What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 3)

by Lauren Hawkeye

  The inside is even more beautiful than I could have ever fathomed. It’s lightly dimmed adding more sexiness to the essence that a masked ball already holds. I know I should be looking for my sexy date, but I’m so blown away by the set up around me, that I almost don’t even care. I don’t care actually. Taking all of my surroundings in, I’m nudged in my side by Mallory.

  “What the hell was that for?” I squeal in pain.

  “Well, while you’re over there in LaLa Land Cinderella, I either A: want to find my date that I have never met, but you’ve guaranteed to be hot, B: get a drink, preferably something really strong. Just in case he isn’t the guaranteed knock out you claim, because I still plan on getting laid tonight or C. ALL OF THE ABOVE.”

  Hearing the humming of the amp, I grab Mallory’s hand. “Come on. I’m sure Nick is with Derek and I’m sure Derek is near the stage.” We weave through the crowd of masked bodies as I’m scanning the stage area as we start to close the gap. I don’t see Derek anywhere. I’m only able to tell apart the other band members because they are tuning their instruments getting ready to play.

  Where the hell is my HD?

  Spotting Seth I turn to go ask him, but I’m instantly pulled back and swung around into a pair of all too familiar strong arms. My breath catches at the intense ice blue eyes that are searching deep into mine. “Hey,” is all I manage, before his lips are crashing down onto mine.

  Derek’s lips are soft and his kiss is sweet. I can’t help but picture having them all over my body. His tongue touches the seam of my lips and pushes its way in my mouth. I’m so lost in our passionate kiss I don’t even hear the annoyed, “Ahem,” coming from beside me.

  Looking to my right, Mallory is glaring at me, highly irritated. Then looking to my left I see a very familiar pair of green eyes, peeking up under his lashes, waiting to be introduced to the beauty in red I brought for him. Someone over Derek’s shoulder catches my eye, a very handsome Seth being mesmerized by Mallory as well.

  Shit.

  Good thing he’ll be singing all night or else things could get interesting; mainly for the fact that my best friend has a thing for the bad boy type with commitment issues.

  Once Mallory and Nick are introduced her mood totally flips; she’s pleased. Very pleased, I should say, with the date I chose for her. I thought I was going to be dateless for the night, but I’m very happy when Derek informs me that he only has to play a few songs with the band, that Connor’s brother is filling in for the rest.

  He takes my hand and leads me through the magical wonderland to the middle of the dance floor. I’m not one for slow dancing in public and definitely not right smack dab in the middle of everyone. I feel like everyone’s eyes are on us, maybe because that’s all I can see of these strangers that surround us.

  Derek pulls me in close. My arms find their own way around his neck like it’s their second home. “I’m not a very fancy dancer.” I admit, slightly embarrassed.

  “Just follow me. You’ll be fine.”

  And with that I sink further into him, resting my check against his chest. Even with heels on, he’s still a half foot taller than me. My head is facing out toward the crowd making sure not to poke Derek’s eye out with a feather. Every now and then I open my eyes and take in the swarm of people enjoying the mysterious atmosphere. The band isn’t playing their typical rock music, but playing cover songs instead. They sound amazing, Seth is truly gifted.

  I spot Mallory and Nick dancing, rather closely I might add. She’s really enjoying herself with him; maybe he can tame her or just maybe he can treat her right. Prove to her that all guys aren’t the same, and that she should never settle. Those thoughts quickly pass through my mind until I see Mallory eyeing the stage, and I know exactly who she’s eyeing, because I know without a shadow of a doubt, who is eyeing her back.

  Double Shit.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Derek

  All eyes are on us. Well, at least that’s how it feels. I know it’s because I’m dancing with the most beautiful woman in this place, and you’d literally have to be blind not to notice that. I know all the guys are jealous of this perfectly sculpted masterpiece that is currently taken up residence in my arms and my heart. I’m not going to lie; it’s the most amazing and scary feeling all in one.

