“Would you repeat that?”
He laughs. “I’ve been thinking about what’s going on under your hippie librarian clothes since the first night I met you.”
“No, the first part.”
He drops my arm and takes a step back. He slowly looks me up and down taking in every inch of my body. “You’re the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
I gulp. I feel like I’ve stepped into some alternate universe where all the nerdy bookworms are considered hot and models and actresses are mocked.
“Aren’t you going to get changed?”
Nic is still in his jeans and T-shirt. He nods. “I’ll be right back.”
After a few moments he returns from his closet with some swim trunks. I expect him to go into the bathroom to get changed but to my surprise, he drops his jeans right in front of me.
I try to protest but no words will come out. My mouth is just opening and closing like a mute puppet.
“What’s wrong?” Nic gives me that smug grin of his.
“You’re—um—” He’s standing in front of me with just his T-shirt and boxer briefs. He’ll need to remove the underwear to put on the swim trunks. I know I should probably turn around but I’m frozen in place.
Maybe I should close my eyes?
He removes his T-shirt and his chest seems even bigger and more muscular than I remember when he took his shirt off on stage. Maybe it’s just because he’s right next to me, but I can see the outline of his muscles and the way his tribal art tattoos seem to fit perfectly around them.
I’m so busy checking out his flawless chest that I don’t realize until it’s a little too late that he’s going for his boxer briefs.
“Don’t you want to change in the bathroom?” I mumble.
He shakes his head and grins at me. “No, I don’t want to get changed in the bathroom. My house. My rules.”
He pulls down his boxer briefs and I catch a glimpse of everything before I manage to cover my eyes with my hand. Brooke was absolutely right when she said he was well-endowed. That’s a rumor that has now been proven to be one hundred percent valid.
“You can take your hand from your eyes now.”
When I look back over at Nic I notice he’s got his swimsuit on. It’s one of those longer swim trunks with all kinds of crazy colors and patterns. They kind of make him look like a little kid going to the beach for the first time.
I actually like Nic Rayne much more when he’s vulnerable.
Okay, maybe I like him a lot. But it’s still not something I’m ready to admit to anyone. Not even myself.
“You don’t usually wear swim trunks, do you?”
“Is it that obvious?”
I nod.
He grabs my hand. “Come on. I’ll show you the hot tub.”
When Nic turns on the lights to the pool area I nearly gasp. His backyard looks like a resort. He’s got a giant infinity pool with the most beautiful postcard mountain view I’ve ever seen. On one side of the pool is a large bar and outdoor kitchen area that looks like a party hub. On the other side is a large hot tub surrounded by a luscious waterfall garden.
“This is magnificent.”
“I tried to make it a show piece. Although I have yet to invite anyone here but the guys and Raven. I’m just too busy. When I’m not on the road with the band, I’m usually on a movie set somewhere. Not a lot of time to entertain.”
The sadness in his voice makes it sound like he has some regrets about his life—or maybe his lifestyle.
He pulls me over to the hot tub and turns on the jets. The interior hot tub lights come on and the water begins to bubble. Even though it’s hot outside, I can see steam rising up from the water.
“Looks inviting,” I say.
Nic opens a small closet next to the hot tub and removes two fluffy towels. He places them on the edge of the hot tub and then steps in.
“Ready?”
I nod and he helps me in with him.
The water feels like a warm blanket covering my body. And the bubbles feel so soothing I almost feel like I want to go to sleep.
“Do you like it?”
“No.” I laugh. “I absolutely love it.”
“I’m glad.”
Nic leans back and closes his eyes for a few seconds. Then he says, “I rarely do this.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
I can’t help but smile because I rarely do nothing either. I’m usually too busy with work and Brooke and trying to write the next great American novel.
“Well, I hate to spoil your nothingness but you did promise me an interview.”
“You’re right.” He turns to face me. “You can ask me anything you want.”
“And you’ll answer no matter what the question?”
He laughs. “I never said that. I said you could ask me whatever you want. The answers cost extra.”
“Oh, really?” I tease. “And how would you like me to pay for these answers?”
“I’m sure we can work something out.”
“The first question I have is how you got together with Leo and Xander and formed the band.”
Nic leans back again and I do the same. The sky is turning dark and soon we’ll be able to see the stars on display in the night sky.
“My mom died when I was eight and I was raised by my dad, if you can call it that. He was a jazz musician and tended to be gone a lot. If he wasn’t playing local gigs until all hours of the night he was on the road for weeks at a time. So I spent a lot of time with my aunt, my mom’s sister, and her kids, my cousins Leo and Xander. My aunt was mentally ill. Bipolar. So we were left on our own a lot. Especially when she was in a down cycle and stayed in bed for days at a time. We didn’t have much but we had a lot of instruments. Leo and Xander’s dad was in a rock band before he died of a drug overdose. So we played music because we didn’t have anything better to do and it kept us off the streets.” He laughs. “It kept us off the streets until we were old enough to figure out how much fun it was on the streets.”
