Then He Happened

by Claudia Burgoa

  We need to talk.

  The last famous words

  But I knew I needed to let him go.

  It was over.

  We were never meant to be together.

  Just like everyone else, he left.

  I couldn’t handle touring with his rock band and a relationship

  Until I discovered Sadie. The love of my life.

  When I left her, I made the biggest mistake of my life.

  But when tragedy struck, my world came apart.

  You’ll love this emotional, breathtakingly beautiful Rockstar romance. Get it today.

  Two Years Ago

  I loved my life: jumping from one city to another, one country to the next, playing every night at a different venue nonstop. At least I did, until Sadie. Tonight, I wanted to exchange the sold-out concert for an evening at home with my girlfriend.

  “Man, you’re sulking again,” Jax mentioned as he enters the dressing room. “Like your woman would say, you’ve been grumpy all day.”

  “Don’t mock Sadie,” I warned him.

  “I take it that you haven’t heard from her yet?”

  Still no word from her, I repeat in my head for the millionth time today.

  Sadie’s been out of reach all day. I tried calling her several times, but she never answered my calls or texts. All fucking day long, I wondered if I did something to piss her off. But she wasn’t like that. When I upset her, she called me on it right away.

  “Awe, he misses his little flower girl.”

  Fuck, I hated when he called her that. Instead of acknowledging him, I grabbed my phone and fired up a text.

  Kade: Hey Snuffle Bunny, I missed you all day. If I upset you, let me know what I did so I can fix it. If not, let me know you’re okay because I’m worried sick. I just want to hear your voice and tell you that I love you.

  “Ah, so that’s why you’ve been calling me all day?”

  My pulse quickened, and my head snapped at the sound of her silky voice.

  “You’re here,” I lifted my gaze and found her.

  Just like the first time I saw her, as soon as our eyes locked, everyone around disappeared. It’s just us. Her dark eyes twinkled as I marched to meet her. She wore a pair of jeans and a t-shirt of Killing Hades. The newest one with the hummingbird logo of our latest tour. My good luck charm was here.

  “You think I’d miss your birthday, Booboo Bear?” She raised her hand that held a cupcake and with the other, she lit up the candle.

  “Happy Birthday to you…” Sadie, my bandmates, and the crew sang.

  I couldn’t believe it. She’s here with me. The one person in the world I wanted to be with is right in front of me. And if it was possible, I love her even more.

  “Make a wish,” she whispered, biting her lip.

  Fuck I wanted to be the one nibbling on it, tasting her. This was the best fucking birthday ever. She was my best present. I only wished to be with her forever. After I blew out the candle, she pulled it out of the frosting. Then the Little Minx smeared some of it around my mouth and nose.

  “You’re going to pay for that,” I joked, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her to me.

  “Happy Birthday, Nightingale,” she mumbled close to my mouth, licking some of the frosting before capturing my bottom lip between her teeth and tugged it.

  I took a hungry kiss from her lips. If I had time, I’d take her somewhere private and bury myself inside her. It’s been so long; nearly three weeks since the last time I saw her.

  “Get a room!” Someone yelled.

  “If we could,” Sadie laughed with that deep throaty laugh that hit me right in the groin.

  “You fuckers are just jealous!” I groaned.

  “Are we grumpy, Mr. Hades?” She caressed my jaw with her lips.

  “Don’t tease me, Little Minx,” I begged her. I fucking wanted more. “How long are you staying, beautiful?”

  “I’m going to be with you for the last leg of the tour. Tonight, Portland, Vancouver and then we go home.”

  “Will you be okay on the bus?”

  She smirked, shaking her head. I thought so, and I had no idea how to fix it tonight. Sadie loved my crew, and they did her. However, she could only take so much noise, and the bus was anything but quiet.

  “Not to be a prude but your bandmates are too much to handle for that long, Kade. But, I have it all under control. Duncan and Jax helped me book planes, hotels, and even a fancy restaurant to take you for dinner.” She tossed her head back as she laughed at me.

  “You’re pulling my leg about the fancy restaurant, aren’t you?”

  “Of course I am.” She patted my chest.

  “That’d be torture for you. I have other plans. They include whipped cream and …” she said with a sultry voice and bit her lip.

  My semi-hard cock twitched. I was going to have blue balls during the set.

  “Hades, it’s almost time. The Roadrunners are done, they are switching the stage.”

  “It’s okay,” Sadie cupped my chin. “We have all night and plenty of frosting.”

  “But I need you now,” I whispered in her ear. “Your sweet little pussy milking my cock. I’m so fucking ready, it wouldn’t take long.”

  “Sorry, Mr. Hades. After the last time we got caught by Jax, I refuse to have sex backstage. Lock or no lock.”

  “You’re a cruel woman, Sadie Bell.”

  “Yet, you love me.”

  I pressed my lips against hers, kissing her slowly. It’s almost a chaste kiss.

  “Where are you going to be while I play?” I nibbled her neck, my hands roaming around her body.

  “On the sidelines, listening to you.” She pushed my hands. “Stop it. I swear it’ll be worth the wait once we’re out of here.”

