Miles Apart (The Not So Bad Boys of Rock Book 2)

by Rhonda James

  "Looks good." He gave a thumbs up and patted me on the shoulder.

  "You ready?" I spoke against her ear.

  "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this Miles."

  We stepped over to the mark on the floor and I held her waist.

  "I love you." I yelled.

  "I love you too baby!" She screamed back.

  "Go!" The instructor called out, and I stepped off with my right foot. Brooke's screams echoed around me for the first five seconds before she started laughing.

  The sky was clear blue and I watched with fascination as a scared young woman literally transformed before me. She pointed out patches on the ground and squealed with delight as we tucked our bodies and increased our speed. I pulled our chute and time seemed to stop as we floated 5000 feet above Los Angeles.

  "Get ready baby." I yelled, as we approached the landing zone. I pulled on the handles, slowing down our descent, and we touched down with a slight swish as the chute settled around us. I immediately started removing the harness connections. My heart was racing, and when I reached around to press my palm against her chest I could feel her rapid heartbeat. She turned and jumped into my arms, wrapping her slender legs around my waist. Our lips crashed together and I felt a jolt as our tongues touched. The energy pouring from our bodies and mixing together was enough to set me on fire. Mini explosions of fireworks sparked from every nerve in my body. I went to my knees and lowered her to the grassy surface below. The chute billowed around us as we clung together, still locked in an all-consuming kiss.

  "That was amazing." She whispered, breaking our connection. "I take it this is the thrill high you've talked about?"

  "Yeah. Pretty awesome, huh? Let's go home." I laughed, taking her bottom lip affectionately between my teeth.

  "You two finished in there?" Dek chuckled, lifting a corner of the chute. "I swear someone would think you were getting married or something crazy like that." He joked, playfully.

  "I guess playtime's over," she shrugged her shoulders.

  "Not yet." I laughed, tugging the chute from his grip and kissing her silly.

  "Lord help me." I heard Dek mumble.

  Brooke~

  "I can't believe you went skydiving. You'd never catch me jumping out of a plane. That's just insane." Jade shook her head at me.

  I had just picked her up from the airport. She was going to spend the next two weeks in California . My bachelorette party was all set for tonight. Jade and Natalie had been planning it for weeks. I told them I didn't need a big fuss, so I had no idea what to expect.

  "Yeah, well, I was a skeptic at first but it was so amazing. We were thousands of feet off the ground and I was strapped to a hot musician. I'd say the thrill was definitely worth the minor panic attack I suffered in the bathroom before we got on the plane." We giggled at the image of me sprawled out on a public toilet with a case of the sweats.

  "What are the guys doing for Sebastian's bachelor party?" She asked.

  "Chris got tickets to a hockey playoff game. I think Sebastian would have been perfectly content hanging out in the man cave and playing foosball. But, the guys really wanted to get him out of the house."

  "Dek also mentioned something about going to watch a local band play a gig. I guess they're talking about a collaboration on a song or something." Jade shrugged her shoulders.

  "Yeah, I heard Sebastian talking about that last week. So, what fun things do you two have in store for me?"

  "You'll have to wait and see. But, you'll want to dress in something sexy."

  "Now I'm really curious. Can't wait." I grinned.

  Later that afternoon, I was standing in the bedroom, looking over the dresses I had spread out over the bed. I had a red one that made me feel sassy, a pink one with a flared skirt that made me feel pretty, and a black number with a low neckline that made me feel sexy. I couldn't decide what mood I should be projecting at my bachelorette party.

  "Hey gorgeous." Sebastian came up behind me, picking me up in his arms and spinning me around. He planted a wet kiss on my lips. "What's all this? Did you go shopping?"

  "No, I've had these forever. I'm just trying to decide what to wear when I go out with the girls tonight."

  "Hmm, let's see." He put a finger to his lips, thinking hard. "I like the pink one. You look pretty in pink."

  "Not the black one?" I held it up to me, twirling around.

  "No." He replied, immediately.

  "Why not?" I asked innocently.

  "Because that neckline doesn’t leave enough to the imagination. But, if you really had your heart set on that one you could stay here and model it for me." He smiled, seductively.

  "Sorry buddy, no can do. You've got a game to go to and I am being whisked away to parts unknown. Did Travis give you any idea where they're taking me?"

  "No, but I'm sure that as long as Natalie is planning it there will be wine involved. Promise me you'll be careful."

  "I promise. We have a designated driver so I'm pretty sure there won't be a problem. Are you okay with me having a few drinks? I mean, I don't want it to make you uncomfortable." I took his hand in mine and held it to my face.

  "Of course I'm okay with it. Being around it doesn't really pose a problem for me. The guys still have a few drinks in my presence. Just try to have a good time." He placed a quick kiss on my temple. "I've got to grab a shower before Travis picks me up. Care to join me?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

  "Ha ha, nice try. Maybe next time." I winked.

  "Promises, promises." He mumbled as he stalked off to the bathroom.

  While he was in the shower, I slipped on my dress and touched up my makeup. I had just finished stepping into my Jimmy Choo's when he entered the room. He had one towel wrapped around his narrow waist, and another in his hand, drying his hair. I turned around to face him.

