Sing With Me: A With Me In Seattle Universe Novel

by Anna Edwards

  “Liam.” I mouth as I try getting up to chase after him and retrieve my phone. However, Cameron prevents me by holding me down in the seat.

  “Yes, I believe the entire band will make a statement about it at some point. Mr. Gordon and the other band members are working together on how to proceed. They are glad everything is out in the open now, though. It means they can help others in a similar position, just as Tate said on the video. Oh God, the video. Have you seen it? It breaks my heart. The poor man.”

  I put my head in my hands, trying to plan how I’m going to spin Liam’s words when they get out. I know the press monger on the other end of the phone is lapping it all up and will be selling the story as an exclusive in less than an hour.

  “Yes, drugs are bad. It’s why the band will not allow anyone involved with them on their tour. You can take my word on that. This is a clean tour and always will be. I mean, the guys do have their vices. A little consensual sex never hurt anyone, and from my understanding, they are particularly well-endowed and gifted at it. So the ladies…and gentlemen, to be politically correct, are assured of a good time. However, illegal drugs come nowhere near Saving Tate. I think now Mr. Gordon’s story is out in the open, he’ll be able to face the grief he’s been hiding and use it in a really positive way.”

  Oh God, I’m going to be dealing with claims of orgies in the press now as well as fielding questions about the actual length and girth of the guys’ anatomy.

  “Liam, I’m going to kill you.” I mouth at him.

  Cameron and Austin are on either side of me, laughing.

  “When we get the bisexual questions, Liam can answer those himself.” Cameron says, shaking his head.

  “I’m going to kill him,” I repeat.

  “Look, I’ve said too much. You mustn’t repeat any of this. Miss Danson is going to be furious with me. I have to go now. Just please, if you can get everyone to love on the band tonight, that would be amazing. They’re going through a tough time, and they need the support.”

  I can’t hear what’s being said on the other end of the line, but the satisfied grin on Liam’s face tells me his little act might just have worked.

  “Thank you. Thank you so much. Saving Tate will put on their best ever concert tonight—I’m sure of it. I’ll also talk to Miss Danson about getting you an exclusive interview with the band because of all the wonderful help you’re offering. Thank you again.”

  Liam ends the call and throws my phone back to me.

  “Dear God, who was that?” I ask, scared to hear the answer.

  “Only the editor of the biggest gossip magazine in the country.” Liam looks proud of himself. “He’s going to contact all the other little gossip magazines and have them run this story as a massive positive for Saving Tate, saying how we’re a band unlike any other because we want to get rid of drugs rather than losing ourselves in them. He promises, on his say so, nothing bad will be posted about Heidi in exchange for a big interview. I think you and Tate can give him that.”

  “Yes.” Austin punches the air. “You’re a genius, Liam.”

  “No, I just know how to bullshit a bullshitter.”

  “Hashtag Truth,” Cameron adds.

  “Thank you.” Tate’s voice comes from behind us, and we all turn around.

  I get to my feet and instantly go to him, and he pulls me into his arms.

  “I’m sorry I never told you, Zoey,” he apologizes.

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does. No more secrets.”

  “Okay, no secrets.”

  “Does that mean I need to tell you about the secret wife and kids I’ve been keeping hidden?” Liam jokes, and Austin throws a cushion at him.

  “Tate, I know about addiction. Even if you deny it now, I know today was about you blaming yourself for what happened. I’ve been there, remember. Sometimes you can’t help the person, no matter how much you care about them, because they’re already too far gone.” I place my hand on his stubbled jawline.

  “I’ll always wish I could have changed what happened that day, but I know there’s nothing I can do about it now. It’s in the past. I just have to look to the future, and the best way to start is to get on stage tonight and sing.”

  “Hashtag Truth, again.” Cameron smiles as he stands up and comes toward us, accompanied by Austin and Liam.

  All four men grab hold of each other and envelop me in the middle of a comforting embrace.

  “Let’s go and rock Barcelona’s world.” Tate is the first to offer words of encouragement.

  “Show them we can do this with style.” Liam is next.

  “Nobody can match us.” Cameron nods confidently.

  “Because we’ve got the luck of the Irish behind us,” Austin cheekily adds, and they all groan.

  “Seriously, guys, if I’ve made things difficult, I’m sorry. But I do feel as though I’ve had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders,” Tate apologizes.

  “And that is how it should be,” Cameron reassures him.

  All the guys high five together and then follow me out of the room as a cohesive group ready to rock the world.

  “Cameron, if you hashtag anything ever again, I’m going to slap you silly,” Tate jokes before pinching my backside as we walk.

  The band erupts into laughter, and I can’t help feeling everything is going to be all right.

  Chapter 22

  Tate

  #YouMayBeMyMentorButIWontLetYouFireZoey

  “The concert was amazing. You were on fire out there.” Zoey curls her warm body around mine.

  It’s three in the morning, and even though I’m exhausted from the day, I want inside the woman next to me.

  “I felt invigorated out there. It was perfect.”

  “It certainly was.” Zoey moves a hand over my chest, flicking at my nipple ring before tracing the lines of my tattoos. “Did they hurt when you had them done?”