  “That’s it, we’re canceling the gig,” I joked, but everyone glared at me.

  “Let’s go, fucker,” Jax yanked me away from Sadie.

  “Thank you, Jax,” Sadie waved at him and blew me a kiss. “Sing your heart out, Hades.”

  We walked toward the stage, I grabbed my guitar from Esteban, one of the roadies, and waited for the crew to finish switching the Roadrunners’ equipment out with ours.

  “You knew she was coming and didn’t tell me, asshole,” I feign anger, but squeezed his shoulder. “Thank you, man. I owe you.”

  “Sadie makes our leader happy, the least I should do is help her to keep you in line.” He laughs. “So, are we following the same lineup or are you adding your usual acoustic ‘I’m going to get fucked after the concert’ crap for her?”

  I grinned at him and pushed him toward the stage and started playing our first song.

  Found

  All I’ve ever wanted was for someone to choose me.

  My mother didn’t.

  My father didn’t.

  The beautiful boy next door, who grew up to marry me, didn’t. Neither did the next man with whom I thought my heart was safe.

  Back in the Bay area, three thousand miles from New York City, I can start fresh. Become one with the sea again, rise or fall on the tide of my own choices. But on the first day of my bright new life, the darkest shadows of my past follow me through my office door.

  The two men whose names are definitely not on my five-year plan.

  If I let it consume me—my need for one man, my love for the other—the darkness will swallow me whole.

  I can’t let that happen.

  Not again. This time, the waves of emotion crashing against my heart won’t drown me. This time, I get to choose my happy ending.

  You’ll love this breathtaking friends-to-lovers contemporary romance.

  “What are the three words that best describe you?” the reporter on the other side of the line asks after I disclose the projected revenues for the next quarter.

  I stare at my phone and pinch the bridge of my nose, thinking. There are more than three. Committed, resilient, stubborn, impatient, quiet, reserved … I drum my fingers on top of my desk searc
hing for the best words to use in this case.

  As a businessman, I’m … “Persistent, fearless and adaptable,” I respond promptly, checking the time. This interview is taking longer than I anticipated.

  My brothers would say I’m logical, disciplined, and heartless. They have given me a few nicknames like The Tinman and Ironman.

  “Adaptable?” The reporter’s voice carries a hint of curiosity. “I like that word. Would you mind expanding, Mr. Everhart?”

  “Well, it’s my policy that our company adapts to the economic, social, and political changes our world experiences, just like we all try to.”

  “Would you say that your philosophy is to adapt or die?”

  “Isn’t it everyone’s?” I ask, not caring how she responds, only how long she takes.

  I frown. Adaptation is a verb I use often when asked what's the key to my success. The truth is that I have continued the legacy that my father left behind. But I never say that out loud. I avoid mentioning my parents, hating the intrusive questions about their deaths. They are officially off limits. I still remember the pity looks and sad, morbid stories printed about the orphan raising his younger siblings.

  Everyone remembers September 11th. But the date holds a different significance for me, because that morning I lost my parents. I press a fist against my chest, pushing away the sad memories. Their voices, their directives, continuously play in my head. Their last words, their requests and the need to remind me that no matter where they are, they were still right next to me.

  The call came through in the middle of class. Although I barely used my cell phone, I answered it when it rang. My parents only called me when there was an emergency.

  “Scott, I need you to come back home.” Mom used the calmest voice she could fathom, but I sensed the edgy tone of desperation.

  Something was wrong. My stomach dropped, but I didn’t ask any questions. I rose from my seat grabbing my things and left the classroom.

  “Talk to me, Mom. What’s going on?” I asked, rushing toward the dorm.

  “Harrison will explain everything,” she said, her voice breaking.

  My limbs tingled as the anxiety in her voice spiked.

  “I want you to remember that we love you,” she sobbed. “I love you so much, Scotty. You're my strong, sensitive boy. Please remember everything I taught you. I’ll be watching you from the moon and I’ll love you forever.”

  I froze. Shocked by the finality of her words. My pulse slowed down as she repeated the words she said when she tucked us in when we were younger. A phrase that she made up from two of the books she used to read us when we were little.

  “Mom, wait.” I felt sick to my stomach. “What do you mean?”

  My limbs tingled. Fear rushed through me as I waited for an answer. For some reassurance that they’re going on a long trip, but I’d see them soon. Panic buzzed in my ears, every second that passed felt like a year.

  “I need you to be the glue of our family, keep everyone together.” I heard her cry, and my father murmuring in the background.

  “I can’t, Chris,” she wailed, calling Dad.

  “Mom?”

  My father answered. “It’s time for us to leave, Scott. I’ll take care of her. You help Harrison take care of your brothers.” I could still hear Mom in the background, crying.

  His voice was dry, sad… desperate. He didn’t break as he reminded me of their will. The lawyers, the safe, all the essential details.

  I remained mute, trembling.

  Still.

  Unable to understand what’s happening.

  “I love you, son,” he said. “Be the bridge. Stay strong.”

