Our Secret Song: A sweet brother's best friend, rockstar romance (For Love and Rock Book 1)

by Emily Childs

  My fingers leave his hair and my hand rests against his cheek. “I’m not some rookie at this, Cole. I have a brother who is a Sin City golden boy, a mom who drank her meals, and in case you’ve missed it, I’ve sort of been on this ride with you from the get-go. I can handle my pictures being taken.”

  His gaze scans the scrape on my cheek where I fell in the media storm. His thumb brushes it softly. “Still, Quinn is going to drive with you to school.”

  “Come again?”

  “Quinn. Is. Going. To—”

  “Uh, no. Absolutely, not!” I sit up and shove his chest. “I am not going to walk around campus with a babysitter.”

  Bridger laughs, grips my wrists, and tugs me flat to his chest. “Would you be reasonable for once in your life? It’s not only cameras we’re worried about. Sometimes fans or haters can get rough.”

  I hug his waist, my cheek over his heart. “No.”

  Bridger frees a sigh, his fingertips touching the divots of my spine. “Want to know something, Al?”

  “What?”

  “You’re annoying.” He kisses the top of my head. “Cut a guy a break and let him be protective.”

  “I have a brother for that, and as you’ve told me many a time before, you’re not my brother.” I roll off his chest and get out of the bed.

  A small, sexy muscle tightens in his jaw. “No,” he says, voice low. “I’m not.”

  I gather clothes and head for the bathroom to shower. “I need to get to school.”

  “Maybe you shouldn’t—”

  “I need to. The department head of my entire program called a meeting with me. Don’t say anything more, I know you want to, I can see it on the tip of your tongue. To be honest, I’m really nervous, so don’t say anything jerkish.”

  He tilts his head, but stays quiet.

  “I do, however, want to reel back to that little ditty about Nadia calling you.”

  Bridger rolls his eyes and flops back onto the pillow. “It wasn’t anything, really. She wants to meet and discuss our issues.”

  “Your issues. You mean, her releasing a book that’s filled with lies. Those issues?”

  He shoots me with his fingers and clicks his tongue. “That’s the one.”

  “Are you going to? Not that it matters to me or anything, but I think she deserves a cold shoulder. Maybe more than the cold shoulder, really. I mean, I didn’t talk to Bryce even though he keeps calling me, so what I’m trying to say is maybe think hard about meeting with Nadia.”

  Bridger props himself onto his elbows, one brow lifted. “Did you get flustered at the idea of me seeing Nadia?”

  I snort, cheeks hot. “No. Do what you want. I don’t care.”

  “I think you do care.’

  “Figures. So full of yourself.”

  He grins, wickedly, deliciously. “Alexis Knight. You care if I see my ex.”

  I pinch my lips and back into the bathroom, refusing to let him see how unnerved I am. “If I cared, it’s only because she’s terrible. I’m going to shower now. Keep your thoughts out of the gutter.”

  “Not likely.” Bridger rolls off my bed and opens the door. “I’ll go tell Quinn you’ll be ready soon.”

  “I’m not going with a nanny, Bridger!”

  “I’m sure you’ll have a great time together.”

  “Bridger!” The door to my room clicks. “Bridger!”

  When silence answers, I growl at the ceiling and slam the bathroom door, grateful he can’t see the grin on my face.

  Quinn laughs at me when I curse once I see him standing by the black car. Talk about drawing attention to myself. It looks like I’m begging for people to know I am associated with someone important.

  “This is so unnecessary.”

  “I brought Wuthering Heights. I’ll blend in.” He holds up a worn copy of the classic.

  My mouth parts. I press a hand to my chest. “I think you just stole my heart.”

  He laughs and is hardly the same gladiator he was when we first met. The ride to the campus is quiet, but I don’t mind. Quinn is brooding, but loyal to Bridger. In truth, that’s all I need to know about the guy to like him.

  “My building is that one,” I tell the driver. “The parking lot has some two-hour parking spots if you want to hang around. I’m sure the meeting won’t be long.”

  “I’ll come inside with you.”

  “It really isn’t necessary,” I say, softly. “I’ll go straight up and—”

  “Whoa!” The driver slams on the breaks, and flushes when he swears loudly.

