“Excuse me?” Josie said, not bothering to hide her irritation. “What do you mean by properly vet him?” Her hands shook as she moved away from the crowd. Was her stepmother seriously going to ban her fiancé if he didn’t meet her approval?
“I’m sure you know exactly what I mean,” Monica said. “I will not have my daughter’s chance at stardom ruined because you’re draggin’ who knows who back home as your fiancé.”
Colin had stuck close by her, and he made a low noise in his throat before he took the phone away from Josie. Without saying a word, he ended the call. “That did not sound like your father,” he said, giving her the phone back.
“Nope.” She looked at her cell, waiting for it to ring again. Monica would be livid. “That was my stepmother.” She gave Colin a half-smile. “Her head is probably spinning around right now.”
“Sorry about that.” He scowled when her phone started to ring, and Monica’s name appeared on the screen.
“I really don’t want to talk to her again,” Josie said with a sigh. “But she’ll hound me until I do.”
“Allow me?” he asked, holding out his hand.
“Are you sure you really want to?” While it was sweet of him to come to her defense, Monica would eat him alive. Besides, Josie didn’t want them to know who he was just yet. She admitted to herself that she wanted to see their faces when she introduced Colin to them all.
“I’m sure.” He took the phone and tapped on the screen. “Hello there,” he said in his British accent. “I’m afraid Josie isn’t available to talk right now.”
Josie leaned in close to him but still couldn’t hear the other end of the conversation.
“Yes, this is her fiancé,” Colin said. He paused and then chuckled. “Sorry, but my publicist advised me not to disclose that information right now.” Colin glanced down at Josie and winked. “I understand, and I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
She heard Monica’s voice rise in pitch and knew she wasn’t very happy right now. Josie tried not to enjoy how displeased Monica was, but she rarely had the upper hand when it came to her stepmother.
“Again, sorry,” Colin said, “I look forward to meeting you and your husband. I must be going now. Cheers.”
“Lovely person, isn’t she?” Josie said when he ended the call and handed her the phone.
“Quite.” He gave her a crooked smile. “I suggest you turn off your phone though. Let her stew about it for a little while.”
“Brilliant idea.” She powered off her phone and caught sight of the three girls from the jewelry store. They were pointing Colin out to two other women standing next to them. She didn’t want another selfie-session to take place. “I think shopping for snacks will have to wait. Your female fans have friends, and they’re about ready to cross the street.”
Colin looked over his shoulder and then back at Josie. “Let’s go.” He took her by the hand, hurrying to the Land Rover.
Breathless from their sprint, Josie laughed as they both climbed in the car. As Colin pulled away from the curb, she looked in the side-view mirror and saw the group of girls give up their pursuit.
“Does that happen where ever you go?” she asked as he headed toward the freeway.
“Not as much as it did before.” He stopped for a red light and looked at her. “I don’t miss that part of my life.”
“You better get used to it again,” Josie said, thinking about Colin singing to her during the photo session the day before. “Once people hear you sing solo, I’m pretty sure you are going to be a bigger star than you ever were in Wild Card.”
The slow grin he gave her made the butterflies start flapping as his eyes burned with admiration and something else she couldn’t define. “Then it’s a good thing I have you for a girlfriend.” He turned his attention back to the road and reached over for her hand. “I have a feeling you’ll keep me grounded,” he said, the rough timbre of his voice sending liquid fire through her veins.
Longing curled deliciously in Josie’s stomach as his thumb made lazy circles over the top of her hand. Her breath felt shallow and her head was spinning as if she was free-falling off a cliff. Gripping his hand tighter, she had to ask herself who was going to keep her grounded?
Chapter 12
Colin
The drive to Mitchel Creek, Georgia didn’t take nearly enough time. As they approached the exit, Colin was strung tighter than the strings on his guitar. He glanced at Josie and could tell she was just as stressed. Her fingers gripped the steering wheel so tightly the skin was turning white. He probably should have insisted on driving the rest of the way. But they’d stopped for gas a few miles from her hometown, and she’d decided it would be easier if she drove rather than give him directions.
