Groaning, I crawl out of bed and take in a snoring Jet in the bed next to mine, while Willow and Trevor chug down their coffee in the adjoining room. What are the chances they grabbed one for me? Let’s find out, shall we?
After slipping on my jeans, I walk into the room and almost drop to my knees. Not because the table has every kind of breakfast food imaginable. Oh no, my only focus is the coffee in to-go cups, which reminds me of Abby. Just the thought of my favorite barista has my chest tightening. Fuck, I should have returned her texts. She always replies to mine. God, I’m such a selfish prick. I planned on messaging her today, whether we win or lose. But for now, I’m going to drink coffee, shower, and pray that I feel human again before the results come in later today.
Pulling up a chair, Willow slides a steaming cup right in front of me. I’m not selfish, but I’m thinking I might need all four of them. “Thanks, you’re a lifesaver.” I allow the steam to open up my senses before taking my first sip. Mm, orgasmic is the only word that comes to mind. I don’t know about any of you, but coffee makes my life worth living.
“What’s our game plan for today? Are we going to finish watching the competition or are we going to sit around and wait for the phone to ring?” Trevor grabs a glazed donut and waves it in my face to get my attention. Well, now he just lost it as I sink my teeth into the sugary goodness. Either it will settle my stomach, or it will come back up in a minute or two. We shall see.
“No way in hell I want to sit through more bands. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I had my fill yesterday. I thought maybe we could go to the aquarium. We’ve never been, and it will pass the time until they call. Unless there’s something else you guys want to do?”
“I wanna go listen to the other fuckers play,” Jet announces, walking out of the room with a raging hard-on. Okay, so every guy has morning wood, but I swear he has no shame after what he’s lived through.
“For Christ’s sake, go put some clothes on or rub it out in the shower. There is a lady present,” Trevor spits out. Ah, so protective of his little cousin.
“I’m no lady, but thanks,” Willow smiles. “Besides, it’s nothing I haven’t seen already.” Willow blushes several shades of red as all eyes turn her way. The weird part is no one denies it.
What the ever-loving fuck! Jet and Willow? I would have never guessed. On that note, Jet grabs a coffee and heads towards the bathroom. Fucker! “You best clean up after yourself, asshole. I’m not stepping in that shower after you’ve christened the walls.” I think I hear a resounding “Fuck You,” but it’s hard to tell since Trevor and Willow are laughing so loudly. Well, I’m just calling it like I see it. “What? You wouldn’t be laughing if he was using your shower.” Silence. I knew that would shut them up.
One by one, we all wander off to clean up and start our day. By the time we all gather again, its three in the afternoon. Where the hell did the day go? I suppose that happens when you go to bed at six in the morning and take hours to mend from your hangover. It’s all good, and now we’re going to the venue to watch the remaining bands. Yep, Jet got his way and he didn’t think it was too funny when I told everyone we had to “respect our elders.”
Fighting through the crowd, we grab a seat towards the middle of the venue and wait for the next band. They’ve taking a fifteen and are cleaning off the stage. Why? I have no fucking clue. Voices carry over everyone and there are more people than yesterday, which kinda sucks for us. “Is it my imagination, or are there more people here today than yesterday?”
Some bald guy sitting in front of us turns around. Eavesdrop much? “They opened up the doors to the public about an hour ago. The judges thought it would be great to watch their reaction to the bands.” Well, fuck me sideways. This is a bunch of bullshit.
Now we sit and wait, and that’s going to be the hardest part. The not knowing is killing us, and the fact that Mrs. C called earlier to ask if we knew anything just puts more pressure on all of us. My only consolation is in a few hours we need to decide what happens with The Sinful Seven.
Tension is high when the judges excuse themselves and head backstage once the last of the bands has finished their set. I really feel for them, since there were eighty-seven bands in total. They have a daunting task of choosing only one, and of course everyone is on edge, hoping they will be the winners. I feel like I’ve been on one of those television shows where you lay yourself bare and then get rejected. All of your dreams crumble before you.
