by L. P. Maxa
He nodded. “Which friend? Was she any good?”
I shrugged. “She was okay. Got the job done, definitely not the best I’ve ever had.”
“There was a round three, but it was in the shower.” He winked.
“Nice.” I put my headphones on my nightstand and stood, stretching my arms over my head. When I said “Nice” I really meant it. My stepmom was gorgeous, inside and out. I gave mad props to my dad for not only landing her, but for being a hauss in the sack. If I could still make a girl scream like that twenty years from now, I’d consider myself lucky.
“I thought you weren’t coming into town until tonight. Isn’t your gig at the pier tomorrow?” He plopped down on the armchair in the corner of my massive suite, and I picked up my old guitar and turned on the amp I’d bought the last time I was at home.
“Yeah, but I have to leave the morning after. Since I haven’t seen you guys in a while I thought I’d come in early and surprise you.” I sent him an evil smile. “Good thing I didn’t bust into your bedroom and jump on your bed like I used to.”
He chuckled. “I would have laughed my ass off. Katie would have had a heart attack.”
Understatement coming: My dad and I have an interesting relationship. He’s a hella famous movie star, has been doing big-budget films since he was seventeen. That’s when he met my mom and they boned in his trailer on a movie set, producing me. They were never together, not really.
I grew up spending all of my time with my dad. We’re tight. Me and my mom? Not so much. She’s pretty self-absorbed and annoying as fuck. She doesn’t really want anything to do with me, unless it’s to talk to the press about how instrumental she was to my success as a musician. Which she wasn’t. At all.
“Speaking of M Kat, where is she?” That was what I called my stepmom, M Kat. For Momma Kate.
“Getting dressed.”
M Kat was the light of both our lives. She and I had clicked instantly, which was not what I had expected when my dad told me he met someone. It had been just him and I for nearly fifteen years.
At first I was afraid some gold-digging whore had gotten her claws into him. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. M Kat was an ER nurse who’d worked on my dad after he broke his leg doing one of his own stunts. Six years younger than him, and she was only eleven years older than me. She was the voice of reason around this place and loved my dad so fully it made me blush sometimes.
“Johnny?”
He winked at me, in a watch this kind of way. “I’m in Mason’s room, baby. Come say hi.”
I could imagine the wheels spinning in her head as she made her way across the house. “Mason? He’s home already? When, uh, when did he get in?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. She was going to turn three shades of red.
“I came in last night.”
She appeared in the doorway, came across the room then threw her arms around my neck, hugging me tight. She put her hands on my shoulders and pushed me back so she could look at me. “Last night, huh?”
I grinned. My dad cleared his throat. “Yeah, he heard you.”
There it was. Red as a beet. “Oh, uh, Mase… I didn’t, we didn’t—”
I held up my hands. “No worries.”
“He had a friend come over and take care of the little problem your screams caused in his pants.” My dad loved to give M Kat a hard time. And the fact that she had a stepson who could be her younger brother? Gave us lots of ammo.
“Little problem?” I shook my finger in his face. “No way, old man. It was a large and—”
“You two are impossible.” M Kat let out a borderline irritated sigh. “Mason, I’m sorry for what you heard, we had no idea you were coming home last night. I’m sorry.” Turning on my dad, she scrunched her nose as she warned-asked, “And instead of fist bumping your twenty-year-old son, like I know you did, how about you being a parent and asking if he was careful? Used protection? Made her sign a nondisclosure agreement?”
My dad and I started laughing. “Babe, you are so funny sometimes. The parenting ship sailed years ago with me and Mase.”
I played a few chords on my guitar. “He’s right. That’s what we have you for.”
She was a mom through and through. Even though she didn’t have any kids of her own, she was the only actual adult in this house. She and my dad had been married for four years now, but they’d been together for five.
M Kat was the one who made sure I did my homework and was who I called to let them know where I was and if I made it safely. She actually cooked for us and made us sit down at the table to eat together.
She did all the things that neither of my bio parents ever bothered to try. Which was why I adored her. And missed her like crazy now that I was living up in New York.
“And speaking of being careful. Are you two? Three rounds in one night? Am I going to end up being a big brother? Twenty years older than my little bro?” They looked at each other and smiled. That sappy ridiculous smile that made you want to vomit. “What? Wait. Are you—?”
“I’m pregnant.” M Kat was beaming, her smile rivaling the sun. My dad stood and put his arms around her, letting his hands rest on her stomach.
“Are you serious?” I stuttered.
He nodded. “Twelve weeks today.”
I started to smile, and was sure I looked as goofy as they did. “Oh my God, congrats, guys.” I put my arms around both of them. I was going to be a big brother. I was only kidding before. Never in a million years had I thought they wanted a baby. I knew it sounded stupid, but I was so damn happy. “Why didn’t you tell me? How are you feeling? Is it a boy?” I released them then sat back down on my bed.
