Effortless: HarperImpulse Contemporary Romance

by Lynn Montagano

  “Ladies. Having a good time tonight?” one of the guys asked in a slight southern drawl. We hadn’t noticed him approach us. “Where y’all from?”

  Emma answered first. “London. Thanks for the drinks.” She picked up a shot glass and handed it to me, then passed one to Stephanie.

  “All three of you are from London?” The blondish frat boy grinned, motioning for his friends to join.

  Stephanie downed her shot. “Nope. Florida here—” she pointed to herself “—and—” she pointed to me “—there.”

  I lifted my shot glass in a greeting before drinking it. What the hell did they send us? Gasoline? The strong liquid burned going down my throat. I made a little noise, thankful the sounds of the pub drowned it out.

  “North Carolina here. We’re studying abroad for the semester.”

  “Exciting.” Stephanie widened her eyes. I knew she was over-exaggerating with the flirting. She got a kick out of younger guys and these boys couldn’t be any older than twenty.

  Frat boy took her ‘interest’ as an invitation to stick around. Emma and I exchanged glances.

  “We’ve actually got to be going,” Emma said, standing up.

  “Where to? Hot girls like you must know of a few places in this city.” Frat boy looked expectantly at her.

  “A concert. Gotta run.” She motioned for Stephanie and me to follow her and we left the college guys in the dust. “Do you two want to come with me?” she asked when we walked outside.

  “Who’s playing?”

  “A friend of mine fronts a band called Before Day. They’re in town for the weekend. Do either of you like Keane or Coldplay or anyone like that? Their style is similar.”

  Stephanie scrunched up her nose. “Not really.”

  “I’m okay with it.” I shrugged.

  “It’s up to you two. I’d be more than happy to have some company and I’m sure the boys would appreciate more people in the crowd.”

  * * *

  There wasn’t enough room in this place for an amoeba to move, let alone the three of us. I don’t know why Emma made it sound like this band needed a bigger audience. The place was packed, sweaty and louder than anything I’d experienced in a long time. The band was already into their set on a small stage bathed in lavender lighting. Emma guided us through the crowd toward the left side of the stage. We stood against the wall as it vibrated from the bass and drums.

  These guys weren’t bad at all. The lead singer had that smoldering magnetism that could propel them to worldwide fame. His voice was low and smooth, with a hint of a rasp when he hit certain notes. Clad in jeans, t-shirt and black leather jacket, he owned the stage. Even Stephanie looked a little smitten with the dark haired singer. She had that familiar glint in her eye when she’s bowled over.

  I guess things with Brent aren’t so shiny and fabulous.

  “Is that your friend?” she asked Emma, raising her voice to be heard above the music.

  Emma nodded. “His name is Colin. Fantastic vocalist.”

  When the next song started, some of the women in front of the stage cheered and waved their arms in an effort to get Colin to notice them. This song was slower. Not quite a ballad but not as raucous as the last one. In true rock star fashion, Colin serenaded the ladies in the front, coming down on one knee to sing directly to them. When he stood, his piercing blue eyes swept through the crowd. The venue was small so it’s possible he was able to see most of the people. Striding toward the side of the stage we were standing closest to, he made eye contact with me, then Emma, then Stephanie. He winked in Emma’s direction and carried on with the song.

  Stephanie grabbed my arm and mouthed, “He’s so hot.”

  I gave her a look.

  “We’ll talk,” she mouthed.

  After the concert ended, Emma led us behind the building where the band was hanging out by a tour bus. Again, I was surprised at how nonchalant Emma had been about their success. Scantily clad girls hovered by the fence, recording every move the band made with their smart phones and screaming their names in the hopes of being plucked out of the crowd.

  “Emma.” Colin wrapped her a hug. “Thanks for postponing your trip home.” He slung an arm over her shoulders and smiled at Stephanie and me. “Introduce me to your friends?” The way his English accent hugged every syllable was mesmerizing.

  “This is Lia,” she gestured in my direction, “and her friend Stephanie. I sort of gatecrashed their night and dragged them here with me.”

