by D'Ann Lindun
“I’ll get it,” Kennedy offered. “What do you want?”
They agreed on beer, and she went to fetch it. She grabbed one for herself, too, and walked back to the men and handed them the beverages. Then she settled out in a deck chair to listen to her private concert.
They started with an acoustic version of one of Cowboy’s biggest hits, then Liam’s single. It was obvious they knew and enjoyed each other’s music.
After several tunes, Cowboy set his instrument aside and nodded at Liam. “Let’s hear your new stuff.”
He opened his mouth to sing a story of a man in love with a woman who’d ripped his guts out and stomped them. It was pain and poetry. The second one was also of heartbreak.
Kennedy sat in silence, contemplating. If the stories were true, and he’d forced Whitney to terminate her pregnancy, then why were his songs so sad? Although he’d stayed silent on the whole thing, was he telling the world his side through his music?
Cowboy broke into her thoughts. “I like them, man.” He paused and drank from his beer. “But here’s a thought. After Teal and Keifer pulled their shit I wrote a whole album of heartbreak tunes. It flopped badly. My band brought me back to my senses, not to do it twice. I went back to my original sound and this album is soaring on the charts.”
“You’re telling me not to record these two?” Liam’s fingers hovered over his guitar strings.
“Not at all, but I’d stop at two with the broken heart theme. You’re not a country artist, all beer, broke and busted.” He grinned. “At least not yet.”
Liam nodded slowly. “Makes sense.”
Cowboy picked up his guitar again. “So, you have two tunes down. Let’s pick up the pace.”
They began putting together lyrics, and Kennedy stood and stretched her arms over her head. She felt a gaze on her and she looked at Liam. He watched her with hooded eyes, but the look in them was unmistakable—hot and intent.
A flush covered her body and she trembled. Ridiculous! The guy was on the rebound, and even if he weren’t, she wasn’t getting involved with him. She walked away on unsteady legs and grabbed a few more beers from the fridge.
As she returned, she was relieved to see Liam’s attention back on his music, not her. She handed the men their drinks, then wandered inside in search of something to eat. She found Montana in the kitchen, staring into the fridge. The baby slept in her carrier in the breakfast nook.
“Hi, do you need something?” Kennedy asked.
Montana glanced over her shoulder. “No, thanks.” She held up a container. “Want some leftover spaghetti?”
“Sure.” Kennedy took the tub. “I’ll heat it. I think there’s salad in there, too. Would you like some?”
“I should eat my veggies,” Montana said. “But not right now.”
“What do you want to drink?” Kennedy placed the spaghetti in the microwave and found some French bread in the pantry.
“I’ll get it.”
After the microwave dinged, and the scent of marinara sauce filled the air, Kennedy fixed two plates and handed one to Montana. As she sat, she spoke. “Should I make some for the guys, too?”
“Don’t bother.” Montana laughed. “I know from experience that once they get going they’ll be out there all night. And they won’t stop to eat.”
“At least Cowboy’ll be up to help feed this one.” Kennedy pointed her fork at the baby.
Montana laughed. “True. Johnny’s been amazing with her. And me. Did you see the living room? It’s like a florist’s shop in there.”
“It’s beautiful. So are you and your little one. He’s a lucky man.” Kennedy took a bite of pasta, but it had no flavor.
“I’m the lucky one. Who would’ve ever thought I’d have a husband, baby and a life like this?” Montana’s eyes filled with tears and she swiped at them. She smiled. “Sorry. I’m a little emotional.”
“Of course you are. You just gave birth,” Kennedy reminded her.
“I wish my dad was here to see Lael,” Montana said. “He would have loved her so much. And he would love how we named her after his mom.”
“I bet he would have,” Kennedy said. “Did your father know Cowboy?”
Montana shook her head. “No, he died years before Johnny came into my life. I was struggling to keep our ranch going when the universe dropped him into it.”
“And the rest is history.” Kennedy smiled. “Happily ever after.”
