Checking my phone, I saw there was still no response from Abby. With a ragged sigh, I rose out of bed. While I grabbed a quick shower, I rehearsed in my mind exactly what I was going to say to Abby. I knew some epic groveling was going to be in order for what I had done, and since my mouth usually ruined most moments between us, I wanted to be prepared. I’d just climbed out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my waist when I heard a knock at the door.
My heart surged at the thought that my angel had come to me. I threw open the door. “Angel, I—”
But it wasn’t Abby. Instead, Bree stood there with a cat-like smile spread across her lips. “Hey baby!”
“What are you doing here?” I demanded.
A funny look flickered across her face. “I’m here for you of course. Don’t I always come along to the shows to take care of my man’s needs?” Her eyes trailed down my half naked frame. “Damn, you’re looking good enough to eat this morning.”
When she started to kiss me, I jerked back. “Look, Bree, I’m sorry, but there’s nothing between you and me anymore.”
The color slowly drained from her face as she trembled. “You’re with someone else, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but—”
Her eyes narrowed. “It’s that little goody two-shoes whose name you called out when we were screwing, isn’t it?”
I ran my hands through my wet hair. “Yeah, it is. So you really need to go.”
Bree’s tough-as-nails veneer faded a little as she reached out for me. “Please don’t do this, Jake. We’ve been together a long, long time.”
“We’ve been having sex a long time, but there was nothing else between us.”
“That’s not true!” she countered.
“Yes, it is.”
Before I could stop her, she threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around my neck and clinging to my body. And because the universe loved to fuck with me, it was at that precise moment that the suite door across the hall opened, and Abby and Lily stepped out.
At the sight of me entangled in Bree’s arms, Abby’s eyes bulged in shock while her hand flew to her mouth. “Wait, no, this isn’t what it looks like!” I argued.
Instead of letting me go, Bree curved herself tighter against me. Abby gave a slight shake of her head before starting down the hallway.
“Abby!” I cried. Trying to control my anger, I pried Bree off of me. “Get out of here right now before I have you thrown out!” I spat.
“Please don’t do this Jake!”
I sprinted after Abby. I finally caught up with her at the elevators. “Angel, please listen to me. There was nothing happening with Bree. I swear on my life and my mother’s life.”
Abby shook her head so fast I feared she might get whiplash. “I can’t do this anymore, Jake. I can’t keep being yanked back and forth by your emotional immaturity. One minute you’re bailing on me and making me feel used and dirty and then the next I find your ex-flame all over you. It’s too much.”
“But this morning is not what you think! Bree came to see me, and when I told her things were over between us, she lunged at me.” At the disbelief that still hung in Abby’s eyes, I growled in frustration. “Would you think about what you really saw for a minute? Bree was desperately clinging to me, not the other way around. I wasn’t even touching her.”
The elevator doors dinged open, and she hopped on. “Please, Angel. You read my texts. You know how fucking sorry I am.”
Tears shimmered in her blue eyes. “Yeah, well, sometimes sorry just isn’t enough.”
“Don’t do this!” I pleaded.
She held my gaze until the doors closed. “Fuck!” I cried smacking my palm on the elevator door. A man passing by me tried to hide his amusement at my precarious situation. After all I was out in the hallway in only a towel.
When I stalked back down to my room, Bree was gone. Once I slammed the door, I grabbed my phone. I knew I had to call the other woman I loved for advice. She answered on the second ring. “Mama…”
“Jacob, what’s wrong?”
“I’m in love, but I’ve fucked it all up.”
She didn’t even bother chiding me about my language. “Oh honey, tell me what happened.” I then filled her in on every possible detail. “If you love Abby like you claim to, then you have to keep fighting for her. You can’t give up.”
“What can I do to make her talk to me?”
“You need to do something sweet for her to prove how much you care.”
“But what?”
Mama chuckled. “Honey, I can’t tell you that. You have to figure that out for yourself. It has to be from your heart—not mine.”
“Thanks a lot,” I grumbled.
“All I can tell you to do is fight for her. Don’t give up until you’ve convinced her to talk to you.”
“Okay, I’ll do it.”
“Good luck, sweetie.”
“Thanks.”
Once I hung up with Mama, I paced around the room, trying to think of some grand gestures. Finally I called a local florist and spent a small fortune on every rose they had in the store. Even though it was mortifying as hell, I rattled on for several minutes about what to write on the card. The guys were texting me about breakfast, so I reluctantly threw on some clothes. I headed downstairs to the hotel dining room where they were waiting on me. When I flopped into my chair, AJ glanced around the table. “Where’s Abby?”
Brayden chuckled before winking at Lily. “Don’t tell me she needs a day to recuperate from watching our little monsters?”
After shifting Melody on her hip, Lily shot me a disgusted look. “No, everything went fine with the kids.”
Braydon’s brow creased. “Then where is she?”
“Why don’t you ask Mr. Asshole over there?” Lily snapped.
“Mommy said a bad word!” Jude exclaimed from his perch on Rhys’s lap.
“Um, why don’t you and I go throw some more pennies in that fountain, huh?” Rhys suggested. As he brushed past me, Rhys whispered, “But I better get the whole damn story when I get back!”
