He looks around and spots the band. “Hell, yes.” He looks over at Lizzy and says, “I’ll be right back…don’t move.” She giggles at a star struck Evan.
We both interrupt Lori just as she’s about to make out with Trey.
“What!?”
“You want to meet MACE?”
“Fuck yeah.” Lori leans in and whispers something in Trey’s ear that puts a smirk on his face. I’d love to know what she said to him.
Dylan patiently waits and then walks us over to meet one of our favorite bands. I’m so excited to meet them that I don’t even care Jennifer and Mr. Agent are watching us like we just broke past security.
Dylan makes the introductions. “Ricky, this is Leila, the…”
“…new back-up singer.” Ricky Storm finishes his sentence.
Dumbstruck, I can’t believe Ricky Storm knows who I am.
“We’ve heard great things about you, Leila. Jack also shared your audition tape with us. I’m peeved that he found you first.”
Holy shit…
“Um…I really don’t know what to say. Thank you?”
“You’re welcome. We can’t wait to see your first show.”
“Now I’m really nervous.” I respond while trying to sound humorous, but falling flat. My voice sounds high and pitchy. It suddenly occurs to me that people are going to be watching us. Lots and lots and lots of people. Some even famous! I need another drink.
“Um…I know it sounds cliché’ but I’m a huge fan.”
“Very cliché,” he laughs teasing me. “But I do believe you.”
“This is Evan and Lori, the drummer of and agent for Cliffhangers.”
Ricky introduces us to the rest of the band. Lori immediately jumps into a conversation with MACE, as if they’ve known each other for years. After a while, I excuse myself leaving Lori to talk shop. She doesn’t look at all intimidated, even with Jennifer and Malcolm standing there. Looking over at Evan I give him a “she’s perfect” look and he nods knowingly.
Feeling the effects of my three shots, two glasses of wine and these sadistic shoes, I wonder what time it is. It feels like we’ve been here for hours already. I’ve been keeping close to Dylan and the longer we chat the more I slur. “Dylan, what time is it?”
As if on cue, Lizzy finally gives the signal Jack is on his way up.
“It’s surprise time,” he says with a smiles.
Everyone makes their way over to the dance floor with Lori, Trey, Evan, Dylan and I at the very back of the crowd. Lizzy is waiting at the elevator with Jennifer right beside her. Ugh, that woman gets on my nerves.
The elevator doors open signaling the room to yell “Surprise”. Jack freezes in place, looking shocked and confused. He scans the crowd, shaking his head. His sister rushes up and gives him a huge hug. While hugging her back he whispers something in her ear. She smacks his chest and pushes him deeper into the crowd.
Jennifer rushes over and gets a hold of him. Kissing him on his cheek she motions for Malcolm to join them and I could swear Jack rolls his eyes.
Jack smiles politely while Malcolm speaks and mid-sentence excuses himself to make his way around the gathered guests. Solidifying my suspicion that Jack isn’t a Malcolm fan.
Dylan is making small talk with Evan and Lori, but I’m not paying attention. Instead I observe Jack being hugged, kissed, and passed around everyone in the room. Each time he is passed off, he is handed a shot. Each time he encounters a pretty female, he kisses her cheek and smiles wide. My mind starts reeling.
Are they all past conquests?
Are they all past girlfriends?
Are they all current fuck buddies?
As he makes his way to the back of the crowd, he spots me standing with Dylan. His smile fades for a brief second as he walks straight for us. Damn he looks so good in jeans and a t-shirt.
“Hi,” he says quietly, raking his eyes over me and causing my heart to flip instantly in my chest.
“Happy birthday, Jack.” I lean in with the intent to give him a quick hug. But as I try to pull away, both his hands move to my lower back holding me close to him. Pressed up against him, his hands on my skin, and his scent surrounding me, cause goosebumps to appear over my entire body.
He notices and whispers into my ear, “Are you cold?”
Cold? Every nerve ending from my scalp to my toes is on fire.
“No.”
His glossy eyes connect with mine, and I cannot look away. Dylan interrupts our moment. I clumsily pull out of his grasp, step back, and collide with a nearby table.
