by Anna Paige
“What the hell was that for?”
She glared at me. “That’s for standing there listening to me go on and on about how much I love Thrill of the Chase and not saying a word, not once mentioning that you were friends with Kade-Fucking-Edenfield, you ass! And it’s for plopping my ragged ass in this truck knowing where we were headed and not doing me the courtesy of at least suggesting I put on some makeup.” She folded her arms across her chest in a pout only to drop them by her sides a moment later, wincing in pain.
“See? Your little outburst ended up making you hurt yourself.” I rubbed my bicep. “And me.”
She cut her eyes at me. “I’m not sorry, you know. You deserved that for lying to me.”
“I didn’t lie to you. I would never lie to you. I just didn’t think name-dropping was the kind of thing that impressed you. You are much too real for shit like that. Frankly, I think bragging about who you know is a douchebag thing to do, so don’t be offended. I don’t talk about Kade or any of my other high-profile friends to anyone. I don’t need to gain attention by association.”
That mellowed her out fast. “Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry I pinched you. And I think it’s pretty cool that you don’t announce stuff like that. It shows integrity. I guess I felt sort of left out for a second there, like maybe we weren’t as good of friends as I thought because you didn’t trust me enough to tell me.”
“Baby, you’re my best friend.” I reached for her hand and let her slip it carefully into mine. “And I do trust you. Don’t ever doubt that.”
“You’re my best friend, too, Weirdo.” She lift our joined hands to nuzzle the back of mine before letting it slip through her fingers. Twisting around in her seat with a wince, she began rummaging through the bags in the back seat. “Now where the hell is that makeup bag…”
“Would it do any good to tell you that you’re more beautiful without a speck of makeup than most models are after they’ve been airbrushed to death?” I asked, glancing in the rearview mirror.
She sat back and I could feel the heat of her gaze. “You really mean that, don’t you?”
“Absolutely.”
She fumbled around a moment more before sinking back into her seat, empty-handed.
“Couldn’t find it?” I asked, putting on my blinker so I could pull over and help her look.
“No. I found it. I just don’t want it anymore.” She leaned over the console and kissed my cheek. “After a few words from the best friend in the entire world, I can honestly say I’ve never felt more beautiful than I do right now.”
I turned off the blinker and resumed speed.
And I couldn’t have stopped smiling if my life depended on it.
•••
The guard working Kade’s gate could have body-doubled for The Rock. Couple his enormous size with his stoic demeanor and the dark sunglasses that hid most of his expression… dude was fucking scary.
I liked him instantly.
If ever there was a guy who would feed someone their teeth for even looking too hard at that gate, he was the guy.
After calling Kade to confirm, he tipped his head almost imperceptibly and hit the appropriate button to open the huge wrought-iron gate, motioning vaguely for us to proceed.
Lauren’s eyes were everywhere, taking in the immaculate shrubbery and topiary, the exotic foliage still in full bloom despite the cooling temperatures, the fountain that sat in the middle of the yard. It was all flawlessly maintained, though Kade was only in residence a small portion of the year.
We parked in the circular driveway and Lauren gaped up at the expansive two-story home.
“Shit. This is for real.” She waved a hand at the house. “I still half-believed I hallucinated the whole conversation about us going to Kade Edenfield’s house but… shit…”
I leaned across the console and peered out the window she was gaping through, smiling to myself at her excitement. “Just wondering here, so don’t pinch me again, but are you going to address him by his full name all afternoon? Because that ranks right up there with humping his leg on the ‘uncomfortable’ scale.”
She turned to look at me, her face only inches from my own. My breath hitched when her eyes wandered briefly to my lips. “I’m not going to pinch you but I might need you to pinch me.”
I winced at the idea, knowing there was no safe place for me to even attempt such a thing. “Maybe later.”
She smirked as I realized how that comment sounded.
“I didn’t mean that in a sexual, hey let me do dirty things to you tonight kind of way. Geez. I meant your skin is still too sensitive right now.” I shook my head.
