Bristol thought for a moment. “No groupies. I want someone who’s into me, not my fame. That’s my problem. I never know who’s in it for me or just who I am.”

“Why can’t it be both? You are a pop star, and you’re also a softie with a big heart. Why can’t people find the balance?”

“I can’t answer that question. I want to, but I can’t.”

Annie moved closer. “So, wait. You haven’t had sex on this tour at all?”

The blush that crept up Bristol’s neck was adorable. “Have you had sex on this tour?” Bristol asked.

Annie laughed. “Only with myself, and only in the privacy of a hotel room.”

Bristol stood and fanned her T-shirt out in front of her. “How about we order dinner?” She led Annie to the kitchen. “We can share a bottle of wine beforehand. What are you hungry for?”

It was the perfect opening for Annie. She could have said what she wanted for dinner, and they could’ve perused online menus of local restaurants, but Annie was tired of this polite game they were playing. She walked over to Bristol and took her hands. “I’m hungry for you.”

Bristol’s mouth dropped open a tiny bit. And maybe it wasn’t fair of her to take control, but when Bristol’s breathing became heavier, Annie slid her hands from Bristol’s shoulders up to her face and held it gently in front of hers.

“Don’t be afraid.” She moved her hand and put it right above Bristol’s heart. “I’m here for you. For what’s inside your heart. Not for what you can do for me. I know you think there’s no future for us. Even though you’re wrong and I want more, I can’t walk away from the possibility of showing you how amazing you are. Give me this.”

Bristol closed her eyes at Annie’s words, and just when Annie thought she’d overstepped, Bristol pulled her close and kissed her soundly. It was the kind of kiss that made Annie forget where she was or how long they’d been kissing, and wonder why she was still upright. There was no learning curve with them. Bristol knew exactly how to kiss Annie, and if kissing made her knees weak, what would having sex do? Annie almost came from the feeling of Bristol pressing her hips into her soft core. Her knees buckled as a rush of excitement exploded in her.

Bristol lifted her so she was sitting on the marble kitchen isle and stood between Annie’s knees. When Annie felt Bristol’s hands move underneath her shorts, she whimpered and scooted her hips closer to Bristol’s hand. She wanted Bristol inside her. She wanted to feel her fingers pressing her into an orgasm, but the angle was wrong. She broke from their kissing frenzy.