“Happy birthday, buddy,” he says slapping him on the back.
“Thanks, man,” Jack responds. His body is still very close to mine and I can feel his arm against my own. I look down into my empty glass and Dylan notices.
“Leila, can I get you another white wine?”
“Yes, please.” I better eat something if I’m going to keep drinking so much.
He walks away heading to the bar. I am so relieved to be standing alone with Jack. “You look gorgeous, Leila.”
My breathing is erratic and as my chest rises and falls. I fear he can see right through me to my braless heart.
“Thanks. You also look nice.” I don’t know if it’s the wine, or the dark bar, or the feeling of his hands on my back, but I am completely turned on and this time, I’m afraid I won’t be able to hide it. The combination of alcohol and skin on skin has flipped a switch.
Who am I kidding…I’m always turned on around him.
“Jackson, aren’t you going to introduce us?”
“Jackson?” I mumble to him. Jackson?
That’s so sexy.
“Zip it.” He says looking down at me, smirking.
An extremely handsome man comes up behind Jack, putting his hand on his shoulder. He is with the beautiful woman Jennifer was talking to earlier. Jack turns and smiles wide at the older couple. I can see where both he and Lizzy get their looks. These two look like a pair of super models.
“Of course. Mom, Dad, this is Leila, our new back-up singer.” He then steps closer and places his hand on my lower back again. I suck in a breath and he quickly glances down but doesn’t pull his hand away. “Leila, these are my parents, Renata and Peter Lair.”
His mom immediately pulls me into a hug. “Leila, sweetheart, how are you feeling?”
“So much better. I have no doubt my recovery can be attributed to your absolutely delicious soup. Mrs. Lair, thank you. You have no idea what that meant to me.”
“Call me Renata, dear. It was my pleasure. I’m so glad you’re feeling better.”
During my conversation with Jack’s parents, his hand remains firmly attached to my lower back. Does he realize he’s still doing that? I am trying to control my breathing, but I can only think of the way his hand feels on my back.
While his parents continue to speak to me I realize that I really need to snap out of it. Dylan returns with my wine and starts chatting with the Lairs. Jack slowly removes his hand but continues to stand close. I am having a hard time concentrating on their conversation.
Jack spots a girl at the bar amidst our chat and excuses himself. He walks over to the petite waitress and bends to whisper in her ear. She smiles at him and whispers something back. I am riveted by what’s happening between Jack and this girl. She kisses him on the lips and then hugs him hard. During the course of their conversation, they continuously glance over to me. Of course I’m caught staring, each and every time. Suddenly Jack grabs her hand and pulls her toward me. Who the hell is this girl and what does she mean to him?
Jack’s parents excuse themselves, leaving me with Dylan. He notices the shift in my posture and turns to ask, “Are you ok?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
Jack literally drags the waitress over. “Leila, I want you to meet a very good friend of mine. This is Trini. Trini, this is our new band member Leila.” He looks at me with unmistakable pride.
Trini grabs my arms and hugs me t
ight. “So nice to meet you, Leila. Jack told me how talented you are. I can’t wait to see your show.” Jack is giving me his CCDS smile. I guess they are just friends? Why can’t he be a good friend with a girl? Evan is, right?
Watching them interact familiarly is a bit unnerving. These two are very comfortable with each other. Yep…these two are definitely more than friends.
She’s tiny, and in my heels I tower over her. With spiky black hair, visible tattoos and a pierced nose, she doesn’t look like she would be Jack’s type. Oh jeez, if Trini is his type, then Scary Sally must be as well.
“Hi Trini, it’s very nice to meet you.” It’s hard to not like her. Unlike Scary Sally, Trini is so happy and bubbly.
“You’re beautiful, Leila. I can’t wait to see you guys do your thing.” She looks up at Jack and winks. Awkwardly I thank her for the compliment. She wishes me luck and excuses herself to get back to work. “Have fun.”
“She seems really nice.”
Jack watches me for a few seconds. “She is. She’s a great friend.”
Yeah, I’m sure…a friend with benefits. Jealous Leila is rearing her ugly head once again.
