Song for Me (Rock Me Book 4)

by Lee Piper

Blue eyes caress my face. Drake gently tucks some hair behind my ears. “Never giving up on you. I’ve got your back. Always.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Welcome.”

  We kiss. For the longest time, our mouths dance to the soundtrack of our broken, brittle lives. Lives made all the more beautiful from sharing them with those our hearts chose.

  Eventually, we pull away. With foreheads pressed together and noses touching, Drake cups my face in his hands. “Love you. Want you to know that.”

  “I know. I know you do, ace.” Closing my eyes, I relish the sense of completeness seeping into the deepest cracks, the bleakest holes, and the coldest recesses of my body. Drake’s love has the power to repair all of my faulty parts, to patch each section together until they resemble what they were always meant to be. And, though still a little frayed and disjointed, the patchwork pattern is more brilliant than I ever could have hoped.

  “I love you, Drake. So much.”

  His nostrils flare. “Fucking finally.” On a ragged exhale, he pushes me against my RV. Fingers tangle in my hair, a knee is thrust between my thighs, and a tongue delves into my mouth. “Been waiting to hear those words.”

  It’s like he’s drowning. Like he’s thrown himself into a riptide and is willingly slipping beneath the surface.

  “More,” I pant, yanking him closer, wanting to drown alongside him. There’s a distinct rip in the material of his shirt. Neither of us notice, we’re too caught up in each other to care. “I need more, ace.”

  “And I’m gonna give it to you. For as long as you’ll have me.”

  “Forever?”

  “Forever.”

  “Reckon I’m okay with that.”

  Epilogue

  “This is weird.” My eyes take in the futuristic home perched precariously close to a Malibu cliff. “It’s weird, right?”

  “Not weird.” Drake’s eyes are alight with humor. Probably because I’m wearing a dress, and he’s already familiar with what little underwear I’m wearing beneath. Deviant. Not that I’m complaining. Car sex is awesome.

  “It’s just a group of friends catching up for a cookout, is all.”

  “Pfft. Is that what you call it?” Blonde hair flies about me, courtesy of the cool breeze rolling in from the ocean. The salty tang sticks to my lips. I lick it off again, not hating the taste. “There’s no sugarcoating the fact that this place costs the equivalent of the GDP of a small country. Oh, and let’s not forget that not one, but two famous rock bands will be here. Not to mention the music producer who made it all possible.”

  “It’s Zeke’s house, so yeah, he’ll be there. And he produced my band’s latest album, not Shiloh, Jasper, and Tobias’s. They came runner-up in Rising Star, remember? They’re signed with Bootleg Records.”

  I wave the information away, nausea rolling through me. “I’m gonna be sick.”

  “Princess, chill. They’re friends. Good friends. And you’ve already met Zeke—”

  “Video chats don’t count.”

  He rolls his eyes, chuckling. “Wil and Reid think you’re awesome. They helped get your uncle settled in rehab, didn’t they?”

  I nod, the wave of sickness slowly easing. “Yeah. His doctor called yesterday; he’s doing really well. The shakes have stopped.”

  “See? Only a true friend would help transfer your uncle to the most exclusive facility in the country. That shit means something. You’re part of us now.”

  I shake my head, muttering, “Still need to pay them back somehow. The tour had just finished, they should’ve been relaxing, not road tripping with me and an ungrateful drunk.”

  “They wanted to help, so they did. It’s how the whole friendship thing works.”

  “Gonna take some getting used to,” I mumble.

  “Besides,” with an indulgent quirk of his gorgeous mouth, Drake pulls me against his side, “you’ve already paid them back. They’re losing their motherfucking minds over the quad box you specifically designed for us. No lie, there was an actual tear in Reid’s eye when he heard his drums played through it for the first time.”

  Throwing my head back, I laugh. “That did not happen.”

  His expression is so earnest, I almost believe him. Almost. “It’s true. Trickled down his cheek and everything. I even offered the dude a damn tissue.”