“It sounds like all three of you might have had music in your blood. Your dads were musicians.”
He nods. “We started our first band when we were in our teens. Xander and I were sixteen and Leo was fourteen. We called ourselves Tuna Casserole.”
I laugh. “That’s ridiculous.”
“I know. It’s a cheesy name. But we were just kids having fun at that point. We met Raven about a year later. She just kind of attached herself to us. Her mom and dad were drug addicts so she fit right in with our motley crew. She’s actually the one who came up with Always Rayne for the band. And as soon as she said it, the moment the words came out of her mouth, it was like we all looked at each other and just knew that we were going to hit it big.”
“They’re really important to you, aren’t they? Leo, Xander and Raven.”
“They’re my family. My dad died of a heart attack a few years ago. Leo and Xander’s mom killed herself a year after we graduated high school. And Raven’s parents are both in prison for dealing drugs. We’ve only got each other.”
“I always thought my parents were a little eccentric. Not many people I went to school with had a writer and an inventor for parents. Most of the kids in my high school had lawyers or doctors for parents. But they definitely aren’t mentally unstable and the last thing they would do was drugs. My parents rarely even have wine with dinner. My life was pretty uneventful growing up.”
“And that’s why you’re you.”
I’m not sure if he thinks that’s a good thing or a bad thing. “Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever be able to write anything great because I’ve lead such a relatively sheltered life. I’ve never really suffered like most great writers. And I didn’t have a dysfunctional childhood. I don’t have any demons that need to be exorcised.”
“I don’t think it’s necessary to suffer to be a great artist. I think you just need to be passionate and intellectually curious. You’ve got both of those down.�
�
“And how do you know that?”
He looks into my eyes. It’s a serious look. Almost like he’s looking right through me. “Because I know you, Shakes. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”
“But how? I feel like I barely know you at all.”
“That’s because you already had your mind made up about me before you ever got the chance to know me.”
That stings. Have I really been that closed minded towards him? “I’m sorry. You’re right. But you have to admit that you’ve got a bit of a reputation and I haven’t seen a lot that disputes that.”
“And what reputation is that?” He gives me another one of his smug grins. I can’t believe he’s going to make me say it.
“That you’ve slept with every actress in Hollywood. That you’ve made your way through every model as well. That you’ll sleep with anyone who offers.”
He laughs. “I haven’t slept with Katie Lawrence.”
I wait but he doesn’t say anything else. “One actress? That’s all you can come up with? And she’s America’s sweetheart. Of course you haven’t slept with her.”
“It’s not like I haven’t tried. She’s in love with some cop. I can respect that.”
“Don’t you want to fall in love? Have a real relationship?”
“You mean like the one you had with Harvard?”
Another sting. He’s really good at that. “Don’t you want something more than just one night stands?”
“They usually last a little longer than one night. I like to go until at least noon the next morning.”
Just when I think I’m getting somewhere with him he’s back to being cocky as hell.
But then his expression turns serious. A lot more serious. If we weren’t in a hot tub I think his look would chill me. “There’s nothing wrong with enjoying sex. Especially when it’s something you’re really good at.”
“That is another part of the rumor mill. And also something about you being well-endowed.”
He grins.
“Not that I’m interested in confirming those particular rumors.”
He gets closer to me. “You’re not interested at all?”
My entire body feels like it’s melting and not just because of the hot tub heat. I can’t believe I’m actually thinking about what it would be like to be with Nic. I can feel my entire body ache when I think about him kissing me, putting his hands on my body, being inside of me…
Nic moves in even closer, so close I think he might kiss me. But he stops just centimeters before his lips meet mine.
“I want to take things slowly,” he whispers. “Do things a little bit differently this time.”
I actually feel myself deflate with disappointment.
“But why?” I mumble.
“Because you’re different. Because this is different.”
“You’ve never taken things slowly before?”
He laughs. “No.”
“Why?”
“I’ve never had to.”
I furrow my brow.” Never?”
“Let’s just say there’s a good reason they say being in a band is one of the best ways to get laid. Even being in a cheesy band like Tuna Casserole.”
I hold my breath as Nic takes his thumb and slowly caresses my cheek. Just that slight touch completely activates every nerve ending in my body. I can’t imagine what it will be like when he actually kisses me.
And I can’t believe I’m once again thinking about being with him. It’s getting to be a habit. One I’m not sure I like all that much. We’re so different. We’re from completely different backgrounds. We lead completely different lives. How could there ever be anything serious between us?
But could I ever be with him just on a short-term basis? Is it even in my DNA to have a fling? I’ve never even considered the idea and I can’t believe I’m considering it now. He’s just so irresistibly attractive. It’s almost like he’s got me under some kind of spell and I no longer have control of any rational thought or critical thinking skills.
“What’s on your mind?” Nic asks. His forehead shows lines of concern.