My imagination runs wild with pictures of Jack and Trini when Lizzy takes the mic on stage and asks everyone to quiet down.
“Hi everyone. I’m so glad you all came out to wish my brother a very happy birthday. Someone get him a shot.” She smiles wide at Jack, as he shakes his head.
“We are also celebrating Devil’s Lair being signed!” She starts clapping and everyone follows suit. She raises her hand to quiet the crowd again. “I think we can convince them to play us a song or two tonight if we all plead and beg.” The room explodes into applause again. “Guys you have to play now or you’ll have an angry mob to deal with.”
Oh crap.
I wasn’t planning on performing tonight. I rarely get nervous, but I don’t know these people. Well I don’t know the people we play for at The Zone, but this is different. Plus, I’m drunk!
Lizzy laughs and motions for the crowd to hush down. “Ok, ok, listen up… We have one more thing to celebrate it seems. Leila’s birthday is the day before Jacks. Happy birthday, Leila! Someone get Leila a shot too!”
The entire room turns to look at me and I almost pee my pants. Oh god. I should have gone to the bathroom earlier. One of the waitresses makes her way over and presents her tray. I pull a shot off the tray and tip it back.
I notice Evan and Lori whispering and laughing in the corner. I have the urge to stab them with a very dull knife. Jack hugs me instantly. “Why didn’t you tell me your birthday is the day before mine?”
I shrug and say, “I only found out when Lizzy called. I couldn’t ruin the surprise, could I?” I slurred a bit at the end and he looks at me with amusement.
Leaning in, he asks, “You ok?”
Smiling wide, I respond, “No. I’m buzzed and was just summoned to sing in front of all these people. I’m debating how far I’ll get sprinting in these heels.”
“I’d catch you,” he says with a smirk.
Dylan cuts in and grabs me away from Jack, only then making me realize I was in his arms for quite some time. “Happy Birthday, Leila.” While he is hugging me, I watch Jack watch us with a forced smile on his face. I pull away from Dylan taking a casual step closer to Jack. I blame that damn magnetic pull he has on me.
We are interrupted with Lizzy’s voice again. “Leila, we will all sing happy birthday to you later. Ok, can we hear a few songs guys? Or do we have to become violent?”
Trey, Hunter and Scott make their way up to the stage. They each hug Lizzy and get into position. Jack grabs my hand and pulls me toward the stage. I dig my heels into the floor and jerk to a complete stop. He feels my resistance and turns toward me.
“What are you doing?” He pulls on my outstretched arm.
“I wasn’t kidding. I’m drunk. And I am still learning the back-ground vocals,” I hiss in panic while shaking my head. “And I have to pee!”
He stops and laughs out loud. Coming closer so we are face to face, he says, “I’m really sorry that you have to pee, but it will have to wait.” Looking into his eyes, I get lost in their depths. Amazingly, I feel calmer as I gaze back at him. “You can do this. Besides I’m drunk too.” He smiles down at me and further pulls me under his spell. I would do anything for this man at this moment.
I gulp down the rest of my wine before Jack puts it on a table and pulls me toward the stage. He doesn’t notice me stumble once.
Once we are with the band, he says to them, “Committed, with Leila. Then go into Nothing to Gain and end with You Broke Me.” He looks at me and adds, “Just like we practiced.”
I nod and take a deep breath. He is still holding my hand, does he realize that? There is only one microphone, so Jack and I will have to share it. I can do this. This is good practice.
Everyone starts clapping, and Jack laughs. “Hey everyone. Thank you so much for coming, although I doubt you had a choice with Lizzy.” He glares at his sister who shrugs and raises her glass to him. Evan is right beside her. Lori is next to him and winks at me.
Oh God.
“Ok, you asked for it. Welcome to Devil’s Lair first unofficial concert. This here is our newest member, Leila Marino. Leila, happy birthday by the way. She’s is a little nervous so let’s show her the love.” I smile weakly and glare at Jack.
