by Kaci Rose
"It doesn't make sense." She finally says.
"What doesn't?" I ask, not sure if I want to know the answer.
"How he got this address. You guys never mailed me anything. Did you send something, before I moved?"
"No, I didn't, but you’ll have to call and ask your brother. He needs to know about this, too."
She nods, still lost in thought.
"Also, my roommate hated him. I doubt she'd just hand over my mail to him, especially since she knew what he did, and I was pissed and leaving."
"I don't know then. Maybe, he lied and told her you were back together?"
"It's been over two months. If he was so heartbroken, wouldn't he have tried to reach out to me before now?"
"Well, we were on tour. Does he know about the band?"
"I didn't tell him that Landon was my brother, but I didn't hide it either. He could have put the pieces together." She says, biting her lip, lost in thought.
I gently pull her lip from between her teeth.
"If he did, then he could have known we were on tour and waited, until we got home."
She shakes her head. "I don't want to think about this anymore. I'm sorry he ruined what I had planned to be a perfect morning." She says, leaning down to kiss me.
"Yeah, what did you have planned?" I ask her, as I run my hands up the side of her body.
"Maybe, a little of this." She grinds herself on my cock, which has been hard, since she wrapped her legs around me.
It doesn't take long, before we’re both cumming again. I don't want to move. I want to spend the rest of the day right here making this girl scream my name over and over again, but there are things to do.
"Why don't we head up, get cleaned and changed, you call your brother, and then we’ll have breakfast, and see where the day leads. Maybe, some pool time?"
She flashes me a smile.
"Sounds good." She climbs off me, and I watch her walk away, as she goes upstairs.
Then, all the dirty stuff we can do flashes in my head, and I'm hard again, like I didn't just come so hard I almost blacked out.
Chapter 17
Austin
I head upstairs to take a shower and get cleaned up. The hot water washes over my body and relaxes the muscles I didn't even realize were sore from sleeping on the couch. We probably should have moved to our beds, when we had the chance, but I didn't want to sleep without him, and I was afraid he'd insist on us going to our own beds.
I think about the events of last night, and it has me all turned on again. To say sex with anyone else was dull is an understatement. No one has made me cum like that before. It's already the best sex of my life, and we haven't even had actual sex yet.
I can only imagine, when we do, because it's going to be explosive. Getting out of the shower, I put on a swimsuit, since he mentioned spending some time by the pool. I grab a bikini and not the one-pieces Landon normally makes me wear, while I'm here. I also make sure it's the skimpiest one I have, since it will just be the two of us. This is the bikini I would wear, when it was just me, and I was lying out tanning. It's not one I would wear out in public. I throw on a cover-up and look at my phone.
Then, I sit on my bed and take a deep breath. I feel only a little bad that I’ll be waking my brother up early, since he's two hours behind us, but I want to get this over with, so I can enjoy my day with Dallas.
I call my brother, and instantly, can tell I woke him up.
"Who's dead?" He asks in his groggy voice.
"No one yet anyway." I try to joke. I hear the rustle of sheets, so I know he's sitting up and trying to awaken.
"Austin, what's wrong?"
"Why does something have to be wrong?" I tease, but really I'm just procrastinating. I know I need to talk to him, but that doesn't mean I want, too.
"Because you’re never up this early."
I sigh. Just rip off the Band-Aid and get it over with, right?
"I was woken up by Branden at the door."
"Your ex? What the hell did he want?"
"He loves me, wants me back, and all that bullshit, but that's only part of the reason why I called. Did you send me any mail right before I moved?" I ask.
He pauses for a moment, "What? Austin, I don't remember the last time I mailed you anything. We don't even do Christmas cards. I'm too busy, and we talk on the phone all time."
"I thought so. Well, I have no clue how he got this address then. He says it's because he went to talk to me, and my roommate gave him some of my mail, and one had this return address. He said he remembered my brother living in Nashville, so he took a chance."
"Did you ask Dallas if he sent anything?"
"Yep, he said no and to ask you."
"So, he lied," Landon says, talking about my ex.
"Yeah, looks like it. My roommate hated him, so I don't think she'd have given him the mail, even if there was any."
"Okay, hang on." He says, and there’s some more rustling and the sound of a drawer closing.
"Now, tell me everything you know. I’ll get this to our security team, and they’ll look into him. I'm going to come home early, until they figure it out."
"Landon, no. Dallas is here, and he didn't leave my side the whole time. We just need to start locking the driveway gate. I told him not to come back, and I promise not to leave Dallas's side, but I don't want you cutting your trip short over this."
I also don't want to cut the time I have with Dallas short. It's only four more days, but that's four days where don't have to hide anything. With my brother on edge, now really isn't the time to tell him about Dallas. I need to make a mental note to tell that to Dallas, too.
"Fine, but I'm still giving his info to security. What's his full name?"
"Branden Lewis. He said he had been in Portland for a few years, and moved for his job. Never really said where he was from."
"That wasn't a red flag?"
"Landon, you won't like my answer."
