Lucas: A Rockstar Romance (The Sinful Seven Series Book 1)

by Connie Lafortune

  “Okay, you guys listen up,” Quinn says. “I’m not sure if any of you have kept track of your record sales since you’ve been so busy, but I wanted to surprise you with this celebration breakfast. Distraction released at number ten on the Billboard charts! It’s my way of congratulating all of you on a job well done. This is just the beginning for The Sinful Seven and the big celebration takes place at the Palladium after tonight’s concert!” A little squeal escapes us all and I’m not going to lie, I want to join in, but I’ll wait until Little Miss Sunshine leaves.

  Once she sets down our drinks and takes our orders, we begin talking at once.

  “I wish you would have told us while we were standing outside the venue this morning, because I want to scream at the top of my lungs,” Jet, my brother from another mother, grins from ear to ear. “Problem is, if I get arrested, I won’t make it to my first concert.” We all paid our dues to be here today, but Jet more so than any one of us. He’s had a rough life but yet he persevered.

  Quinn smiles. “All of you were too busy soaking up your names in the marquee, I didn’t want to spoil the mood. I want you guys to have little snippets of euphoria at a time. It’s important that you do, instead of getting everything thrown at you all at once. You’ll understand more after tonight. You’re living in the moment, and when it’s done you’ll forget all those wonderful early moments. I want you to hang onto all of your firsts.” Abby’s gaze flicks to mine when Quinn mentions “firsts”. Yeah, my girl wants this just as much as I do. So selfless.

  Once our breakfasts arrive, the conversation flows like the coffee that Mildred keeps pouring into our cups. Never ending.

  For someone who is never lost for words, I am right here, right now. Listening to my friends discuss a future that we’ve only ever dreamed about. Knowing that in a small way, I was the catalyst that brought them all together. I know after today our lives will be forever changed.

  ***

  Abby

  Sometimes I wonder if Lucas knows how talented he is. He’s the real deal, a total package. Not only does he write his own music, he also creates beautiful lyrics and plays several instruments. A Rock God at its finest! The girls love him and have been following him since he started this business. This should be a piece of cake for him, but I can tell he’s tense. It’s understandable since this is the first time they’ll play in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,000 adoring fans. It’s surreal, and if I’m excited, I can only imagine how they’re feeling. They’ve been at this a lot longer than I have.

  Everyone’s running around making last-minute changes, and they have a sound check in less than an hour. Once that’s over with, they get a few hours of downtime before they need to be back on stage for the main event. Since Laid Bare is their opening act, Lucas mentioned that they’ll be backstage cheering them on just like Existential did for them a few months ago. They’re filled with an abundance of nervous energy, and this is only the beginning. I’m glad their first concert starts in New York and then gradually works its way to the West Coast. Quinn has it all figured out, and how she keeps everything straight is beyond me. The girl has a fortitude of steel and a backbone to match. I want to be just like her when I grow up. Seriously, the girl has her shit together and I’ve learned so much just by watching her. It helps that she’s willing to teach me the business side of things as well. It’s so unlike anything I’ve ever experienced with a friend before that I’m still cautious. Deep down I know she’s genuine.

  “Testing, testing. One, two, three,” the sound technician, Pete, says. “Okay, guys. It’s all yours. This is the real deal. Test everything out now so we can make any adjustments before the big show. Let’s rock and roll!” Pete is infectious, and the guys bound up on stage as if their pants were on fire. Their energy is contagious!

  One by one, each member belts out a few songs from tonight's playlist and they sound amazing! They make all the necessary adjustments and an hour later they stumble off the stage with so much adrenaline pumping through their veins that there’s no way they’ll rest before the concert. Some bands would drink or do drugs to keep the high going, but not The Sinful Seven. Other than swearing like a bunch of truck drivers, they’re clean as a whistle. Yeah, they like to party, but within reason. Which is why I admire them so very much. I have a feeling I know how Lucas and I are going to keep busy. Oh, I’m not complaining and I’ll gladly be his distraction. Hmm, come to think of it, I wonder if it’s presumptuous of me to think he wrote that song about me. Maybe I’ll ask him once we get home.

