by Denise Marie
“Gabrielle, Derek has your money. You should be able to find him on your way out. Thank you for the favor. We appreciate it.”
She melted a little at the sound of that word, we. Gabrielle huffed and stomped away on her ridiculous high heels.
She smiled. “Thank you. I will never forget this. So, what’s next on the agenda? Are we due back at the bus?”
The smug grin on his face, displayed his self-satisfaction. “Actually, our tour manager was able to knock back a couple of our public appearances.”
She bent her back over his arms, still wrapped around her. His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
“We now have a few days off.”
He laughed when Drew appeared beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. “I am sure we can think of a few things to keep us busy for three days, don’t you think?” Her body heat surfaced, sure to make blotches cover her skin. He slapped her on the ass and joined the, “still amused with their new moves” men, with a pompous sway. They were all so damn confident.
He whispered in her ear. “Will you go on a date with me, Isabelle Chambers?”
She couldn’t understand the nervousness in his voice. I’m sure he dates all the time. She squirmed out of his embrace, put her hands on her hips, and raised an eyebrow but he only smiled like a teenager asking a girl out.
“Fine. I’ll say it. I haven’t gone on a real date in years.” He scooped up her hand and yanked her back to him. “There’s never time on the road for more than, well, anyway. Then we’re in the studio to record during our off time.”
He shrugged his shoulders when she raised her other eyebrow. She didn’t like how his life sounded so limited; it wasn’t what she expected. He asked for something that sounded like a rare occurrence, to be done with her—how could she say no?
She stood on tiptoe and scrunched her nose, still not able to get close enough. With the help of his collar, she jerked him forward, smacked a kiss on his lips, and sighed. “Yes.”
Chapter Twelve
Dear Diary,
Not all sweet things appeal to me, but candy apple red is delicious…
The bustle of the airport tried her nerves and the fact it was six a.m, didn’t help. Coffee called to her, a lifeline since she met these men. It didn’t bother them; they were calm, used to it. They sat in the chairs, cracked jokes, and people watched. The occasional person greeted them in their casual disguises, but they were discreet about it.
She was impressed, thankful. The headache that ruined their evening the night before subsided. She’d gone to bed early, gave him some much needed alone time with the guys, and eased her guilt about his sole focus being her. They didn’t leave the bus when Derek had announced they were parked at the airport for the night. The commotion and hollers from the back lounge made it obvious they enjoyed their time anywhere.
He put it all out there, held nothing back, not even in public. He sat in the chair beside her with his arm relaxed around her shoulders and his free hand rubbed up and down her arm. It was as if he couldn’t get close enough, and nor did he care to be discreet.
“You okay, baby? You’re a little more quiet than usual. Do you need more medicine?”
She closed her eyes, rested her head on his shoulder, and exhaled. “No, I’m okay. When you asked me on a date, I didn’t picture flying to Beverly Hills. I feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.”
He’d explained while they waited in the uncomfortable airport chairs. She didn’t know Zander’s family lived there, why would she? His parents are the rich, snobby, Ivy League School type people. Zander tried his hardest not to be anything like them, but his sister is pretty cool, was Cole’s description.
Until this moment, she couldn’t place Zander’s perfect posture, opposite of his sex on legs appearance, and personality. It made sense now.
The group of men before her, covered in striking tattoos and piercings, had such good-natured souls. They gave her goose bumps. It wasn’t just Cole who cared about her list, about her. They were all going along for the trip. She giggled when Brett flicked Cole’s ear, and he just ignored it, resting his head back on the wall. They really don’t get sick of each other.
Brett and Zander talked about their scheduled visit with Zander’s family. Drew didn’t mention much about plans, other than copious hours of sleep in the hotel and maybe a pretty lady in the bar who would entertain him for the night.
Their boarding call sounded over the speaker and Brett, Zander, and Drew gathered her and Cole’s bags, so they could stay together, hand in hand. Her heart swelled. She extended her hand to her bag anyway, but the men shooed her away.