“It wasn’t quite that easy, but enough about me.” Montana lifted a forkful of pasta. “Are you involved with anyone?”
Kennedy thought of her dull and boring love life and shrugged. “Nope.”
“Any prospects?” Montana sipped her diet cola.
Did she suspect Kennedy was in love with her husband? She hoped not. Hurting her was not an option. “Not a one.”
“Well, if you’re looking, that guy out there is defiantly interested in you.” She hooked a thumb over her shoulder.
“Who?” Kennedy’s voice squeaked.
Montana gave her an odd look. “Liam. I’ve seen him staring at you like you’re a bowl of ice cream and he’s the spoon.”
“Liam,” Kennedy said. “He’s a player. Not into that.”
“Neither was I, and yet look what happened. Rock stars are tamable. The trick is don’t act all googly-eyed and star-struck around them. If you want to rope and tie them, they run. Don’t, they’ll stick around because you’re different than every other woman out there looking to keep him. I fought my feelings for Johnny tooth and nail, but in the end I fell, knowing it was temporary.”
“Good advice,” Kennedy murmured. “That seems especially true in Liam’s case. Word is he left his pregnant girlfriend rather than step up to the plate and take responsibility for the child they created together. And she was only eighteen years old. Barely grown.” Disgust filled her voice.
“Isn’t she accountable for her own her actions? When I found out I was pregnant, I was terrified.” Montana sipped her drink. “Johnny didn’t know, and I was alone. But I was ready to do whatever it took to make a life for my baby, no matter how he felt about it.”
“She didn’t keep it,” Kennedy said. “In all her interviews, Whitney said Liam gave her no choice.”
“There are always choices.” Montana set down her fork and picked up her daughter. She cuddled her close. “I’m lucky Johnny wanted this one as much as I did. Not every man is as willing to take on an unplanned pregnancy, and I’m sure Liam has his reasons for his decision.”
“Maybe, but it’s not admirable to me. I’m not into a man who only wants a woman when she’s convenient for him.” Kennedy pushed away her half-eaten plate. “My best friend Daisy was left to raise her baby sister when their mother died, and Clay, the man she thought fathered the baby, is raising her. He’s not even the bio-dad. I respect a man like that.”
“It is commendable,” Montana agreed. “Have you asked Liam why he chose to do what he did?”
“No.” Kennedy shook her head. “It hasn’t come up, and when he found out I was asking a friend about him he got really mad.”
“Wouldn’t you be if you found out someone had gone behind your back?” Montana shifted the waking baby.
“I guess,” Kennedy admitted. “But, ‘hey, why’d your girlfriend choose not to have your baby’ doesn’t seem like a good conversation opener.”
“Probably not, but if it’s what stood between me and a man I wanted to know better, I might find a way to work it in.” As Lael began to fuss, Montana unbuttoned her blouse and put her child to her breast.
Kennedy watched the baby suckle, a strange tightening in her belly. “I did ask and he said he didn’t want to talk about it.”
Montana looked up from her feeding infant. “Were you asking as a woman, or as a reporter?”
“Both.” She sighed. “A reporter.”
“Johnny says Liam’s been hounded by the press.” Montana smoothed a finger over her child’s head. “Try again. Hearing his side
might be worth it.”
Was it worth asking him again? What did she hope to accomplish? Alan, a reporter she respected for his ethics, had confirmed Whitney’s story. Did she really need to ask Liam for the gritty details?
Would she be willing to expose her past to him if he asked? She had no skeletons in her closet, but a few failed relationships she wasn’t overly eager to dish about. Would she tell him how she felt about Cowboy if he asked? No, that secret was one she wouldn’t ever divulge to anyone but Daisy, who’d take it to her grave.
She had to admit she didn’t blame Liam for not wanting to open a vein and bleed for everyone who pried into his business. But, it was the price of fame, her reporter side argued. Celebs weren’t normal people. Their lives were on display for consumption by the masses who made them famous to begin with.
