“Gee, I’m so glad to hear that.” He rolls his eyes and walks ahead of me into the kitchen.
“Where are Nat and Liv?” I pull myself up onto a barstool and lean on the breakfast bar. I’m in an oversize sweatshirt and leggings, opting for comfort today.
I have no one to impress.
“They’re out with Jules.”
“They didn’t invite me.” I frown.
“They knew you were going to be here with me.” He grins and shakes his head as he pours me a glass of iced tea. “Don’t get all offended, sis.”
“Well, okay then.” He passes me the tea, pours his own glass and then leans against the counter and sips his drink, contemplating me over the rim.
“What?”
“You and Leo work things out?”
“Just cut to the chase, Luke.” I roll my eyes at him, but he just lifts his eyebrow. “That doesn’t work with me either. I’m your sister, not your wife.”
“Boy, that’s the truth. You are definitely not my wife.”
“I’m never going to be anyone’s wife.” I shrug and take a sip of tea.
“Why?” he asks with a frown. “I thought things were going well with Leo.”
“They are. That doesn’t mean I need a ring on my finger. We’re not even moving in together for a while. I know you don’t understand that concept, given that you and Nat went from a mugging to a baby in about twelve minutes.”
“Fuck off.” He smirks.
“You don’t need a contract to be in a committed relationship.”
“Okay.” He frowns again and then shrugs. “To each her own.”
“Yep,” I agree.
“Why didn’t you tell me your job was giving you grief because of me?” he asks, his eyes sad.
“Because I didn’t want to see that look on your face.” I sigh and rub my hands down my face.
“C’mon, Sam, this is always going to be an issue, and I’m sorry for it, but you need to stop being so stubborn and let me help.”
“How are you going to help, Luke?” I jump off the stool and pace over to his floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the sound. “There’s nothing to do.”
“You can at least talk to me about it.”
“And then you’ll feel guilty, and I’ll have to kick your ass because it’s not your fault.” I shrug and turn to face him. “Luke, it’s not your fault. I’m so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished. You’ve earned it.”
“I know you are, but I also know that being related to me isn’t easy. And now you’re romantically connected to someone even more famous than I am, and that makes me worry about you.”
“I’ve already discovered that it’s different with thirtysomething rock stars than it is with heartthrobs.” I grin as he scowls.
“I’m no fucking heartthrob.”
“Anymore.” I shrug. “We don’t have young girls following us around. The groupies are interesting,” I concede and then laugh.
“There will be more photos printed,” he reminds me. “That didn’t seem to thrill you.”
“It surprised me that Melissa, the publicist”—I clarify at his raised eyebrow—“let it leak after Leo specifically told her not to. It pissed me off more that he told you guys about my job.”
“You should have told us.”
“I know, but I didn’t want you to worry. Leo reminded me that that’s what family does. They worry.”
“Leo’s smart.” Luke offers me a half smile.
“But not good enough for me,” I remind him and sigh.
“Sam, I said that in anger. You’re my sister. No one is good enough for you because I love you.” He pushes his hands through his blond hair and scratches his scalp.
“Just like Natalie wasn’t good enough for you either.” I smirk. “At least you didn’t accuse Leo of being a gold-digging whore.”
“There is that,” he agrees with a laugh.
“And now I love her. She’s perfect for you.” I tilt my head to the side and watch as his face softens as he thinks of her. His eyes smile. “You’re good for each other.”
“You know,” he begins and hops up on the counter, his bare feet dangling, “Livie’s picture has never appeared in a magazine. And we were offered millions for photos of her after she was born.”
“I remember.” I nod, wondering what his point is.
“There are ways to make sure that you lead a relatively private life while being with a celebrity.” He shrugs.
“I know. I’ve already spoken with the wives of the other band members. Honestly, I’m not too worried about it.”
“You’re not?” His eyebrows climb, and he’s completely surprised.