The diverse travelers aboard the flight were entertaining, but she still managed to fall asleep, a side effect of being medicated the night before. He held her hand the entire time and during the moments she resurfaced, could feel his stare. She shifted in her seat. Her body tingled as the dream of how far things could have gone in the karaoke bar, in front of everyone, pleased her. She was so close—
“Isabelle?”
“Hmm?”
She jumped when her seat wrenched back in someone’s grip. The warm kiss to her cheek and musky scent that followed lured her body into it. Zander.
“Wake up, gorgeous. I hope you feel rested, you’re going to need it.”
He kissed the top of her head and sat back down. She opened her eyes in time to see the flight attendant’s hands on her hips. She peeked at Zander between the seats. He winked at the attendant while he buckled back in. When she righted herself in her seat, she covered her mouth at the pretty blonde’s blush, the scowl from seconds ago now a fan girl smile.
Cole ignored it all as he glared at her with an unspoken question in his gaze. The dampness in her panties, from the dream, caught her attention. Shit. She spun to the window, they’d already landed. “Sorry I fell asleep.”
She stretched with her arms over her head, cold air hit her midriff. When she twisted around, his eyes were glued to her exposed skin, so she shoved him in the shoulder.
Drew hit him on the back of the head. “Let’s go.”
The baggage claim posed somewhat of a delay for everyone. The Scandals were popular in California. Girl’s screeched and formed lines for autographs and pictures.
“I’m going to find a bathroom and change into something a little cooler.”
He managed a nod before being groped by girls and stolen away from her. He gave her the help me plea with his hands grasping out to her, but he enjoyed every second of it. And, she wasn’t bothered by the groupies anymore.
When she staggered out of the bathroom with her bag, a security guard stood at the door and faced her head on. “Are you Isabelle Chambers?”
“Uh…yes.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest.
He spoke into the microphone at his shoulder. “On my way with Ms. Chambers.” He took her by the arm and guided her, offered the occasional point with his finger to show her the way. “Things were getting a little out of hand with the ladies, ma’am. I’ll take you to the group. They are guarded as well.” He led her through a roped-off area that said STAFF ONLY.
The guys were talking and laughing with a young blonde when she neared them. Cole separated himself from the group, met her halfway, and wrapped her in a tight embrace. When he stepped back, his gaze lowered and he bit his lip.
She followed his gape, down at her bright-yellow sundress. He smoothed his fingers over the faded hickey and by the admiration in his eyes, and lack of words, he contained his pride. “More comfortable?”
She couldn’t stop her curious glance at the young woman in the distance. “Yes, thank you.”
He laced their fingers. The kiss to the back of her hand teased her with the memories of Gabrielle, a little too déjà vu. He tugged her in the direction of the woman of interest. Dear Lord, please let her not be another conquest of Cole’s.
“Isabelle Chambers, I’d like you to meet Amanda Wells, my baby sister.” Zander put his arm around the
beautiful young woman in a protective, brotherly fashion.
Isabelle smiled, the resemblance hit her, and she sighed. “It’s very nice to meet you, Amanda.”
She held out her hand, only to be tackled by an overzealous hug. “I am so excited. I love shopping, Isabelle.”
She pleaded with the guys over the ecstatic woman’s shoulder. Zander placed his hand on Amanda’s arm, and she stepped back with a wide grin “She gets that from our mother.”
Cole folded his arms around her from behind, and rested his chin on her head. “Amanda is going to take you shopping on Rodeo Drive to get you ready for our date this evening.”
Everyone stared at her with excitement, like her list gave them something special in return. When she spun to check out his expression, he beamed with yet another secret revealed.
He kissed her on the tip of her nose; it was sweet. “My treat, have fun.”
She couldn’t hold back the girly squeal as she jumped into his arms. “Are you for real?”
The grin on his face confirmed it for her—all he offered, even himself, was a gift impossible of repayment.
