Wildest Dream (Redfall Dream #4)

by B. B. Miller

  “Not sure what kind of sex you’re having—” I start.

  “The kind that gets my wife pregnant,” Kennedy says proudly.

  I bite back the bitter sting of annoyance. It’s been a couple of weeks since the good old doc dropped the bomb that my little soldiers aren’t marching with purpose. Those two weeks have done nothing to dull the nagging feeling I’m somehow less of a man. “Well, I’m not dead. There’s plenty of wall pounding,” I say a little too forcefully. I take a long sip of the energy drink, the lime coating my tongue. It would be nice to have something a bit stronger at the moment if we’re going to be talking rounds of babies and impending fatherhood.

  “No more Cherry Riddle?” Matt asks, almost causing me to spit out the drink. I wipe my arm across my mouth with a laugh.

  “You just had to bring her up, didn’t you?”

  “We’re in New York. Of course I did. You never know when she may make an appearance,” Matt reminds me.

  “That’s a riddle that will forever remain unsolved,” Cameron helpfully supplies. “Does Cassidy know about the tattoo you have dedicated to Miss Cherry?”

  I rub my forearm where the cherry skulls sit. Cherry Riddle, fangirl extraordinaire, managed to get backstage at most of the shows we’ve played in New York. Try as I might to stay away from her, those luscious lips of hers have been far too tempting, up until now. The tatt is a result of a lost bet I had with the guys two years ago. They had bet me I would cave to her desperate, often colorful begging to suck my cock. I tried. Honest to God, I tried, but a man has his limits, and she was just too tempting, too eager. And she brought actual pom-poms last time to sweeten the deal. I didn’t want to disappoint.

  I give my head a shake because a meaningless encounter like that can’t hold a candle to Cassidy. The fact some random, persistent groupies were the norm for me is a bit mind-boggling when I think about what I have with Cass. “No, she doesn’t know, and that’s the way it’s going to stay,” I mutter under my breath.

  Cameron laughs and takes a sip from his water bottle. “Next thing you know you’ll be hitched and have her knocked up. Who wants in on this one?” Matt and Kennedy both raise their hands, the bastards. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell the lot of them to go fuck themselves, but I can’t. The last thing I need is the guys knowing about my sluggish goddamn sperm.

  “You know, not everyone follows the traditional relationship society demands,” I snap at them, my emotions still raw.

  “Amen to that, brother,” Matt says. “I have no plans on changing anything with Tess. We don’t need a piece of paper or a kid to prove we’re together.”

  “Yeah? Well, we didn’t plan on getting pregnant either, and look what happened,” Kennedy reminds me, all smug. “Sometimes, the universe decides for you.”

  Not being able to stomach any more from either of them, I turn my attention to the girls. “Sammy! Where is my poppet?”

  Sam looks over from her deep discussion with the girls. “She’s having a sleepover with Victoria and Louis.”

  I cringe at the mention of Cameron’s parents. They may be one of the richest families in the country, but having money doesn’t mean they’ve been stellar parents. Cameron was raised by nannies, if the truth be told, and his mother is the original Ice Queen. The introduction of Sam and Hannah into their lives brought on an almost Disney-like thawing that still astounds me. “Blimey. Bring Hannah next time, yes?”

  “I will. She was upset when she found out she wasn’t coming with us.”

  “Nothing two days with Midnight and the rest of the horses can’t cure,” Cameron slides his arm around Sam’s waist as the girls join us once more. Cassidy glances up at me with that smile that makes me crazy.

  “Cameron’s family owns a stable and about a thousand horses. Hannah, Sam’s daughter, is learning how to ride,” I explain.

  Cameron rolls his eyes. “Not a thousand horses, but yes, and she’s getting really good.”

  “She’ll be donning the polo kit before you know it.”

  “I sure hope so,” Cameron says as Sam leans into his side.

  I stop middrink as the door flies opens and Abby steps in with Tucker towering behind her. My eyes fall to her stomach. Her very swollen, very pregnant stomach, and my own bottoms out. She’s looking a little knackered, but her smile widens when she sees me.

