Nervously, Nate shook her hand. “Uh, hi. You must be Brandon’s girlfriend. Hope you liked the vibrating tongue ring.”
Her entire body shuddered. “Hell yes, I did. Thanks.” She hooked her arm in Brandon’s. “So, you having fun yet?”
“Yeah.” Nate grinned widely. “Definitely. This is so cool. I can’t believe it.”
Brandon patted him on the back. “He saved me from looking like a surfer boy.” With a smile, he recalled the scene. “He hooked me up with some cool clothes.”
“And I got an autographed tee.” Nate was wearing the shirt and had gotten the rest of the band’s signatures as well. “Thanks for inviting me, man.”
Scott cleared his throat. “Let’s go check out the chicks.” He cocked an eyebrow until Nate took the hint. “Come on. I’ll introduce you as my favorite guitarist.”
Nate looked at the calluses on his left hand. “This is so cool.”
“You’re so sweet,” Mackenzie said as she watched Scott and Nate walk up to the first group of women. “Travis is nervous as hell.”
Eyebrows up, Brandon looked around. He relaxed when he saw who he was pretty sure was Travis with Terri. “He fits right in.”
“Thanks to Terri.” Mackenzie smiled. “He looks good. You still hooking him up?”
Brandon scanned the room. “Fuck yeah.” He was looking for a specific type of girl. Thankfully, more groupies arrived after the CMD crew left. “She’s perfect.” He watched the short redhead laughing about 10 feet away. She had great curves and when she bent over he muttered, “Damn, I didn’t think I could find everything he wanted.”
“Huh?” Mackenzie didn’t understand. “Everything what?”
He shrugged. “It’s nothing. Stay here. I’m gonna go talk to her.”
“OK.” She stood by while Brandon walked over to the redhead.
“Hey, ladies.” Brandon put his arms out. “Having a good time?”
The redhead gave him a sultry look. “Now I am. Heard you were off-limits. Something change?”
“No.” Brandon hoped she wasn’t going to go fangirl on him. “I was hoping you could help me out with something. As a personal favor.”
Redhead was intrigued. “For you, anything.”
Brandon laid a hand on her lower back. “Glad to hear that.” He steered her across the room as he continued, “A good friend of mine is here alone, and he’s very lonely. Could you keep him company? Maybe make him more comfortable?” He paused. “It’d mean a lot to me.”
She got excited. “Does this mean you’ll reward me later?” She hoped she could spend time with Brandon, too.
“Possibly.” Brandon hoped she was good with an autograph or photo of them together. “If he tells me you made him happy, I’ll do my best to come up with something.”
Travis’ eyes opened wide as his gaze followed Brandon and the girl. Brandon remembering what he was into was shocking. When they were a foot away, he almost ran a hand through his hair but remembered not to just in time.
“Hey guys.” Brandon tossed his head to tell Terri to move away. She did that right away. “Travis, this is… uh…” He leaned down. “Sorry, but what’s your name?”
She smiled at the handsome young man before them. “Mandy.” She offered Travis her hand.
Nervously, Travis took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips. Brandon had given him a few pointers. “Nice to meet you, Mandy.” When she turned slightly, he noticed the tattoo across her lower back. His dream girl. “Uh, how about we… um…” He didn’t know what to do next.
“She looks like she could use a drink.” Brandon nodded to the bar. “So could you.”
Mackenzie was excited that Brandon found a woman for Travis to hang out with. She waited patiently as Brandon spoke with a few people on his way back to her. Then she put out a hand to him. “That was cool. She’s hot.”
“Yeah.” Brandon looked to the bar where Travis was handing Mandy a glass. “He needs to get laid. Bad.”
Chapter 18
About an hour later, Mackenzie stood in the wings of the stage. Travis and Terri were close by. Both had a woman in their arms. She was glad they were enjoying themselves.
She watched Brandon play the solo to “Fall From Grace.” His eyes were closed, and his entire body moved with the music. The crowd was screaming, some women calling out his name. Jake was riling them up even further. Brandon seemed oblivious to it all.