  "Whoa." He stopped drying and stared with his jaw hanging open.

  "Do you like it?" I twirled around, allowing him to fully appreciate the flared bottom.

  "You're stunning. I'm glad you went with the pink one." He sauntered over and pulled me against him. His hands settled just below my hips, while his lips found mine. He kissed me fiercely, leaving no room for doubt that he was staking claim. My hands played up and over the damp skin on his back. I blindly traced the tattoo that covered most of his back, before my fingers toyed with the edge of the towel, teasing back and forth.

  "Let's just stay home tonight. I can promise we'll have much more fun here." He trailed light kisses across my neck.

  "As tempting as that sounds," I started, "I'm looking forward to a night with the girls. Besides, Jade would kill me if I blew her off to spend the evening making out with you." I gave his rear a light smack.

  "You're killing me," He groaned. "Come on, we des--"

  Just then the doorbell rang, cutting him off.

  "Saved by the bell. That's probably Travis. Hurry up and get dressed." I scooted quickly toward the door and then turned around. "And sweetie, hold that thought until later." I blew a kiss and he held a hand to the air, closing his fist as he pretended to catch it.

  "Definitely later." He responded, before turning and dropping the towel to the floor.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  "Natalie, that guy was totally hitting on you! No joke." We burst into a fit of giggles as we climbed into the back of the limousine.

  "There's no way he was hitting on me. I'm old enough to be his sister." She responded, laughing even harder this time. "He was cute though. Not as hot as Travis, but still pretty cute."

  "Totally cute." Jade rolled her eyes dramatically. "But no one can compete with our guys. Am I right ladies?"

  "Where to ladies?" The limo driver peered through the opening of the door.

  "The karaoke bar!" Natalie and Jade screamed in unison.

  "No, no, no. I do not do karaoke bars." I shook my head adamantly.

  "Sure you do sweetie. Once you've had another glass of wine you'll be singing a different tune." Natalie wrapped an arm
around my shoulder. "Get it? Sing a different tune. Sometimes I crack myself up."

  The karaoke bar was located just off the main strip and when we went inside the place was nearly packed. We made our way through the crowd and came upon a large booth just as a group was leaving. The waitress came over and cleared the table, taking our drink order before she left.

  "What are you going to sing?" Jade asked, picking up one of the song selection sheets located in the center of the table.

  "I've already told you, I'm not singing. I sing for fun and in the shower. I'm too shy to sing in public."

  "Oh come on Brooke, have a little fun. Besides, we lived together for years. I've heard you sing, and you have a great voice." Jade scowled.

  "I think I remember you singing one time when we were having dinner at Tracy's. You were good. You totally have to sing." Natalie agreed.

  "What about you two? What are you singing?"

  "I'm thinking some Kelly Clarkson is on the menu for me tonight." Jade replied.

  "Ohh, she's good. I don't know." Natalie perused the list. "Got it! I'm definitely singing something by Sara Bareilles. Now, you have to pick something."

  "Well, I've always loved Ariana Grande." I conceded.

  "If your thinking of the one I think your thinking of then we are singing it together.” I nodded, knowingly. “Ariana it is then!" Jade jumped up and ran our requests to the DJ.

  We watched as, one by one, people of all ages took the stage to enjoy their three minutes in the spotlight. I was feeling pretty nervous, especially because my song choice had some really high notes. Natalie chose to sing "Brave" and I could tell by the way she worked the stage that this wasn't her first time in a karaoke bar. When it was Jade's turn she stepped up to the microphone with all the flair and pizazz that one usually associates with Jade. Her rendition of "Miss Independent" brought the crowd to their feet, cheering her on. She ate up the attention. Two more singers took the stage before the DJ called my name. I downed the last of my wine and rose from my seat.

  "Wish us luck." I saluted.

  "You got this girls!" Natalie yelled after us.

  I stepped up to the platform and scanned the crowd with my eyes. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. They'd all been really supportive of the other singers. Jade had already loosened up so I was the only one that was about to faint. I looked over at Jade and she gave me a wink. We used to sing this song when we lived together back in Michigan. We knew this one like the back of our hand. I was fairly confident in my ability to nail it. I took a deep breath and waited for the song to start, knowing I only had second after I heard the music start. The opening note came through the speakers and I opened my mouth to sing.

  Sebastian~

  The playoff game was awesome. The Kings ended up winning it 3-2 in overtime. Chris has a connection on the team and ended up getting us great seats. After the game, we headed over to a nightclub on Wilshire Boulevard to listen to a local band perform. We'd heard them before and Dek had the idea to do a collaboration with them for our next album.

  "These guys are great. I really think you're going to like their sound." Dek told Travis as we settled around a table near the stage.

  The waitress came over and we ordered a round of drinks, beers for the guys and water for me. The place was packed solid and the energy in the room was palpable. This band definitely had a large following. Collaborating with them would be an excellent way to tap back into our local roots and bring broader exposure to their music.

