Taking a deep breath she tightened her hold on him, burying her face against his chest as she clung to the only solid person in her life. “It was great in the beginning. But then it all started to change.” Wow. Talk about a major understatement, Cateline.
Chapter Six
Shade heard the quiver in her voice, and he tightened his hold around Cat’s body. Rubbing his cheek to her hair, he held on as tightly as she seemed to be gripping him. “I’m right here, Cat.”
She sucked in a shaky breath. Her fingers curled into his back like she was trying to get under his skin. “At first I thought I was imagining it. When I asked him, he’d make a joke, and we’d both laugh. Then for a time everything seemed right again. We were the happily married, perfect little couple.” She lifted a hand to rub at her temple. “His hours at work seemed to increase which he explained away with something that made sense at the time. There was a partner who ended up retiring early for some reason or other, and they were looking to fill the spot internally. He needed to show his dedication to the company, to prove he had what it took to go that extra mile. But he’d come home smelling like perfume, or more rumpled than a hard day in the office should have made him. I had this gnawing, sick feeling in my gut, but I couldn’t prove anything. The perfume could be explained away easily. I’d met coworkers who worked closely with him in that department and nearly choked in the cloud surrounding a couple. The clothes could have been him adjusting for comfort, and then trying to sort himself out to something more presentable for when he got home.”
He was going to kill the bastard who had done this to her. He held it together for her since he knew she wasn’t done yet. Dropping a kiss to her hair, he began to rub her back in slow, wide circles.
“The calls that ended as hang-ups whenever I picked up were the next clues. But they were few and far between, making it easier to brush them aside. Who hasn’t dialed the wrong number, and been embarrassed enough that they haven’t said a word. Once the hushed conversations started, I confronted him. He blew me off, called me crazy, and told me straight up that I had an overactive imagination. But I knew he was lying. After thinking about it for a while I hired a PI. He found out that Justin didn’t value the sanctity that are the marriage vows like I did. He had four, four fucking women on the side. Two who happened to be married no less. I’d had enough, I knew I had to get out, and I had the proof to sway everything my way. Having the money didn’t hurt any, money he couldn’t fucking touch, and money I gladly used to divorce him, and ensure he was ruined in the process. When it was over I moved out here, and never looked back. I still don’t know why I came here to L.A., but maybe I hoped I could get lost in the crowds. Seeing you again though made me realize I’d done it to get as close to you as I could, even if I didn’t call you.”
Swallowing hard against the anger burning through him Shade shifted his hold to tip her face up. Gently he wiped at the tears on her cheeks before pressing a light kiss to each cheek. “I am damn glad you came to that concert. I’ve missed you something fierce these last twenty years. Every day I tried to come up with a way to find you without ruining your life, or appearing like a total creeper. And every day I’d hesitate because I was sure you were living the life you’d always wanted and dreamed of.”
She shook her head, and gave him a small smile. “I couldn’t fill the dream without the one person I always wanted to fill that empty slot. I thought for a time I could make it work, that I could forget, but I couldn’t. It wasn’t right, and I think he knew that more than I did. Not that it’s any excuse for what he did.”
Somehow, someway, Shade was going to find the asshole who had stomped on the vibrant Cateline Lyon he’d known, and make him pay. He didn’t know how yet, but he was going to make the man rue the day he’d been born. Brushing a gentle kiss to her lips, he forced himself to pull back, and tuck her head back under his chin.
“I’m here now, kitten. We’ll figure out the rest in time. For this moment I want you to let it all go, and sleep for me. I’m going to keep a tight hold on you all night long. I will be the first thing you see in the morning, Cateline. Sleep,” he whispered.
It took a while for her to relax, but Shade kept stroking her hair until he felt all the resistance in her muscles let go. Her breathing shifted to the slower rhythm that let him know she was out like a light. As tempting as it was to get up to make a call to put things in motion, he couldn’t move. He’d made Cat a promise, and he never broke his promises to her.