"I need the details, Austin."
Well, this is an awkward conversation to have with your brother.
"Fine. It wasn't a relationship, it was sex, just something casual. It was nothing to go a whole week and not talk. So, when he proposed at three months, of course, I freaked and left. He said he was a network specialist, but I never asked the details or where he worked. He rented a small apartment above a coffee shop in downtown Portland, and you get to say nothing about the relationship, because you’re worse than me!"
He grunts, and I know he's writing it down. But I also know he won't go into it, because this just isn't a conversation he wants to have. I remember after Mom and Dad died, he asked if they had given me the birds and the bees talk, and then he tried to give me an updated version. It was very awkward.
"Okay, do you have his address, phone number, or the kind of car he was driving?"
"Yeah, he drove an older Mercedes convertible, and it was red. I hated that car. And let me text you his number."
I pull the phone away from my ear and find his contact info and copy it and text it to Landon.
"Any social media profiles?"
"Yep." I grab the links and text them to him as well.
"I will get this to our security, and they’ll check him out. It could be something as simple as a crazy fan who was trying to get to us via you."
"I never told him about you, but I didn't hide it, and he never asked. He might have put two and two together. Dallas suggested that too, when I asked why he waited over two months to talk to me."
"Because of the tour."
"Yeah. That's our thoughts, too."
"Promise you won't leave Dallas's side, until I get home, and we hear back from security?"
"I promise, Landon."
He’s quiet for a moment before speaking.
"You’re a trouble magnet lately, aren't you?"
"Want me to leave?" I ask and roll my eyes, because I already know the answer.
"Hell no. With all this, that's the last thing I wan
t. I’ll always take care of you, Aust always. No matter what."
"Okay, I'm sorry for waking you up."
"I'm glad you did. Now, I have some calls to make."
"Bye. Love you, Land."
"Love you too, Aust."
I hang up and feel a bit better that he's looking into Branden, because it's still not sitting right with me, though I can't put my finger on it. He lied about where he got the address. It could be a stalker fan thing. I'm sure it's not hard to get the address from public records, but that would mean he'd have to know who I was and who my brother was.
I flop down on my bed and think about last night. I don't want to be one of those clingy girls, but I do feel so much closer to Dallas, after last night. Knowing we were a first together, there’s just something so erotic about it.
In a strange way, knowing things were almost mechanical with the other girls makes me feel better about it. He's already treating me differently, and I really like it. He's always made me feel special, but somehow, he's stepped up his game.
The morning light fills my bedroom and brightens my mood, as it lightens my room.
I'm about the get up and head downstairs, when my phone goes off.
Deanna: So, I just finished that book you were reading. OMG! It's so hot, and I just bought the rest of the series.
Me: I knew you'd like it! I love all that author's books; they are the perfect sweet and steamy!
Deanna: Yes, I plan to read all her books. I couldn't put this one down. I was up all night reading it. Thank God, I have today off work!
Me: Yes, I plan to start the one you told me about today. I'm going to spend a lazy pool day with my e-reader!
Deanna: Great minds think alike! I planned to lie out in the backyard. It's the perfect day for it!
Me: I'd invite you over, but my brother won't let me invite anyone over, until he gets home. Insert eye roll here.
Deanna: He's that protective?
Me: I guess, there’s some stuff going on. Their fans are crazy.
I don't like to lie to her, but it's easier to explain this to her than going into the details of Dave and now Branden. I don't know her well enough.
Deanna: Yes, I've heard some crazy stories from other people at the label. Fans do some weird things.
Deanna: So, question. With your brother being a rock star and all, do you read any rock star romance books?
Me: From time to time, yes. I like to see how close they get it.
Deanna: I have a good series you’ll love. I'll send it over to you.
Me: Thanks. I need to go make breakfast before Dallas burns the place down.
Deanna: He can't cook?
Me: Ahhh, he's a grill master, but him and ovens have a rocky history.
Deanna: Go feed that man, and we’ll talk later.
It was really good to hear from her. She follows right away with the links to the books she was talking about, so I go to the website and download them to read, before heading downstairs.
I don't even make it to my door, when the doorbell goes off again.
Fuck. Is Branden back? Please, don't let it be Branden. Dallas will have him arrested, after he beats the shit out of him. I saw the look on his face earlier. I don't want to have to make that call to Landon.
I make my way down the hall, wanting to stay out of sight, until I know what’s going on. What I find at the door is not one of the many options that went through my head.
Dallas has answered the door, and there’s a very beautiful woman standing there smiling at him with her hands on his shoulders. His back is to me, so I can't get a read on him. She's in a skintight short dress, and her blonde hair is done is loose waves. From here, I can tell her makeup is done perfectly, and so are her nails.
She looks just like the type of girls Dallas used to pick up.
What the fuck is going on?
Chapter 18
Dallas
What the fuck is going on today? I feel like I'm in the twilight zone! First Austin's ex shows up, now Beth? And all before breakfast. Does the universe really hate me this much? I can only imagine how this is going to play out in Austin's head. This has to be my punishment for being a playboy. Now that I want to change my life, I have to suffer for it.
