“Uh, I hate to shock you, but it’s a critical time for us too,” he says, moving his hand between the two of us.
“I know,” I say, groaning and dropping my head back. I walk forward and put my hands on his stomach, grabbing onto his Henley while I drop my face to his chest. God, he smells so good. How the hell am I supposed to go for weeks without that? Or those strong arms coming around me? I look up into his eyes, resting my chin on his chest.
“I don’t want to be apart, but this is going to be such a crazy time,” I say.
“I know it is,” he murmurs, “but we can either spend our newlywed phase completely apart, or on a crazy adventure.”
“But it’s the band’s crazy adventure, not mine.”
“I’m part of that band, and you’re part of me,” he says, stroking my chin with his thumb.
“You know what I mean,” I mumble.
“I know. This is a big deal for the band, but I just got married, and that’s a big deal too.” His dark blues get even darker as he tilts his head to the side and brings his mouth down on mine, practically drowning me in one of his deep, loving kisses, the kind that makes my surroundings drop away and I lose all sense of anything else. And this one could easily lead to something else. Easily. Especially when his warm hands start sliding up under the sides of my shirt to caress my skin. He detaches our lips, but only so he can kiss his way over to my ear.
“How are we supposed to go weeks without being able to do that, huh?” he whispers.
I close my eyes in a combination of ecstasy and annoyance.
“Jack, you can’t just use your epic kissing and seduction skills to get things to go your way.”
“I know,” he says, blowing out a frustrated breath, and releasing me to give me a little space, a nonverbal show of respect. “Forgive me, baby. I know you’re too smart for that. I’m just feeling kind of desperate because I can’t stand the idea of going without that. So, all I can do is beg. Please, come with us. Don’t stay behind. I want you with me. Every morning light, remember?”
Fuck.
“You had to pull that one out, didn’t you?”
This isn’t fair. Thanks to that kiss, I feel warmth spreading between my legs from all the blood in my body rushing there. I can’t think straight. I know what I want. I want to go with him, but that may not be what’s right.
“Maze?” Jack prods. “What are you thinking right now?”
“I’m thinking you messed me up with that kiss, and now I can’t give you an answer. Right now, I just want you.”
“Yeah?” he says, stepping towards me, his eyelids at half-mast.
“Yeah,” I say, indignantly.
“You know,” he says, wrapping his arms around me and picking me up to sit me on the counter, so that we’re eye to eye. “There’s not actually anything wrong with that, right?”
“I know that, it’s just that we’re in the middle of a serious conversation right now, and I can’t be logical or think critically when you’ve got my feelings all wound up like this.”
“So let’s put a pin in it,” he says, running his hands up and down my thighs. “We’ll hit the pause button for right now, and we’ll focus clearly on it later.” He starts planting tender kisses on my lips and along my cheek. “We’ll take some time for each other right now, and you can think about it later.”
“Promise?” I ask, leaning into it all, slowly giving in. He leans back to look in my eyes. I love that he goes out of his way to show sincerity; to show me that he takes me seriously.
“I won’t take it to mean anything, I swear. We’re just taking a beat. Just a time out to… ahh...” he breaks off when I start kissing his neck and slip my hands under his shirt to slide them over his skin. “Hey, who’s seducing who here?” he says, putting a hand in my hair and bending me back to engulf me in another sensual kiss. I let out a slight whimper into his mouth before breaking away just enough to answer against his lips.
“You started it,” I say, before he stands back to yank his shirt off over his head. He’s immediately back on me, his bare chest and abs raising my arousal another few degrees. He unbuttons my flannel shirt before peeling it off me and brings both hands up to give my boobs a gentle squeeze, his lips never leaving mine. Then, grabbing my ass, he carries me to our bedroom, the one we soon won’t be sleeping in together for a while.