And he was. Brandon was lost in his music. He needed that to stay on his feet. Sweat covered his brow and ran down his back. The box in his pocket felt like it was burning a hole in his skin. Thankfully, when he played, he could let it all go. As the solo progressed, Austin and Scott joined him, complimenting his notes. Then at the crescendo, Chico came in as well. Jake’s voice filled the stadium, but Brandon couldn’t hear the words.
Jesse and Mike were just beyond the stage, setting up for the finale. Antonio and Rafe had created an amazing display for the extra song for that night. Jesse knew the plan. He just hoped it went well. As soon as the stage went dark, they raced out, scattering rose petals everywhere.
Afraid to move, Mackenzie listened to the crowd. They knew the show wasn’t over because the band had not said good night. Screams and cheers of the band’s name muted any other sound. The darkness around her continued longer than she expected.
“Fuck, something’s wrong!” someone shouted. Then another cried out, “Turn on the house lights.”
Brandon turned around quickly. The entire arena lit up. It looked like surprise was out. He groaned when he saw Jesse ushering Mackenzie backstage. He stalked to the crewmembers close by.
“What the hell happened?” Brandon growled.
Andy turned to him. “I don’t know. I’m working on it.”
Brandon’s hands balled into fists. “Hurry up.”
“Relax.” Scott put a hand on Brandon’s shoulder. “It’ll be fine.”
“Maybe this is a sign.” Brandon didn’t believe in coincidence. “Should I hold off?”
Scott leaned closer. “What’s your gut telling you?”
“My stomach is turning too much to tell.” Brandon sighed as one of the house crew swept up the rose petals. That sealed it. He had to wait.
Mackenzie stepped carefully around the men rushing about, following Jesse so they were out of the way. Once clear of the crew trying to find the power issue, they paused. Travis and Terri were close behind with their companions.
“Jesse, this is Terri and Travis.” Mackenzie smiled.
Terri leered at him. “So you’re Jesse?” Her eyes raked over him from head to toe. “So not what I was expecting.” She could not imagine the boy before her was the same man who Mackenzie told her about. “Hope the rumors are true.” She glanced at his crotch. “Maybe I’ll have to check for myself.”
Blushing, Jesse leaned down and whispered in Mackenzie’s ear, “She knows?”
“She’s my best friend.” Mackenzie chuckled. “She knows everything.”
He bit his lip and met Terri’s lustful gaze. It felt good that an older woman wanted him. He wasn’t sure it was a good idea to get involved with a friend of Mackenzie’s, though.
“Jesse!” Mike shouted from the stage.
He sighed. “Gotta go.” Then Jesse disappeared behind the curtain.
“Oh my God, Kenzie!” Terri had her hand over her mouth. “He’s a kid!”
Her face heating up, Mackenzie replied, “He’s nineteen. That’s old enough.”
“Barely.” Terri smirked. “You go, girl.”
A few hits to a bass drum made them all turn. Mackenzie noticed things had gone back to normal. “Looks like the show’s gonna start up again. Come on.” She waved at everyone as she walked to the curtain.
“Hunger” went well. Brandon was relieved that the pressure was off. Fears of Mackenzie saying “no” plagued him. Then seeing Mackenzie watching from a few feet away reminded him how much he wanted her to be his forever. When the song ended, he turned and grin
ned at her.
Once Jake had said his final words, Brandon tossed picks into the crowd until he ran out. Then he waved good-bye and headed straight for his woman. Just before he reached her, he handed his guitar to Daniel. Two more steps, and he lifted Mackenzie off her feet.
“Love you, Tink.” He pressed his lips to hers as he spun them. After setting her down, he turned to Travis and Mandy close by. “Ready to check out the after-party?”
Mandy jumped up and down, then kissed Travis on the lips. “Yes.”
Terri took Kim’s hand and pulled her over to Brandon. “There’s more?” She was glad to meet a woman instead of a man. No ego to deal with.
“Always.” Brandon grinned and turned Mackenzie so her back was against him. “We know how to party.”
Chico stopped close to them, putting a hand on Travis and Terri’s backs. “So… you guys ready to see why we have such a bad-ass reputation?”
“Bring it on,” Terri teased. She liked Chico. They had spoken earlier in the dressing room. “You can’t shock me.”
