by Amy L. Gale
“Oh no, I’m buying the drinks. I vow to stay away from all stages when I’m not playing. It’s like going to work on your day off.” Marcus takes off toward the bar for some much needed refills.
Jenna and Van go up to the karaoke coordinator to give him our song choices. Hmm. Will Van do a Devil’s Garden song? Probably not, he likes to keep himself incognito when he’s offstage.
“Get ready. You’re up next.” Van gestures toward the karaoke coordinator, letting him know he’ll sing after we finish.
Thank God for small favors. The guy ahead of us did a horrific version of Hungry Like the Wolf, which is proof that some songs should not be available in the karaoke songbook. I down one more shot. My face is hot and my heart begins to palpitate.
Marcus and Van cheer loudly. I have the intense urge to throw something at them. No need for any more attention than I’m already getting.
Jenna pulls me up on the stage. “We’re gonna dance really sexy, ok?”
“Yep, I’ll follow your lead.” I sigh as the music to Like a Virgin starts.
The crowd cheers. Well, mostly the male members of the crowd cheer as Jenna and I shake our hips and sing. Huh, we’re better than I expected, but I’m fairly sure that our male audience enjoys our dancing much more than our singing.
Jenna starts grinding back-to-back with me; the crowd goes wild. She runs her hands over her body and pulls her fingers up through her hair. Was she a stripper in a former life? The drunken men yell for us as if we’re the rock stars. Alcohol and testosterone sure make an interesting combination. The whistling continues as we walk off the stage and back to our table.
Jenna winks at me, nudging my arm. “That was awesome! The crowd loved us.”
“I’m sure it was our heavenly voices that won them over,” I shake my head and sip my drink. “Van, you’re up next.”
He approaches the stage with confidence, and puts the microphone in its stand as if he is headlining an arena. “Hi everyone. I’d like to sing this song for my girl, the lovely Lexie, who just finished entertaining you.” Van chuckles as a few men clap.
I expect to hear something like Cherry Pie, but instead the beautiful chords of a ballad begin. Faithfully. My heart races and my eyes water as he looks directly at my face. Everyone else is invisible. My mouth falls open as the clear beautiful tone of his voice sings only to me. The words tell a tale of a romance between a musician and his girl while he’s on tour, apart from the one he loves. A tear rolls down my cheek as he professes his love the best way he knows how, through his music. The crowd cheers, giving Van a standing ovation. His eyes are focused on me, nothing else. He walks toward me and grabs my face with both his hands, placing an extremely passionate kiss on my lips.
My whole body tingles, the unique electricity flows through my core. Can it get more romantic than this? My stomach flutters as I pull him closer and slide my hands up his soft T-shirt to his neck. Talk about being swept off your feet. Van scoops me up and walks out of the bar, our eyes locked. He nudges the elevator button. The bell chimes and he steps into the elevator, pulling me into a lip-lock.
He carefully slides the key into the hotel room door and opens it, with me still in his arms. He kicks the door, slamming it shut behind us and lays me on the bed. I grip the bottom of his shirt and pull it over his head, exposing his rock hard body. Please let this image burn itself into my brain.
Keeping with the romantic theme, he nudges his nose along my neck, slowly placing sweet kisses along my jaw. An intense fire burns within me. I run my fingers over his chest tracing the lines of his muscles while barely touching his skin. His entire body quivers. His warm, soft lips travel over just about every inch of my body, pausing on the more erogenous zones. Are his talents limitless? A soft moan escapes as he slowly enters me, while interlocking his fingers with mine. I’m breathing heavy, almost panting. I gasp as he fills and empowers my body. We slowly and steadily continue our beautiful love-making. My toes curl as I find my release twice, before Van finds his. We lay entangled in one another’s arms, gazing into each other’s eyes not saying a word.
I wake to soft lips brushing against my cheek, causing the hairs on my neck to rise. When did I drift off to sleep? I rub my eyes and focus on the flawless face hovering above me.
“Rise and shine sleepy head. The Arizona desert awaits.”
