by D. Kelly
Tears begin to fall from my eyes. She’s being truthful; this is everything I’ve ever wanted, just with a different kind of writing.
“Besides, it’s not like you’re going to be missing much. You hate your job and you’ve wanted to quit for a long time. The money is phenomenal, and all your expenses will be paid. Aside from me, you have nothing holding you here, and I’ll be there with you often. I’m already figuring a once a month spotlight will be awesome for the magazine.”
She’s making valid points, and thinking about it is almost liberating. I can get out of my crappy apartment and be able to promote my book with the full backing of a publisher. It’s a dream come true.
“You’re right, Belle. It’s everything I’ve always wanted. Well, except being packed in a tour bus with BAD. That was never my fantasy.”
“Oh, Mel, but it’s such a good fantasy to have.” She falls into laughter, and so do I.
“You can do this, Mel, you just have to choose to. But if you’re in, you know you have to see it through to the end. I know you’ve never quit a job easily, even the bad ones, which is why you still work for bitch face. But if it gets to you out on the road, you have to stay. You have to fight your demons. I’ll help you get through it.”
She’s right about everything. I can do this; I know I can. You’re not living until you push yourself out of your comfort zone, right? Well, this is definitely beyond the scope of mine.
“Excuse us, ladies, but we were wondering if we could cut in on your alone time?”
Noah and Darren have come down to keep us company. Darren has a blanket and is holding out his hand to Belle. I think I know exactly what he has in mind for their night.
“Do you mind if I steal your friend for a walk down the beach, Mel?” Darren asks sweetly.
I shake my head. “No, not at all.” So far, other than Sawyer, they all seem to be really nice guys. I haven’t seen much yet to make me think they deserve the reputation they have.
Noah sits next to me, and I throw the blanket over his shoulder. Neither of us says anything for a long time as we look out at the ocean. He smells good, and the feeling of his body heat wrapped under this blanket with mine is nice, comforting.
“Do you prefer Amelia or Mel?” he asks, eventually breaking the silence.
“I don’t really care. Either is fine, just don’t start calling me Princess or we’re going to have a problem.”
He roars in laughter. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Sorry Sawyer can be a bit of a dick at times, but he’s got a good heart.”
“Who’s older, you or Sawyer?”
“I’m older by six minutes. We’re fraternal twins.”
“I always wished I was a twin when I was younger. That must have been fun growing up.”
“It had its moments. It was much better when our mom stopped dressing us alike.” He smiles in fondness.
“Aw, I bet those are the cutest pictures.” I can imagine him and Sawyer, young and adorable.
“I’ll show you sometime if you come with us.”
With a raised eyebrow, I turn to look at him. “So you’re resorting to blackmail?”
He pushes his shoulder against mine in a playful gesture. “Not blackmail, just another incentive for you to come with us.”
“Noah, why do you guys want me?”
“Mel, you’re different, especially compared to the other two candidates. And frankly, you’re a better fit for us. Aside from being smart and motivated, you’re not a fan. It might be disappointing to my ego but really is a breath of fresh air to my soul. Best of all, you have no problem putting Sawyer in his place, which is awesome and exactly what he needs. Lastly, although this has absolutely no bearing on why you were offered the job … you’re beautiful.”
He says “you’re beautiful” in a whisper, and goose bumps spread over my body. I need to be careful here; I haven’t been in a relationship in over a year. Noah or Sawyer could have me falling for them easily, but this needs to stay professional.
“If I do this, we need to be friends. I need to get to know you guys. You’ll all have to let me into your world. Do you think you’ll be able to do that?”
An excited gleam sparks in his eyes. “Absolutely. I’ll have to work on Sawyer. We’ll all have to work on Sawyer. This is something he wants, too. I can’t promise he’ll be easy, but he’ll eventually let you in. He’s got trust issues, so you’re going to have to earn his trust, but I’ll help however I can.”