“Nervous?” he asked when she cut him a quick look as she merged into the exit lane.
“More like sick to my stomach.” She rolled her shoulders back. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”
They’d talked the entire drive, and he felt like he knew her more intimately. His admiration for her had deepened when he heard more about how involved she was with some of the charities the Daltons supported. Josie also volunteered at a facility for families trying to better their situation or get back on their feet. She usually worked with the children at the center, but she also kept up with the center’s website.
Colin’s past time activities weren’t as noble. He vowed to himself that if he ever had a successful music career again that he would share his wealth with those less fortunate. He no longer wanted a fancy house or cars or to amass large sums of money so he could party. Josie hadn’t delved into his past too deeply, but she knew enough that he wasn’t a saint. He had also disclosed details about himself that made him feel vulnerable, including talking about Harvey and how he’d nearly destroyed Colin. He hadn’t liked talking about his past but felt better now that it was out.
“We could pull over and find a place to snog,” Colin said, only half teasing. At one point in the trip, they’d talked about words used in America that differed from those in the UK.
She let out a short laugh. “You think snogging will relax me?”
“It wouldn’t hurt.”
“Thank you for making me laugh.” She lowered the speed as she exited the motorway. “Do you think we should turn my phone back on yet?”
“I can if you’d like me to.”
“No thank you.” She bit her lower lip. “My phone will probably blow up from all the text messages.”
He didn’t doubt her word. After briefly speaking with her stepmother, he understood completely why she’d made up having a fiancé in the first place. At least he wasn’t the only one with a screwed up family. But like Josie had said to him before, she didn’t have Gran. Everyone needed someone like his grandmother on their side.
They passed by a large white mansion Josie called the Mitchel Plantation. The beautiful structure was surrounded by cherry trees. “The trees should start blossoming in about a month,” Josie said, slowing down so Colin could get a better look. “I wish we could come back when they peak so you can get some pictures. It’s gorgeous.”
He liked the way she referred to them as we as if they were a couple. He’d never imagined that belonging to someone would feel so grounded. In past relationships, he’d always felt trapped like he was suffocating and couldn’t breathe until he’d moved on. With Josie, he felt like he was breathing for the first time.
“I’d like to see that,” he said, wishing he could take her home with him to see Gran’s house. Her flower garden looked like a place a fairy would live once everything blossomed.
“My mama loved spring,” Josie said wistfully. “We always went to the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Macon.”
“You don’t do that anymore?” Colin asked.
“No. Monica banned my daddy from going after Scarlet lost the talent show a few years back.” She gave a short laugh. “She pitched a hissy fit, claiming Scarlet had been cheated. Monica decided to boyc
ott the festival after that, although I wouldn’t be surprised if they asked her to never come back.”
Colin shifted on the seat and gazed out the window. While he didn’t like the way Scarlet treated Josie, he did feel sorry for her. He didn’t dare voice that to Josie though. Other than the Daltons and their staff, she truly had no one on her side.
“Oh boy,” she said with a shaky laugh. “This is it.” She made a right turn into a neighborhood with large homes. Not all of them were ostentatious, but one stuck out like a leprechaun doing an Irish jig at a rock concert.
Sitting on top of a small hill, the white marble structure with gold leafing looked like it belonged in Greece. He wasn’t surprised when Josie pulled into the long driveway.
“Welcome to Hillside Manor.” She put the car in park and turned to look at him. “Just so you know, Monica named the house.”
“Do most people name their homes in America?” he asked.
“Not that I know of.” She looked at the house and then back to him. “But I call it Hillside Mania.”
Colin snorted a laugh. He loved her sense of humor and quick wit. She’d probably developed her personality to survive her household. Now it was a strength.
He, on the other hand, had turned to music first and then alcohol. He thanked God every day that the alcohol didn’t have a hold on him like it had his father. He rubbed his fingers together, feeling the callouses from playing the guitar. Music had saved him. He couldn’t wait to get settled so he could work on a new song he’d written before coming to America.
