Rockstar Romance Boxed Set (12 Book Bundle New Adult BBW)

by Emme Rollins

  It thrilled me to hear him repeating my own words, and now I felt the same, even stronger. It wasn’t love, not yet. But Dex lived deep inside my heart and I could see a future for us, a real one, for the first time. Sure, I could list a hundred reasons why we wouldn’t work. But it didn’t matter. Nothing did, except what I was feeling in my heart, and what I could see in his eyes.

  With everything we’d gone through and shared, he wasn’t just the sexy bass player anymore. He was, in a strange way, mine. I knew him in a way no one else did, and that was powerful. Whatever came at us, I knew we could face it together.

  “Did I say something wrong, love?”

  “No. Of course not. Why?”

  He lowered his mouth to my neck, and kissed me there. “You were pulling a face.”

  “I didn’t mean to. I was thinking happy thoughts.”

  Dex reared up and threw a leg over me. “What a coincidence. I’ve got a happy thought, too.”

  I giggled as he pressed against me. “That is not a thought.”

  “No, but it is a plan.”

  “Oh, really?” I wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled him closer. “What kind of plan?”

  “I’ll show you instead of explaining. But brace yourself, it might take all night.”

  His fingers skimmed over my waist and hips as he positioned his body between my thighs.

  “All night sounds great,” I replied.

  And it was.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The next morning I woke up to the sound of light snoring. I turned over and saw Dex, limbs splayed out, dead to the world. He was beautiful. Awake he was either draped over something artfully, or in motion. But now, deep asleep, he was still in a way I’d never seen before. And snoring. It made me want to laugh and cover his face in kisses. Such a normal thing from an extraordinary man.

  I got up quietly, careful not to disturb him, and visited the bathroom. When I emerged, he’d rolled over onto his stomach. With his face hidden, I could just stare for a while without worrying he’d see me. The strong vee of his back rose and fell rhythmically, and his arms rested at his sides. Those arms had twisted and turned me last night. And the slim hips that disappeared under the blanket had been my handles when he took me. Just remembering sent heat through my whole body.

  Feeling like a total letch, I shook my head and pulled on the pajamas I’d brought but hadn’t needed last night before leaving the bedroom. But as I walked down the hall and into the living room, Dex’s face on the walls followed me, keeping my mind in the gutter, and on the man sleeping behind me.

  But in the light of day, as much as I wanted to hop back in and see what happened, I had things to do, responsibilities I couldn’t ignore. And in the back of my mind was the reality that we were going back to the tour later. This excursion had been sad, and scary, and exciting, and wonderful, but it had real ramifications back in the real world.

  Part of me wanted to scream to the heavens that Dex and I were together – in every sense of the word. Of course, I couldn’t do that. No one could know about us. At first that bummed me out, but then, after thinking about it more, it wasn’t so bad. There wasn’t a person on the planet who could really understand what was between us. Hell, I barely got it myself. So maybe it was fine that no one knew. Like the freckle on my leg, it would be our secret. Our private paradise.

  I grinned at that idea as I cleaned up. Clothes littered the floor, dropped in our passionate haste. The memory made things low in my body ache with desire again.

  I fought the urge to dive back into bed, and checked my phone instead. There were a dozen emails, but nothing pressing. Ryan had called sometime over night, but hadn’t left a message, so I sent him a quick text. Glancing at the time, I groaned and made a “to do” list in my head. Clean, confirm flight time, call cab for a ride, get Dex some time to see his dad again, if he wanted. It was a lot to accomplish. Private paradise was going to have to wait. I finished cleaning up, and went back into the bedroom to wake Dex.

  Climbing onto the bed next to him, I felt strangely shy. What if he woke up and wasn’t as insanely happy as I was? It turned out I had nothing to worry about. I called his name softly, and he rolled over to face me, cracking one eye open.

  “Morning?”

  “Yes. We need to get going soon.”

  “Mmm.” He shifted on the bed and the blanket slipped below his hips, displaying his impressive member.