Except one. The only promise he’d ever broken to Cat. Yet another reason his father wasn’t in his life any longer. If not for that man they might have been on the same path through life. Instead they’d faced separate, different paths to get where they now were. While he might not have become the bassist for Victorious, he’d have had Cat in his life. His father had taken Shade’s choices away, and Cat’s, too. Shade wasn’t exactly all for rational thinking when it came to the woman in his arms. Where she was concerned everything, good sense included, seemed to go out the window.
****
Shade woke to find Cat draped over him, and snoring softly. He couldn’t stop the grin at the discovery. Lifting his head slightly, he took her in. Her face was relaxed with her lips slightly parted. A leg, and an arm was tossed over him to keep her anchored in place. Her hair was a bit messy with several strands caught on his beard, and some wrapped around his neck.
Shaking his head, he pulled the hair loose before smoothing it back into place. She muttered something under her breath. At the same moment her arm came flying toward his face. Shade barely caught it before she punched him in the nose.
“Damn it, kitten, watch the face.”
All he got was a grumble before she wiggled in closer to him. Then she rubbed her cheek to his shoulder, and turned her face up toward his own. “Morning.”
“Morning, kitten,” he said with a smile. Cupping her cheek, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Did you sleep well?”
“Mm-hmm.” Cateline stretched out with a yawn. Pushing up onto her elbow, she shoved her hair back off her face, and stared down at him. Her face tightened up as a wary look settled into place. “Are we good?”
Shade didn’t pretend not to know what she meant. Instead he nodded, and pulled her in for a hug. “We’re fine, kitten,” he said against her cheek. “Nothing you ever tell me could change how I feel for you. Never feel the need to keep anything from me. Okay?”
Her entire body shook before she grabbed onto him tightly, and nodded. “Okay,” she breathed out.
“Good, then let’s get our asses up, and in gear. I want to show you around the compound before we head over to Jeremy’s for breakfast.”
“Your lead singer, right?”
Shade chuckled. “Oh boy, he is going to be crushed when he finds out you had to get clarifications. And yes, for the record, I’m damn well telling him.”
She smacked his arm while drawing back to glare down at him. “You don’t need to share that. The only reason I follow the band is because you’re in it, Shade. The fact I happen to like the music helps too. You guys are good, unbelievably good.”
He couldn’t stop grinned. “Still telling him.”
Cat smacked him again before throwing the covers over him as she moved away. “You are a pain in my ass, Shade.”
Shoving the covers aside he watched her storm to the bathroom. She slammed the door behind her but he could still hear her muttering. A moment after the toilet flushed she threw the door open again. “Where might my bag be at?”
Shade pointed to where he’d stashed it next to the dresser after she’d fallen asleep. He’d had to pry himself loose from her hold, but he’d known she’d need it come morning. With a delicate sniff she collected it, and returned to the bathroom. Shaking his head, Shade slid from the bed to make it. He should likely get some coffee in them both before they went anywhere. She’d feel better with a little caffeine thrumming through her body.
“I’m going to make coffee, C
at. Come join me when you’re done,” he called out.
He heard her say something, but he wasn’t sure exactly what it was. Figuring it was better not to push her buttons too much more for one morning, he let it go. It didn’t stop the huge grin he was wearing, though. He liked having her in his home. Even if she was less than pleased with him over something he’d never do anyway.
The woman should know better. Shade would never do anything to put her in a bad position, or make her uncomfortable especially among his bandmates. He wanted the other men to get to know her, and see why Shade adored her as he did.
Pouring the water into the machine, he set the auto grind and stuck the carafe in place before he started it up. While the coffee machine did its thing, he went to check the fridge for creamer. He could survive without it, he didn’t like it, but he’d survive. Cateline on the other hand, would not be happy without her cream. And keeping her happy was high on his priority list.