  We all cram into Trevor’s SUV and head back to the hotel. Willow wants to take advantage of the Jacuzzi and it really sounds like a wonderful way to unwind, but Trevor and Jet want to go to the gym to work off some steam. Lucas was quiet. He didn’t put in his two cents, but I think Quinn got the memo when his hand slid up my thigh. A tiny smirk on her face told her everything she needed to know.

  “It’s going to be a very long and exciting night, so it would be in your best interest to rest up. Going to the gym, pool or wherever is fine, but don’t overdo it. I don’t need to warn you that tonight will be brutal and you’ll need all the stamina you can get.” This time, she gives Lucas the stink eye and he chuckles. Yeah, she’s talking to you, mister.

  “What I’m trying to say is have some fun but give yourselves enough time to rest as well. Your schedule is grueling and this is only the first concert. After tonight, you still have forty-four more to go within a three-month period. It might not sound crazy, but it is. Being on the road is a killer and I don’t want you burning out too fast.”

  “I get it,” Willow says, “but we want to enjoy every single minute. I’m afraid that everything will be such a blur. Once I walk off stage, I won’t remember a damn thing.”

  “I totally understand, just don’t get so carried away with the day that you lose all track of time, is all.” Quinn speaks from experience, I’m sure. “We have a surprise guest that’s popping in tonight. I’d tell you to be on your best behavior, but I know that’s never going to happen.”

  We all look at one another like someone’s holding out on a big secret, but clearly the snickers and whispers are a tell that no one has a clue. Quinn wasn’t kidding when she told us that she’d only reveal little tidbits at a time. Otherwise, it would be too much to soak in all at once.

  It’s exciting just knowing that I’m going to experience everything firsthand with all of them. I’ve pinched myself more than once to make sure this is my life. I can’t believe I am a part of this amazing opportunity! The best part is getting to do it with my sexy front man.

  His firsts will also be mine.

  33

  Lucas

  It was difficult feigning surprise when Quinn told everyone we had a special guest performing tonight. I know who it is, but I was sworn to secrecy. In fact, it’s been difficult trying to escape long enough so we could rehearse. It’s only one song, but I believe with all my heart that it’s going to be powerful enough to bring down the house. I’m excited to perform this song with my special guest, and my only hope is that I do it justice.

  It’s basically a Capella with just the keys lightly playing in the background. Willow knows this one with her eyes closed, so if anyone can pull it off, it’s her. She might kill me after the fact for not warning her, but I know she’s got this.

  Now we’re supposed to be resting, but I have too much running through my mind. I should have gone to the damn gym with Trevor and Jet, but I didn’t want to leave Abby alone. I suppose she could have enjoyed the Jacuzzi with Willow and Quinn. I don’t know. I’m feeling off and out of sorts and I’ve no idea how to fix it. So I’m going to sit here and just wait for the show to start.

  “You okay, Lucas?” Abby’s worried gaze meets mine. I was so lost in my head that I didn’t hear a word she said.

  “I’m fine, baby. Sorry, I’m not with the program today. What did you say?” She cocks her head, studying me. Fuck, she knows me so well even if we’ve only known e
ach other for a short period of time. Straddling me, she runs her fingers through my hair. Knowing it’s the only thing that settles my pounding heart. Oh, this girl is good.

  “I’m a great listener if you want to talk. Just saying.” In the next second, her back hits the couch and my mouth crashes over hers. I push through her parted lips, inhaling her sweet scent. Not that I want to quiet her, but because I love her and she makes me feel so fucking good.