“No, I’m not. I’m tired of letting my fear of fame dictate whom I love and how I act and who I am. We’ll figure it out.”
“Wow, you got really smart.”
“Don’t be a sarcastic ass.”
“I paid off your apartment,” he casually mentions as he jumps off the counter.
“What the hell? Why would you do that?”
“Because now you don’t have to worry about the mortgage and because I can.”
“I’m not a charity case.”
“If you ever fucking say that again I will kick your ass.” His face is red, and his eyes are on fire. “You are not a goddamn charity case. You’re my sister. I have more money than my children’s children can ever spend, Sam. I can afford to buy your apartment.”
“Bragger,” I mutter and pout.
He laughs and hugs me and then refills my tea.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He scowls and sighs. “I’m sorry that I said that, about Leo not being good enough. I like him. He’s a good guy, and if he makes you happy, then I’m glad. After all he’s done for you, he’s probably the closest you’re gonna get to finding someone good enough for you.”
“Wow. Did little brother just give me permission to keep dating my boyfriend?”
“God, you’re a bitch.” He laughs.
“So I’ve been told,” I agree and chuckle with him.
***
~Leo~
My shoulder is on fire, but damn if it doesn’t look fucking awesome. Kat is the best there is.
I stroll into the hospital waiting room to find the other guys and Cher lounging about, playing on their phones or iPads, reading smut magazines.
Irritating the hell out of each other.
“Hey, guys.” I grab a cup of horrible hospital coffee and sit next to Cher. “Any news?”
“Not yet.” She shakes her head. “We do know that they started labor back up this morning, but it could be awhile.”
“What the hell is the holdup?” Jake asks irritably. “Just make the kid come out.”
“Right.” Cher rolls her eyes. “All babies come on their own time. This is the baby of a rock star. It’ll definitely make an entrance when it’s good and ready.”
“Why didn’t they find out if it’s a girl or a boy?” DJ asks.
“Lori wanted it to be a surprise,” I remind him and text Sam.
At the hospital. Still waiting for baby.
I wonder if she got the cupcakes I had delivered to her this morning. I sent both chocolate and lemon, since I’m not there for her to steal a bite from.
“Well, if we knew ahead of time, we could have bought fun gifts,” Cher mutters and frowns. “I hope it’s a girl.”
“Why?” Eric asks, his eyes not moving from his iPad.
Be patient, Sam responds. And thanks for the cupcakes.
You’re not one to talk about patience, sunshine. YW.
“Because I want to help her decorate the nursery in pink.” She claps her hands with excitement, and then her pretty green eyes look sad. DJ leans in and whispers in her ear, making her sweet smile return to her lips. “I know.”
I hope they can adopt a baby soon. Cher would be a fantastic mom. Why is it that those who should have kids sometimes have such a hard time, and so many people
who have no fucking business having kids have twenty?
Time passes slowly. By midafternoon, we’ve ordered pizza and Gary has been in to give us three updates. Lori’s fine, but the labor is difficult.
“What tat did you get?” Eric asks, pointing to my plastic-covered shoulder blade.
“I got a sun.”
“It’s time for that bandage to come off,” Cher comments and motions for me to stand in front of her so she can remove it. “Oh, this is so great,” she breathes.
“I know.”
“Kat?” Jake asks with a grin. He and Kat had a thing for a while.
“Yeah.” I nod and grin.
“She’s the best.” He shrugs.
Cher goes to the restroom to wet some paper towels and carefully cleans my shoulder.
“Wear tanks for a few days,” she murmurs.
“Thanks, Mom.” I smirk. “This is not my first tat.”
“It’s a good thing you’re hot, or I’d have to hurt you. Want me to take a picture of it with your phone and you can send it to Sam? I’m assuming it’s for her.”
“No, she’ll see it later.”
Honestly, I’m nervous, not sure how she’ll react to it.
Early evening sets in, and I’m sick of sitting in this waiting room.