“This is just the beginning, gorgeous. We’re only here until noon tomorrow, though, so make the most of it.”
She twirled to make plans with Amanda.
Smack. She jumped when the bite of his hand landed on her ass. She rubbed the sore spot, lifted the thin material in the process, and gave him a view that would leave him tortured until their next encounter.
“You’ll have to kiss it better later.” The act of seduction backfired on her. She was now wet and ached for attention.
He raised his eyebrows and adjusted the front of his pants as he followed her with a predatory grin.
“Down boy.” Brett slapped him on the shoulder.
“She doesn’t even realize how amazing she is, does she?”
She accompanied Amanda to the exit, though it wasn’t easy to maintain the younger woman’s eager stride. The chaos of the airport made it difficult to listen to the men as they trailed behind. Brett’s question surprised her but her heart raced with curiosity to see Cole’s face, the truth in his response. She did hear the slap, followed by his exaggerated “nope,” while the security detail led them out to the busy streets of California.
As each of the men exited the building, they covered their eyes with dark sunglasses for shade and discretion. She followed suit, only because of the sun, and strode to the parked limo. He snagged her arm before she could open the door. “No sweetheart, this one is ours.” He pointed to the approaching white limousine. “That one is yours, for the day anyway.”
He kissed her cheek. “The driver already knows which hotel we’re at, so just let him know when you are ready to come back to me. We have dinner reservations at six, don’t be late.” He exhaled as he engulfed her in his arms and held on tight.
She didn’t want to let go either, but Drew gripped his shirt from behind and yanked him away. “I’d tell ya to get a room, but you already have. Use it.” He glanced back over his shoulder. “You can scream as loud as you want, honey.”
Cole elbowed him.
She sat in the back of the limo, while he talked to her driver at the front of the car. The driver nodded at whatever he said and she could see his Adam’s apple bounce with a hard swallow before they parted ways.
“Amanda? I don’t mean to be rude but would you mind if I text a few friends back home on the way?”
Amanda shook her head. “Not at all.”
She placed her hand on Amanda’s knee, caught her attention before she occupied herself with the bustle of the vibrant city out the window. “Please, my friends call me Izzy.”
OMG. You are never going to guess where I am headed? Rodeo Drive. Eeeek. I really wish you ladies were here with me, I miss you.
Send.
Wow. You know my sizes. LOL Taryn
Go crazy girl…you deserve it. I have to tell your mom. Katherine
I’ve been once. You are going to have a blast. Abigail
She stuffed her phone back into her pocket and adored the beautiful, modern buildings, bright patches of green grass and palm trees situated anywhere space allowed. She couldn’t believe she cruised along the streets of Beverly Hills. People strolled the sidewalks as if it were any other day, but to her, so much more. She braced her hands on the seat when the driver stopped the car and opened the door. A much larger breath escaped her compared to the shallow ones she managed during the drive, so enthralled by the beauty around her. Let the fun begin.
“Thanks, James.” Amanda hopped out, eager to get started.
When she stepped out, she squinted up at James, her sunglasses not quite dark enough to eclipse the bright California sun. He handed her a credit card. “Mr. Davies asked me to give this to you and his strict orders are for you use it, generously.”
Her pulse raced when she held out her hand and James placed a shiny gold card in it. Her savings wouldn’t afford the trip Cole expected. She stared at the card a moment before she slipped it into her back pocket. She needed to think about it.
****
She talked James’ ear off as she nipped through the hotel lobby. That’s what she did when she was nervous, and the amount of bags he carried for her—impossible to hide. He smiled and ushered her into the elevator, hung on her every word while she told him all about her extravagant day with Amanda. She spared no detail, about the handbags, dresses, lingerie, and makeup. Not to mention, the very attentive sales ladies when she handed them Cole’s credit card. He laughed at all the right moments and appeared interested; she liked him.