Once Jude was out of earshot, every pair of eyes at the table burned into me. “Okay, so I fucked up pretty bad.”
Brayden’s brows furrowed in worry. “Maybe you should start from the beginning.”
I jerked my hand through my hair and drew in a ragged breath. “Look, last night, Abby and I got a little carried away.”
A strangled noise came from the back of Brayden’s throat. “Please tell me my son didn’t see you guys doing anything?”
“God no! We were done by the time he woke up from his nightmare and came looking for Abby.”
Brayden pinched the bridge above his nose. “Would you please explain exactly what happened?”
I squirmed in my seat. “After Abby put the kids to bed, we fooled around a little. When we were done, Jude woke up and wanted Abby. I was embarrassed by him almost catching us, so I bailed. And then I didn’t text her to check on her.”
“Once again, you’re an asshole!” Lily exclaimed.
“Babe, please,” Brayden protested.
“Don’t tell me you’re defending him?”
Brayden shook his head wildly back and forth. “Of course not. What he did was completely and totally uncalled for. He made Abby feel cheap and used!”
I cringed. “I realize that now.”
“You’re such an idiot!” Lily replied.
“I’m sorry, okay? I’m new to all this relationship stuff. It was a guarantee I was going to screw up.”
Lily huffed exasperatedly. “Now tell them what else happened.”
AJ’s dark eyes widened in disbelief. “There’s more?”
“Unfortunately yes.” I then explained about Bree showing up and Abby seeing her hugging me.
“Christ almighty, Jake, you sure have a gift for screwing up,” Brayden mused.
“Tell me about,” I mumbled miserably.
“You gotta make it right, dude,” AJ said.
�
�I’ve tried. Hell, I just spent a fucking fortune having dozens upon dozens of roses sent to her. She still won’t talk to me.”
Scratching his chin, AJ replied, “Okay, so it’s gotta be something a little more epic than just flowers.” He glanced over at Lily. “You’re a chick. What should he do?”
She rolled her eyes at him before handing Melody to Brayden. She then sat down next to me. “Jake, I’ve known you for eight years, and for most of those years, you’ve absolutely disgusted me with your treatment of women.”
“Thanks for the pep talk,” I grumbled.
She held up her hand. “Let me finish.”
“Fine.”
“Even though you made a pretty dick move, I can tell you like Abby a lot. I mean I’ve never seen you act this way around a girl before.” I bobbed my head in agreement. “I’d venture to say that even though it’s been a whirlwind the last three weeks that you might even love her.”
I swallowed hard under her’s and the guy’s scrutiny. “I know it’s quick, but I’ve fallen in love with her for sure. And yeah, I like love her, love her.”
Lily’s eyes misted over while Brayden’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Seriously dude?”
“Yeah…seriously.”
“Have you really told her yet?” AJ asked.
“No, not yet.”
“Then you have to tell her,” Lily commanded.
“Yeah, well, I’d love to do that, but she isn’t talking to me at the moment.”
AJ shook his head. “That’s why you gotta do something fucking epic to make her see the light.”
“And just what would you suggest, Mr. Latin Lover? I bring her on stage and sing to her about how much I love her?”
AJ’s eyes bulged as Lily drew in a sharp breath. When I glanced at Brayden, he grinned. “That’s exactly what you do.”
Both AJ and Lily nodded in agreement. “Like when we usually bring a fan up, I should bring her instead?”
AJ snapped his fingers. “Hell yes!”
“That sounds amazing, but how in the hell am I going to get her to the show? She won’t answer my calls or texts or even come to the door.”
Lily grabbed my hand in hers. “You leave that part to me.”
I didn’t reply for a minute. Instead, I became lost in thought about how to make tonight the most amazing I could for Abby. And then it hit me. “Lily, will you take Abby shopping while we’re at rehearsal?”
“Do you want me to like distract her or something?”
“No, it’s just I need her wearing white like the first time I met her.”
Lily expression softened. “Oh Jake, that’s so sweet and romantic.”
I grinned. “Thank you. I’m glad I have your vote of confidence.” I then turned to Bray and AJ. “We’re going to need a little extra rehearsal time today to add in the song I want to do.”
“You’re not doing the usual?” AJ asked.
“No, this has to be completely different and special for Abby.”
Brayden cocked his head at me. “And just what song are you planning on doing?”
With a wink, I replied, “It’s a surprise I plan to reveal at rehearsal.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
* * *
Abby
The hem of my short, chiffon white dress swirled around my calves as I struggled to keep up with Lily. The roar of the crowd for Vindicated stung my ears as we weaved in and out of the crowded back stage of Phillips Arena. From time to time, she would glance over her shoulder at me and grin. I couldn’t help but smile back at her. After all, I owed everything to her for finally getting me to see the light.
Although I’d turned a hardened heart to Jake when he’d begged and pleaded for me to forgive him, it really only took a few words from Lily to convince me to give him another chance. She’d knocked on the door to my suite shortly after Jake had left, so naturally I’d screamed to leave me the hell alone. Instead, I heard her persistent voice outside. When I threw open the door, she gave me a hesitant smile. “You know I’m on your side in this entire situation. But I just have to say this, and when I’m done, it’s totally up to you on how to proceed.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Okay, I’m listening.”
