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

by Emme Rollins

I glanced at him over my shoulder. “No, you won’t.”

  He stuck out his lower lip, pouting.

  “Cute. But that won’t work on me.”

  Dex grinned. “What am I supposed to do all by myself?”

  “Order us some breakfast.”

  That inspired him. He jumped up and went over to the table where the room service menu sat and grabbed it. I took a long moment to stare at his naked body. He was so unselfconscious about walking around naked. I envied that. But, if I was that perfect, I’d probably do the same.

  With a sigh of regret, I went into the bathroom and shut the door behind me.

  When I finished in there and went back to the bedroom, Dex was still naked, sitting at the foot of the bed, watching television.

  I tugged my towel tighter around me, and walked over to join him. “Is the food coming? One of us should be dressed enough to open the door.”

  He didn’t say anything, so I looked up at the screen to see what had entranced him. It was a news report in French, so I couldn’t understand more than a word here and there. The reporter was standing in front of a large map of Europe. I was about to ask why he was watching the weather so closely, when the map disappeared and crappy cell-phone video of a very familiar scene started to play.

  It was from the airport. On the screen Dex was walking towards the camera, and I could see Ryan’s face at the edge of the frame, behind him. There was audio, but you couldn’t hear what Dex said over the background noise from the crowded waiting area.

  Form the angle, the person with the camera had been standing near me, so I never appeared on screen. But watching the scene play out, it was like being back there.

  “What is this?”

  Dex finally snapped out of it. “Us.”

  “I can see that. But why is it on TV?”

  He shrugged. “I have no idea. I don’t speak French.”

  “There are channels in English here, silly.”

  “Yeah, of course. Didn’t think of that.”

  I took the remote from him, and flipped through the channels. Finally I heard English and stopped. They weren’t showing the same video, but I saw still photos from the airport. These were from earlier, before everything got crazy.

  There was Dex again, this time standing next to Matthew, laughing about something. Off to his right I could see myself, facing away from the camera, talking to one of the airline employees. My butt looked about twenty miles wide, but I didn’t have time to be annoyed, as the announcer’s voice began speaking again.

  “Historic storms blanketed the country, stranding thousands of people and delaying hundreds of flights. Reports throughout Western Europe indicate there are still travelers struggling to make it to their destinations, though things are close to getting back to normal in the past few hours. So, while international rock sensations Dream Defiled may have made it where they were going after a drama-filled day, many others were not so lucky. Two of the tornados spotted yesterday have been confirmed as being responsible for the devastation outside Glasgow. Our James Carren is reporting life from the scene.”

  “Holy shit,” I muttered.

  “Crazy.”

  “Well, this should make Ryan happy. If every story about the storms mentions you guys, he’ll be in heaven.”

  Dex nodded, and bumped my shoulder with his. “I guess we were a bit busy with our shit to notice what was really going on.”

  “Yeah, I guess we were.” I was thinking about that when there was a knock on the door.

  “Food, finally,” Dex said, rising.

  I grabbed my suitcase, and dragged it towards the bathroom. “Put some pants on before you open that, please.”

  “Getting possessive already, Becca? I like it.” He winked at me and strolled over to the door, still naked.

  Rolling my eyes, I went back into the bathroom to get dressed in private.

  *

  A few hours later we were fed and dressed, and I’d practically forgotten about the news reports. After checking in with Ryan, I was shocked to discover he didn’t have anything for me to do until later, so Dex and I actually had time to do whatever we wanted. We had a serious discussion about staying in, that mainly consisted of him grabbing me and dragging me down onto the bed, but I finally managed to convince him we should spend at least a little bit of time in Paris actually out in Paris.

  We were standing in front of the hotel, surrounded by lush plants and fragrant flowers, trying to decide what to do first.

  “What about the Louvre? I think the tourist trap tower can wait until it’s dark, so we can see it all lit up, go up and watch the city.”

  “Okay. Or we can just wander. See what we find.”

