Teacher: Act Two (A Hollywood Rock n' Romance Trilogy Book 2)

by Merrill, R. L.

  He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “Blue, I think. Either one... No, blue. Definitely blue.”

  I laughed and trotted off to Nora’s. “I’ll be right back. Don’t get dressed yet.”

  He grabbed himself and growled. “Don’t tease me like that, honey.”

  I laughed and waved as I went through the door. I walked out of the kitchen, onto the patio. I knocked on Nora’s door and Jane answered.

  “Jesse! I rode bareback today! My legs are so sore! Hey, aren’t you going to be late for the wedding?”

  I laughed. “I just came to get my dress and your dad’s shirt. Nora? He’s decided on blue.”

  Nora grinned wickedly and rubbed her hands together. “Pictures! I want pictures,” she called over her shoulder. My stomach dropped a little.

  I hurried back over to the big house and to the bedroom. I found Danny in front of the sink in a towel, shaving.. “Awwww, I miss your goatee already,” I whined.

  He smirked. “It’ll grow back in no time. I can almost grow one on command, I’m so fucking hairy.”

  I cracked up and wrapped my arms around his waist, running my fingers through his barely-there chest hair. “I love your hair. Everywhere! Now hurry up so I can get ready. Your shirt is hanging in the closet.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Where’s your dress?”

  “I’m not telling! And no peeking!” I went back out to the closet to gather my undergarments. I’d need a strapless bra with this dress as the straps were way too thin for a regular bra, and a tiny scrap of lace would have to do for panties since I didn’t want anything showing. The dress was going to show off a hell of a lot of leg. I almost chickened out, but then I thought of how good the blue was going to look on Danny and that bolstered my courage.

  He came out of the bathroom and all I could think of was tearing his towel off and having my way with him but we were on a time crunch. I winked at him and hurried into the bathroom to do my makeup and hair. I opted to leave it down as it would contrast nicely with the blue dress. Maybe I could even hide behind it a little if I got too scared! A few brushes with the makeup, a little blow dryer and round brush action and I was ready to get dressed. I put my undergarments on and strolled out into the bedroom to find Danny putting his cufflinks on with his back to me. I stepped into the closet and the noise from the plastic garment bag caught his attention.

  “That’s a perfect outfit, honey. Let’s go.”

  I rolled my eyes at him, but enjoyed the embrace and neck nibbles I got. He was about to have me all over him if he didn’t stop and I told him so. His answering groan had me giggling.

  “Go wait for me out there.”

  He pouted and sullenly stalked into the bedroom. I couldn’t help laughing at his reaction. He could be so boyish sometimes, and such a man others. Such a man.

  I slid into my dress and it clung nicely. Lord, was I going to have to be cautious about bending over! I grabbed the wrap I’d picked up and slid on my wedge sandals. I might actually be taller than Danny in these shoes. I hoped that didn’t bother him.

  I got my answer when I walked out. He grabbed his chest and staggered back a step. “God damn, woman. You are going to give me a fucking heart attack! Turn around.”

  I giggled and gave him a quick turn. When I faced him again, he was pulling on his bottom lip. That usually meant he was nervous.

  “Is this ok, Danny? I know it’s a little like Prom matching like this. If you don’t want to wear that shirt or if this dress is too much, or not enough...” He didn’t say anything, just stared at me. I grew uncomfortable under his gaze. “Danny? Is this dress not ok? I can’t tell what you are thinking. Maybe I should go change?”

  He shook his head vigorously. Slowly he approached me in his bare feet. I was right. I was about an inch taller than him. He placed a hand on my waist and rubbed his thumb across the material. His expression was unreadable. I started to fidget. “Danny, say something! Should I change?” The hand on my waist gripped me harder and his other one came around behind my neck.

  He pulled me close, his lips brushed against my ear. “You’re not taking this dress off. You’re fucking beautiful. Only I get to take this dress off you, understand?" I shivered and swayed a little on my shoes. He pulled back and looked into my eyes. He looked like a very satisfied male, and when he smiled, it was a masculine smile of appreciation and desire.

