She swallows, her heated eyes locked on mine, and I can’t tell if she’s planning my death or if she somewhat enjoyed it. I have to admit, it wasn’t terrible. Definitely far from it. It might just be the best tongue-less kiss I’ve ever had.
“That couldn’t have waited until after I’d had at least two drinks?” she mutters quietly, pulling her eyes from mine before clearing her throat. “You can release my damn hip now before I kick your ass.”
I release my grip and move in close to speak into her ear. “I need you to step up your game, Nat. This won’t be the last kiss. In fact, it’s the first of many to come. Even my brother knows that, and he still allowed me to borrow you. Think about that for a minute.”
Before she can say anything or argue with me, I walk away and disappear into the cabin, needing a moment alone.
For one split second, I allowed Alana to get to me. And one second is too goddamn long when it comes to her. It was probably an asshole move to leave Natalie standing there alone after surprising her with a kiss and that dickhead remark, but the truth is, I’m not sure I’m ready to look at Alana after kissing another girl in front of her for the first time.
I can’t risk letting her see how fucking nervous I am. She knows more than anyone what kissing means to me. It’s a huge deal. “Shit!” I grip the kitchen island and take a few deep breaths to calm my nerves.
“Do you know how much of an ass—” Natalie pauses once noticing my tight grip. “Are you okay?”
I loosen my hold on the island and look up to see her standing in the doorway with two drinks in hand. “Here.” She holds one out for me and I grab it. “Looks like we could both use a drink right now. Might as well drink them together, right? It’s not like we’re going to get away from each other anytime soon.”
“Thanks.” I empty half the drink in one gulp, before setting it down and turning to face Natalie again. “I’m sorry for leaving you out there alone. I just needed a minute.”
“I get it.” She takes a sip of her drink, leaning beside me against the island. “Alana looked like she was about to die when you kissed me. Not sure if that’s what you need to hear right now.”
“Good,” I force out, my chest tight. “That means she’s starting to believe you’re not just some random girl I brought.”
“But aren’t I?” she asks, looking down into her cup.
“No.” I pick her up and set her on the island, before stepping in between her legs. “You’re anything but random, Nat. You may not like me much, but I’ve always enjoyed your company. Even though most of it has consisted of you insulting me over the years.”
She laughs. “It’s not that I don’t like you, it’s that…” She turns away for a second, as if to think of how to word it. “I just don’t agree with your lifestyle when it comes to women. I get it, Madden. You’re a hot rock star that all the women go crazy over. You’re practically God’s gift to women, but that doesn’t mean you need to sleep with them all, does it?”
“Who says I sleep with them all?”
“Oh, I don’t know… the world. The internet. Your fans. You’ve been spotted leaving hotel rooms with numerous women over the years. Are you trying to tell me you guys were playing a nice game of Scrabble?”
“Not at all.” I meet her eyes so she can see the truth in them. I know a lot of people think I’m just some reckless rock star that fucks up all the time and bangs every girl I can get, but they don’t know why. “You’re right. I did fuck most of them. It was either that or drown myself in liquor until I forget who I am and how much I hurt. My brother knows just how good at that I am. And to tell you the truth, I’ve only fucked one girl while sober and none of them were it.”
Her eyes soften, and I can’t tell if it’s because she pities me or understands. “Do you drink every day, Madden?”
I nod. “Yeah. You could say that.”
“Can we make a deal then?”
“What kind of deal?”
“I’ll push your brother out of my head and give you my all if you can promise me that you’ll stay sober for two weeks after this trip is over. Just two weeks, Madden. Anyone can handle that.” She releases a breath, her eyes locked on mine. “Will you do that for me? Please.”
I nod and reach for the drink she made me. The way she mentioned my brother gives away that what I said outside about him worked, and she’s pissed off at him. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that’s the only way this thing between us is going to work this weekend. Call me fucked up and I won’t deny it. I guess it’s just part of my reckless nature. I’ll make up for it later.
