Limelight (Vino and Veritas) Read online

  Tag flushes a little bit and doesn’t look at me. “Thanks,” he mumbles, biting his lip. Despite my praise, he looks nervous as all hell. He must be as shy about his music as I am about my poetry.

  “No, really.” I shake my head in awe. “Wow.”

  Tag clears his throat and stands up, hanging up the guitar carefully. He looks like he’s holding something back—something he can’t quite dare to say.

  Or ask. And I think I know what it is. Luckily for him, I’ve already made up my mind.

  There’s so much I don’t know about him, but I don’t need to. He’s the perfect catch, and I’m not going to let him slip away.

  “Tag,” I whisper and pull him to sit down next to me again. I keep a hold on his hand. “I really like the time we’ve spent together. I know it hasn’t been long, but it feels like it.”

  “Yeah,” he agrees, his eyes soft and warm. He leans in to brush his lips against mine.

  Even that distractingly slow, beautiful kiss doesn’t stop me. The moment he pulls away, I cup the back of his head with a trembling hand.

  I have to try. There’s no better moment.

  “If you asked me out… I wouldn’t say no.” I grin at him despite my nerves.

  “You mean…” A slow smile grows on Tag’s lips. “Wait, are you trying to…”

  I gulp hard. “I want you to be my boyfriend,” I whisper. “Would you go out with me? Like, make this official?”

  “Oh my God.” Tag looks surprised more than anything, but not in a bad way. He’s just looking at me like he’s not sure I know what I’m signing up for.

  But hell, yeah, I do. A multitalented boyfriend who believes in me? He’s a dream come true.

  “Caleb, I…” He scratches his head, and then he takes my shoulder. “I… Wow. I was waiting until… but that was out of the blue. God, you don’t stop surprising me,” he chuckles. He takes a breath and lets it out, like he’s making up his mind and composing himself at last. “I’d be crazy to say no. I like you, too. A lot. So… yeah. I’d love to go out with you.”

  “Boyfriends?” I squeak.

  He chuckles softly and cups the back of my head, hauling me in for a kiss. “Boyfriends,” he murmurs against my lips.

  I pull back and squeal, vibrating in my seat. He laughs, but the scream of excitement is impossible to stop.

  “You said yes!”

  His eyes sparkle. “I’m pretty sure I did, yeah.”

  I lunge at him, nearly knocking his chair over, and fling my arms around him.

  Tag’s beautiful laugh fills the room as he catches me and hugs me tightly. “Hello, my gorgeous boyfriend,” he murmurs, and I can just about die happy.

  He’s really into me. Really really, like… for real. So I can’t let him down. I’m going to do my best to show him that I’m talented and hardworking and going places.

  I foresee not much lunch happening on my lunch break tomorrow. I’m going to take my poetry to the bathroom at work and practice reading it. Anything to make tomorrow go well.

  But first, I have a favor to return.

  I grin and wriggle free from his hold at last, bracing my hands on the arms of his chair. “I think we should celebrate this.”

  “What did you have in mind?”

  I run my hands up Tag’s arms to his shoulders, biting my lower lip. “Well, since you were such a good teacher, it’s my turn to play student.”

  “Of…” Tag starts to say before he trails off. His eyebrows shoot to his hairline as his lips part. He breathes a soft Oh of realization.

  I smirk and bend over to press my lips against his shirt, right above his abs. My fingers walk down his sides to his strong thighs, and then I rub all the way to his knees and back up again.

  I love the thought of pleasing him right here.

  “Caleb,” Tag groans. “Jesus. I’m sure this technically breaks a license, but I don’t care.”

  “That’s the spirit,” I beam up at him. I brace myself on his legs as I push them apart and crowd up to him. Then I bend over so I can kiss his thighs. It’s a bit awkward at this height, but I don’t want to stop and make him move to the bench behind me.

  One hand runs along my back. He’s obviously noticed the same thing. “Are you going to be okay with—”

  It’s sweet of him to worry, but I interrupt his concern by catching the zipper of his jeans in his teeth and hauling it down. “With?” I flutter my lashes.

  “Fuck,” Tag strangles out as a tent grows in front of my eyes.

  “Oh, I’d love to fuck,” I retort with a mischievous grin. “But I owe you this first.”