“Okay, so I have no idea who is staying at the house.” Josie pointed to the sleek red convertible parked in front of the four-car garage with a license plate that said TANSY. “That belongs to Scarlet’s maid of honor. She lives nearby, so I doubt she’s staying here.” She gave him a sassy grin. “In case you’re wondering, her name is Tansy, and she’s just as big of a diva as Scarlet.”
“Odd name, but okay.”
“Monica’s sister is probably here too. Her name is Charlotte, and she’s actually really nice.” A wrinkle furrowed her brow. “Her husband left her a few years ago for a younger woman, leaving her to raise their daughter, Bethany, all by herself. She’s a cute little girl and not at all like Scarlet.” Josie let out a derisive laugh. “The only two people who I like aren’t even related to me. Go figure.”
Colin filed the information away, wondering if he should start taking notes to keep everyone straight.
“Mama was an only child,” Josie continued. “And my daddy’s only brother lives in Alaska, but I’ve never met him in person before. They aren’t on speaking terms.”
“Why is that?”
She shrugged. “I have no idea. I think they’ve just never gotten along.” She stared at the house and exhaled deeply. “I guess we need to get on inside.”
“Shall I get our luggage now or later?” Colin asked as he opened the car door.
“We might as well get it now.”
“Sit tight, and I’ll get your door.” He climbed out and walked around the front of the vehicle. The house had eyes. Or at least that’s what it felt like. He was sure they were being watched. Maybe he would suggest snogging again. They could use the practice, and it would solidify their story. That, and he really wanted to taste her lips again. She’d just put on some delicious smelling lip gloss.
He opened her door and held out his hand. Josie hesitated for a second before placing her hand in his. Lightning rushed up his arm and went straight to his heart the second their palms met. Josie took in a shallow breath and gripped his hand tightly. “You’re just a regular bloke,” she muttered under her breath as she climbed out of the car.
“Pep talk?” he asked with amusement.
“Something like that,” she said, stepping aside to close the door. “At least this time I didn’t blush.”
He lifted an eyebrow. The becoming flush on her smooth skin enhanced the color of her full lips. Without thinking about it, Colin leaned in and caught her mouth with a kiss, breathing in her scent and tasting the fruity flavored lip gloss.
He’d expected a reaction from Josie. Just not the one she gave him. Instead of pulling away, she kissed him back, gripping the front of his shirt to pull him closer. Slow, liquid heat spread through him like he’d taken a shot of rum. His head felt fuzzy as the intensity of her mouth on his beckoned him to deepen the kiss. She made a soft noise that increased the fire consuming him as he slipped his hands around her lower back to bring her body snugly against his.
“For goodness sake,” a high-pitched voice said. “Y’all are causing a distasteful scene.”
Josie was the first to respond to the voice and ended the kiss. Colin’s reaction time was a little slower, but he followed her lead and edged back to see they had an audience of four women.
He recognized Scarlet from her pictures and deduced the redhead standing next to her was Tansy, the maid of honor. The other two women looked similar enough to be sisters. Monica had to be the one with the big hair, tight clothing, and wearing as much gold as Her Majesty, The Queen, at the state opening of Parliament. Charlotte, who looked at least ten years younger, had the same shade of auburn hair as her sister but styled it in a chic bob. Everything else about her was different, making her appearance softer and more approachable.
“Hey, y’all,” Josie said in a husky tone. “We didn’t expect a welcoming party.” She leaned into Colin to look beyond the group of women. “Where’s Daddy?”
“Golfing with Ford,” Monica snapped. “But don’t think I won’t report this behavior to him, young lady.”
Colin felt Josie stiffen. He knew she wasn’t worried about Monica’s idle threat. On the drive up, she’d talked about how every visit home she wished her dad would treat her more like a daughter than an intruder. The man wasn’t even home and had chosen to go golfing rather than greet his daughter and her fiancé.