  I felt myself blushing. “You’re sure it’s ok,” I asked quietly.

  He took my hand and held it against him. I got my answer. “You’re in so much trouble when we get home,” he said in a gravelly voice, causing an instant physiological response in me. “I’m going to have to send you off shopping with Patricia more often. I get the best surprises.”

  I laughed. “Do you like your shirt? I know it’s not black...”

  He nodded. “I love it. And I don’t care if we look like prom dates. I never fucking went to prom. Since I just finished school, I think it’s quite appropriate.” I kissed him gently and he pulled me in for a much deeper kiss filled with yearning. “Fuck me, this is going to be a long evening. C’mon, gorgeous. Let’s get a move on. I can’t wait to dance with you.”

  I smiled at him, excited at that prospect. “I’d forgotten all about dancing! I haven’t been to a wedding since I was a teenager!” He put on his shoes, which put us at equal height, and took my wrap from me and put it around my shoulders, admiring the design. “I thought you’d approve.”

  He made a few more appreciative noises, followed by a groan. “I am so not going to be able to keep my hands off you,” he growled and I laughed.

  We walked over to Nora’s so we could say good-bye and she could take pictures. Now I really felt like we were going to prom!

  Jane gushed over us. “Daddy, you look so handsome in that color! And Jesse, that dress is hot!”

  I blushed and pulled the wrap tighter around me. Danny chuckled, his eyes, giving me a once over. “Definitely in trouble later.”

  I elbowed him and he put his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. We said goodnight, Danny called “Don’t wait up,” over his shoulder and we went into the garage. The Challenger was absolutely the right car for tonight and while it was going to be interesting climbing in and out, it was well worth it.

  We arrived at the home of Ron’s family in Laurel Canyon after battling a little traffic, and Danny parked in a long line of cars on the driveway. He quickly came around my side of the car and opened the door, extending his hand to help me out, a smirk on his face.

  “You are such a beautiful woman and I am so fucking grateful you are mine.”

  I kissed his cheek and he growled yet again. I could tell he was not going to be on his best behavior tonight. He offered his arm and we walked side by side up to the front of the house. A cobblestone walkway wrapped around to the backyard, which was surrounded by lush greenery. Chairs were set up facing a gazebo on one side and the patio was heavily decorated with flowers and ribbon. Danny led me to the bar to grab a drink. He asked what I wanted and I told him water. He ordered himself a Shiner Bock and we joined the other guests who were standing around talking.

  Danny had explained to me that most of the people we’d meet were Ron’s family, several folks from Slade, and the people who worked for the label. He assured me that Stacey had not been invited due to his previous behavior. He did mention there would probably be a few other artists there, but that I shouldn’t worry if I geeked out. He said to just hold his hand and squeeze if I needed a moment. That prompted me to pinch him and he held up our linked hands to kiss mine. He was awfully smiley and his good mood was contagious.

  Patricia and her husband joined us and Danny kissed her cheek, thanking her profusely for taking me shopping.

  “I think this is going to have to be a regular thing,” he whispered loudly and I bumped him with my hip. Even Patricia gave him a surprised look.

  “What has gotten into him,” she asked me when he and her husband walked away to talk bus
iness.

  “I have no clue. He’s been acting weird since he saw me in this dress.”

  She laughed. “Told you we done good! I really did have a great time with you that day. Say, how about we book a spa day sometime soon,” she asked. I hesitated and she must have seen my discomfort. "Or, how about we just go back to O’Reilly’s and then decide on what mischief we can get into!”

  I smiled gratefully at her. She understood how I felt about spending Danny’s money. Speaking of which, it was almost like I had developed a radar because I sensed a presence I was hoping to avoid.

  “Danny, so good to see you! Are you here alone,” I heard ‘Her Hungarian Highness’ ask Danny. I turned to see him give her a cold look.