  Mallory seems to be digging her date I hooked her up with. I’m at least hoping so because I’m noticing more and more glances being shared between her and my hoe bag of a brother. I’m not really looking forward at trying to deflect what looks to be a train wreck waiting to happen. I know they’re freaking adults and all but damn, do people ever learn from their mistakes?

  Hello, if you want to go a different route then you’ve been going your whole life, you steer clear of someone with the same issues you have. People always think ‘we can relate’ or ‘they’ll totally get me’. While that is true and all, it doesn’t fix anything. You can’t be with an equally or more messed up person and expect to fix each other. It just doesn’t work like that. First of all both parties have to be willing to be fixed, and while Mallory is probably ready to find the right guy to settle down, the last thing Seth is wanting is to be the right guy or for someone to try and fix him.

  “What are you thinking about?” Jes quietly asks.

  “Ah, you know. My lady lover brother and,” I nod my head in the direction of Nick and Mallory who are standing next to the bar laughing. Her margaritas must be kicking in because she makes sure to grab onto his arm or lightly slap his chest every time she laughs. I know the guy and believe me, he’s not that fucking funny. Jesika lets out a sigh as her eyes narrow in on her best friends game of grab ass she’s playing with my coworker, while also mind fucking my brother every time she glances at the stage.

  “Yeah I noticed their little stare off earlier. I can’t tell her who to and who not to sleep with, but she’s very familiar with Seth’s type. I actually think she’s drawn to it, because she’ll pass up a perfectly attractive man who is genuinely into her, just to let herself be run over by another guy instead. I don’t get it.” She shakes her head.

  “So, you think Nick’s attractive, huh?”

  She nods. “Well duh, I wouldn’t have let you hook Mallory up with an ugly guy Derek.”

  We make our way to the table that has our names reserved on it along with Mallory and Nick’s. They had Seth do an announcement that we all needed to take our seats because they were going to recognize the man who donated the funds for the benefit tonight. I didn’t realize people liked to be called out like that, but I guess when you’re filthy rich you want it to be well known by everyone. Like rich people need any more reasons to feel special about themselves.

  I’m walking behind Jes with my arms wrapped around her waist. Before we reach our seats, I bend over to whisper in her ear. I want to give her something to think about for the rest of the night. Something to get her anticipating what is to come as soon as this damn thing is over.

  “I can’t wait to get you out of this sexy ass dress later.” She stops dead in her tracks making me push into her more.

  “Oh, is that so?”

  “Yes, it is very much so. I’ll let you keep your mask on and I can even keep mine on too if you’d like.”

  Jesika turns around in my hold, and pushes up on her toes to kiss my cheek. “I’ll think about it.” She says in my ear. I want to devour her right here, right now. She slowly walks out of my grasp, swaying those perfect hips of hers the rest of the way to her seat.

  The MC for the night, who happens to be the city mayor, takes the stage. All eyes are now on him as he begins to thank everyone for the amazing turn out and explains the main purpose of the event was to benefit our fire stations which are in desperate need of being revamped.

  “It is my pleasure to introduce you to tonight’s honorary donor. The man whose name is etched on the front of this building; the man whose family has molded most of this city together, Mr. Doug Remington.”

  Why does that
name sound familiar? Watching the man who is in his early fifties grace the stage, he doesn’t strike me as memorable man. He’s a good six feet tall, slender, short brown hair and clean shaven. He starts talking, and he just wreaks douche bag. Most money hungry people are; they can’t help it. It’s branded into their DNA; they do whatever it takes to stay on top not caring who they step on in the process. As long as they keep climbing up, that’s all that matters.

  “As Mayor Brady said, my family has established many areas of this city and we value keeping it up to standard. So, when he approached me last week, I volunteered to throw this event tonight. The city isn’t out any money, and all money earned goes straight to the fire department’s needs. Whether that is updating buildings inside and out, or new trucks, it’s there for them to choose how they see fit.”