  Our tongues battle for dominance, and I’m surprised when hers doesn’t surrender to me. Matching me stroke for stroke. My feisty little barista. My heart’s beating out of my chest and suddenly I feel like I’m going to implode. The love I feel for this woman surpasses anything I’ve ever felt in my lifetime. I never knew I was capable of feeling this overwhelming desire and need for someone. Abby’s my world and I do believe I’d choose her over music if it ever came down to it.

  “I need you. Now,” she whispers against my bruising kiss. She doesn’t need to repeat herself.

  Within seconds, her naked flesh is in the palm of my hands, while her clothes are scattered about. She’s making quick work of my jeans. A hiss leaves me breathless when she fists my cock, circling her thumb over the tip. Fuck!

  Kicking off my jeans, I pick her up and in a few short steps, we land on the bed. Tangled together. I’m not going to be gentle. I need this woman like I need air inside of my lungs. She senses my desire as her legs part, exposing her lust for me. An open invitation that I can’t refuse.

  Leaning on my elbows, I kiss and lick my way up her body until I’m hovering over her. So much love shines in her eyes that I know it’s the perfect time. “I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you, baby, but I’ve never been so damn happy in my life. I love you, Abby, more than life itself. You’re my forever. My ride or die and everything in between.” Tears glisten in her eyes when her finger traces the contour of my lips. Capturing the words and holding them in her heart forever.

  “I love you too. I’ve wanted to tell you for so long but I was afraid I’d scare you away. For me, it wasn’t just about the sex. I felt a connection from the start and it scared me. How could I feel so much for someone I didn’t know? Then I remembered where we first met. On the corner of Twenty-first and Main.”

  No, it can’t be. There’s no way in fucking hell she’s that girl I bumped into all those years ago. “Abby, are you serious right now? That moment changed my life forever. If what you’re telling me is true, it’s like kismet or fate or something like that.”

  “I swear, it was me. Do you remember what you told me?”

  In unison we say, “Maybe someday we will be two people meeting again for the first time.”

  ***

  Abby

  I still can’t believe that Lucas was my guardian angel all those years ago. It was my freshman year of high school and the bullies were out in full force. Taunting me, calling me names and trying to steal my brand-new skull-print scarf. He was just a scrawny kid back then but he didn’t think twice about placing himself between me and them. They pushed him, spit at him, and called him names for siding with a fat freshman, but he never backed down. Once they realized he was there to stay, they left. They never bothered me again, but there were so many cliques at my school that when one dropped off there was always another one waiting in the wings.

  After he dried my tears, I thanked him and told him maybe we’d meet up again. To which he replied, “Maybe someday we will be two people meeting again for the first time.” No wonder I felt that affinity towards him from the get-go.

  All I can say is he’s turned my world upside down in the best way possible. Not only does he love me, I get to go to work with him every day. Together, we can build an empire and our future together.

  His words, not mine.

  I don’t need him to drop down on one knee and make a grandiose proposal. Just hearing that I’m his forever was all the reassurance I needed. We’ve come full circle and I’d love to send Adam a postcard from every city that we play in, thanking him for selling Java Joe’s. But I won’t stoop to his level of deception.

  Now that we’re all here and ready for the concert to begin, he’s relaxed, happy, and joking around with the band. He did a total three-sixty from the brooding bad boy he was before he admitted how he felt. It’s as if a weight has lifted off his shoulders and he’s now ready to conquer the world.

  Well, so am I. Right by his side.

  I had a sneaking suspicion that concerts were a huge deal to pull off, but nothing could have prepared me for this. The hustle and bustle backstage is outrageous. There are so many people running around, you’d think they’d collide with one another. But every single one of them has a purpose and they pull it off with the utmost precision.

  The lighting guys also do an amazing job of keeping up with everything. Lucas mentioned that they’re using the same techniques with both bands since it’s so much easier that way. The only difference is The Sinful Seven is the only band that will have some kick-ass techno at the end for their grand finale. I can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeve.

  Saving the best for last.