  “You are so full of shit.”

  Before he has a chance to reply, the front door bursts open. Willow rushes out, a fireball of scarlet hair trailing after her. “You made it! We were worried you got lost.”

  Drake winks. “We had a pit stop.”

  She wrinkles her nose. “That’s code for car sex, isn’t it?”

  “Sure is.”

  I slap Drake’s shoulder, but he laughs. “Seriously? Whatever happened to what happens in the car, stays in the car, huh?”

  “I keep telling you, we’re all friends here. And if Wil wants to know why we’re late, then I’m going to tell her.”

  “Maybe next time you can keep that info to yourself.” The guitarist grimaces. “Don’t get me wrong, I love you guys and all, but I’m going to need some epic meditation to cleanse my mind of that mental image.”

  “See?” I hiss low in Drake’s ear.

  He ducks his head and nips the juncture of where my collarbone meets my neck. With a squeal, we stumble inside.

  The house is amazing. The long hallway is adorned with platinum records complete with photos of Zeke and big-name bands. When we reach the end of it, we’re met with an open-plan kitchen and living area. There is a guitar on the far wall, a dreamcatcher hanging off the headstock. A painting of a woman who looks uncannily similar to Willow is on the other. In between the two is a strange blend of eclectic efficiency. On the surface, it makes no sense. I mean, how could an authentic Aztec rug and an industrial coffee maker exist in the same space? No idea. And yet, somehow, they do.

  Once I’ve wrapped my head around the interior design, I notice the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a deck area and, beyond that, the ocean. “Holy shit.”

  “Nice, huh?” Willow beams. “I love being able to hear the waves crash against the sand. It’s so calming.”

  I swallow my confusion over how crashing waves could be considered soothing and instead smooth my puzzled expression. Then I follow Drake and Wil outside.

  As soon as he steps foot on the deck, Drake is bombarded with fist pumps and slaps on the back. First by Reid, followed by a raven-haired beauty who goes by the name of Shiloh. Drake’s mentioned her epic vocals, however I haven’t had the chance to hear them firsthand.

  “I’ve heard so much about you.” She smiles. “Any woman who can tame the beast,” she nudges Drake, “is a friend of mine.”

  “Thanks.” I can’t help but smile back. There’s something about Shiloh that I like straightaway. She’s honest. There’s no pretense about her. I bet if she didn’t like me being with her friend, she’d have no issue saying it to my face. I can respect that.

  Next is a tall, muscular guy with the same laughing eyes as Shiloh. “Hi, I’m Jasper. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  In the background, Shiloh gags. Reid shuts her up with a whisper and a slap on the ass. Before I can think any more about it, they’re gone.

  Jasper ignores the shenanigans, takes my hand, and presses a kiss to the back of it. His expression screams mischief. “I’ve been wanting to meet you for a long time.”

  I snort.

  He grins.

  Drake pushes him away good-naturedly. “Find your own woman, dude. This one’s taken.”

  “Shame. I hear you’re good with your hands.” Jasper wiggles his eyebrows. “Maybe next time.” With a deep chuckle, he saunters over to the grill.

  “Well, he’s… interesting.”

  “Trouble, you mean.”

  “That too.”

  A shadow looms over me. I swear, all of the heat from the sun becomes blocked, leaving nothing but frigid air behind. Blinking, I look up into the arresting gaz
e of Zeke Danton. “Christ,” I murmur. “You’re a lot bigger in person.”

  He blinks.

  Drake laughs.

  Unsure what to say to the man who single-handedly stopped me from getting killed, I remain silent.

  “Dude, that impenetrable stare you’ve got going on is freaking her out.”

  As though noticing how uncomfortable I am, Willow darts to Zeke’s side. “You scaring people again, Storm?”

  He shrugs one shoulder. One massive shoulder.

  Willow smiles at me. “Ignore the whole….” She waves her hands in the air as though the gesture is meant to somehow explain her boyfriend’s intimidating appearance. “He’s a beautiful soul.”