  My parents used to say that I was the link between my brothers. I was the one who kept the peace—or started the biggest fights.

  “I love you both,” I mumbled as the line went dead.

  My oldest brother, Harrison, called me almost immediately. “I have no idea what’s going on, Scott. Two planes crashed into the towers. There’s a rumor that we’re under attack. Maybe this is war.”

  I huffed, pushing away the sadness. Keeping my shit together while we spoke. “Not another one of your conspiracy theories, Harrison. You need to stop making up shit.”

  “This isn’t a joke. The World Trade Center is burning down.” He stopped, exhaling several times. “Raging fire is consuming the steel and glass along with all the people who are trapped. Mom and Dad included. We need you back.”

  I reached my room, opening the door I began searching for my duffle bag.

  “Dad mentioned it; I’m already packing.” I used my cool voice. If I wanted him to treat me as his equal, I had to show him that I was strong.

  “Good. Jensen is locating a car service for you. From this point forward, we are in charge. You can’t lose your shit. I’m picking up Hunter from school.”

  Harrison was planning, making decisions and pushing away all his feelings. I had to do the same and be ready for what would happen next. For a couple of hours, I allowed myself to cry. I cried until my eyes dried. Until I felt strong enough to help Harrison and care for Hunter and Fitz.

  I adjusted, as everyone expected. Harry’s rage was so intense that he chose to enlist in the army. Leaving the company to me. I didn't mind taking over, even when he had the experience. Everything I do in regard to Everhart Industries is with my brothers in mind.

  “They warned me that you’d be cryptic.”

  I arch an eyebrow toward the phone. Who is she talking about? I’m curious, but I resist asking. I want this interview to be over soon. I text my brother, Fitz while I wait for her next question.

  Scott: Fitz do you have the contracts ready?

  “I think I got most of my answers,” she sighs on the other line. “For my last question, I’ll be quick.”

  “What fulfills you?” she asks. “I’m sure there’s more underneath. CEO suits you, but what makes you…you. What makes you want to be a better Scott Everhart?”

  I turn to my computer screen, holding the phone with one hand and clicking the mouse with the free one until it wakes. The home screen is the snapshot of the one person who fulfills my dreams, my fantasies, and my life. She’s the one who makes me want to be a better person.

  Hazel Beesley

  Her long brown locks draped over her bare shoulders. Those mesmerizing hazel eyes stare at the camera, and her smile is wide and bright. Of all the unforeseeable curveballs thrown my way, she’s the biggest, brightest and best I’ve had to confront in my entire life. She’s the most terrifying challenge, and the most amazing reward. My heart aches with her absence, just like my skin withers without her touch. She makes me want to be a better Scott Everhart.

  “My family,” I don't elaborate any further. “If that’s everything, Miss Krauss, I have a plane to catch.”

  Acknowledgments

  With my less than perfect memory, this tidbit part of the book is yet the most complicated. See, I don’t want to forget anyone that’s been there for me, but how can I remember all of them when I can barely recall what I did a few hours ago.

  So beforehand, my apologies if I missed anyone. Please know that I’m grateful for every person who comes into my life and touches my soul.

  First and foremost, I’d like to thank God for all the blessings in my life.

  To Luis, who’s my Jason at times. A big goof—only for me. Thank you for being the motivating force giving me strength and courage to continue my journey. My tiny ones (who are now adults) Paulina, Andie and Sebastien.

  Paulina, thank you so much for everything. This book wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for her. Seriously.

  Ellie McLove who always keeps of with the chaos that happens in my world. Danielle a new addition to the team. I’m so happy to have you on board.

  To Hang Le—you complete my books, always. I can’t thank you enough for everything you do for me and my stories. Love you my friend.

  A million thanks to my team. Without them it’d be difficult to
get everything done. Patricia, Yolanda, Michelle, and Melissa.

  Kristi, where would I be without you? Thank you for your friendship, your listening ear, your support and for being like a sister.

  My amazing ARC team, you ladies rock. Thank you for you patient and support.

  To the Book Lovin’ Chicas group, thank you so much for your continuous support. For your daily cheers, and the words of encouragement. I’m grateful for you.

  Thank you to all the bloggers who help spread the word about my books. Ladies, this release was hard but your messages, your support and friendship kept me going. Though, I guess thank you doesn’t cut it, your energy and support are what makes every release a success. Love you all.

  To my readers, I am grateful to you. Thank you for reading my words, and for supporting my books. Thank you so much for those emails and notes, they mean so much to me.

  All my love,

  Claudia

  About the Author

  Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. She lives in Colorado, working for a small IT. She has three children and manages a chaotic household of two confused dogs, and a wonderful husband who shares her love of all things geek. To survive she works continually to find purpose for the voices flitting through her head, plus she consumes high quantities of chocolate to keep the last threads of sanity intact.

  To find more about Claudia:

  website

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  Also By Claudia Burgoa

  Standalones

  Maybe Later

  My One Despair

  Knight of Wands

  My One Regret

  Found

  Fervent

  Flawed

  Until I Fall

  Finding My Reason