I hold it out and turn it from side to side, watching as the sun causes the beads to sparkle. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” I lean forward, pressing a kiss to his lips. “I’ll wear it always,” I promise. And I mean it.
Hours later, I’m backstage putting all the finishing touches on my face when I get a text from Daniel saying he’s here but security won’t let him back. I slip out of my private dressing room to get him.
I find him arguing with the security guard and wave him back.
“Are you sure?” the man asks. I smile and nod and he finally allows Daniel to join me.
“They’ve got this place locked up tighter than Fort Knox,” he jokes as he follows me back to my dressing room.
I laugh but open the door, allowing him to walk in ahead of me. He takes in the room, which is rather nice. There are flowers on the table and a tray of food sits next to a bowl with iced-down water bottles in it.
“Where’s the rest of the band?”
“Boys get one, girls get the other. Lucky for me, I’m the only girl,” I say, leaning in to kiss him. As it often goes when we kiss, one thing leads to another and I find myself held against a wall while he pumps in and out of me. My breathing is loud and labored, with soft moans slipping past my lips as he pushes me to the brink of shattering.
Someone knocks on the door. “Luna, let’s go. Time’s up!” Van shouts from the other side. Neither of us moves until we’re both completely spent. I fix my dress and slide my panties back in place while he fixes his clothing. He hides behind the door as I open it. Van is there to greet me.
“What the fuck were you doing in there? Sounded like you were having sex with all that moaning,” he jokes.
As I step into the hallway, I close the door behind me and shrug as we start walking to the stage. “I like to rub one out before a show. It helps with the nerves,” I lie, but even the lie is embarrassing.
His eyes double their usual size as his feet stop walking. “Did you just say you were masturbating in there?”
I roll my eyes. “What? You think guys are the only ones who do it?”
“No, but I thought we were the only ones who admitted to doing it,” he says as he forces his feet to get back to walking.
We’re at the side of the stage now and people are handing us our instruments.
“Hey guys,” Van says, getting the attention of the other two, “guess what Luna does before a show!” He’s smiling from ear to ear.
“What?” Lane asks, completely unaware of our previous conversation.
“She rubs one out,” he says.
The guys’ mouths drop open as their eyes land on mine. My face is on fire, but what else can I do? I can’t say I was having sex with Daniel in there.
“What? No way!” Lane says.
“Her exact words,” Van laughs.
Ridge smiles and nods toward me. “That’s hot, Luna.”
“Ugh, shut up and get serious. We’re on.”
Suddenly we hear the club owner say, “Please give a warm welcome to the next big thing, The Wonder Kings!”
The lights go dark and the crowd gets quiet. My fingers start sliding across the strings. The crowd starts to scream and the pyrotechnics go off—fire shooting up in the air. Then we rush the stage. The music comes easy and it’s a song we’ve been playing for years, so it’s like my lips know the words and my fingers know the chords all on their own. I don’t even have to focus on this song, so I do my job of playing and singing, but my eyes are taking in the crowd before us. They’re screaming and jumping up and down, dancing with the music. Camera flashes are going off and there’s even a guy on the ground with a camera, recording the show.
We get exactly 20 minutes to play, and we need to have this crowd eating out of the palms of our hands before we leave. We want them buying T-shirts and digital downloads before they leave—pumping them up so they want to come and see us on tour and buy the vinyl once it’s released. The rest of our time is spent focusing on doing our jobs and putting on a hell of a show. This is nothing like our previous performances, but nothing compared to what the future will bring. This isn’t some small, smoke-filled bar. It’s a big amphitheater, holding thousands of people. Laser lights and fire dance around us. It’s a whole production.
We finish up the last song and the crowd roars. They’re all up out of their seats—jumping, cheering, screaming, and waving. I laugh as I look out over them. “Thank you, Chicago!” I say into the mic before tossing my pick into the crowd. I turn and walk off stage, handing over my guitar to the guy who handles the equipment. I can hear the guys following me. They’re just as pumped as I am. They’re talking and laughing—getting rowdy and pushing each other around—but there’s only one place I want to be. In my dressing room with him.
