Sighing, Scott wasn’t sure. “I did promise.” He felt anxiety beginning already. “It’s not gonna be easy.”
“I know.” Austin kissed his temple. “How about I hold you?”
Taking a step back, Scott looked at the floor. “No.” Memories flashed through his mind. “Not a good idea.”
“OK.” Austin saw him stressing already. He sat on the couch and waited. “Take your time.” He took a deep breath, not sure what else to do.
Scott sat on the bed. Then seconds later, got up and sat at the dining table. Breathing quickly, he fought the fear. He laid his head on his arm. “In high school…” His voice trailed off as his chest constricted. “I—I…” Get a fucking grip! He huffed, angry with himself. “I met a guy who… Well, he made me understand that my feelings for men were not just a phase.”
Austin watched Scott’s turmoil. He wanted to tell Scott he just needed to know about his family, but Scott had to say it his way.
“No one knew about us. At first, it was just touching, oral and some kissing. After graduation, we both decided to take the next step.” Scott stood up, unable to stay still. He paced. “My parents took my brother and sister to the movies, so I invited him over.” He leaned on a wall and his eyes closed. “We didn’t really know what we were doing, but both of us had fucked girls before. He was scared it was gonna hurt, so I let him do me first.”
Tears blurred Scott’s vision. He punched the wall. “My little sister got sick, so they came home early. Theo was fucking me hard when my father walked in. I was moaning so loud I didn’t hear anything until my father screamed. The look in his eyes was like I shot him. He shouted, ‘You fucking faggot! Get the hell outta my house!’ ”
Austin couldn’t stand it anymore. He went to Scott and wrapped his arms around him. “I’m so sorry.”
“He told everyone they couldn’t talk to me.” Scott was crying by then. “He packed my things and threw them outside.” He swallowed hard. “I tried not to like men. I did, but I couldn’t help it. After a few years, I decided it was just sex, so who cares.”
Holding back his own tears, Austin softly asked, “Did you ever call them?”
“My mom called me gay and hung up on me a hundred times. My sister blocked my number. My brother doesn’t even know me.” Scott turned and broke down, sobbing into Austin’s shirt.
Austin waited until Scott calmed a bit. “It’s not wrong. They didn’t understand it. Maybe they still don’t. You are who you are. I love you for you.” He kissed his forehead. “Don’t let them win.”
Scott sniffled and looked up. “Win?”
“Yeah. If you avoid your feelings, they win. Be who you are.” Austin took Scott’s face in his hands. “My mom accepts us. The band accepts us. Even Tommy Fischer is cool with us.” He placed a soft kiss on his lips. “I love you, and I know you feel something for me. Don’t let their bigotry rule your life. I’m your lover, your partner—your friend.”
Wanting to let it go, Scott nodded. “I’ll try.”
Chapter 17
“I don’t need any of this,” Mackenzie argued when Brandon pulled her into the Hard Rock’s spa Wednesday morning. “How about I just get my nails done?” She looked at her well-manicured, short nails. “I’m willing to put tips on, but not long ones.”
Brandon sighed. “I have a long day today. There’s interviews, a photo shoot, and I’m meeting with the Six Strings people again for another commercial. You’ll be bored. This could be fun.”
She groaned. Rarely had she ever spoiled herself. “You owe me then.” She pouted as they stood at the front desk. “Getting all dolled up is not my thing.”
“I know.” Brandon palmed her cheek. “How about, if you do this, you can be by my side for the last of the interviews.” He wanted her to feel good when he proposed at the end of their concert that night. “Please?”
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, she relented. “Fine. What did you pay for?”
“Everything they got.”
Eyes narrowed, Mackenzie glared at him. “What?”
“Well, not everything, but they had this package of stuff that the lady said you would love.” Brandon really hoped she did. “If you’re thinking about money, stop.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I’ll never get used to you blowing money on me for nothing.”
“It’s not for nothing. They told me it’ll make your skin feel real cool and stuff.” He tugged her into his arms and kissed her lips softly. “I love spoiling you. Let me.”
A woman came to them. “How can I help you?”