  Every so often I catch him stop his gaze on Jesika. I know she looks beautiful but damn, there’s something weird about this man. Seth seems to be paying attention from the side of the stage watching this Doug man’s every move. It strikes me as pretty odd, because usually he’s in his own world. The speech is ended by giving props to the band.

  “How about this band? Give The Rifters a round of applause. They filled in on late notice when our DJ canceled on us last minute. It would have been a pretty boring night if they wouldn’t have stepped up.”

  Allowing the audience to applaud while encouraging them as he clapped as well he says his farewells and then makes his way off stage. I notice he quickly says something to Seth as he passes by, and it has my suspicions on high alert.

  Who exactly is this man?

  “Who was that joker?” It’s as if Mallory heard my thoughts. Nick answers before I can even tell her I have no idea.

  “He’s some big wig around here. He’s into everything, like has construction companies, owns a shit load of buildings mainly downtown, and I thought I heard that he’s partnering up with the events coordinator at the BOK center trying to bring more tours through.”

  Seeing that the BOK Center is located smack dab in the middle of downtown makes total sense as why he’d want to be a part of something as beneficial as that. More business for all the shit he owns.

  Seth waves to get my attention. He is now standing with the rest of the band, right next to that Remington moron.

  “Hey baby, I’ll be right back. Seth needs me.” I whisper in Jes’s ear which results with sending a ripple of chills down her body.

  “I sure hope you’re ready to finish what we started the other night,” she whispers back.

  “If you only had a clue what I plan on doing baby.” I give her a kiss, push my chair back and head to Seth, not giving her a chance to reply and let her simmer on it.

  I walk up as they are all in deep conversation. Seth has a rather pleased look on his face causing me to proceed with caution since I have a weird feeling about this dude.

  “Derek, you’ll never believe the incredible opportunity that Mr. Remington just offered us.”

  He proceeds to tell me that indeed Mr. Remington is now in charge of helping bring in more revenue by ways of huge tours hitting the state. Making some last minute deals, he has scored one of the biggest ones’ going around this year.

  The Black Falcon tour.

  I would actually love to see their show sometime, I bet it fucking rocks. But what Seth tells me next blows my damn mind right out of the water. Something I honestly never thought I would ever hear come out of his mouth. Something so huge, I never thought it’d be possible to be a part of, Mr. Doug Fucking Remington scored us a slot as an opening act for Black Falcon’s tour.

  “I’m very big on supporting our local talent and if being in such a valuable position allows me the chance to do that, then I’m jumping on that opportunity. I’ve always heard amazing things about you boys and you are always bringing in a crowd when you play your shows downtown. I respect what y’all do and want to reward you guys with this opportunity. The tour manager did mention that one of their opening acts had to back out for the last leg of the tour, so if you guys are able to impress Noel and the gang, I’m sure they’ll let your band tag along to finish it out. It’d only be a months’ worth of time on the road, but it’s all about getting your name out there and what a better way than that.”

  He tells us congratulations and shakes each one of our hands. “Don’t forget the show is in two nights. Y’all might want to get in some quality practice. You will be playing with the big dogs.” Then he turns back around and heads over to where the Mayor is standing. Big Wigs I tell you.

  “Alright guys, let’s get our shit packed up and head out so we can figure out what the hell we’re going to be playing for the show.” Seth is barely hiding his excitement. He’s playing his cool, calm and collected self pretty fucking well to the rest of the guys, but I can read him better than anyone, and I know he’s shitting his pants right now.

  Hell, I’m damn near shitting mine as well. This is the biggest thing that could ever happen to The Rifters. Opportunities like this don’t just land in your lap. So, it is pretty surreal.

