REGRET - The Price of Truth: Everhide Rockstar Romance Series Book 4

by Tania Joyce

  What the hell? What did he want with her? “How? Why do you know me?”

  “You’re friends with Everhide. I’m a journalist. I’ve done my research.” He waved down the waiter and ordered a beer. “Let me get you a drink.”

  “No, thank you. I’m fine.” Lexi untangled her hair from underneath her bag strap and flicked it over her shoulder.

  “I’m interested in your photography skills.” He took a sip of his beer and wiped a napkin over the foam on his lips.

  She drew air deep into her lungs. Her heart beat with caution. No one outside her friends had ever been interested in her photography. Her ass reconnected with edge of her stool. “What did you say?”

  “I’ve seen your recent images of Everhide on their social media accounts.” Gerard’s beady eyes were as round as a mole’s. “I’ve read your review articles. I like your style. You write with a sassy attitude.”

  “Are you interested in my photography, my journalism skills or my friends?”

  He half-smiled. “I like you, so I’ll get straight to the point. You could make a fortune photographing celebrities. You go to a lot of VIP parties. They trust you. I’d be willing to pay top dollar for your photos, especially if they were of a news-worthy nature, if you know what I mean?” His voice, while smooth and innocuous, was backloaded with so much double entendre Lexi clutched onto her camera bag to stop herself from punching him. He wanted dirt? Scumbag.

  Fire licked through her veins. “I thought EOS was a reputable news site. I didn’t think they lowered themselves to trashy gossip.”

  “Oh, EOS is.” He straightened his tie. “But I’m interested in your talent for another company EOS owns . . . Gossipline.”

  A ringing exploded in Lexi’s ears. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “You’re kidding? The tabloid gossip site? No. Freaking. Way.” God, for a split second she’d gotten her hopes up at the thought of getting into entertainment journalism. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. She stood and straightened her camera bag. “This conversation is over.”

  He held up his palm. “Think about it. You could earn thousands of dollars a week freelancing.” His voice held no emotion, yet it sent a chill down her spine.

  She got up in his face, clenched her fists at her side. “Not interested.”

  Was this the way EOS and Gossipline got their headline stories? They bought and bribed the friends of celebrities? She’d been approached years ago by some jerk on the street offering to buy photos from her just because she knew Kyle, Hunter and Gemma. No matter how badly she wanted a job in photography and to make more money and further her career, she’d never sell out the people she loved and cared about. Not ever. “There’s not enough money on the planet for you to sway me. I love and respect my friends and will do anything to protect them. Go to hell.”

  He chuckled, seeming undeterred by her disgust. He dug into his inside jacket pocket and held out his business card. “If you change your mind, call me.”

  She met him square in the eye and gritted her teeth. She snatched the card from his fingertips, ripped it up and dropped it into his beer. “There’s nothing to think about. Leave me alone. Leave my friends alone.”

  “Got it.” Gerard nodded and stood. “The offer is always open. Nice talking to you, Miss Mitchell.” Looking pleased with himself, he disappeared into the crowd.

  Asshole.

  Swiping a wayward curl off her face, Lexi headed to the area and booths reserved for Everhide. She flashed her pass at security and dumped her gear on the table. Her head still spiraled from Gerard’s conversation. Jerk-off. Disappointment sat like a grease trap in her gut. Gerard wasn’t interested in her skill—only gossip. Her hopes of finding a better job had been extinguished as quickly as they were ignited. But money wasn’t everything. No matter how desperate she was to leave her current job and how much she craved a better salary, holding on to her self-respect would always win. In the past two weeks, one boss had wanted her to sleep with him, one jackass, prospective employer had wanted her to sell her soul. Where were the decent men in the world?

  Her gaze drifted to the door.

  Hayden . . .

  A commotion erupted at the entrance and her heart ricocheted up her throat. Behind the media frenzy and Everhide, Hayden walked into the room.

  She splayed her hand across her chest, tried to settle the stir in her heartbeat. Hayden was a good guy—decent and respectable to the core. So were Hunter and Kyle, but it was Hayden who’d cut away another chink from around her heart.