  “You don’t… owe me…” Tag tries to tell me, but I’ve slipped my fingers in through his fly and I’m caressing his rapidly hardening shaft. “Oh my God,” he groans, grabbing my shoulders. “Caleb!”

  I love the stinging little lines that dig into my skin as he loses his self-control. His breath comes fast and loud now, especially when I dig the heel of my palm against his shaft and drag it up to the tip.

  Then I yank down his jeans and underwear, wasting no time going for what I want. His hard cock bobs free, poking straight up in the air in front of my face. It’s flushed pink, the head round and beautiful. There’s already a drop of moisture at the slit that makes me lick my lips.

  “Yes,” Tag growls, and just like I’d hoped, his fingers rise to my hair. He’s gentle—too gentle.

  I reach up to lay my hand on his, then clench my fingers tightly around his. “Hold on tight,” I grin up at him. “It’s going to be a wild ride.”

  Tag twists his fingers around my hair and pulls lightly, and a rainfall of sparks prickle along my scalp. I whimper with delight, bowing my neck to lap at the head of his dick.

  The first thing I do is lick off the wet droplet of precum. It’s a hint of delicious Tag right here against my tongue. The taste is strange but wonderful—not spicy, bitter, or sweet, but something all of its own.

  I’ll have to do my taste testing later. Tag’s strangled groan and the twitch of his shaft in front of my eyes tells me that he’s desperate for me.

  And God, that makes a guy’s ego grow.

  His shaft is velvety and warm to the touch, but rock hard, too. I gently tweak it, pulling it toward me and letting it spring up a few times as he moans in pleasure.

  Then I wrap my fingers around him, gently tugging them from base to tip and pushing back down again. And I lean down to suck the head of his cock into my mouth.

  It’s incredible. I love the heat on my tongue and the strangled noises he makes as I awkwardly close my lips around him. It takes a bit of work to keep my lips between him and my teeth, but it’s not like I haven’t practiced over the last three days.

  Sure, I got a few weird looks at the grocery store for buying Popsicles in winter, but now? Totally worth it.

  He throbs under my tongue, the heat and weight of him utterly addictive. I swirl my tongue around the head and lick the shaft before closing my lips around the tip.

  Everything I try, Tag rewards with a sound—sometimes soft, other times harsh and loud. It doesn’t take long to figure out how to wrap my fingers around the thick base of his shaft and hold him steady so I can bob my head, swallowing him deeper into my mouth.

  More droplets of precum trickle down my tongue and throat, sharp and musky and delicious. I’m greedy for more. I want to feel him fuck my mouth until he lets go.

  He swallowed, so I will, too. I want to make him feel amazing. Need to.

  “God, Caleb,” Tag whispers, his voice hoarse. “You’re incredible. That feels so good.”

  “Mmm?” I hum around his shaft, making him vibrate a little and giggling at the sharp grunt he gives in reaction. I hum again, long and low, so he can feel it straight to the core.

  Then I hold my head still and hunch over a little more, softening and bending my knees. It’s a lot of work, but I find the right angle at last. I’m staring up his body and just about making eye contact.

  And he’s h
ungry. “Yes,” my brand-new boyfriend grunts. His nails dig into my scalp as he closes his fist around my hair, thrusting up into my mouth.

  I whimper and hold still, relishing the drag of sensitive skin against my lips and the gentleness he’s trying so hard to keep in his movements.

  That won’t last long, I hope.

  Sure enough, within a minute his hips are flexing fast and hard as he stares down at the sight.

  “That’s… the sexiest thing I’ve seen in my life,” Tag whispers. “I wish you could see what it looks like.”

  I raise a brow, but he doesn’t let me pull my mouth away to make a suggestion. So I clumsily point my thumb to my ear, pinky to my jaw. Phone.

  “You dirty man,” Tag chuckles deeply, fumbling in his jeans. He manages to get the phone out of his pocket, and I squirm with delight as the light suddenly flashes on.

  Oh, my God, he’s recording.

  I suddenly surge into action, gripping the base of his cock and sucking him deep into my mouth, rough and hungry. I bob my head hard and fast as soft grunts slide from me.

  “Keep that up and I’m gonna come,” Tag warns me, his voice gritty. “I’m so fucking close.”