A while later, he collapses forward onto my back, flattening me against the mattress. Both of us are sweating and breathing heavily. I’m coming down from an orgasm so epic I’m still trembling. He shifts off of me and we turn to face each other, chests pressed together, arms and legs going around each other, as if we’re trying to hold on tight in an effort to keep some invisible force from tearing us apart. Even as we both pant and gasp for air, our lips lock, like we’re trying to seal ourselves together. Jack said he knew I was too smart to let my emotions dictate my decisions when they’re running high. But we were both wrong.
In this moment I feel so connected to him, so deeply. I’m feeling everything right now. Every thrill in my stomach, every swell of my heart, every butterfly I’ve ever felt for him. They are all fusing together to create an ache in my chest.
“Okay,” I say, still working to draw air into my lungs.
“Okay?” He repeats, threading both hands into my hair, his chest heaving along with mine. “You’ll come with me?”
I nod weakly, before his lips furiously take mine again.
21
Mayzie
We touch down in Seattle two weeks later, where the tour is kicking off.
The last two weeks were riddled with rehearsals and shop talk, but Jack seriously focused on us, continuing our happy home life every moment he could. One month as a normal newly married couple is what we had, before pulling up our stakes, so to speak.
I figured Ian owed us, big time, for outing us to my parents, so I asked him to house and dog sit for us. He was so pumped to get out of his place, it wasn’t much of a penance.
We’re taken to a hotel to deposit our belongings and freshen up before the guys have to be at the arena for their sound check, then we get to come back to the hotel for a couple of hours before the actual concert.
When it’s time, we are driven to the venue in a large black SUV where we’re taken through the back entrance and given a tour of the dressing rooms and corridors that lead to the stage. I feel strange tagging along, when none of this has to do with me, but it’s exciting to see what the guys are going to be doing for the next few weeks. When it’s almost time for the sound check, I follow them up the stairs to the stage and try to stay off to the side while they set up and get tuned. I’m looking out over all of the seats when I hear a stir of gasps and movement.
“Holy shit,” Matt says under his breath not too far from where I’m standing. I look up to the opposite side of the stage to see five guys walking our way, accompanied by one shockingly beautiful woman. I take them all in for a moment before my mouth drops open, realization hitting me. These guys are The Shock Wave. Holy shit, indeed. Jack and all the rest of the guys trade surprised smiles as they stop what they’re doing and make their way over to the hit band that has had their songs at the top of the charts for the last six years. I stay where I am. One, because this is an iconic moment for them, and I want them to have it without me buzzing around. Two, I couldn’t move if I wanted to because I’m seeing The freaking Shock Wave.
Members from both bands are introducing themselves, shaking hands and doing the guy hug thing with the whole one-arm slap on the back. I’m almost giggling with excitement, but trying really hard not to be obvious about it. I step lightly over to the nearest speaker and let it hold me up. The guy that I know to be George Stockwell, the lead singer of The Shock Wave, puts his hand on the lady’s back and introduces her as his wife, Erin. She is stunning, with long red hair that falls in luscious curls all around her, and dazzling brown eyes. Her makeup is on point, and her clothes rock. She’s in skinny jeans that are obviously desi
gner and tailored to her body, black pumps that probably cost about two of my paychecks, and a jade green halter giving her cleavage some serious oomph. Her California tanned skin is complemented by a delicate gold chain around her neck, a cluster of gold bangles on her wrist, and sleek, gold earrings that dangle almost down to her collarbone. Annnd, here I am in my faded jeans, black ankle boots from Target, and white V-neck t-shirt. She smiles demurely as she shakes hands with Jack, while I stand over here, trying to remind myself how to breathe. Jack turns in my direction, holding his hand out to me.
“Maze!” He calls out. Shit. I start taking steps in their direction, trying to keep a calm and cool smile on my face. I feel like baby Bambi taking his first steps as I close the distance, doing my best not to let it show. I don’t know who I’m more intimidated by, George or his camera-ready wife. Jack is still holding his hand out, taking mine as soon as I’m close enough, pulling me close to his side.
