by A. P. Jensen
“Really?” Missy drawled.
Regan nodded and Missy winked at Bethany.
“Wade’s a hottie. If I went for younger men and Regan hadn’t dated him, I would’ve hit that,” Missy said.
Regan’s mouth dropped. “You wouldn’t!”
Missy shrugged. “He’s hot and he’s always been big…”
“I’m telling Guy,” Regan chirped gleefully.
“You do and you die!”
“Just try and stop me,” Regan said and turned towards the shore. “Oh, brother-in-law, I have something to tell you!”
Regan didn’t get to say more because Missy dragged them both underwater. A furious fight commenced and Demi and Bethany got out of the way as the sister’s tried to drown each other. Luckily, Guy heard Regan before Missy attacked and made his way over. He was no match to take on both women, though, and called Brooks and Johnny over to help. It took two men to restrain Regan.
“Time out!” Brooks declared.
Regan tried to bite him and he fended her off easily. Brooks grinned devilishly as he took Regan from Johnny and tossed her over his shoulder. When Regan struggled, he smacked her butt hard and she yelped. Everyone laughed as he carried her up to the cabin and disappeared inside.
“I’m gonna pray for Brooks,” Bethany said.
Demi laughed. A couple of days ago, she would have been mortified on Regan’s behalf. Now, she could only imagine what kind of ‘punishment’ Regan would get from her husband. “Don’t bother. Brooks likes Regan just the way she is.”
“Fine, I’ll pray for Chase,” Bethany said.
Johnny dragged Demi into the horde of kids and within an hour, she was exhausted and starving. She escaped and wandered up to the deck where there was a spread of sandwiches, hot dogs, chili and nachos. She made a huge plate and sat on one of the deck chairs.
“Having a good time?”
Demi looked up and nodded with her mouth full. The woman on the other chair extended a hand.
“I’m Mama, Gwen’s mom,” she said.
“Oh! Nice to meet you. Thanks for letting us come,” Demi said after she swallowed.
“The more, the better,” Mama said and beamed. “I’m so glad Johnny found you. Gwen says you’re a sweet girl.”
She blushed. “Thanks.”
“I approve.”
Demi blinked at the two women that stood over Mama. They were even taller than her and… broad. Demi suddenly felt petite.
“This is Lisa and Jo, Gwen’s sisters,” Mama said.
“I approve,” one of them grunted again.
“Me too,” the other said.
Demi blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Never thought Johnny would marry a girl with meat or height. I approve of you.”
“Oh, uh, thanks?”
Mama pat Demi on the leg and said, “They both work at the hardware store. Valerie and Paula tell me they started decorating Johnny’s house. You thinking of paint or doing any improvements?”
“I, uh, not yet,” Demi stammered.
“Well, talk to Johnny about it and if he says yes, come in and talk to Lisa or Jo. They can help you out, okay?”
Demi nodded and was relieved when Johnny sat beside her. He took a nacho and smiled at the Harper women.
“Ladies,” he said.
“We’ll just give you two lovebirds some privacy,” Mama said with a wink and led Lisa and Jo away.
“How’d you know I needed you?” she muttered.
“I always know,” Johnny said and took another chip. “Running away from the kids?”
“First of all, Bobby and Luke aren’t kids, they’re demon spawn. Second, there’s nearly fifteen kids against four adults. I think that should be illegal.”
“You may have a point there.” Johnny pulled her legs over his lap so he could move in closer. “You having fun?”
“Aside from worrying that Regan was going to drown Missy, yes. I’m glad we came.”
Johnny’s hand smoothed over her legs. He closed his eyes and tipped his face up to the sun. “Yes. Good call, but next weekend, you’re mine.”
“Yes. Promise.”
Johnny lifted her up and reclined with her sideways on his lap.
“You like it here?” he asked.
“You’re really asking me that?”
“Just making sure.”