  I don’t blame him. A guy with three cameras strapped around his shoulders jumped right out in front of the car.

  He’s not alone.

  Along the sidewalk dozens of people snap photos of the car. Blood drains from my face. They’re shouting my name. Quinn whips out a pair of aviator sunglasses and a brimmed sun hat. Does he just carry this stuff with him?

  “You have a choice, Miss Knight. We leave, or you can go out there. I’ll cut a path.”

  “They’ll eat you alive.”

  He booms a throaty laugh. “I’d like to see them try. Up to you.”

  I gnaw on my bottom lip, cracking my knuckles. After a few breaths, I take the sun hat. “They’re not going to mess up my meeting.”

  Quinn smiles almost like he’s proud, gives me a nod, and opens the door. He’s a miracle worker. Somehow Quinn maneuvers me against his broad body, while at the same time splitting a path from the curb into the building. It’s claustrophobic, loud, and I almost fall again, but Quinn holds me up like a featherweight.

  Inside the writing building, campus police block the doors. Students gape, their day interrupted, but most look at me like they’re trying to figure out who I am. I keep my eyes glued to the carpet.

  “Where are we going?” Quinn asks.

  “Second floor, office two ten.”

  He moves almost gracefully now that we’re free of paparazzi. A few more steps and he has us safe and secure in the elevator.

  I slouch against the wall, fanning my face. “How does Bridger do it?”

  Quinn smirks. “It took some getting used to. He still doesn’t like to be crowded, but he’s learned to grin and bear it.”

  “You know why he hates being cramped, right?”

  A somber expression fills Quinn’s eyes as he nods.

  “You two are close. He tells you things. I like it.”

  “You tend to get close when you’re tasked with keeping someone safe. It wouldn’t be a fun job if I hated the guy, now would it?”

  The elevator opens and the floor is quiet, thankfully. A few professors peek out the windows at the chaos below.

  “Miss Knight.” Dean Valen is already waiting for me in her doorway. The woman is stern. Thin lips, a peppery bun on the back of her head, but her eyes sparkle a little like diamonds. “I heard you arrive.”

  I swallow past the knot in my throat. Is she mad? Oh—is she going to kick me out of the program? My fingertips tingle and I think I might get sick.

  “Come in,” she says.

  I glance at Quinn. He points at a chair outside the door. “Be right here.”

  The office is cold inside, but the way my skin is engulfed in flames, it’s a relief.

  “Miss Knight, thank you for meeting with me. I’ll keep this brief.”

  “I won’t be a bother,” I blurt out. “I know the cameras are annoying, but please, I’ve worked so hard to make it to this point. I’ll keep my head down and you won’t even know I’m here. I’ll come in disguise if I need to.’

  “Miss Knight,” she says. “What are you talking about?”

  My fingers tangle in my lap. “I have a feeling you’re going to tell me to leave the program. I know the media can be irritating.”

  “Very true,” she says. “It’s caused a bit of class disruption. But I’m not asking you to leave the program. I have two discussion points. First—” She clears her throat. “You can speak freely here. I’m not proficient on
these social media platforms, but enough to bring me concern. This is safe in here, Miss Knight. Are you safe?”

  I blink through my stun for a few heartbeats. “I am, Dean Valen. I assure you. I know what they say about him, but I’ve known Mr. Cole since we were basically toddlers. He’s my total nemesis because he’s so irritating, but . . .” A smile passes my lips. I’m not sure if I’ve ever said this out loud. “He’s also my best friend. He’s a gentle person.”

  She releases a breath and seems relieved. “I have your word?”

  “Every bit of it. Besides, I have enough people in my corner that if Bridger Cole ever did put a hand on me, he’d be history.”

  “Good. Well, then, onto my next point. I need to tell you the disruption is enough I must ask you not to attend class anymore.”

  “But you said—”

  She holds up a hand, silencing me. “We’ve been working with the program instructors, and we’ve arranged for your coursework to be moved online. I know it’s not ideal for anyone, but it’s the best solution.”

  My heart is still pounding. “I’m not kicked out? Just online?”

