Emily turned to the con side. She’d promised to be honest. There was only one con. A huge con. A non-negotiable con. So, she wrote it. ROCK STAR.
Folding the paper, she pushed it across the table. She hadn’t seen any signs of extreme arrogance. It’d be hard not to be a little arrogant in his position, with people screaming your name and the masses of fans the band had.
His smiled turned into a full-on grin, nearly blinding her with its intensity. She almost felt sorry for Cindi. “Well, according to this, I look damn good on paper.” His grin was infectious, and Emily smiled in return. Jack’s expression turned serious. “Thanks for that.”
“What?”
“For being so nice to Liz and Ariana. Without our fans, we’d be nowhere, so I always try to be nice. She’s a sweet kid.”
“I just followed your lead.”
“Still, I appreciate it. My dad told me ‘it won’t kill you to be nice,’ so I try to remember that. Christie grew to resent it,” Jack said, his expression turned sullen.
“You’re close to your family?”
“Yes. They’ve always been there for me, even though my folks weren’t happy when I left home at nineteen. But they supported me anyway. They’re the best.”
Emily nodded and swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. Time to end this. Pointing to the list, she said, “Turn it over.”
His smile faded. “Rock star?”
“Yes.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“Jack, you live in the spotlight. You’re famous, you get recognized wherever you go. I want no part of that.”
Jack’s mouth fell open, and his head cocked to the side. “You’re a novelist, surely you have a spotlight?”
“I use a pen name. I don’t do appearances, and the only people who know are people I tell.”
“Did the fucker know?”
Emily’s brows dipped. “Yes, he didn’t—he wasn’t…curious about my writing, so we never discussed it.” Emily looked down. Maybe that was why he cheated. She shook her head. That didn’t even make sense. She was losing it.
“He wasn’t proud of you?”
Emily’s head shot up. No, he hadn’t been. Not wanting to explain, she shook her head.
“You told me. Why?”
“Because if you would’ve laughed…”
“Why would I—Oh.” Jack sat back with a disgusted look. “The fucker laughed when you told him, didn’t he?”
Emily’s eyes stung. She hadn’t realized until after they’d broken up how much it had mattered to her. She’d thought that since she couldn’t change things… And he’d apologized. He’d been sincere but never once asked to read anything she’d written. Of course, she’d never asked him to either. She’d been so hurt by his reaction; hurt that he’d called romance novels trite. He also said that he thought if she wanted to be a writer, she could do better than romance. She’d known at the time he’d been trying to compliment her. Wow, maybe I do need to have my head examined.
Jack didn’t push it, and she was grateful for that, but he didn’t let things go between them either.
“You don’t have to be in the spotlight. We won’t advertise our relationship. When I’m not on tour, I like things low-key. I love spending time in my studio and catching up with family and friends. I love to cook. It’s not like we’d be attending parties and getting our picture taken. You want a quiet life, and when I’m home, so do I. See, something else we have in common.” Leaning in, he said, “You handled Liz and Ariana like a pro.”
“Like I said, I followed your lead, you were gracious, so it was the least I could do. I don’t know why Ariana wanted our picture, that was weird.” She wanted to get out of here. It was late, and she needed to crash.
“Nicki knows you’re a writer. She kept that secret?”
Emily nodded. “She understands. On the outside, she seems ditzy and selfish, but she’s not. She’s my best friend. Being in the spotlight makes me very uncomfortable.”
“Didn’t you go to any parties with the fucker?”
“There were company functions we attended, but that’s not the same.” Emily gritted her teeth. “Jack, you couldn’t turn around without finding a woman who’d make a better girlfriend for you than me.”
“I’m not interested in anyone else,” Jack said through gritted teeth. He slapped his hand on the table. “Why are you being so stubborn? I’ll be in town for six days, let’s spend time together, we’ll take things slow.”