  I tried to look away, but couldn’t. Blushing, I recalled how he’d felt inside me, and a wave of heat rushed through me, taking my breath away.

  Dex, ever observant, noticed. He chuckled, voice husky with sleep, and grabbed me. I fell on top of him, and he wrapped his legs around mine, trapping me close. “How about a good morning kiss?”

  I planted a quick, close-lipped kiss on the corner of his mouth. “There. Now get up. We have things to do today.”

  “Yes. Very important things,” he murmured. But based on the way his hips rose against me and his hands cupped my ass, his list of things was not the same as mine.

  “Uh-uh. We’re in a hurry, Dex.”

  “Then you best hurry up and get your clothes off, hadn’t you?”

  I giggled. “We don’t have time.”

  He nuzzled my neck and snuck a hand up my shirt to cup my breast. “Make time.”

  With a sigh, I gave in. It wasn’t much of a sacrifice.

  *

  Somewhat miraculously, a few hours later we were waiting in line to board a plane to meet up with the rest of the band in Glasgow. It had been a mad rush. After our morning delight, Dex insisted on joining me in the shower. He claimed it would save time and water, but considering how long we spent in there, exploring each other’s bodies before any actual cleaning up occurred, it probably took longer than if we’d gone separately. But again, I couldn’t really complain. Dex had taken the time to wash my hair for me, and I laughed as I remembered his careful attention. Now my hair was back in its usual low bun, but when I closed my eyes, I could still remember the feeling of his hands raking gently through the long blond strands.

  After dressing and locking the apartment behind us, we walked over to the hospital with our bags. Dex handed the keys over to the member of his family in the waiting room. I’d been hoping to get to see Karen again, but was told she’d left to go to work. We snuck into his father’s room, even though visiting hours hadn’t started yet, but he was sleeping. Up close I could see the family resemblance. Allen and Dex shared the same strong chin and medium complexion, though the man in the bed was pale.

  I offered to leave Dex alone in there, but he grabbed my hand and held it tightly as he stood over his father. The room was silent except for machines beeping.

  “Rest well, old man. I wish you the best,” Dex said evenly. He swallowed a few times and looked over at me with watery eyes. “I’m not coming back here again.”

  I nodded, and squeezed his hand. “Let’s go home.”

  We caught a cab outside, and were at the airport quickly. A surprisingly short security line and short walk to the gate in the small airport meant we were only a few minutes late for our flight.

  But as we stood with the other passengers, Dex’s arm slung over my shoulder, a woman in an airline uniform motioned for us to leave the line and go talk to her.

  Dex lifted our bags over his shoulder, shrugged, and headed over.

  She smiled brightly, and held out her hand for him to shake. “Dex Winters?”

  He nodded.

  “I thought that was you. We’re honored to have you travelling with us. If you’d like, we can offer you priority boarding.” She leaned in and lowered her voice. “No need for you to wait in the queue.”

  “Sure, okay.” Dex looked over at me. “That would be lovely of you.”

  The woman barely glanced at me. “Of course. Your assistant is welcome to board with you.”

  He opened his mouth to correct her, but I elbowed him lightly in the side. “Thanks so much,” I said, p
lastering a fake smile on.

  She nodded, and led us towards the plane. Some people in the line grumbled, others stared.

  Once we were in our seats, I leaned over to ask Dex about that. “Do you ever get used to that?”

  “Fuck no,” he said. “It’s embarrassing. Especially when I’m on my own. With the other guys, we’re a spectacle, yeah? I hate seeming like some snooty arse trying to get special treatment. But it’s worse if you argue.”

  “I can see that.”

  “Didn’t your dad get this?”

  “Not so much. At least not when I was around. They never made it that big so people recognized him on the street or anything. But that was before YouTube and gossip blogs.”

  “Don’t remind me.” He groaned. “Used to be they only cared about Joe, but lately we’re all ‘news’ or some shit.”

  I smiled and patted his hand, very aware of the people filing past us to find their seats. “Poor Dex. The plight of the rock star.”

  “Shut up.”

  I giggled.

  “You’re nuts today, Becca.”