“I can’t stand this anymore,” I mutter and stand to pace about the room just as Gary comes rushing in.
“It’s a girl! It’s a girl! Holy fucking hell, I have a girl.”
Cher squeals, and we all take turns hugging our friend and each other.
A new member of the band has been born.
“How is Lori?” I ask him.
“Gorgeous, tired, perfect.” He grins at me. “We have a girl.”
“You know what this means, don’t you?” Eric asks him with a grin.
“What?”
“We get to fuck with teenage boys in about fifteen years. Lori’s a fucking knockout. Just think what the baby will look like by then.”
“Fuck me, I’m going to jail.” Gary pulls his hand down his face and then grins.
“What did you name her?” Jake pulls Gary into a headlock, rubbing his knuckles on his head.
“Do not say Apple,” Cher warns him, and he laughs.
“No, Alexis Mae,” he announces proudly. “Come on, you can come see her.”
“All of us?” I ask, doubtful.
“Lori wouldn’t have it any other way. The nurse can kiss my ass.” Gary leads us down the antiseptic-scented corridor to Lori’s room and peeks his head in to make sure everyone is decent before waving us into the room.
“Hey, guys.” Lori grins at us, her face void of makeup and her hair back in a simple ponytail. She’s holding a tiny bundle in a pink and blue blanket in her arms.
“Hey, pretty face.” I lean down and kiss her cheek and peek at the pink face in the blanket. “She’s gorgeous, like her mama.”
“Thank you,” she whispers. I kiss her hair and back away so everyone else can see the brand new baby.
When I turn, I’m met with dozens of roses in pink and white, balloons, baby clothes and the softest big, brown teddy bear I’ve ever seen. Next to it is a small toy guitar.
“Read the card,” Gary calls over to me.
I’m sorry I can’t be there. Congratulations! The guitar is for Maddox. He should have presents too. Best wishes, Samantha Williams
I’m just struck dumb. My eyes roam over all the gifts again. She sent these things because these are people I love. Because she’s so fucking amazing.
Not a good person, my ass. She has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. She just does a damn good job of keeping it hidden.
I turn back to the guys to find everyone watching me.
“When did these arrive?”
“This morning.” Gary grins.
I stride to the bedside and lean over Lori, looking into her happy eyes.
“I’m sorry, I have…”
“Go get her, tiger.” She grins. “We’re fine.”
I smile back at her and kiss her forehead, then hug all my guys, kiss Cher’s cheek, and start making calls to get back to Seattle.
Chapter Twenty-Four
~Samantha~
It’s only been twenty-four hours since Leo went to LA, and I’m already going stir crazy.
This is not good.
I’m sick of my own company. I don’t want to go to Luke’s or my parents’. I want Leo.
So, to clear my head, I decide to go for a run. Leo would most likely spank my ass for running alone this late. The thought makes me smile.
The man gives good spank.
I zip my hoodie, grab my keys and palm the pink vial of bear spray I carry with me when I run alone, and set out. The neighborhood is relatively quiet, and the streetlights are on. Because of the late hour, I’ll just run a mile or so. It feels good to be out in the cool air.
I make a big circle, and as I approach the entrance to my building, I see a familiar man leaning against the wall. My first thought is Leo, but Leo is taller and leaner than this guy.
“Hey, Samantha.”
What the fuck is he doing here?
“Brandon.”
“You shouldn’t run at night by yourself.” He’s frowning down at me as I approach him, panting.
“I’m fine. What are you doing in town?”
“I’m here seeing family for a week, thought I’d stop in and see how you are.” He shrugs and grins. “For old times’ sake.”
“Old times, right.” I smirk and grin at him.
“So, how about it? Gonna invite me up?”
I prop my hands on my hips and tilt my head, eyeing the handsome man interested in getting in my pants. He’s not as tall as Leo, has black hair and blue eyes, a square chin. His body is cut and perfect, and he knows his way around a woman’s body.
