by Emme Rollins
“But it isn’t a bad thing, really. It means more when you know what it takes to get it. Everything good is worth working for. And the harder it is to get, the more rewarding when you do.”
The woman was staring at him with rapt attention. It took her a second to even notice he’d stopped talking.
“S-so,” she stuttered, “Now you have defiled your dream. Do you still feel that way? Is it more rewarding?”
“Damn right.” He looked over at me again. “I hear some say achieving your dreams is empty, hollow for them. But I think they must not really want those things. I’ve got everything I have ever wanted, and it’s better than I ever dared to hope.”
I blushed and smiled, glad the woman couldn’t see me from her position. I was sure my bursting heart was clear all over my face, but there was no way to stop it. Dex was being so open and honest. Every time I thought he’d done the most perfect, amazing thing, he managed to outdo himself.
“That is a lovely story, Dex. Thank you for sharing it with us. Next, let’s move on to talk about the new album. Your first one is still selling well. Why the rush to get new material out?”
“We love recording. Just us blokes locked away for a few months in a studio, laying down tracks, is amazing. A great way to spend time between tours. So when we got signed to a new label, they wanted something quickly and we were happy to oblige.”
“I’m sure all of your fans appreciate that. Does it mean you’re already working on the next one?”
He laughed. “Well, we’re rather busy right now. But Joe and I are always writing. Might just be a hook or a short something we file away, but yeah, always writing.”
“Can you give us an exclusive? What’s the last thing you wrote?”
“Well, I can’t say much. As you may recall, Joe got in a spot of trouble last time playing a song in public before it was finished. But I can tell you there’s something working itself out in my head the last few days.”
“Inspired by your trip to the UK, I hope.”
“Partly.”
“We’re not getting anything out of you, are we?”
“Nope.”
“All right, then. Let’s talk about a song that is already released. The first single from the new album is doing very well on the charts worldwide, and getting a ton of downloads. What’s the story behind Always Greener?”
“Well, it was actually the last track we recorded for the album. I think Joe wrote it over a weekend. He went off somewhere with his girl, and came back with a song. You’ll have to ask him about the details. I’m rather happy to not know.” He laughed.
I smiled, and glanced down at my phone. There were five new emails from Ryan, and with a sigh I scrolled through them. Reminders about the interview, some things he needed me to bring over to the venue before the show, small schedule adjustments, nothing too difficult.
Annoyed that I couldn’t give Dex my full attention, I replied to a few and then stepped away to make a call, gesturing that I’d be right back. Dex nodded, and went back to charming the woman and her listeners.
*
Sadly, the interview went too long, and there was no time for us to be alone before the show. Once Dex was finished, we both retired to our separate rooms to change. I donned my unofficial show day uniform. Black pants and shirt, hair in a bun. Some of the other crew wore band t-shirts, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Just felt cheesy to me.
I called Dex and made sure he would be ready to head over to the club with the rest of the guys, before grabbing a cab over myself early to check in with the club manager. There were the usual small disasters waiting for me, but nothing that could spoil my mood. I felt like I was floating a few inches off the ground, untouchable by the petty annoyances of my job.
In the back of my mind, I counted the minutes until Dex would arrive for soundcheck, and then the hours until the show was over. Would I go to his room, or invite him to mine? What if someone saw us sneaking down the hallway? I’d need to figure out a way to prevent that for the rest of the tour. Get rooms on different floors, or at least not all in a row. Being lined up was convenient for getting everyone in and out quickly, but made late night trysts difficult.
I giggled at the idea of secretly sneaking around with Dex. Silly, but kind of sexy, too. All of the people I talked to had no idea how I’d spent the night before. They could never know. It appealed to my love of privacy, knowing we had to keep us a secret. Besides, no one could make rude comments or judge us if they had no idea there was an ‘us.’
The club’s manager, Ross, looked at me strangely. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing, sorry. Just ignore me.”
He smiled. “I must say, you’re quite a bit more friendly than your boss. Glad to be working with you.”
“Thanks. The place is great. I’m glad we’re here for two nights. The band is going to love playing here.”
“Ah, thank you.”
“How long have you been working here?”
“Almost ten years now.”
“Wow, you must know the place with your eyes closed.”
“Indeed.” He ushered me backstage to examine the dressing rooms. “We assigned them one big room, I hope that’s okay. With three acts tonight, we’re a little tight on space.”
“That’s fine. My guys aren’t divas. They’d be just as happy with a couch and sink in a corner of the hallway, I bet.”
“Nice to hear, but I’ll warn you, it’ll change. Some will get too used to being treated like royalty. Keep an eye on that.”
“I will.” I ran down my list, and checked a few things off. “Oh, did you get in touch with our security guy? He’s coming over with the band, but wants to go over the layout of the club. He had a few concerns.”
Ross nodded. “Talked to him right before you came in. I’ll have one of my guys help him out.”
“Great. Well, I think that’s it for now.”
“You’ve got my number if you need anything, and my assistant manager will be here all night at your disposal.”