She took my chin in her hand and kissed the tip of my nose, laughing. “You are the cutest, most awkward, most adorable weirdo I ever had the good fortune of meeting, did you know that?”
“I don’t know about those other two things but awkward sounds about right.” I chuckled, opening my door and moving around to help her from the truck.
Once I got her on her feet and made sure she was okay, I gingerly took her hand in mine and started up the massive set of steps that led to the front entrance. “I’ll come out and get our stuff after I get you settled and peel you off Kade’s leg.”
She blushed scarlet and squeezed my hand, hard. “Don’t do that right now, shithead. You’ll have me all flustered, picturing the horrified look on his face if I actually did something like that.”
“I’m sure he’d be far from horrified,” I muttered.
She laughed softly. “You’re adorable,” she muttered right back.
I was also jealous already.
•••
Lauren
Having Brant’s hand in mine helped stave off the worst of the nerves but I was still a little flustered as we made our way up the steps. The big door swung open before we were able to knock, and I did everything in my power to keep my jaw off the floor.
Holy mother of all things lickable.
Kade Edenfield, lead singer of my all-time favorite band and possessor of the sexiest fucking singing voice known to man, stood not five feet from me. He towered over me in the doorway, standing at nearly six and a half feet, with broad shoulders and thick muscular arms. He was bare-chested, in low-slung button-fly jeans that revealed the beginnings of the delicious V that began at his slender hips and pointed the way south. His feet were bare, and his golden hair dripping wet, looking darker than usual.
Do not hump his leg.
Do not climb him like a tree.
And for the love of God…
Do not piss your pants.
One of the most memorable things about Kade Edenfield had always been his signature stare; a notoriously intense, dark expression that intimidated even the bravest men and made panties melt across the globe. I steeled myself for it and met his eyes… shocked to find him regarding me with a soft smile before turning his gaze on Brant, expression morphing into a full-on grin as he extended his hand. “Hey, man. ‘Bout time you brought your ass by to hang out. It’s been way too long.”
Brant shook it and nodded his head, returning Kade’s smile. “Sure has.”
Kade’s eyes flickered back to me and he snatched his hand from Brant’s grip, casting a sarcastic look his way. “Let go of my hand, dude, I need to properly greet my new friend, Lauren.”
He said my name, he said my name. Kade-fucking-Edenfield just said my name.
Stop fangirling and breathe, bitch! You’re on!
He extended his hand and I lifted mine from Brant’s grasp, a feeling of floating washing over me. When I slipped my hand into his, he tenderly placed his other hand over it, barely grazing my flesh with his own as he looked deep into my eyes. “I’m Kade. It’s an extraordinary pleasure to meet you, Lauren.” He looked to where his hands covered mine, tenderly brushing my knuckles with his fingertips as he pulled his hands away. “Brant told me you were recovering from some minor burns.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Kade.” I looked at my hands an
d the pink tinge that covered my exposed arms, noticing for the first time that I had goosebumps. “I’m feeling a lot better today.”
He stepped back and motioned us inside. “I apologize. It’s getting cold out and I just left you both standing out there to freeze.”
I shook my head but hurried into the spacious foyer alongside Brant whose hand once again carefully threaded through mine. “It’s not that. I’m going to be cold no matter what for the next few days. Side effect of the burns.”
Kade stood back from us and gave me a crooked smile that had me biting back a sigh. “Well, the house has individual climate controls for every room so adjust them as you need. Whatever helps you feel most comfortable.”
Brant cocked his head at Kade. “You’re freaking me out with this ultra-accommodating shit. Cut it out.” He chuckled. “She’ll think you’re a gentleman or something.”
Kade regarded him stoically. “You saying I can’t be civilized, fuckface?”
My laugh drew both of their gazes to me. Two matching smirks. One set of deep gray eyes and one set that shined a bright cornflower blue.
Cue spontaneous ovary explosion.