Great. Between my demons and Sawyer’s trust issues, we’re going to make a great pair.
“Alright,” I reply with a resigned sigh.
He jumps up, pulling me with him. “Alright you’re in?”
I nod my head. “I’m in.”
He picks me up and spins me around. “Thank you, Mel. This is going to be the greatest tour yet. You know fate brought you to us tonight, don’t you?” he asks excitedly.
“You believe in fate?” I ask as he slides me down his body, still holding me close once my feet are firmly planted in the sand.
“Of course. I wouldn’t be where I am today if fate didn’t have something to do with it. We worked our asses off to get here but so did thousands of other bands who failed. There had to be a stronger force at play and I’m thankful, for whatever reason, we were the chosen ones.”
He releases me and bends down to pick up the blanket and flashlight, then takes my hand in his and starts walking back.
“Fate and I aren’t exactly friends,” I confess, letting my guard down a bit. If they have to let me into their lives, I suppose I’ll eventually have to let them into mine. Might as well start with baby steps.
“Are you sure about that? Maybe she’s trying to make amends now. You’ve got a bestselling novel and were just offered a job most people would kill for. Sounds to me like she’s trying to make things up to you.”
“You’re pretty optimistic. Are you always like this?”
He shrugs his shoulders. “Yeah, I guess so. My life is crazy, but I don’t have many complaints. Once this tour is over, I probably won’t have any. There are a lot of people having a hard time out there, and my issues are small in comparison.”
“Under your bad boy exterior, you’re not really such a bastard, are you, Noah Weston? I’m going to enjoy getting to know you.” My candid confession surprises me.
“I’m looking forward to it.” He squeezes my hand in his, and I’m not sure what to do. I’m normally a pretty standoffish person and holding hands like this is pretty far out of my comfort zone.
“Is this making you uncomfortable?” he asks, holding our hands up in front of us.
“It’s that obvious?”
He chuckles and releases my hand. “Sorry, I’m a pretty friendly guy, and I haven’t been around a girl in years who would be uncomfortable holding my hand. You intrigue me, Amelia Greyson.”
“I get it. You’ve had no shortage of willing women at your disposal for a decade at least.”
“It’s true, but just because they were there and available doesn’t mean they’re what I wanted. I’m not one of those guys who gets off on having a different chick in his bed every night. I’m not sure any of us are, or ever were.”
“Not even Sawyer?”
He pauses and inhales deeply while running a hand through his hair. “Sawyer is complicated. Something happened when we were kids that changed him. He’s deep and deeply affected by everything around him. I think it’s what makes him such an amazing songwriter, but sometimes he needs to find solace in whatever girl is closest.”
Noah drops down and sits on a step, holding his head in his hands. I feel completely out of place, but I get the sense he really needs someone to talk to, so I take a seat next to him and awkwardly pat his shoulder.
This is so not my thing.
When he looks up again, his eyes lock on mine. “There are things we don’t talk about to anyone, not ever. You’re going to be on the tour, so there a
re things you should know. Sawyer is rough around the edges. You’ve already witnessed that for yourself. He copes by having meaningless sex, and it works for a while. Sawyer was burned badly once by a girl, and he took it really hard. Ever since, he’s been completely closed off.”
“I’m sorry, Noah.”
“Don’t be,” he replies with a smile. “For the first time in ages, tonight, the old Sawyer was present. I think you could be the key to getting him to open up again.”
“You don’t think I’m going to hook up with Sawyer, do you? I’m not … I can’t … just no,” I say, scrambling to my feet.
Noah’s laughter follows me as he gets to his feet. “No, we aren’t bringing you on tour to pimp you out to Sawyer, Mel. God, you’re adorable. We’re bringing you on tour because you’re the perfect person to get him to tell his story. He responds to you, and he hasn’t responded to a woman in a long time. At least, not for longer than it takes to get laid.”
“Okay.” My voice wavers in hesitation, but he isn’t fazed.