  Tonight his music career had gotten the boost it deserved. He was destined to be a star. Riding the wave of craziness sparking between them was a stupid idea. A relationship with him wasn’t worth capturing on film, processing it in a dark room and seeing what it developed into. It would be a waste of time. He was moving to Boston, loved to party, loved his girls, loved his music. She’d locked off her feelings for so long, she could do it again. He didn’t need to be tied down to her. Not ever.

  Shoving her heart back into its cage, Lexi kicked into best-friend mode. It was so much easier. She rushed through the crowd toward him and threw her arms around his neck. He picked her up, and she shrieked when he spun her ’round before placing her back on her feet.

  “You were amazing,” she yelled over the noisy guests.

  “Oh, Lex.” He clutched her arms. “It was soooo incredible!” The excitement in his voice lifted her spirits. “Did you see me nail ‘Forever?’ That song is so hard to play. I did it. I freaking did it. And the crowd . . . wow. It was so fucking awesome.”

  His smile brightened the room. As he drew her in for another hug, people gathered ‘round and squished them closer together. Eager voices and hustling bodies wanted to chat to Everhide and the band . . . specifically Hayden. Lexi slipped out of his hold and squeezed his hand. ‘Go. Enjoy the night. I’ve gotta go take some more photos. I’ll catch up with you soon.”

  But he didn’t drop her hand. It was like he didn’t want to let her go. In the middle of all the people, his gaze held hers. Warmth flooded her chest. She smiled at him once more and tugged her hand free. The crowd, with cell phones snapping pictures, swallowed him and he disappeared from view.

  Gemma bounced over to her, on her post-performance high. “Let’s go get these photos done.”

  “At your service.” Lexi grabbed her camera off the table and followed Gemma, Kyle and Hunter over to another VIP area for their promotional shots with guests. Between each group photo, she searched the room for Hayden. She eyed him talking to Flint’s manager, Dua Lipa, and other band managers, artists and friends. He belonged with this level of talent. She hoped Boston would give him and his band the break they craved.

  After finishing her photographs, Lexi packed her camera away. The excitement of working for her friends still zipped through her veins. They sat around the table with her, drinking JD, ready to party now that their obligations were over.

  Kyle handed her a shot of JD. “Superb effort, Lex. Can’t wait to see the photos.”

  “Of the thousands I took, I hope some are okay.” She chinked glasses with everyone and knocked the shot down. “It’s been an incredible night. Thank you.” Swallowing hard, she hoped that the whiskey would spark her up, but instead the past few days of excitement and adrenaline, and the rollercoaster of emotions slammed into her like she’d hit a brick wall. Exhaustion sunk deep into her bones and she yawned. “But I’m going to call it a night. I have to head off early in the morning to get to Mom’s.”

  “Pussy.” Hunter poured everyone except Lexi another shot.

  Kara flashed him a don’t-be-mean glare, then she reached across the table and clutched Lexi’s hand. “It’s okay. We understand. Will we see you tomorrow? We head off early on Monday morning.”

  Shit. Christmas. Hunter and Kara were off to Chicago to see his folks. Kyle and Gemma were heading to his cousin’s place in Seattle. Then Everhide were heading overseas to play New Year’s gigs in Japan. They were off traveling the world
while she was stuck at home, going nowhere. “Um . . . I don’t know what time I’ll be home. Probably late. I might not see you until the new year.”

  “We better say goodbye now.” Gemma shuffled out of the booth and gave her a big hug, squeezing her tight. “Send through the photos as soon as possible. Kate will want to post something online. Love you. Make sure you have an awesome Christmas.”

  “Will do.” Lexi rubbed Gemma’s arm. “Love you, too.”

  After hugs with Kara, Kyle and Hunter, she held her arms wide to say goodnight to Hayden. “See ya.”

  “Nah. I’ll come with you.” Hayden downed his drink. “I think my adrenaline has burned out too.”

  Gemma nudged her in the arm. “Go on, you crazy kids. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” She winked at Lexi; her playful tone held too much suggestiveness.

  Lexi ignored her as Hunter and Kyle hugged Hayden, slapping him on the back.

  “Thanks for playing, man,” Kyle said. “Loved sharing the stage with you.”

  “But don’t ever steal my spotlight.” Hunter smiled his trademark superstar smile.

