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

by D'Ann Lindun

  “Not a bit.” His brogue was thick.

  “Too quiet in the country?” She moved to the fridge and added thick cream to her coffee.

  “It wasn’t the lack of sound that kept me tossing and turning.” He leaned against the counter and she had to force herself not to stare at his bare chest, instead taking in his stubbly chin. She had an urge to see how it felt against her palm, and she tightened her hold on her cup.

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” she said. “You can use the other guest room if you like.”

  “I’d rather sleep with you.”

  She jerked her gaze to his. Hot, unmasked desire lurked in his eyes. Her body dampened, but she steeled her resolve. “Not happening.”

  “Awe, lass, you’re breaking my heart.” He drank and his throat worked as he swallowed.

  “Right. Surely, I’m not the first woman not buy into your line, which isn’t very good, by the way.” She pointed to a breadbox. “Bagels are there. Help yourself.”

  “Ouch.” His smile belied his wounded tune. “I’m not hungry for food. I’d rather taste your pu—”

  “I need to get to work.” Needing to escape, she turned to go back outside as his chuckle followed her. Her legs were a little unsteady as she walked to her chair. She plunked into her seat and placed her hands on the keyboard, but she didn’t see her words. The image he’d conjured of their bodies tangled together with his tongue exploring her private places made her unable to think clearly.

  Maybe getting away for a little bit would clear her head. A trip to Black Mountain for breakfast at the Wagon Wheel, then browsing the quaint shops afterward would do her good. Also, she could check with Jill, the waitress who worked at the café, for a lead on a chef for Cowboy.

  Avoiding Liam, she ran upstairs and changed into a sundress and a pair of platform sandals she loved. After running a brush through her hair, she applied a little mascara and lip gloss. Satisfied she looked okay, she slipped out of her bedroom, hoping to avoid Liam.

  No such luck.

  He, too, exited his room. “You look nice. Got a hot date?”

  She played with the end of her hair. “No.”

  “Want one?” He flashed a panty-dropping grin.

  With a sigh, she nodded. While he was her guest it probably wasn’t cool to leave him wandering around on his own. “If you’re ready?”

  “Born ready.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Come on then.”

  “Lead the way.” He gave a little bow.

  Positive his gaze was on her butt, she tried not to put any extra sway in her hips as she led him to her car, a cute little sporty number she’d treated herself to after college. When they squeezed into the bucket seats, and their thighs touched, she wished she’d chosen a big SUV instead. She tugged at the hem of her dress wishing she’d chosen something a little longer.

  “Pick something to listen to,” she invited as she spun the car around in the driveway. “There are CDs in the glovebox.”

  He opened it and rummaged through her collection. He held one up with a mock frown. “You like country?”

  “I’m a Texas girl, how could I not?” She glanced at the one he had. “That’s Dillon Travers. He’s just moved to Black Mountain as a matter-of-fact. Cowboy and Montana had him over for dinner one night. Nice guy.”

  “I bet.” His tone was dry.

  She spared him a sideways glance through her sunglasses. “I like most of the people they invite to their home. So far, everyone has been great.”

  “All of them?”

  Avoiding his intense gaze, she focused on the road. “Some more than others.”

  He snorted and pushed in the CD.

  Pastures full of horses, cattle and sheep passed in a blur as she sped down the backroad. The fresh scents of sunshine and clean air filled the car through their open windows.

  As Dillon Travers’ music filled the vehicle, Kennedy recalled the country star. He’d flirted, but she hadn’t been interested. Why, she wasn’t sure. He’d been sweet and sexy. Most women would’ve found him impossible to resist, but she hadn’t been tempted by the squeaky-clean musician. She preferred bad boys like Cowboy.

  And Liam.

  Whether she wanted to admit it, or not, she was way too attracted to this guy.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Kennedy led Liam into the Wagon Wheel café, wondering what he thought of the place. Local ranchers had burned their brands into the roughhewn wood walls and the tables were covered with red-and-white tablecloths. She selected the last booth and slid into the cracked leather seat. The scents of coffee, bacon and slightly burned toast hung in the air.