  Drake coughs. Though, it kinda sounds like, “Bullshit.”

  Deciding it’s about time to woman the hell up, I straighten my spine and square my shoulders. After tipping my chin, I level Zeke with what I’m hoping is a confident expression. “Look, I just want to say—” I lick suddenly dry lips. “—thank you.”

  He nods. Then, his deep voice rumbles, “You pay off The Collector all right?”

  “Um, yeah.” Still recovering from his deep tenor, I tuck some wayward hair behind my ear. “I transferred what I owed him that afternoon. Didn’t hear from him again after that.” I pause. “Anticlimactic, really.”

  Zeke raises his eyebrows.

  “Not that I expected a cloak-and-dagger meeting or anything, but to hear nothing….” I shrug. “It’s weird.”

  “It’s how he operates. He thrives on fear. Once that element is removed, he moves on to his next victim. If you haven’t heard from him, consider yourself safe.”

  “Sounds like a good plan.”

  As though sensing how out of my depth I am talking with the brusque producer, Drake nods to Zeke and Wil, then leads me toward the view.

  “Thank fuck you got me out of there,” I mumble. “I’m grateful to the guy. I mean, I owe him my life.” I exhale a long breath. “But sweet Jesus, he’s intimidating.”

  “He’s an acquired taste.”

  I take in the pristine ocean as it sparkles in the sunlight, the sensation of cool air as it chills my skin, and the sound of gulls squawking as they dive from the endless sky above. “I could get used to this.”

  As I turn to face Drake, I almost miss the figure slouched low on the outdoor lounge. He holds a bottle of water and is staring at it as though it contains the answers to all of life’s questions. Even sitting, I can tell he’s tall. Similar to Drake, he’s lean, with long corded muscles. Though, where Drake’s skin is pale, his is tan. “Who’s that?”

  Drake glances behind him, sighs, then meets my gaze. “Tobias. He’s the drummer from Shiloh’s band.”

  “Is he okay? The guy looks miserable.”

  “He’s had a rough time lately. Bitch ex-girlfriend, douche canoe parents, was in love with Shiloh—”

  “Wait, what?”

  “Yep. Dude’s been in love with her forever.”

  “But she’s with Reid. They literally slipped out a few minutes ago to go have monkey sex somewhere.”

  “It’s complicated. Tobias and Shiloh have been best friends since high school. He says he’s fine with her and Reid. Wants her to be happy. Yadda, yadda, yadda.”

  “Damn.” I bite my lip, feeling all kinds of pity for the drummer.

  “And then he crashed his car into a tree and ended up in the hospital—”

  “Are you kidding me right now?”

  “Wish I was.”

  “We should go over there. Keep him company or something.”

  Drake wraps me in his arms, the heat from his chest filtering through the soft fabric of my dress. “Princess, if Tobias wants company, he’ll find it.”

  “But look at him! He’s so sad.”

  “He’s surrounded by his closest friends and still wants to sit by himself. Let him have his space.”

  I sigh, the quick puff of air an admission of Drake’s valid point. “Since when did you start talking sense, huh?”

  He drops his mouth to mine, owning it with a kiss. “Since I first told you I loved you. I’ve been on an upward trajectory of sense since then.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Sure is.”

  Smiling, I murmur against his lips, “What am I going to do with you?”

  “I’ve got a few ideas,” he growls, rubbing his hard length against my center.

  “Drake, we’re in public.”

  “We’re at a private residence.”

  “We’re in front of your friends.”

  “Who won’t see anything because I’m a master of subterfuge. See? Sense.”

  Throwing my head back, I laugh. The sound is whipped up by the wind and carried toward the ocean spray. Like my laughter, moments like this are fleeting. I’m okay with this. After all, it’s impossible to think that Drake and I will be this happy all the time. We live in the real world, not some fantasy. There are going to be arguments, complications, and hurdles to overcome. Hell, even though I never have to worry about money again, I refuse to sell my RV. That alone has been the catalyst for some massive fights. But it’s also been the cause of some spine-tingling makeup sex afterward.

