An amused smile played on Ren's lips. "I bet you can."
Ivy put a hand on her boyfriend's arm. "We should talk to the venue manager about where to set up." She looked to me. "It was so nice meeting you, Becca. Let's talk some more after my performance."
After we waved them off I turned to Nathan, concerned.
"Rabid fans?" I asked. "Are they going to mob you and demand a lock of your hair or something?"
Nathan laughed. "They're usually not so obnoxious about it. Mostly, I get cornered and asked for selfies and autographs."
"Like when we met in the hospital and you assumed I was a fan? I thought you were just a crazy person back then."
"Who says I'm not?" he quipped. Nathan put his arm around my waist and led us around the room. He snatched a wine flute from a passing server and handed it to me. "The drinks at these things are usually top notch."
I took a small sip of something bubbly. It was alcohol, I knew that much, but I supposed my palate wasn't refined enough to tell the difference between great and just okay.
"Hey, shit-face!" someone yelled from across the room. A man with familiar fire-engine red hair darted through the crowd until he was right in front of us. A pretty girl with long dark hair followed, a long-suffering expression on her face.
The redhead jabbed a finger at Nathan's face. "Did you dare Gael to destroy my foyer?"
"Me?" Nathan asked, feigning innocence. "Would I do a thing like that?"
It was Cameron Thorne, the one who'd thrown that rager where Gael had swung on the chandelier. I winced at the memory.
"I'm sorry," I said. The guy turned to face me. "It's my fault. I'd never been to a crazy house party before and I joked with Nathan that I wanted to see something like out of a movie. I didn't think anyone would actually do it."
This guy had also been the one to jump from the roof into the pool, the one who'd given me the idea to do it myself. I winced again. That night had been full of a lot of terribly awkward memories.
Cameron blinked at me, then shook his head. "Don't worry, I'm just giving this guy shit. I don't blame anyone other than Gael, that asshole."
"Maybe if you weren't so mean to him, he wouldn't want to get back at you," the girl at Cameron's side said reasonably. "You should give the poor guy a break."
"Why would I want to do that?" Cameron asked with a manic grin.
"Lily's right," Nathan said, I assumed referring to Cameron's girlfriend. "You know Gael idolizes you. When you aren't trying to piss him off."
"Exactly," Cameron said. "That guy has got to stop thinking I'm some sort of god. He's a great musician in his own right." Cameron shrugged. "Maybe if I pester him enough he'll realize I'm just another dude, you know?"
Nathan looked taken aback. "That's… oddly thoughtful of you."
"Hey, I can be thoughtful as hell when I want to be. Just ask Lily." Cameron pressed his face to his girlfriend's cheek with a noisy, messy kiss. "In fact, just last night I was—"
Lily clamped a hand over his mouth. Cameron continued talking, muffled under her hand.
"Just stop," she laughed at him before winking at me. "I can't take this animal anywhere without him trying to cause a scene, I swear."
Cameron pulled her into a hug and swung her around until she squealed and dropped her hand from his mouth. He set her down and placed another, softer, kiss on her lips before bumping her nose with his. A dreamy smile crossed her face as she looked up at him.
"Let's go before they start making out in public," Nathan said loudly, intending for them to hear, but they were lost in their own little world together. The two of them were so cute it was almost sickening.
I wondered if Nathan and I ever looked at each other like that.
We continued on, examining the photographs. I didn't know much about art or photography, but from what I could tell the photos were professional, all clean lines and stark contrasts, but without any sort of depressing, bleak tones. The pictures had clearly been taken with love and care. I examined some of the price tags. My eyebrows nearly rose off my forehead. Those were some expensive pieces of art. That Cassie girl really must have been popular.
"What do you think?" Nathan asked.
"I like them," I said. "They've got a good vibe, if that makes sense."
"They're pretty cool," Nathan agreed. "It's the kind of thing I could see hanging on my wall. Which one's your favorite?"