Chapter Seven
A couple cups of coffee, and a slow walk around the property with Shade helped to ease Cateline’s nerves. When they finally made it over to Jeremy’s place she only felt a minor nervous twinge at meeting them all up close and personal. Well, Chase and Mark not included since she had met them the night before.
When they reached the house, Shade led her around the side and into the large backyard where everyone was gathered. As soon as they were spotted, the guys began to rib Shade for taking his sweet time and how they were all wasting away from starvation.
The only other woman there rolled her eyes and shook her head. Then she came over, holding out a hand. “I’m Jennifer Mitchell, it’s wonderful to meet you.”
“Cateline Lyon,” she said, giving the woman’s hand a shake. “Nice to meet you as well. Sorry for being a little tardy. Shade was giving me the grand tour around the place.”
“Don’t worry about it. They still would have gone through the routine if you were on time. Seems to happen to the last man in no matter what. Have you met them all yet?”
“Only Chase and Mark who stopped by last night sporting the puppy dog eyes.” The two men cracked huge grins, and gave her finger waves. She returned the gesture while shaking her head.
Jennifer turned a glare on them. “Well then let me introduce the other two. Jeremy is our host most mornings for breakfast, as well as the occasional dinner. He’s a control freak, and loves having them all hanging around, go with it. And then this is Lance.”
The way Jennifer said the man’s name had Cat paying close attention when the dark blond man slid his arm around the other woman’s waist. “Nice to meet you, Cateline,” he said. His voice held a little growl to it that made Cateline want to giggle like a schoolgirl.
She shook the feeling off and smiled at him. “A pleasure to meet you as well.”
“Quit drooling,” Shade muttered.
Throwing her elbow into his gut, Cat leaned into him. She would have said something, but Jeremy came over, wiping his hands on a towel. “Cateline, a pleasure to meet you,” he said. The man’s voice was smoke and sin when he was or wasn’t performing. Oh my! He shook her hand and smiled. “Come and find a spot to sit. There’s coffee on the table, and we’ll eat as soon as the sausages are done.”
Cat looked up at Shade who was glaring at the lead singer. If she didn’t know better she’d say that he was directing some jealousy toward Jeremy, and Lance, too, given his earlier comment. “We’ll be right there,” she told Jeremy without looking away from Shade.
“Don’t dally too long. They will eat everything in sight once I give them the go-ahead.”
Cat gave a nod, and placing her hands to Shade’s belly, she gave a little push. His gaze snapped down to meet hers. “What?” he asked in a tone that had some bite to it.
Slipping her arms around his middle she gave him a squeeze. “It might be faster to pee on me you know.”
Confusion flashed on his face before he frowned. “What on Earth are you talking about?”
“While that little jealousy display was adorable, if you want to mark your territory a little more clearly, peeing is the way it’s done in the wild.”
“I am not jealous.”
Cat smiled at his tone, and squeezed him closer. “There’s no reason to be, Shade. They do nothing for me. You know beyond the sexy as sin voices, hot bods, and drool-worthy faces they each have. Absolutely nada.”
He was back to glaring down at her. “Really?”
“Oh lighten up, babe. You know well and good you’re all super-hot. But there’s only one band member I’m interested in.”
His expression began to lighten with her words until he finally wore the crooked grin that made her heart lurch. “You’d better damn well be talking about me, kitten.”
Rolling her eyes, she pressed up onto her toes to brush a kiss to his cheek. “Who else could it possibly be, babe? Now I’d love to continue stroking your already too large ego, but I’m starving. Can we eat now, please?”
With a nod he pressed a kiss to her temple, and then walked with her to the table. He pulled the chair next to Jennifer’s out for her to sit on before settling in at her side. Chase poured them both some coffee while Jeremy began to pull the sausages off the grill.
Dishes began to be passed around while the guys chatted about this, and that. Jennifer handed her the plate holding the sausages, and grinned her way. Returning the smile, Cat took a couple before passing it over to Shade.
“So what do you do, Ms. Cateline?” Mark asked her.
