Less Than Nothing Page 27
“Sage.”
I slow and turn. It’s Derek, soaked, wet hair hanging in his face. He’s approaching from where he must have been waiting for me. I go to the taxi and tell the driver I’ll be a minute, and then return to where Derek’s waiting, the rain streaking down in the dim light. He doesn’t seem to care.
“I heard you’re leaving,” he says. I rush to him and hug him. He wraps his arms around me, and I lift my head. His lips crush down on mine, and it’s magic, my entire body thrumming as we kiss. I’m crying out of happiness, the salt of my tears blending with the rain. Heat flares in me as I pull his head down so I can get more of him, greedy for his sweet lips, his taste, his essence. He raises his hands to my face and runs his fingers through my sopping hair, and it feels incredible. I moan deep in my throat and shift my head, and then the cab honks, reminding me that I’m not floating to heaven in Derek’s arms tonight. He pulls away and then kisses me again, and I’m laughing and crying and about to explode with joy as the rain cascades down on us both, locked together as one, our connection powerful enough to power the city.
Another honk.
This time it’s me who pulls away.
“I have to go.”
He’s staring at me as though hypnotized. “I know.”
“How?”
“A little bird.”
“I miss you so much, Derek.”
“I know. I do too. I wish you weren’t leaving.”
“I’ll be back in a week,” I say, and then reality hits. That’s fine for me, but Derek didn’t win. He’ll be living on the streets, playing for his dinner, same as always. “I wish you’d won instead of me. I don’t care about any of it. I…I just want you.”
“Careful what you wish for,” he says. I don’t understand. He smiles his crooked grin, and my heart flutter starts. “I’m staying in New York. I got offered a record deal, too. Not as big as yours, I’m sure, but it’s a deal. Apparently even a runner-up can sell some tunes.”
“That’s awesome, Derek! Oh, my God! I’m so happy for you. I felt so crummy that it had to be either you or me.”
“Well, no half-million bucks, but hey, it would have ruined me anyway, right?”
He leans into me, and we begin kissing again, and the driver honks, this time a long blare.
“Crap. I have to run. I’m picking up my dad and Melody, and then we’re off to the airport.” I look at him, soaking wet, seemingly impervious to the elements and more beautiful than anyone has a right to be, and nod. “Will you wait for me?”
His radiant smile seems to light up the night.
“I’ll be counting the minutes.”
<<<<>>>>
More than Anything
More Than Anything continues Sage and Derek’s saga from Less Than Nothing. Can true love overcome adversity and a mountain of obstacles keeping them apart?
Will the temptations of their new found success be too much for them?
Can hope and sincerity withstand the high-pressure reality of the music industry?
Sometimes it’s hard to choose the right path, even if you want a future with your soul mate more than anything.
For more information visit: REBlake.com
About the Author
R. E. Blake is the pseudonym of a USA Today bestselling author of over 30 novels.
For new release updates and to sign up for notifications, please visit:
REBlake.com
Go back to Contents
* D P G R O U P . O R G *