I walk in and close and lock the door behind me. Daniel is sitting on the couch as the TV in front of him plays the show through a live feed. I turn to him with a wide smile as he springs up from his seat.
“That was amazing, beautiful,” he says, moments before his lips crash into mine. I jump into his arms, with my arms wrapping around his neck and my thighs moving around his hips. He kisses me full of passion and heat. This kiss is hard and fast as he lays me down on the couch. I can feel his excitement and it’s pressing against my core, only causing my already excited body to burn even hotter.
His hands work my dress up my thighs and his fingers run across my center. There’s only one small piece of fabric separating us and I wish he’d push it to the side. I want to feel him touching me.
Someone knocks on the door and then seconds later, Van’s voice rings out. “Luna! Open up!”
“Fuck,” Daniel breathes out, tearing himself away from me. He stands up and helps me to my feet. He quickly looks around the room, deciding to step into the small closet as I go to open the door, finding Van, Ridge, and Lane on the other side.
“What’s up, guys?”
“We’re taking off to check out the festival. Want to come eat some fair food and enjoy some rides?”
I smile. “Thanks for the offer, but I have plans for tonight. Go on without me.”
He draws his brows together. “You sure? I know how much you love those curly potato things and funnel cakes.”
“Don’t forget the lemon shake-ups, but yes, I’m sure. I’ll just grab something on the way out.”
“All right, see ya later,” Van says, walking down the hallway with the guys following along behind him.
I shut and lock the door once again and go over to the closet to let Daniel out. “You ready to go?”
“Let’s do it,” he says, stepping out of the closet.
I go to gather my things and see a text from Riley. I open it quickly.
Daniel sent us a clip of your live show. Killing it, girl! Can’t wait to see you again!
I smile at the message and send her a quick thank you. Riley and Piper are both really sweet and funny. They’re the kind of people I can see myself being lifelong friends with. I’ve never had many girlfriends. Every one I’ve made over the years has either been jealous of the time I spend with the guys, or jealous of the attention I get from being on stage. Piper and Riley don’t seem to be that way. They’re just laid-back and easygoing, which means hanging out with them is fun instead of work. That’s exactly the kind of people I need in my life.
I grab my phone and purse and take Daniel’s hand as he leads me out of the dressing room, down the hall, and out the back door to the outside world. We’re smack dab in the middle of a massive fair. We’re surrounded by flashing lights, children crying, and the sweet, sweet smell of fair food.
“Want to grab something to eat?” he asks as he leads me toward the parking lot.
“You know I do.” We stop at a vendor and order a lemon shake-up, curly potatoes, and a funnel cake. We take the items over to a small picnic table in a darkened corner where we hopefully won’t be spotted. I take a sip of my drink and the sweetness mixes with the sour in the best way possible
. I tear off a potato strip and dip it in the cheese sauce I ordered on the side. The fried food is exactly what I need after giving my all on stage.
Daniel grabs a potato spiral and dunks it into the cheese before popping it into his mouth. The chunk is bigger than he anticipated, though, and it leaves a smear of cheese on both corners of his mouth. I laugh and reach up to wipe it away. “Really good, huh?”
His mouth is full but he smirks and nods.
“Luna! Daniel! What are you two doing here?” Van asks, walking up with the guys flanking him.
I look at Daniel but he’s calmly looking up at Van. “I came to the show. I ran into Luna afterward and we decided to get something to eat. You guys want some?” He slides the paper boat of curly potatoes toward them.
Van laughs as he holds his beer cups. There are at least six stacked in his hand. “Better be careful. Luna doesn’t share curly potatoes.”
All the guys sit at our table. “What did you think of the show?” Van asks.
Daniel chews while nodding. “It was really good. Can’t wait to see you guys on tour. When’s that kickoff again?” He looks confused but I know the date is burned into his memory like it is mine.
“A few weeks,” I say, nonchalantly.
“I’ll have to go online and buy some tickets. Should I ask for autographs now or do I have to wait in line with the rest of the fans?”