  “You’re here!” My throat tightens and I can’t seem to look away from her obvious addition. She’s probably five months along now, judging from the timing Kennedy provided us, and she’s definitely showing as plain as day. Another reminder of something I may never have. I want to be happy for Abby and a man I consider a brother, but an unexpected ache lingers, darkening what should be a celebration.

  I feel all eyes on me. I’m quiet, staring like some stunted git. I throw my arms wide and try to give them what they all want and expect.

  “I am. The party can officially start.” My voice sounds flat and forced. Abby cocks her head at my less than enthusiastic greeting and gives me an awkward side hug, her belly getting in the way. “Congratulations, Abby, on both counts. Although you’re going to have to name the little one Sean either way.”

  She smiles at me, her hand settling over her bump as Kennedy moves in to kiss the top of her head. “And why is that?”

  “Because you didn’t invite me to the wedding.”

  She gives me a sheepish smile. “It was…”

  “Last minute. I’ve heard.” I give them both a mock glare. “Doesn’t mean I’m going to forget it any time soon.”

  Abby ignores me, her eyes brightening as she takes in Cassidy. “And you must be Cassidy. You’re a brave woman to take this one on.” Abby nudges me in the shoulder.

  “Hey! I’m not that bad,” I protest, but it gets lost in another round of girl-hugging.

  “He’s not, actually. It doesn’t take much to keep him in line, if you want to know the truth,” Cass replies, her lips twisting in amusement.

  Matt laughs. “I like her. We’re going to keep her.”

  “That we are, Matty.” I sling my arm around Cassidy’s shoulder, and she gives me a playful pinch to my side.

  “You’re making Sydney’s wedding dress, right?” Tess asks.

  Cass nods. “I am. It’s coming along nicely.”

  “I’d love to see it,” Abby says.

  “You should come to the shop if you have time while you’re in town,” Cassidy offers.

  “Cass has her own shop in the East Village.” I tighten my arm against her.

  “That’s amazing!” Samantha says. “I do need to start looking for a dress.” Cameron presses a kiss to the modest ring on her left hand.

  “Yeah, you do, Miss McKenzie.” The man is a bazillionaire and could afford an Antarctic-sized ring on Sam’s finger, but Sam isn’t like that. She’s as down to earth as you can get, preferring the simple things in life. Her engagement ring is a reflection of who she is, and of what Cam loves about her. It’s simple and classically beautiful without being ostentatious.

  “Is that how you two met then? At your shop?” Tess asks.

  “Yes!” “No,” we both say at the same time, and I glance down at Cassidy in confusion as she covers my mouth with her hand.

  “We’re going to leave it at yes,” she announces to the group, earning a laugh from Abby.

  “Why do I have a feeling there’s more to this story?” Abby folds her arms across her chest.

  I nip at Cassidy’s fingers and tug her hand from my mouth. “Let’s just say she fell after me… literally.”

  “Or how about we just say nothing.” Cass pins me with a dark look.

  “Ah, the mystery. Yes. Let’s leave it and have them draw their own conclusions, love.” I glance back up, getting a few amused looks from the group. “Cass is also making my suit for the wedding.”

  “I never said I’d make your suit,” Cass reminds me.

  “Really? I saw a sketch of it a couple of weeks ago.”

  Cass glar
es at me. “You weren’t supposed to see that!” God, I love it when she’s feisty.

  “Then don’t leave it out on your drawing table.” I’m pushing, but bantering with Cass is akin to foreplay for me, and I can’t seem stop myself.

  “Can’t leave home without an entourage, I see.” Landon Ravine steps into the room, and our jovial mood is instantly dampened. He’s looking for all the world like he owns the place, and rightfully so—this is his hit television show after all. His entire outfit screams rock and roll, he smells like he’s spent the night in a brewery, and he reeks a bit of desperation.

  Kennedy moves to a protective stance beside Abby. “Well you know, have band will travel.” Kennedy pauses before continuing, “Oh wait, you don’t know, do you. Didn’t your band kick you out?” Kennedy tries to hide his cocky grin, but it’s impossible. “Again?”

  Ravine’s jaw ticks. By not checking his entitled attitude at the door, he doesn’t make it easy on himself. His latest band fired him following a rather public meltdown after a show in Paris where he accused them of not bringing their A game, which was bollocks. “That was a mutual breakup,” he grinds out.