I yawn and stretch. “I want to make sure I bring my camera. I think it’s still in my purse from Sydney’s bachelorette party.”
Van holds up his hands. “Whoa. I don’t want to see those pictures.”
I roll my eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m only planning on showing them to Jenna.”
∞
Like everything else, the morning flies by. I grab my camera and sunglasses and we’re off. Jenna and Marcus are waiting in the lobby for us.
“Tyler and Chaz won’t be joining us. They hit the town last night and still have some company.” Marcus winks.
“No problem. The fabulous four will ride out to the desert.” Jenna slides her sunglasses from her head to her eyes.
The tour is amazing. The guide explains the history and culture of the desert and educates us about the wildlife. Sky Island and the Desert Seas are the big attractions. Thank God I remembered my camera. I scroll through my photos. Did I really take twenty five pictures of cactus? Oh well, I’ve always wanted to see one in real life and now at least I’ve captured the moment.
Rockers’ hours are not for early birds, especially when you factor in the desert heat. We all look like we just downed a bottle of whisky each. Sunglasses are a godsend. At least we have time to crash before the show. I crawl onto the cool sheets and cuddle up with Van.
∞
Warm sunlight blares through the window. I squint and turn toward the clock. We’ve got two hours left. It’s only fair to let Van sleep until the last possible minute, he’s technically working tonight. I head to the bathroom and start my grooming routine. Will my red strapless dress have the same effect as it did the last time Van saw me in it? Only one way to find out.
I finish up by pulling my hair up in a loose bun, exposing my neck, and throwing on black high heeled sandals. I dial room service and order a pizza and bread sticks. Last thing on the agenda, wake up Van. I graze my lips in between his belly button and the sheet draped over him, softly kissing his skin. He moans and rolls toward me.
I lightly run my fingers across his stomach. “Time to get up sleepy head.”
“I’m way ahead of you, especially after those kisses.”
Warmth creeps across my cheeks. “Very funny. I ordered some room service so you can eat and shower before the show. It doesn’t look like there’s time for much more.”
Van pulls me on top of him and kisses my lips. “I’ll always make time for you babe.”
Knock, knock.
“Pizza’s here!” I leap toward the door.
Van sits up in bed, covering his lap with a sheet as I pay the waiter.
My body tingles as his eyes burn through me. I guess the red dress is a keeper. I bring the pizza over to the bed. We turn toward each other and eat picnic style.
How can he get ready in two minutes flat? My lips part as I watch him step out of the bathroom wearing only jeans. Ah, my rock god has emerged. He runs his hand through his damp hair and throws on a faded-blue fitted T-shirt. Damn. He looks perfect. I take a deep breath and fight the urge to tackle him on the bed. We head to the lobby, where Jenna and the guys are waiting.
The arena is bigger than I expected and fully air conditioned, thank goodness. Even though the humidity is absent, it’s still extremely hot. They play a perfect set. Are they getting better from performing so much, or do they want to step it up for the last leg of their tour? My adrenaline spikes and blood rushes through my veins as my sexy front man works the crowd, giving every ounce of energy he has. He comes alive on the stage, as if the music is literally flowing through his veins. I need to memorize this image of him and etch it onto my brain. Only one more
show before I leave the tour. Why must my life be so bittersweet?
It’s time for Devil’s Garden to meet their fans backstage for a few hours. Hours seem like seconds. Next stop is Salt Lake City, Utah, and a twelve and a half hour bus ride before the concert at the Red Butte Amphitheater.
∞
These half-day bus rides are a killer. I stare out the window holding my head up on my hand. Ooh, I spot a sign that reads Salt Lake City. Finally! Van puts his arms around me as we step off of the bus and into the warm summer air. I close my eyes and breathe deeply, desperately trying to memorize every second left. Bleakness is closing in on me.
I tug at my short, tight, purple, halter dress and brush my curls over my shoulder, letting them fall across my back. If Van and I have to be apart, I want him to remember what’s waiting for him.
