by Tina Saxon
I grab my bag off the floor and meet Max’s amusing smile in the hallway. “You can always go without.” He wags his brows.
Slapping his arm, I roll my eyes. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.” He waits for the door to close all the way before we leave. “So, if I can’t have any secrets, how am I ever going to plan a surprise party for you?” I joke as we walk down the long corridor to the elevator. His hand brushes against mine and I want to slip my fingers through his. The uncertainty of what happens after the tour always stops me. Except, our month is almost up and I’m positive he won’t allow me an extension to figure it out.
Max presses the down button, staring at the silver doors in deep thought. The elevator dings and the doors open. Typical Max waits for me to enter before he does. As soon as the doors close, he answers without humor, “You don’t.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Max
“When you’re settled back, we should have dinner.”
I stare at the five-foot-nine, scrawny guy wearing a suit with pants that are too short. I remember when I was in school and guys would grow out of their pants, revealing what color socks they were wearing. Those are the kids that got made fun of. Since when did high waters and loafers with no socks become the in thing? And what the fuck is he asking Sydney out to dinner for?
She awkwardly laughs, sending me a quick glance back. I raise a brow, wondering what her next move will be. She breaks our contact, turning her attention to Mr. Highwaters. I’m standing a couple feet away from her because I’m supposed to be the bodyguard. She has till the end of this week to fix that because this sucks.
“Digby, we should. I’ll give you a call.”
Digby? What the fuck kind of name is that? I’m surprised this guy made it out of high school alive. I glare at the guy, fisting my hands in my slacks as he stares at her with inappropriate thoughts. The quick drop of his eyes to her boobs might not have been caught by Sydney, but it sure the hell was by me. He might not make it out of here alive.
“It was great seeing you again. We’ll talk soon,” Syd says. Over my dead body. He leans forward giving her a kiss on each cheek.
“Ciao, Sky.” He spins on his loafers and walks away, having no idea how close he came to losing those lips. I tinker with the small knife inside my pocket. Sydney turns, smiling at someone behind me, sending up a quick wave.
“Max,” she says through a smile. “Please calm down. I can sense your anger.”
I level my shoulders, releasing my fists and step next to her. “I wouldn’t be angry if I was by your side,” I say under my breath. And dipshit Digby wasn’t flirting with you. She tips her chin up, a look of remorse flitters across her face. “Sorry,” I sigh, dropping my head. This isn’t the time to be having this conversation. Or the time for me to make her feel bad. Rather, she should celebrate her first successful tour. The label is throwing a party for Preston and Sky, welcoming them home. And she deserves the party, not my misplaced jealousy.
She’d never go for someone named Digby, anyway.
“I’ll go get a drink at the bar.” I motion to the cash bar at the other side of the party.
“I’d rather you be by me,” she whispers.
Despite wanting to hear those words, they piss me off. “I can’t be by you and not touch you. I won’t be far.” I flash a small smile and wink, masking my irritation. At the bar, watching her from afar, the night she got engaged to Damon slams into me. I try to swallow the distaste in my mouth, hating that I’m comparing that night to right now.
That night she was a regret. Tonight, she’s my future.
I just need to find the right solution for both of us, considering our living situations are on two different coasts. There is no way in hell I’ll let that put a wedge in between us.
“Stop brooding, Max. You should be excited, your girl is finished with the tour,” Graham says, patting me on the back, then ordering a dirty martini. As soon as he gets it, he pops an olive in his mouth, putting two left on the toothpick back in the glass. He lifts his glass to toast and I clink my beer bottle against it.
“That I can drink to.” Graham leans against the bar in his bright blue suit and yellow bow tie, scanning the crowd. It amazes me how much brighter Los Angeles is compared to New York City.
“So, what happens next?” he asks without looking at me.
I glance at him over the top of my beer, then wipe the excess off my lip. “I would think you’d be better equipped to answer what is next for Sky than I would.” He gives me an incredulous stare.
“You know what I mean.” I shake my head and shrug, not assuming anything. “You and Sky?”
“We haven’t discussed the technicalities, but we’ll make it work.”