Anger, frustration, and sadness battled inside her. Anger won. “Listen Jack, I’m sure you’re used to getting your way all the time. I’m guessing few people say no to you. You’re a spoiled rock star if you think I’m the one who’s being stubborn here.” Emily stood and threw a twenty on the table. “Just move on to the next girl, Jack. You’ll forget about me in no time.”
Emily used more force than necessary to open the restaurant door. She inhaled deeply, the crisp air cooling her. She’d been hot and claustrophobic in the restaurant. Jack had been relentless. Where the hell did he get off, anyway? She wasn’t interested. Jerk. Even though she was pissed, she knew he wasn’t a jerk or an arrogant fuck. He was nice and had been nothing but a gentleman, kind and respectful. Trudging down the street, she had no idea where she was going, but right now she didn’t care. She needed to put as much space as possible between her and that rock star.
Why was she being such a bitch? The little voice in her head gave her an answer she didn’t like, so she told it to shut the fuck up. Okay, she was officially losing it. No wonder her bosses had insisted she take time off. Emily had been humiliated that she hadn’t been able to keep it together at work. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Finding Sully fucking that girl, canceling the wedding, screwing up at work; this breakdown was overdue, just her bad luck it was happening on some street in—fuck.
Jack’s limo passed, but she kept walking. It screeched to a halt, and then rushed footsteps had her turning.
Jeff strode toward her. “Did Jack hurt you?”
“No,” said Emily. “I hurt him.” She continued walking. Jeff didn’t follow.
Jack called her name, so she turned to see him running toward her. Couldn’t he take a hint and just leave her alone? Didn’t he understand she was in no shape to start a relationship? She could run, but that seemed dramatic, so she waited for him to catch up.
“Hey, what happened in there? We were having a nice time. If I said or did something to hurt you, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
What had he done? Other than constantly trying to hold her hand, he’d been a gentleman. She’d enjoyed his attention. Stupid little voice had been right.
Whatever happened next would be a mistake. Jack wanted more than she had to give; he wanted them. Even though she was wildly attracted to him, Emily wasn’t ready for a relationship. He’d made it clear that was what he wanted, but she just couldn’t. Anything else would be selfish. Jack was great for her self-esteem, which Sully had totally crushed.
“Emily?” Jack had stepped closer. His pained expression cut deep.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“We’ve both been hurt, but we have something special here.”
“We just met.”
Jack placed her palm over his heart. “Emily, I’m feeling again.” His blue eyes sparkled. “I thought Christie and I would get married. After the breakup, I went crazy. I indulged in—what was offered, until I woke up one morning with a girl next to me, and I didn’t remember her name, I’m not even sure that I asked. I didn’t like who I’d become.” Jack looked away, his breathing erratic and his heart hammering beneath her palm. “I stopped screwing around, stopped the one-night stands. It’s been three months since my self-imposed celibacy, and it’s been fine. I needed time to heal. But I didn’t realize how numb I was until tonight. When I saw you, something inside me roared back to life. I know you need time, but there has to be a way fo
r us to be together.”
The limo pulled up, and Jeff got out.
“It’s better if we don’t see each other again.” Emily choked on a sob.
Jack guided her over to the limo. “Please let me take you home.”
“No, I’ll get a cab.”
He tipped her chin up until her gaze locked on his. “I lied.”
His eyes were sincere and lust filled, and her heart skipped a beat and then pounded. “About what?”
“Come back to the hotel, spend the night with me.”
“Jack, we don’t even know if there’s any real chemistry.” She knew they had something.
“I know what I feel, Emily. Nothing has felt this real to me in years.”
Her back pressed up against the door, and Jack leaned in, their lips only inches apart.
Emily should look away but didn’t want to. “We haven’t even kissed.”
“We can remedy that right now.” He moved closer but didn’t kiss her.
Emily blinked slowly. This was a bad idea, but she wanted to kiss him. Just one kiss.
“I need a yes or no, Em.”
“Yes.”
Jack closed the distance, their bodies touching from thighs to almost lips. Bracing himself with one hand on the doorframe, he snaked the other around her waist. He smiled as his lips touched hers. She closed her eyes but didn’t open her mouth.