  “Happy. I’m happy today.”

  Dex grinned. “You’re glowing. And sexy. I might have my way with you right here. What’s it? Mile high club?”

  “Don’t you dare!”

  He arched an eyebrow, and moved his hand to my knee.

  “Stop it. I mean it.”

  Dex ignored me, and worked his other hand behind my back and lower.

  “Quit it.”

  “Or what?”

  I glared at him, but there was no fire behind it. I loved that he was so playful, and apparently couldn’t keep his hands off of me. “Or I’ll never kiss you again.”

  He pulled his hands away, but bent his head to right next to my ear. “Idle threat, love. You’re already wondering when we’ll be alone next. When my lips will be on you again.”

  My throat went dry, and he was right. I was hooked on him, and couldn’t wait for my next fix. “Maybe. But please try to behave. It’s a short flight.”

  “Fine, fine.” He smiled and sat back in his seat. We chatted about nothing in particular while we waited for the plane to take off, and the flight itself was uneventful.

  By the time we landed, the arrangements I’d made before we left Bristol were in order and we were whisked away to the hotel in a hired car. I stopped at the front desk to pick up keys, and led Dex upstairs.

  I unlocked my room, the smallest one on the end of the row I’d reserved for everyone. The second the door opened, Dex shoved me inside and his hands were everywhere.

  Letting everything fall on the ground, I kissed him, driving my tongue into his mouth. Tasting him was like breathing again after being underwater. “You can’t stay in here long.”

  “Don’t care.” He crowded me against the wall and grabbed my butt, pulling me into him. “I want you. I need you.”

  I moaned into his mouth and pushed my hands up the back of his t-shirt, reveling in the feeling of his bare skin. Our hands roamed freely, and the tight schedule flew from my mind. That is, until my phone rang.

  It was the special one I’d set for Ryan, and I groaned as I pulled away from Dex. The hard length of him was evident through his jeans, and he barely loosened his grip enough for me to reach into my pocket.

  “Hello?” I said, slightly breathless.

  “Rebecca. Please tell me you and Dex are here at the hotel.”

  “We are, Ryan. Just arrived. Do you need something?”

  “Yes, of course. Why else would I be calling?”

  I ignored that, and continued. “What can I do for you?”

  “Get Dex presentable and downstairs. There’s a reporter from a radio station here to talk to him.”

  I cocked my head to the side, trying to recall the appointment. “The one we set up last week? When I confirmed that interview, they only wanted to talk to Joe. They said just a few sound bites, and the rest would be from pre-recorded stuff I sent over already.”

  “Well, now they want him. And in a hurry, or he’ll miss soundcheck. Don’t give them more than thirty minutes.”

  “All right.” I looked at Dex sadly. “I’ll let him know.”

  “Good. And if he’s hung over, give him a shot. I need him friendly.”

  “Of course, Ryan. I’ll take care of it.”

  “Yes.”

  “Is there anything else? Do you want me to head over to the venue?”

  “No. You stay with him. For whatever reason, he listens to you. Keep him focused and in line.”

  “Yes, okay.” I hated him talking about Dex like that, as if he was some unruly child, but I couldn’t defend him. Standing up to Ryan was a surefire way to get us caught.

  I was about to ask if he needed anything else, but he’d already hung up. I sighed, and ended the call.

  “Duty calls?” Dex asked.

  “For both of us, I’m sorry to say.”

  “What is it?”

  “Interview. Last minute change.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Print or video?”

  “Just print. But they want you right now. Can’t say I blame them. I feel the same way.”

  Dex arched an eyebrow. “Naughty sex-kitten. That’s what you are.”

  I smiled, and kissed him lightly. “Come on. Let’s at least fix your hair a little. The rest of your sloppy appearance works for your party-boy image.”

  “You’ll pay for that comment, Becca.”

  I licked my lips and looked into his eyes. “Looking forward to it.”

  He groaned, and let me drag him into the bathroom.

