“To ease your mind, I’m not dying or pregnant. I’m going to be gone for a few months.” I think the reason why I waited to tell her is because I wasn’t sure if I’d bail, and I knew if I told her in advance she’d force me to go.
“Okay … and where are you going?” she draws out.
“On tour with Knox.”
I wait for it.
Her eyes widen, a smile hitting her lips. “You shut the hell up, Libby Graves!” I shake my head as she jumps up and throws her arms in the air. “You’re going on one of the biggest tours of the year with the hottest pop star in the country. You’re seriously so damn lucky.”
Lucky? No. “I don’t even want to go, but Knox insisted he needed me there.”
“Of course he insisted he needed you there because he wants to screw you.”
I give her a look. “Don’t start with that again.”
“And I think you want to screw him just as much.”
“I don’t want to screw him or anyone else right now for that matter.”
“You know, it’s very insulting to our friendship for you to lie straight to my face.”
I pick up a pillow and toss it at her, hitting her straight in the nose. “Would you rather I hit you in the face.”
She throws the pillow back at me and gives me a serious look. “I can’t wait to tell Dixon. Do you think you can get us the hookup on some good tickets to the show here?”
“I’ll see what I can do, but I’m pretty sure you’re not hurting to pay for them.”
“Why would I need to pay for them when I’m best friends with the girl he wants to screw?”
I grab my phone when it beeps.
Knox: What time are you going to be here tonight?
Me: Whatever time you want me there.
I reread my text after sending it.
Whatever time you want me there?
If that doesn’t sound suggestive, I don’t know what does.
Knox: I like it when you say things like that.
Me: Didn’t we talk about sexual harassment? I almost hit send, but decide to change the subject. I erase that and start typing something else. My roommate wants to know if her and her boyfriend can tag along with me tonight? I promise they won’t be in the way and I’ll do my job 100%.
Knox: Sure, no problem at all. Call Max and make sure their names get put on the list for tickets.
Me: Thank you.
Knox: I got you, girl.
I drop my phone and look over at Mia. “You better start getting ready because you’re going to the concert tonight.”
She skips over to wrap her arms around me. “You’re seriously the best friend ever. I need to call Dixon and then shower.” She turns around and starts to head up the stairs while throwing an, “I love you,” over her shoulder.
I arrive at the stadium three hours before the show starts.
Knox has been here rehearsing since this morning. He’s been working his ass off to make sure this is perfect, and I hope everything goes well tonight.
The security guard lets me through when I show him my badge, and music is already playing. Thomas waves me over to ask if I have any questions about the tour. We talk for a good thirty minutes before he tells me he’ll see me back here when the show ends.
Knox’s dressing room is my next stop. I knock on the door and wait for him to call for me to come in before opening it. He’s sitting on the couch and sets his phone down on the table when I walk in and shut the door behind me.
“Hey,” I greet. “Do you need anything before going on?” I feel sorry for not asking this sooner.
He grins from ear to ear. “A good luck kiss or even a screw would be nice.” He laughs at the dirty look I give him. “Fine, fun sucker, if none of those is an option then I’m good for now, but can you make sure I have plenty of water throughout the show?”
I smile. “I already have a case in the cooler behind the stage.”
“You’re the best. You do a much better job at this than my mother did when she worked for me. She never asked me if I needed anything before a show. I either did it, or Thomas had it set up.”
I smile. “I’m only doing my job.”
“And doing a damn good job at it. I know I’ll be in good hands this tour.”
I’m on the side of the stage watching Knox perform, and damn, can he put on a show. He’s amazing up there. He has no reason to worry about the tour hurting his career. It’s only going to look up from here.
Sweat is dripping down his forehead as he sings and keeps up with his backup dancers. I watched him rehearse a few times, but it’s different when he’s up there performing for the crowd. You can see how much he truly loves what he’s doing.
I have to watch him perform night after night and try to keep my panties dry. I make myself a mental note to add vibrator to my list of things to bring with me.
“That was freaking awesome,” Mia screams, skipping my way and wrapping her arms around me. Max gave her and Dixon front row tickets and backstage passes.
“She’s been Snapchatting the entire performance,” Dixon says, coming up behind her and tightening his hands around her waist. “Will you please tell her it’s better to enjoy the experience live? I’m not usually a fan of this genre of music, but the dude definitely has talent.”
“He does,” I reply, and I wish he were more recognized for it.
“So are there any plans now? Like a big after party?” Mia asks.
“I have no idea. Even if there is, I’m not going. We’re leaving in less than a week, and I still have to make sure everything is in order.” I’m not only responsible for making sure all of my ducks are in a row, but I’m also in charge of Knox’s.
Mia frowns. “Bummer.”
Her frown turns into a shriek, and I turn around to see Knox behind me, a water bottle in his hand and sweat dripping from almost every inch of his skin.
“So what did you think of your first Knox Rivers’ concert?” he asks.
“You did amazing,” I say, smiling.
“You rocked it,” Mia answers, and then points to Dixon. “You convinced my boyfriend to join your fan club.”