Ninety-seven minutes and forty-two seconds later, they’re returning to change someone’s life forever. Some bands left, not waiting to hear the outcome, but we didn’t want to throw in the towel just yet. Everyone holds their breath when Caleb takes the stage.
“This was an amazing turn out, and I’d like to thank all of you for coming out this weekend, especially on such short notice. I need to leave immediately after announcing the winner, and I apologize but I can’t miss my flight. My assistant, Quinn, will let the winners know what’s next and can answer any of your questions. With that said, it was a very hard decision, but in the end it was unanimous. Congratulations to The Sinful Seven!”
***
Abby
All three of us had a ball hanging out with Joel and his friends last night. In fact, they paid for everything including the comedy club. Yep, they invited themselves and I’m glad they did. We had so much fun. Instead of a double date, it was a triple, and I wouldn’t be surprised if my girls had dates with Joel’s friends. That’s how great everyone got along.
Now I’m a bundle of nerves since Joel’s picking me up in thirty minutes. I shouldn’t be, but it’s been a long time since I went on a real date. Like forever! Last night he told me to wear something casual. Tonight is our chance to get to know each other better. One on one.
While waiting, I make a million trips to the bathroom to check on my makeup. Yes, I’m wearing makeup. Can you believe it? Only mascara, lip shine, and a bit of glitter, but I attempted to look more womanly than normal. Although I think Joel already knows that by his flirtatious nature. Listen to me! I sound like a silly teenager instead of a twenty-three-year-old.
After checking myself one last time, I peek out the front window and wait. I’m going to look too eager if he sees me standing here, but too damn bad. I want Joel to know how excited I am. When my phone pings with an incoming text, my stomach dips. What if he’s calling to cancel? That would sure as hell be my luck. Meet a great guy, want to get to know him, and, Boom, it’s over before it begins.
Grabbing my phone, I key in the code and gasp as I see an unopened text from Lucas. Seriously? Like he couldn’t bother answering the million texts I’ve already sent? Now that I’m about to step out the door it’s convenient for him? I don’t think so. Two can play at this game. Now it’s his turn to wait.
Stuffing my phone into my pocket, I startle when there’s a knock on the door. I gasp, since it sounded exactly like the beating of my heart. A few deep breaths later, a smiling Joel greets me. His hair is a tousled mess and my fingers itch to reach out and smooth it down. I refrain, but my eyes drop to what he’s holding and I giggle. Just like a schoolgirl.
“Ever been on the back of a Harley, Abby?” I’m not sure if I want to run and hide or climb him like a monkey, so I do neither. I mustn’t chase him away before we have our date.
“Nope, it’ll be my first time.” I want to squeal when he reaches out and brushes his thumb over my cheek. Adoring and so swoon worthy.
“Good, I’m glad I can have one of your firsts.” Okay, stuff like this only happens in the sappy movies. Right? Guys aren’t normally like this, are they? Or maybe I’m just choosing the wrong ones.
“I’ll admit, I’m scared shitless, but you got my back,” rolls off my tongue before I can engage my brain. Way to go, idiot!
“Absolutely. Grab a jacket, though, since it can get pretty cold on the back when I’m speeding down the highway.” My eyes must bug out of my head since he tosses his head back and laughs.
Wow, gorgeous.
Being the total jerk that I am, I don’t even invite him in, I just take off, grab the jacket, and head out the door. Once again, he chuckles when I lock the door behind him.
Handing me the helmet, he straddles the bike and holds out his hand. I don’t notice it right away since I’m too busy gawking at his long jean-clad legs hugging the bike. I need to snap the fuck out! When I get ready to mount the bike, he tugs on my waist, bringing me forward. I stumble and he rights me as my chest hits his arm. “Sorry, can you tell I’m nervous?”
A brilliant smile greets me and I fucking melt. Yep, into a puddle around his feet. Nope, boots. Rugged, worn, and sexy. “Come here, beautiful. Let me help you strap on your helmet before you climb aboard.”