“And who is this beautiful lady?” George asks with a self-assured yet warm smile, and I blush slightly at his compliment.
“This beautiful lady is my wife, Mayzie.” My insides blush at the affection in Jack’s voice.
“It’s wonderful to meet you,” I say, completely star struck. If I had a tail, it’d be wagging like a propeller right now.
“Nice to meet you Mayzie,” George says, gripping my hand. He’s tatted up to high heaven with long black hair and big brown eyes. He has a serious Tommy Lee thing going on. “This is my wife, Erin.”
“Mayzie,” Erin says, reaching for my hand and surprising me by giving it a sincere squeeze. “It’s nice to meet you. Welcome to tour life.” Her smile is surprisingly warm and friendly, not what I was expecting at all. She looks so sophisticated and statuesque. When I was approaching her, she looked like she could make every staff member on this tour bow to her will with a toss of her hair, but as she talks to me, she’s refreshingly sweet and humble. “Listen, these guys are going to be extremely busy, so if you ever want to come hang out with me on our bus, you’re more than welcome.”
This time, I’m unable to control my reaction. My jaw drops and I grapple for words. “I… I, that would be… uh, that’d be amazing. I’d love that!” She waves me off like it’s no big deal.
“Not many ladies on these tours. I’d enjoy the company just as much, believe me.”
“Still, thank you,” I say, still trying not to shake.
“So how long have you guys been married?” she says, straightening and looking between me and Jack.
“Uh, just over a month,” Jack answers, squeezing my hand and smiling at me.
Both George and Erin’s heads go back in surprise.
“A month?” George repeats, his mouth agape and his eyebrows chasing his hairline.
“Yeah,” Jack confirms.
“Wow, newlyweds,” Erin says, trying to hide her shock.
I nod, biting my lip. I can tell they’re taken aback by this revelation. George shakes his head but keeps the smile on his face. “You guys have a lot going on then, don’t you?” he says, gesturing between us, indicating our relationship and then to the rest of the arena, indicating going on tour. He quickly changes the subject. “Well, anyway. Jack,” he says, holding his arm out, motioning for Jack to walk off with him. Jack gives my hand another squeeze before releasing it and following him. “I wanted to congratulate you on the song you guys have out there right now. ‘See Her’ is a seriously solid song…” As they walk off, talking shop, Erin steps closer to me.
“Congratulations,” she says smiling. “I bet this is… a lot.”
I don’t hide the huge breath I blow out as I nod, looking around.
“Sweetie, I mean it about hanging out. This life… can be difficult. It can get lonely and it’s also very exhausting. Not just for the band, but for us too. And the first tour is… definitely the hardest,” she says, nodding to herself, and I find myself wringing my hands as I consider what she’s saying. She places a warm hand on my arm. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to scare you. I just want to prepare you. This is hard. Tour life is hard. But I want you to know that you have a friend.” I look up and give her a hopeful smile.
“Really? You just met me,” I say, having a hard time believing that this seasoned rock star wife that looks like she just stepped off the runway, is offering her friendship to me.
“I know. But seriously, even after all this time, these tours can be grating and stressful. I’m excited to have a girlfriend, even if it’s a new one. I want you to come talk to me about anything you want. I’ve been through it, and I’m more than happy to listen and help you through it the best I can.”
I have no words for what this means to me, so I do a crazy thing and walk into her, putting my arms around her in a big hug. She giggles and completely reciprocates, hugging me back. I feel just a small bit of the pressure release, and then revel in the idea that Erin Stockwell is my friend. Holy shit.