“If you can get me through this week, I’ll do anything you fucking ask, Nat. Even that. I may hate the idea of it, but I’ll do it. But I have to ask. Why that? You could ask for anything you want. I’ve already told you that.”
“Because I care about you. Despite what you think you know about me and how I feel about you, I do wonder about your wellbeing when seeing all this crap on social media about you.”
“So that’s why you stalk me online.” I flash her a crooked grin to lighten the mood. “I always thought it was because of my good looks. Like you said… I am sort of God’s gift t—”
“Don’t even say it or I’ll change my mind.” She jumps down from the island, a small smile playing on her lips as she walks away. “You coming, babe?”
“Shit.” I smirk and fall into step beside her. “I don’t think you want me to come.”
She stops and slaps at me a few times, before taking a quick drink from her cup to most likely calm her nerves. “Don’t make me regret this, Madden.”
I’m not sure there’s much I can do to make her not regret this deal after this week is over. She said she’s all in. Now she’s about to see what it’s like to belong to the other Parker Brother.
The moment we step outside and close the door behind us, I back her against it and wrap my hands into the back of her hair.
“What are you doing?” She stiffens when I move in, closing the distance between our bodies.
“What does it look like I’m doing?” I whisper against her ear, before running my lips along her jaw. The closer I get to her lips, the stiffer she becomes. “Loosen up, Nat. Remember our little conversation inside?” I tangle my hand into her hair, giving it a slight tug until our lips are an inch apart. “My brother doesn’t exist right now, remember?”
“He doesn’t,” she whispers. “Is this you testing me?”
“What do you think, Nat?”
She stands up straight and wraps her arms around my neck, showing me she’s finally ready to play. “Well, I don’t fail tests. Never have, never will.”
“Good to know,” I whisper.
“Now, if you need me…” She releases my neck and takes a step back. “I’ll be over by Jess getting some sun.”
A small smirk plays on my lips as I watch her walk away with a newfound confidence she didn’t have just moments ago. “This is either going to be fun or really fucked up.” I hold my cup to my lips, about to take a drink, when Walker whistles from behind me.
“She’s got to be the hottest chick I’ve ever seen, man.”
His choice of words has me flexing my jaw in annoyance.
“If things don’t work out between the two of you, I might have to ask for her number.” He slaps my back and I bring my cup to my lips before I can say anything I’ll regret. “Where did you meet this one?”
“At a concert.”
“Shit. Guess I need to start going to more of your concerts then. I’d give my left nut to find a woman as beautiful as Natalie.”
“Yeah. I guess so, man.”
I walk away to refill my drink, my attention going to Natalie, who’s now sunbathing beside Jess with her eyes closed. The way her breasts burst from the sides of her bikini top has me wanting to go over there and cover her up.
I don’t understand why my idiot brother isn’t here right now, wanting to protect her from all of us guys. Surely, the dick knows just how damn
beautiful she is, right? He’s not blind.
I’m not sure what the fuck Walker thinks is going to happen, but moments later, he takes a seat in the lounge chair beside Natalie’s. That dickhead doesn’t sunbathe and everyone knows it.
Taking one last drink of my whiskey, I squeeze the cup in my hand, before tossing it into the trash and making my way to Natalie. She jumps once she feels me in her space. “Shit, Madden. You scared me.”
“Get up,” I say stiffly.
“Why?” She sits up, confused, as I grab her hand and pull her from the chair.
Without answering her question, I sit down and pull her into my lap, wrapping my arms around her. “Doesn’t matter. Just close your eyes and relax.”
“Awe! Aren’t you two just adorable.” Jess pushes her sunglasses up to get a better view of us. “I love it.”
Alana standing up has my attention moving to the other side of the pool, where she was sunbathing with a pair of oversized glasses. Without a word, she grabs her towel and walks away, disappearing into the cabin.
Apparently, my kiss with Natalie has shaken her up a bit. She may be keeping her distance now since it’s still fresh, but I give it a few hours before she’s back on our asses.