I roll my eyes. “I’m pretty sure you got something better than an autograph from me.”
“That reminds me,” Van says, stealing our attention away from each other, “there’s this guy the label hired to lug our shit around on tour. I want to introduce you to him. I think you’ll like him.”
I look at him, confused. What’s he trying to do? It’s not okay for me to date Daniel, but it’s okay to date this random roadie? Or is all this just some kind of game to try to make Daniel jealous? With Van, there’s no telling.
“I’m not looking to date anyone, Van. You know that.”
He shrugs. “I just figured with your little pre-show warm-up, having someone on tour could help with that, but whatever.” He turns his attention to the guys, leaving Daniel looking at me, confused.
I mouth the words I’ll explain later and he nods. The guys don’t seem to be going anywhere and I’m officially done eating. The potatoes are gone, the funnel cake has been finished off, and I’m out of my lemon shake-up. Still, they’re not leaving and I can’t exactly get up and leave with Daniel without raising suspicions. So instead, I look around for another reason to leave.
“Mmm, that ice cream looks good.”
Daniel turns his head to see the stand that’s further down the path. “That doesn’t sound too bad. Want to go get some?” he asks.
Van stands up. “Hey, that does sound good. Let’s go.” He climbs out of the picnic table and takes off toward the stand, leaving Daniel and me staring at each other. Begrudgingly, we stand and follow after him. We can’t just run in the opposite direction. He would know something was up for sure.
Even though my stomach is full and can’t handle anything else, I force myself to choke down the ice cream while Van watches me with a knowing smile. It’s like he knows what’s going on and he’s just trying to see how far he can push it.
While we’re eating our ice cream, he looks up at Daniel. “Hey, man, the guys and I are getting ready to hit up a strip club. Wanna join?” He takes a sip of his beer and I catch a whiff of his breath. It smells like straight alcohol. Van doesn’t drink all that often, and when he does, he never overdoes it. I wonder what’s gotten into him to make him drink like this tonight.
I nearly choke on my ice cream but manage to hold it back.
Daniel smiles. “Thanks, but that’s not really my scene.”
“What?” Van questions. “A good-looking guy like you can’t stay single for too long. Or are you still with that sexy model you brought to the party?”
I’m already grinding my teeth together to hold back the anger that night brought on.
“No, Dee Dee and I called it quits. We’re better as friends.”
“So you’re single?” Van verifies.
Daniel looks at me quickly, then back to Van. “Yeah, I guess I am.”
“I’ve got a couple of girls I could hook you up with if you’re interested.”
“Thanks, but I’m good. I don’t have a problem meeting women. My problem’s getting them to leave when I’m tired of them.”
Van laughs. “Heard that. Guess that’s a club you need to join, Luna.”
I jab my elbow into his ribs. “It’s not like that, Van. Daniel and I are just friends and we’re both cool with that.”
He nods. “Riiiight. We all know that you would jump back on it if he’d let you, Luna.” He raises his beer to his lips and takes a long drink, finishing it off.
“Fuck you, Van,” I say, getting up and walking away.
It doesn’t take long before Daniel’s behind me. “Hey, slow down,” he says, running up to my side. “Are you okay? You know Van was just drunk and being an asshole. No reason to let it bother you.”
I stop and turn to face him. “I know. I’m concerned with why he was drinking like that to begin with, but I’m too angry to care at the moment. It just pisses me off that he says that shit. I mean, does he know we’re together? Is he trying to call me out on keeping us a secret? Or is he really just that big of an ass?”
He wraps me up in his arms, his hands rubbing up and down my back in smooth motions. “Come on. Let’s get you home. It’s been a long day.” He leads me out to his car in the parking lot, where I climb into the passenger seat. The car is quiet as he pulls up to the fair entrance, which leads to the main road. As we’re approaching, I notice Van and the guys walking out. I quickly throw myself down on the floorboard so they won’t see me.
“What the hell are you doing?” Daniel asks, hesitantly hitting the brakes.