My dad went back to his chair and pulled M Kat down onto his lap as he said, “We wanted to wait until you were home so we could tell you in person.”
She nodded. “Your dad wanted to call you right away, but I wanted you to be here, to be home. And it’s a girl, we just got the results in from our blood test yesterday.”
My smile grew. “It’s a girl.” I was going to have a tiny little baby sister. My heart swelled, which was entirely unexpected. “I’m going to spend the rest of my life helping you protect her from assholes like me.”
And an asshole I was. I wasn’t really what you could call a one-woman kind of man. I’d had starlets throwing themselves at me since I was thirteen.
And let me tell you, I partook.
A lot.
My dad’s face turned serious. “She’s not allowed out of this house until she’s thirty.”
“You two are going to be ridiculous. My poor daughter isn’t going to find a guy alive that you would approve of.” M Kat got to her feet. “Who’s hungry?”
“Me.” My dad stood up and guided her out of my room with his hand on her ass. Horn dog. “I’ll help.”
I followed them out. “Since when does Dad help in the kitchen?” This I had to see.
M Kat laughed. “He hinders more than he helps, but he’s learning.”
I spent the rest of the day hanging out with my dad and M Kat. We ate brunch and then lay out by the pool.
I missed the Texas heat. I knew that sounded insane, but I really did. New York had four seasons, which were beautiful, but I was used to two. Hot as hell and cold as fuck.
Why Texas when my dad was a totally top A-lister? He wanted to raise me away from Hollywood, which was about the only parenting skill he got right. I grew up near South Padre Island on a badass, fully functioning ranch.
Dad traveled a lot for work, and when he was on location somewhere cool, he’d bring me with. After seeing the biz from the inside, I never wanted to follow in his footsteps. Although I had plenty of offers to give it a shot, not to mention more than one modeling request.
But that just wasn’t who I was. I picked up a guitar on the set of some rock and roll bio pic when I was six, and I hadn’t put it down since.
I used a made-up last name and threw myself into my music. I wanted to get to the top on
my own, not for who my parents were. And after thirteen years of playing, I finally got my big break. I’d signed with Riffraff Records, and they were the cream of the crop.
It was just me, my guitar, and my amp. That’s how I played live. I worked with different lyricists, but all the tunes came from my brain.
I was damn proud of where I was and of how I got there. I was a sexy twenty-year-old musician with money coming in and a trust fund the size of the thousand-acre ranch I grew up on.
Life was good.
Chapter Two
Mason
Before
“You guys are still planning on coming to my show, right?” I was dressed and about to head out the door. I’d been touring this year, mostly smaller venues. But this was the first time I was playing in my hometown as a paid artist.
As a kid, I’d been to more concerts on the pier than I could count. And now, I was the headliner. Not to sound too sentimental, but it was awesome.
“Of course we are. We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” M Kat was wearing short shorts and a tank top that showed lots of skin with a pair of expensive-looking cowboy boots. She looked hot.
“You’re going to get hit on all night, you know that, right?” I pointed at her legs that were on full display.
She lifted her tank. “You see this?” She rubbed her hand on her slightly protruding stomach. “This is your baby sister and she’s only going to get bigger. I’m going to wear what I want while I still can.”
“I like this new little accessory of yours. I can’t wait until you’re huge and ready to pop.” My dad walked into the room and covered her hand with his, kissing her neck sweetly.
I shook my head. “By huge, I’m sure he means beautifully pregnant with his child.”
“Of course that’s what I meant. Is that not how it came out?” He winced and looked between the two of us.
“I love having you home, Mase, you keep your father out of so much trouble.” M Kat stepped away from him and grabbed her purse off the entryway table. “Can we ride with you? I’d rather be backstage than in the crowd tonight.”
They’d been to dozens upon dozens of my shows, since before my big break and after. They were supportive as hell. My dad always had been, but until he met M Kat he was pretty much a workaholic.
“Of course, let’s rock and roll.”
Playing in my hometown with both my parents watching side stage, I couldn’t really think of a better way to spend my evening.
***
The Pier was packed and the crowd was singing along with every word. Nothing felt better than that. It was a high, and something I’d loved and craved for as long as I could remember. I looked over at my dad and M Kat and couldn’t help but laugh. My dad had his hands on her ass and his mouth at her ear. See? Horn dog all the way.
No wonder I behaved the way I did. Speaking of… I looked out into the crowd, searching for a girl to take home tonight. This was how I worked. Every show. Every time. I’d scan the crowd and someone would inevitably stand out. Then I’d send one of my people to bring her backstage and by the end of the night I’d take her home with me.
Of course I’d send her packing with a smack on the ass in the morning. But for one night, it was just me and her.
It was fun. And I’ve never had any complaints because I was honest from the get-go. They knew the score before the clothes came off. No long term, no commitments, and no whining in the morning.