  “Grace,” he nodded and walked back over to me. Her eyes followed him and narrowed when he walked up to join me, put his arm around my waist and kissed my cheek. I felt a little sick to my stomach at seeing her, but Danny’s arm around me comforted me. He kissed my hair and spoke softly in my ear. “Do not let that witch ruin our good time. She doesn’t deserve to be in your presence.” I smiled nervously at him, but the look on his face was dead serious.

  “He’s right, Jesse. Everyone has let her know in no uncertain terms how completely out of line she was. Do not let her get to you, alright?” I was glad to have Patricia at my side in this as well.

  An usher let us know it was time to find our seats so we followed Patricia and her husband and ended up sitting between them and Alex and his sister Rebecca. She was dressed in a white halter dress with bright red hibiscus flowers, almost like she’d just been to Hawaii. She was tan with curly blonde hair, and wore little to no makeup. I sat between her and Danny and felt like I just might be able to handle this night after all.

  The ceremony was beautiful. I watched Danny out of the corner of my eye. He was absolutely beaming. He’d told me on the way that he’d known the bride since she was about Jane’s age and felt like a protective big brother. She was stunning in a strapless oyster-colored gown with a train. The groom was a nervous wreck. His best man was really having to coach from the sidelines. The bride watched him lovingly. She must be used to this kind of behavior from him. They were wed in a few short minutes. Ron stood up and proudly congratulated them. He told the guests to please head over to the buffet before the damn food melted. It was quite warm still, in the low 80’s, and I was sure glad I wasn’t wearing hose.

  Danny turned to face me and held out a hand. I stood and we were face to face, his eyes searching mine. “It was a beautiful ceremony. Poor guy was a little nervous, though.” He smiled hesitantly and took both of my hands in his. I was really getting nervous with him acting like this. He didn’t speak for a long time.

  “Are you ok,” I asked him in a quiet voice.

  His smile grew broader and he whispered, “I’ve never been better. I am so damn happy. I guess I was just sitting there wishing that was us.” His heartfelt words really took my breath away.

  “Really?”

  He held me tight up against him, burying his face in my hair. “You’re going to make a beautiful bride, Jesse. I can’t wait.”

  “I love you, Danny, but are you really sure?”

  He nodded. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

  My heart was pounding in my chest. I almost forgot where we were. Alex and Rebecca brought us back to reality.

  “Hey loverboy! Let’s go get some grub!”

  Danny kissed me lightly on the lips, pulled back, staring at them and shook himself. He let Alex pull him away, leaving me alone with Rebecca.

  “That looked a little intense. Everything ok?”

  I nodded. “I think. I’m just feeling a little lightheaded.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, I bet kissing Danny would leave a woman like that.” She took my arm and we got in line for the food. “Let’s get you fed and then you can tell me all about you.”

  We talked amiably while we stood in line and then served ourselves. She gave me a gentle third degree, not quite an interrogation. She seemed protective of Danny, but I didn't get the feeling she didn't approve of me. Just the opposite in fact. I caught Danny smiling at me a few times and it made me feel better knowing he was away from me but still looking out for me.

  We carried our plates over to the table Danny and Alex had grabbed and Patricia and her husband were there as well. Dinner conversation revolved mostly around Patricia’s wedding, Alex’s inability to keep a girlfriend, our trip to the Bay Area, and our adventures with Jane this summer. I was so wrapped up in the conversation, I only picked at my food. Everything was making my stomach churn.

  “So you finally got Jesse to move in, eh Danny? Did you burgle her apartment while she was away and then throw her in the trunk of the Challenger when she came home?” We laughed at just how close to the truth Alex really was.

  “You’re not that far off the mark,” Danny said. “Well, except for the car. I had the Range Rover so I had to coax her a little since I had no trunk.”

  Rebecca choked on her wine. I just dropped my head in my hands. Danny rubbed my back and we all laughed.

  “So when are you two getting married,” Max asked Danny.

  He looked at me, grabbed my hand under the table and brought it up to kiss it. “Not fucking soon enough as far as I’m concerned.”

  Patricia went in for the save. “Max! Give them five minutes to get settled into living together before you have them walking down the aisle.” Then she leaned in close and said in a loud whisper, “We don’t want to scare her away! She’s perfect!” I smiled and thanked her and then Danny squeezed my hand.