“Just saw the guys! Just drive by. Don’t stop,” I whisper like they can hear me—even though I know they can’t.
Daniel drives by, offering a slight wave as he passes. “I think Van was trying to flag me down.”
“Fuck him,” I say, climbing back up into the seat.
“This thing you’ve got going on with him can’t be good for the band. You need to talk to him.”
I take a deep breath. “I really thought that once he knew we’d broken up that he’d let it go, but he seems to be getting more controlling. I mean, on one hand, I understand it. He’s always been the older brother type. He watched out for me for years through high school and college. He chased away all the guys I didn’t want hitting on me. He even saved my ass a time or two when I got too wasted at a party. So part of me thinks that what he’s doing is just what he’s always done. But I don’t need saving when it comes to you. On the other hand, I also wonder if this isn’t just him trying to desperately hold on to the promise of fame and fortune. He’s afraid I’ll leave the band, and in his eyes, there’s no band without me.”
Daniel looks over at me and offers up a sympathetic smile. “Either way, it sounds like you two have some shit to work out.”
I nod. I guess we do.
Twelve
Daniel
We get to her place and walk up to her apartment. Since we’re completely stuffed from the fair food, we decide to take a shower and get to bed at a decent hour. Neither of us says much of anything as we shower together. I can tell she’s lost in thought about what I said. She needs to have a tough talk with Van, and I just want to let her know I’m here for her no matter what she decides to tell him. I wash her back and press soft kisses along her neck and shoulder. She spins around and moves against my chest, her lips finding mine. I pick her up against me and turn off the water, carrying her to bed. We fall down to the mattress, wrapped up in each other.
I break our kiss and look down at her. She’s beautiful—bare-faced with wet hair splayed out around her head. “I’m here for whatever you need, Luna.” I press a kiss to her co
llarbone. “I’m here to support you.” I press a kiss to her neck. “I’m here for it all.”
She offers up a sleepy smile as her eyes lock on mine. “I’m going to have a talk with Van, but I’m not telling him about us. We’re about to go on tour and there’s no point in bringing it up when it’s just going to be ending anyway.” She lifts her head and presses her lips to mine. Like always, everything I’m thinking about flies right out of my head and my thoughts are consumed with her.
In the morning, as I’m heading out to get some things done, she lets me know she has a band meeting during which she’s going to talk to Van about his recent behavior. We promise to meet back up tonight and I kiss her goodbye.
I swing by my place and change into some gym clothes before rushing back out the door. I run five miles, lift some weights, and even take a swim. By the time I’m done, my body feels weak and tired. I get home and shower before ordering a grilled chicken salad for lunch from the place down the street.
Soon, my doorbell is ringing and I go to retrieve my lunch. I eat on the couch, watching her music video over and over again. Like some stalker fan, I feel like she’s looking directly at me through the screen. That she’s singing to me. I even try to find little hidden messages in the video—a look that could mean more, or a way she’s telling me she loves me since neither of us has breathed those words to each other.
I end up putting the empty salad bowl down on the coffee table and lying across the couch to watch every video of her on YouTube. Some were filmed by people in the audience at a number of their small bar shows. I also find videos of last night’s performance, interviews they’ve done over the years, and then the video that has me sitting on the edge of my seat. It was recently posted by some entertainment news channel. At first, the news anchor starts talking about the band, their rising popularity, and how they’re about to go on tour and release their album. Then the focus shifts to the individual band members.
Luna’s the first one profiled since she’s the lead vocalist. It tells her life story: growing up in a music store, working to pay for her first guitar, and all the things she did in school: band, plays, and dance. It flashes to the current day, with the anchor saying that while Luna claims she’s single, they’re not convinced that’s the truth. The screen flashes to the picture of us that was taken the other day. She’s in my arms and we’re kissing, looking completely in love. Then it cuts back to the anchor and he goes on to reveal my name and the fact that I’m the band’s lawyer. He also insinuates that we haven’t been honest about the status of our relationship.
Rocking His FAKE World: A Fake Boyfriend, Opposites Attract Romance (Love You Forever Book 3) Page 13