CHAPTER SIX
Around midnight, Cowboy set aside his guitar as Montana, the baby and Kennedy joined them. Liam had been disappointed when Kennedy vanished inside instead of hanging around to listen to them play.
She claimed to like his music, and had been listening to Rose Full of Thorns when he entered her home. But, as she’d repeatedly pointed out, she wasn’t a groupie, dangling on his every move.
Montana sat next to Cowboy and handed their baby to him. He held her, adoration written all over his face. Damn, the man was lucky. If only Whitney had met him halfway, not expected him to give up everything for her, Liam might be holding his own child.
He stood. “Excuse me. I need to go to the jacks.”
Montana pointed toward the bathhouse. “One over there.” She angled her chin toward the house. “Or one inside, off the den.”
“Thanks.” He walked toward the bathhouse and his mind turned to the music he and Cowboy had created. They’d come up with one solid song and at two more good beginnings. The guy was insanely talented and Liam felt blessed he’d taken time out to help him. Especially considering he had a new baby to worry over.
After he used the bathroom, he walked back to the group. His gaze automatically sought Kennedy. She sat on one of the lounge chairs, her long legs crossed. Damn. He couldn’t tear his eyes from her legs. He couldn’t quit thinking about how they’d feel wrapped around his waist as he made her go crazy with his cock.
Before his thoughts got him wound up too tight, he sat by Montana and smiled at her. “Thanks for taking me in.”
“Anytime.” Her smile, although tired, was warm. “You’re always welcome here.”
“I don’t want to be underfoot too much.”
“You’re not,” she said. “Look around. There’s plenty of room.”
“I see why Cowboy chose to settle here. Beautiful women everywhere.” Liam played with the leather bracelet on his wrist.
Montana smiled, but Kennedy frowned at his attempt at flattery.
“It’s a little piece of heaven,” Cowboy said. “I never want to live in L.A. again.” He looked at his new baby. “My kid’s going to be raised here with real people with old-fashioned values.”
Montana laughed. “Some might disagree with the old-fashioned part. We do have a child out of wedlock.”
“Only because you wouldn’t marry me until after Lael was born.” He smiled at her. “And, I’m more than ready to slip that ring on your finger. Let’s do it tomorrow.”
“Okay, but you get to tell all our friends why we left them out,” she said.
They shared a smile that tore a hole in Liam’s ragged heart. He glanced away from the moment, feeling like an intruder. Kennedy was busy staring at her shoes. Was she feeling as much an interloper as he did right then?
“We should let these people get some rest.” He held out his hand to her. “Ready?”
“Yes.” She allowed him to help her stand before taking her hand from his. “Thank you for everything. Goodnight, all.” She touched the baby’s foot. “Sleep well, little Lael.”
“Thanks, buddy.” Liam smiled at the babe nestled in Cowboy’s arms, then her mum. “Goodnight.”
They bid him a good evening, their attention on the new life they’d created together.
He and Kennedy walked to the off-road-vehicle and he helped her into the driver’s seat, then climbed in beside her. “That was fun.”
She shot him a glance. “Do I hear sarcasm?”
“Not at all.”
“It was probably a lot different than what you’re used to,” she said. “Dogs underfoot and no groupies hanging on your every word.”
“A bit unusual,” he admitted. “But good.”
“I bet there’s no babies at your usual jam sessions.”
He flinched. “No, can’t say there are.”
She angled her long, slim body to face him. “Off the record, and not asking as a reporter, but as someone who’d like to hear what you have to say on the subject, do you wish there were? That you’d made the same choice Cowboy did?”
He stared at her. Where the hell had this come from? Why wouldn’t she let the subject rest, instead of constantly poking at his scab, to keep the wound raw and bleeding? If he told her, would she let it go? He opened his mouth, then closed it.
Instead, he cupped a hand behind her neck, reeled her in and placed his lips over hers.
~*~
Kennedy’s hands fell to her sides, as the rock star kissed her. Instead of trying to invade her mouth, he sucked on her bottom lip, then nipped it gently. Despite her reluctance to get involved, Kennedy melted.