  We were saved from this conversation by silverware on wine glasses. Servers brought us all a round flutes of champagne and we turned in our chairs to face the wedding party’s table.

  Ron got up and spoke first, thanking us all for coming. Then he shared wedding night advice with the new couple, and embarrassed the hell out of the groom with stories of how badly the guys had messed with him. The bride’s best friend got up and spoke next, and her stories of witnessing their courtship had us all in stitches. When it was the groom’s turn, he got very serious and told everyone just how much he loved his new bride and how hard he planned to work on keeping her happy for the rest of her life. That brought everyone to tears, including the men at our table.

  “That little shit,” Alex grumbled as he dabbed at his eye with a napkin that Danny handed him.

  We all toasted, downed our champagne, and then the bride danced with her new husband, followed by her father. They started a money dance. I took a ten dollar bill out of my little purse and stood in line for the groom while Danny went to the bride’s line. I got to the groom first and I put the money in his lapel pocket, introducing myself.

  “I know who you are. Danny is so lucky to have met you. You’ve made him really happy,” he said, blushing. I thanked him and wished him well. Before he let go, he said, “Don’t let these people scare you off. Most of them are truly the best people I’ve ever known. Those that don’t fit into that category can be a little intimidating, but aren’t worth your time

  I frowned, a little confused, but thanked him for the advice. Then I remembered that he must know the Mannings and thought he must have heard what happened from someone.

  I stepped away from him with a wave and stepped over to the bar to get some more water. In this heat I needed to stay hydrated. I watched Danny dance with Ron’s daughter. She smiled up at him as he talked very seriously to her. He ended with a hug, shoved a hundred dollar bill down the front of her dress, and darted away before she could smack him.

  He came straight for me and took me in his arms, pouting. “I wanted to be the first one to dance with you,” he said as he led me back out onto the floor that was now filled with guests. We maneuvered by Bronson and Julian and their dates, and Julian called over, “Save a dance for me, Jesse.”

  Danny gave him a dirty look. Julian just laughed.

  “Would it bother you if I dan
ced with him,” I asked him, curious.

  He frowned. Grouchy Danny said, “I don’t like it. I know he’s harmless. I’m just selfish. I want you all to myself.”

  I laughed and assured him he had me, all of me, as much as he wanted. His face broke into a wicked grin and he pulled me in closer. He started moving with me in a borderline inappropriate manner.

  He had great rhythm, and just like with everything else we’d done so far, our bodies fit well together when we danced. When faster music came on, he kept up with me, destroying his insistence that he couldn’t dance. He was actually quite a talented dancer. Or I just loved watching him move. Could be I was a little biased.

  I finally had to take a break to use the ladies’ room, so Danny pointed me in the right direction. I stepped through the French doors at the rear of the house and turned left as he had directed me. The front door opened as I was about to turn down the hallway and my stomach dropped to the floor. Brooke stepped in on the arm of a man who looked vaguely familiar.

  “Brooke! So happy you could make it! Ron will be so happy to see you,” said a voice that instantly made me want to vomit. I hurried into the bathroom and locked the door behind me.

  Brooke? Here? Obviously Grace had something to do with it. I took a minute to address needs and then I looked at myself long and hard in the mirror. I had no idea if Danny knew she was going to be here or not. I knew I shouldn’t worry. He’d made it clear to me that there was nothing between them. We just hadn’t seen each other since the hotel fiasco in New York. I didn’t know if she knew Danny and I were together. I felt completely nauseous and my hands were shaking. I tried to pull myself together as best I could and prayed they would be gone when I came back out.

  My prayers were answered. The hall was empty. I scurried back out to the patio, hoping to find Danny before he saw her.

  I found him talking to ‘the guys’ and I asked for a minute. Just as I pulled him aside, Brooke and her date came around the corner and received a mixed reaction. Half of the group seemed happy to see her, and the other half just looked like “what the fuck is she doing here?” Danny and the group he was with were in the second half.