by Regina Frame
"I'm graduating in six months with a degree in business. What I'll do from there, I'm not really, sure yet. I work enough hours at a coffee shop on campus to help Jules with expenses, but that doesn't leave much for anything else. I've been trying to find another job, it just hasn't happened yet."
As soon as the words left her mouth, I knew what I was going to do, and if the rest of the guys didn't like it, they could suck me! "I might know of something," I said.
"Oh really?" she asked, her voice hopeful.
"Hell yes! Our band is looking for an assistant. With your business background, I think you'd be perfect."
"You're shittin’ me." She laughed and covered her mouth. She looked at me as if she didn't believe what I’d just offered her. I couldn't help but laugh at her comment.
"I shit you not!" I laughed. "I was actually going to place an ad in the paper next week and hopefully start interviewing, but, if you want the job, it's yours."
"Really? I mean; that would be great!" She threw her arms around my neck and rolled us back onto the sand. The scent of ocean and fresh flowers filled my nose as she stared down at me with flushed cheeks. "Thank you, so much." And just like that, she was up on her feet.
"I have to go tell Jules. She's going to die when she hears the news." She brushed herself off and looked back to where I sat on the sand. I couldn't move, because from the moment she threw her arms around my neck, my cock had sprung to life. There was no way in hell, I'd stand up now and scare her off.
"You go ahead. I'll catch up to you." I watched her perfect hips swaying, as she walked up the steps and disappeared from sight. I doubted that we could ever be just friends. That girl was mine. She just didn't know it yet.
Peyton
"You've
got to be the luckiest bitch I know," Jules said from where she sat on my bed. I shuffled through the hangers in my closet in search of something to wear. I was meeting the band at a small get together tonight at the bass players house. Levi told me he'd pick me up at seven. It was already six and I'd yet to decide on what to wear. I did remember he told me to wear something warm, because Linc and Honesty lived on the beach, and the breeze coming off the ocean could get chilly at night. I finally decided on a dark pair of jeans and a soft pink sweater.
"Let's just hope the guys like me, or I'll be stuck at the coffee shop longer than I want to be."
"They'd be crazy not to love you. You sure I can't go with you? I kind of have a thing for the drummer." She winked at me.
"Jules, you have a thing for rockers, period." I laughed and ran the brush through my long, blond hair. "What about Marcus?”
"We're just having fun. He has my number if he wants to call, maybe I'll answer, and maybe I won't. Besides, you know me, I like variety." She giggled, walked from the room, and disappeared down the hall. There was one thing about Jules; she was a free spirit. She had probably been a hippie in a former life.
"Relax, you've got nothing to be nervous about." Levi's silver skull ring, clicked against the metal of the gearshift as his Camaro sped down the interstate. It was bad enough sitting in his brand, spanking new mean-machine with him, looking delicious in a pair of designer jeans and gray, long-sleeve sweater, but I was actually going to meet the rest of the band. I felt so jittery right then that I wanted to crawl under the seat and hide. I smiled and brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.
"That's easy for you to say. You know these people and I don't. I'm not used to being around famous people. They make me nervous." I admitted and resisted running my damp palms over the tops of my jeans.
"Really, Peyton, we're just normal everyday people. We eat, sleep, and deal with normal shit just like everybody else." I bit down on my lower lip and stared out the window, watching the scenery fly by.
We rolled to a stop in front of a multi-story beach home, protected by a tall brick and iron fence. Levi punched in a code and the large, black gate swung open, granting us entrance. It wasn't as large or elaborate as Marcus Little's mansion, but it was a close second. Palm trees and flowering shrubs looked as though they'd been strategically placed to highlight the structure of the home. There was a circular drive and a coral color, cement path, which led to the house’s entrance. The cut glass in the door sparkled in the light of the beautiful chandelier that could be seen through the double doors.
"Take your shoes off!" A beautiful brunette eyed Levi as we stepped inside. He grumbled something under his breath about Honesty, while he slipped out of his chucks.
"What the fuck? I used to live here. I never had to take my shoes off then." Levi replied playfully, and then hugged the beautiful woman. For a moment, something in the pit of my stomach didn't set well. Could this be an old girlfriend? What was more disturbing was why that thought bothered me?
"You don't live here anymore. Besides, we got new carpet and I'd like to keep it nice without you guys fucking it up!" She laughed, before turning her attention to me. Wow. She really was beautiful and suddenly I felt like a sack of potatoes. A knot formed in my throat when I extended my hand.
"I'm Peyton Frost." Levi wrapped his arm around my shoulder and tugged me into his side. A very warm side, making my girly parts tingle. Damn.
"Peyton, this is Honesty, Linc's wife." He tilted his head toward the beaming brunette. I really should have done some band research if I was hoping to work with them.
"It's so nice to meet you, Peyton. The guys are out back if you'd like to join them. I'm just going to finish up in the kitchen and then I'll be out," she said, looking from Levi to me.
"I'd love to help, if that's okay," I offered.