“I apologize, Mrs. Sinclair,” Colin said in a cajoling voice he’d perfected to get out of trouble with his grandmother. “I didn’t know that kissing one’s fiancée wasn’t permissible in America.”
Charlotte made a choking sound and looked down at her feet. Monica’s face pinched with irritation while Scarlet and Tansy’s eyes rounded with recognition.
Scarlet muttered an oath as she pushed her mother aside. “You’re Colin Wilde,” she said with another curse word.
“Who is Colin Wilde?” Monica asked, completely ignoring her daughter’s unladylike language.
“But…I don’t understand,” Scarlet said, gripping onto her friend’s arm as if she might faint. “How can you be Josie’s fiancé?”
“Because he asked me to marry him,” Josie said wryly.
Charlotte choked on a laugh, trying to hide it with a coughing fit. “Excuse me,” she said, turning toward the house. “I need to check on Bethany.”
Scarlet’s nostrils flared. “Let me see your ring,” she demanded, reaching out and grabbing Josie’s left hand. Her own enormous diamond winked under the afternoon sunlight. Colin was so glad Mrs. Dalton had insisted that he buy an engagement ring.
“Wow,” Tansy said, leaning over to get a better look. “Nice rock, Josie.” She winked at Colin “It goes nicely with your rock-star boyfriend.”
“You’re a rock star?” Monica asked in disbelief. “Are you famous?”
More like infamous. Colin thought with a smirk. Instead, he gave her a stage smile and shrugged.
“Mama,” Scarlet said in a whiny voice. “For goodness sake, he’s the lead singer from Wild Card.” She dropped Josie’s hand and offered Colin a white-toothed grin that looked more like a vampire showing off her fangs. “I’m a huge fan.” She tucked a strand of her long blonde hair behind her ear. “I’m sure Josie has told you all about me. I’m a singer too, ya know.”
Colin was torn about how to interact with Scarlet Graham. He didn’t like the way she treated Josie. He also didn’t like the way she looked at him. It certainly wasn’t a look a soon-to-be-marr
ied woman should give to another man, let alone a man engaged to her sister. However, he also didn’t want to offend her. She was kind of like his golden ticket to getting an audience with the singer/songwriter duo behind Phillip-Chase Entertainment.
“Of course he knows who you are, Scarlet,” Josie said. “After all, we’re here for your wedding.”
“Right.” Scarlet shot Josie a mildly annoyed look. “Well, aren’t you going to properly introduce us?”
“I thought I already did?” Josie said.
“Forgive Josie’s manners,” Monica said, holding out her hand. “I’m Monica Graham Sinclair.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Sinclair,” Colin said, not sure if he was supposed to kiss her hand or shake it. He opted for the latter.
“Thank you,” she said, giving Colin a weak handshake. “I can hardly wait to learn more about you.” Her eyes flickered to Josie. “And how y’all met. We haven’t heard a thing from Josie.”
Colin ground his back teeth together, trying to maintain a civil smile. Monica Graham Sinclair reminded him so much of his father that it made him sick. He wanted to wrap a protective arm around Josie to shield her from the underlying animosity her stepmother barely concealed. “I’m afraid I’m the one to blame for that.” He pulled his hand free. “Since you’re familiar with the entertainment industry, I’m sure you understand,” he said with a chuckle. He hoped the laugh covered his own dislike for the woman.
“I suppose so,” Monica said with a sniff.
Colin made eye contact with the redhead, who was staring at him with open admiration. She blinked and then introduced herself. “Hey, I’m Tansy Barkdull,” she said in a breathless tone. “I’m Scarlet’s single best friend and maid of honor.” She gave his fingers a squeeze. “I’m a really big fan of yours too.”
“Thank you,” he said, uncomfortable with her blatant overture about her relationship status. Unless she meant she was Scarlet’s single best friend as in her only one, which wasn’t entirely impossible. “It’s lovely to meet you, Miss Barkdull.” He withdrew his hand before she could squeeze it again.
Moonlighting with the British Rock Star: A Georgia Moon Romance Page 10