  “Wouldn’t dream of it.” Hayden laughed and grabbed his coat and Lexi’s belongings. “See y’all. Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and all that jazz.”

  Arm in arm, Lexi and Hayden scuttled down the street in the freezing cold. Light snowfall dusted their coats. Her head ached; her feet ached. All she wanted to do was get warm and go to bed.

  In the hotel lobby, she dug into her purse for her access card. Fuck! Not there. “Shit, I left my card in the room.” She could picture it on the nightstand by her Kindle. She tilted her head back and groaned, then gave Hayden an I’m-too-fucking-tired-to-deal-with-this-shit look. “Carla’s out clubbing. I’ll grab another one from reception. Hold on.”

  Hayden hovered behind her as she dragged her feet over to the counter. “Hi. I’m Lexi Mitchell. I’ve left my key in my room. Room seven-two-one.”

  “I’m sorry, ma’am. I have no booking under that name.”

  “Is it under Carla Bonaris?”

  The receptionist shook her head as she clicked her red fingernails on the keyboard. “No, sorry. I have no guest listed under that name either.”

  “I’m part of Everhide’s entourage. Bec Arnold would have booked the room.”

  “Sorry, ma’am. Do you have a booking reference?”

  Fuck.

  “Look.” Lexi tried to keep her cool. “I’m tired. It’s late. I just want to go to bed. Is the reservation under Gemma Lonsdale? Her booking name is Janis Daniels.” Lexi always thought Gemma’s fake booking name combining one of her favorite artists—Janis Joplin—and her favorite drink—Jack Daniels—was pretty clever.

  “Sorry, ma’am. For security reasons, I can’t help you unless you have a booking number.”

  What bull. “Hold on. I’ll call Bec. She’ll sort this out.”

  Lexi dialed Bec, but there was no answer. She tried Gemma. It went straight to voicemail. She rang Carla—no response.

  She hung up. Shit. Now what?

  “Lex.” Hayden tapped her on the shoulder and jerked his head toward the elevators. “Come and stay in my room until Carla gets back.”

  Lexi’s shoulders slouched; her purse weighed a ton. She didn’t even have the energy to talk about their kiss. It could wait. “You sure? I’m so tired. Carla better be home soon; I need sleep. I have to leave by eight to get back in time to pick up the catering for Mom’s party.”

  “It’ll be fine. Come on.” He adjusted her camera bag on his shoulder and held out his elbow. He leaned in and lowered his voice. “I promise to keep my hands to myself.”

  He wasn’t the one she was worried about. But no . . . she really was too tired to contemplate anything but sleep. They’d shared a room dozens of times before when traveling with Everhide. This wasn’t an issue.

  Lexi threw the receptionist her best stink-eyed glare, took Hayden’s arm and walked with him toward the escalators.

  In his room, she fell onto the chair by the desk and peeled off her boots. Bliss. Wriggling her toes, she massaged her sore feet and eyed the inviting, oh-my-God-it-had-her-name-on-it king-sized bed. “How come you get a room to yourself?”

  “I’m in the band.” Hayden’s smirk oozed sexiness as he hung his coat in the wardrobe.

  She threw her boot at him and giggled. “You goose. Don’t let the fame of one night go to your head.”

  “Never.” He tossed it back to her and sat on the bed. Unlacing his boots, he looked up at her. Sincerity glowed in his warm gaze. “You’ll always keep me grounded, Lex.”

  The hot honey in his deep voice did strange things to her pulse. She swallowed the dry desert in her mouth. “Yep. You’re right about that.” She’d hunt him down and slap him if he turned into a dick.

  Dragging her eyes from his, she grabbed her cell phone and sent Carla a message. “Hayds, I’m really sorry about this. I hope Carla won’t be long.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” He placed his boots beside the bed. “You want to take a shower?”

  Lexi closed her eyes and dug her toes into the thick carpet. Hot water. Steam. The soothing, sweet smell of fresh soap. A shower would be perfect. “I’d love one. Is that okay?”

  “Yeah. Go for it.” He waved toward the bathroom. “Want the hotel bathrobe or a sweatshirt to wear?”

  “A sweatshirt would be nice if you have a spare one.”

  “Sure do.” He dug in his bag and handed her a white top. She held it up and sniffed it to make sure it was clean. It was . . . smelling of him and fresh laundry.