I smiled and bid him farewell. Man, was this job easier when I was in a good mood. I headed downstairs to see how the load-in was going, and saw everything was under control. Feeling restless, I went backstage again and grabbed a bottle of water from the dressing room, but didn’t drink it. Instead, I twisted and untwisted the cap just to have something to do with my hands.
All of that was soon forgotten when my phone rang. It was Ryan with a fresh emergency. The passes that had been messengered over to the hotel were missing. Which meant half of our crew wouldn’t be let into the venue, and possibly that random strangers could have access to everywhere in the club. And just like that, I was off and running again, finally fully distracted. By the time we cleaned up that mess, the guys had arrived and were in the middle of their soundcheck.
I sighed with relief and joined Steve, the guitar tech, in front of the stage. “How’s it going?”
“Not bad. Joe needs a restring, again. Hell if I know what that kid is doing to that guitar.”
“Did you ask him?”
“He says nothing. But it don’t make any sense.”
“Any other problems?”
“Nah.” He looked over at me. “Is it me, or is something up with Dex?”
I blanched. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I figured with all that stuff with his family, he’d be in a bad place. But he’s fricking giddy up there. And stone-cold sober, too. Just isn’t like him.”
I shrugged. “No idea. Um…I’m gonna head in back. Give a shout over the headset if you need anything.”
“Got it. See ya later.”
It was really hard not to run away from him, but I managed to move at a normal pace. I was backstage, basically hiding from everyone when the soundcheck ended. The guys crammed into the dressing room to hang out, and I followed reluctantly.
“Nice place,” Joe said, smiling.
“Sorry, guys, but you knew this tour was going to be sma
ller than the last one back home. That means smaller clubs and tiny rooms.”
“Aw, we don’t really care. This’ll foster a little band togetherness.” He grinned again, the lopsided expression that made even my heart race a little.
“Oi, speak for yourself,” Dex piped in from behind me, his closeness obliterating any reaction I might have had to Joe.
I turned around, trying to control my face. “Be nice, Dex. You’re gonna spend the whole time up in the VIP section drinking anyway.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Is that right?”
“Don’t you always?”
“I don’t ‘always’ anything. I’m an unpredictable man.”
“Uh-huh. Want me to show you the way from back here?”
He nodded. “Sure. But just in case.”
Everyone laughed, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I could act normally in front of the rest of the guys. Maybe this would actually work.
“Anyone else want the tour?”
No one did, so Dex followed me out of the room. We climbed a set of stairs, and went through a fire door up to a dimly lit catwalk that I’d been shown earlier. I was halfway across, glancing down at the stage below, when he stopped me with a hand on my arm.
“Becca, wait.”
“What is it? Are you okay?”
“Fine. I just wanted to talk to you alone for a minute.”
“Okay.”
“I spoke with my Aunt Karen a bit ago. My father is still hanging in there.”
“Good. I’m glad. You’ll keep me posted?”
“Of course. I, uh, I should thank you again.”
“Dex,” I whispered, putting my hand on the side of his face. “You never have to thank me for anything.”
He smiled down at me. “No? But you didn’t know how I was planning to thank you.”
I arched an eyebrow. “Is it some way that’s going to get me fired from my job?”
“Perhaps. Willing to risk it?”
“For you? I’m willing to risk anything.”
He growled and grabbed me, slamming his mouth over mine in a kiss that I felt from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. He hadn’t shaved, and his stubble tickled my chin. I grabbed two handfuls of his hair and pressed hard against his body. The temperature rose a good fifty degrees and my core flared to life, sending out waves of desire.
“We can’t,” I muttered.
“We are,” he replied, cupping my hips and pushing me against the wall.
I moaned and ran one hand down the length of his strong back. I could feel the muscles shifting and bunching under my fingers as he responded to my touch.
Dex trailed kisses down my neck and sucked at my throat over my thudding pulse point, right above the neck of my shirt.
“Don’t you dare give me a hickey,” I warned.
“Mmm, I should.” He sucked harder. “Mark you as mine.”
My knees almost buckled at the idea. These little hints of him being possessive were a huge turn on for me. Surprisingly so, but still. “You can, but not there. Somewhere no one will see.”
He chuckled. “If I have my pick of places, it’s going to involve you getting naked up here.”
I slapped at his arm and buried my face against his chest, hugging him tight. “Behave.”
“Never.” He kissed the top of my head, and then tilted my chin up. “How about a compromise?”
“Maybe.”
“Trust me. For ten seconds.”
I glanced across the catwalk quickly and nodded. “Hurry.”
Dex dropped to his knees, and his fingers were at the front of my pants in a flash.
“Hey!” I said a little too loudly.
“Shh. Trust me.” He opened my fly and pulled my pants down about an inch. His mouth covered my belly button, and he kissed it before sliding over to my upper hip. He licked and nibbled the spot, and then sucked. Hard. It was just a random strip of flesh, but the sensation shot right through me and I sagged back against the wall. He pulled deeply with enough suction that I could feel the mark forming. I sighed and closed my eyes, but just as fast as it had begun, it was over.