"I would appreciate that." She smiled warmly and I relaxed a little. Levi gave a salute and laughed as if he knew he'd just received his marching orders. I watched him walk out onto the patio to join the rest.
"So, Levi told us that you're taking the assistants job," she commented, as she began placing sub sandwiches onto a large platter. "I think that's great. They could really use someone to help them out. They've been without a manager for a while now. That's another story for another time," she added.
"I honestly don't know how Jinx and they guys have made it this long without someone. I try to help as much as I can, but my free time is about to become filled with other things." She grinned when she said it, but didn't elaborate and I didn't ask.
"They have a website, Facebook page, Twitter accounts, among other social media sites to keep tabs on. They're good about posting things for their fans, but some of the guys need a little more guidance than others. Just to give you an example," she arched her brow with a grin. "Chance likes to post dick pics." She rolled her eyes, and I couldn't help but full-out belly laugh.
"I swear, they are like babysitting a bunch of three year olds sometimes." She laughed, and picked up the now overflowing platter of sandwiches. "Grab the chips if you don't mind." She nodded toward the big bowl sitting on the counter.
I grabbed the bowl and fell into step behind her, feeling a little more at ease than the ride over. We stepped out onto the patio that surrounded a sparkling, blue pool. The guys were all lounging nearby nursing beers. Levi stood from his chair and closed the distance when he caught sight of me.
"Guys, this is, Peyton Frost. She's the band's new assistant, so show her some love, but not too much, because I've got my eye on this one," he said, pulling me into his side. The touch caused my body to light up like the fourth of fucking July. It was as if we’d never even had the friend’s discussion. Levi introduced me to the members and he was right, they were just like normal people. Maybe I could handle this job after all. They all stood and made their way over to the table where Honesty and I stood.
"We've heard a lot of good things about you, Peyton. We all look forward to working with you. I'm Jinx by the way," he said, offering his hand to me. He gave me a smile, which revealed two deep dimples and perfectly, straight, white teeth. He was handsome, but not nearly as handsome as Levi. Jinx was all lean muscle, where Levi was ripped.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I practically snarled. The pretty blond with pink streaks in her hair elbowed him in the side and gave him the evil eye.
"I'm just yanking your chain! I'm Chance, by the way, and that—is Sparkles. He tilted his head toward the blond.
"My name is Honor, and please ignore him. He thinks he's such a comedian." She smiled and the diamond stud in her nose twinkled under the lights. That's when I noticed that she also had several facial piercings.
A tall guy with dark hair and bulging arms covered in tattoos, stepped up to the table, and wrapped his big beefy arm around Honesty, causing her to giggle.
"This is Linc," Levi said, tipping his head toward the big man. He plays bass, but mostly, he and I write the music for the group. You'll see more of him when we get into the studio next week."
We all gathered around the table and ate, laughed, and the guys shared some pretty, funny stories. They told me about their adventures on the road, and how some women would go to extreme lengths, just to get with the guys. It made me think about Teake and the pictures I'd seen in the tabloids, but for once, it didn't hurt my heart like it did.
"I better get you home," Levi said, standing from his chair, and reaching for my hand. We said goodnight to everyone and headed for the door. Levi opened my car door and helped me inside, before sliding into the leather seat on the driver's side.
"So what'd you think?" He looked at me with a crooked grin and that damn dimple popped in his cheek.
"Everyone was really nice. I think I'm going to like working with you guys." I smiled, but felt a blush creep up my neck and onto cheeks, because I was really looking forward to working with him. It's as if he could read my mind. He gave me a wink, and his blue eyes sparkled playfully under the streetlights.
"So, I was thinking that maybe we could get together tomorrow night and discuss the fundraiser. I could cook you dinner and we can toss around a few ideas. I'd really like to see what we could come up with." He glanced at me before turning his eyes back to the road.
"Get outta here! You? Mr. rock star can cook?" I said playfully.
"I'm really offended by that remark. I'll have you know that I'm a damn good cook." He arched his brow and laughed.
"I'm so sorry if I wounded the big bad rocker, I would love for you to cook for me, but only if you'll let me make desert."
"Ooh! Maybe we should have desert first, then." The way he said it, led me to believe his idea of desert and mine, were two different things entirely. I couldn't help but laugh.
"You are so bad," I said playfully. My cheeks heated and the tips of my ears burned.
"You have no idea, just how bad I can be." Wow.
Levi pulled into a parking spot in front of my building and jumped out, before I could even reach for my door handle.
"I really enjoyed meeting the band tonight. I'm excited about working with them. I think it's gonna be great. I've already got some ideas for ways to promote you guys."
"I look forward to hearing all about them tomorrow night." He grinned and pressed his hard body against mine, so that my back was pressed against the door. My breathing picked up a notch and I looked into his blue eyes, full of lust.
"What are you doing?" I placed my hands against his chest and gently pushed against the hard muscle, but he didn't budge.
"I've been thinking about how much I wanted to kiss you all night. Do you have any idea how hard it was to control myself tonight? Watching you interact with the rest of the band? They fucking loved you," he grinned.