"Hm." I turned in a circle, looking at all the photos and trying to remember which ones had moved me the most. "I like that one." I pointed to a scene taken backstage at a concert. The band members were cast in shadow, but their instruments were illuminated by ceiling lights. "It reminds me of you. Of watching you in concert."
"I'll get that one, then."
"You're going to buy one?"
"Of course. I've got to support my friends, after all."
I shouldn't have been surprised, considering I'd known that Nathan was wealthy, but damn. Buying something as expensive as that on a whim just because I said I liked it…
"Well, if it isn't Nathan Walker."
A tall woman with striking green eyes and a slash of bright red for a mouth sidled up to him. She pressed a hand to his chest.
"I had a feeling I'd see you here," she purred.
"Stephanie?" he said, surprised. He shot a quick look at me before turning to her. "How'd you get in here?"
"I received an invitation," she said smoothly.
"Did you?" Nathan asked sharply. "From who?"
She turned to me, ignoring his question.
"Who's this?" she feigned disinterest, but I could see the jealously burning in her eyes. "Your latest conquest? Hm." She flicked her wavy chestnut hair over her shoulder. "Not your usual type, is she?"
I laughed out loud, right in her face. "Wow, you're not subtle at all, are you?"
She glared at me, then turned a sickly-sweet smile on Nathan. "Babe, I really need to talk to you."
He gave her a dark look, but looked hesitant to just walk away.
I turned to Nathan. "I'm going to look at the photos while you talk to your friend. Bye, Stephanie," I said pointedly.
The sour expression didn't leave her face as she tugged on Nathan's arm and hissed something at him. He pulled his arms away and folded them across his chest, frowning at her.
I turned and ignored them.
I supposed I'd known Nathan would have tons of "conquests" out there, but I never thought I'd actually run into one while I was with him. Oh well. Whoever Stephanie was, he hadn't seemed too impressed with her. I wondered how long he'd let her blather at him before he showed her the door.
I was contemplating a more abstract photo, brows furrowed, as I tried to figure out the meaning of it, when Nathan returned to my side.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to just abandon you."
"It's all right," I said, still scrutinizing the photo.
"Are you mad?" Nathan asked, sounding distressed.
My brow smoothed as I turned to him, surprised. "No. Why?"
"You look upset." There was an anxious quality to his tone, like he was seriously concerned.
I laughed. "That's my concentration face. I'm just trying to decipher what this photo is trying to say."
The worry didn't leave his eyes. "Is this about Stephanie? She's just a girl I know, nothing else."
"I'm fine," I reassured him.
He nodded, some of the anxiety lifting. It was heartwarming, that he didn't want me to feel hurt or jealous.
Nathan was so determined not to hurt me.
I just hoped I was able to do the same for him.
27
I was introduced to a whirlwind of people with names and faces I barely remembered. Most started off with small talk about the art, the food, the drinks, until all chit chat inevitably turned toward music. I smiled and nodded politely, but didn't have much to contribute. Luckily, Nathan quickly noticed how out of my depth I was, and smoothly exited those conversations before I could get
too uncomfortable.
"Thank you." I hugged his arm and rested my head against his shoulder for a brief moment, grateful that he understood how I'd been feeling.
A hush came over the room and I saw a young woman with messy dark hair come to stand on a small stage at the front. She looked nervous, her face pale, although I had a feeling that might have been her usual coloring. Everyone turned to face her. She cleared her throat.
"Thank you all for coming," she said.
I had to assume this was Cassie Blake, the artist and photographer.
She continued to thank everyone for coming out to support her, talked a little bit about her work, and took a few questions from the audience. The longer she stood up there, the less uneasy she looked, until eventually she was cracking smiles and making jokes with the guests.
I noticed a tall blond man just off to the side of her. He was staring at Cassie, his expression a mixture of satisfaction, love and almost bursting with pride. That must have been her boyfriend August, the drummer. I'd never seen someone look at another human being with such respect and reverence before.