  I whimper my approval. Good. Let me swallow your load, please.

  “You gonna swallow like a good boyfriend?” Tag whispers and lets go of my hair, caressing my cheek. It’s fond, yet dominant and so freaking hot. I squirm again, heat shooting straight to my hard dick. “Gonna take my whole load and suck me dry?”

  I peek up toward his face—and the phone camera, which only makes me hotter—and manage to grunt a quiet Mmhmm around his shaft. I can feel it too, his shaft swelling in my mouth and the way he catches his breath.

  I already want to see this replay, and it’s not even over yet!

  Tag’s eyes slide closed, and for a single, perfect moment, he’s frozen. His whole body tightens and arches… and then he cries out in a rough gasp. His sticky mess fills my mouth and it’s all I can do to swallow it in big, hasty gulps. It’s thick and sticky, coating my tongue completely.

  And I love it. I haven’t even put a finger on myself, but I’m so turned on I could burst. So happy.

  When his desperate little movements stop and I suck the last few droplets clean, I straighten up, shove my hands in my pants, and pull myself out.

  Tag was shifting like he was about to turn off the camera, but he stops and stares over his phone instead, his hands sinking a little bit in the air like he can’t quite believe it.

  I grin and brace myself on his shoulder, wrapping my hand around myself. Then I start stroking myself. I’m showing off a little for the camera, twisting my wrist at the end of each stroke, letting my lashes flutter closed as I bite my lip.

  “Tag,” I breathe as my hand flies along my shaft. “I’m gonna… I can’t stop it!”

  “Come for me, baby,” Tag whispers. “My beautiful boyfriend. Show me what you’ve got.”

  I grin, hardly able to tear my eyes away from him… but I can’t help it. I throw my head back, baring my throat and clutching the back of his chair for dear life. “Yes!” My cry rings through the room as blackness slams into me.

  My knees buckle, and Tag’s arm slides around my waist as I collapse onto him in a heap. For the second time tonight, I thank Tag mentally for buying solid furniture.

  “So gorgeous,” Tag whispers, his warm lips finding my ear and neck. He hoists me up a little more and kisses my lips, and I giggle softly. He doesn’t seem to mind tasting himself. “That was amazing. Thank you.”

  “No,” I mumble and kiss his shoulder. “Thank you for documenting it.”

  Tag grins at me. “I’ll send it to you. We can watch it together on nights we’re apart.”

  Then I pout. “Apart?” I tease. “You’re killing the mood.”

  I’m not completely joking, either. I don’t want to think about spending another night that isn’t in his arms.

  “Shh,” Tag soothes me and hastily kisses my cheek. “Come to bed with me.”

  “Much better.”

  He grabs his phone and my hand, towing me out of the meadery, locking up, and straight to the house. I’m so tired that by the time we get inside and all the way to the top of the stairs, I’m just about ready to faceplant into bed.

  So I do, only reluctantly squirming around to kick all the rest of my clothes off.

  When we’re both naked and the light is out, Tag pulls back the covers and helps me squirm underneath. I roll over with my back to him, he puts his arm around me, and I crack my lashes for just long enough to admire the beam of moonlight across the floor.

  Yes. This is perfect.

  Tag holds onto me really tight tonight. A little more so than before. Is he full of feelings, or is he nervous? He feels nervous. His breathing is short, and he’s fidgety.

  He doesn’t have to be nervous. His guitar is good. Even if his poetry sucks, I’ll still love him. I don’t think there’s anything he could do to make me stop loving him.

  Nothing short of feeding me to his bees, anyway.

  I stifle a giggle, but when Tag makes a questioning noise, I giggle again and shake my head. “Good night.”

  He chuckles and shakes his head, then presses a kiss against the curls at the back of my head. “Good night, Caleb.”

  It doesn’t matter what tomorrow brings: we’ll get through it together.

  22

  Tag

  “Ding dong,” I call out as I knock on the door at the top of Caleb’s stairs.

  He’s laughing as he pulls it open. “If I am, so are you. Hi, babe.” Then he tilts his head. “Baby? Honey?”

  He’s obviously nervous if he’s already chattering, and he can’t stop twisting his hands together. So I step forward, cup his cheeks gently, and press a kiss against his mouth.