At the room, he put the bags down and opened the door for her. “I will be taking Miss Wells home now. If you need anything, you can call the front desk.”
She paced around the room, peeked around corners and in the bathroom.
“He isn’t here yet. He wanted to give you time to get ready but will be here at five-thirty to pick you up.” He placed all the bags on the bed and stared in her direction, but not really at her. She caught a hint of sadness in his face, his tone. Did he know?
“I am glad you had such a wonderful day, Ms. Chambers.” Before she could once again scold him for not calling her Izzy, he left.
****
The woman in the mirror was someone else, not her. Yes, a bout of nausea washed over her in the shower, and her skin clammed up, but this, this wasn’t her typical reflection. The makeup artist Amanda convinced her to sit for showed her in great detail how to transform her appearance. It worked. You would never be able to tell she suffered. Tears pooled in her eyes at her beauty. It wasn’t just the makeup.
The knee-length, red-satin halter dress shaped her perfectly. It also disguised the flaws, and kept her from the usual ditch and take cover in bed. Her hair was swept up with little wisps left falling at the side, elegant yet easy to let loose. She bit her glossed lip. Amanda’s tutorial in the limo on how to make this hairstyle work, and how to let fall before being ravished, replayed in her mind many times. As a result, the night now dragged before it even began. How would he look at her? Would he like it? Would she still be here now if she had a sibling of her own, to offer such advice sooner? Her mother managed life well, always strong, never neglected a precious moment. How did she do it?
A knock at the door startled her from delving too deep into her childhood. She glanced at herself in the mirror one last time. “Don’t ruin it, Izzy.” She took a deep breath and opened the door to the rather plush bathroom, in the swanky hotel frequented by celebrities, and now her. Goose bumps covered her skin. She used the peephole, just to make sure.
There he stood, as nervous as her. Boy aren’t we a pair? She smoothed her hands down her dress one last time and opened the door. Her jaw dropped. He was a god. His hair was gelled, every strand in its perfect place. Stubble framed his face, gave him a rough, bad boy appearance. He wore slacks sure to showcase a drool-worthy ass, and his crisp, white shirt rolled up to his elbows showed a few of the tattoos she’d
lick, again, if he’d let her. She’d be amendable to the date starting off in bed, in the shower, or on the floor. Whatever, it all suited her just fine.
“Hi”
“Hello yourself, beautiful.” He stalked toward her, paused to kick to door closed behind him, and continued toward her without a hitch in his determined glare. She stepped back with his advance, but in one swift motion, he grabbed her by the waist and forced her back to the cold wall. She stared into his heated gaze and swallowed.
He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. “I’ll try not to mess up the masterpiece, but I gotta taste you. Better now than laying you out on the table at the restaurant in front of everyone. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
She shivered at his words. He brushed his lips down her neck, hit the sweet spot that always made her wet. And it did just that, like clockwork.
“Cole” His name sounded more like a moan; she couldn’t help it. “We better go, or else we won’t get out of here at all.” Her knees were weak, along with her resolve to make this date venture anywhere but the bedroom.
“Keeping me on edge the entire evening may not bode well for you later, Ms. Chambers.” He tore himself away but kept her hand in his, lifted it to his mouth for a light lick. “I take it your shopping trip was fun?” His gaze drifted from hers, down. “You are exquisite.”
Heat surfaced to her face. She admired him like a seductress, had never pictured herself as ogle material, until the way he gawked at her now. “It was one for the books. Thank you so much. Zander’s sister is fun.”
His eyes widened. “Fun isn’t exactly the word I would use to describe her, erratic maybe.”
She laughed and sidestepped out from the wall, distanced herself from the enchantment of his scent. She swayed with confidence, intended to tease him, but the movement evoked sensual friction to her swollen folds, and teased her as well. She ignored it and slowed her pace to the table, for her new clutch. It was soft and silky compared to the pleather, scuffed-up bag she always carried. “I’m ready when you are. Cole?”