  “Uh-huh.” I looked down at my phone, scrolling through the app I’d downloaded. “There are five great museums within walking distance. Or we could grab a cab across the river and visit Père Lachaise. I know you want to see Jim Morrison’s grave.” I paused. “Yeah, we should do that. I can map a route over in that section of the city, make sure we’re not wasting time backtracking, or…” I trailed off at the sound of laughter. “What?”

  Dex was grinning broadly. “Using a map and a plan really is your idea of wandering, isn’t it?”

  I blushed and shoved my phone back in my purse. “Kind of. I know, I know. I’m so boring.”

  “Not in the slightest. Just organized.” He slung an arm over my shoulder and we started walking toward the sidewalk. “Try it my way today, okay? We’ll just walk and see what we see?”

  “Okay, sure. That sounds fun.”

  “You mean it sounds terrible, I can tell. But you’ll like it, I promise.”

  I thought about all the things Dex and I had done. All the rules I’d broken to be with him. This was minor, and so far he’d been right. I’d been having the time of my life. So if he wanted to wander, I would wander. “All right. No plan, no map. Just fun.”

  “That’s my girl,” he said, leaning over to kiss me on the top of my head.

  I smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist. As long as we were together, I really didn’t care where were went or what we did. It would be wonderful.

  And it was. For a while. We strolled around, down streets I’d heard of and seen in movies, and many I couldn’t even pronounce. Past amazing smells emanating from little shops, and groups of loud tourists. We stopped at a little flower stand, and Dex got me a single, perfect rose. He snapped off the bloom and tucked it behind my ear after releasing my hair from its bun.

  I laughed at the cheesy gesture, but secretly loved it. I was starring in my own romantic film, and couldn’t stop smiling.

  Eventually we both needed a rest, so we found a little café and went inside. It was quintessential Paris, to me. Tiny tables full of lazy diners sipping drinks and nibbling at tiny pastries. We grabbed the last table outside, half under the awning, and sighed in unison.

  I laughed. “Wandering is tiring.”

  “So it seems. I could really use a pint right now.”

  “I doubt they serve beer here. Wine, maybe.”

  Dex shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. We can drink later.”

  Silently, I thanked him for saying that. I wanted a clear head for this whole wonderful experience, and was glad to see he, at least for the moment, felt the same way.

  After poring over the menu, we ordered coffees and a selection of…something. It cost a lot, so I was hoping for the best.

  Dex was leaning back in his seat with sunglasses shielding his eyes from the sun. He’d thoughtfully given me the chair in the shade. I loved seeing him like that. Relaxed and content, but totally present. Since we first met, most of the time he was happy, there was a bottle in his hand. I had worried that the stress of his father’s illness and our visit there, coupled with the drama with me and Ryan, would still be bothering him, but he seemed genuinely blissful and at peace.

  Of course, that only lasted a little while. By the time our drinks arrived, I’d noticed a group of people down the street sta
ring at us. Four girls a little younger than me and three guys around the same age, they were all dressed in trendy styles that looked just this side of sloppy. It was a look I’d seen a lot, and I knew it cost a lot of money to accomplish.

  After thanking the waiter, I leaned over to ask Dex about them. “See those people down there? They’re looking over here. Do you know them?”

  He turned his head and lifted his sunglasses to look. “Nope. Never seen them before.”

  “Hmm.” I glanced over again, and now they were huddled together, having what looked like a spirited debate.

  “Don’t worry, love. They probably just think you’re beautiful.”

  “Yeah, right.” I rolled my eyes and took a sip of my iced coffee. It was rich and delicious. “I hope they’re not autograph hounds or something.”

  “I doubt that.” He shoved the glasses into his pocket, and leaned over to take my hand. “You’re not on duty today. Just have fun.”

  “I know. I just…”

  “Can’t help it. I noticed.” He flashed a dazzling grin that had me forgetting all about the people looking at us.