“Yeah,” Walker mutters. No one else may pick up on the disappointment in his voice, but I sure as hell do. “Super adorable.”
“What can I say…” I smile against Natalie’s neck, knowing she’s going to kick my ass after this. “I had a hot little stalker at a few concerts, so I finally asked her out on a date. It was only fair after all that hard work she put into it. We’ve been a couple ever since.”
“What?” She goes to sit up, but I hold onto her tighter, not giving her a chance.
“No shame in that game. That stalking paid off, girl. Own it.” Jess pulls her glasses back down and sits back. “If Jake doesn’t step up his game, I may have to do a little stalking myself. RISK is full of sexy men.”
“I agree with you there,” Natalie says, most likely to get me back for my little stalking comment. “Especially—” Grabbing the back of her head, I pull her in and bite her bottom lip, cutting her off before she can finish. “Ouch!”
“Funny,” I mutter against her lips. “Who were you going to name?”
“If you’re going to bite me again, I’d rather not say.”
“Good.” I smile against her lips, before kissing the bottom one for show. “Better finish that for the others.”
She forces a smile and turns away to face Jess. “Madden. He’s the one I had my eye on from the first time I saw RISK play. Him in that leather jacket of his, with those full lips and light eyes… He’s absolutely gorgeous. No girl could deny it.”
“Hey. I’ve known him for almost twenty years and I don’t deny it. Even Jake has to hear about how hot Madden is from time to time. I’m not ashamed to admit that my friend is attractive. Doesn’t mean I’m attracted to him like that. Just means I have eyes.”
“Unfortunately, so do I,” she says under her breath, like I can’t hear her. She’s dead wrong. She meant what she just told Jess about me. At least about my looks. The part about her wanting me… I doubt that. That was just for show.
But damn if she didn’t do a good job convincing the others. If I didn’t know how much she hated me, I’d almost believe it myself. Almost.
Fortunately, it’s not me she needs to convince.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Natalie
It’s been a few hours since Madden kissed me for show. My thoughts are still flip-flopping back and forth between being pissed at the reminder that his brother gave him permission in the first place and being angry at myself for enjoying the way his lips felt on mine for even just the slightest moment.
His kiss was soft, yet powerful in a way I can’t explain. If that was just for show, what would it feel like if it wasn’t? What would it be like to kiss Madden Parker for real? The type of kiss he’s apparently only given to one woman.
Luckily, I won’t have to find out. A girl could easily be ruined for life after experiencing just a small portion of what his mouth can do. It won’t affect me, though. I know this is pretend. I won’t fall for America’s hottest rock star, no matter just how pissed I currently am at his brother—my boyfriend—who is supposed to want me all for himself.
I need to stop thinking, because the more I do, the angrier at Logan I become. I can’t be angry at him right now; not when I’m stuck here with his brother.
Pushing those thoughts from my mind, I open the bedroom door, my mouth instantly dropping when I get a glimpse of Madden’s firm and very naked ass on display. “I’m sorry! I didn’t—”
Without a word, he turns around completely naked and stalks across the room, slamming the door shut behind me. My eyes take in every inch of his hard, muscular body; its tattooed perfection now etched into my brain forever. “Don’t fucking apologize, Nat. Never apologize for seeing me naked. Do you want Alana to hear that shit? She’s already on my ass.”
I swallow and back up against the door, needing to put some space between us. He makes no move to cover his naked body. In fact, it’s as if he’s completely unashamed by it. “How do you expect me to react when walking in on my boyfriend’s naked brother?” I put my hand up to shield my eyes. “Please put some clothes on.”
“Why?” he pushes.
“Because your nakedness makes me uncomfortable. I can never un-see your junk, Madden.”
“Do you even want to, Nat?” I stiffen up when I feel him move in closer. He’s not quite close enough for me to feel him against me, but close enough that I can feel the warmth of his naked body. “Because your eyes were quick to veer south the moment I turned around. Now you don’t have to search for nude photos of me online. You’re welcome.”
