Page 116 of Heartstring

I have a feeling it will be an emotional reunion for all of us.

“I have some news for you,” I say, turning back to my man.

“Oh yeah? What news? You decided to release that song as your debut solo single?”

I crash my mouth onto his, making sure to suck his bottom lip before I bite it.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he says, breathless. “Please don’t give me an erection here.”

“Then behave,” I say, but I look down at his crotch. He hits my arm. “The band is taking a hiatus from touring. For now, we’re going to take a break. Bastian’s parents want to retire, and he wants to focus on the farm. The other guys also feel like it’s the right time. In the spring, we’ll start working on a studio album, which we can do here at my place or at Bastian’s place in Vermont.”

“So you’re staying?”

“How could I be anywhere else when you’re here?”

He leans his forehead against mine. “God, I feel like crying. Is this what happens when you’re middle-aged? You become this emotional wreck?”

“No, baby. It’s what happens when you’re happy. When life smiles down on you and gives you a break,” I say, finally accepting that the many twists and turns life gave me all led me here to this moment.

“I’m so ready for a break.”

I put my hand on his chin and tilt it up. “What do you say about having a break right now?”

He looks around at all our friends. “Now?”

“Stan’s at my place. Seymour picked him up, and he’s going back there with the band when they’re done having fun here.”

His cheeks go an adorable shade of pink for a forty-five-year-old man. “Did you plan this?”

“Not that part. Yes, I was hoping we’d wake up tomorrow in the same bed, but the guys categorically said we need to fuck it out—their words—away from their sensitive ears.”

I don’t think Ty could look any more embarrassed.

“What do you say?”

“Yes, please.”

No one’s surprised when we announce our departure, none the least Levi, who’s packed Ty’s food order in a box to go, plus some extra to account for me.

When we get to his place, I declare I’m not hungry. At least not for food. So after putting the to-go boxes in the fridge, I drag him upstairs to the main bathroom.

“Thank fuck we’re alone because the things I want to do to you…” I drag my teeth over the sensitive skin on his neck.

“Do them. Do them all,” he says.

I help him undress, and then my clothes fly off me and onto the same pile until we’re naked, hard, and needy.

We wait until the water is warm before going under the spray, but my hands aren’t idle. I worship Ty’s skin, memorizing every ridge, every soft spot, and with my tongue, I pay attention to each of his nipples.

“Yes,” he moans. “I wanna touch you. Fuck, you’re so beautiful. Even after all these years…”

We get in the shower, which is thankfully big enough for both of us. He traces the scar on my abdomen, which I got when my appendix was taken out, then drags a finger over my tattoo. “Turn around.”

I obey, expecting him to pay attention to my ass, but he does the same thing he did to my front. He traces the tattoo I got for Kay.

His light touches are incendiary.

“You’re a fucking tease,” I groan.