I shake my head. “Nothing. I think I’m just getting a little light-headed. Maybe we should get out of the hot tub.”
“Does that mean the interview is over?”
“For now,” I tease.
***
I’m not sure why it’s suddenly bothering me so much. Sleeping in the bed with Nic. Maybe it’s because I know deep down if he tries anything, I might not say no.
I don’t want to be just another one of his conquests. Another notch on his bedpost, as they say. If he even still keeps track of how many women he’s been with. If he did, would it be hundreds? Or even thousands? He is close to thirty years old. That’s a lot of years of potential partners.
“What’s up?” Nic asks.
“I’ve never actually slept with anyone besides Jackson,” I admit.
“He’s the only guy you’ve ever been with?”
I heave a sigh. “I had a few boyfriends in high school but it wasn’t anything serious. Just making out in the back of a car kind of stuff. Jackson was my first and only.”
“And what do you think is going to happen when we get into bed together?”
I gulp. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Are you afraid of me or of yourself? That I might try to take advantage of the situation or that you’ll lose control.”
“Both,” I admit.
He grins. “Good to know.”
“I have an idea.” I take a few of the pillows from the top of the bed and make a little barrier down the middle of the bed. Like a little pillow wall between us. Nic actually laughs so hard he snorts a little.
“That’s really how you want to play this?” He eyes me.
“I guess so.” He’s really good at making me second guess myself.
“Then let’s get in bed.”
“Okay.”
We both stare at each other.
After a moment, Nic drops his shorts so he’s only in his boxer briefs. Looking at his body again makes me completely weak and shivery all over. There’s no doubt he’s sexy. He oozes it out of every one of his pours. It doesn’t surprise me a bit that women throw themselves at him without a moment’s hesitation. Part of me wants to throw myself at him too.
And as much as my body might crave that kind of attention, my mind is reminding me that I’m not that kind of girl. At least I always thought I wasn’t. Being around Nic it’s getting harder to tell.
He lies down in the bed then turns toward me and frowns. “Your turn.”
I know I don’t have a choice. Sleeping in his bed is part of the deal. And that’s why I’m here, right? For the money. To pay off my student loans.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, maybe the money isn’t the only reason I’m here.
“Do you want to get into pajamas or something? I promise I’ll keep my eyes closed while you get changed.”
He’s got a little grin on his face which indicates that he has no intention of keeping his eyes closed.
“I usually just wear a T-shirt to bed.”
I remove my shorts. The T-shirt I’m wearing is long enough to almost touch my knees. It’s almost like I’m wearing a nightgown.
I climb under the covers and stare at the ceiling for a few moments. I’m almost afraid to look over at Nic. Then to my surprise he removes all of the pillows between us and throws them on the floor.
I turn to him and frown. “What are you doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing?”
“It looks like you’re removing my pillow barrier. Why are you doing that?”
“Because we’re not twelve. And it’s my bed. My rules.”
I cross my arms over my chest and pout. Although I’m not sure why I’m pouting. He has a point. We’re not kids. And it is his bed.
After a few seconds of pouting, I feel something on my foot. Like it’s being tickled by his toes.
“What are you doing?”
He cracks open one eye. “What are you talking about? Can’t you see I’m trying to get to sleep?”
I flop back down on my pillow. After just a few seconds my foot feels like it’s being tickled again.
“You keep touching my foot with yours.”
“What?” Nic asks innocently.
“Don’t play dumb. You know what you’re doing.”
He turns on his side so he’s facing me and props himself up on his elbow. His brown eyes look so dark and so sexy it almost hurts to look at him.
“I really have no idea what you’re talking about.” He looks like he’s holding in laughter.
“Okay, fine.” I move over as far as I can to the edge of the bed without falling off.
I should have anticipated Nic’s next move. He pulls himself and his pillows right next to me on the edge of the bed.
“Good night,” he announces before he gives a big, fake yawn.
“Point taken. I think we can both move back to the middle of the bed. I don’t want to roll right off in the middle of the night.”
“I have no problem holding you if you don’t want to roll off.”
“I’m sure you don’t.” I give him a playful little shove. “Move back over.”
He grabs his pillows and moves back to his side of the bed. I move back towards the middle of the bed as well.
After we both settle back into our spots Nic turns to me. “So was spending the evening with me as bad as you thought it would be?”
“It was much worse,” I tease. “Seriously, I had a great time. It was almost like a date.”
“Have you been on a date since you broke up with Harvard?”
“I’m not sure that’s any of your business. And why do you always call him Harvard?”
“I’ll take that as a no.” He gives me that smug little grin of his and this time I want to punch him.
“It takes time to get over a long-term relationship.” I glance over at him. “Not that you would know anything about long-term relationships.”
“You’re right. I’m known for not doing relationships. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have a relationship—a real one—with the right person.”
Always Rayne (The ALWAYS SOMETIMES NEVER Rock Star Romance Series) Page 9