“It will be fun, you’ll see.”
I second-guess my decision the whole way up the stairs and into the house. It’s surprisingly quiet. Guess they’re pretty mellow when they want to be.
“Is there a restroom I can use?”
Warren glances up from the table and points at the hallway. “Use Sawyer’s. He’s in the garage, and honestly, it’s the cleanest one in the house. He’s a neat freak. Second door on the left, bathroom is inside to the right, you can’t miss it.”
The hall is dark and only illuminated by their earthquake nightlights. I find Sawyer’s room easily and head to the bathroom. Just as I’m about to knock on the closed door, it opens and a hand reaches out and pulls me into the darkness.
“What the fuck?” I cry out softly.
“Fucking hell, Princess.”
Sawyer.
The room is steamy; he must have just gotten out of the shower. Before getting the chance to tell him where to shove his Princess comment, his lips crash against mine. One hand finds the back of my head and he tugs me close as his free arm wraps around my waist, pulling me even closer.
It’s fucking hot, and when his tongue glides across my lips, I open to him. I can’t help it; my body succumbs to his instinctually. As our tongues meet, I moan in absolute pleasure and wrap my arms around him.
Fucking hell, can he kiss.
Then I do what I’ve wanted to do since I first laid eyes on him. Pulling his lip ring into my mouth, I tug on it with my teeth. Even if his pleasurable moans didn’t tell me how much he enjoys it, his hard length growing against me would be a dead giveaway.
I want to fuck him.
Thankfully, my conscience chooses this moment to remind me this is not even in the realm of possibilities. I don’t do this anymore, especially not with people I work for.
Reluctantly, I push him away. “We can’t,” I whisper breathlessly.
“Oh, Princess,” he says, placing my hand on his cock, “I’m pretty sure we can.”
I laugh, I can’t help it, and when he flips the light on, I blink repeatedly. When my eyes focus on him, he looks offended and determined at the same time. My eyes take him in slowly, and I’ll be damned if I don’t lick my lips. He catches it, too, and smirks like the devil.
All he’s wearing is a towel. He’s nothing but well-defined muscles and tattoos. His nipples are pierced, and my breathing becomes rapid. There’s nothing separating us except his towel and my clothes.
And your conscience, Amelia, don’t forget about that.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do this.”
“Your body says otherwise.”
So does the beating of my heart, but this is wrong.
“Maybe it does, but I don’t think with my body anymore, I think with my mind. We can’t do this if I’m coming on tour with you.”
He’s frustrated. I don’t blame him; I am, too. That may have been the hottest kiss ever. But there’s something else lingering in his gaze, I just can’t pinpoint what it is.
“Alright. I’ve never had a woman turn me down before. I’m not sure I like it. It’s your call, Princess. You know where to find me if you change your mind.”
With those words, he turns and walks out, closing the door behind him. I take a few moments to calm myself before using the facilities and when I finish, he’s nowhere in sight. It’s just as well.
As I walk back into the living room, Warren shoots me an apologetic look. “Sorry, Amelia, I didn’t realize Sawyer had come back up.”
With a shrug of my shoulders, I reply, “It’s alright. It’s not like I’ve never seen a man in a towel before. Besides, I’m sure I’ll end up seeing a lot of that on the buses.”
“About that … I know tomorrow is Sunday, but would you mind coming by my office and filling out all the paperwork? The quicker we move on it, the better. Sam and Anna are coming down for the day tomorrow, and he’d like to speak with you as well while he’s here.”
“Of course. What time is good for you?”
“How about noon? I’ll have some sandwiches brought in as well.”
“Sounds great.”
“Hey, Mel, want to watch a movie with us while you wait for Belle?” Noah smiles from across the room. He, Wyatt, and Sawyer are debating between The Avengers and The Goonies. Considering Belle is sure to be a while, it’s not like I’ve got anything else to do.