Austin and I had such an amazing night together, and now, the universe is throwing everything it can at us to destroy that. Well, I won't let it and will fight for us no matter how long it takes.
I look at the woman in front of me. Beth was only ever a casual fling here in town. She filled in as a fake date at a few events over the last year, but we saw each other maybe once a month. It was quick sex at her place, and I'd leave. We barely even talked. Why she thought she had any right to show up here now is beyond me. We haven't been together in over six months.
"You hadn't called, since you've been back from tour. You always do." She purrs and rests her hand on my shoulder, while pushing her tits out. Good Lord, what did I ever see in her? Wait, I know. She was the exact opposite of Austin. That was my type, wasn't it?
I glare at her, which she ignores. Of course, this is the moment Austin comes back downstairs. She couldn't have missed the doorbell, because she was in the shower. No, the universe hates me that much.
"Oh, is your friend staying for breakfast?" Austin says in a tone that could be mistaken for sweet as sugar, if I didn't know any better. But I know it's a tone that says I’m in a ton of trouble. It's filled with hurt she’s trying to cover up.
"Of course!" Beth says and tries to step into the house.
I put my hand on her shoulder and start moving her outside.
"No," I growl, as I move us both on to the front porch and close the door behind me.
"I didn't call, because I had said I wouldn't be calling anymore. It was a fling and now it's over. Leave me alone." I growl.
"Come on, I don't care if you have other girls, you know that." She waves her hand at me.
"I'm done with that life. I don't have other girls, I have a girl. The girl, and I wouldn't fuck that up with you or anyone else. It's always been her, and by the grace of God, she has given me a chance. Now fuck off and don't step foot on my property again!" I roar.
Once I see shock cover her face, I don't bother with another word. Turning, I head back inside, making sure I lock the door behind me.
I didn't mean to lose control like that, but the thought of keeping someone on the side, while I have Austin didn't sit well with me. Austin is everything I didn't know I needed, and even in this short time, I know there’s no one else for me.
If things don't work out with us, I know right now I'd never be able to go back to living the life I did before. The touch of Beth's hand just on my shoulder made my skin crawl. If I can't have Austin, I know I won't have anyone. Not that anyone would believe me right now, but I will show her and Landon in time I’m here to stay.
I take a deep breath and go into the kitchen. I finally get a good look at Austin, and she's wearing her bathing suit cover-up. The blue floral one that I like on her, because it makes her eyes pop. I can't wait to spend time with her in the pool later.
The fantasies I've had of her and me in that pool with no one else is around are so dirty I should feel guilty, but I don't. All I feel is excitement that we might get to try out a few of them today, but first, I have to get us back on track. I can only imagine what’s going on in her head right now.
"What a day." I joke, but Austin just rolls her eyes and gives me a pointed look, before going back to making breakfast. She puts something in the oven, as her phone rings.
She sighs and answers it.
"Hey."
I can't hear the other end of the conversation, but I sit down on a barstool and wait her out. We’re going to talk about this. If I've learned one thing from Landon's parents, it's that you never just assume something will work it's self out in a relationship. You talk about it, bring it to the forefront, and fix it.
It's the stuff you let stew and simmer that will end thing
s in a blink of an eye. Austin's mom told me that. I think she knew how I felt about Austin, and how Landon wanted to keep me at a distance. It wasn't too long after that conversation they passed in the car crash.
"They got back to you already?" She slowly walks over towards the large window that looks out over the backyard and the pool. I try to stay in the moment and focus on my girl.
"But it could be nothing. I told you I don't have a lot of information."
Another pause, before she sighs. Her hand not holding the phone rubs her forehead just above her eyebrows.
"I know, I promised. I won't leave Dallas's side, as long as you don't come home early."
Ahhh, she's talking to Landon. It must be about Branden. Speaking of, I head to the gate panel by the front door and make sure it's closed, turn the locks on, and make sure the security cameras around the property are working along with the security system on the house. I set the alarm and check they’re set to chime anytime a window or door is opened.
By the time I get back to the kitchen, she’s off the phone.
"What did Landon have to say?" I ask.
"Well, I didn't have a lot of info on Branden, but they couldn't find a Branden Lewis in Portland. It's making Landon nervous, but seriously, we were casual. I don't even know his address. I just know he lived in an apartment above a coffee shop downtown."
"You should be more careful with the people in your life." I frown, and she drops the spoon in her hand.
"Do you even know the names of all the girls you slept with, much less their phone numbers, addresses, and place of work?" She snaps.
My gut twists, because she has a point. There were a few I didn't even know their names. I want to say it was different, but I've been around her long enough to know that is exactly what not to say right now.
"He wasn't a one-night stand, Austin. You were seeing him for three months." I try to calm myself, because being angry at her won't help the situation.
"Doesn't matter since you’re still keeping someone on the side, apparently." She growls and tries to walk off.