by Andrea Hurtt
Hope leaned into her friend. “You know that song you like, Unfinished? I think that’s them.” Her voice was a stage-whisper, and Nick wanted to smile.
“Are you sure?”
Yes, the song was one of theirs.
He felt a twinge of anticipation in his stomach. At least Hope knew who they were. And she wasn’t acting like the typical fan, freaking out like they do.
Hope pulled her phone out and typed something. She turned it around, showing them.
The results showed the artist was Razor’s Edge.
“Okay, all that proves is the name of the band was right. That doesn’t mean they’re a part,” Grace pointed out.
He shot Blaze a look, and a grin crept across his friend’s face. He knew exactly what Nick was thinking.
They nodded at each other, took a step closer and sang in perfect pitch and harmony.
“Pretending You were never here, Stuck in a world of dreams,
Wishing I could heal my heart, All I do is scream,
Without you I am, Unfinished.”
When they finished, Nick glanced at Hope, hoping for the recognition that usually came with the knowledge of who he was.
“That’s cool. So what’re you drinking tonight?” Grace asked Hope.
His attention was yanked away from the object of his desire when her friend spoke. He blinked, and his words vanished.
Blaze scoffed. “‘That's cool’? We tell you we are part of the number one pop band in the world and all you can say is ‘that’s cool’?”
“Not to insult you or anything, Blaze, but yeah, that’s cool. It doesn’t change anything. You’re still the nice, dark-eyed guy I danced with last night. Would you prefer I fawn all over you?”
“Hey, Grace, can I talk to you for a sec?” Some guy from the play pulled the actress away from their circle.
Nick stood in stunned silence that obviously mirrored his friend’s. He subtly watched Hope as all this went down, trying to gauge her reaction, too.
She wasn’t as aloof as her friend was, but she also wasn’t fawning like he’d expected; like he was used to.
“I promise, she’s normally not this snarky,” Hope told Blaze. “She’s just been a little stressed. If you give her another chance…”
Blaze smiled, and Nick narrowed his eyes a little.
What was his friend up to?
“Actually, I find it quite refreshing. Because of my bad-boy appearance and attitude, people have a tendency to avoid confrontation with me. She’s a little spitfire. She kind of reminds me of my Nana.” His buddy cocked his head to the side. “There’s one thing I don’t get.”
“What’s that?” Hope asked.
“Not to sound cocky, but how can she not know who I am? Everyone knows Razor’s Edge. Don’t they?”
Nick snorted. His friend wasn’t wrong.
She let out a deep breath. “Well, look at it this way. I love the song Moves Like Jagger and I know it’s by Maroon 5. But I couldn’t tell you any other songs they have, let alone the names or faces of the band members. She may not know any other songs by your group. Don’t take it personally.”
Blaze’s face changed. Softened.
That wasn’t easy for the bad-boy to do. People often feared Blaze’s backlash, but not this woman. Grace really was different. Maybe she’d be the right one for his buddy.
What about him?
Nick stepped closer, slipping his arm around Hope’s shoulder.
She molded into the groove of his body.
He’d had plenty of women tucked right where the petite brunette was nestled, but they never felt like this.
Perfect.
He put his cheek on the top of her head and let out a little sigh. “It just amazes me how perfectly you fit here.”
Shit, did I say that out loud?
Panic made him fidget.
Why had he said that? It was a weird-comforting feeling when he touched her, like they’d known each other for years instead of hours.
Hope’s body tensed at his words.
Don’t fuck this up, boy. For Blaze’s sake, yeah. My buddy needs to hook up with Grace.
“Don’t worry, little one. I’d like to get to know every little thing about you.” He moved to look down at her.
Their caught gaze was so intense, she broke their eye contact and glanced over at Blaze.
“You know, it’d be okay if you want to talk to her,” she said.
It hit Nick hard that she was avoiding him now, even though she was still under his arm.
“That’s okay. I’m enjoying the view. Besides, she’s doing her thing. I can tell she’s good at working the crowd. What kind of guys does she like? What kind of guys has she dated?”
Hope’s cheeks flush red from the question. “I, um… I have no clue if Grace has dated anyone in the past three years.”
“Really?” Blaze asked.
“I live too far away,” she whispered, before turning to those gorgeous eyes back on him. “Uh, Nick,” she began. “Tell me a little about yourself.”
“That could take all night,” Blaze teased.
“All right, just the basics then.” His lady smiled, and the pink on her cheeks was so charming.
Nick flashed his best smile, ignoring his buddy. “Well, I’m the oldest of six kids, Charles and Angel are the youngest. We’re the only boys, too, so most of the time it was just him and me. I joined Razor’s Edge when I was twelve, and the rest is history.”
She slipped out of his arms to set her empty wine glass on the bar.
He felt empty without her there.
Nick reached for her, bringing her back into his embrace again. He couldn’t help himself. He remembered what she’d said about Maroon 5. Maybe she didn’t know their history.
