Ladies Love Rock Stars: Taming the Bad Boys of Rock and Roll

by D'Ann Lindun

  Mind made up, he knew talking to Kennedy about the whole debacle was out of the question. Doing so would only stir the whole mess up again.

  He shook off his despair. He’d come to Colorado to put it all behind him, not relive everything over and over until he went mad.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  For the next two days, Liam avoided her, and although Kennedy told herself she didn’t care, his ducking her stung a little.

  Now, they waited in the foyer for Cowboy, Montana and Lael. Kennedy was reminded of some historical novel where the help lined up, waiting to greet the lord of the manor. She snickered, and Liam glanced her way.

  “Something amusing?”

  She gave him the side eye. “No.”

  “I feel like the butler,” he muttered and she burst out laughing.

  “That’s what I was thinking, too.”

  They shared a wry look, then a quick smile.

  Kennedy’s heart sped up at the way the way the harsh planes of his face transformed, softened. No wonder women all over, including a supermodel, had thrown themselves at him. Kennedy hardened her heart. Being a groupie wasn’t for her. And even if it were, she wasn’t into a man who wouldn’t stand by his woman when she needed him.

  Her thoughts turned as a black SUV pulled up to the door and Cowboy stepped out. He walked around and opened the passenger side. Montana slipped out and they both moved to the backseat while he removed a carseat. Kennedy’s throat tightened, watching the obvious love Cowboy had for his girlfriend and baby.

  She glanced at Liam, whose face had turned stony. He watched with little outward emotion. Was he thinking of the child he might have had? Or did he not care at all? With a mental shrug, she looked back toward the front door.

  Cowboy swung it open and Montana stepped inside. She looked amazing for just going through a difficult birth a few days prior. Her blonde hair was in a ponytail, her long legs encased in pre-pregnancy jeans. Although she had dark circles around her blue eyes, her face glowed with happiness.

  Cowboy grinned from ear-to-ear when he spotted them. “Hey, guys.”

  “Hi.” Kennedy stepped forward to look at the baby he held. She slept soundly, with her tiny fist in her mouth. “She’s beautiful.”

  Liam peered over her shoulder. “Gorgeous wee babe.”

  “I know.” Cowboy beamed. “Just like her mama.”

  Montana smiled at him, then looked their way. “Hi, Kennedy. Liam.”

  Liam greeted her. “Do you need to sit?”

  “No, Lael wants to eat, so I’ll go upstairs with her.” She took the baby from her carrier and handed her to Cowboy who handled the infant as if she were the most precious thing on the planet. To him, she obviously was. “See you guys later.”

  The trio disappeared up the stairs, leaving Kennedy and Liam alone. She spoke first. “Amazing transformation in that man.”

  “Yes.” He didn’t elaborate.

  “How do you know him?” She hadn’t learned this detail, and was curious.

  He raised a brow. “Your sources haven’t told you?”

  “I didn’t ask,” she retorted.

  “Touché.” He moved into the living room, with her following. Turning toward her, he spoke. “We met at a festival last summer. Blue Steele opened for him and he asked me to hang around and sit in on a couple songs in their set. We hit it off and the rest is history.”

  “Cowboy’s very loyal,” she said.

  “A rarity in this business.” He sat on the brocade sofa and stretched out his arms along the back.

  “Don’t you have loyalty in your life?”

  Pain flashed in his eyes before he masked it. “Not enough.”

  “Then you’re an unlucky man, one who needs better friends.” She thought of Daisy, who’d been her confidante since college. Time and distance might separate them, but she could always count on the other woman.

  “It’s not my friends who’ve let me down,” he said.

  “The press?” From his hatred of all things news, she assumed he meant the numerous papers and TV shows that dragged him through the mud.

  “Them, women. People I thought had my back.” He snapped his mouth closed.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “That stinks.”

  He barked a laugh. “Big time.”

  “Ladies have disappointed you?” She thought it was the other way around, that he had used and then tossed away women when they no longer interested him.

  “Most.” He looked nostalgic. “Not my mum, or sister, though.”