Demi felt a prick of pain when she thought of her family. Her brothers would have been tentative and reserved at first if confronted with the Harper/Delaney/Hawking clan, but if they spent enough time together, they would’ve had a blast. Her father would have warned Demi to stay away from Regan and approved of Bethany’s work ethic. She missed them, but life went on.
“I didn’t think I’d ever be around a huge family like this again and now…” She trailed off and admitted, “I think I’m rusty.”
Johnny laughed. “You need nerves of steel with these kids, baby.”
“You’re really good with them.”
“I’ve had three years of practice. I had no choice.”
“You love it!” she accused.
“I do,” he admitted and cuddled her closer. “You willing to add to the clan?”
Her breath hitched as she imagined having a son that looked exactly like him or a daughter that Johnny doted on. She splayed her hand on his sun warmed chest. “Do you think we’re crazy for moving this fast?”
“No.”
She searched his eyes, fascinated. “You’re so sure.”
“I told you, the moment I saw you again, I knew. I didn’t care what it took. I was getting you back.”
She ran her hands over his lips. “You’ve changed.”
“Parts of me,” he agreed and moved her hand from his lips to his heart, “but this didn’t. It only beat for you.”
She thumped him as tears sprang to her eyes. “Why do you do that to me?”
“Because I love to see you melt for me.”
She shot up from his lap and wagged a finger in his face. “You have a serious problem!”
She stomped down the steps to the water and was vaguely aware of the smirks cast her way. She needed to take a dip to cool off and wash away the tears blurring her eyes.
“You can fix my problem real easy, baby!” Johnny shouted from the deck.
She didn’t look back. She jumped off the pier and when she came up for air, the kids scored her dive. Bobby and Luke gave her a three since there wasn’t enough splash.
“What’s that about?” Gwen asked, jerking her head at the house where Johnny was talking to Wade.
Demi was dimly aware of the fact that neither Brooks nor Regan reappeared since her ‘time out.’
“Practically every line Johnny says sounds like it’s from a song. Damn him for being a songwriter. He always says things that make me want to do what he wants,” Demi grumbled. “I can’t figure out if he’s doing it deliberately or not.”
“Knowing Johnny, it’s definitely deliberate.”
“I thought so,” Demi said with a glare in Johnny’s direction.
“You gonna help me with the mob?” Gwen asked and signaled to Trey when one of the younger girls paddled into the deep.
“I thought I had a big family,” Demi said.
“I don’t think I can do White Mist full time.” Gwen caught one of her nieces who was floating on her back and pushed her towards the shore. “I mean, my whole family is here and I love being around them, but I’ve always been more on the quiet side. Eventually, I explode and need to close the door and write.”
Demi was surprised. “You don’t give that impression.”
“Before I got married, I would hole up in my New York apartment for weeks without talking to a soul. I loved it. Trey doesn’t care either way. We just got off of a tour three months ago and then Johnny asked me to help him close his tour and we flew to New York.” Gwen stopped to chastise two of her nieces who were getting into a heated argument over which boy in school was the hottest. “Anyway, I made Trey this top
secret album as a wedding gift and he insisted I release it with him on the tracks instead of Johnny and Gabriel.”
“Gabriel?”
“You know Gabriel Heely?”
Demi stared at her. She became so comfortable with Gwen and Trey that sometimes she forgot who they were outside of White Mist. “I know of Gabriel Heely, but I don’t know him. I would like to, though,” she said with a reminiscent grin. Gabriel Heely was hot.
“Don’t think Johnny would like that, but Gabriel’s a good friend of mine. Trey insisted I release the album I made for him and its doing well. Trey’s manager has dubbed herself my manager and is forcing me to do the talk show circuit.” Gwen paled and swallowed hard. “I don’t want to, but Trey’s gonna be with me the whole time so…”
“I used to host parties for my dad because my mom refused to do it. Sometimes there were reporters and I’d end up in the papers. I’m more of a homebody like my mom, but I never let it bother me.”
