Page 100 of Driving Beats

Mom simply laughs again. We continue in this vein for a while, agreeing to visit when we’re next in New Jersey.

After we hang up, Nese sighs. “I’m happy you have such a loving family.”

Knowing I’m treading into dangerous waters, I ask, “Would you like to try another time with your mother?”

“What I want and what I have are two very different things. Ma’s thrilled I’m out of the cult and her life. Remember, before I left she told me, in no uncertain terms, never to darken her doorstep again.” She looks out the window.

I don’t intrude on her inner thoughts—I’m sure she’s reliving these nightmares. The fact that Nese’s a huge success bears witness to her innate strength. One of the many reasons I find her beyond attractive.

I turn off the freeway. “What would you think of being part of mine? We have our disagreements, but generally we’re good. Andy’s having another kid, and you can join in the celebration.” Did I say too much? Scare her away?

With a small voice, Nese says, “I would love that.”

I roll to a stop in front of my house. Where it all began with UC’s stylist and me. We pass the Zen Garden, which she helped me rake this morning. As witnessed by Mom’s call, things are the same but different, in the best possible way.

In the music room, I make good on my promise. She squeals like a true UC fan when I shake my naked ass at her.

Unlike fans, she bites my butt. Then kisses it to cleanse the tiny sting.

Facing her, I play the iconic guitar solo from “Crushing Blow” and she jumps like a madwoman when I finish.

Rushing me, she says, “You’re so talented Coop. I think you deserve a little something-something for your performance.”

She winks at me, then lifts my guitar and licks my balls. My head falls backward. “Oh, God.”

She giggles. “Nope. Not Him. Just little old me.” She does it again.

I spin my guitar to my back and pump my hips. On her knees, Nese takes me in her mouth and sucks until I see stars. Hanging onto my sanity by a guitar string, I step away. “Not.” I pant. “Here.”

The guitar is placed onto its stand with much more tenderness than I feel.

“Pool deck. Now.”

We race up the stairs, Nese shedding her clothes as we go. I join her on the secluded deck. Her cheeks are pink with arousal. Or excitement. Both work for me.

Picking up a towel, I lay it down on one of the chaise lounges and slide in behind her. My arms steal around her boobs and I kiss her neck. I’m willing to take this next step—assuming she is. “Are you still on the Pill?”

“Yes.”

“Are you okay if we do this without a condom?”

“More than okay.” She doesn’t wait for me to respond, simply pulls my hand to her pussy. I test her core with my fingers. “So ready for me.” I bring them to my mouth and suck.

“Always.”

Her answer spurs me on. “I can’t wait.” Adjusting our position, I thrust forward and enter her body. A new melody forms in my mind as we pummel toward completion.

When we’re resting, I hum the bars I heard when we made love. Nese toys with my hair. “That’s a nice song. Who plays it?”

“Me.” I kiss her hair. “Us.”

“Then I love it even more.” She listens to me hum it a few more times. A chorus forms:

I was living for others

Sharing in joys from afar

Offering help, when what I needed