Oh, so many thoughts race through my head with that statement, but I’ll let them be. For whatever reason, I feel bashful in front of him, I don’t understand why. Not like the night with Lucas where I met him at the door wearing just a coat and nothing underneath. Apparently I have a slutty side, which didn’t get the memo tonight. It’s for the best, I suppose.
I thought the helmet would be too big, but it’s a perfect fit. When his fingers pull on the chin strap, I shudder. “See, I told you it could be chilly. Glad you grabbed your jacket, now?” I nod, since I’m speechless. If only he knew the shiver had nothing to do with the cold and everything to do with him. Yikes, we haven’t even been on our first date and I’m acting love-struck. And, wouldn’t you know, another incoming text hits my phone before we leave?
“You want to see who that is before we get going?” Joel is so thoughtful. Most guys would rush me to move faster.
“It’s nothing important. Let’s ride like the wind.” Once again, he chuckles as I mount the bike but have no idea where to place my hands. Well, I do, but I’m a bit hesitant until he takes the guesswork in his own hands. Literally.
“Wrap your arms around me just like this.” No complaints here. “Then keep your head down and lean with me on the curves. You’ll feel my body shift either way, so just follow my lead.” He makes it sound so damn easy. “Ready, Abby?”
“More than you’ll ever know!” With that said, the engine roars to life and so do I!
25
Lucas
I've tried calling Abby several times and she hasn't answered or texted me back. I don't know why but I’m sure she has a good reason. I just hope everything’s alright. I can’t wait to tell her the good news. How we won the contest and now have a deal with Morris Music. It’s everything we dreamed of and everything we hoped for, so why do I feel so empty? Why do I feel so alone? I can answer both of those questions since Abby’s the only person I wanted to share my good news with. Not my family, not my friends. Not one single person. Only my favorite barista. Dammit, Abby, why aren’t you answering your phone? I really don't blame her; I get it since I've ignored hers for the last few days. All I can hope for is that she’ll be willing to talk when I get home.
When Caleb’s secretary informed us that we’d be flying to LA to record the album, Trevor flipped his shit. There’s no way he wants to leave his mom for a month or more and I don’t blame him. After she explained the situation to Caleb, he assured us that if we decided to sign the contract, he’d let us record and mix in NY. But he also reminded us that we’d be going on tour and would be gone for several months at a time once the album was complete. It’s all good since I promised Trevor we’d hire a nurse who would be with his mom day and night while we were gone. And, he can call anytime to get updates.
It feels surreal when Quinn is appointed as our PR and booking agent. Now all we need to do is find someone to take care of the business end of things. I knew there was going to be tons of things we needed to do, but I think we’re all a bit overwhelmed with it all. For now, I’ll take control since I’ve been doing it all along, but we’ll need to find someone since I’ll have enough to keep me busy on any given day. And I’m having my lawyer look at the contract before we physically sign it. We were granted seventy-two hours and I’ve already made an appointment with him for tomorrow. So much to do and so little time.
Quinn’s a spitfire and I know she’s good at her job, but the boys are bristling. Willow, not so much since she seemed to find an ally to our newest addition. Hey, I’m not sexist by any means and Caleb assured us she’s brilliant. So, I’m not going to rock the boat. And, if I’m being honest, she’s easy on the eyes compared to a middle-aged, overweight man smoking a cigar. I know that’s stereotypical, but I’m bad like that. So sue me.
After the formalities, we headed back to Manhattan with Quinn in tow. She insisted on coming with us to plot and plan even before signing the contract. No way were we going to change her mind. All five feet three inches of attitude is kinda scary on a female, and if she has our best interests in mind, I won’t bitch. The Sinful Seven might have been around for years, but as far as the business side of things, we’re clueless. I always handled the bookings, money gigs, and expenses, but not on a large scale like this. For now, she’s in charge.