Devil’s Garden is really starting to pack the venues. This show has to be sold out. I breathe in deeply, trying to inhale the beauty of the evening. The sun is just starting to set across the endless Utah sky casting an orange and pink glow along the horizon.
“I’ve seen some beautiful places these last few months.” I wrap my arms around Van’s neck and gaze into those emerald eyes that bring me to my knees.
“This is the best view I’ve seen anywhere.” He brushes a few stray strands of hair away from my face.
Intense flames of passion rush through my body and my heart slams against my chest. His hands slide around my waist and pull me forward. I press myself against him, trying to feel every inch of his body through the dense denim.
He presses his forehead against mine. “I feel sorry for the rest of the fans ‘cause I’m never as good as I am when you’re here. Every song I sing tonight is for you.”
Goose bumps form, causing all the hair on my body to rise. I hold in a deep breath, trying to suppress the tears threatening to release. I bring out the best in him? I exhale slowly. “Your biggest fan can’t wait.”
“Come on guys, we have to go in if we want to start on time!” Marcus yells.
Van and I walk, hand in hand, to the backstage of the amphitheater. His eyes never leave mine for more than a few minutes as he checks his equipment. With everything ready to go, we enter the large room backstage and wait until show time. I sit on his lap and play with his hair as he holds me in his arms, resting his head on my shoulder. We couldn’t get any closer to each other if we tried.
“You two are your own worst enemy.” Jenna rolls her eyes and walks past us. “It’s going to go by quicker than you think. It’s not even a goodbye, it’s a see you soon.”
Van looks up at me. “Yeah, and I’ll be with you in Savannah on Saturday.”
“I’ll be counting the minutes until I get you all to myself in that hotel room.” I attempt a sexy look. I’m pretty sure I fail.
Van’s eyes widen as he holds in a smile. “And what are you planning on doing to me when you get me all to yourself?” He raises his eyebrows.
“Anything and everything I please,” I whisper.
“Let’s go. It’s show time!” Chaz yells, pulling me away from my blissful thoughts.
Jenna and I take our usual places at the side of the stage. Van holds my cheeks, planting a heartfelt, passionate kiss on my lips. I weave my fingers through his hair and press myself against him. The lights on the stage are no match for the heat radiating from our bodies. My heart hammers against my chest, drowning out the sound of the drums. The bass and guitar break my trance. Van pulls away at the last possible second and runs onto the stage, leaving me breathless.
Star-struck is an understatement. My sexy, rock god looks over at me as he belts out his lyrics to a packed amphitheater. My knees are weak and my body trembles. Will I always be in awe?
Van walks toward me as Marcus’s guitar solo starts. I run my fingers through his damp hair and pull him close. He wraps his arms around me, and slams his lips into mine. My heart melts. I’m dizzy and my body is tingling. Does he think he has to impress me tonight? I’ll have to tell him later that everything he does impresses me, but tonight he’s bringing his A-game. He pulls away and runs back to center stage to start his next set.
One thing’s for sure, this is the best I’ve seen him perform. Every note is spot on. The last song is a ballad, telling the story of a couple whose love can endure anything. I know it’s a song that Marcus wrote for Jenna, but tonight Van’s singing it directly to me. My heart skips a beat when he comes over and takes my hand as he sings. He pulls me out onto the very edge of the stage where a good number of people can see me. As soon as the song ends, he walks forward and pulls me into another passionate kiss. My heart is about to explode. He scoops me up and carries me offstage. Marcus thanks the crowd, his voice echoing in the distance.
Van finally sets me down at the edge of the parking lot. I giggle, still giddy from the romantic gesture. A limo pulls up to us and a chauffeur quickly jumps out, opening the back door to let us in.
“I want your last night of the tour to be special.” Van tilts my chin up to kiss my lips. “Your chariot awaits.”
I slightly gasp, momentarily forgetting to breathe. “Every second I spend with you is special.”
Van takes my hand and leads me into the limo, cuddling as close to each other as we can once inside. We might as well make the most out of the short ride to the hotel. I lower myself onto the cool leather seat, pulling Van down on top of me, our lips meet, erupting into a frenzy of passion. He slowly slides his hand up my thigh and under my dress. I let out a moan and lay my head back. The chauffeur opens the door, clearing his throat.