Laughing, Chico shook his head. “You haven’t met Jake.”
Minutes later, they were walking into the double ballroom they rented. Music played, and the place was filled with people. They had also rented the rooms next to it for privacy. The connecting doors were at the far end of the room.
Brandon wondered if the other rooms had tables and chairs set up or were bare. He led Mackenzie and the others to the buffet. His stomach had stopped freaking out, so he knew he could finally put something in it.
“Free booze, too,” Brandon mentioned as he piled slices of steak on his plate. “Hope this stuff tastes as good as it looks.”
Smiling, Mackenzie added more salad to her plate. “As long as I’m with you, who cares?” She was glad to have that week to be with him.
Scott and Austin walked in the room. They had planned to go to their room instead, but Chico encouraged them to mingle for a short while first. Austin slid his hand into Scott’s briefly before realizing his mistake. Their eyes met. Scott breathed deeply trying not to react.
“Sorry.” Austin’s eyebrows went up. “I know you’re not ready.” He smiled. “I’ll wait.”
Letting out the breath he had been holding in, Scott replied, “Maybe one day.” It was all he could offer.
“OK.” Austin shrugged, letting the slight hurt go quickly. “I’m hungry.”
Scott laughed. “As always.”
He never understood where Austin put all the food he ate. Although, Austin ate quite healthily. Scott tried to as well, but he wasn’t too fond of vegetables. The buffet had a wide variety, so no worries there.
“After this, are we going to the casino?” Austin munched on pepper slices as he chose his food. “Or back to the room?” He met Scott’s gaze and wiggled his eyebrows. “For, uh, you know.” He felt silly talking that way, but they couldn’t risk someone hearing them.
Shrugging, Scott responded, “Depends on how long the cameras and stuffed shirts stay.”
“Yea, there’s that, too.” Austin looked around. The room was cluttered with famous people, executives and people who looked important. “Let’s give them two hours, and then we’ll hit the road.”
There were groups of tables set up all over the large room. Scott walked to the furthest corner, hoping no one would be around. Austin trailed him close behind. Scott smiled when he saw Brandon and Mackenzie sitting with their guests.
“Hey, guys.” Scott nodded at the empty chair next to Mackenzie. “Can we sit with you?”
Brandon grabbed a chair from the next table for Austin. “Sure. The more, the merrier.” He winked at Scott. A few drinks had loosened him up a bit. Not enough for another foursome, but enough to joke about it. “Travis was telling us about his trip to Australia last year. We haven’t played there yet. Sounds like we need to.”
Austin moved his chair to Scott’s other side. “I hear in some parts the girls outnumber the guys. That’s the part I wanna go to.” He threw an arm over the back of Scott’s chair. “Would be fun, right?”
“Hell yes.” Scott grinned at him, trying to hide his sudden desire. Going away with Austin to somewhere they were unknown would be perfect. Then they could be themselves. Although he had no idea where they wouldn’t be recognized. “One of these days.” He took a deep breath and let the image of them on vacation go. Turning to the group he didn’t know, he said, “So, how do you guys know Mackenzie?”
Terri lifted a finger. “From work.” She took another sip of wine as she watched Scott and Austin. They were hiding something. When Austin brushed Scott’s hair from his shoulder and smiled, she knew. “How long have you two been together?”
“Who?” Austin’s head whipped around.
Letting out a short laugh, Terri replied, “You guys.’’ She waved a hand from Scott to Austin. Then she saw the look of horror on Scott’s face. “Oh, sorry. My mistake.” She felt guilty and hoped she didn’t just out them in front of Brandon.
“It’s fine.” Austin patted Scott’s back. “We’re just roommates.” He gave her a look that he hoped she understood, pleading for her to drop it. “It happens.”
Mackenzie had heard the exchange and put a hand on Scott’s thigh. She hoped to relay that she was there if he needed her. When he turned to her, she gave him a small smile. He returned it and visibly relaxed.
Glad she was in his corner, Scott took several deep breaths to help him let the fear go. “Thanks.” His voice was low enough that only she could hear him.