By the time we wrap everything up, it’s after eleven at night. I’m a man on a mission so I decide to skip the celebratory dinner to find Abby. She’s the only one I can think about. I’m desperate to explain why I didn’t respond back because I was focused on the task at hand. I hope she understands, since she’s anchored so deep down into my soul. I really hope it’s not too late. If she won’t see me, then I’ll go to the venue and meet up with everyone. I’m really hoping she’ll come with me so she can celebrate with us. Other than the band, she’s the only one I want with me.
Willow was kind enough to let me borrow her car, so I didn’t have to walk. I’m nervous as fuck as I drive to Abby’s house. It only takes me twenty minutes and I’m excited when I notice her Subaru parked out front. I know it’s a dick move showing up this late at night, but I won’t rest until I resolve this misunderstanding between us. After all this time, I’m finally going to be able to share this extraordinary news with my favorite girl. Don’t ask, since I have no clue when this revelation hit me, but deep down I know there’s no one else I want to be in a relationship with.
Ever again.
***
Abby
Joel is just getting ready to leave when there’s a sudden knock on the door. My heart rate kicks up a notch since its crazy late and I certainly am not expecting anyone. Now I’m kinda glad he stayed, so I’m not alone. Imagine my surprise after unlocking the door to see the guy whose name I shall not mention, Lucas, standing on the other side.
Sweeping me off of my feet, he spins me around and around. Making me dizzy as he shrieks, “We did it, baby! We won the contest! And in a few days we’ll be signing the contract with Morris Music.”
What?
“Lucas, put me down. I have company.” He slowly slides me down his body, and once I’m firmly on my feet, his smile vanishes as he glances over my shoulder. His possessiveness dissipates immediately. I’m sad when I watch his features change from euphoric to rage. I’d say he’s not too thrilled that I have another man in my apartment. Well, too bad.
“I stopped by so I could explain why I went off-grid, why I didn’t answer your texts. But it looks like you have company, so I’ll see myself out.” Dammit, I should let him walk out that door, but the pull is too powerful and I’m not strong enough to let him go. Not yet, anyway.
“Lucas, wait.” I grab his arm so he doesn’t leave. “Did I misunderstand, or did you just tell me you landed a deal with Morris Music?” If so, I’m thrilled for all of them.
A smile worthy of a thousand suns lights up his handsome face. “We sure did! That’s the reason I didn’t answer your texts since the band and I were in Brooklyn for the last few days. We auditioned with eighty something other bands. It was intense. You have no idea how much I wanted to call you, baby, but I was afraid you’d be disappointed if we didn’t win.”
Seriously?
For a moment I’d forgotten all about Joel, until his hand snak
es around my waist. “Hey, I’m heading out, so you two can catch up. Sounds like you have some celebrating to do. Congrats, by the way. That’s fantastic news.” My heart bleeds when he’s being so nice to Lucas, but that’s the kind of guy he is.
Bending down, Joel brushes his lips against mine. Unlike Lucas, it’s not possessive but still gives off a territorial vibe. “Have fun. I’ll call you later.” I’m so ashamed, I stare at my feet so I don’t have to face either of them. All of my insecurities come crashing down around me and the weight is just too much to bear.
I hold the door open and storm inside, without a word. Lucas takes that as an invitation and follows me. Is that what I want? I guess, but just because he came here with wonderful news doesn’t mean I forgive him for his silence. Is this what love is supposed to feel like? Empty and used because it feels like the bullies are breathing down my neck again. My fear turns into anger and it’s strangling me.
“Look, I’m sorry I interrupted your date,” he says. “Yeah, I had great news to share but we could have gotten together some other time.” When I spin around, he looks—what’s the damn word I’m looking for? Cocky? No, that’s not it. Arrogant? Hell, no. Insecure? Oh, my god! Could Lucas Knight be as insecure as I am? Could this be the reason we gravitate to one another? I study him for a beat while he shuffles his feet and stuffs his hands inside his jeans pockets. He looks worried that I’m going to reject him. But why? Then it hits me like a ton of bricks. Does he try covering up his self-doubt with sex and indifference? If this is true, then it could be why we have such an intense connection. Great minds think alike and all.
Lucas: A Rockstar Romance (The Sinful Seven Series Book 1) Page 15