He pops another olive in his mouth. “I hope so. You’re good for her. She hasn’t been this happy since she showed up on my doorstep.” Graham will always be in my good graces because of how he helped Sydney when I couldn’t.
I find her in the crowd, surrounded by a few of her bandmates and more high-water wearing executives. Her laugh is contagious in the group, making me smile as she works her magic. Glancing down at Graham’s pant legs, I’m not surprised at what I find. “Why, Graham? Why do men think that looks good?” I say, pointing down to his bare ankles.
His eyes follow the path of my finger and he laughs when he sees what I’m referring to. “It’s called fashion, Max.” He scans my black slacks — that go all the way to my black dress shoes — and white button-up shirt, humming to himself. “You should let my stylist take you shopping while you’re in LA.”
“What the fuck for? I look good.” I tug on my shirt, daring him to disagree with me.
“You look damn good,” a brunette purrs, coming up to my side. Graham’s eyes pop open wide, watching her slide her arm around mine. “You should dance with me.” The smell of cheap wine and perfume invade my nostrils.
I remove her arm from around mine, flashing her a fake smile. “Thanks, but I’m good.” I cast my eyes at Sydney, finding her glaring at the woman before her eyes jump to mine. I take a long pull of my beer, wondering what she’s thinking. She’s not happy, but is she upset enough to come over here and claim what’s hers? When the redhead runs her hand over my bicep and squeezes, Syd’s petite body stiffens. I’m tempted to let her keep it there if it’ll bring my beautiful woman over.
“Wow, are you a bodybuilder?”
“Lady! He’s not interested,” Graham snaps. She huffs, removing her hand, haughtily tilts her head back as she pivots and stomps off. Graham downs his drink and sets the glass on the bar. “It’s a wonder why I like men.” He makes me laugh out loud.
When another hand snakes through my arm, I open my mouth to tell whoever it is, I’m not interested. Again. Instead, I’m met with ice-blue eyes and a scent of vanilla that I’ll never get tired of. Her smile lights up her face and I wait for her to do something, unsure where this is going. She’s in the driver’s seat and I’m the passenger holding on for dear life.
I hate being the passenger.
“Trying to get another hashtag?” she muses.
I shrug. “There’s only one hashtag I want.” Her brows draw together. Dipping my head so my words don’t carry, I say, “Hashtag off the market.”
She bites her lip, leaning into me and I take a deep inhale and groan. “I can help with that,” she murmurs, slightly out of breath, lifting her face. Her lips brush over mine. When she pushes into me, deepening the kiss, I can’t help but wrap my arm around her waist. The fear of her backing away too soon before I can get my fix of her overwhelms me. She might have started this, but I’m finishing. Hold on Tink, because I’m back in the driver’s seat.
She moans into my mouth when I nip at her lip and my dick jumps at the sound. Her sequined dress is rough under my hand as I palm her ass. It’s not until Graham squeals in delight that I pull back.
“I need a man to kiss me like that,” he says. “Know any?” Sydney and I pull apart and laugh. No
t sure any of my friends fit his type. “So, does this mean the secret is out?”
I peer down at Sydney wondering the same thing. She nods, slipping her fingers through mine, sending a bolt of relief through my bones. “We’ll tell Addison and Aiden tomorrow.” She jerks her head over to Graham. “But G, don’t say anything to anyone until after we talk to our friends.” His lips turn down in disappointment.
“Fine. What’s another day?” He waves his hand in the air. “I’m off to find me a hashtag I’m off the market boyfriend.” We watch him disappear into the crowded dance floor.
“Are you sure you’re ready?” I say, pulling her into me, concerned she might change her mind. Once she gives me the green light, there’s no turning back.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, interrupts us. Her wicked smile from the vibration causes a deep-throated growl to escape my lips. “With that short dress, it wouldn’t take too private of a place for me to put that imagination of yours to use.”
Her body quivers against me at the suggestion. My eyes wander around the room, searching for a place as I pull the phone out of my pocket. It can only be Stone, which is the reason I’m looking. Otherwise, we’d be headed straight to the dark corridor I just saw.