Travis wasn’t paying attention. Mandy had her hand in his lap, toying with his growing cock. He shuddered as she gripped the shaft tightly. It had been way too long since a woman touched him.
She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, “Do you have a room here?” Travis was growing on her. Being able to hang out with Brandon, Scott and Austin was a nice bonus.
Nervously, Travis turned to her, their lips less than an inch apart. He was terrified to kiss her. “Uh, no. I have an apartment here.” He tried to be as general as possible, yet not lie. Brandon had told him not to say exactly who he was.
“Good.” Mandy squeezed his erection again. “Concerts make me horny.”
Brandon smirked and tapped Mackenzie’s arm. “She likes him,” he whispered. “Looks like I chose right.” He winked at her. “Chose you, so I gotta be good at this.”
“True.” Mackenzie smiled, then leaned forward and kissed his lips. “Glad you did.” She glanced over at Terri. She was talking to the woman she had picked up backstage. “Looks like they both found someone fun for tonight.”
Soon the band’s manager, Carl Holmes, picked up a microphone and told the room about Wicked End’s current album and their planned next one. Brandon tuned him out and threw back another shot of whiskey. They had to endure variations of the same speech anytime there were “important” people around. He could care less who was there.
“How about we sneak out and find somewhere better to hang?” Brandon was bored already.
Austin looked up. “This room is clear across the property from everything but the hotel. Would be hard to walk around without being recognized.” They had security escorts everywhere they had gone so far.
“Yeah. Not a good idea,” Scott added. “We could go up to our…” He pursed his lips. Saying “our suite” would have proven Terri right. “Um, I mean Austin’s suite.”
Terri thought about it. Then she turned to Kim. “Do you want to stay or go?”
“Stay,” Kim answered.
Brandon sighed. “OK. Guess we’re stayin’ for a while.”
Chapter 19
Friday morning, Brandon was startled out of sleep by a nightmare. His eyes flew open. Mackenzie was still asleep in his arms, and the feel of her made him sigh. The dream faded quickly. All that remained was the fear of losing her. Not to death, but to a breakup. He was glad the details were gone, but he held her closer, needing her.
Miami had not brought the same disaster the Hollyw
ood, Florida show had. Instead, Mackenzie had disappeared just as “Hunger” ended. The ring was still safely in his jacket. He didn’t plan another proposal on stage. Their set at the Amway Center in Orlando started at about 10 at night. He didn’t want to start celebrating so late. If there was a reason to celebrate, that is. He still wasn’t sure about her feelings on the matter.
His eyes closed. The next night they would be in Tampa. It was the last city Mackenzie would be with him. He hoped to find a special spot there to propose. Maybe somewhere near the water. He would have to do a bit of research.
A soft sigh brought a smile to his lips. Mackenzie snuggled closer, her ass brushing his half-hard cock. He reacted by nuzzling her neck. His love for her grew daily. Then again, so did the urge to make her truly his, legally. He couldn’t explain it, but he didn’t want to either.
A few floors away, Scott also lay awake. He was cocooned in Austin’s limbs. Unable to move much, he could only think. The night he told the story of his family, came to mind. Austin comforted him all night, even woke up when he had nightmares. The love he was shown was overwhelming. Never in his life did he feel so safe.
He shifted carefully to ease a kink in his side. Austin instantly hugged him tighter and leaned his cheek on Scott’s. When he was sure Austin was settled and most definitely asleep, Scott caressed the back of his hand. He welled up with emotion as he realized no one treated him the way Austin did. Every woman he had dated had been a taker. Austin gave much more than he took.
Taking a deep breath, Scott whispered, “I love you, Austin.”
His chest constricted when Austin moved. Holding his breath, he waited for a reply, but none came. Austin’s warm breath over Scott’s neck made him shiver. He exhaled, relieved. The only reason he admitted to his feelings was because Austin wouldn’t know.
Back in his room, Brandon heard his phone vibrate, but it was on the nightstand behind him. He didn’t want to let Mackenzie go to check it. When it went off again, he sighed and carefully reached back. It was almost 10 in the morning, and there was a text from Jesse.
Sinful Needs (Wicked End Book 2) Page 19