Say You're Mine (The Gallaghers Book 1) by Layla Hagen (comprehension books .txt) 📕

Brayden opened the door. My breath caught as I took him in. His hair was slightly damp and tousled, the curls in complete disarray. He’d obviously just finished showering; the linen shirt he was wearing was plastered to his body in a few spots where he hadn’t dried himself completely.

“Hi!” My voice sounded a little high-pitched, a lot weird. I cleared my throat but wasn’t sure what to say next. How was this happening? This wasn’t our first meeting... but it was the first time I’d seen him after he’d unabashedly told me not to date anyone else.

“Isabelle, come in.” He smiled as if he knew exactly what was going through my mind.

My arm nearly brushed his chest as I stepped inside. He smelled like soap.

“How was your flight?” I asked, finally managing to get my wits together.

“Uneventful, unlike the landing at JFK.”

“Oh?”

“A fan recognized us, and then things escalated, but security managed to get us out. The guys will be down in a few minutes. Do you want something to drink?”

“Sure, some water.”

He led me to the bar area in the secondary living room. It looked eerily empty without guests, or at least the band. I was aware that I was completely alone with Brayden in this huge space. He poured water in a glass, sliding it to me over the bar counter.

Placing my bag on top, I took out my iPad. Brayden disappeared from my line of view, and then I sensed him come up behind me. I sucked in a breath when I felt him right at my back. Our bodies weren’t touching, but the heat of him was impossible to miss.

“Did you think about what you want us to do tonight?” he asked.

I turned around slowly. “About that... A client asked me if she could have an emergency session this evening. Her husband just up and left, and I don’t have the heart to turn her down.”

Brayden’s expression softened. “You’re an amazing person, Isabelle. Text me after you’re done.”

“Really?”

“You didn’t think I’d give up, did you? I know my life is complicated, Isabelle. But I can’t stop thinking about you. Even when I’m writing music. Especially then.”

“I’m your muse?” I asked in a teasing tone, realizing my nerves had subsided a little.

“Yes. Yes you are.”

He was inches away from me. I licked my lips, unable to move from my spot. I didn’t really want to anyway. I wanted him.

I placed a hand on his chest, skimming my thumb over the top button of his shirt.

He kissed me, and it was hot and dirty and insanely delicious. He bit my lower lip lightly before feathering the tip of his tongue on my upper one. Unexpected pleasure rocked through me, weakening my knees. I held on to both of his shoulders, at least at first, but then I lowered my hands all over his torso, needing to touch him. With every inch of him I explored, I became greedy for more. His abs were rock hard, just as I’d imagined they’d be. I felt up the shape of each before moving my hands farther down until I reached the top of the V that disappeared into his jeans. I skimmed two fingers down each side, stopping at the waistband. I was shaking with the need to touch more of him, but we couldn’t cross that line. Not here, not now.

But I couldn’t help toying with that line, dipping my thumbs a bit in the waistband. Brayden groaned against my mouth, deepening the kiss. He threaded his fingers in my hair, tilting my head back slightly. His other hand covered mine, stopping me from further toeing that line. He moved one hand down my back, cupping my ass and pressing me against him. I gasped, realizing why he hadn’t wanted me to further tease him. He had a hard-on. He was hanging by a thread already.

He pressed me even more into him, until his erection pushed against my clit. I soaked my panties. Another jolt of pleasure shot through me, even more intense than the one before. My body was putty in his hands. Every sensation was intensified: his lips on mine, his chest against my breasts, his erection against my sensitive spot.

He stopped the kiss so abruptly that I was thrown for a loop, blinking rapidly. His eyelids were slightly hooded, his pupils dilated. That was when I heard voices approaching, and I realized the guys were coming. I touched my lips with two fingers, wondering if they were swollen. I caught Brayden’s half smile as he moved behind the bar.

“What are you doing?” I whispered.

He chuckled. “Trying to walk off my hard-on behind the bar.”

My cheeks warmed. I brought a hand to my neck, schooling my features, hoping no one would catch on.

“Isabelle, when did you arrive?” Lars asked.

“A few minutes ago.”

“Brayden took good care of you?”

I was sincerely hoping my blush wasn’t intensifying. “Yes.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Brayden turning away to hide a smile.

“I’m ready to show you this plan I’ve made. It’s more of a guide. I think you’re doing a great job on your own, but Sasha insisted it would be helpful to have some pointers written out.”

“Let’s hear it,” Thomas said.

“I don’t want to take up much of your time. I’m meeting a client later, so I can’t stay long.”

All of us moved to the couch, including Brayden. I was still so on edge from our kiss that my entire body hummed even though he wasn’t sitting next to me. I could feel him watching me though.

“I think one Facebook live every week is good now. Once concert season starts, you can probably do two, but I know that’s a busy time, so play it by ear. The important thing is for this to be fun for you, to come naturally. If it’s uncomfortable for you, then I can assure you the viewer can tell. Certain body language cues are obvious even to the