Jack pulled back. “Em, please…”
“I don’t French on a first date.”
“It’s not a date, remember?”
She had no resistance left. “Oh, well, in that case.”
Parting her lips, Jack gently kissed her. He traced his tongue along her bottom lip before dipping in. Someone moaned.
His tongue tangled with hers. He cupped her face, and she tilted her head to get better access to him. Her arms encircled his waist. She was lost. Time ceased.
chapter
ELEVEN
Jack moaned when she sank into his body; all coherent thought evaporated. Lifting her up, he pinned her against the car. He no longer felt the chill in the air. There was only Emily’s warmth. Emily kissed him back, and their tongues tangled and withdrew, only to tangle again. She tasted of the beer they’d shared.
Jack was in heaven as Emily’s body pressed up against his in all the right places. His dick throbbed. Her lips were soft. He wished she’d wrap her legs around his waist. Outside be damned. Chemistry didn’t even describe what was happening between them. They both heaved in air. His thumb rubbed her wet, slightly parted lips.
“Jack.”
Their lips met again.
“Jack!” Jeff shouted.
He pulled his lips off Emily’s. “Fuck off, Jeff.” She tasted so damn sweet.
“Paparazzi.”
The only word that would stop him. “Fuck.” Jack’s eyes opened, and he rested his forehead against Emily’s. Her eyes opened but were still dazed. “Em, get in the car.” He tried to pull away, but she tightened her arms around him. He groaned. “Baby, if you don’t want to be photographed looking like we just…” Jack swallowed hard. “You need to get in the car. Now.”
She didn’t move, so he lifted her, stepped back, and opened the door. He turned and gently pushed her head down so she wouldn’t smack it on the doorframe, closing the door just in time.
Flashes.
Jack turned and smiled. There were five or six photographers. He accepted this as part of his career, but tonight he wasn’t in the mood to be gracious. These assholes had interrupted the best kiss of his life. Jack had to protect her. His body should’ve blocked their view, so even if they got a couple pictures, Emily should be obscured. Jack wished he could tell her he planned it that way, but the truth was, he couldn’t get close enough to her; he wanted to be inside her.
“Jack, over here.”
Jack turned toward the voice and smiled. He’d told Jeff to fuck off. He’d apologize for that later. He focused on the photographers. The sooner he gave them a pound of flesh, the sooner they’d leave. How had they known where to find him? These city guys rarely made a fuss over him; there were always real celebrities to stalk.
“Jack, who’s the new girl?” the one closest to him asked.
“What’s her name? How long have you two been together?” another asked.
“Does Christie know you’re dating again?” someone asked from the back.
Jack forced a smile. “Guys, there’s no new girl. I stopped to have a meal at Casa Amici’s. Best food in the city.”
“We saw her Jack. You two were in a lip-lock.”
“No, you’ve got it wrong. My friend had something in her eye. I was helping her.” Still smiling.
When the photographers were done, he told Jeff to drive. Emily was back in her seat, so he sat across from her. He hoped she didn’t regret what happened between them.
She didn’t acknowledge him and just stared at the floor. The limo turned a corner and Emily lifted her gaze to him, finally reaching his eyes. Lust. Jack’s reaction was instantaneous, so he shifted, trying to ease the discomfort.
He hadn’t given up on dating Emily, but if he could get her in his bed, or up against a wall, she wouldn’t be able to deny that there was something special between them. The sex would be epic. Jack would give her all the time she needed, but the universe dropped this opportunity in his lap, and he wasn’t about to waste it.
“One night.”
“One night?” Jack asked.
“We spend one night together, explore whatever this is between us, but tomorrow morning I’m leaving.”
“Okay.”
Emily launched herself into his lap, and her hand went for his belt.
“Whoa, what’s the rush?” Jack stopped her before she got the end out of the buckle.
“Clock’s ticking, Jack.” Pulling her hands free, she flattened them on his chest. “Take this off. I want you. Now.”