Cassie finished speaking and stepped down from the stage. A relieved look crossed her face. August went to her and dipped his head so he could speak directly into her ear. A soft smile crossed her face at whatever he said. She threw her arms around him and buried her face in his chest, face now flushed pink.
"There's a power couple if I've ever seen one."
A young woman with red hair came up behind Nathan. It was a different sort of red from Cameron's. Not that bright, fire-engine red. More like a darker cherry.
That was when I recognized the women as Cerise Moreau, Gael's sister and lead singer of Cherry Lips.
"I don't think I know anyone more dedicated to their art than those two," she continued.
"High praise, coming from a workaholic like you," the man next to her said with a soft, teasing smile.
Cerise raised an eyebrow. "Pot, meet kettle?"
"Let's not start," Nathan said with a laugh. "We don't need to get into another fight over who's the most committed to our music." Nathan turned to me and nodded at them. "Becca, you recognize Cerise and Liam?"
Once he said the name, it clicked and I realized the man was Liam Knight, guitarist for Cherry Lips and Cerise's boyfriend.
"I saw you guys in concert," I said. "You were awesome on stage."
"Thanks." Cerise looked me up and down, a line between her brows as if sizing me up, then flicked her gaze to Nathan. I didn't know what she saw, but the tension in her eyes eased and she offered me a genuine smile. "Feel free to come watch us any time."
"Do you have more concerts coming up soon?" I asked, surprised. "I thought you were still in the studio?"
Cerise nodded. "We are, but the label's already planning our tour. We're going to be on the road for months."
"Months?" I looked to Nathan. "You're going to be gone for months?"
"We're not going any time soon," he told me. "Like Cerise said, we're still working on the album."
Months.
Nathan was going to be gone for months.
And this wasn't a one-time occurrence, either. He was a rock star. Touring was what they did. He'd even said it, hadn't he, that his mom had gotten Cleo to keep her company when he started touring.
Why hadn't I thought of it before now?
Why hadn't I realized?
"Becca?" Nathan prompted after I'd gone silent. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. I think these shoes are just a size too small," I said, faking a smile. "Why don't we go see about buying that photo?"
I kept that smile plastered on my face for the rest of the event, even though inside my mind was whirling.
Months.
My heart squeezed in my chest as I squeezed Nathan's hand. He gave me a warm smile. I returned it weakly.
The event finally wound down and people started trickling out. Nathan said goodbye to the last of his friends and we headed to his car. I was quiet on the way back to his place.
"You sure you're feeling okay?" he asked as we rode up the elevator. I could hear the worry in his tone. He was still wondering whether I was upset that he had essentially ignored me as soon as that woman showed up.
But that wasn't what I was worried about.
"My feet are just a little sore from my shoes," I said.
"Maybe I could give you a foot rub."
My feet actually did hurt. It hadn't been a lie. "That would be wonderful."
We reached the apartment and I kicked off my heels with a relieved sigh.
"Why don't you go sit on the sofa?" Nathan said. "I'll be right back."
The cushions were so soft and fluffy I sank right into them. It would have been the perfect spot to take a nap. I closed my eyes, curled my feet up on the sofa next to me and rested my head against the back cushions.
Months.
My eyes popped open when I felt Nathan sit next to me. He had brought a small bottle of what smelled like peppermint oil and placed it on the coffee table.
"You have massage oil?" I asked.
"Comes in handy," was all he said. "Now lie back and put your feet in my lap."
He poured a few drops of oil onto his palms and rubbed them together to warm them. The peppermint scent filled the air, a pleasant aroma.
Nathan took one foot in his hands and began to rub. I immediately let out a groan. Nathan chuckled.
"Ever had a foot massage before?" he asked.
"Never like this," I said with another soft moan. I relaxed back into the cushions, letting Nathan's fingers perform magic on my sore toes, heels and instep.
But before long, his fingers moved up from my feet, to my ankles, and then began massaging my calves. When his thumbs began to dig into the backs of my knees, I knew where this was going.
"I thought this was a foot massage," I teased.
"I can go back to your feet if you want," he said slyly. Even as he said it, he slid his hands up past my knees and skimmed along my inner thighs.