  “No, not really. I’ve got a high pain threshold, though.”

  “I’d like to get something. I don’t know what, but maybe when I go back to America, I’ll look into it.”

  “You’ll be using my artist if you do. He’s the best.”

  “Okay, bossy,” she laughs.

  “I’ll show you bossy.”

  With little effort, I lift Zoey and straddle her over me.

  “Tate,” she squeals playfully and squirms, rubbing her bottom against my already hard dick.

  “Are you wet for me, beautiful?” I ask.

  “Always.” She leans back and shows me her already glistening pussy.

  “Fuck me, I’ve awoken a sex goddess.”

  “Just a bit.”

  Lifting her up again, I slide her down over my dick.

  We both gasp at the feeling of bliss. The position we’re in allows me to go deep within her.

  “I’m so full, Tate,” Zoey moans breathlessly as her head falls back, allowing her long blonde hair to cascade down over her shoulders.

  “Set a pace then. You’re in charge.”

  I encourage her to take control by moving her up and down my length. It feels perfect. Eventually she sets her own rhythm, rotating her hips as she moves up and down.

  It’s then I realize I don’t have a condom on.

  “Zoey, we need to stop. I don’t have any protection on, and I’ve never showed you my papers.”

  “We don’t need it. I’m covered, and I trust you with my heart and body.” She stares directly at me, showing me the honesty behind her words.

  It’s my undoing as I help her to move faster and faster, up and down. I won’t last long. It feels too good. She’s warm, wet, and tight.

  Perfect.

  Zoey gasps, “I’m going to come.”

  “Ride me, baby girl. Come all over my dick. I’m ready to go with you.”

  After a few more thrusts, Zoey stills, and I feel her pussy clamp down on my dick. It sets off my orgasm, and I spurt jet after jet of hot cum deep inside her. I think I see fucking sta
rs—it feels so good. My head spins, and when Zoey collapses onto my chest, I’m too weak to maneuver us both into a more comfortable position. Eventually, I get my breath back and move her onto her side with my deflating dick still resting inside her. I don’t want to move again for anything. I want to stay like this forever, happy and content.

  Fate has other ideas, though, when my phone starts ringing. It’s a programmed tone, and I know instantly it’s Leo Nash, my mentor. I can’t ignore it.

  “I have to answer this call. It’s Leo,” I tell Zoey. Her eyelids are fluttering, open-and-shut, as tiredness starts to claim her. “You stay here and rest. I’ll be back soon.”

  “All right,” she mumbles, already half asleep.

  Pulling all the way out of Zoey, I roll over to the side and pick up the phone.

  “Give me a minute, Leo. I’ll call you back,” I answer before immediately hanging up again.

  One of the robes the hotel provided is next to the bed. I grab it, and wrapping it around me, I pad quietly out into the living area of the suite. This accommodation only has one bedroom, so I don’t need to worry about waking any of the other guys although I doubt they’ll be sleeping. It’s still too early for them.

  I’ve been expecting this call after everything that’s happened in the last twenty-four hours. I pull up Leo’s number and return the call.

  “Hi, sorry about that. I…” I suddenly realize I don’t know what to say to him. ‘I was fucking our babysitter’ might not go down too well.

  “Don’t worry, Tate. I know it’s late there. I’m sorry for the call at such an ungodly hour, but it’s the first time I’ve had a moment to myself today.”

  “It’s not a problem. You know I’ll take a call from you anytime of the day,” I reply honestly.

  It’s Leo Nash. You don’t reject him when he wants to talk to you.

  “How are you, Tate? And I want the truth.”

  “Good. I feel as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Yeah I could have had a meltdown in a less public place, but it just happened that way. I wasn’t really thinking. Is the publicity surrounding it bad?”

  I’m worried about his answer. Leo has been good to us. I don’t want to disappoint him.

  “Not at all, I think if at some point you can talk to the press about what happened in a calmer way, it’ll be all right. The fact the concert went well tonight really helped. You were on fire.”

  “It’s strange. I felt as though Heidi was with me for the first time tonight. It was like she was proud of me for admitting how she died and not hiding it anymore. It’s a silly thing to say, but I really did believe she was there strutting along with me on stage.”

  “I believe you. I’ve felt that sort of thing before. Sometimes it’s the reason we give our best performance. You did well tonight, Tate. I’m proud of you. I know it wasn’t easy to go out there.”

  A big smile crosses my face at his words. Leo is the best thing to have happened to Saving Tate. He’s the reason we’re so popular now. He placed his faith in us, and I hope we haven’t let him down. We always strive to do the right thing—the Nash way if you will.

  “Thank you, you know it means a lot to me.”

  The line goes quiet for a moment. I can hear noise in the background and a woman’s voice. It’s Leo’s wife, Sam. They didn’t have an easy courtship, especially as Sam was mistrusting of the celebrity life, but you can’t separate the two of them now. They are the epitome of a couple in love.

  “Sorry about that. Sam is pissed at me because I didn’t put the trash out this morning. I’ll make it up to her later. She’ll be all right.”