Good, then she doesn’t know about my past.
It would be the first time in his life he’d get a clean slate.
He wouldn’t… no, couldn’t, lose his chance with this one.
But what about her?
Did she have secrets that could destroy him?
“Don’t worry about me, it’s you I want to get to know.”
“Oh, there’s not much to me. I’m just... nobody.”
“Trust me, you are somebody. I want to know more.”
Hope took a deep breath. “I’m the youngest. I have two older brothers, and a sister. I’m not close to them. We have a bit of an age difference. My life is rather boring. I’m an insurance adjuster. Oh, and my companions… I have three dogs...”
Nick chuckled. “Well, the dogs might be an issue; I have a mild allergy.”
“An issue?” Hope asked. A frown marred her pretty face, and she sounded confused.
“Yeah, when we ‘get to know each other better’. I don’t want to be sneezing all over you.”
“I, um… I need to use the ladies’ room.” She excused herself and practically ran from him.
Chapter 4
Hope stared at herself in the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed red.
What the hell’s going on here?
She couldn’t believe things were happening the way they were.
Did a conversation mean ‘something happened?’
Nick had scared her.
Why did he think he’d ever spend time with her dogs?
He’d certainly wanted nothing more than a one-night-stand, wouldn’t he?
Was she even interested in something like that? It wasn’t something she’d ever entertained before, but could Hope say no to someone as good looking as Nick?
It wasn’t every day a bonafide popstar showed interest in her.
He was famous.
She ran her hands under the water, reveling in the cold. She put her hands up to her face, and the shock to her hot skin was exactly what she needed. Hope sighed, shut off the water and headed out of the bathroom.
“Thank you for letting me tell Ms. Grace the news about her permanent position in the company. I think she’s going to be a great fit in L.A., don’t
you think?”
She overheard an older gentleman say. There was a tall blond man talking to him.
“Indeed, Grace is perfect to join our theater. Actor and promoter? I couldn’t ask for a better pers…”
Hope didn’t hear the rest of the conversation, since they walked just out of earshot, but the news of her best friend’s future overjoyed her. She smiled when she rejoined the two gorgeous men.
She and Grace could do worse.
Nick slipped his hand to glide round her waist the moment she was within reaching distance.
Hope was still in disbelief, and didn’t move. However, there wasn’t an opportunity to comment, because Blaze stepped away and Grace rejoined them.
“The party’s winding down. I’ve got to get out of costume. I’ll be quick, but it usually takes me about forty-five minutes. Do you want to meet back at the hotel or hang out here?” Her friend’s voice was quiet, mostly likely for Hope’s ears only.
Their present company overheard.
“Actually,” Nick interrupted. “There’s a bar right across the street. Blaze and I would be more than glad to keep Hope company.”
Grace chewed at her bottom lip, with obvious nerves, looking around the room.
Hope followed her friend’s eyes when they rested on the dark-haired man standing at the bar.
“I should apologize to Blaze. I was rude. But I’m not sure I have it in me to have another late night, though,” Grace said.
“Just come for a little while,” she said. She needed to spend more time with Nick. Needed to get to the bottom of things. “I’ll make sure you leave early enough.”
Grace nodded and hugged her before heading backstage.
Blaze returned to them, and Nick quickly explained their plans for the night.
“Hell, yeah. I’m totally up for keeping this one company,” he said, winking at Hope.
Her face burned all over, and her heart sped up.
Once again, both men slipped an arm through her own, escorting her across the street to the bar.
Hope glanced around the establishment. Straight back was a long bar, hundreds of liquor bottles lined up behind the bartender.
Tables and chairs were scattered thorough, with various people standing around. There was a large dance floor to the right, and to the left were four pool tables.
Nick took her hand, the heat from his skin radiating through her body, leaving her slightly stunned.
His interest in her was…surreal.
Exciting, and scary.
It couldn’t be real?
Without a word, he led her to the bar. He didn’t let go of her when he leaned against it, and gave the man behind the counter his order, a Corona for both him and Blaze.
“What are you having?” he inquired.
Hope laughed when they both called out to the bartender for a ‘Sex on the Beach’.
He flashed a devilish smile; the sparkle coming back into his intense blue eyes.
“Yes, please,” she whispered. Hope’s cheeks flushed with heat all over, so she looked down at her hands, avoiding his hot gaze.
How did I get here?
An hour ago, they’d been enjoying cheese and wine, and his arm had snaked around her.
When Nick had expressed that he wanted to get to know her, she couldn’t have been more stunned.
Why?
Hope had always suffered from mild depression, which was funny, considering her name.
She’d had her heart broken so viciously a few years ago, and would never trust a man again. She was very suspicious of Nick and his actions.
Nick gently ran the tips of his fingers over the back of her right hand. “What did you do to me, little one?”
Hope shifted a little closer to make sure she heard him right. “Excuse me?”
What was he talking about?
“You make me feel like I’m any other guy. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way before. It’s a little weird.”