Dex stood up, refastened my pants, and wrapped his arms around my waist. “There. Now you’re all mine.”
I looked up at him and smiled, before presenting my lips for another kiss. This one was as passionate as the last, and left me breathing heavy.
“My god, Becca.” Dex brushed the back of one hand along the side of my breast. “You are so fucking gorgeous right now.”
I bit my tongue to gather some control. “We need to get out of here. Right now.” If my face looked anything like his, it would be evident to anyone who saw us what was going on.
“Okay, okay. But after we’re done tonight, I’m coming back with you. And I don’t plan on leaving your bed until tomorrow’s show.”
“It’s a deal.”
Chapter Fifteen
The show went perfectly. And I managed to keep from drooling while I watch Dex play. Having had his talented hands and mouth on my body made every motion on stage erotic to me. When he closed his eyes in concentration, I thought of how he’d done the same to keep from reaching climax with me before he wanted to. Each complicated maneuver on the frets of his bass reminded me of how he’d coaxed my arousal, made me ready for him.
In the middle of the set I had to stop watching. It was too much. I noticed Joe’s girlfriend, Liss, in her little hiding space by the stage and smiled at her. She waved, and came over to talk to me.
“Damn, it never gets old, does it?”
“What?” I asked.
“Watching them up there. It’s like magic. Four drunk idiots on the bus turn into rock gods. Incredible.”
I laughed as we walked back to the dressing room together. “That’s exactly right. Maybe they should change the name of the US tour to that.”
“I agree.”
“They’d probably like it, but I doubt the label would.”
She shrugged. “You know a lot more about the business side than I do.”
“Thanks. But I’m lucky. Been around this business my whole life.”
“Ah. Yeah, not me. Before I met Joe my life was…different.”
“I’m sure. But you seem to be making it work.”
She smiled. “We are. Somehow. I’m worried about the fall. When I start school full time, I won’t see him for months. But we love each other. It’ll be hard, but I have faith in us, you know?”
“Sure. It’s nice to hear that.”
“Talk to me in October, I might tell you a whole different story. But you’ll keep an eye on him for me, right?”
“Are you worried about groupies?”
“Not really. As hard as it was to accept at first, I know he loves me and only wants to be with me. It’s more that I want him to be happy, even away from me. And I don’t want him to be lonely. They’re always surrounded by adoring throngs, but that can be as isolating as being alone.”
I nodded. “I’m sure. And yes, of course I’ll keep an eye on him. Assuming I’m still with the tour.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Why wouldn’t you be? From what I’ve seen you’re doing a great job.”
“I hope so. But this is my trial run. Right now Ryan could let me go as soon as we get back to the States.”
“You have a contract, right?”
“Yeah. But while I’ve agreed to be available for the whole tour, there’s an out if I don’t perform well.”
She patted me on the shoulder and plopped down onto a couch, opening a beer. “I wouldn’t worry. The guys seem to like you, the crew adores you, and you’re working hard. Hell, I couldn’t imagine Ryan letting Dex leave the tour with anyone else. He must really trust you.”
I blushed and looked away, but she noticed.
“What is it? Did something happen when you and Dex left?” Liss’ eyes were full of concern. A big part of me wanted to tell her. There was an ocean between me and my girlfriends, and I was bursting to talk abo
ut it. But I couldn’t.
“No. I mean, it was difficult for him. But he did fine.”
“Okay.” She seemed skeptical, but didn’t press the issue. “So, are you done for the night?”
“I wish. Got a bunch of things to do, and then I have to supervise the load-out. After that stuff got missed in London, we’re being extra careful.”
“Isn’t tomorrow’s show here?”
“Yes, which is nice. Less stuff to move, but some things have to go with us.”
“Bummer. Well, Mia made some friends, and they’re dragging us all to a bar after the show. Do you think you’ll be able to come along?”
“Sure. Text me the info, and I’ll meet up with you.”
“Okay, great.”
“Well, I should get back to work. You need anything?”
“Nope. See you later.”
“Bye, Liss.”
She smiled, took a drink, and pulled out her phone.
I left the room and went down to the club floor to rush through the rest of the things I needed to do, wondering about going out later. I mostly wanted to go back to the hotel, but people would notice if Dex bailed on the party, and I didn’t want to raise any suspicions.
The decision ended up out of my hands. Everyone went to the pub. It was only a few blocks from the hotel. Smallish but welcoming, the place was packed. The band was greeted warmly, but there was no gushing or thousands of photos being taken. A small mercy.
At first I just sat on the edge of the group, sipping a soda. But as Dex drank shots with the guys, his glances over to me grew longer and more heated. I couldn’t say anything for fear of making it worse, so I ordered a glass of wine and let it calm me down a little.
Unfortunately, it calmed me so much that I was soon returning the heated glances and making myself insane. Eventually, I excused myself and went outside for some fresh air. But within a minute, he was there.