  “Not sure I want to know. Sam seems completely innocent to me even after spending the last few years with you.” I laugh.

  “She’s far from that. Anyway, talking about women, it brings me onto my next point, Miss Danson.”

  “Yes, what about her?”

  I’ve been expecting this call from Leo. But I didn’t think it would be at three am, and I certainly didn’t envisage answering it while the woman in question sleeps peacefully in the room next door with my fresh cum inside her.

  “What’s happening between the two of you? I want the truth.”

  “She’s my girlfriend. It’s been quick and a bit of a shock, but I can’t get enough of her. When she’s not next to me, I’m seeking her out. I never thought I’d have feelings like this for anyone. Part of me thought I’d be an eternal bachelor, but she's rocked my world.”

  “Hmm.” I can hear Leo musing on my words. I picture him even stroking his stubbled chin. “You know that her being the publicist on the tour is probably a conflict of interest now. Fred isn’t happy. He was going to call her today, but then you gave him a completely different story to worry about.”

  “Is he going to remove her from the tour? Would he fire her?”

  “I’m not sure. He’s definitely within his rights to take her off the tour. How do the other guys feel about your relationship?”

  “They’ve given us their blessing. They treat Zoey like a sister in many ways. It’s good to see. They look out for her.”

  Leo goes quiet for a moment.

  “What aren’t you telling me, Tate?” he then asks

  Seriously, the guy is a mind reader even from over five thousand miles away.

  “It’s not my place to give you full details. That’s up to Zoey, but she’s got issues at home. Similar but different to mine. She’s coping, but things have been tough for her for a long time.”

  “Okay.”

  I can tell Leo is worried. After a while, being in the industry tends to leave you a little jaded about who can and can’t be trusted.

  “She’s not using me, Leo. I know it for certain. I can see the truth in her eyes.”

  “You say Zoey’s your girlfriend. But is she just a girlfriend or is it something more serious?”

  “The latter,”

  “Fred thinks a lot of her. He’s surprised you two are together. He put Zoey on the tour because she’s a hard worker and ever the professional.”

  “Leo, I won't let anyone remove her from the tour or fire her. I’ll create havoc if Fred tries. She’s a brilliant publicist. I don’t know how we’ve managed to tour in the past without her. She works all hours, and she sees so much in the little things we do and brings them all to the forefront. The success of this tour so far is down to her. I know things are a little rocky at the moment, and she’s got her work cut out, but if anyone tries to bad mouth her or fire her, I’ll walk.”

  Leo laughs down the other end of the phone.

  “I’m serious,” I state flatly.

  “I know you are but don’t worry. You interrupted me before I had a chance to finish what I was saying. When I saw the picture of you kissing Zoey outside that restaurant, I saw Sam and myself all over again. From what I’ve seen and heard, she’s perfect for you, Tate. It’s the best news I’ve had in ages.”

  I let out a long sigh of relief. I was anxious about him hating her. Leo’s opinion always means so much to me.

  He continues, “She’s also talented at what she does. I can see her taking Saving Tate even further into stardom. You all need to listen to her but protect her at the same time. She knows about publicity and what’s needed to make a celebrity—however, she’s never experienced it up close before. Guide her, and she’ll reward you all in so many ways.”

  “Thank you. You don’t know what it means to me to hear you say that. I’m falling, Leo, deep and completely.”

  “Enjoy the experience. It’s one hell of a ride but completely worth it. I better let you go. It’s late, and I’m sure you want to get back to bed. I’ve got to go and make up with Sam as well.”

  “Good luck with that one. I know she’ll make you work hard.”

  “As I said, completely worth it.”

  “Thank you again, Leo.”

  The line goes dead, and I fall back into a nearby chair. Today should have been the day from hell with it being m
y sister’s thirtieth birthday, but instead it’s turned into a day where I finally feel as though I’m living. Long may it continue.

  Chapter 23

  Zoey

  #ItsStrangeBeingTheSubjectOfAPressConference RatherThanWatchingIt

  As promised by Liam, I set up an interview with the band for the editor of the top gossip magazine. It doesn’t take long for the details to go public and more questions start flying in. So while the band is in Germany, I also organize a press conference for them, and even though I want to hide away behind the scenes, I agree to sit next to Tate during it. We can then address our relationship together if it comes up.

  I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous as I sit beside Tate and the rest of band with a sea of journalists and photographers in front of us. My stomach churns, but Tate holds my hand under the table—I’m certain it’s the only thing that going to get me through this.

  “Thank you for all being here today,” I start off the press conference as the publicist. This part I can do with my eyes shut. “Mr. Gordon has a short statement he wants to read to you all—a copy of which is being handed out. After that the band will take a few questions. We don’t have a lot of time as the guys need to prepare for tonight’s concert. Let’s get started.”

  I smile politely and am instantly blinded by flashes from the cameras. I know the band doesn’t like me wearing a suit, but I’m in one today. It feels more appropriate. I’ve got a change of clothes with me for later, though.

  Tate picks up his statement, and I give him a reassuring smile as he leans toward the microphone in front of him.