  She wondered what they thought of his relationship with Whitney Decker. Probably not much, if she had to guess. The reporter in her wanted to ask, but she fought back her curiosity, telling herself his family’s reaction to his girlfriend wasn’t any of her concern. “Do they visit?”

  “My mum doesn’t fly. Fiona wants to come when she’d finished at university.” A rare smile flitted over his face, and once again, Kennedy was struck by his male beauty. She fought to concentrate.

  “You’re not hanging around with the right kind of women if the only ones who haven’t disappointed you are family members. There are good women everywhere looking for a decent man.”

  He snorted. “Show me one.”

  Before she could think it through, she spoke. “You’re looking at one.”

  For a long moment, he stared at her face as though memorizing it. “You’re looking for a man?”

  Heat flooded her face. God. He made it sound like she was on the hunt for a husband, when nothing could be further from the truth. She shook her head. “No. But I’m a good person who wouldn’t hurt anyone on purpose.”

  “I almost believe you,” he said. “I want to.”

  “Not everyone wants to suck the soul out of you,” she said.

  He hooded his eyes and looked away. “My soul’s damned. Nothing left to take.”

  Was he referencing the abortion? Probably, if he were Catholic. “You have to forgive yourself.”

  Launching himself off the couch, he headed for the kitchen. “Not gonna happen, babe, so don’t preach.”

  She watched him vanish. She’d hit a sore spot, obviously. She mulled over their conversation. Did he have regrets about Whitney and what he’d done to her? Kennedy’s stance softened a bit. Maybe he wasn’t a heartless jerk after all.

  Cowboy bounded down the stairs, breaking into her thoughts. “Hey, babe. Where’s Liam?”

  She shrugged. “Kitchen, I think.”

  “Great guy, huh?”

  “Yeah,” she managed. “Super.”

  He shot her a sharp glance at her wry tone. “He’s been through hell, babe.”

  “About that—”

  Liam’s appearance in the doorway cut her off. “Hey, Cowboy. How are your ladies?”

  “Sleeping.” A wide smile crossed his face. “I was just asking Kennedy how you two are making out.”

  “No making out.” Liam smirked. “Yet.”

  Kennedy glared at him. “Not in my job description.”

  Cowboy looked between them and grinned. “Looks like a love match to me.”

  Liam shook his head and Kennedy sputtered while Cowboy laughed. “I’m starving. Let’s find something to eat.”

  The trio walked into the kitchen in silence.

  “Anyone want an omelet?” Kennedy knew Cowboy couldn’t boil water without burning it, but had no idea about Liam’s culinary skills. She wasn’t great, but could muster simple things.

  Both men nodded eagerly.

  After fixing three ham-and-cheese omelets, she carried them to the table. “Dig in, guys.”

  They did, happily.

  “Damn, this is good,” Cowboy said around a mouthful.

  “Uh-huh,” Liam agreed.

  Pleased, she nodded. “Thanks.”

  Cowboy stopped eating long enough to ask Liam. “You written any music lately?”

  “A couple of songs. I’d like to hear your opinion.”

  “You bet. After we’re done here
I’m all ears.” Cowboy sighed and pushed away his plate. “Man, that was great.”

  “It was just eggs, cheese and ham,” Kennedy said. “Anyone could make it.”

  “I couldn’t.” He was right and they both knew it. Usually, Montana cooked, although she’d consented to part-time help to keep the enormous house clean. “I need to hire a chef.”

  “Good idea,” she told him. “I’m sure Montana will be grateful.”

  “Should’ve done it sooner.” He shook his head. “Hell if I know where to start, though.”

  “I can take care of it,” Kennedy offered.

  “Thanks, babe. That’d be great.” His happy smiled filled her heart.

  “Sure. No problem.” She stood and gathered the dirty dishes. “Do you think Montana would like an omelet, too?”

  “I bet she’d love one,” Cowboy said.

  “I’ll make her one, then.” She quickly whipped up an omelet, toast and coffee. She placed it all on a tray and handed it to Cowboy. “Let me know if she needs anything else.”