  She bit her lip to hide her smile and ducked into the bathroom. She made sure to lock the door. Being in a room with him no longer felt innocent. Kissing him had scrambled her brain.

  Just shower and go to sleep. Got it?

  Yep.

  Ten minutes later, she felt like a new woman. She used one of the hotel-supplied toothbrushes to brush her teeth, combed her hair, and slipped on Hayden’s soft, cotton sweatshirt that was just long enough to cover her butt.

  After gathering her clothes, she walked out of the bathroom and dumped them on the desk. “Bathroom’s all yours.”

  He grabbed his long pajama pants and T-shirt. “Thanks.” He shuffled past her and disappeared.

  She glanced at the bed. Then the closed bathroom door. She pictured Hayden stripping naked, the shower cascading down his sculpted body, soap lathering over his chest, his abs, his groin . . . Shit. Don’t go there. Just don’t. She squeezed her eyes shut. Her body screamed for rest.

  That notion won.

  She pulled the bedcovers back and crawled onto the mattress. The soft, silky sheets felt cool and luxurious against her bare legs. She didn’t’ think she’d ever been in a bed this comfortable before, so warm and toasty and soft. She wriggled and tugged the pillow underneath her head, pulled the quilt higher. Exhaustion hit with a vengeance. If she just closed her eyes for fifteen minutes, then she’d be okay to stay awake and watch TV until Carla got back. A power nap was all she needed.

  Half asleep, she heard Hayden come out of the bathroom. The mattress dipped when he crawled in beside her. With her back turned away from him, she sensed him watching her. Felt his gaze glide over her body. Her heart stirred and she smiled a sleepy smile. Crazy, stupid heart. He switched off the light and snuggled beneath the quilt.

  She could hear him breathe.

  Feel his body warmth.

  Smell his freshly showered skin.

  With him this close and the low hum strumming between them, was sleep even an option?

  Chapter 16

  Hayden stroked his fingertip across Lexi’s brow, shifting a curl away from her eyes. In the dim lighting of the hotel room, he could make out the fine line of her cheeks, her cute nose and gorgeous lips. With the buzz of the show still coursing through his veins, and Lexi by his side, he couldn’t sleep, didn’t want to sleep. If he did, he was terrified the high would come crashing down. He didn’t want this rush to
end.

  Her hair fanned over the pillow like angel wings. He smiled, watching her sleep, breathing slow and deep. He’d been prepared to give up everything for her . . . everything . . . but now he was torn in two. Playing with Everhide, watching the crowd, seeing the fans, and smiling for the cameras made him more determined than ever for his band to succeed. He wanted to make something of his life, be better than the dropkick kid of addict parents, and be more than a one-hit wonder. But why did it have to be so hard and hurt so much? Leaving Lexi seemed impossible. She was too embedded inside his heart.

  Resting on his elbow, he could lie there staring at her all night. She’d kicked the covers off and laid stretched out wearing his sweatshirt that barely covered her panties, her bare legs twisted toward him. He’d love to touch her, feel the warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips, trace every curve of her body.

  Their recent kisses replayed in his mind. He’d sensed her feelings had changed towards him and could tell she was confused and scared. So was he. He didn’t want to hear her tell him their kiss had been another mistake—not before the biggest show of his life. He wanted to savor it for as long as possible before she knocked him down . . . again.

  He’d promised to back off and not kiss her after what happened in LA. That had failed. Twice. He’d tried to reset their friends-only status, but they were way more than that. With three weeks until he left for Boston, how could he get Lexi to realize it? He had to push her boundaries again. If he got it wrong, he risked pushing her away and shattering their hearts. Oh . . . who was he kidding? Lexi already owned his heart; it was hers to make or break. He’d said he wouldn’t do anything foolish, but he guessed he hadn’t learned from his mistakes. Each day, he fell for her more and more. He didn’t want to fuck up again but he loved her so goddamn much.

  She was so beautiful. It was wrong to kiss her while she slept. Wrong. But fuck it . . . he had to taste her perfect lips.

  He leaned forward and smelled her hair, inhaled the sweet smell of her gardenia shampoo. So heavenly, so Lexi.