My face flushes, the sensation creeping across my cheeks. Oh well, I’m sure this guy has seen worse. I sit up and adjust my dress before exiting the limo.
I jiggle the key to the hotel room and open the door. The glow of candlelight fills my vision. There are at least thirty candles lit around the room and a bottle of champagne lays in a chiller near the bed. I’m breathless. I place my hands over my mouth, smiling from ear to ear underneath. I drop my hand and turn toward him. “This is absolutely spectacular!”
“I love the way your face glows in candlelight.” He brushes his lips across mine, slowly invading my mouth with his tongue.
My entire body trembles and nuclear energy flows through each and every pore. My heart hammers as blood rushes through my veins. An uncontrollable yearning fills my soul. I pull Van closer, pressing every part of my body against his.
He gently slides the straps of my dress down my shoulders, placing soft kisses along my neck. Shockwaves emit throughout my entire body. His fingers lightly brush my skin creating an array of goose bumps as he continues to ease my dress down in a slow sensual motion. I step out of it and stand before him in a black bra, panties, and black high heels. He takes a step back.
“You are the sexiest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He licks his lips and then slams them into mine.
My entire body shivers in pure delight. I slither my hands under the soft fabric of his T-shirt and slowly pull it over his head, revealing his hard, chiseled body. I softly run my fingers over every intricate muscle of his chest, trying to memorize every part. I trace down to his abs and stop at the waist of his jeans. I tug at the button, desperately trying to release him from the thick fabric. It finally gives. I reach my hand in between his jeans and his boxers. Ah, he wants me badly. He gasps and lets out a soft moan as I ease them down. He steps out of them and gently eases me onto the bed, his lips never leaving mine.
My body immediately energizes as the weight of Van presses against me. My heart rate rises steadily as we remove the last few pieces of clothing, allowing our bodies to meet. I graze my fingers against his back and sway my hips back and forth while pressing against him. He slowly slides inside me, filling me completely. I wrap my legs around his waist, pushing him deep inside me.
The inferno of passion builds as we move in time with each other. The beautiful rhythm we create drives my body wild. Desire fills my core. I’m gasping for breat
h and panting as I find my release three times to the slow, steady motion. The intensity is building again as Van takes his time, catering to my body’s every need. I moan in pleasure as adrenaline rushes through me and I find my release once again, this time with his.
We lay on the bed panting, trying to catch our breath. I close my eyes and wipe the sweat from my forehead. Wow, that was by far the best sex I’ve ever had; he knows just what to do and when to do it. It’s more than just physical pleasure. It’s truly an intimate experience. Nothing else even comes close. The connection between us produces an amazing experience. There’s no way either of us could achieve this with anyone else.
I quickly freshen up, snatch the champagne bottle from the chiller, and crawl onto the bed with Van. The cool sheet drapes just below his waist. My heart skips a beat. Can he be any sexier? He pops the cork and pours two glasses, handing one to me.
He raises his glass. “To enjoying every second we have together, and hoping time passes quickly when we’re apart.”
I raise my glass and sip my champagne. “Van Sinclair, I have no idea how to spend a second without you. I want you to know that these last few months have been the best of my life and I can’t wait until this tour ends and we can be together again.”
Van flashes a sexy half-smile and takes a deep breath. “Chaz and I used to bust Marcus’s balls about Jenna. I couldn’t understand why he was so into her. I felt sorry for guys like him. I never thought I’d become one of them yet here I am, under the spell of Lexie Waters.”
I raise my eyebrows and tilt my head. “Are you insinuating I’m some kind of witch?”
He chuckles. “I just never understood it until I met you. It’s like my whole life before doesn’t even matter.”
It only takes a few words to make everything complete. Can our love really erase the pain of his past? I set my glass down and throw myself on top of him, ripping the sheet away from his body. A few drops of champagne from his glass spill onto my back. He tosses the glass and rolls on top of me. Time for round two.