  Jill approached with a bright smile. “Morning.”

  “Hi,” Kennedy said. “Coffee, please.”

  “I’d like a Coke.” Liam gave her his killer smile.

  Jill’s cheeks colored a little. “Sure. Back in a jiffy.”

  “Down, boy,” Kennedy told him. “She’s married.”

  “Not my type.” His expression was unreadable.

  “Don’t like brunettes?”

  “No.” He touched his ring finger. “Wed.”

  A flash of guilt shot through her. She was crazy about Cowboy, and he was as good as married. She’d never cheat, but her heart wanted him. At the same time, she was impressed by Liam’s statement. A lot of rock stars took whoever they wanted without a second thought.

  Jill returned with their drinks and took their order. She stuck her pen behind her ear. “I heard Montana had her baby and it was a little rough. They doing okay?”

  “Montana’s tired, but good.” Kennedy thought of her boss. “Cowboy’s over the moon.”

  “I bet he is,” Jill said. “Give them my best.”

  “I will.” Kennedy motioned toward Liam. “Jill, meet Liam. He’s my houseguest for a while.”

  “Nice to meet you, Liam.” She held out her hand. He took it, and in Kennedy’s opinion, held it for longer than necessary.

  “You as well.” His brogue was deep and Kennedy tried not to roll her eyes.

  “By the way, Jill, do you know anyone who might want to cook for Cowboy and Montana? She usually prepares their meals, but he wants her to take it easy until she recovers from the birth.”

  “Funny you ask.” Jill nodded toward a young woman sitting in a booth, sipping coffee. “I don’t know that girl, but she just asked if we had an opening for a waitress. When I requested an I.D., she refused. Maybe she can cook.”

  “I don’t know if Cowboy would want to hire someone without references,” Kennedy said. “He’s open to meeting new people, but with a baby now…”

  “Couldn’t hurt to talk to her,” Liam urged.

  Kennedy mulled it over. No way was she hiring someone without checking them out first. “I guess I could see if she might work out. Excuse me.”

  Leaving Jill still chatting with Liam, Kennedy approached the young woman. Blonde, slim to the point of boney. When she looked up, her brown eyes were haunted. A faint blue bruise covered her left cheek. “Can I help you?”

  “May I sit?” Kennedy motioned at the seat opposite the young woman.

  She looked ready to bolt. “I guess so.”

  “Kennedy Donovan.” She slid into the booth and held out her hand.

  The woman hesitated, then gave it a limp shake. “Lizzy.”

  “Jill just told me you’re looking for a job. I might have one.” Kennedy wasn’t sure she was doing the right thing, but the defeated look in the girl’s eyes eased a little.

  “Doing what?” She sounded wary as a cornered bunny.

  “I need a chef. Actually, more of a cook.” Kennedy said. “Nothing fancy required.”

  Lizzy’s hands tightened around her mug. “For you?”

  Kennedy hesitated. She’d reveal who later. “Yes.”

  “Tell me more,” Lizzy requested.

  “Five days a week, weekends off. But not for a couple of weeks. It would be two straight weeks, then a four-day weekend. Then the regular
schedule. Room and board included.” Kennedy named a figure and Lizzy’s brown eyes lit up.

  “Wow. Sounds wonderful.”

  “There’s one more thing.” Kennedy hesitated. Her gut told her something strange was going on with this woman. “You have to sign a non-disclosure agreement. And you must provide at least three references, along with a fingerprint.”

  The hope in Lizzy’s eyes dimmed, then died. “I can’t provide any of that.”

  “Why not?”

  She looked toward the street. “I just can’t.”

  “Do you have a criminal past?’ Kennedy asked bluntly.

  “God, no!” The horror in Lizzy’s voice was plain.

  “Then, why?” Kennedy pressed. She had to protect Cowboy and Montana, and especially Lael. She couldn’t bring a criminal into their home.

  “My ex-boyfriend...” Lizzy shuddered. “He’s a scary guy…”

  “You’re running from him?”

  “I’ve said too much. I have to get out of here before he finds me.” Lizzy grabbed her purse, jumped up and bolted before Kennedy could react.