She opened her mouth and he tasted her in a leisurely fashion that let her know he had all night in mind, not a quick seduction. He explored the cavern of her mouth with his tongue as his right hand covered her knee.
Her nipples pressed against her cotton tank top and her legs opened a little. His hand slid up a few inches, where he made lazy circles on her heated skin. A whimper slid out of her and he responded by thrusting his tongue against hers.
The man could kiss.
Like a rock star.
The thought sent a giggle rushing out of throat, and she pulled away to let her laughter escape. “Wow.”
“My kisses don’t usually make ladies laugh,” Liam said, his voice husky.
“It wasn’t that,” she said. “You kiss great.”
“Thanks.” He grinned. “Let’s do it some more.”
“Not a good idea.” She clamped her legs together to ease the sudden ache between them.
“I think it’s a great idea,” he said.
“You would,” she shot back. “But one of us has to use our head.”
His smile turned wicked. “I’d love to use my head.”
She sniffed. “The one on your shoulders.”
He removed his hand from her thigh and untangled his fingers from her hair. “Spoilsport.”
“I told you before, I’m not here for your entertainment.” She turned her head away so he couldn’t see the conflicting emotions warring within her. Her body wanted him, but her brain knew better.
“You don’t think much of me, do you?” He slid away so that their knees no longer touched. Her body instantly missed his body heat.
“I don’t know you well enough to say,” she admitted. “But I usually like to go out with someone at least a couple of times before I jump into kissing him. And, I’m not into guys looking for a quick hookup to get over another woman.”
“Fair enough.” He straightened. “Would you like to go out with me, Kennedy Donovan?”
She shouldn’t. She really should not. But she couldn’t keep loving a man who was dedicated to someone else. Maybe Liam could take her mind off Cowboy. “Okay, fine.”
“Most ladies are a little more enthused.” He sounded half astounded and half amused.
She clapped her hands and batted her eyes at him. “I’d love to go out with you, Liam.”
He snickered. “That’s better. I’ll pick you up tomorrow night at seven.”
“Pick me up at my front door.” She started the engine.
“I’ll be there,” he promised with a
chuckle.
She didn’t answer, already wondering how the hell she could break the date. Maybe Cowboy would need her and she could plead having to work. No, deep in her heart, she looked forward to going out with Liam.
She just had to remember to have some fun, but don’t take him too serious. And above all, don’t fall in love with another rocker.
~*~
Kennedy carried a cup of coffee and her laptop to her backyard. The early morning sun shone bright, a few robins chirped from a nearby pine tree. She sighed and slid into one of the redwood chairs placed strategically around the lawn for the best views of the Rocky Mountains.
She opened her computer to her manuscript. After typing for a few minutes, she paused to sip her coffee. Her thoughts turned to the previous evening. Now, in the daylight, when her head was a little clearer, she realized Liam had evaded her questions about him and Whitney by distracting her with kisses that made her head spin.
She touched her lips with her fingertips, remembering how easily he’d seduced her.
Clearly, the man had no intention of changing Whitney’s narrative.
She’d hoped he’d share his side. But, since he had nothing to add, Whitney had obviously told the truth about everything that happened between them.
Disappointment filled Kennedy at the thought.
She stood to go inside when a movement in her kitchen made her pause. Liam stood with his back to her, long hair hanging past his shoulders, glossy as a slick housecat’s. Bare to the waist, jeans low on slim hips. She swallowed. God, she needed a date with a regular guy. Someone who pushed paper, or worked construction. Anything but play music for a living.
She’d go out with Liam tonight, but that was it. Afterward, she’d find a man she could fall for. Someone like Clay. Maybe he had a friend. Next time Daisy called, she’d ask.
Liam must’ve felt her gaze on him because he turned and met her eyes. He lifted his mug in salute, and she waved, embarrassed at being caught staring at him. She walked inside and refilled her cup. “Morning. How did you sleep?”