Stone: call me asap.
The phone rings a couple times before he picks up. “Sorry to interrupt you, boss, but I think we found Rex. And it’s not good.”
Fuck. “Where are you?”
“Already outside.”
I glance at Sydney, my lips puckered with annoyance as I hang up the phone. “Sorry. We need to postpone the tongue licking you were about to get.”
She gasps, covering her mouth with her hand, her cheeks burn red. “Max Shaw!”
I chuckle, bringing her lips to my mouth for a quick kiss. “I have to meet Stone outside.”
“I’m coming too,” she says, readying herself.
“Hmm, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
She tilts her head with defiance, putting her hands on her hips. “So, you’ll leave me in here without security?”
I scan the room, filled with hundreds of people, drinking and I’m sure a few doing drugs. Sydney’s stalker is still out there and can be in this room. I growl, grabbing her hand and pull her along with me. I’d rather she not hear details, but her staying in here by herself is not an option.
As soon as we hit the cool crisp air, the window to a black SUV rolls down and Kase nods. Ignoring the flashes and the questions being thrown at us, I pull Syd in closer to my side until we approach the SUV. The door swings open and I hover over Sydney while she climbs in. The second the door is shut, Hudson drives off.
“Wait,” Sydney panics. “I didn’t know we were leaving. I can’t leave my own party.”
I rest my hand on her tanned thigh and she pushes it away as she shimmies her dress down. “We’re going back. We just can’t have paparazzi standing outside the door while we talk.”
“Oh. Hey guys.”
They all return the greeting. Stone turns in his seat, handing me an iPad. “We got word from a reliable source that Rex is in Mexico. That’s where he’s at.” I glance at the map, the red dot representing the place he’s supposedly at.
“Do we know if he’s alive?”
Stone winces. “We haven’t been able to determine that. The source hasn’t seen him in a while.” I want to ask who the source is, but not with Sydney around. Running my hands across my jaw, I’m at a loss what to do. That town, it’s run by a cartel. It’s not good news since Rex hasn’t been heard from in over a month. I pinch the bridge of my nose, leaning on my elbow against the door. The danger I’d be putting my guys in because of the stupid shit my brother got himself into weighs on me. But so does leaving Sydney with her stalker still out there.
“Max,” Sydney whispers. I turn toward her and she puts her hand in mine. The glow from the streetlamp lights up her face, outlining the delicate, perfect oval. “Go find your brother.”
“I can’t leave you. Not now.”
“Your brother needs you. And I can’t carry that guilt too.” I bring her hand to my mouth, hating I have to make this decision.
“I’ll stay with Syd,” Stone says. I blow out a ragged breath and nod.
“You and Hudson watch her twenty-four seven.” I stare at them until they both give me confirmation. I rarely demand a response, my guys know what to do, but I need it this time. “Kase, you’re with me. We’ll leave at five a.m.”
“Hudson, take us to our hotel.”
I jerk my head toward Sydney at her demand.
“Yes, ma’am.” Hudson puts the SUV in drive and pulls forward.
“I thought we were going back to your party?”
“We are.” She winks at me. “But we have a meeting that we postponed that needs to be addressed.”
I lick my lips and nod, trying to hold it together in front of the team. “You’re the boss.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Sydney
The stale air from the lack of life hits me when I step inside my apartment. I guess I should be thankful I don’t smell cat shit. Glancing around, I’m half expecting Moxi to come prancing out of the bedroom before I remember she’s at the neighbor’s place. She wouldn’t have welcomed me, anyway. Hopefully Gracie fell in love with her enough she won’t bring her back.
“Hudson was just here, checked everything out,” Stone says, standing in the doorway. I nod, barely able to wave my hand in the air. Max and I were up all night, a marathon of unadulterated passion. My whole body is deliciously sore. That man made sure I wouldn’t be forgetting him anytime soon. “I’ll be right outside in my car if you need anything. Hudson and I will alternate shifts. You have our numbers in your phone if you need anything.”
“Got it. Thanks, Stone.” He chuckles when I strain to open my heavy eyelids.