“Excuse me!” I open my eyes moments after I feel him move away, catching him right as he’s pulling his jeans up. “I’ve never searched for nude images of you online, and the fact that your ego is big enough to assume that I have only makes you that much more annoying.”
“My ego or my dick?”
The slight tug of his lips lights a fire inside. I move in to give him a shove, but he catches my arms before I can and pulls me into him. “Let. Go.”
“Nat, lighten up. You’re making too big of a deal over seeing me naked. I was just trying to see how worked up you were, and apparently, that’s pretty fucking worked up.”
“I’m not worked up.” I lie. “And I didn’t see anything other than your ass.” Another lie. I definitely got an eyeful of his very sizeable asset, along with the perfect V of muscles leading down to it. The bad part is, it wasn’t even hard and I can already tell it’s bigger than his brother’s. “I just wasn’t expecting to see you without clothes. Did you forget that we share this bedroom? You could’ve given me a heads up.”
He shrugs and reaches for a plain white T-shirt. “You were busy talking with Jess. Not my fault you followed me to the bedroom.”
“Followed you?” I grit out. “I did not follow you.”
“If you say so. Doesn’t bother me. I’ll walk around naked twenty-four-seven if that’s what you like. We both know my brother won’t do that shit.”
“How do you know what your brother does and doesn’t do for me?” He’s annoying me more with each word that leaves his lips.
“I’ve known my brother his whole life. We’re the complete opposite. I guarantee he only gets naked long enough to fuck and shower. Don’t tell me I’m wrong either.”
“Whatever. Just leave the room so I can change. Jess is waiting on me.”
“Which is exactly why I’m not going to leave the room while you change. What kind of boyfriend does that?” He crosses his arms over his chest and laughs. “They all know I sure as hell don’t.”
“Fine. Then turn around and close your eyes or I’ll pluck them from your head.” He grins and shakes his head, before turning to face the wall. “And don’t peek.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t look at
you naked until you ask.”
“Ha!” I toss my bikini top at the back of his head. “You’re delusional if you think I’ll ever ask for that.” I quickly pull on a pair of panties, before slipping on some jeans. I go to reach for my bra next, but quickly cover my breasts when Madden turns around, holding my bikini up by the strap. “I’m not done yet. Turn back around.” He balls up my bikini top in his hand and turns back around. “And give that back.” Without a word, he tosses it over his head and I catch it, quickly stuffing it into my suitcase before pulling on a loose T-shirt. “You can turn around now.”
Turning around, he places a cigarette between his lips, keeping his eyes on me as he lights it. Why do I find that so hot?
“Are we good now? Did you get your anger and frustration out from me kissing you earlier?” He walks over to open both bedroom windows. “I know you’ve been holding it in since earlier. That’s why I pushed you to let it out.”
“Really, Madden?” I throw my messy hair up and walk over to snatch the cigarette from his lips. “I already told you I was ready to play this little game. I don’t need any more pushing. Let’s get this night started so we can get it over with. The sooner we can go to bed, the better.”
Before he can say anything, I put his cigarette out on the window ledge and toss it to him, walking away.
The moment I’m free from Madden, I press my back against the door and place my hand over my racing heart, mentally begging it to slow down. I don’t know why he has the ability to work me up so much or why I’m allowing him to do it.
“…whatever, Jess. Just stop…” Alana’s voice coming from the kitchen has me standing up straight and moving closer to hear better. “…I’m getting Madden back before this weekend is over. I saw the look on her face when he kissed her. She looked just as surprised as I was. It’s bullshit, Jess. He’s fucking with me. Trust me. He’s not in love with her.”
Jess says something that I can’t make out, before Alana comes back with a “Screw that” and storms outside, slamming the door shut behind her.
Reckless Rock Star (Cocky Hero Club) Page 13