“I’ve known Jake for eight years, and I’ve never, ever seen him act this way or feel this much about a girl before. Ever. He’s a brilliant musician, but he’s an absolute screw-up when it comes to matters of the heart. But if he was able to convince me how sorry he was and how much he deeply feels for you, you can bet it’s the real deal.” At my unresponsiveness, she sighed. “Look, Abby, I was at the same crossroads you are five years ago. I was hurt and angry about some of the really shitty things Brayden had done. He’d screwed up so many times that I didn’t think I had it in me to give him yet another chance when he begged and pleaded with me, just like Jake is doing with you. If I kept a hardened heart, I would’ve missed out on the most amazing man I could ever hope for, not to mention I wouldn’t have my two beautiful children.”
I closed my eyes for a moment before reopening them. “I’m just scared,” I admitted.
She nodded. “I know. I was too, and when it comes down to it so is Jake. But he really has a good heart Abby—one that for the first time in his life he wants to give to only one girl. And that girl is you.”
Unblinking and unmoving, I stared at Lily for a moment as I let the depth of her words wash over me. Glancing over my shoulder, I eyed all the beautiful red, pink, yellow, and purple roses overtaking my room. I thought of Jake’s countless texts along with his actions at the elevator.
Nibbling my bottom lip, I finally questioned, “So what do I do to make it right with us?”
A beaming smile filled her cheeks before she leaned over to hug me. “Well, first of all, you need a white dress!”
And that’s how I came to be trailing behind her as we searched for Runaway Train, or most importantly Jake. At the sight of Frank talking to some other roadies, I rushed past Lily.
“Where’s Jake?” I demanded breathlessly.
His gaze roamed over my attire, and then he smiled. “Want me to take you to him?”
“Please.”
“Sure thing, Angel.”
He led me through a series of rooms. Rhys, Brayden, and AJ were in the second one, decked out and waiting for their call to go to the stage. When they saw me, they whistled and cat-called. I guess I must’ve looked like I was on a mission because they didn’t try stopping me. “Go on and get your man, Angel!” AJ called.
We’d left the room with the guys when Frank stopped. He motioned to a shut door. “He’s in there. Of course, he’s left strict orders not to be disturbed.” With a wink, Frank then added, “But I’m pretty sure he’ll want to see you.”
I leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”
Frank turned and left me alone in the hallway. My nerves caused me to wobble as I pushed myself forward. My hand trembled as I knocked on the dressing room door. “Are you all fucking deaf? I told you I wanted to be left the hell alone, so go away!” he growled.
Testing the doorknob, I found it unlocked. I had to draw in a few calming breaths before opening it. Jake sat hunched down in one of the chairs with a scowl etched across his face. At the sound of the door closing behind me, he jerked his head up. “I said—” The rest of his words died on his lips at the sight of me. His eyes bulged as he shot out of his chair. He just stood there, staring at me with an expression of absolute disbelief.
The corners of my lips twitched in a smile. “Don’t tell me that I’ve rendered you speechless?”
“Angel, you actually came.” He then motioned at my dress. “And you’re wearing white.”
I nodded. “For you.”
He closed the gap between us in two long strides. “Does this mean you accept my apology, and you’re willing to give a major fuck-up like me another chance?”
I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped my lips at Jake’s summation of himself. “Yes, it does.
”
Jerking me to him, he planted a long, lingering kiss on my mouth. “Oh God, you make me so, so happy,” he murmured against my lips.
“You make me happy too.”
After he pulled away, Jake’s brows furrowed. “But what finally changed your mind? I mean, I was about ready to have my mama call you and plead my case.”
I laughed. “That might’ve helped, but it was Lily who helped me see the bigger picture.”
“Really? Wow, I’m impressed with her mad skills of persuasion.” He grinned. “Damn, I’m glad she came through for me. I guess I owe her big time, huh?”
“No, I don’t think you owe her anything. She was just being honest about the person you really are.”
“Thank you, Angel,” Jake replied with a smile. “Now let me get a good look at you.”
With a little twirl, I spun around to give him a view of the dress. Although the bottom was made of chiffon, the bodice had intricate white beading and sequins. With its spaghetti straps, it did an amazing job showing off my cleavage. It was tasteful, but sexy all in the same token.
Jake licked his lips. “Oh Angel…you look absolutely breathtaking.”
I grinned. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“Jake, it’s time,” Rhys called from the doorway.
“One sec,” he replied.
With a nudge, I pushed him to the door. “You need to go. After all, you can’t keep your adoring fans waiting.”
Jake’s expression grew serious. “There’s something I have to say to you before I go out there.”
My heartbeat accelerated so fast I felt lightheaded. “Okay,” I murmured.
Cupping my cheeks in his hands, Jake stared intently into my eyes. “I love you, Angel.”
I jerked back at his declaration. “You do?”
He smiled as he ran his thumb along my cheekbone. “Yeah, I do.”
Rock Star Romance Ultimate Volume 2 Page 21