  Chapter Fourteen

  It was really awkward to sit nearby while Dex recorded an interview, but I was determined to find some way to do my job well, distracted as I might be. In the quiet meeting room far from the noise of the hotel lobby, all I could do was sit there and be quiet as he charmed the woman from the radio station. She was tall and skinny with blond hair, but it was brassy and too long. I suspected extensions, hoping she hadn’t fried her own locks to achieve the hard ringlets framing her face.

  “So Dex,” she continued, leaning in a little to make sure her digital recorder caught everything. “Is this your first visit to Glasgow?”

  “Yeah. Just got in actually, so I’ve not seen anything but the airport and this hotel. But so far I’m a big fan.” He winked, and she grinned wide.

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Well, I hope you’ll get to see more of our fair city.”

  “Me too. I’ve heard there are wicked pubs here. Can’t wait to check a few of those out.”

  “Ha ha,” she said. Actually said the words instead of laughing. “Does that mean your reputation is correct? Are you the wild one of the band?”

  “I don’t know about that. I like to have a good time. We all do. That’s why we’re in a band instead of getting real jobs.”

  “I bet your fans think your job is quite real. Dream Defiled is all the rage over in the States. Tell me, why come over here now?”

  “We want all the fans to get a chance to come see us live. I’d go to every city in the world if I could. It’s a thank you to everyone who is buying our albums. And there’s nothing like a live rock show.”

  “Too true. Now, let’s go back a little. We all know the phenomenon of Dream Defiled now, but tell us how you began. Who put the band together, and more importantly, who came up with the name?”

  Dex chuckled. “Joe and I met in Los Angeles. I’d been kicked out of my previous band, and was bumming around trying to find anyone to let me sit in.”

  “Kicked out? What did you do?”

  “Nothing. Which was the problem. I wasn’t serious about music back then. I just thought I could be lazy and rude and selfish, and my talent would get me through.”

  “That must have been difficult.”

  “Yes. But now I’m quite glad it happened. It made me grow up a bit. Open my eyes to those around me. It led me to being here now, happier than I’ve ever been.” At t
hat he looked over at me, and something squeezed at my heart.

  “There’s a lesson for rockers to be out there, right?”

  “Yes,” he said, clearing his throat. “This is the best job in the world, but you do have to put in the work.”

  “Great. Go on…”

  I could tell she wasn’t at all interested in hearing about his work ethic.

  “Well, one night I was at a club, drinking, not playing. Ran into Joe and some of his buddies. He was doing an after-hours show on his own, but not ‘feeling it,’ as he would say. We had a few together and decided to jam, see how it went.”

  “And it went well, I suppose.”

  Dex laughed and sat back in his chair, clearly enjoying the memory. “Actually, no. We were both too pissed to be of any use at all. But the embarrassment made us want to try again. So we met up later that week and tried stuff out on each other. He sang a couple things he’d been working on, and I played a few songs I’d been messing about with. Turned out our styles fit, and so we decided to put a band together. It took some time to find the right guys, though. We went through five drummers that first year, I think.”

  I wondered why in the world they’d settled on Rick, given his heinous attitude, but Dex didn’t mention that. He might have hated interviews, but he was really good at them. Warm and engaging. Not as outgoing as Joe, but thoughtful in a friendly way. I knew most of the things he was saying, and still found myself interested.

  “Once we had our guys, we needed a name. Anyone in the business can tell you it’s really tough. You want something memorable that represents you, but not something ten other bands in the city are using.”

  “So, Dream Defiled?”

  “Mainly my idea. Joe and I were working on lyrics. To a song that eventually turned into Full Dark, but it was really different then. Now the chorus is, ‘Take more, drink more, see more, be more’. But what we had then was something like ‘Take your dream and make it scream.’

  “The original idea was how you make dreams happen. The work it takes amidst the partying.” He chuckled. “We ditched the work part, eventually. But anyway, we were going round and round about it. And I kept thinking about this idea of dirtying a dream. Like when you have one as a kid, it’s pure and clean. Whatever you want from life, it’s pristine, something shining in the future to look forward to. But when you grow up and actually try to get what you want, it always gets dirty. Your dream is defiled.