Hope blinked.
What could she say?
He was just like any guy.
“I don’t know what I did. I mean, I just met you and all, but…” She stumbled for words.
The bartender rescued her, handing them their drinks.
“This is what I am talking about. You just found out I’m part of the most popular pop band in the world, and you still act like this. Were you just about any other girl…” He shook his head, but didn’t finish.
Hope had an idea.
Nick probably had women rubbing up against him all the time, trying to get a little attention.
She wasn’t like that. She was more than happy to stay out of the light.
To have a guy paying attention to her was a little scary.
Especially a guy like him.
He gave her hand a gentle tug, and headed straight for the pool tables. “Wanna play?”
“Pool?” she asked.
“Well, that’s all we can play right now, so, yeah. Pool.” He winked.
Hope had to look away.
What the heck was happening?
She looked at Blaze, and the small smile on his lips traveled to fill his dark eyes with light.
Things were about to get frisky for her best friend.
Was the same happening for her?
The rustling of acrylic balls behind her caught her attention. Nick was stocking the balls into a wooden triangle.
What a view.
His dark jeans showed off his assets really nicely. When he bent over to add another ball to the setup, a white belt peeked out from under the light blue shirt he wore.
He was…delicious.
She needed to relax. A guy that looked like him had never been into Hope.
She could have a little fun with the popstar. It wasn’t like it meant forever.
“Ready?” Nick asked, making direct eye contact.
She was learning fast that it was what he was prone to and she needed to stop let it freak her out. Hope cleared her throat. “I think I’ll let you two play a round first.” She gently shook her drink, letting the ice tink against the glass.
“Only this once. You’ll play the winner of this one.”
Nick went first, sending the balls in all directions, sinking a striped ball. He missed on the next shot. He moved over to stand by her left side while Blaze took his turn.
Hope sat on a high bar stool, and put the heels of her shoes behind the only rung on the front of the chair, for a bit of stability in an otherwise unsure situation.
Nick leaned ever so slightly against her legs, and she was bold, testing her and his limits.
“Good choice! Since you got one in, you get to go again. Shall I help you?”
Hope could only nod. Her heart tripped again. She might not really need the help, but she wanted his body on hers. The thrill of it shot down her spine.
Nick positioned himself behind her, exactly the same as he’d done before. Only this time, he pressed a little closer to her. “Do you see the line?”
“I think so.”
“Pull back and release.”
She was just about to do so, when out of the corner of her eye, Grace stepped into view. Embarrassment overtook the delicious temptation. Hope popped up from the risqué position.
Blaze pushed off the wall and closed the distance between them and Grace. He pulled her friend into his arms.
“Um, hi Blaze?” Grace sputtered.
They both needed a moment to get away from all the testosterone around them.
“Come to the bar with me and get a drink?” Hope moved away from Nick.
Grace nodded.
When they got to the bar, Hope leaned into the counter. She had a secret. “You need to have a drink,” she told her best friend.
“Thank you, but I’ll wait until tomorrow.”
“No, Grace, you won’t. You need to celebrate tonight.”
“Not until tomorrow. I give certain things up during a production.”
She’d had enough. Sh
e’d overheard a little about what lay ahead for her dearest friend, not only with the theater, but the potential with Blaze.
The girl needed to get a clue.
“You need to be honest with yourself. I know you forgo liquor for your plays, but you gave up having relationships permanently. You really need to move on.”
Her friend’s back went ramrod-stiff and she clenched her fists tight. Grace blew out the breath she held and started to walk away.
Hope grabbed her arm, spinning her friend back to face her. “I don’t mean the loss of your parents, damn it! I meant him… You can’t let one bad night with some asshole ruin the rest of your life. He wins if you never let yourself live! I think you have a very hot man just feet away, ready to bend over backwards for you. Or bend you over backwards. Either way, it’s time.”
The wheels turning in Grace’s head were visible on her face.
Maybe Hope had hit a nerve after all.
“I overheard something tonight, on my way to the ladies’ room, about you permanently joining the company?”
Grace stared, but didn’t speak.
“So it’s true? That’s amazing and definitely something to celebrate! It’s only one drink.” Not waiting for a reply, Hope pulled her cellphone out of her back pocket and looked at the screen. Then she laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“I have this awesome app called Mixology. It tells you how to make different drinks. We have to have this one.” She flashed the picture on the screen.
Her friend laughed with her and agreed.
With their drinks in hand, they headed back to the pool table, and back to Nick and Blaze.
She reached for his soft, tousled hair. Her fingers slid along his scalp, finding pure joy in the innocent, yet seductive way she was touching him.
The soft moan that escaped his lips said he enjoyed it as much as she did.
Blaze missed on his turn, and Nick had to step away to play.
When he did, Blaze stood to her right side. He stayed silent while Nick sank another ball. Then he coughed, as if trying to get courage to ask Hope something. He finally spoke. “Do you think she’ll get here soon?”