  She watched the woman go, shaking her head. “That went well, Ken.”

  As she took her place across from Liam, he raised his brows. “What did you say to her? She ran out of here like her arse was on fire.”

  “Tell me about it.” She shrugged. “When I asked for references, she skedaddled. Said her boyfriend was a bad dude and took off before I could ask another thing.”

  “That’s odd,” he said.

  “Very. I’m guessing she’s on the run from some kind of abuse. There’s a bruise on her cheek that looks a lot like a handprint.”

  He frowned. “Any man who lifts a hand to a woman ought to be shot.”

  Kennedy agreed with him, although there were other ways to abuse a woman. “Yep.”

  Jill approached, carrying their food. She placed it in front of them. “Did you hire the girl?”

  “No.” Kennedy filled her in on what happened.

  “Weird.” Jill stuffed her hands in her apron pockets. “I got the impression she was broke and desperate. I thought she would’ve jumped at a chance to work for a rock star.”

  A strange look flashed across Liam’s face. He slid out of the booth. “I’ll be right back, ladies.”

  “Where are you going?” Kennedy asked his disappearing back.

  She and Jill shared a bemused look.

  Kennedy lifted her fork. “Well, I’m eating before mine gets cold.”

  Jill turned toward the kitchen. “I’ll put Liam’s under the warmer until he comes back.”

  As Kennedy chewed, she looked out the window. Liam had caught up with the young woman and was talking intently to her. A little pang of jealousy pinched Kennedy’s stomach, but she waved it off to eating too fast.

  After several moments, Liam handed the girl something and she smiled up at him. He gathered her in a hug.

  The pinch in Kennedy’s stomach turned to a full-blown knot. What was he doing? And why was he hugging Lizzy, if that was even her name?

  She pretended indifference when he returned. “What was all that about?”

  He slid into his seat. “I think someone’s hit her more than once. I sent her to L.A.”

  “You did what?” She gaped at him.

  “Lizzy needed a job. I found her one.” He looked smug as a cat with a mouse in its paws.

  “You don’t know anything about that girl. She could be an exe murderer, or a drug-crazed loon…” Why was she protesting so much? What he did was none of her concern.

  “A friend needs an assistant. Lizzy needs work. Win-win.” He sat back as Jill placed his meal in front of him. “I gave her my business card and enough money to get to L.A.” He took a bite of his eggs, chewed and swallowed. “My friend’s going to pick her up and get her settled.”

  “That was nice of you,” Kennedy said grudgingly. “Do you always pick up strangers and find them a job and a home, or just cute girls?”

  “It helps if they’re as adorable as Lizzy.” He sobered. “I think you’re right. My gut says she’s in trouble and needs a hand. I’d like to think someone would do the same for Fiona if she required help.”

  “Your sister?”

  “Yeah.” He placed more food in his mouth.

  Kennedy stared at the man across from her. He was an enigma. On one hand, he’d left a woman pregnant with his child. On the other, he helped a complete stranger. Which man was the true Liam? The saint, or the sinner?

  He wiped his mouth. “What? Do I have egg on my face?”

  “No.” Kennedy wondered what he’d say or do if someone put Fiona in the same position he’d left Whitney. He obviously loved his sister and wouldn’t want harm to come to her. She changed the direction of her thoughts. “I still need to find someone to cook.”

  Jill walked up. “What about Shannon?” She named Montana’s best friend who often prepared meals for Montana’s hunters and dude ranch guests who visited in the summer months.

  “I already asked her,” Kennedy said. “She’s cooking for Ryan’s guests.”

  “Oh, that’s right. I forgot they took over Montana’s business.” Jill shook her head. “I don’t have any other ideas right now, but I’ll keep my ears open.”

  “Thanks for trying,” Kennedy told her.

  “Anytime, hon.” Jill took her plate and walked toward the kitchen.

  “Are you done?” Kennedy rummaged in her purse for her wallet. “I need to run down to the employment agency in Montrose.”