Levi leaned forward, ghosted his lips over mine, and my core clinched tightly with the anticipation of his lips on mine. My eyes fluttered closed and my lips parted, waiting for his lips on mine, but the kiss never came. When I opened my eyes, he took a step back. I immediately felt a chill from the loss of his body heat. God, I wanted that kiss. I wanted it so bad! He flashed a cocky grin, because he knew the affect he had on me. How could he not? I was flushed from head to toe. God, I loved that grin. He was getting me back for closing the door in his face the other night.
He cupped my face in his hands and said, "I plan on kissing you and a whole lot more tomorrow night." Then, he was walking away, leaving me panting outside my apartment.
As soon as I entered the kitchen, I found a note on the counter from Jules; saying she was staying over at Marcus' tonight, which meant I had the place to myself. It was a good thing too, because after that little stunt Levi pulled, leaving me wanting, I was horny as hell. I grabbed a quick shower, and slid into bed with B.O.B. and fresh batteries. Oh, sweet relief.
Climbing the steps to the second floor, I shifted the heavy bag of books to my other shoulder, but stopped in my tracks when I saw Levi, leaning against my apartment door. It was only three in the afternoon, and we weren't supposed to have dinner until later tonight, much later tonight.
"What are you doing here?" I blurted, a little harsher than I should have.
"We're having dinner, remember?" He looked at the huge watch on his wrist, and then his eyes traveled back to me. "Did you forget already, or do you have Alzheimer's or something that I should know about? If so, you should disclose that information now." He cracked a sexy grin and arched a brow.
"It's only three in the afternoon and I've been at the library. I still have some studying to do and I'd like to shower before dinner."
"Shower . . ." he said, thoughtfully tapping his finger on his adorable stubbly chin. "I like that idea." He winked and the butterflies took flight in my stomach.
"I meant alone!" I jammed my key into the door and pushed it open, dropping my bag of books onto the floor as I went. "So, why are you here so early?"
"Can I get a glass of water? It was really hot standing out there." He asked, and it's then, I noticed that he had sweat beading on his forehead.
"Just how long were you out there?" I asked, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and handing it to him.
"Just a couple of hours. I didn't realize you weren't home when some guy let me in, so I thought I'd just wait. They really should air condition the hallways better."
"Here's an idea! Maybe you should just call first.” I desperately tried to keep the smile off my face, but it broke through anyway, which caused him to laugh.
"Note to self, call first," he replied, laughing.
"You didn't answer my question. Why are you here so early? I thought we weren't eating until later."
"We're not, but I hoped we might take a ride first, if that's okay," he questioned. "I seem to recall your roommate insinuating that I was no fun. I wanted to prove her wrong."
"Then maybe you should prove that to her, instead of me."
"I'd much rather prove to you just how much fun I can be." He grinned and that adorable dimple popped in his cheek.
I sighed and looked at my backpack full of books, knowing that I had a project due next week. Instead, I said, "Sure, just let me get a quick shower." I held up my hand when he took a step forward. "Alone. The TV remote is on the coffee table there." I pointed to the glass table in front of the sofa. "If Jules comes in while I'm in the bathroom, try not to let her scare you off. She can be a little much sometimes," I giggled.
"Sweet cheeks, it takes a lot to scare me off. You forget; I live that shit every day." He was right, how could I forget. There was just something about him, which made me forget, that he's this major, rock star.
Levi
"Tell
me again why we're here." Peyton was staring at a sign that read, 'Olive Branch Speed Track.'
"I thought we'd go a few ro
unds before we head back to my place." I revved the engine of my Camaro to get my point across. She flashed me a smile that was as bright as the sunshine.
"Really? I've always wondered what it would be like to drive 200 mph in a circle. I watch Nascar every chance I get." She wasn’t only beautiful; she also enjoyed my favorite past time. One of our label executives introduced us to this particular past time when our first album hit number one. I came here as often as I could when I was home. Something about racing around the track at a high rate of speed, gave me peace. I knew that probably sounded strange, but it worked for me. I pulled my car around to the office and shut the engine off.
"I thought we were going out onto the track." She commented with confusion, her cute little brows crinkled in the center. Damn, Peyton was cute.
"We are sweet cheeks, but not in this car. Come on, and let's get suited up." I took her hand and pulled her into the office, where Chuck greeted me with a grin and his signature cigar hanging out of the corner of his mouth. He shoved a clipboard at me, we signed the wavers, and he let me take over, because I'd done this so many times. I fitted us both in jumpsuits and helmets and grabbed the key to number three. I always drove that one, because Dale Earnhardt was always my favorite driver, it would just feel wrong to drive a different one. After I made sure she was all buckled in, I pulled onto the track and watched the light up ahead.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Her eyes were as big as saucers, hands pressed hard into the harness that was wrapped around her sexy, little body.
"You picked this moment, now that we're actually on the track, to panic?"
"I'm not panicking. It's just; I think reality just set in that I'm about to fly around this track at the speed of sound. You know, I have goals for my life, and none of them include me being plastered on the race track at Olive Branch." She swallowed hard and licked her full, pink lips.