“Sure, why not?”
I’ve got a feeling this is going to be the first of many movies I watch with these guys.
NDAs Go Both Ways
Last night was surprisingly fun. Even more surprising, I fell asleep with my head on Noah’s shoulder. Belle and Darren took their time on the beach, and then she had a million more questions about her article. By the time she dropped me off it was almost five in the morning.
Watching The Goonies with the guys was fun. They’re the kind of people who know all the lines and ad lib their way through. I usually find that annoying, but they were completely into it. One of the things I already love about them is how much of a family they truly are.
Now—after three cups of coffee and a forty-minute drive—I’m in the elevator on my way up to Warren’s office.
I’m so nervous.
It’s silent in the elevator. What the hell kind of record company doesn’t have music piping into their elevator? One that is closed on the weekends, I guess.
“Amelia,” Warren calls out, waving me down the hall with his hand, “come join me in my office. Sam will be here in a little while with our lunch.”
All morning, I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell Warren who I am. I’d like him to keep it confidential, but I know it’s a lot to ask of him. However, I just don’t feel right accepting this job until he knows all the facts.
His office is huge, and I can see the ocean sparkling in the sunlight through his windows. What a gorgeous view. The walls are covered with gold and platinum records, photos of BAD, and other industry plaques and paraphernalia. It reminds me so much of my dad’s office, but I won’t go there—not today.
“Please, have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?” He motions to a plush leather chair across from his desk, and I make myself comfortable.
“A bottle of water would be great, thank you.”
After he hands me the water, he sits across from me and looks at me thoughtfully.
“You’re the perfect combination of them.” My mouth drops with his words. He chuckles and leans back in his chair.
“I was going to tell you,” I stammer softly.
“I’m sure you were. Last night, it gnawed at me for a long time. I knew I recognized you from somewhere. You probably don’t remember me. You couldn’t have been more than five or six the last time I saw you.”
“Sorry,” I say, shaking my head.
“Eh, some things are best left in the past. It came to me on my way here this morning. Now, I realize why you�
��re so hesitant to join us. So what I have to ask you is, are you sure you can handle this?”
“No, but I won’t back out once I’m in. I’m sure their issues aren’t the same, but you could tell me that for sure. Are their lives as dramatic as my parents’ were?”
He leans forward and steeples his fingers, thinking long and hard. It’s not the response I was hoping for.
“Amelia, no disrespect, but I don’t think anyone is as dramatic as your parents were. That isn’t to say they don’t come with their own drama because they do. This lifestyle always brings drama in one form or another. However, I’d prefer for you to form your own opinion of them without me pointing out their weaknesses.”
“Fair enough.”
“You know, for what it’s worth, as bad as things got with your parents, they did love each other, and they loved you. Sometimes, as adults, you lose yourself in someone else so completely you don’t know where they end and you begin. It’s not a bad thing unless you let it become toxic, and unfortunately, that’s what they did.”
I’m quiet. I’ve got too much anger and sadness within to comment on his thoughts. Instead, I nod my head in understanding, even if I don’t agree.
“You go by Greyson now, and you’ve been out of the public eye for what … eleven, twelve years?”
“About that,” I answer softly.
“I’m assuming, then … you’d like to keep your identity secret for as long as possible.”
The pointed look he gives me has a clear meaning, and it’s something I’ve been thinking about since last night.
“Yes. I realize my anonymity won’t last very long, especially if I take the deal from SOS, but I’d like to hold on to it as long as possible. I hope that doesn’t put you in an awkward situation.”
“You know, NDAs work both ways. What they don’t know won’t hurt them, and they won’t hear it from my lips. Once upon a time, your parents were good friends of mine, but when things got bad …”
“When things got bad, Joey Triton shut out the world, including me, so you probably shouldn’t take it personally.”
“This is inappropriate of me to ask, and you don’t have to answer, but is it true about the money? The rumors have been circulating for years.”