“Go get some rest,” he says before he turns and walks away. “And lock your door.” Yeah. Got it.
My bags hit the floor right before I make a beeline to my bed. As I pass the thermostat, I jab my finger on the down arrow until the air conditioner kicks on. Sixty-six. Perfect. Fully clothed, I snuggle into my comforter, my exhausting getting the best of me. Just as I close my eyes, there’s a knock at the door. Go away. It better not be Stone. The only other people who know I’m home, wouldn’t be knocking already so I ignore it and relax again. Except the knock becomes a pound. Whoever it is, isn’t leaving. Throwing the covers to the side, I stomp toward the door and swing it open.
“Gracie.” I stare at the teenager who has a fake smile plastered on her face.
“I thought that was you coming into your apartment.”
I yawn and nod. I hope she hasn’t sent out a massive text telling all her friends. I’m not in the mood to deal with fans right now. “You caught me. Did you need something?”
She looks down and I follow her gaze to an orange cat carrier placed on the ground. Green eyes glow between the grated door and a long, “meeeooowww,” makes me smile. Seems I missed the spotted feline. I lift my head to meet Gracie’s hard stare.
“Your cat is not very nice. She was mean to Dexter the whole time.” I purse my lips to hide my smile. Dexter is a hyper labradoodle. I thought it would be good for Moxi to have an overzealous friend rather than stay at a boarding facility. At least, she’d be free to roam.
“I’m sorry. She can be a little turd sometimes.” Gracie huffs and rolls her eyes. Turning in place, I grab my purse off the entryway table. “Here’s some extra money for dealing with her. I really appreciate it.” I hand her a fifty-dollar bill even though I had already paid her before I left. Her eyes light up and her smile turns genuine. Best thing to do for a pissed off teenager, give them money.
“Thanks, Sky. Let me know if you need me to watch her again.” She beams, turning and jogging off. My mouth falls open as I watch her gleefully jog down the stairs. I turn my attention to the meowing.
“You know, you could at least be good while I’m gone,” I say, pickin
g up the carrier and bringing her inside. As soon as she’s free, she continues to yell at me while pacing the room. “I hear you, I do. But you can be pissy by yourself, I’m going to bed.”
She follows close behind me, hopping in the bed too. I’m hoping she shuts up soon. My eyelids turn heavy and I sink further into the therapeutic bed as I relax. Moxi kisses me on the nose and I grin knowing she missed me too.
“Ouch!” I shoot up, rubbing the bite sting on the tip of my nose. The spite filled cat walks to her pillow, circles a couple times and lays down. You little asshole. She closes her eyes, satisfied with herself. “You are a big meanie,” I huff and lay back down. Well, I know where you’re going next time. To see your best friend, Dexter.
My phone dings on my nightstand. I stare at it, debating if I have enough energy to reach over. After it dings a reminder, I muster up what little energy I have left and roll over to where I can grab it.
Hulk: Listen to All to Myself by Dan + Shay
The song is already on my Spotify favorites so it’s easy to find. I press play, holding the phone to my chest, listening to every word as if Max is singing to me. My eyes close and I drift off to blissful sleep.
I open my eyes to noise. My foggy brain can’t place where the voices are coming from. Rubbing sleep out of my eyes, I sit up in bed and realize it’s the TV. I glance at the empty pillow next to me. Noooo, it better not be. That four-legged jackass is going to end up locked in the bathroom. I stumble through my dark room and sure as hell, I’m met with green glowing eyes. Sitting right next to the remote. I growl at her, snatch the remote up and press the off button like it’s at fault for waking me. “Are you done now? Can I get some sleep?” Her meows don’t stop me from returning to my bed. Maybe I’ll ship her to Max’s house. She liked him.
I glance at my phone feeling like a bad girlfriend for not calling. The thought jars me. His girlfriend. Picking it up, the screen brightens, showing it’s almost midnight. Nope, not going to call. He’ll think something’s wrong and the only thing wrong right now is I have an evil cat. I put it back on my nightstand, deciding I’ll call in the morning and tuck myself back in.
