Rock Star Romance Ultimate: Volume 1

by Olivia Cunning, Jayne Frost, RB Hilliard, Crystal Kaswell, Michelle Mankin, Emily Snow, Athena Wright

  Grinding to a stop, I spun her around. “Come here, you.” Ignoring the shutters clicking all around us, I crushed my mouth to hers. It took her a second to yield, to allow me this one gesture. I wasn’t hiding her in the dark. I wanted her with me in the light. For everyone to see.

  Breaking away from Lily’s kiss when I felt a tug on my sleeve, I looked down at the perfectly manicured hand, then up to Lindsey’s face. Her expression was nothing short of murderous.

  “Come on,” she spat, pushing past the photographers who scattered as we walked.

  They got what they wanted. The money shot. With Lily back at my side, I dropped my hand to her waist. “Good job, baby,” I said, planting a kiss on her temple.

  “Wh-what the fuck was that?” Shell-shocked, she glanced behind us. “Are they always so obnoxious?”

  “Nah. They just wanted a couple pictures of the prettiest girl out here.”

  She snorted, her shoulders relaxing as we made our way across the field.

  “Who’s that?” she whispered, lifting her chin to Lindsey’s back.

  “The wicked witch of the west, or as she’s more commonly known in the business, Lindsey Barger.” I looked down at Lily, arching a brow. “Our manager.”

  Logan brushed past Lindsey like she wasn’t there. “Hey man, it’s fucking crazy out there, right?” His gaze flickered from me to Lily, and his brows lifted. “Hey, um, Lily. It’s good to see you again.” He hesitated for a beat before leaning in to kiss her cheek.

  “Hi, Logan.” Lily gave him a brilliant smile. “How’s it going?”

  “Can’t complain.” He moved to her side as we ambled toward the group of chairs in front of the stage.

  Pulling her toward me instinctively, I leveled Logan with a scowl. He smirked, and I could see the questions in his eyes. But I didn’t have any answers. Only a promise to pummel him to the ground and give him a taste of the AstroTurf if he didn’t behave. He got the hint, and put a little distance between himself and Lily. Sean and Christian were seated in the front row with their heads together when we strolled up.

  “Hey, asshole, about time you showed up,” Sean said, doing a double take when he noticed Lily. Jumping to his feet, he sidled over. “Hey, Lily. I didn’t see you there.” Mimicking Logan’s earlier gesture, he pecked her on the cheek.

  What the fuck was with these guys? They didn’t have manners, let alone chivalry.

  “Hi, Sean,” Lily said, beaming. “Good to see you.” Turning to Christian, she held out her hand. “I’m Lily.”

  Christian’s gaze shifted to mine as he slid his palm against hers. “Nice to meet you, Lily,” he said, barely able to hide his grin.

  Drawing her closer to me and out of their clutches, I reached under her shirt, splaying my hand on her stomach possessively. Despite my casual demeanor, my heart beat wildly against my ribs. And I didn’t even know why. These were my boys, my family, but if they said one word about Lily, I’d lose it.

  Logan looked down to where Lily and I were joined, then up to my face. Amusement danced in his eyes. Or was that concern? Before I could tell him to mind his business, the guy with the headset at the center of the stage motioned for us to come up.

  “Caged—you’ve got thirty minutes.”

  I lingered for a second with Lily while everyone else made their way up the ramp.

  “This won’t take long.” I smiled down at her before turning to follow the guys. Two steps and Lily’s pull was too much so I spun around and impulsively pulled her to me for a kiss. With my hands on her ass, I lifted her until her feet dangled off the ground. Smiling against my lips, her tongue wrapped around mine gently in that way of hers. Calming me. And if I could bottle it, have it with me always, I swear I would.

  “God, you’re sweet,” I said, easing her back to the grass.

  “Right back at you.” She gave me a playful shove. “Now go to work, Mr. Knight.”