Dixon laughs, pushing his hand forward to shake Knox’s, and thanks him for the tickets.
Knox points to Mia. “I take it you’re the roommate?”
Mia grins from ear to ear. “Present and accounted for.” Her face goes serious. “I expect you to take care of my girl while you guys are gone.”
“She’s in good hands,” Knox says. “It was nice meeting you, and I’m glad you had a good time. I’ve got to shower.” He squeezes my side before giving them a wave and walking away.
Another squeal releases from Mia’s throat. “Oh my God, did you hear that? He said you’re in good hands!”
“Get your mind out of the gutter,” I say.
“I swear it sounded sexual.”
“It wasn’t. Do you think the Allstate commercial is sexual when they say that?”
“There’s a difference between the way they say it and how he did. He’s got something for you, I swear.”
15
Libby
Knox is waiting for me when I walk through his front door.
“Come on, I have something to show you,” he tells me, excitement beaming through him.
He tilts his head towards the hallway, and I follow him into a theater room that I’ve never been in. I slowly walk in and sit down after he falls down on the couch and pats the spot next to him.
“Are we watching a movie?” I ask.
He shakes his head and holds up the remote. A large screen at the forefront of the room lights up.
He peeks over at me and throws his hands out, gesturing to the screen. “Say hello to the world’s hottest music video starring the world’s hottest people.”
My head begins to spin, and the urge to jump up and flee the room itches at me. I’ve been so scared of this day and honestly don’t even want to see the final product.
“I kno
w you’ve been blowing me off every time I’ve tried to show you clips, but you’re going to stay here and watch it, even if I have to make you sit on my lap so you can’t move.” He nudges me with his elbow. “Especially since you’re the star of it.”
I snort. “I doubt anyone will even notice me, considering you’re shirtless and all.”
He chuckles and hits play. “We’ll see about that.”
I hold in a breath when the music starts.
We don’t say a word, and I can’t drag my eyes away from the screen – away from us. I tap my fingers to the beat, trying my best to settle my nerves.
“Sunshine, they are definitely going to be noticing you. This video is amazing. You look amazing.” His eyes focus on me. “And don’t you dare try to deny it. You might want to rip my head off sometimes and talk about how you’re not attracted to me, but there is absolutely no question we have sexual chemistry.”
“Maybe I’m a good actress,” I say, using the same excuse I did last time, even though I completely agree with him.
The video is steamy, and if the actress were anyone other than myself, I would’ve sworn they were definitely screwing. And that’s exactly what everyone is going to assume about us.
I’m suddenly reminded of every emotion I felt and how aware my body was of his as I watch him pin me against the wall. My face is flush, my eyes burning with need, and Knox is right, it’s definitely the hottest music video I’ve ever seen.
My heart nearly stops when our lips meet. I’m into it, so damn into it. You can see the desire, my need for him, crashing through me like an eruption, and it only gets stronger when he takes me to the bed. I want to slam my eyes shut, but I can’t stop staring at us, at our connection and how beautiful it is.
I shiver, remembering how captivating his soft lips felt against my bare stomach as he kissed his way up my chest, briefly hitting my cleavage.
He got me that worked up only kissing me. I can only imagine how talented he is in a real bedroom.
“Delete and reshoot it,” I say, my face serious when the video ends.
His jaw goes slack, and the remote falls from his fingers into his lap. “Are you being serious?”
I wait a few seconds before cracking a smile. “I’m kidding.”
He bumps my shoulder with his. “I swear, girl, you’re always trying to break my heart.”
Now I have to get myself ready to fight off the rumors that I’m banging People’s Hottest Man in the World.
This is probably the hundredth time my phone has gone off since the video released today.
So far, I’ve been able to keep myself from looking at the comments and reviews on it. I turned off Google Alerts to Knox’s name and have been ignoring every text message in fear of people’s reactions.
Now it’s time I put my big girl panties on.
I open Mia’s first. I didn’t give her a heads up that the video was coming out today.
Mia: OMG! OMG! The video is so fucking hot that I had to take a cold shower. I’ve already watched it 10 times!
I laugh. She’s most likely being overdramatic about the cold shower, but I don’t doubt that she’s had it on repeat.
Me: You’re so overdramatic.
Mia: Lol I can’t wait until you get home to give me all the details.
I look up from my phone to find Knox’s gaze on me. He raises a brow in interest, and I blow out a breath.
“It’s Mia. She watched the video, and I’m positive that’s all she’s going to want to talk about during dinner tonight,” I say.
She’ll want to know how he tastes, how he feels, how he breathes.
Every single damn detail.
“Do you want to talk to her about it during dinner?”
“Not particularly, especially since her parents are going to be there.”
Mia has a weekly dinner with her parents, and I usually join them because I have nothing better to do, but I always wonder what they think about me staying there for free. I offered to pay rent once I started working for Knox, but they wouldn’t accept it.
“Then come to dinner with me,” he offers.
“What?”
“The video release dinner is tonight. I told you about it the other day, but you said you didn’t want to come. The crew and everyone will be there. It would only be right for the two stars to be present.”