He groaned as his head dropped back against the seat; he never expected her to be so aggressive, and he loved it. As much as he’d love to fuck her right here, they had to make it into the hotel, and he couldn’t guarantee they wouldn’t be seen.
Straddling his hips, she kissed him. Jack let his control go and devoured her. His dick was so hard it hurt. He cupped her full breasts in his hands, and her nipples hardened.
He had to put the brakes on this before he took his cock out and begged her to suck it. His dick jerked in response. Fuck. Yes, he wanted to fuck. Her. Repeatedly. If this kept up much longer, he’d come in his pants. Tearing his lips from hers, he gulped air. “Hold up, baby, I have to tell Jeff our change of plans.” He helped Emily on to the seat. As Jack reached for the intercom, she palmed his dick, and she wasn’t being gentle about it either. Damn, it felt good. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the intercom. “Jeff, take us to the hotel.”
Two could play this game.
Jack trailed his fingers up her firm thigh. He couldn’t wait to find out what she had on under that shirt. If it was lace, he’d lose it. If it was burgundy lace. Shit. Stop thinking about it. He kissed her lips as his hand cupped her pussy, her warmth an invitation. Their lips met again, and this time she thrust her tongue first. He wasn’t sure how Emily ended up on his lap again. His head spun.
She ran her palms up and down his chest. Breaking the kiss, she nibbled his jaw up to his ear. “Let me take care of that for you,” she whispered.
Oh fuck.
When he didn’t answer, she leaned back, shrugged, and reached for his belt. Again, he stopped her.
“Jack, are you a tease?” Emily slid to the floor and knelt, licking her lips.
“You don’t play fair,” Jack managed. Jeez, what’s wrong with me? He was single. Emily was different. This wasn’t how he wanted to come with her. He needed to be inside her. “Em, you’re killing me here. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted any woman. I’ve ached for you since the moment I laid eyes on you. Baby, it’ll happen, just,
not like this.”
“What’s wrong with this?” she asked sitting back on her heels and assessing the inside of the limo. “Nicki says limo sex is second only to airplane sex.”
“How would Nicki know about either of those things?” The words tumbled out of Jack’s mouth. Nicki? Oh, shit, that Nicki. Curt and Nicki.
Emily smiled, patted his knee, and sat next to him. “Either you’re being really sweet, or your lower brain is in complete control and you forgot who Nicki is.”
Damn, she was quick. He liked that about her, and her pro list continued to grow. One night wouldn’t be enough. Like he would’ve even considered saying no, but he never promised to stop trying to change her mind. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be, I’m desperately trying to hold on to what’s left of coherent thought. So, limo sex, not all it’s cracked up to be?”
“We’ll need way more privacy and space than this metal box can afford us. There isn’t enough head room, and I would hate for you to get rug burns on your beautiful fair skin.”
Her hand went to the bulge in his lap. “I’m not as concerned about head room so much as I am about mouth room.”
Jack groaned. “I appreciate that you want to relieve my suffering, but I haven’t been with a woman in three months, and when I come, I want to be inside your pussy.”
She smiled, but it faded. She looked down at her hands. When she looked up, sadness filled her eyes. “We need to talk.”
Shit. If she changed her mind…he’d deal. “About?” His blood raced through his veins.
“STDs, last blood tests, condoms.”
Jack snagged a couple bottles of water that were stashed in the door and handed one to Emily. He opened his and drank. Emily turned the bottle in her hands, and her expression was a mixture of anger, sadness, and fear.
Shit, she had to be thinking about the fucker. At least she wasn’t pining for him; she deserved better and knew it. Jack planned on being that better man.
“Okay, let’s talk.” Jack finished his water. “When I’m single, I have blood tests every three months. I get tested for everything. All blood work has come back negative. No STDs ever. I’ve never had unprotected sex, always used condoms, every time. Only exception is when I’m in a committed relationship, and the girl and I agree it’s time to lose them, and she’s on birth control.”
With You: A Rock Star Romance (Rocked in Love Book 1) Page 10