  “Did she feed you the line that we needed a bigger audience?”

  I laughed. “As a matter of fact, she did.”

  Colin shook his head with a grin. “She loves throwing herself into her work.”

  “Is she your publicist?”

  “Unofficially. We’ve been trying to build a decent fan base so we can get signed. I can’t tell you how many labels have passed on us.”

  One of the other band members sauntered over and introduced himself as Paul. He also offered us each a beer.

  “So what are two Americans doing living here in Glasgow?” Colin asked, looking pointedly at Stephanie. She seamlessly adjusted her stance, cocking her left hip provocatively and running a finger up the beer bottle’s neck. I knew this pose. She was going in for the kill.

  “Lia is engaged to Alastair Holden,” Emma interjected. “Stephanie works for Sarah at Finley’s.”

  I stiffened at Emma’s choice to introduce me as his fiancée first, without mentioning that I also had a moderately important job in the city. It made me feel like the arm candy the papers described me as being.

  “Holden, huh? Haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him but our manager has tried to get us signed to their label. No luck yet.”

  Emma looked at me expectantly. I started to feel uncomfortable and wondered if she only brought me here to act as a back door for getting her friend a record deal. She knew Alastair. Why didn’t she just hit him up for a favor?

  “These beautiful ladies don’t want to talk business,” he said, winking at Stephanie. “Come back to our hotel for some post-gig drinks and a little something to eat.”

  I thought Stephanie’s fingers were going to puncture through my skin she was grasping me so hard.

  “I have an early flight, I can’t. Sorry.” Emma frowned turning to us. “I do have to be going. Do you want to share a taxi? I’m only staying in the West End.”

  I was about to answer when Stephanie clamped down harder on my arm. I knew she wanted to go to the after party. “I think we’re going to stick around a little bit longer.”

  Emma looked at my best friend and grinned. “Have fun.”

  Without much fanfare, she kissed Colin goodbye, thanked Stephanie and I for hanging out with her and disappeared into the night. I really wanted to go home but Stephanie kept making eyes at Colin in between giving me her pouty look.

  “We’ll go for a little while,” she pleaded with me while winking at the singer. “It’s Friday. It’s not like we have to be up early tomorrow.”

  “What about Brent,” I whispered. “You were all hot and heavy with him a week ago. That visual is burned in my memory for life. Is he taking a backseat suddenly because some singer made googly eyes at you?”

  Her grip pinched my arm as she dragged me closer to the building. “I’m not seeing him anymore. After the whole pregnancy scare I reevaluated my relationship status and decided it was best to move on. I’m not looking for something long term right now.”

  Typical.

  “So why are you still going tomorrow?”

  She pushed out a sigh. “I don’t know. I feel bad for her. She’s, like, this mousy little thing who—”

  “Stop talking,” I interrupted. “Just stop. If you want to bang the band guy, do it. I’m not letting you go to some seedy hotel by yourself though.”

  “I’m not a child, Lia. For crying out loud, you ran off with Alastair to that remote cottage when you were shitfaced. You’d known him for what, ten seconds? And how do you
think I felt after you passed out cold and stayed here an extra day? Do you think I liked leaving you behind in a foreign country? He could have been a serial killer.”

  “Okay. Alright.” I put my hands up in retreat. “You’ve made your point.”

  She grunted in frustration. “I hate that we’ve been at each other’s throats all the time. I miss our stupid little fun moments together. Being here has turned everything upside down.”

  “And blue eyes over there is going to make it all better?” I teased, catching Colin staring hard at my friend.

  “He’s so fucking hot,” she breathed. Snapping herself out of the hormone induced moment, she grabbed me and hugged me. “I’ll get his number. I’ll call him and maybe meet for drinks or something this weekend.” Pulling back, she searched me for a reaction. “I miss my best friend.”

  “I’m right here, Steph. I haven’t gone anywhere.”

  Having a heart to heart with her in this environment felt so weird. Screaming girls still crowded by the fence, clamoring for a one night stand.