A warm, wet heat began to burn inside me. I took Nathan's hand and brought it under my dress. He squeezed my upper thigh. I parted my legs, my knees on either side of him, and let him crawl between them to press me down into the sofa. His length was already stiffening and pressing into my hip.
"Does this mean the foot massage is over?" I asked.
"I'd rather put my hands somewhere else right now."
He gripped my hips under my dress, his fingers a hot brand on my skin. He dipped his head and captured my lips with his. The hot tangle of our tongues was enough to send liquid passion soaring through me. I clamped my thighs down and bucked my hips, wanting to feel that delicious friction. Wanting to feel that now-familiar pleasure. Wanting to forget about my worries, my fears. All I wanted right now was Nathan's touch.
He grabbed the hem of my dress, lifting it up and over my head. He did the same to his shirt. My hands reached for his naked chest unconsciously, wanting to feel his firm, inked muscles under my fingertips. I explored the peaks and valleys, feeling him flex as I found his sensitive spots.
I trailed my fingers down his torso until I reached that tempting V just above his belt buckle. I traced the lines with my fingers, making him shiver. I relished the effect my touch had on him.
Nathan returned his lips to mine in a ferocious kiss. I fumbled with the buckle of his belt and quickly unzipped his jeans. He kicked them off, leaving him in his boxers and me in my panties.
We exhaled into each other's mouths, taking a moment to catch our breath. I was already wet with desire, aching to be filled. His cock was stiff against my stomach and weeping at the tip.
"Bedroom," he murmured into my mouth.
We dragged each other from the sofa and hurried to his bedroom. Nathan tugged me into his arms and began to lower me to the bed. I squirmed, pulling back. He looked confused.
I turned around and crawled onto the bed, getting on all fours. I arched my back and turned my head to look at him. The heat
in his eyes turned blazing, his eyes darkening.
"Like this," I murmured.
He wasted no time. His boxers were long gone, and my panties soon followed as he practically ripped them from my hips. He dove into his nightstand and rolled on protection before returning to me. He plastered himself against my back, the head of his cock nudging my entrance.
"Take me," I urged him. "Take me like this."
He moved his hips in a circle, dragging the tip up and down, rubbing against me but not yet entering.
"What's that?" he said in a darkly amused tone. "I didn't quite hear you."
"Give it to me," I begged. "Now."
"Hm?" He pressed a sucking kiss against my neck and chuckled. "I don't think I understand what you mean."
"Fuck me!" I demanded.
With one smooth thrust, he entered me. I gasped out loud at the intrusion, my body quivering under his, trying to accommodate his length. I always forgot how big he was, and this position only made him seem that much larger.
He held himself there, letting me get used to him. I let out a slow breath, the tension in my shoulders easing, then nodded my head for him to continue. He pulled back and slid in again, slick against my slippery inner walls. I moaned at the sensation, as he hit that perfect spot inside me.
"Faster," I breathed. "Faster."
He did as I wished, grabbing onto my hips and slamming into me. I cried out with each rapid thrust, my breath coming in fits and starts. On and on it went, never-ending, for what seemed like an eternity, until I was nearly mindless with pleasure, lips parted and eyes unseeing.
Nathan reached around me to play with my clit, and I was already so close I exploded with just that touch, sparks flitting across my vision, a kaleidoscope of colors. My inner muscles clenched and squeezed, working his cock until he, too, came with a long groan of his own. He twitched inside me, pulse after pulse until eventually his grip on my hips loosened.
"Fuck, gorgeous, you're fucking amazing." He rested his forehead against my back, panting heavily.
I flopped down onto the bed and pulled him down to curl up next to me. He gathered me into his arms and tucked my head under his chin.
Our breaths evened out, our chests no longer heaving with exertion. Nathan ran a hand up and down my back, along that sexy curve he loved so much. His movements began to slow, then stop. I sensed Nathan slowly slip into sleep.
Hard Rock Kiss Page 16