  Caleb sighs a warm, contented breath as I seek out his lower lip, gently tugging between my teeth. I flick my tongue until he relaxes and melts in my arms.

  “Better?” I ask softly, bumping our noses together before I pull back, still holding his arms.

  “Mmhmm.” Caleb’s eyes flicker open as he gazes at me. “Thank you.” He takes a deep breath and lets it out, then tugs on my jacket. “Let me just get my shoes on and stuff. Or is it too soon? It’s too soon.”

  I chuckle and step inside, then pluck at his shirt. “Look at this. My gorgeous poet boyfriend.”

  “Is it too artsy?” Caleb bites his lip. “I bought it today but I wasn’t sure.”

  He’s wearing black jeans and a billowing collared shirt that goes almost to his mid-thighs. It’s dark blue with a subtle purple sheen. It makes me want to unbutton him and kiss him all over.

  “It’s perfect,” I promise.

  “Thank God. All I ever wear is stuff I could wear in the office,” Caleb groans. Then he seizes my zipper and slides it down for a peek at my white shirt.

  I grin and raise my brows, striking a modeling pose with a hand behind my head that makes him giggle. “Approved?” I ask.

  Caleb bites his lip playfully, pulling open my jacket. Then he nods, gripping both sides and tugging me in to kiss me. “Approved.”

  “Phew.” I snake my arm around his waist and pull him in, pressing a kiss on his lips. “I’d hate to be sent home to change by the boss.”

  “I’m the boss?” Caleb almost squeaks. “You’re the organizer.”

  “Nah, I’m just the stage manager. You’re the talent.”

  My stomach lurches as the fragments of my old life brush at my memory. Oh, God, I’m just as nervous as Caleb, but not for the event. Afterward will be the real test of my mettle.

  I don’t know how he’s going to react, but it’s time to do it anyway. If we’re going to be boyfriends, Caleb should know. If he lets it slip to the town… well, I don’t think he would.

  I know Caleb. I trust him. And I shouldn’t let him trust me while I’m keeping secrets. So it’s time to let my secret out, no matter what happens.

  He slips his arm arou
nd mine and walks me to the couch. “So how is it going to work tonight?”

  “Super casual and spontaneous,” I promise Caleb. He gives me a look, and I grin. “Or… super well-planned?”

  “Accountants don’t like spontaneity.”

  “What about poets? Excellent poets who are going to kick ass?”

  “Accountants and poets will reward all compliments later. Keep a running total,” Caleb tells me.

  I laugh quickly as I formulate a plan. “How about I go onto stage first, make up some shit on the fly? I’ll talk about my meadery sponsoring the event because of how important nature is to the bees, and how your poetry has to do with nature, and probably also brag to everyone that you’re my boyfriend.”

  Caleb’s cheeks flush and he bites his lip.

  Oh. Right. His whole family is going to be there. “Unless you haven’t told them…?” I trail off. I don’t have anyone to tell apart from my parents, but I didn’t realize that he might want to keep it quiet.

  Caleb clears his throat softly. “I’ve told everyone who will listen, including my barista and the office janitor.”

  I can’t stop the laugh. It’s frankly adorable, and he might look sheepish, but he’s also not apologizing. “Okay, good. So I’m cleared to brag. Then I’ll introduce you, and you can do your thing. When you want a break, just signal me and I’ll take over, entertain the crowd a bit, read out some of my stuff.”

  “You’re a pro,” Caleb murmurs with admiration.

  I flinch again. For a crazy second, I consider telling him—right here and now. But no, that would be stupid, wouldn’t it?

  Crap. What if he already knows and he doesn’t care? Maybe he was just waiting for me to tell him.

  Fuck. Why am I being such a chicken about this? I could at least start to tell him.

  “Yes. I’ve been on stage before, but not for a long time,” I tell him.

  Caleb is staring into the distance. “That’s why you’re so good. I want to learn to be that good, too. So I’ve prepared two segments, so there’s a few minutes’ intermission. Making people listen to half an hour of me would be a lot.”

  I nod, not sure if I’m more relieved that I get to put this off until later or disappointed that it’s still hanging over my head. Of course there isn’t an easy way out.