  Making my way to where my drums are, I come back down to earth and remember that I left Jes sitting at the table. Shit, I also left her thinking she was going to be coming home with me tonight. Not that I had lied; it was my original plan, that is until this once in a lifetime news was sprung on me. I know she will understand; I just really hope I didn’t get her damn hopes up. I hurry back over to our table noticing Mallory and Nick are gone.

  “Where’d they go?” I point my hands at their empty seats.

  She shrugs her shoulders, “They either went to his place or hers. That’s all I got out of it. I told them I’d find a ride so they could leave.” Great, the ride home I had mapped out for her left. No biggie. I’m sure Seth would understand me having to take her home real quick.

  I pull up to her dark driveway. “I didn’t expect to be coming back tonight, so I didn’t think to leave any lights on when I went to Mal’s earlier.” She explains.

  “Shit Jes, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting this to happen tonight and damn if I wasn’t looking forward to having you to myself again.” I bend over the middle console and pull her mouth to mine with my hand on her cheek. I can’t help the passion I put in this kiss. You can call it full of want or maybe it’s just the excitement that’s overflowing. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m falling for this woman. Who am I kidding; I’ve already fallen for her. I’m just not sure how to tell her yet. I think I’ll let her know just how much I care about her after our first big concert; the only one I plan on playing. That night is already going to be amazing for me, why not make it the best night possible by giving her my heart and claiming her body afterwards?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jesika

  I had just got out of the shower when I heard the doorbell. “Just a minute!” I yell. I hurry to towel dry my hair before digging through the pile of freshly cleaned clothes that are lying on my bed for the quickest thing to throw on. Once I am presentable I rush to the door. It was early afternoon on Saturday and I wasn’t expecting any company. In fact I had already dropped Jaxon off at his friend’s house for a sleepover and was about to start getting ready for Derek’s show tonight.

  Tonight, The Rifters are playing at an arena type concert. Not the usual dinky venues they are accustomed to. They aren’t the main act tonight, but I know this is a huge position for any band to be in. I was so proud of Derek. He is the most amazing drummer I have ever heard and I’m not just saying that because I’m partial to him; I had thought that before I even knew the guy. There’s always been something about him.

  Opening for a mainstream band is a huge opportunity for these guys and I know Derek is having an extreme case of mixed emotions. He had told me about him and Seth’s childhood dreams of making it big in a band one day. That was their ‘dream’. That isn’t something you can just take lightly when the possibility of it is actually coming to fruition. I would love to see him live out his childhood dr
eam alongside his brother. I really believe it would be an epic experience for the both of them, but Derek likes to think he gave up on that dream six years ago. Once Emma was born to be exact, he’d give up anything for that beautiful girl.

  Derek and I have never really talked in depth about his ex, or mine for that matter. I assume he actually knows the truth about mine though seeing that we live in a small town and he is a firefighter. That’s probably why he never brings it up because he wants to avoid the possibility of hurting me. The only thing I know about his ex is that she took off after having Emma. I’m starting to think that’s all Derek actually knows as well.

  I glance out the window half expecting Mallory’s car since she usually thinks I’m incapable of getting sexy without her, but there’s a silver Nissan sedan sitting in the street in front of my house that I have never seen before. I’m slightly hesitant to answer the door because I really try to avoid random solicitors. Opening the door I can instantly tell this isn’t one of those Girl Scout cookie selling moms. Not really sure what this tramp is trying to sell on my front porch, but I’m not buying any of it. I’m sure whatever it is, it should come with an STD vaccination. Hell, I’m almost scared to get within touching distance; five foot rule. She’s definitely one of those chicks you’re scared you’ll get hepatitis from just by looking at. I mean she’s very attractive, but dressed extremely suggestive. She definitely gets around and isn’t ashamed to show it—she’s skanky and she knows it.

  I quickly shake off my dumbfounded look I know is written all over my face before she tries to slap me with herpes.

  “Can I help you?” I try not to sound like a complete bitch, but what she says next literally has me wanting to knock the HIV out of her.