“My girlfriend has a 10 o’clock appointment.” Brandon kissed her temple. “I’ll be back for you later.”
The woman smiled. “Miss Winters, are you ready?”
“I guess.” Mackenzie let Brandon go, then looked back at him when she stepped away. “Don’t make this a habit.” She smiled, actually liking the idea. It was her frugal side that fought it. “Thanks.”
He sighed with relief. “Anything for you, Tink.”
“Why do I love you?”
“I’m cute.” He smirked and prodded her back to go with the woman.
Hours later, Brandon returned and sat in the reception area. His day had been grueling already, and it wasn’t over yet. He was in full stage gear, including his jacket, because of the photo shoot. When he caught a glimpse of himself, he realized he should have changed, or at least brought Angelo with him. Knowing it was too late; he sat back and tried to relax.
Several women passed him without notice. Then he heard his name. He automatically looked up.
“Oh my God! It is you!” a young woman screamed.
Brandon stood and looked for a way out. She was between him and the exit. “Stop.” He put his hands up. “If you stop screaming, I’ll give you an autograph.”
She jumped up and down, squealing. Then she rushed him, jumping into his arms. He caught her by the ass and had to take a step back to balance the added weight. Trying to decide what to do next, he was shocked when she kissed him.
Mackenzie stepped into the foyer, just after the groupie jumped on her boyfriend. She stared as she kissed him. However, she grinned when he pushed her away.
“Hey, hey, hey!” Brandon said with a slightly angry tone. He set her on her feet and folded his arms over his chest. “This is not the way to get to me.”
She pouted. “Then what is?”
“Depends on what you want.” Brandon spotted Mackenzie, and his jaw fell. She was drop-dead gorgeous. “Damn, Tink.” He walked around the girl to get to her. “I don’t even know what to say.”
He had never seen her professionally made up. Her hair was also styled, partly up with small curls framing her face. Along with the red halter-style dress she wore and red spiked heels, he couldn’t look away. She looked like sin itself.
“Who the hell is she?” came from behind him.
Brandon turned slightly. “My girlfriend. If you want tickets or an autograph, say so. If you want something more, it ain’t gonna happen.” He closed the distance between him and Mackenzie and grabbed her hands. “I love you.” His heart and groin swelled.
“She’s leaving,” Mackenzie whispered. “Do you really like it?”
He nodded. “Yeah. Today’s a special occasion.”
“It is?”
His mouth opened. Then he realized she didn’t know. He told her something else he had been thinking of. “Well, yeah. We never played here before. I haven’t even seen the place yet. I should look at the set up. Haven’t had time yet.”
“Should we go check it out?” She met his gaze, and she filled with desire. “When does Delirious go on?”
Brandon pulled out his phone. “They go on at six, which is soon, but we can still check things out. I’m sure there’s a way.” He brought up Angelo’s name in his contacts. “Let me just get Angelo. I don’t want someone else trying to jump me.”
Within 15 minutes, Angelo ushered them through the hotel grounds until they were backstage. Hold
ing Mackenzie’s hand, Brandon led her toward the stage. They peeked out from stage left.
Brandon looked around, surprised. It was nothing like any venue they had played. There were all seats. He had never played a show without a standing room-only floor section. Where’s the mosh pit gonna be?
The crowd was subdued compared to most. However, the seats were not all filled yet. He knew it was sold out, so they should be full later in the night. He put his hands on Mackenzie’s waist and looked over her shoulder.
“Different, huh?” he asked in her ear.
She nodded, not even trying to be heard over the music. Then she was surprised when he pulled her back slowly. Once they moved far enough away from the stage, he took her hand in his and led her to their dressing room.
The tame atmosphere was unusual. Then he remembered their last interview was soon to take place. Music still played and most of the people were drinking, but the usual sexual antics and loud conversations were absent. Brandon put a hand on Mackenzie’s lower back and directed her towards Scott and Austin. Jake and Chico were nearby, both talking to scantily clad woman.
For once, the volume was low enough that they could hear each other. “Doesn’t she look incredible?” Brandon asked when they stood within feet of the group.