  “Let me go get his number and then we’ll find a cab and get the hell out of here. Sound good?”

  “Sure.”

  While she flirted with Colin I dug my phone out of my purse. I had several missed calls and texts from Alastair.

  11:58pm On my way home now. Sorry. Was at a concert and couldn’t hear the phone

  11:59pm You had me worried. Where are you? I’ll send Paxton

  12:00am Some club downtown. I’m with Steph. We’ll get a cab.

  12:01am I’d feel better if Paxton picked you up

  12:03am Stop worrying, chief

  12:06am Text me when you’re in the taxi

  Stephanie bounded over with a huge smile on her face as I shoved the phone in my purse. “All set. We’re going out tomorrow night.” The trademark Stephanie Tempe grin lit up her face. “Score one for me, zero for those desperate chicks behind the fence.”

  We linked arms and walked out to the main road. Scores of people leaving various pubs filled the sidewalk. Weaving our way through, we chatted like old times. I chalked up all of her moodiness and strange behavior to stress over work and more than a little bit of homesickness.

  A car whizzed by, blaring its horn just as we were about to cross the street.

  “Slow down, ass clown,” Stephanie shouted from the crosswalk. “Jeez. They drive worse than New Yorkers.”

  I laughed. “Because you’ve been to New York so often.”

  “You do know a good chunk of the people who live in Central Florida are from the northeast. You included. As far as I’m concerned, you’re all bad drivers.”

  At the next corner we stopped to hail a cab. Stephanie lived closer to the West End so we told the driver to drop her off first. I sent Alastair a quick text to let him know we were on the way. After Stephanie hopped out and we said our goodbyes, I settled into the seat. What a strange night this has been. I couldn’t wait to get home and snuggle under the blankets with my future husband.

  The cab slowed at the red light, coming to a stop. Glasgow, in my opinion, was at its most beautiful at night. I leaned my head against the window, gazing up at the city lights. I felt bad that Steph was having a hard time adjusting to life here. She’d always been hesitant about leaving Orlando. Dayna once told me it takes about six months to really become acclimated to a new city after moving to it. Stephanie had only been here since the end of July. Maybe she’d grow to love it if she gave it more of a chance.

  My phone beeped so I reached into my bag to grab it. The cab pulled forward as I read Alastair’s text.

  12:36am Hurry home, love. The bed is too empty without you.

  A flash of light blinded me followed by the sickening sound of metal crushing metal.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Searing pain filled my head, making it difficult to move. I touched my temple, confused by the stickiness. When I opened my eyes, I noticed I wasn’t sitting in the same spot I’d been in a few seconds ago. I heard shouting from outside the car. The cab driver was yelling at someone. I opened the door and climbed out.

  “Miss, miss! Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” I said, feeling woozy.

  “You’re bleeding. Here. Sit down.” He led me to the curb and handed me a handkerchief. I pressed it to the side of my head and got a good look at what happened. Apparently, we were broadsided. The other driver had run the red light and slammed right into the back of the cab where I’d been sitting.

  That explains the massive headache.

  Adrenaline kicked in, pushing me to my feet. I needed to find my phone and call Alastair. He was expecting me and if I didn’t show up he’d go ballistic. His little quirk about always needing to know that I’m safe wasn’t something to take lightly. I climbed into the backseat, feeling along the floor. My fingers hit something small and hard. Bingo. I grabbed the phone and went back to the sidewalk. My hands shook more than I wanted them to as I dialed.

  “Missing me?” he answered after half a ring.

  “Always. Um, something—”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m okay. There’s been an accident. Can—”

  “Are you hurt? Where are you?” The panic in his voice gave it a raspy whine I’d never heard before.

  “Um,” I looked for a street sign. “Gibson Street near the university, I think.”

  “I’m on my way. Don’t move.”

  An old church wasn’t too far from where I was standing. I glanced back at the cab driver and the guy who hit us before sitting on the steps in front of the church. The impact sounded worse than it actually was. The taxi had a sizable dent just behind the driver side door and the other car was banged up but for all intents and purposes, it was a minor collision.