He laughs at me and signals to Hunter. The boys start up Committed and I come in at my mark. Jack and I are inches apart, and he winks while I’m singing. I’m going to get real used to this. Being this close to him, feeling as if he is singing only to me, very soon I will be able enjoy this every night. That part of the tour I am looking very forward to. The crowd loves us, and it’s pumping me up with pure adrenaline.
By our third and final song, I am no longer nervous. My friends are whistling and cheering along with the crowd. This feels really good.
Jack is beaming and enjoying the reaction we receive. He wraps his arm around me when we finish. “You were incredible. Now you can pee.”
Nodding, I sprint down the stage steps and am instantly mobbed by Evan and Lori.
“Lei, that was so awesome.”
“You guys fucking rocked!”
I nod and yell a little too loudly, “Thank you, but I really have to PEE!” As I bolt for the ladies room I can hear Evan and Lori laughing, alongside Jack and a few guests.
That was the best experience of my life. This was totally different than The Zone. It was better. I feel guilty feeling this way but it’s true. I can only attribute it to one thing. I love singing with Jack.
I make a left out of the ladies room instead of a right and find a small balcony that overlooks the city. Wow, why isn’t anyone back here? It’s cooler and the air feels good. The view is gorgeous.
I grip the railing while standing in the overhang, and I get dizzy when I look down. I am most definitely drunk. Hearing footsteps, I spin around to see who is invading my solitude. Jack strolls toward me holding two more Jell-O shots.
“I found you. I was worried you bolted.” He chimes as he joins me on the overhang. His eyes are unfocused, just like they were the night of his party. The difference is, this time mine are too.
He hands me one of the shots and says, “Happy birthday, Leila.”
“I think this is number six.” Giggling, I down it while he watches me. As I slowly lick my lips, his eyes become heated.
Jack takes his own shot. He transfixes his gaze onto mine and the sparks fly between us.
“That was really fun.” I point out in an attempt to distract him. “I can’t believe how much I enjoyed that.”
“Yep, me too.” He takes our shot glasses and puts them on the ledge, and then steps closer until we are practically touching. “You really were fantastic up there. I knew you would be.” He strokes my cheek and pushes my hair away from my face. I feel the sensation building below and I want to take this further. I really do.
“Happy birthda
y, Jack.”
Jack leans in and hovers over my lips until I can feel his warm breath mingling with my own.
“Thank you. Happy birthday, Leila.”
He bends just as I lift up until our lips touch. His are soft, and his kiss is dry and slow. Really slow. It’s the perfect kiss. We continue to nibble each other’s lips until I can’t stand it any longer.
I grip his shirt in my hands and pull him into me. My lips part and he slips his tongue in to stroke against my own. He moans and pushes his body up against every inch of mine. My hands reach up and link behind his head just as his hands find my lower back and he grips me hard to his body.
Oh. My. God.
This feels amazing. I don’t want to stop.
Jack pushes a leg between mine just as I move my hands into his hair to keep him on me. Kissing him is addicting. I’m sure he can make me climax from this alone.
My enthusiasm is embarrassing. I’m on fire. You would think I’ve never kissed a man before. His hands move around to my waist and then he runs them up my sides until he skims my breasts. The lack of oxygen has me panting and regretfully I pull away to catch my breath. Jack holds me with his gaze as his thumbs slowly graze over my nipples.
Another groan escapes my lips as I throw my head back, trying to push myself into his hands. I can feel his bulge against my thigh. It spurs me to push my leg against him and now it’s his turn to groan.
Jack buries his hands in my hair, holding my head still so he can nibble his way across my jaw to my earlobe. I feel like I’m having an outer body experience.
He trails his lips to my neck, licking and sucking until I can barely stand it any longer. I am about to explode from the sensations he is causing all over my body. We try to consume each other with each kiss to the point that we never hear the voices approaching.
A female clearing her throat and a very familiar voice snaps me back to reality. “Lei?”
Jack closes his eyes and remains still.
“Fuck,” he mumbles quietly.
He slowly glances over his shoulder without releasing me. Evan and Lizzy are standing in the doorway in embarrassment.
Coming to his senses, Jack quickly steps away.
What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 7) Page 103