“Fuck!” Chico cried out. “Kenzie, you look like a model.”
She blushed, something she rarely did. “Thanks.”
“Wow.” Scott looked her over, in awe. “Never seen you look like that.” He suddenly added, “Not that you don’t usually look beautiful. Tonight you just… Well, you look hotter.”
Austin nodded his head. “I second that. Hot as fuck.”
Jake finally noticed her. “Damn, Kenzie.”
She sat carefully next to Scott and made room for Brandon. “It was kinda fun,” she admitted. “I might be OK with doing it again.”
Brandon sat down. “Since we got some time, I wanted to talk to you guys about something serious.” He heard movement and found his bandmates turning towards him. “I’m getting an extra wing put on the house so I can make a recording studio. If Jon and Tommy OK it, can we do some recording in Florida when we’re under Demonfire?”
“I don’t see anything wrong with it,” Austin answered. “How big’s your house gonna be?”
Mackenzie grinned. “Five bedrooms. Enough for all of you to stay with us.”
“Cool.” Scott patted her knee. “Could be fun.”
Chico put up a hand. “I’m in too. Florida’s got hot babes. Maybe Ashley and Julian could visit too.” He turned to his right. “Jake?”
Thinking it over, Jake shrugged. “As long as I can fuck, I’m down for it.”
There was a small commotion as the door opened. Music from the stage floated in, while several people walked in. A photographer brought up the rear, which told them it was time for an interview. Introductions were made as things were set up. Jake and Chico brought over a comfortable chair for Billy, the male CMD magazine representative.
“The tour’s almost over,” Billy started. “Are you guys ready to get back home?”
Jake laughed. “Brandon is home, so guess he got a head start on us.”
Billy turned to Brandon. “You moved from Baltimore? When did that happen?”
“Technically, it didn’t yet,” Brandon explained. “Soon after the tour, I’m moving in with my girlfriend here.” He picked up Mackenzie’s hand. “Florida’s a bit warmer in the winter.” He kissed her hand and smiled. “Can’t wait.”
Scott put his hands on his knees. “Then we start working on the new album.” He wasn’t sure Brandon wanted things focused on him.
“Will your girlfriend travel with you to record?” Billy asked, glad he had found out something it seemed no one else knew.
Austin tapped Brandon’s thigh when he didn’t respond right away. “How you wanna play this?”
“Honestly,” Brandon muttered to Austin. Then he looked up at Billy. “Yes, for part of the time. Then she’ll have to get back to her job here.”
Jake stood. “How about we stick to the tour and album questions? OK?” He folded his arms over his chest and glared at Billy.
“Sure.” Billy was disappointed but decided he could get back to it later. “OK. So… Heaven and Hell is a bit different than your last album. This one seems to have more emotion in it. ‘Thoughts of You,’ ‘Agony Within’ and ‘Fall From Grace’ in particular. What fueled the change?”
Brandon and Scott looked at each other. They both had started pouring their hearts into their music. Unlike other albums, both of them were dealing with feelings they were terrified of. Although, Scott was still fighting his.
“Uh, well…” Brandon glanced at Mackenzie. “For me… I fell in love. So, it affected my lyrics. Fans seem to love it.”
Billy smiled. “I agree with them. It’s just before this album, most songs were mostly about death or suffering. Do you think it means you’re maturing as a band?”
Jake sat and spoke up, “Yeah. We are. Guess it’s about time. We’re in our 30s, except for Brandon.”
“But don’t worry,” Chico added. “We’re not dead yet. Still room for booze and women for all of us.” He frowned. “Well, maybe not Brandon. He’s gotten a bit soft.” He was sure Brandon did not want their open relationship public. “But we still like ’em.” That drew laughter from everyone.
Getting comfortable, Billy thought about the list of questions he had created, but left in the car, so he would look more professional. “What can you tell me about the next album? Is it just as emotionally charged so far?”
Austin leaned forward. “Somewhat. There’s some new themes as well. I’ve got a few songs I’m still working on. One’s about pain, another about being accepted.”
“Sounds good.” Billy nodded his head. “So, then… Are you ready for the huge tour in January?”