  I shivered, closing my eyes and leaning my aching head on the iron railing. The adrenaline faded, leaving me tired and wanting nothing more than to curl up in bed. A chilly breeze swept through, making the stone steps I was sitting on feel even colder. I pulled my coat tighter, hoping Alastair would get here soon.

  Opening my eyes briefly, I saw the cabbie and the other driver each talking on their cell phones. I leaned my head against the railing again and closed my eyes.

  “Amelia.”

  The same panicked whine he’d had on the phone echoed through the night. I looked up seconds before Alastair engulfed me in his arms.

  “Christ, you’re bleeding,” he growled, holding my face in his hands. Anger flashed through his eyes. “I’m going to take care of this. That bastard will lose his license when I’m finished with him. Have you given your statement to the police yet?”

  “No. Are they here?”

  “Yes. Come with me.”

  He kept a protective arm wrapped around my waist as I recounted what happened to the officer on scene. When they were satisfied with my version of events, they told me it was okay to leave. Alastair hugged me again, not letting go for the longest time. When he finally did pull away, he kissed me with desperation. The way he looked at me tore me to pieces.

  “Stare at me any harder and you’ll drill a hole in my head, chief.”

  “I want you home and safe. Let’s go.”

  The ride back to the house was silent and tense. I couldn’t get a definitive read on what was going through Alastair’s head. I knew, without question, this triggered his deep seated guilt over the death of his family. He blamed himself for causing that accident and I wouldn’t be surprised if he blamed himself for this one. His grip on the steering wheel turned his knuckles white. I wanted to comfort him, let him know that I was fine.

  He ushered me into the house, leading me straight to the bedroom. Disappearing into the bathroom, he returned with a damp facecloth and cleaned the dried blood from my head.

  “Does it hurt?” he asked.

  “There’s a dull ache. I could use an Advil or something.”

  “I’ll get you one. It looked worse than it is. There’s just a small scratch but you’ll have a nas
ty bruise in the morning.”

  I changed into some pajamas while he fetched me a drink and the pain killers. Crawling into bed felt so damn good. I sighed into the mattress, snuggling into Alastair’s embrace.

  “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked.

  “Yes. It was just a little fender bender.” I felt his body seize with tension. His grip on me tightened. “Don’t break me, chief,” I said, nuzzling into his neck.

  “I can’t stand the way this feels,” he murmured. “I can’t. It’s too much.”

  I was afraid he’d disappear to the dark place in his mind. His fear of loss was more consuming than I realized.

  Stroking his hair, I held him close. “I’m right here, Alastair. Tomorrow we’ll wake up and you can make me your famous cheesy omelet with toast. Then we can take a long, lazy bubble bath together and climb back into bed and stay here all day.”

  Rolling on top of me, he sealed our mouths together. I loved his kisses but this one was laced with too much anxiety.

  “Hey,” I whispered, nipping at his bottom lip. “Look at me.”

  Raising his eyes to meet mine, I lost myself in their green depths. He was so beautiful and so scared for me it made my heart hurt. Blowing out a shaky sigh he wrapped himself around me.

  “I want you safe, Lia. Always.”

  * * *

  I woke up in an empty bed a couple hours later. My head rumbled when I sat up, making its case for me to stay horizontal. Ignoring the discomfort, I got up and went to Alastair’s office. As expected, he was seated at the desk typing intently on the computer. I stood in the doorway, unsure if I should bother him. Flicking his eyes to me, he closed the laptop and gestured for me to sit. I felt the way I did the first time I walked into this office after waking up in a daze. The feeling was unsettling.

  Alastair watched me, never softening the intensity of his stare. I went to him and straddled his lap.

  “Come back to bed,” I urged, touching his cheek. “I want you next to me.”

  Apprehension wracked my body. He was shutting down in front of me and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do to stop it.

  “I need you, chief.” I kissed the soft skin at the crook of his neck, sucking on a small patch. His fingers pressed into my lower back but the rest of his body remained still. I kept touching him, hoping to calm his fears.