But the thought of fucking him makes my stomach turn.
“Brandon, we had fun, but I’m seeing someone.”
“So, it’s true?” He laughs mockingly. “You always told me you were just interested in a hard fuck.”
“That’s true. That’s all I was interested in.” My walls immediately go up. Brandon is hot, but he’s also an asshole.
“I would have given you anything you wanted, you know.” He shakes his head and scowls. “I’ve been in love with you for years.”
My mouth drops. “We were fuck buddies,” I counter.
“That was your call,” he responds softly.
“Well, I’m sorry that we weren’t on the same page, Brandon. Had I known—”
“You would have stopped calling,” he interrupts. “I know.”
“Well, good luck.” I turn toward my building, but he stops me.
“How about you invite me in, and I remind you how good I make you feel?” He steps close to me and pushes his hand up under my hoodie to cup my breast.
“How about you take your hand off me right now and I don’t kick your ass?” My voice is cold and hard, and I shuffle the bear spray in my palm, ready to show him who’s boss.
“Come on, baby, don’t be like this.”
“I believe she said no.” A hard voice comes out of the darkness.
Brandon immediately releases me and steps away as Leo—Leo!—strolls to me and wraps his arm around my shoulders, kisses my temple and glares at Brandon. “Are you deaf?”
“Fuck off,” Brandon sneers.
“I believe she pretty much said that to you, too.” Leo chuckles. “Cut your losses, dude.”
“You don’t know anything about us,” Brandon begins, but Leo holds up a hand, stopping him.
“Do you want to press charges for sexual assault?” Leo asks.
“No, I want him to go.”
“Fine.” Brandon’s scowl roams my face. “Your loss.”
“Okay.” I shrug and turn my back on him, buzz Leo and me into the building and into the elevator before I jump on him, wrapping my legs around his waist and arms around his shoulders and kiss him silly, biting
his lips, his piercing, soaking in his warmth and his smell.
“I missed you,” I whisper against his lips, grinning.
“Me, too, and I’m pissed at you.”
“Why?” I hop down and frown up at him.
“You went running at midnight.”
“How do you know?” I ask and bite my lip.
“Well, you admitted as much to that asshole down there, and you’re dressed for a run.”
“Wait, you heard our entire conversation?” I ask incredulously. I rack my brain, trying to remember everything that was said.
“I did.” He nods and sighs and runs his fingers down my cheek. “I almost killed him.”
The elevator arrives at my floor, and I lead him to my door.
“You seemed very calm.”
“I almost killed him.”
At the sound of his voice, Levine comes running from the bedroom, jumps onto the arm of the couch and cries for attention.
“He missed you, too.”
He strokes Levine’s back and watches me, his eyes steady and warm, but his mouth is set disapprovingly.
“I don’t want you running this late.”
“I only went a mile,” I counter.
He sighs and pulls me into his arms. He doesn’t just kiss me. He takes ownership of me.
And damn if I don’t love it.
“Please don’t do it again,” he whispers. “If anything happened to you, it would kill me.”
Well, when he puts it like that…
“Okay,” I agree.
“Thank you for sending the baby gifts today.”
I smile widely and bounce on the balls of my feet. “They got there?”
“Yeah, they’re pretty great. Maddox will love that guitar.”
“He should have a guitar like his daddy.” I nod. “How is the baby?”
“Small.” He laughs and shrugs.
“And Lori?”
“She’s great.” His eyes are happy as he lifts me into his arms and carries me to the bedroom.
“Do you want something to drink?” I push my fingers into his soft brown hair.
“Later,” he murmurs and kisses my temple.
“What do you want now?” I ask with a grin.
“I haven’t been inside you in too many hours to count, sunshine.”
He sets me on my feet and strips me naked, his lips kissing my skin as he uncovers it. By the time he pulls my socks off my feet, I’m panting and on fire.
With Me in Seattle Bundle One Page 113