Seeing the band play has never failed to pump me up and blast my soul off this earth. But this? This is not a bar or club. This is an arena with an expansive stage, astounding acoustics, and premium equipment giving off the highest quality sound. Add in visual effects like smoke or sparks raining along the backdrop, and… just wow. Don’t even get me started on the sprawling rows of the audience they are playing in front of that are feeding off the performance with jumps and cheers as lasers flash all across the dome of the ceiling. It’s surreal, like I’m seeing them for the first time, but on some seriously good drugs or something. I’m watching from back stage as Jack works the audience, playing with everything he has in him. His sexy hip sway and the way he tosses his hair out of his eyes when he’s cranking out an electrifying riff get me every time. I also love when he switches to the acoustic and stomps his foot with Chris’s drum beat, making each strum sharp and deliberate, before settling into the rhythm and bouncing in place as he sings into the mic. But oh, when he leans back and brings his guitar close against him when he’s focusing on some intricate notes. God, that’s my favorite move.
“Ha ha, George does that too. It kills me every time,” Erin says, stepping beside me.
“Holy shit, did I say that out loud?” I say laughing, totally embarrassed.
“Yeah, ya did,” she says, laughing with me. “It’s okay. It’s the hottest thing you can watch your man do, right? It never gets old.”
“Truer words were never spoken,” I agree, turning back to the stage. I’ve known her for about five hours, and I’m already so grateful she’s here. It makes me feel just a little bit centered. This whole adventure is overwhelming, and she’s already acting like an anchor. Normally, that would be Jack, but he can’t be that right now when he’s part of the whirlwind we’re in. I look back at Erin, once again taking in her appearance as reflections from the stage lights flash across her face. Back at the hotel, I changed into a black camisole and put on some jewelry, hoping it would make me feel less inferior, but it's not working. “God, I feel so inadequate standing next to you.”
“What do you mean?” she asks.
“Look at you, you’re a goddess.” She smiles and rolls her eyes.
“It’s just high-end cosmetics and fashion. It’s one of the perks of being a musician’s wife. All the designers and makeup companies want you wearing their products and practically throw them at you. You’re a natural beauty,” she says, affirming me. “That’s worth way more.” This means a lot, coming from her. Then again, Jack could probably have his pick of any girl out in that audience about now, and he’s always telling me I’m beautiful. This realization makes my confidence climb a few notches, making me feel a certain warmth and ease.
“Oh, I’m willing to bet that underneath all those ‘perks’ you’re one too,” I tell her.
“Oh, we’re going to be great friends,” she says elbowing me, as the noise level rapidly climbs. We turn to the show and hear the opening chords of ’See Her,’ and I now know why the crowd is in an uproar. The band is playing the one song that
they have actually heard, and have been anticipating. Erin turns to me again. “I’m going to go find George. Don’t forget, after party in the penthouse back at the hotel.”
“Oh, okay.” I hadn’t even thought of that. This is going to be a long night.
Jack
Holy shit, what a long night. After I walked off stage and picked my girl up in a celebratory hug, I thought I could kick back. No. The guys and I were ushered to a merch booth to sign some autographs which was a trip. Never in my life did I think I’d reach a point in my music that I’d be doing that. It was fun, exhilarating, and gave my confidence a serious bump, yet it was humbling at the same time. After that, we had to talk to the sound and lighting crews to discuss what went well and what could’ve gone better. From there, it was back to the green room where I found Mayzie again and we got to fuel up on some after-show food, catered by some local place. After showering and changing, I joined her backstage to watch The Shock’s set, which was fucking epic. It was amazing to play tonight with the sound effects and lighting, but you could tell they saved the big guns for The Shock, which is only natural. They had their songs punctuated by serious pyrotechnics and lasers, further revving up the already crazy fans. Just as they were wrapping up their finale, we were led back to the SUV that brought us here and taken back to the hotel. I felt like we were on a field trip as we then got herded onto an elevator, and instructed to head up to the penthouse and into a bash that was already in full swing. We were eagerly greeted by people, and I had no clue who any of them were, what their role was or why they were happy to see us. As crazy as it already was, I knew the real excitement would happen when The Shock made their appearance later. I could already see one or two people three sheets to the wind. I gripped Mayzie’s hand and kept her close beside me as we made our way into the throng, feeling like we’d stepped through a portal into some crazy underworld.
See Her (Turn it Up Book 1) Page 20