“I’m guessing you mean my job.” At his nod, she shrugged. “Nothing overly exciting. I work for a real estate investor. He buys properties, overhauls them, and sells them for a pretty penny. Sometimes he tears the old building down to put something new, and needed for the area in, but it depends on the structure. He’s pretty careful about keeping the old buildings if he can. It’s not always feasible no matter how many people think otherwise, but if it’s got a rotten foundation, there’s not a lot to be done about it.”
“What’s his name?” Jennifer asked. “If you don’t mind me being nosy and all. It’s a leftover from my previous job.”
Lance said something softly to the woman Cat couldn’t pick up that had Jennifer blushing. Jennifer was smiling when he kissed, though.
“Simon Ackerman the third,” Cateline said with a grin.
“Oh, I know him, he did the restoration on that old hotel in Washington a few years back. Used to be a house of ill repute from what I remember. He bought it dirt cheap, fixed it up, and sold it to a company from Spain I think it was. They turned it into a hotel, and have been doing rather well with it if I recall right.”
Cat nodded. “That’s him.”
“I know the name, too,” Jeremy commented. “The guy’s been trying to get us to sell him the land here for the last five years.”
She blinked at that. “I didn’t know that. I’ve never once seen any paperwork on an offer, or anything come across my desk.”
“He puts in a call to Christine once every four months. She then calls us up wherever we are, we tell her the same thing, and then she calls him back to tell him to bugger off,” Chase said. “He’s pretty persistent. Obviously he thinks he’ll wear us down in time.”
“He doesn’t get that we don’t care what the land’s worth. This is home,” Mark put in.
“I’m sorry,” Cat whispered. “I didn’t know.”
Shade slipped his arm around her shoulders to bring her closer to him. “Don’t worry about it, Cat. This isn’t your fault. He’s not the only one we’ve had hounding us to sell them the land. Hell, Christine doesn’t bother to call us most times. She straight up tells them to take a flying leap or something else that usually is quite uncomfortable in nature.”
Groaning she shook her head. “That’s your manager right?”
“Yup, the one and only.”
Jeremy chuckled. “We should probably keep from mentioning to Christine who Cat works for. At least for a while. She seems to
have a particular dislike for Ackerman.”
Well that was fucking peachy. She didn’t want Christine to hate her for her association to the man. “I agree with him on that. Can we not tell her for a little while?”
“We’ll keep it mum for the time being,” Shade said. “Though she’ll likely already know. Or if she doesn’t, she’ll figure it out. She’ll go digging to find out about you to ensure you’re not a threat to me.”
“I would never hurt you,” she said with indignation riding her hard.
“I know that, kitten,” he whispered. “But Christine is a bit protective when it comes to us.”
Someone snorted. “A bit? Jesus man, tell it like it is,” Lance said. “The woman is like a dog with a bone. She won’t let it go until she gets everything she can information wise.”
Cat felt mildly ill at the thought. While her story wasn’t unique in the world they lived in, it was hers. She’d rather not have someone digging up all the nitty gritty details. Pressing a hand to her stomach, she looked to Shade, knowing full well he would read the misery in her eyes.
He obviously did understand. One moment she was in her own chair, in the next he’d shoved his chair back to lift her over into his lap. He cuddled her in close, and rubbed her back.
“Shade, is she okay?” Jennifer asked softly.
“She’ll be fine. There are things in her past neither she nor I are particularly comfortable with anyone else knowing about.”
“It might be best if we go over to talk with Christine. We can go over tomorrow, give her some rough brush strokes, and I’ll ask her nicely not to sick the hounds on the scent,” Jeremy said softly.
“You sure she’ll go along with that?” Chase asked.
Jeremy nodded. “I don’t know what’s got Cateline upset, but I do know that Christine would never hurt us, or one we claim as ours on purpose.”
“I hope you’re right,” Jennifer said with a dubious look. “The woman terrifies me to this day.”
The Bass Page 4