Gwen nodded. “It’s not easy being in the spotlight. I can’t imagine Trey quitting, but we’re definitely slowing down and enjoying each other and the family. We’ve talked about kids, but we’re not in a rush.”
“Johnny wants kids yesterday.”
Gwen blinked. “Well, I know Johnny’s good with kids, but… You’re talking about kids already?”
“How about marriage and kids?” Demi said dryly.
Gwen shrieked so loud that Demi drew back in alarm. She thought Gwen got bitten by a carnivorous fish before Gwen launched herself forward and hugged her.
“Oh my God! I’m so glad!”
“We’re not engaged or having kids yet,” Demi cautioned her .
Gwen bounced in the water and clapped her hands together. “Johnny can do whatever he wants. He’s put out twice as many albums as Trey even though Trey’s been in the industry longer. Johnny’s manic and if he’s not on tour, he thinks he has to be developing a new album.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s never taken a break. I mean, if anyone’s due, it’s him.”
Demi frowned. “I don’t know if he wants to take a break. I mean, he loves touring and writing music. I don’t want to take him away from it.”
“You should talk to him about it,” Gwen said.
“Yeah, I will.”
Chapter Eleven
At three in the morning Demi and Johnny lay on a lounge chair, staring up at the stars. She had her back against his chest and his long legs spread out on either side of her. It was a long day filled with laughter and fun, which exhausted the kids as much as the adults. Demi was in love with the monstrous six bedroom ‘cabin’ and the beauty around them.
“You can’t ever sell these!” Demi told Mama who grinned.
“Not planning on it. They bring in a nice income and with the resort coming in, we can jack up the price for privacy, space and a private dock.”
“You sure Regan’s not your daughter?” Demi asked.
Mama guffawed. “Love that girl like my own, but I’m glad she ain’t mine. I’d have a heart attack. I’ll leave Regan Lee to Valerie and keep Lisa, Jo and Gwen.”
Demi couldn’t blame her.
Everyone was so friendly and she felt as if she belonged with these people. When they trudged back to their cabins after dark, Demi noticed Bethany was missing. Someone said they noticed her catching a cab. Demi thought about calling her and realized she didn’t have Bethany’s number.
Demi crashed after her shower and woke at nine when she heard Chase crying. Johnny took advantage of her consciousness to make love to her long and slow. At first, Demi was put off and concerned about Chase, but that faded once Johnny started to get creative. Demi faded back into sleep only to wake inexplicably at two to find a delectable naked rock star beside her. She jumped his bones and Johnny liked it if his fervent whispers were any indication. Johnny shuffled them into the shower and then onto the deck. She felt at peace, loved and safe. Moonlight glinted off the mountains, taking her breath away.
“We need to do this once a month,” she said into the quiet.
“In the winter, you’re gonna change your mind.”
“It’ll be so beautiful and we can stay inside with a fire.” She cuddled close and smiled. “It’ll be perfect.”
“Whatever rocks your world.”
He laced their fingers together over her stomach.
“What rocks your world?” she asked.
“You.”
“And what else?”
“Music.”
“And?”
“Sex.”
She looked up at his shadowed face. “What about touring?”
“It was a substitute for something else,” he said dismissively.
“Meaning?”
“I wanted to make it big and when you have a sell out crowd, that’s a declaration to yourself, the industry and the world that you’ve made it. I’ve proved myself over and over for years. Don’t need to anymore.”
“So, are you saying you’re going to take a break?”
“Yeah.”
She blew out a breath. “And what are you going to do?”
He gave her a tight squeeze. “Become a family man.”
She laughed up at the stars. “Johnny Bentley, rock star turned family man.”
“I can still rock with kids.”
“Yes, you definitely will.”