  So, life won’t always be easy. That’s the best part about it. I have to work hard and put my soul on the line time and time again to achieve my dreams. It’s scary, difficult, and there are no promises. However, the payoff, when it happens, is so fucking worth it.

  “I love you,” I whisper, my heart full to the point of bursting.

  “Love you too, princess. More than you know.”

  The End

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  Turn the page to find out about Tobias and Mae’s story in Bad for Me, Book #5 in the Rock Me series!

  Coming Soon!

  I’m not supposed to crave the drummer of the hottest new rock act, or notice his tortured green eyes. I shouldn’t care that he shies away from everyone.

  But watching him through the lens of my camera is slowly killing me.

  I’m here to do a job. I’m a professional… until I ruin everything. Now all that stands between me and career suicide is a drummer who hates me.

  Preorder Bad for Me HERE

  Connect with Lee

  Want to be the first to find out about upcoming new releases? Join my newsletter!

  I love chatting with readers! Connect with me:

  Reader Group Website Facebook Amazon Author Page Goodreads YouTube

  Acknowledgments

  This book taught me so much. At times, I felt as though Harper and I were the same person. She was desperate to make her mark and prove her existence. She so badly wanted her dream to become a reality. The road she traveled was rocky, unpredictable, and, at times, scary. Yep, Song for Me is an allegory of my life.

  Blessedly, my husband is on this crazy ride with me. Knowing he has my back while I work my ass off to make this seemingly unattainable dream possible is everything. Not only does he listen while I talk ad nauseum about people who don’t exist, but he wipes the tears when reality gets a little too real. So, thank you, Mister, for living out your wedding vows every single day; I’d have given up long ago without you.

  Sybil, you’ve saved my ass a thousand times over. Thank you for taking the time to explain the indie industry to me. Thank you for answering my newbie questions with more patience than I deserve. You’re courageous, driven, passionate, pragmatic, and talented—a formidable combination. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve taught me.

  Amber, one day I’m going to cross that ocean and give you the biggest hug ever. Be ready. Thank you for your unswerving support, encouragement, humor, and insight.

  Lorna, Michelle, and Jeannine. You’re so freaking wonderful. Your comments and suggestions have h
elped me shape this book into something I’m truly proud of.

  Olivia and the team at Hot Tree Editing, thank you for your professionalism and eye for detail. Your expertise helps me bring these characters to life in the best possible way. Sorry about the Aussie spelling littered throughout my manuscripts. One day, I’ll remember to type realize instead of realise or color instead of colour. One day….

  Clarise, your covers are wonderful. Thank you for putting up with my gazillion and five changes. I’m so appreciative of your honesty and talent. Thank you for everything you do.

  ARC team, I love you so hard—each and every one of you. Thank you for taking the time to read and review. I stand taller and smile wider knowing you’re by my side with each release. Also, a huge shout out to Michelle and Annette from Book Nerd Services: ladies, you rock.

  Lee’s Pipers, we started with two and are now hundreds (and counting) strong. You guys are so awesome. Your excitement, enthusiasm, and unswerving positivity gives me the strength to keep writing. Never doubt how integral you are, I sure as hell don’t.

  Bloggers, for every review, for every like, for every comment, and for every share, thank you. I see the time and effort you put in to sharing your love of books. I see the hours you spend supporting authors. I see you. And I’m so humbled you’ve taken the time to include me in your world. Thank you.

  Readers, thank you for taking a chance on me. Thank you for choosing this book out of the millions available. Thank you for trusting me enough to dive heart-first into my world. It’s okay, I’ve got you. We’re in this together.

  And finally, to my family and friends. I am so, so grateful to have you in my life. It’s not always easy; it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes it’s thunderstorms and hurricanes with a tsunami thrown in for kicks. But it’s worth it. Life with you is an honor and a privilege. Thank you.