Being the focus of both of their attention at once was like being cast into the spotlight after a lifetime in shadow. Kade turned away, grabbing a t-shirt from the table near the door and tossing it over his shoulder instead of slipping it on.
Losing his gaze didn’t dull the spotlight one damn bit.
Brant still watched me, an amused smile on his face and a hint of desire in his eyes.
“Sorry.” Kade said, running his hands through his wet strands. “I was just getting out of the shower when the guard called.” He glanced around and pursed his lips in an endearing way. “Give me five minutes to finish dressing and I’ll give you the grand tour.” His eyes were on me. He tipped his head toward Brant. “That jackass has already seen everything, obviously, but I take my host duties seriously so I’ll be manning the tour myself. After that, I’ll let you two get settled in. There’s a massive waterfall shower off of the master suite that would be great for soothing your skin, Lauren.”
I nodded happily and, after a quick wink, he disappeared down the long hallway to the left of the foyer, giving me a fleeting real-life glimpse of his infamous ‘spine of steel’ back tattoo.
“See?” Brant leaned close, dropping his voice. “You didn’t even try to hump him.”
“Not yet,” I smirked before leaning closer, whispering into his shoulder. “But I think I peed a little.”
Brant’s laughter echoed through the entire house.
“Shh!” I hissed. “He might ask what you found so funny.”
“And I might tell him, too.” Oh really? “Ow! Dammit! Quit pinching me!” He laughed, rubbing his arm.
“Quit giving me reasons to,” I quipped, biting back a laugh.
Ten
An hour later…
Holy fucking shit!
I’m using Kade Edenfield’s shower.
I’m actually standing naked in the man’s shower.
I couldn’t help thinking to myself that he probably came up with a lot of the songs I loved so much right there in that shower, maybe hummed an inspired tune while standing under the spray or tried to jot down ideas on the steam covering the clear glass doors. It made me absolutely giddy to think some of the songs that I listened to every single day might have been born here in this house, in this very shower. It didn’t escape me that the man also stood naked in this very spot on a daily basis when he was here, but something about being in the place of inception made more of an impact.
I gave myself a last quick rinse, grateful for the blissfully cool water on my scalded skin as I looked around in wonderment. It was like I’d stepped out of a horror movie and into a beautiful daydream. If my flesh wasn’t still tender, I would have pinched myself.
How did I end up here? How did I go from Isaac’s dried blood under my fingernails to this posh mansion and meeting my idol?
I pulled a thick, incredibly fluffy towel from the rack just outside the wide glass shower door and began to carefully pat my skin dry, wincing at the bite of pain where some places were scalded more than others. I could hear Brant pacing in the bedroom, so I sighed and called out to him. “I’m fine. The cool shower helped a lot. Stop pacing or you’ll wear a groove in that expensive rug you’re standing on.”
The sound of his feet shuffling across the carpet halted. “I have the aloe gel out here. It’s about time for another application.”
“Nag.” I muttered, trailing a finger over the plush robe on the back of the door.
“I heard that.”
I had to smile at his petulant tone. “Fine,” I sighed. “Bring it in but I’m only doing this to humor you. I really am much better.”
I stepped back as the door swung open and he took in my towel-draped body.
“Yeah, right.” His tone was disbelieving, with a heavy dose of concern. “Much better, my ass. Look how red your skin still is.” He pointed at the wide jetted tub and waited for me to go sit on the edge. Pouring a dollop of the gel in his hand and handing me the bottle, he frowned. “Would probably be easier if you stood in the tub naked and I just poured the whole damn bottle over you.”
I offered him a wry smile. “Very funny, smartass. Just slather it on the exposed areas so I can get you out of here and get dressed.”
“And the areas under the towel?” He asked, in all seriousness.
“Are you looking for a repeat performance, Weirdo?” I quirked a brow.