  “Ah, let’s see if I can paint the newsworthy article.” I step up beside Kennedy, pinning Ravine with a stare. “It’s with a heavy heart we announce our separation. We’ll always have a mutual love and respect for each other, and our music will forever bind us together. Please respect our privacy in this troubled time.” Matt tries to cover his laugh with a cough. Ravine shoots him a glare. “Have I got it right?”

  “Six bands in five years. Going for a record?” Cameron asks from somewhere behind me.

  Ravine casts a slow gaze around the room, his lips curling into a sneer. “I see there’s some new additions, and that you’ve been busy, Lane.” He nods in Abby’s direction and Kennedy’s shoulders tense.

  “Watch it,” Kennedy growls as Tucker moves beside him.

  “Relax. Both of you.” Tucker fires his usual forceful warning. “Remember why we’re here.” Tucker claps his hand over Kennedy’s shoulder, easing him back. “Let’s try to get through this without punches being thrown this time, hmm?”

  Landon holds Kennedy’s gaze and takes a wise step back. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your new friends? I know Abby, and of course do I ever remember Tessa.” He rakes his eyes over Tess like she’s his next meal, and Matt coaxes her behind him.

  “And who’s this?” The bastard leers at Cassidy.

  “Hey!” I snap my fingers in his face. “That vampiric glamour you try to wield won’t work, Ravine. Best to quit while you’re ahead.”

  “Can we just get this over with?” Kennedy asks, his voice hard. “The only reason we’re not bolting is because I made a promise to you in the name of charity. You’ve ten seconds to tell me where you want me, and what I’m going to be doing, or we’re out of here.”

  Landon holds his palms up, giving us a fake laugh. “I’m just teasing. Fuck, you guys need to relax. I meant no offense.”

  “Bullshit,” Matt says. “Show some fucking respect.”

  Landon shakes his head and takes a deliberate deep breath. “Let’s start this again. Welcome!” He spreads his arms wide. “I’m glad you guys could make it. We’re in the semifinals of the show and down to twelve contestants who are fighting for a spot on the four-member band we’re creating.”

  Tucker relaxes his stance but stays beside Kennedy.

  “How much experience do they have?” Kennedy asks.

  Landon crosses to the table of food, scanning it before selecting a handful of chocolate-covered somethings from a bowl. He jiggles them in his hand. “Some of them have come close to getting record deals. But you know how it goes.” His mocking glare doesn’t go unnoticed.

  Back in the day when we were first starting out, Landon and his band at the time slime-balled their way into our slot at a label audition. They won the favor of the record producer and the feud between us was born. Redfall ultimately won out at the end of the day, with Landon’s label going bankrupt shortly after the release of their first album, which was a bust. Since then, he’s earned a reputation as a cutthroat pain in the arse who can barely hang onto a band. His die-hard fans don’t care. They’re sucked in by the illusion of the glitz and glam punctuated by his success on the show. Editing can do wonders at hiding someone’s real personality, but we haven’t forgotten just how dirty he can be.

  Landon shoves the handful of candy in his mouth and chews before continuing, “A few have never played in front of an audience before. It’s quite the mix. Your pretty faces are here to mentor them. Give them tips on their performance. Show them how to rev up a crowd.” Landon pauses for a moment. “Maybe change up the songs a bit. Give them a different arrangement.”

  Kennedy studies Ravine. “Isn’t that what you’re doing with them?”

  Landon is quiet for a moment, studying Kennedy thoughtfully. “Truth is, I’m not all that good in that area.” Landon rubs the back of his neck. I think we’re all in a bit of shock. That’s as close to a compliment as we’re ever going to hear from Landon. At our stunned expressions, he rambles on. “Can I play the hell out of any song you give me? Fuck yeah. Can I breathe new life into them like you can? Make them relevant for a new audience? That’s a bit of a challenge.”

  “And here I thought you were all about challenges, Ravine,” Matty mumbles.

  Ravine shoots him a look.

  “What songs are you doing?” Kennedy asks.

  “This week it’s seventies rock.”

  “Hell yes,” Cameron says.

  “It was the audience’s choice.” Landon shrugs.

  “Clearly your audience has some taste,” I remark.