  Dean Valen nods. “If you agree to it.”

  “Yes,” I say, quickly. “Yes, thank you for allowing me to stay.”

  “Online can be difficult, we’re taking a bit of a chance with this. But we’re also using it as a test run to open a fully online program with the hope of enticing more out of state students. Welcome to being the guinea pig, Miss Knight.”

  My grin widens. “Thank you. Truly.”

  “You’ll be expected to video chat once a week.”

  “Done. It won’t be a problem, Dean Valen.”

  She takes the time to explain a bit of the new process, gives me a new schedule and access to the courses, then wishes me well. But not before admitting her granddaughter has a poster of Bridger on her wall.

  Like a prepared boy scout, Quinn is loaded with tickets to the home concert during the holiday break of Perfectly Broken’s upcoming tour. I tell Dean Valen to let her granddaughter know the show will debut some of their new tracks. I think I basically secured myself straight A’s by the look on her face.

  Quinn takes me a new way out of the building. The driver is waiting at the back of the campus, and we had to cut through three different buildings, but no cameras are shoved in our faces.

  I’m about ready to declare success when my phone rings. I groan at Bryce’s name and ignore the call. But he calls back three more times in a row.

  On the fourth call I give in and shout, “Bryce, I have nothing to say to you. Leave me alone.”

  “Wait, Alexis,” he says, almost cruelly. “I think you want to talk to me. Come meet me at our favorite place. We’ll have lunch and talk about how to keep your boyfriend out of worse press.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Come talk. I have things to show you, Lex. I think you’re really going to want what I have. But maybe you don’t care about Cole as much as I thought. No doubt there are plenty of places willing to buy what I’ve got.”

  A chill dances down my spine. I have no idea what Bryce has, but it sounds an awful lot like he’s threatening Bridger. And frankly, he’s going to regret it.

  I grip the phone too tightly, my face contorted in fury. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

  Chapter 23

  Alexis

  “I need to do this on my own,” I tell Quinn once the car pulls to the curb outside an Italian bistro.

  “No way.”

  “I did survive on my own before I started rooming with Bridger, you know.”

  Quinn adjusts in his seat. The man knows how to pin someone down with a single glance. “Miss Knight—”

  “Alexis, Thor. We’re beyond formalities, don’t you think?”

  He grins. “Alexis, I never accompanied Miss Prator.”

  “Nadia?” My brow lifts. “Okay.”

  “As in, Mr. Cole never asked me to accompany her. Not once, but he was with the woman for nearly two years.”

  “Quinn, I’m pretty sure my ex-fiancé is trying to threaten Bridger, I’m a little flustered. You’ll need to spell out what point you’re trying to make.”

  “From day one, Bridger gave me explicit instructions that your safety is priority.”

  Heat prickles on the back of my neck. “Probably because of Parker.”

  Quinn shakes his head. “No. It’s not for your brother’s sake, Alexis. If you go in there and something happens to you, I’ll be jobless.”

  I grin and open the door. “A little dramatic. I’ll be fine. We’re in public, and I promise if paparazzi burst from the eaves, I’ll call you straightaway. Please.”

  Quinn clenches a fist, but doesn’t say anything. I take it as his concession to following me inside, and leave the car. I hug my middle and scan the area, almost waiting for cameras to flash in my face. The walk is quiet. Nearly empty in the afternoon heat.

  I hide how my blood is raging, school my face into something flat, and search the restaurant. At the back I catch sight of Bryce’s chestnut hair. My jaw tightens and my insides knot hard and angry. But when the hostess allows me to walk myself to the table, my lungs forget to breathe. Bryce isn’t alone. He’s with my mother.

  I stand like a fool five feet from the table.

  My mother leans forward, whispering to Bryce. She looks exhausted. Her hair, dyed a rusted orange color, is fading, and she’s still in her uniform from her waitressing job. No doubt she fell asleep in it last night and woke up an hour ago.

  She glances at me and leans back in her chair. Bryce looks over his shoulder. I take half a breath to study his features. Why did I want to marry him? He has cold eyes, frown lines that age him, and there is something almost unfeeling about his grin.

