrong or stupid.  It was exhausting having that conversation/argument with him.  I tried to avoid it at all costs. 

Why do you insist on doing things you know I don’t want you to do?  It’s so childish Alexis.  I think you do these things just to piss me off!  Don’t you?!  He began raising his voice which was never a good thing.  I hated when he started yelling.  Sometimes he would even throw things.  He had never physically hurt me though.  He just had a short fuse; especially if he had been drinking. 

I had to figure out a way to go to this concert with my friends tonight.  I also had to figure out how to keep the peace with Jonathan and stop him from going bat shit crazy over this.  I would just skip it to keep Jonathan happy, but my friends spent a lot of money on these tickets.  And if I was honest with myself I was desperate to go.  I wanted to see the band.  I hadn’t seen them since the day they left for California in search of their dream.  It was the day my heart shattered into a billion pieces. 

Jonathan’s voice pulled me back to the present.  Well?  Is that why you do this shit Alexis?  Just to piss me off?  Of course not, Jonathan.  I just like the band’s music and I know you don’t like them so I figured I could go with my friends, I told him quietly.  Jonathan rolled his eyes and shook his head.  I have no idea why you like that shitty music.  It’s just a bunch of delinquents who couldn’t get a real job.  But, whatever Alexis.  You just go with your little slutty girlfriends and see the untalented overgrown teenagers.  You’d better watch yourself though.  People take advantage of naïve girls like you.  You don’t belong somewhere like that.  You’ll see.  Okay Jonathan.  I’ll be careful.  I need to get ready.  The girls will be here by six to pick me up, I said as I turned to walk up the stairs to our bedroom. 

I jumped in the shower bathing in record time.  I wanted to look perfect and I wanted to hurry and get away from Jonathan.  He was beyond ridiculous when it came to certain things and this was one of those things.  I just needed to get away from him and forget for a while.  I loved him, but he could be impossible at times. 

I went to my closet and picked out a cute denim skirt and a silky tank with a cropped black leather jacket.  Black leather boots topped off the outfit.  I accessorized with some bracelets and a necklace that was given to me by someone very special several years ago.  It was a platinum guitar pick that was actually a locket.  No one could tell though.  I liked it like that because that made it my little secret.  If someone opened it, they would find a picture on one side and two sets of initials on the other-GRJ/LBB.  The picture was one from five years ago.  It was of me and him the night we met-the very best night of my life.

Fixing my hair was always frustrating.  I never knew what to do with it.  Tonight was no different.  I had thick blonde hair that reached the middle of my back.  I figured that since we were going to a concert I would wear it down.  I’m far from sexy, but when I wore it down and straight it made me feel good about myself.  After putting the finishing touches on my makeup I was ready.  As I headed down the stairs, the doorbell sounded.  I heard Jonathan answer the door.  Great.  He could be so hateful to my friends sometimes.  I honestly didn’t know why he didn’t like them.  They had never done anything to make him feel that way.  He just decided he didn’t like them one day and that was that. 

Alexis!  Roxanne is here!  He sounded less than thrilled.  I walked into the room just as he finished calling for me.  Hey Roxie!  Let me just grab my purse and I’ll be ready, I said as I walked over to the bar to gather my things.  Jonathan followed me.  Since I can’t seem to talk you out of going, make sure you are careful.  I still can’t believe you actually want to go.  It’s so beneath you Alexis. I cut him off right there.  Stop it Jonathan.  You are not going to ruin my birthday.  Now please let me go and enjoy myself.  He wanted to explode, but since Roxie was here he held it together fairly well.  I stepped around him and headed out the door.

I looked out toward the driveway and saw a limousine.  What the hell, Rox!?  A limo??  I had no idea they had rented a limo.  Wow.  Yeah, well I figured we would all have some drinks and thought it’d be a safer way to get to and from the concert.  Well, yes.  It will definitely be safer.  This is amazing Rox!  I couldn’t believe it.  Roxie looked at me grinning from ear to ear.  Well, only the best for my bestie!  I can’t wait to get there.  I am so excited!  "Me, too Rox!  I’m ready to see Decadence!  I have been wanting to see them for four years