  My stomach tightened. Because Lily wouldn’t be able to pick Cameron Knight out of a crowd. In the short time I’d known her, he’d barely made an appearance.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  * * *

  Lily

  Cameron’s eyes found mine every few seconds while the band had a short meeting. But when he slid the guitar strap over his shoulder, it was like something came over him. As it was, Cameron didn’t lack for confidence. But on stage, he looked invincible. And so sinfully sexy, I had to squeeze my legs together to stop the tingling between my thighs.

  No man had ever affected me that way. Not even Brad. Especially not Brad.

  Pushing thoughts of my ex aside, I shifted all my attention where it belonged. To Cameron. And even though it was Logan singing when the music started, I knew the words belonged to the man with the hazel eyes, gazing down at me with a smile.

  Two more days. That’s all you’ve got.

  My heart stalled as the notion wrapped around my brain. And then something else took root. Hope? Austin was only a couple of hours away. Maybe our situation wasn’t that dire after all.

  Cameron’s manager appeared from nowhere, stepping in front of me, and blocking my view. “And who might you be?”

  Her tone was caustic, venom lacing every syllable.

  Counting to myself, I looked her over. She was pretty, with dark eyes and hair to match. Classic features and straight white teeth. Unlike her clients, she was dressed to the nines. Jimmy Choo pumps. An Armani suit. And a Chanel purse to finish off the ensemble. Black lambskin. Just like the one I used to have. Before I’d pawned it to pay my rent the first month I was on my own. Nobody needs a five thousand dollar bag, anyway.

  “I’m Lily.”

  The words flowed without a hitch. Probably because the woman reminded me of my mother. But not. Lindsey had money. Power. But no class. As much as I hated to admit it, Mom was classy. Her opinion carried weight. I should know, because it bogged me down like a five hundred pound anchor.

  “Do you m-mind?” I ask, tipping my chin toward the stage. “You’re in my line of sight.”

  She leaned forward. “And why should I care about that? I’m Cameron’s manager, and my word goes. I could have you thrown out.”

  I laughed. Partly to hide the tinge of nerves twisting inside my belly. I had no doubt that Lindsey could make good on her threat. But would Cameron let her? With her thin frame blocking my view, I couldn’t find the reassurance I needed in his hazel eyes, so I had to wing it. And that was never good for my speech.

  “Cameron invited m-me.” Forcing a neutral expression, I counted to three. “And I don’t t-think he’d be pleased if you escorted me from the premises.”

  Two little stammers. Not enough for her to form an opinion. I held her gaze, exuding as much self-assurance as I could muster.

  “You sound awfully well educated for someone dressed in ill-fitting clothes and pink tennis shoes.”

  She’d given me a compliment without realizing it, and my confidence soared. “You’d be surprised.”

  A smirk curved her lips. “You’re the one who’s going to be surprised if you think that Cameron is the least bit interested in more than a quick fuck.”

  Stunned at her candor, I welded my back teeth together. But that only served to spur the witch on. Easing into the seat next to me, she brushed a hand down her linen skirt.

  “You have no idea how many women I’ve had to deal with over the years on his behalf. Close to a hundred, I’d say.” She sighed. “Cameron doesn’t like drawn out goodbyes. So I’d say he probably invited you here so I could… I don’t know…make sure that you knew the score.” After a pointed look at a group of scantily clad women gathered on the far side of the stage, Lindsey turned her gaze my way. “I keep a car on standby. If you’d like to slip away before someone else grabs his attention.”

  Doubt bubbled up, and I thought seriously about taking Lindsey up on her offer. Because it didn’t matter that she got most of it wrong. That Cameron wanted me here now. Soon, I’d be nothing more than a dirty thought that made hi
m smile. If he even thought about me at all.

  Why not get a head start and avoid any more entanglements?

  But then my attention shifted to the stage. To Cameron. Lost in the music with his eyes closed, his fingers flew over the frets. As if he could feel the weight of my stare, his lids fluttered open and he looked right at me. And he smiled.

  “I won’t be needing a car,” I said to Lindsey. “I’m with Cameron. And he wants me here.”

  ***

  Cameron

  “Again!” Logan shouted, glaring at me over his shoulder.