  I know why—to forget Bridger Cole. That’s why I jumped at my logical opportunity. I’m a fool and a coward in my own way. I refuse to be so now.

  I step to the table. “What are you two doing?”

  “Sit down, Alexis Marie,” Mom says.

  I comply and sit in the chair, glaring at Bryce. “You said you have something on Bridger. What more could you possibly do to hurt him that Nadia hasn’t already done?”

  “Good to see you, Lex.” Bryce ignores me and reaches his fingers for my face, but I pull back. He flinches, but recovers quickly. “I missed you.”

  “Yeah? Where’s your wife?”

  Bryce shrugs. “Come on, Lex. We don’t need to hash this out right now.”

  “You got married to another woman and left me on a curb, Bryce. I don’t think you have any say in what we talk about.”

  He frown, a flash of anger in his eyes. “Fine. Cami filled in some missing pieces. Gave me what I needed in some areas. Maybe it was cold feet, but I realize now it was a mistake.”

  Is he . . . is he really saying what I think he’s saying? “Filled in pieces such as?”

  Bryce’s face heats in a splotchy red. “You behaved like you weren’t even attracted to me, Alexis! I’m a man. I have needs.”

  My mouth drops. He is saying what I think he’s saying. What a total scumbag. Although, my mind whirls a different direction. All this time I’ve wondered if Bryce didn’t enjoy kissing me. Maybe I was the one putting out the stay away vibes.

  The vibes I forgot about the moment I moved in with Bridger.

  I’d love it if Bridger Cole never stayed away.

  I cross my legs under the table, hugging my middle. Not the time to be thinking this way. Not the time.

  “We’re getting a divorce,” Bryce says glumly. “Obviously.”

  “No, not obviously,” I snap. “When I get married, a divorce would not be my instant, obvious choice, you jerk.”

  “Quit with the hysterics, Alexis.” Mom glances around. “People are staring.”

  I almost laugh. There is only one person staring, but he’s trying hard not to. He must be as stubborn as me because in a back booth, Quinn peeks over his tattered book. He gives me a w
ink, then continues to read.

  I face both my mom and Bryce. “What do you want?”

  My mom flicks her eyes to Bryce and nods. He drums his fingers on the table. “I’m here out of concern for your safety.”

  “My safety. Right.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m really tired of everyone treating me like I’m some delicate piece of glass. If that’s all, I’m safe, now I’m leaving.”

  “Alexis,” my mom says. Her tone is almost soft, almost kind. “Listen to him.”

  Unlike my mother, Bryce adds a touch of ice to his stare. “Lex, I’m worried you’re rebounding with Cole in a dangerous way.”

  “You were the rebound from him.” My eyes widen. I didn’t mean to say that. I sink down in my chair.

  Bryce’s face deepens to a shade of plum. Hopefully he’s digesting that blunder. After a moment, he waves it away. “As I was saying, I care about you. I love you and want to reconcile. You’ve always craved the stability I can offer. You keep on this road, you’ll be forced to live the opposite. I can make you happy, Alexis.”

  I stare at him, my lips parted. Then, I turn to my mom. “How can you actually want me to be with this guy? How can you be here, with him, after what he did to me? I’m your daughter, mom. Why don’t you, for once, want what’s best for me?”

  She plays with a straw wrapper. “Did you ever think that is what I’m doing? Take it from me, you want a stable life, Alexis. I don’t want you to have anything but security and safety. That is why I’m here. Be reasonable and don’t throw a safe life away over a mistake.”

  “A mistake? Mom, what happened to you?” I say, my voice breaking. “What happened to make you think it’s fine to settle for so little?”

  She shakes her head. “Don’t be stupid, Alexis. Don’t give up someone who will be kind to you, who will care for you because of this. You’ll regret it.”

  “I won’t.” I look to Bryce. “I don’t regret anything.”

  Bryce glares at me. “I didn’t want to do this, Lex, but you’re not being reasonable. I’ll say it straight—if you stay with Cole, I’m going to release the messages and images I have.”

  “Original,” I say with a bite. “Threatening me with so-called pictures. Yeah, no one has ever thought of that.”