  He thanked her and left.

  Liam stared at her with a strange look on his face.

  “What?” She wiped her hands on a towel.

  “That was a nice offer to find a chef,” he said.

  “Cowboy and Montana have been good to me,” she said. “I’m happy to return the favor, especially since she just gave birth. It was a difficult delivery, and I’m sure she’s worn out. I’ll do everything we can to make life easy for both until she’s up and around again, so Cowboy can focus on her and the baby.”

  He flinched as though she’d hit him. “I should leave.”

  “Cowboy obviously wants you here,” she said. “If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have invited you.”

  “When I accepted the invitation, I hadn’t considered the babe…”

  “You don’t like kids?”

  “I do, but I’m intruding when Cowboy and Montana should be bonding with their child, not worrying about a houseguest,” he said.

  She couldn’t disagree, and said on impulse, “Stay with me then.”

  He almost fell out of his chair. “What?”

  “I’m staying in the guesthouse. There’s plenty of room. You could crash there for a while. You’d be close enough to see Cowboy, play music with him, but not be underfoot when they want to be alone.” She couldn’t believe she’d made the offer.

  “In exchange for?”

  “Nothing.” She shrugged.

  “No badgering me for an interview?”

  She gritted her teeth. “No.”

  “Will I have my own bed?”

  Her jaw ached as she ground her teeth. “Of course.”

  “Damn. Not sure then.” His teasing tone annoyed her further.

  “Take it, or leave it.”

  He turned serious. “I’ll accept, with thanks.”

  She stood, anxious to be away. “Great. Well then. I guess you need to tell Cowboy. I’m going to make some calls about that chef. I’ll make dinner at six. Grilled steaks okay?”

  “I’ll be there,” he promised. “It’s a date.”

  “It isn’t,” she told him. Feeling like she’d just made a huge mistake, she practically ran for the door. Living in close proximity to this man was going to be a challenge. She really needed to talk to Daisy.

  As she barreled out of the house, she bumped into Cowboy coming down the stairs. He righted her. “Whoa. Where’s the fire?”

  “Home. I need to call Daisy.” She paused. “Liam’s going to stay with me for a while to give you and Montana some time alone with the baby.”

  His eyes crinkled at the corners in that way she loved so much. “That didn’t take long.”

  She shook her head. “What are you talking about?”

  “You and Liam hooking up. I knew it would happen. You’re good together. I can see it from a mile away.” He grinned like he’d shared some great secret.

  “First of all, there’s no me and Liam. I’m letting him stay in the spare bedroom. Period. I’m not into him like that.” She wondered how a guy who’d been with so many women could be so clueless sometimes.

  “He’s a good guy, Kenny.” He used his pet name for her. “Don’t believe everything the papers say about him.”

  “I never do unless there’s a reputable source,” she said. “Which reminds me, I wanted to ask you—”

  “There you are, buddy.” Liam appeared around the corner. “I wanted to tell you that I’m moving in with Kennedy.”

  “She told me,” Cowboy said. “But there’s no need.”

  “I bet Montana will be relieved to not have me underfoot.” Liam smiled with a tinge of sadness.

  “Not true,” Cowboy said. “As a matter-of-fact, she’s sleeping right now if you’d like to show me those new tunes.”

  “Love to.” Liam’s smile stole her breath. Damn. He held his own standing next to the elder rocker. Liam stood a little taller, and a bit heavier. His dark hair hung past his shoulders, to a handsome face with startling blue eyes, a nose that had been broken at one time and lips so sexy they should be illegal.

  What was wrong with her?

  She was not attracted to Liam Steele.

  The man she loved, albeit from afar, stood right next to him.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Kennedy walked into her house, still dazed she’d invited the rock star to stay with her. What had she been thinking? She had no idea. It had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, made to help Cowboy and Montana. By aiding them, she had put herself in an uncomfortable situation.