  I’m glad Quinn knows what she’s doing since she’s the one in charge of it all. Who knew that an assistant wore so many different hats? My only hope is that she gets paid very well. I know I am, and she does so much more than I ever dreamed of doing. It’s kinda funny, because every once in a while I see her eyeballing Jet. We all know she’s got the hots for him, except the man in question. Hey, maybe he does and he’s not interested in hooking up with the boss lady, which might be a smart move on his part.

  Laid Bare took the stage to thunderous applause around forty minutes ago and the guys are glued to the spot, enjoying their performance. Knowing Lucas, he’s questioning whether they’re better than The Sinful Seven and they’re not. Don’t get me wrong, they’re amazing. But my guys have a stage presence like no one else I’ve ever seen before. I wouldn’t kid you about something like that.

  You just have to take my word for it.

  Once they take their final bows, they bound off-stage. Now it’s The Sinful Seven’s turn to give them kudos and pats on the back for a job well done. Just like Existential did for them all those months ago. Really, it seems like forever ago, but it really wasn’t.

  “You guys were awesome! How did it feel?” Lucas is the first one to approach them, and the rest follow suit. There’s so much adrenaline pumping through them that everyone’s talking at once. I stand off to the side, letting them do their thing. I’m just the business manager—I’ll never know what it feels like to be up on that stage.

  34

  Lucas

  Tonight, Laid Bare proved they were the perfect choice as our opening act. These guys don’t need any perks from me, they’re destined to go far in this business. I’ll gladly give them a little push, but I’m sure after this tour is over, they’ll have their own record deal. They sure have my vote.

  We’re knee-deep in the middle of the set changes and I’m getting antsy listening to the crowd stomping their feet and chanting our names. Everyone feels the same as Jet and Trevor pace back and forth. There’s no time better than this for a bit of thankfulness. For all the blood, sweat, and tears that we’ve been through to get to this point. Our first concert as the headliners! Fuck, this is really happening.

  “Hey guys, get your asses over here,” I say. “I have some words of wisdom before we step out onto that stage for a sold-out crowd.” Willow, Jet, and Trevor step forward, and Abby and Quinn stay back. Oh, hell no that ain’t happening. “Whatever we do from this day forward includes the both of you, too, so get your asses over here, now.” I love how they both look at one another, laugh, and gather around. That’s so much better.

  “I don’t want to get all sappy here, not my style, but I want to thank all of you for sticking this out with me. I had a vision to start a band and one by one all of you came on board. Jet’s been around forever, and then Trevor signed up, and once his cous
in Willow tried out, she was the last puzzle piece to The Sinful Seven. But, we weren’t truly complete until Abby and Quinn joined us. Now we are a legit band, brand, and business. You know you’ve made it into the big times when the venue’s selling t-shirts and tons of merch with our faces plastered all over it.” That gets a rise out of everyone, and when my eyes meet Quinn’s, I mouth a thank you. She smiles and nods her approval.

  “Now let’s do this. Gather around in a circle.” Once everyone is in position, I wrap my arm around Abby’s shoulder and then Jet’s. When they realize what I’m doing, they follow suit. One circle, symbolizing infinity. I bow my head and one by one they do the same. Hey, this is the beginning of a new era. A tradition we can continue throughout our career. “I want all of you to know, there’s no one else I want to do this with but you. You’re my backbone, my heart, and my fucking team. Whether or not you believe in a higher power, we didn’t get here today on our own. Someone’s watching out for us. Now, let’s have the best opening show ever.” I’m not sure what possesses me, but I start singing Distraction. It’s only fitting since it’s the name of our album and tour. One by one, they join in. Including Abby and Quinn. My heart’s full to bursting.

  “Cause you’re a distraction

  A fatal attraction

  Seeping into my bones

  Running through my veins…

  One glance from Abby and I nod. Now she knows this one was written with her in mind. In fact, all the ballads I wrote were for her. I might not have admitted it back then, but I do now.