I hit the reply button before I talk myself out of it. I’d rather sit at a dinner with Knox than explain to her parents why I’m half-naked on YouTube.
Me: Sadly, we’ll have to wait for that talk. I’m going to dinner with everyone to celebrate the video release.
Mia: Boo, you suck. Don’t worry. We can talk about it all night when you get home. I’ll wait up.
I set my phone down and look up at him. “I need to go home and change before Mia gets there and won’t allow me to leave until I give her all the scoop. I’ll change and then meet you back here.”
“I want to wear something new tonight. Let’s go shopping.”
“Why do I need to go with you? You have a personal shopper and a stylist.”
“True, but sometimes I like to go pick out my own shit. We deserve to get out a little. We’re the most watched video on the internet right now.” He walks around the island and stops in front of me. “Don’t worry, we’ll go by your house on the way back so you can change and all that shit. We won’t be too long.”
“Better not be,” I grumble, getting up from my stool. “Because if I don’t make it out by the time Mia gets home, there’s no way I’ll be making it to dinner.”
We’re in a private shopping room in Neiman Marcus with Knox’s personal stylist, Mallory.
I’ve been sitting in this chair for the past hour watching her go through the rack of clothes and having Knox try different stuff on. I check my watch. I have no idea why I’m here. I don’t even know what I’m wearing tonight, and I want some time to get ready. I’ll be in one of the city’s most elite restaurants hanging out with the big shots in the industry. I want to look decent.
Knox is standing a few feet away from me in a loose white shirt and a black leather jacket. Expensive jeans are buckled around his waist. This look is hot, panty dropping hot. He better buy that jacket.
He looks back at me and raises a brow. I give him a thumbs up, and he smiles in return.
He leans down and whispers something in Mallory’s ear. She nods a few times and disappears from the room.
“Do you not like any of this stuff?” I ask.
“I do. What do you think? This leather jacket kicks ass.”
“I like it. It’s definitely you.”
He hops off the fitting platform and sits down next to me. “Do guys in leather jackets turn you on?”
I scrunch up my face. “That’s a weird question.”
“Not really. Do you like guys in leather jackets? Or polos … like that lame ass dude in the club was wearing? Or do you like guys in basketball jerseys? Ones with dreadlocks? What is your type, Libby Graves?”
I shift around in my chair, uncrossing my legs, and then crossing them back. Why is he asking me this? I’m not some contestant on The Bachelor.
“I don’t think I necessarily have a type.”
“Oh come on, everybody has a type, even if they try to deny it.” He grabs onto the lapels of the jacket and spreads it out, giving me a few of his t-shirt. “So answer. Leather jackets, hot or not?”
“Hot, definitely hot. You happy now?”
“So your type then?”
“Yes, my type.”
“Remind me to let Mallory know I need a few of these.”
“Since we’re on the subject, what’s your type?”
“I don’t have a type.”
“Why is it okay for you to answer that but not me?”
“I like women with sass. It doesn’t matter if they have dark hair, light hair, pink striped hair. I like women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to say it. My type is a woman who doesn’t give a fuck
that I’m famous or is only interested in riding my dick for an actual free ride. It’s not only looks for me. It’s character and the quality of person they are.”
“Your answer definitely sounds better than mine, so I’ll go with I agree with you and change my answer to that.” Money has never been something that’s important to me when I’ve dated men. I can take it or leave it.
“Okay,” Mallory says, bursting back into the room with a handful of dresses draped over her arm. She stops and bends down at the waist, catching her breath. “The fan girls are rampant and on the loose. They must’ve found out you’re somewhere in the building. I guess they stalk you enough to know I’m your stylist because they were on me like lice to greasy hair.” She laughs, straightens up her blonde hair, and looks at me. “You look like a size eight, but if I’m wrong, I’ll grab some more.” She starts to hang them on the rack. “I think these dresses will look stunning on you, especially with that great figure of yours.”
Knox’s eyes follow me up and down. “She does have a gorgeous figure. I’ve learned to appreciate it with each passing day.”
I ignore his comment, (I’ll slap him for it later), and look at her. “I’m sorry … what?”
“Your dress for tonight,” she answers, looking between Knox and me.
This is so his doing.
“I appreciate you getting them, but I don’t need a dress. We’re only here for Knox.”
My gaze flits over to the pain in my ass, who is now getting up from his chair. He walks over to Mallory to help her unload the dresses from her arm onto the rack; like it’s no big deal what he had her do.
“Try on the dresses, Libby,” he demands.
“I have plenty of dresses at my house,” I argue. I did sell most of my expensive clothes on eBay, but there were a few pieces I couldn’t part with. I planned on wearing one of them tonight. “I can’t afford to buy new clothes right now.” If this were six months ago, I would’ve been humiliated to say that to someone, but for some reason with him, I’m not.
“I’m paying for it.”
Oh hell no.
I push my shoulders back, shaking my head. “These dresses are crazy expensive. I can’t accept that. You’ve done more than enough for me already.”
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