  Just then, the waiter brought over our food. It was a tower of stunning desserts, a dozen different bite-size pieces of heaven. “Oh, wow,” was all I managed.

  Dex chuckled, but I could see his hand creeping close to the plate, itching to try something.

  Our eyes met, and we both dug in. At first we aimed for nonchalant and civilized, but as each sweet confection exploded my taste buds, I soon found myself cramming them in as fast as I could chew.

  With his mouth full, Dex grinned at me.

  “Gross, honey,” I said.”

  “Sorry. But I needed to tell you this before I slip into a sugar coma.”

  “What?” I popped a tiny tart with a raspberry on top into my mouth.

  “We’re coming here for every meal, agreed?” He crunched down on a flaky pastry dripping with honey.

  “Deal.”

  In the middle of a dark chocolate something-or-other, I happened to look up and see that the randoms looking at us had moved. Now they were a few feet away, jostling each other, staring at us again.

  One of them broke off from the pack and walked closer, standing on the opposite side of the table next to us. The older couple sitting at the table glared at the girl, but she seemed oblivious. I was sure what she’d say even before she opened her mouth.

  “Are you Dex Winters?” she asked in an American accent.

  I sighed as Dex swallowed down whatever he was eating, and plastered on a smile.

  “I sure am.”

  “Oh my god. I knew it! How crazy is this, seeing you here. What are you doing?”

  He glanced over at me. “Just hanging. What’s your name?”

  “Jasmine. Um…look. I know this is really uncool, but would you take a picture with me and my friends? We’re huge fans.”

  Dex stood up. “Of course. I’d be happy to. But let’s move down a bit, yeah? Let these nice people enjoy their afternoon.”

  She nodded so vigorously I thought she might strain something. “Yeah, okay. Of course. Whatever you say.”

  While he ushered her away from the table, past all of the annoyed Parisians, I flagged down our waiter to get the check. Obviously the normal couple, hanging out portion of the day was over.

  By the time I’d paid and followed Dex, he was in the middle of a rather elaborate photo shoot with the group. Each one wanted a picture alone with him, then one with some of their friends, then the rest.

  Eventually they ran out of configurations, until they spotted me. Half a dozen phones were shoved into my hands, and they gathered in a clump for a group picture. I idly wondered where Mia was. This kind of thing would have been her job. But then I remembered she was the one who outed me and Dex to Ryan, and decided not to think about her at all anymore.

  I snapped a series of pictures and handed the phones back to their respective owners, only half listening to the conversation Dex was having with them. It was bitchy of me to be irritated, but I couldn’t help it. Fans or not, they were invading my time with Dex, and I hated that. Plus I knew he’d never be rude to them, and we might end up standing on the sidewalk all day.

  A tall, skinny guy with sandy hair was asking Dex questions so fast I could barely understand him. “We saw on the news that you guys were in Paris, but we never thought we’d actually see you. Is the rest of the band here?”

  “No, just me and Becca.”

  “Oh, cool. Do you know where the other guys are? Don’t you all chill together all the time?”

  Dex chuckled. “We spend plenty of time together. I assume they’re off seeing the city or sleeping off last night, depending on the man.”

  “Ha, yeah, I bet. You guys sure know how to party. Say, we’re heading over to this bar we found yesterday. Do you wanna come along?”

  My eyes widened. “Isn’t it a little early for bars?”

  The guy laughed. “Not here. They drink all day. It’s cool. Plus we can all get served.”

  “Well, that’s something to celebrate for sure,” Dex said. “Why not.”

  I glared at him briefly. “Dex, can I talk to you alone for a second?”

  He nodded and came over to me. But before I could remind him that we were supposed to be spending the day together, and that I’d be working and with Liss the next day, I saw the rest of the group hear the news that Dex was going to hang out with them. Excitement was an understatement. I thought a few of them would overcome gravity, they bounced so hard with happiness.

  With a sigh, I looked at Dex. “Never mind.”