  “We didn’t bring anything. Your PR people didn’t mention playing,” Kennedy replies, and Landon huffs a laugh.

  “I’ve got an entire studio full of instruments, Lane.” He glances at Matt. “Even got a vintage Rickenbacker in there. It’s almost as if I knew you’d all show up.” Matty tries to look like he doesn’t care, but I know he jumps at a chance to play any Rickenbacker.

  Kennedy glances at us in silent question, and Cameron gives me a slight nod. “Okay. We’ll work on a few arrangements with them, but I don’t want the show to be about us. It’s supposed to be about finding new talent.”

  Ravine flashes an evil smile. “You guys are getting older. Aren’t you forty soon, Logan?” The bastard just can’t resist getting in another dig.

  “Do you want our fucking help or not?” Matty grinds out, his body tensed with contained anger as he takes a step forward.

  “Okay, okay. I get it, Logan,” Ravine starts. “It’s a sensitive subject. And yeah, I’d like your help.” He glances back at Kennedy. “I’d appreciate your help.”

  “Then lead the way.” Ravine grins like the Cheshire cat and starts out the door. “You know if this works out, maybe we can talk about collaborating on something else.”

  Kennedy slaps Landon on the shoulder with more force than necessary. “Not a snowball’s chance in hell. But I appreciate you being the eternal delusional optimist.” Kennedy presses a kiss to Abby’s lips. “We won’t be long, baby.”

  “There’s a viewing room of the studio if you’d like to come this way,” says a tall brunette dressed like she’s going to a dance club. She ushers the girls into the hallway and motions to the right. The girls file along behind her.

  I tug on Cassidy’s hand as she passes, bringing her against my chest. “You’ll be watching me?”

  She lifts up and presses a chaste kiss to my lips. “I’m always watching you.”

  “Stalker,” I mumble against her lips. “I like it.”

  “Just go do your thing. If you’re any good, I might reward you later.” She nips playfully at my bottom lip, and I tighten my arm around her.

  “I’m better than good. I’d think by now you’d know that.” It’s almost a growl as she pulls away and walks down the hall. She throws a glance over her shoulder at me.<
br />
  “Prove it and see what happens.”

  Damn tease of a woman.

  “I can’t believe we helped that asshole.” Matt takes a long pull from his virgin Manhattan. We’re tucked away in soft couches in the corner of Summit, a rooftop restaurant that boasts cinematic views of the Chrysler Building. The virgin drinks are in solidarity with Abby, but I’m not complaining. They are syrupy sweet and garnished with cherries as requested by goddamn Cameron because he likes to push my buttons.

  He seems determined to want to share the Cherry Riddle tattoo story, making me seriously question his loyalty.

  “Think of it as karma.” Kennedy looks up at the tiny white bulb lights strung above us. “Your good deed for the day.”

  “For the year, maybe,” Matt grumbles.

  “I didn’t mind it,” Cameron chimes in. “That arrangement of ‘Wild Horses’ was…” He shakes his head a bit. “I kind of wish we kept that for ourselves.” We all nod in agreement. That was musical magic, the four of us rearranging the classic Stones song into an edgier, bass-driven piece that’s going to set the viewing audience on fire. It also helped that Ravine seemed to be impressed and pissed off in equal measure seeing us bring to life something he’s incapable of.

  “It’s easy to see who’s going to make it to the final,” Matty adds. “Some of those musicians aren’t cut out for this. Others are just amazing.”

  “You want to see amazing? Wait until you see the finalists for the music academy.” I finish the last of the sugary sweet drink, setting the glass down on the table.

  “I’m looking forward to that,” Kennedy says.

  “There are some real prodigies in there.” I slide my arm across the back of the sofa, playing with the ends of Cassidy’s hair. “I have a proposition.”

  A collective groan rises from my traitorous bandmates. “Oh, please. You all mumble and complain, but whenever I suggest we do something you always have the time of your lives.”

  Matt raises his hand. “That is total bullshit, and I request a redirect, your honor.”

  I scowl at him. “Request denied.” I catch a maraschino cherry when he hurls it at me, and pop it into my mouth. The tartness has me sucking my cheeks in as I chew it down. “Now, you know that Adventure Wars has been on Nic to get me on the show.”