His thumb brushed over her fingers and then he asked, “Why didn’t you marry your ex? You were engaged to him for over a year.” Demi tensed and he brushed his lips against her temple. “According to your dad’s standards, he was perfect. He was wealthy and loved you. You lost your family, you thought he supported you… Why put off the wedding?”
“Honestly, I don’t know.” She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks that she never gave in to setting a wedding date. “It never felt right.”
“And this?” he murmured.
“Feels too easy.” When he didn’t reply, she shrugged. “I mean, shouldn’t there be more obstacles? I was free and clear to move, you’re ready to settle down, Regan offers me a job. The only blip since I’ve come to White Mist is Barry. I guess I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“And what could that other shoe be?”
“You realize you’re not ready to settle down and figure out I’m not what you want,” she said with brutal honesty.
“That won’t happen. What will it take to make you realize I know what I want? I’m not going to change my mind, Demi.”
She didn’t respond and he tightened his hold on her.
“I’ve had one passion in life that got me through everything. Music. When we started dating, you became my second. You were everything I wanted—my complete opposite. You grew up surrounded by a loving family. You took care of me when I was in town, you fed my creativity and you were fucking sexy—a triple threat.” He chuckled when she snorted. “I’ve never been able to find someone who challenges and satisfies me on every level. I busted my ass to be where I am today to prove to your dad, to you, that I could be successful.”
“I don’t care about that.”
“I know. Only recently, I realized I don’t care about it either. I’ve played in every country, won every award I wanted. What’s left?”
When Demi didn’t answer, he tipped her chin up so she’d look at him. His eyes were dark pools in the moonlight.
“What’s left is the rest of my life with the one woman who makes me feel like a teenager again.”
He kissed her with such gentleness that her eyes pricked with tears.
“I love you, Demi.”
“I love you too, just give me time,” Demi said and saw a shooting star streak across the sky.
***
The next day the kids were in the water by eight and the adults watched from the dock with cups of coffee and prayed they wouldn’t have to jump in before ten. It was a replay of the day before and it was so perfect that Demi wished it wouldn’t end. Johnny was more than happy to jump in the water with the kids an
d she wandered over to Regan who sat on a deck chair in the shade.
“What happened to Bethany yesterday?” Demi asked her.
“I don’t know. Do you think she’s mad at me?”
“Uh, yeah! You lied to her and then abandoned her so you could spent a couple of hours having sex with your husband!”
Regan grinned. “I can’t feel bad about that.”
“You should. She didn’t even get a ride back, she took a taxi. Give me her number. I want to call.”
Regan recited Bethany’s number and Demi paced along the shore and dialed. It went straight to voicemail.
“Hey Bethany, this is Demi. Just checking to make sure everything’s okay. Call me if you need anything.”
She hung up and shaded her eyes to look across the lake. Her phone rang and she picked up immediately.
“Bethany?”
“Demi, how could you do this to me?”
She froze. “Barry?”
“I love you so much and you left me for that playboy rock star!” he raged. “I can give you whatever you want! What does he have that I don’t?”
“Barry—”
“What will it take for you to come back?”
She gripped the phone. “I’m not coming back. Ever.”
“It’s him, isn’t it? That’s really why you left me. Were you cheating on me?”
“Of course not! This has nothing to do with Johnny!”
The phone was plucked out of her hand. She whirled as Johnny put it to his ear.
“My lawyer will be in touch with you,” Johnny said and hung up. His face was cut into hard, unrelenting planes of anger. “If that ass calls, you do not pick up the phone!”
“I thought it was Bethany!” Demi snapped.
“That fuck is obsessed with you. You don’t pick up unless you know who’s on the other line.”
“I was handling him!”
Johnny got in her face and she took a hasty step back.
“Were you? From the sound of it, it sounds like you were trying to placate him.” She opened her mouth and he growled, “You don’t fucking talk to a man who assaulted you! Do you hear me?”
“Everything okay?” Guy asked, appearing at their side, wearing his expressionless cop face.
“No, that fuck called,” Johnny said.