  I nodded, but as soon as the music started, my attention drifted to the front row where Lindsey and Lily where locked in a heated conversation. They’d been going at it for fifteen minutes, neither of them looking like they were ready to back down. Distracted, I wandered too close to the amp and feedback hissed from the speakers.

  Ripping out his earplugs, Logan stalked my way, irritation etching his features. “What the fuck is going on with you?” he growled and, following my gaze to the two women, his brows drew together. “What’s the dragon lady talking to Lily about?”

  Shrugging, I fiddled with the volume on my Fender. “Who knows. Let’s get this done.”

  Logan studied my face for a moment before returning to his mark. As he counted it down, I let my mind go blank. My first chord blended with Sean’s drum beat and Christian’s bass seamlessly. And when Logan’s voice floated up, filling the stadium, I lost myself in the music. Ambling over to the girls watching from the wings, I locked gazes with a strawberry blond. Not to be outdone, Logan shoved me out of the way, and soon we were vying for their attention.

  When the last chord died on my strings, Logan slapped me on the back. “Fuck yeah! It don’t get any better than that! Let’s wrap it up.”

  Tossing him a smile, I yanked the strap from my shoulder and handed my guitar to our roadie. “I’m outta here. I got plans.”

  Logan tipped his chin to mid field where a frozen image of me gazing at the strawberry blond took up the entire Jumbotron. “You sure, bro?”

  Swallowing hard, I snapped my attention to the front row. To Lily. But her focus was on the girls who hadn’t stopped trying to get our attention. “Of course I’m sure.”

  Leaving Logan in the dust, I kept my eyes on Lily as I chewed up the distance between us.

  Lindsey hopped to her feet as I approached. “We need to talk,” she said.

  Stepping around my manager, I offered Lily my hand. “You ready?” She reached out hesitantly, and I pulled her up, breathing a sigh of relief. “Later, y’all!” I called in the general direction of my bandmates as I spun us toward the exit.

  “Wait!” Lindsey ordered, rushing to follow us. “Where are you going? Pushing Lily out of the way, she grabbed my arm. “Cameron!”

  Skidding to a stop, I glared down at her. “We’re done until the show. Christian needs his rest.”

  Her lips parted, but I turned on my heel before she could say another word, and nearly plowed into the strawberry blond who’d been watching the rehearsal. A dark haired girl hovered behind her, smiling.

  “Hey, Cameron,” said the blonde, like she knew me. Like we were friends. “That was brilliant. You guys are phenomenal.”

  “Always good to hear. Y’all have a good day.”

  Smiling tightly, I tried to scoot around her, but she blocked my path. “We could make sure you have a really good day.” Slipping her arm around her friend’s waist, she batted her eyelashes. “If you’re in the mood to party.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  Tightening my grip on Lily’s hand, I brushed past them, power walking the length of the field.

  “Cameron, hold on,” Lily said, struggling to keep my pace as I tried to put some distance between us and the fucked-up mess at our back. Grinding to a halt mid field, she grabbed the back of my t-shirt. “Stop!”

  I turned to her with a heated gaze, full of irritation and something else. Embarrassment.

  “What?” I bit out, unable to hide my frustration.

  Squaring her shoulders, she looked me in the eyes. “Look, if you want to g-go with those girls, feel free. You asked m-me to come. Don’t d-drag me out of here like I’m a dog that pissed on your carpet.”

  Stunned, I blinked at her. “I—I don’t want to go anywhere with them. It’s just…” Shaking my head, I looked down. “I don’t know what to say. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

  My head snapped up when she laughed.

  “You didn’t embarrass me. Until you dragged me away like you couldn’t wait to find the nearest bus stop.”

  Certain I didn’t hear her right, I rubbed the back of my neck. How could she think I was mad at anyone but myself?

  Lily inched forward, the tips of her Converse meeting my boots. “You can tell me, Cameron. Whatever it is.”

  Tell her what? That I wanted to take her to Austin and introduce her to my brother? Or go rafting with her down the Guadeloupe and sleep with her under the stars? Or maybe that I wanted to see if this could last longer than a few days, but I couldn’t promise that it would?

  “Those girls—they didn’t mean anything. When I play, the audience, they’re like props. I didn’t even realize…”

  I sighed, hoping the right words would drop from the sky.