  He laid a bill on the table. “Let’s go. Cowboy’s probably ready to eat cardboard by now.”

  Kennedy laughed. “It’s not that bad. They have a fully stocked fridge and pantry. But, yes, I need to find someone.”

  “You do a lot for him,” Liam said. “More than a biographer, for sure.”

  She froze. “What do you mean?”

  “Just that you’re almost his assistant.” He shrugged.

  “Keep your opinions to yourself.” She tossed her head and marched for the door.

  He caught her there, grabbed her elbow and spun her around. “Hey, no need to get your panties in a twist. I’m not judging you, lass. Just making an observation.”

  “I do a lot for Cowboy because he’s been good to me,” she said. “Much like he has you.”

  He stared at her as she defended herself. “Okay.”

  For a moment, she feared he’d guessed her secret, but she realized he hadn’t at all. Only been commenting. She blew out a breath. “Good.”

  They walked to her car in silence.

  After they started down the highway, he spoke. “You never told me how you and Cowboy hooked up.”

  She jerked. He didn’t mean it the way it sounded. She glanced at him. “I worked for a high-end magazine which featured a lot of celebs. When he and his ex-wife broke up I wrote an article that didn’t tear him apart. A lot of the tabloids were ripping him to shreds when he was down and out. He liked what we printed, invited me to come out here and write his bio. It was a chance to do something different, plus get out of New York, so I jumped at the chance.”

  “He and I have the tabloid frenzy in common,” Liam muttered. “I can’t hide out here forever, though. I have to get on tour. Even taking this time away from rehearsals isn’t good. But, the constant scrutiny was wearing me down to where I had nothing left.”

  He looked out the passenger window, deep in thought, so she didn’t reply. Her own thoughts turned to the man she’d first met. Cowboy had been bitter over the betrayal his ex and his best friend dished out. They’d had an affair, Cowboy catching them having sex in his recording studio.

  During Kennedy’s interview, he’d guzzled vodka like water and every comment was harsh.

  Somehow, she’d seen the heart underneath the broken man and reported accordingly. She was one of the few journalists who hadn’t trashed his album made after the breakup. She liked the country sound, although most of his fans and the critics hated it.


  In the months following, they’d exchanged emails and calls, but he’d never made a romantic move, although she lost her heart to him. She’d been one of the first to hear about his engagement to Montana. Although it broke her heart, she wished him well, genuinely glad he’d found happiness with the blonde huntress.

  At this point, Kennedy was one of his inner-circle. Not only trusted to write his bio, but considered one of his close friends. So, if it helped him to run a few errands, hire a cook, she was happy to do it.

  She turned her thoughts to the man with her. “Who are you close to? Depend on?”

  He played with the leather cords on his right wrist. “My mum, sister, my bandmates. I thought—” he shook his head. “Never mind.”

  She wondered what he’d been about to say. Something about his ex-girlfriend? “Do you have an assistant to run your errands? What about a housekeeper?”

  “I prefer to do things for myself,” he said.

  “Even mundane stuff like grocery shopping, or getting your clothes from the cleaners?” She focused on the narrow highway. At this time of year, tourists were everywhere enjoying the Colorado mountain towns. But their driving left a lot to be desired.

  “Yes. Even those things.” He shifted his weight. “I don’t ever want to forget who I am, or where I came from. Taking care of myself keeps me grounded.”

  “What about when you’re on tour? Surely you can’t do those things then.” She glanced in her rearview mirror at the big truck tailgating and she sped up a little. “I know Cowboy has a bevy of people to help him when he’s on tour. It’s one of the reasons he doesn’t have an assistant when he’s here. He and Montana like to live as normally as possible.”

  “Touring’s different. I can’t fetch me own laundry, or go out wandering in strange cities. We sing, pack up and go to the next show.” He paused. “I sometimes cook, though.”

  “Maybe I should hire you,” she joked.

  He looked away. “I already have a job.”

  She didn’t respond, mirth forgotten. No. If he hadn’t been willing to give up his tour for a woman he claimed to love, and their child, he wouldn’t give it up for anyone. Certainly not to be a manservant to another rock star.