  "Guys." Travis silenced our conversation. "I think it's time to drink a toast to my little brother. After all, he is the reason we're all here tonight." He raised his glass and we all followed suit. "Sebastian, I sincerely hope that your marriage to Brooke will bring you all the happiness in the world. Your relationship has had a few setbacks, but you both were willing to work it out. The love you hold for one another is obvious to everyone around you. She's a beautiful woman, and you are a lucky man. I wish you all the best, and know that I'm always here if you need advice, or a friend. I love you buddy. To Sebastian!"

  "Sebastian!" Dek and Chris echoed. We all clinked glasses and took a swig.

  Suddenly, the lights dimmed and the band took the stage.

  Later, when their set was over, we were standing by the stage with the guys from the band. Dek and their lead singer were discussing a few song ideas when my phone rang.

  "What are you guys up to right now?" Natalie's voice sounded over the phone. I could hear music and singing in the background.

  "Where are you guys?" I asked her.

  "Are you anywhere near The Denim Factory?" She questioned.

  "What, you mean the karaoke bar?" I snorted in disgust.

  "Yes! Are you close by?" I could hear the frustration in her voice.

  "Is everything okay? Did something happen to Brooke?" I asked, already heading for the door. Chris followed closely behind, sensing something may be wrong.

  "Is Brooke okay?" He asked, panicked.

  "Brooke is fine." Natalie reassured. "But you've got to get over here and see this. You're not going to believe it. Brooke is singing karaoke, and she’s killing it. I mean, she is really good, Sebastian."

  "We're just a few doors down, be there in less than five." I stepped out onto the sidewalk and heard the guys on my heels.

  "What's going on?" Travis questioned.

  "Brooke's singing karaoke." I called over my shoulder. It was all the explanation they needed to pick up the pace.

  When we walked in I immediately saw a large crowd and heard the voice of an angel coming through the speakers. My eyes found the stage and I saw her up on stage with Jade, singing the latest single by Ariana Grande. We made our way over to where Natalie was frantically waving just as the music ended. Jade stepped down but Brooke continued to hold the microphone as another song came on. It was obvious that she was going to be singing an Elle Goulding song. It was a beautifully written piece that was performed perfectly by the artist. But, nothing in the world could have prepared me for what I was about to hear.

  I stood rooted to my spot on the hardwood floor. I couldn't take my eyes off her. She hit the notes with such precision. As the seconds passed she clearly became more and more comfortable. The way she rolled her shoulders and swayed her hips to the music made my heart clench deep inside my chest. I raised my hand, grinding the heel of my hand against my sternum. I was so in love with the goddess that had taken over that stage. Everything about her called out to me, drawing me closer. She was mine. She was going to marry me in five days and I was standing there feeling like the luckiest man alive. Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the DJ booth putting in a request for the next song.

  "Do you have this one?" I asked, handing over the slip.

  He glanced at it. "Yeah, anything by Lifehouse is always popular, especially this one."

  "Great. I want to sing it with her." I jutted my chin in Brooke's direction.

  "You've got six people in front of you."

  "They can wait." I replied, sliding over a hundred dollar bill.

  "Okay buddy, you're next." He indicated. I nodded my thanks and turned back to the goddess on the stage.

  It was obvious that she hadn’t seen me. She was so caught up in the music that she barely made eye contact with the crowd. Her eyes closed as she approached the high notes, nailing them every time. As the song reached the end, I angled my body so that I could access the stage easier, but still remain hidden in the shadows.

  “Alright, let’s hear it for the lovely Brooke.” The DJ called out. The crowd roared with applause and I beamed with pride at my beautiful bride-to-be. “Now get ready for our next performer.” Brooke made to exit the stage but he interrupted her mid-step. “You stay right there pretty lady. This next one’s a duet and the gentleman has asked to sing it with you.” Her mouth gaped open in surprise as she turned to find me standing behind her.

  “What? Did you think I could hear that and let you out of here without singing
one with me?” I cocked my head, flashing her the dimples that she always seemed to love.

  “Okay rock star, show me what you got.” She winked, reach once more for the microphone.

  Man, this girl can sing, was the only thought running through my brain. Well, that and I couldn’t help thinking how much I wanted to get her home. When the song ended, and we stepped off the stage, we were bombarded by fans. Apparently, my performance hadn’t gone unnoticed and it took a phone call to Michael, my head of security, to get us all out of there.

  When we jumped in the SUV I pulled her in close, tucking her small frame under my arm. Her golden hair smelled of warm almonds and I lowered my head to inhale deeply. I gave her body a light squeeze.

  “You were amazing out there tonight. Is there anything you can’t do?”

  “Umm, let’s see… I can’t play the drums. And I can’t drive a stick shift.” She tilted her head back and I leaned in to kiss her.

  “Well, lucky for you I can do both of those, so if you ever need a lesson or two, I’m your man.”

  “I’ve got news for you baby, you’re already my man. You’re my man for everything I need to learn.” She giggled, softly.

  “Damn straight I am.” I gave a low growl. “And you’re my girl.”

  “You bet your ass I am.” She moaned, leaning further into me.

  “I can’t wait to marry you this weekend.” I wrapped my other arm around her, completely enveloping her with my body.

  She sighed contentedly and whispered. “Mmm, me too.”