  Lily took my hands, a smile playing across her lips. “You didn’t realize what? That you’re sexy as hell, and every girl out here wants you to play them like you play that guitar? Hell, even I was ready to jump you.”

  I laughed, the tension draining from my body as I linked our digits. “You wanted to jump me, huh?”

  “Don’t judge.”

  Pulling her to me with our joined hands behind her back, I placed a soft kiss on her mouth. Her fingers wiggled.

  “I’m beginning to think this is a thing with you, Cameron.”

  “What’s a thing?”

  “This.” She wiggled her fingers again. “First you tangle me up in my t-shirt, and now you’ve got my hands twisted behind my back. If you want to tie me up, just ask.”

  I drew her forward until she was on her tip toes. “You better be careful, baby. I might take you up on that.”

  Biting her lip, she gave me the sweetest smile. “Promise?”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  * * *

  Cameron

  Lily sat beside me, devouring the last of her What-a-Burger. I’d offered to take her anyplace she wanted, but this was what she chose.

  I chuckled to myself, recalling my mama’s warning to never trust a woman that didn’t appreciate good barbecue or a greasy cheeseburger. Since Mama also believed that the sun rose and set on Tyler Noble’s ass, I wasn’t always inclined to take her advice. But as I watched Lily poking around in the bag for leftover fries, I couldn’t argue with her logic. The girl looked adorable with grease on her fingers and a tiny bit of ketchup staining the corner of her mouth.

  “Did you get enough to eat, darlin’?” I asked.

  She stopped gathering crumbs from the onion rings and blinked at me. “Huh?”

  I swiped the ketchup off her lip with my thumb. “Are you still hungry?”

  Nervous laughter tumbled out as she brushed off her hands. “No…I’m fine. I just love burgers and fries. I wasn’t allowed to eat them when I was a k-kid.”

  She downed the last of her water, then scooted toward the mini fridge. Glimpsing the black elastic waistband from my boxers peeking out of her jeans, my cock sprang to life.

  She glanced over her shoulder, a Dr. Pepper in her hand. “Want something?”

  You… Now.

  “Nope. I’m good.” I smiled, trying to figure out a way to keep her in that position long enough to get her pants off.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  My phone lit up on the seat. Logan. I chose to ignore the call when Lily settled on the floorboard between my knees. Twisting a hand in her hair, I tugged gently.

  “There’s enough seats in this
thing for twelve people,” I joked. “You don’t have to sit on the floor.”

  Turning sideways, she rested her head on my knee, a faraway look in her eyes. “My dad…he had a limo just like this. We never had a car when I was growing up. My mother used to get so mad at me because I loved to crawl around on the floor.” Her smile lost a little shine. “I guess it just reminds me of my childhood.”

  Stroking her hair, I fanned the golden locks out over my jeans. “I never rode in a limo until we signed with a record label. Not even to the prom.”

  She propped her chin on my knee, grinning. “Tell me about your prom.”

  Tracing my index finger along her jaw, I shrugged. “Not much to tell. I’m sure it was just like yours. Except, maybe you didn’t have to ride there in your best friend’s twenty-year-old truck.”

  Actually, I couldn’t really complain about that. Logan’s pickup had a single bench seat, assuring that my date was on my lap for the entire ride home. After having my hard on pressed against her for twenty minutes, Crystal invited me to sneak in her window. Good times.

  “I didn’t have a prom,” Lily said glumly. “I came out when I was sixteen.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but if this has anything to do with girl on girl action, please don’t spare the details.”

  Lily bit the inside of my denim-clad thigh. “You perv. Not that kind of coming out. I went to Hockaday.”

  Grabbing her under the arms, I pulled her onto my lap. “No biting—unless we’re naked.” I kissed the tip of her nose. “What’s Hockaday? And what did you come out of?”

  “Hockaday’s an all-girls school. That’s where I had my ‘coming out’ party.” Puzzled at my confused expression, she blinked at me. “You know, a debutante ball? Big-ass skirts? Boring guys with crew cuts?”