He leaned away, frowning as one hand fisted at his hip while the other pointed at me in an accusatory jab. “I’m not being a perv here, dammit. I don’t want you to hurt any more than necessary and it’s been way too long since you put this stuff on last…”
“Um, Brant…”
“I’d never use this situation to try and make a move on you…”
“Okay, but Brant…”
“You should know better than that by now…”
“I do, but…”
“I know what happened yesterday was…”
“Brant! Will you shut the hell up for two seconds, please?” I shouted, exasperated.
His eyes widened to near cartoon-character proportions. “What’d you yell at me for?”
I pointed to his hand, still fisted at his hip. “You’re dripping all over the floor.”
He frowned and looked down at the puddle of aloe at his feet a moment before raising his clenched fist in the air in front of him. The one that had been filled with gel before he got frustrated and squished it all out onto Kade’s marble bathroom floor.
“Well, shit. That ruined the moment.” He shook his head, embarrassed.
“Don’t worry. Happens to lots of guys.” I offered a sympathetic nod.
His eyes shot to mine as a huge smile broke out over his care-worn face. He took the bottle from my hands and shrugged, laughing. “Least I can do is finish you off now, right?”
I snagged the bottle from him, holding it behind my back as I winked. “Nope. I think you know by now I can do that myself.”
•••
In the end, I let him put the damn aloe on my burns. Mostly because he needed to feel useful but also because who the fuck can reach the middle of their back, anyway?
Not me.
Freshly slathered with aloe, dressed, and blow-dried, I emerged from the bathroom and followed the sounds of male voices until I found Brant and Kade. They stood chatting on either side of a huge outdoor heater on the wide stone patio that ran the entire length of the mansion. Kade had graciously showed us the entire house earlier, and the patio was by far my favorite spot on the tour. It was gorgeous. Natural stone floor, pots filled with winter foliage, and meticulously hand-carved patio furniture. The cushions on the chairs and long couches looked about a mile thick and the couch closest to Brant was calling my name. I hadn’t realized how tired I was until I was barely able to keep my eyes open while blow-drying my hair.
&
nbsp; “Hey, pretty lady. Feeling better?” Kade asked pleasantly, a charming smile in place just as before. He was so welcoming, polite. Normal. It was unexpected. Nothing like the brooding bad boy that graced all those magazine covers.
“Much. Thank you.” I padded to Brant’s side, nudging him playfully with my elbow as I took a seat off to his left and slightly behind him.
The moment my body settled into the cushion, Brant was covering me with a blanket. It was like he’d conjured the damn thing out of thin air. “Here you go. Don’t want you getting a chill. Those burns draw a lot of heat out of you.”
Kade nodded, watching Brant fawn over me. “Like having a bad sunburn and getting the shivers. I hate that feeling.” He turned his attention to me. “Beer? Wine? The bar is stocked with every liquor known to man or I could rustle up some hot tea or cocoa, if you’d rather have something to help you stay warm.”
I shook my head. “Thanks. I’m fine right now. I may make some tea in a while, if that’s okay.”
“Mi casa es su casa.” Kade smiled, taking a long swallow of his beer.
Brant turned back to him, resuming their conversation and letting me relax a while. It was uncanny how well he read my moods. He probably knew how exhausted I was the moment I stepped outside.
“So, the band will be in Canada the next few weeks? Then where are you off to?” Brant was asking, domestic longneck in hand.
“We have a show in New York for Thanksgiving that we have to come back for, then it’s back up north until the end of December. We’ll get a few weeks off for the holidays, of course. After that we’re in the studio for a couple months.” Kade’s deep gravelly voice was like a slow moving train, steady, hypnotic. It was one of the things I loved most about TotC’s music. Even when he was singing about pain and rage, his voice soothed the soul. I could close my eyes and listen to it all day.
He looked around the expansive backyard. “Probably won’t spend much time here until spring. A weekend here and there but for the most part, we’ll be traveling. Which is why you need to get your ass to work on those upgrades to the new bus.” He pointed his beer at Brant, chiding. “I need more room if I’m gonna be cooped up with those shitheads all the time.”