Jake put a hand up. “Hell yeah. Going out with Gasoline will be kick-ass. Other names are getting thrown around, and tickets already went on sale for the first few dates. Should be a hell of a time.”
Mackenzie held Brandon’s hand as questions and answers continued around her. She barely heard them. All she could think about was the way Brandon talked about moving in together. He was truly happy about it. The nagging feeling that he was only doing it to make her happy dissolved.
Before she knew it, Brandon stood up. They were saying their goodbyes to the CMD crew. She watched Jake and Brandon usher them all out, knowing Jake was dying to get his hands on a groupie or two. Unsure what she should do, she didn’t move.
“You did good.” Austin leaned over to her. “And you look beyond hot.”
Brandon walked back to Mackenzie slowly. When she smiled, he did as well. He was nervous as hell. He glanced at Scott as he patted his jacket, checking that he still had the ring box. Exhaling slowly, he was relieved it was still hidden, although there was no way for it to get out of the zipped pocket.
Standing, Scott watched Brandon, whose hands were shaking slightly. He worried Brandon would pass out. To ease his own mind, he put a hand on Brandon’s arm.
“Hey, you got a minute?” Scott smiled, hoping Mackenzie didn’t get suspicious.
Brandon nodded and followed Scott to the other side of the room, which was devoid of people. “What’s up?”
“You OK?” Scott met Brandon’s gaze. “Seriously.”
His hands clenching and unclenching, Brandon shrugged. “I don’t know. I want this to be perfect.”
“We got your back,” Scott assured him. “It’s all set up already. Closing with “Hunger” is perfect. She won’t suspect a thing.”
The door opened, letting the noise from beyond filter in. Mackenzie looked up and grinned. “You guys made it!” She waved to her coworkers, Terri and Travis, as they entered the room.
Travis looked around nervously. He glanced at the women, unsure if he could handle what Brandon had promised. “Shy” barely described how he was around the ladies. His palms were sweaty, an
d his dick was already starting to react. He wished Terri hadn’t insisted he go commando.
“Hey, girl!” Terri called out just before hugging her best friend. “Love the dress. Wow, who got you to wear makeup?”
Mackenzie felt her face heat up a bit. “Brandon paid for a makeover. The guys are bowled over by the way I look.”
“I can see why.” Terri took a step back and looked her over again. “Kenzie, you look good enough to eat.” She winked. Then her attention shifted to Travis, who looked bewildered. “Don’t he look good?” She waved a hand at Travis. “I dressed him up.”
Travis heard and moved to Mackenzie’s side. “More like stripped me and forced me to wear what she wanted.”
“Stripped you?” Mackenzie let out a chuckle. “Seriously?”
After letting out a sigh, he replied, “Yeah. She’s strong when she wants to be. I was naked in like 20 seconds.” He blushed deeply and whispered in Mackenzie’s ear, “She kept touching my junk. I thought she was gonna blow me.”
“You wish.” Terri heard him and smirked. She had thought of doing it. He had an impressive package. “I’m sure you’ll get the royal treatment tonight. The girls’ll like what they find in those jeans.” She pointed to his crotch.
Travis closed his eyes. “Oh God.” He hoped no one heard her.
“What?” Mackenzie ran a hand down his arm, then realized what Terri meant. “Oh my God. Travis, you’ve been holding out on us?”
He turned even redder. “Please don’t.”
Mackenzie gave him a once-over. His hair was gelled into a messy yet sexy-as-hell style. His T-shirt and jeans fit very well. He looked nothing like he did at work. Then she realized girls were watching him. They must have thought he was famous since he was backstage.
“I’ll get Brandon.” Mackenzie bit her lip and checked out the growing bulge in his pants. She found Brandon still talking to Scott and a young man. “Hey, Terri and Travis are here.”
Brandon smiled and waved to them. “Nate’s here, too.”
“Nate? Who’s Nate?” She was confused. When a man with them looked up, she figured out he was Nate. “I’m Kenzie.” She put her hand out to him.
Sinful Needs (Wicked End Book 2) Page 18