  He held my chin in one hand. “It’ll just be a few drinks, love. They told me they tried to get tickets to the show, but couldn’t. An hour of my time is the least I can do for them.”

  “I know.”

  “Hey, I know this isn’t the romantic day you wanted. But we’ve got all night, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “You’re not cross?”

  I shook my head. And it was true. I was disappointed more than anything. And annoyed with myself for being so selfish. Without the fans, there would have been no European tour, and no job for me. I owed them just as much as the band did.

  That thought struck me hard, and I made a decision. “Look, why don’t you go with them. Have fun. I’ll go back to the hotel, and get a little work done. That way we can have more time together later.”

  “You sure? I want you to come along.”

  “Nah, it’s fine. Be your charming self. I’ll be waiting for you.”

  “If you promise to be waiting naked, I’ll tell these guys to bugger off in five minutes.”

  I laughed and slapped his arm. “Go be a rock star.”

  Chapter Twenty

  It was close to midnight before I saw Dex again, back at the hotel. He’d sent a text a few hours earlier, so I knew he was fine, just having too much fun and too many drinks to leave. Instead of having dinner with me and going to see the Eiffel Tower, he went on whatever the French version of a bar crawl is with a bunch of strangers.

  Sitting in my room alone, I’d sworn I wouldn’t yell at him. After all, his unpredictable nature and love of partying was part of what I liked about him, right? Hadn’t I just been relishing the way he dragged me out of my comfort zone?

  As the hours wore on, I couldn’t figure out if I was being unreasonable or not. To me it seemed rude and dismissive for him to bail like that. But I had told him to go have fun. And if I really wanted to spend time with him, I could have called and asked him to come back, or offered to meet him somewhere. Hating the lack of clarity, I just stewed for a while. I only left my room to go down to the restaurant for a quick dinner. It was full of gorgeous couples mocking me with their happiness. What the hell was up with Paris, anyway, I wondered. Did they only allow beautiful people to move into the city and breed?

  In full grump mode, I went back upstairs. I spent a little time working; returning emails, checking logistics
for the Paris shows, and travel arrangements for the rest of the tour. Normally, going down my list, rechecking, and confirming would make me feel better. This time it just annoyed me more.

  So, by the time Dex knocked on my door, I was a mass of irritation. I let him in, and was immediately enveloped in a tight hug. He stank like cigarettes and booze, reminding me of my father.

  When I was little he’d get home late, and always come in to kiss me goodnight. Sometimes it soothed me, the scent of his lifestyle wafting through the air when he opened my bedroom door, lingering on my pillow when he bent to kiss my forehead. But as I got older, the smell came to represent everything I was missing. My dad was a visitor in my life at best, even though I lived with him.

  And now, after hours of waiting for Dex, I couldn’t get that thought out of my mind, that I was falling for a man just like my father. Was this my future with him? Sitting at home, waiting for him to come back and kiss me goodnight?

  “God, I’ve missed you,” he said into my hair.

  I pulled out of the hug, and went back to sit on the bed. “How was your night?”

  “Lovely. Don’t let the fancy fool you. This city is full of real drinkers.” He sauntered over and threw himself down on the bed next to me, stretching out. “Are we sleeping in here tonight?”

  I answered through gritted teeth. “I am.”

  “Where you go, I go, love.”

  It took every ounce of control I had not to scoff at that, considering how we’d spent our respective evenings.

  “Look, I’m tired. I just want to get some rest. I’ve got a lot to do tomorrow before I go shopping with Liss.”

  He shrugged and rolled over to face me. “That’s all right. But if you just want to sleep, do you mind if I go out for a while? I’m a bit restless tonight.”

  “Sure, fine. I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Dex sat up. He looked at me for a while with his head cocked to the side. “Yeah, okay. How about a goodnight kiss?”

  “Of course.” I was annoyed with him, but that didn’t keep me from wanting him. As our lips met, I considered changing my mind, convincing him to stay with me in bed, and make him forget about partying or anything else except how hot we were together.