“I have a favor to ask of you guys tonight,” I said into the microphone, and the crowd got even rowdier. “My dad is here.” I waited for all the females in the audience to cream themselves before I continued. “With his beautiful wife.” I winked. “He made me learn to play this next song the second he realized I far surpassed him in artistic talent.” I smiled a devilish grin that the girls always seemed to like. “I was seven by the way.” I waited ’til the laughter stopped. “So I’m going to play it for him right quick. It’s an old one, so don’t feel bad if you don’t know the words.”
When I played the first couple of chords, my dad started jumping up and down like some crazed fan-boy, making me laugh and shake my head.
Hey kids rock and roll,
Rock on, oh my soul
Hey kids boogey too, did ya
Hey shout summertime blues,
Jump up and down in blue suede shoes
Hey kids rock and roll, rock on
I played my guitar like a champ, the chords to this song as familiar as the way the ranch smelled during the dead of winter.
This was my dad’s favorite song and I loved playing it for him even though I gave him a hard time. He had his arms around M Kat and he was singing her all the words. If I didn’t want a repeat of last night, I needed to find a chick to take home. I searched the crowd, looking for the perfect short-term love affair.
And where do we go from here?
Which is the way that’s clear
My eyes landed on a gorgeous girl with long brown hair who was actually singing along. That hot-as-hell chick wearing a midriff tank and cutoff blue jean shorts knew this ridiculous song? Yep. That was the one.
Well, the one for tonight anyway.
Still looking for that blue jean, baby queen
Prettiest girl I’ve ever seen
Well, it looked like I found her, David Essex. You’re welcome. Too bad you weren’t the one enjoying her tonight, bro. She was all mine.
See her shake on the movie screen, Jimmy Dean
James Dean, rock on
I called one of my roadies over and whispered the girl’s coordinates and description in his ear. He’d get her backstage, say she won something or whatever she needed to hear to feel good about it. And then after the show I’d work a little magic.
I finished up my set with another three original songs of mine then shouted “Good night” to the crowd. I walked straight over to my parents and fell into their hug. “Well, what did you think?”
“You know we loved it. You were great out there.” M Kat grabbed my face and placed a motherly kiss on my forehead.
“Thanks for the song, punk.” My dad clapped me on the back. “And for announcing that your old and less talented father was here tonight. It’s going to be chaos trying to sneak out now.” He looked around backstage like he was already planning his exit.
“I have tons of security and a no-access back entrance, we’ll be fine.” I slung my arm over his shoulder and pulled him close. “I just need to grab a little midnight snack and then we can get out of here. Feel me?”
He laughed. “I think this is exactly the kind of behavior Katie says I should discourage.” Then he shrugged. “But who am I to make you keep it in your pants? I never did.”
I turned to go find my little blue jean baby and stopped short. There she was. Talking to M Kat like they were besties. Well, isn’t that just convenient as fuck.
I sauntered over. “M Kat, you going to introduce me to your friend?” Please for the love of God introduce me and then walk away so I can get this one home and under me.
“Mason, this is Peyton. Peyton, this is my stepson Mason.” M Kat looked between us, her eyes narrowed and suspicious. Yeah, she knew me well enough to see the excitement in my face. “Peyton did a rotation in the ER a few months ago.”
Mmmmmm sexy nurse and the prettiest girl I’d ever seen? Could this night get any fucking better?
“Peyton, it’s nice to meet you.” I took her hand in mine and held it for just a beat longer than necessary. Not long enough that it was creepy, but long enough for her to know I was interested. “We were about to head out and get something to eat, would you like to join us?” I know what you’re thinking. That’s his game? Seemed lame. And you’re right. But I didn’t need my game. Not tonight. M Kat was going to do all the heavy lifting; she just didn’t know it yet.
“Oh, uh, that’s really nice of you. But I don’t want to impose.” Peyton’s green eyes met mine and she bit her lower lip. Fuck. I wanted this one bad. It was always
the sweet, polite ones that you had the most fun with. It was like they were just waiting around for a reason to be bad.
Insert M Kat, with enough manners to cover the whole family. “Don’t be silly. It’s so good to see you, please come with us.” M Kat looped her arm through Peyton’s. “Besides, it’ll be nice to have another girl around. It’s usually just me and those two.” She jerked her thumb in our direction, leading Peyton toward the exit.
My dad and I followed.
Discreetly held his fist out.
And discreetly I bumped it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
L.P. Maxa lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, daughter, three rescue dogs, one stray cat, and a fish that keeps dying and she keeps replacing so her toddler doesn’t notice. She loves reading romance novels as much as she loves writing them. She’s new to the writing game but has published four books in her first year alone. Inspiration can come from anywhere: a song lyric, a quote, a weekend with friends. The tiniest things spark amazing stories.
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ALSO BY L.P. MAXA
The Devil’s Share series
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Play Dirty
Play Fair
Play Softly
Play Hard
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