  She wandered around her borrowed home, straightening it. The quiet overwhelmed her and she picked up her phone and looked for something to listen to. None of her usual music appealed to her, and she scrolled iTunes, looking for a new song, when Blue Steele popped up. She clicked on the band’s single, Rose Full of Thorns and settled in a chair to listen.

  The lyrics told a story of a man who loved a girl who seemed sweet, but was mean underneath. Was it written about Whitney? Kennedy flipped to Google and did a search on the song. It was written by Liam, but before he’d purportedly met the model.

  Prophetic?

  The song finished and she hit next. This tune was faster, and though also about love, didn’t seem as bitter as the hit single.

  “Do you like it?” A voice behind her asked.

  Kennedy jumped, knocking her phone onto the floor. Before she could retrieve it, Liam picked it up and glanced at it.

  “You’re Googling me music? Why?”

  “Just curious.” She held out her hand. “May I have my phone back, please?”

  He touched the screen and she cringed. He was going to see her history, that she’d been researching his relationship with Whitney. Instead he handed it to her. “Here you go.”

  She clutched it with both hands, silencing it. “Thanks.”

  “How do you like me music?”

  “It’s good,” she finally said.

  He covered his heart with his left palm and fluttered his fingers. “Thanks, that means a lot.”

  “You’re mocking me.” She gave him a glare.

  “No, I’m not.” His tone turned serious. “I’m glad you like the album.”

  “It resonated with audiences, obviously.” She set her phone aside. “Especially Rose Full of Thorns.”

  “Are you asking if it’s about my ex-girlfriend?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “It’s not,” he said.

  I know weighed on the tip of her tongue, but she held it in. It wouldn’t make him happy to know she’d been checking. Instead, she said, “Someone else, then? You seem cursed by nasty women.”

  “Guess I haven’t met the right one.” His eyes were unreadable.

  “I don’t suppose you have.” She touched her dry lips with the tip of her tongue and his gaze riveted on it. For a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. Instead, he moved away, leaving her strangely disappointed.

  “I’m going to play
a couple new songs for Cowboy. Do you want to sit in?”

  Surprised by the invitation, she said, “Sure. Love to.”

  “Come along then. He wants to meet by the pool.” He held out his hand. She took it and heat exploded in her belly. The attraction to his man was dangerous. He was a proven loser in love. No one she would ever be with.

  She pulled her hand free. “Lead the way.”

  He waved her ahead. “Ladies first.”

  “I’d like to think it’s because you’re a gentleman, but you probably just want to look at my ass,” she told him as she headed for the door.

  “Guilty,” he admitted with a wicked grin.

  Shaking her head, she walked outside to the off-road vehicle Cowboy had loaned her to use to get from her house to his. She climbed in the driver’s seat, making sure she didn’t reveal her pink panties doing so, and waited until Liam settled into the passenger side, his long legs folded awkwardly. His thigh lay against hers and she ignored the heat searing through his jeans onto her bare skin.

  The drive to the mansion took minutes, winding through aspens and pines. She parked in the driveway. Before she could exit, Liam came around and held out his hand. “Allow me.”

  Surprised again by his chivalry, she took it and exited the vehicle. “Thanks.”

  “The pleasure’s all mine.” His gaze lingered on her legs.

  She rolled her eyes. “Cowboy’s waiting.”

  Together, they walked to the pool where Cowboy sat with his head bent over a guitar. A pack of mutts sat around his feet, clearly adoring their master. He sang in low, husky voice about a woman and the love he’d found with her. A pang filled Kennedy that it wasn’t about her. He was in love and clearly happy with what he’d found with Montana.

  As the song concluded, she clapped. “Nice. Is it new?”

  “Yeah.” He set the guitar aside. “Just a little ditty about my lady.”

  “I’m sure she’ll love it.” Kennedy managed a smile. “How is Montana? And the baby?”

  “Great.” He beamed. “Sleeping right now.”

  He turned his attention to Liam. “Bring your guitar?”

  “Got it.” He hefted a case.

  “Pull it out and let’s jam.” Cowboy pointed toward the bar at the end of the deck. “There’s beer, wine and other stuff in the fridge down there. Help yourself.”