I laugh in his face. I can’t stop myself even when tears stream down my cheeks. He’s not happy, but everyone else is amused. “Sweetheart, lighten up. We’re a team–all of us. We can do this. Now we have to decide how to handle all the other shit. Mike, can you send me a copy of that picture that came in? I’m curious.”
He logs onto his laptop and send me an email. I’ll open it later.
“Baby, you’re coming with us for that interview with the Tennessean. No objections. Then I’m gonna talk to your dad about security.” Declan tells me.
“I think that is a little premature. Let’s release the album and video and then see what happens. I’m pretty sure we can get through the next few weeks okay. For right now, I’m still an unknown. Although I would like to know why people are sending pictures of me to the website.”
“I agree with Raven, let’s see how things go. Besides, I’m talking to James about a few security measures we’re looking at. I have hired two new associates to help me out, and I’m currently looking at three artists that may sign with MJ. I need to have security measures in place for all my talent.” Mike tells the group.
“Okay, we’ll see how this plays out.” Declan agrees.
“So one more thing. I know I originally agreed to personally represent you, but my workload is getting heavier, and I need to push back after the album release. I’ve hired someone to take over your representation exclusively for a while.”
Once again the room is silent. This is not good. The guy’s trust Mike, and he has been so solid and knowledgeable throughout all this. I’m not sure this is going to go over well.
“Before any of you flip out, let me explain the changes. You will still have all access to me, and your new guy will take direction from me. He is already in place and has been learning the ropes for a while. I stole him from his last company solely to work with Sayge.” Mike continues.
“When do we meet this guy?” Nate asks.
“You already have; I offered Jay the job three weeks ago and we had to work through his notice and possible non-compete issues. But since his company never actually promoted him from a Scout, we were able to come to an agreement.”
What? Jay? That’s awesome! I squeal and jump up to hug him. The room explodes with clapping and cheers. Jay’s beaming.
“You hid this from us? Man this is awesome.” Declan gives him a man hug.
“I couldn’t say anything until we came to terms. I had to promise not to go after any of the old groups I worked with for one year. Even though I worked for the event organization portion of the company, they have started a small talent side. To them, I was in direct competition, but Mike’s lawyer found a loophole with the title and promotion thing. So now I am officially an employee of MJ Labels and represent Sayge. I’m going to spending about twenty five percent of my time with him until January to train. I’m going to work with the Marketing group to set up a publicity tour, and Mike’s going to work on bringing new groups to the Label.”
All the guys move in for a handshake, and Mike’s happiness is apparent. Charlie brings in a tray of champagne and the rest of the employees follow her. Everyone, including people I have not met yet, congratulates Jay. Kelly’s in the corner next to another woman sneering at me. I raise my glass in her direction and give her my best ‘told you so’ smile. There’s a look on her face of pure embarrassment, and I feel catty for a brief moment.
“Attention everyone, I want to officially welcome Jay Stevens and Amber Williams to MJ Labels. We play hard and work harder. Our success is because of the people behind the scenes in this company, and I thank you all. Please raise your glass and toast to the newest members of our team.” Mike toasts the air, and we all salute.
The girl Kelly is standing by receives several pats on the shoulder, and I remember earlier Mike mentioning a new PR employee. She smiles over at me, but I can tell it’s forced.
Our group socializes a while more, and Declan offers to take Sayge and Jay out to celebrate. We say our goodbyes and I’m finally introduced to Amber. She is very professional with our introductions and even pulls out her tablet to schedule an appointment with the band to discuss some upcoming press. She doesn’t even flinch when Declan tells her to include me in every meeting. Cooper is going to be the contact for the Tennessean interview. I didn’t look before, but I notice a very pretty diamond ring on her left hand. Thank God.
The rest of our night is full of celebration. Even though I had my problems with Jay, I’ve gotten over them. And in any situation, I know Mike will always have my back.
The only thing bothering me is the picture. It’s a shot taken on top of the Eiffel Tower of Finn and me in an embrace. It can be interpreted as friendly or romantic, depending on how much you know about our story. I sent this to my friends only and know they would never share it. When Declan sees it, he can’t hide the hurt on his face but he doesn’t say anything.
Chapter 28
Thanksgiving at The Hayes
Declan
I’m fucking thrilled to have the next three days off. No studios, photo sessions, meetings with the label, or interviews. The last three weeks have been the most exhausting and nerve-wracking of my life. The day after our meeting with Jay we all met at the studio to listen to our music and choose the tracks for the album. We spent eight hours a day for four days but finally agreed on the songs. In the end, we picked out the exact some ones as Mike.
Since we were busy, Raven worked with Amber on some PR items. Cooper got sick of playing phone tag with the reporter from the Tennessean, so he asked Raven to take over the scheduling and ‘just set that shit up’. Even though Cooper and I usually handled all the business aspects of Sayge, it was becoming increasingly hard. One night over several pitchers of beer we came up with a plan. It may have been selfish, but we all agreed that Raven was the perfect person to help get us organized and keep our schedules straight.
She was open to the idea of helping, and she is great at it. So far she has set up a master calendar and keeps us linked through our phones. We had the interview with the Tennessean last week, and it will go to print the first week of December. Raven worked with TJ and had the photo shoot for the album cover at The Steamroom. Even I had to agree the pictures turned out badass. Between playing and promotional obligations, we are all ready for the small break Thanksgiving is bringing us.
Raven’s in the kitchen on the phone with one of her crazy friends. I can’t tell what they are talking about, but I know I’m not going to like it.
“Harper, he’s not going to like this at all but I’ll be there.” She hangs up and I join her.
“What am I not going to like?”
“The girls called NNN tomorrow night at your sister’s house. Since we didn’t get to do it over my break, we’re overdue. And we’re going to celebrate my birthday since Harper and Kendall have to go back on Sunday.”
“Please tell me you’re kidding? We haven’t had a Friday night together in forever.”
“Sweetheart, it’s only one night. We’ve got tonight together and then the rest of the weekend.”
“No, tonight I have to share with our families. Saturday I have to play. And your mom already mentioned wanting to do something on Sunday. So technically, I only have tomorrow night.”
“I told my mom no.”
She keeps talking, but I don’t hear a thing she says because when she walks around the island, I see what she is wearing. She dressed is some sort of wrap around black dress that hits her knees. The shoes are bright pink with bows on the back and make her legs look a mile long. My dick jumps in my jeans and I know we’re going to be late to her parent’s house.
I stalk to her and pull her into me until our mouths crash together. My hands rub up her sides dragging the material of her dress with them. She whimpers against me then tightens her arms around my neck. I move one hand down and feel her bare ass.
“Babe, why is your ass bare?”
“I’m wearing a thong.”
Holy Mother o
f God. I’m not going to make it to the bedroom. “Your choice counter or wall?”
“Declan, we can’t.”
I bend down slightly and lift her up and move her to the counter. Without answering her, I pull at both sides of her panties until they rip. Her breath hitches and I cover her mouth with my own. Then I use one hand to undo my jeans and the other to play with her. I slide a finger inside of her and feel her slick and drenched. Her body reacts by clenching at my touch. I move my face away enough to look into her eyes. They are sparking blue and full of desire. Even though I’m dying to be inside her, I need to watch her come at least once. I lean down and throw her knees over my shoulders. They tighten around my neck before I can even kiss her. I suck gently on her inner thigh and then nip my way to her pussy.
“You’re soaking wet.” She wiggles and runs her fingers through my hair pressing me down. I grab her ass to hold her still and use my thumbs to open up her lips. I can almost hear my dick begging to pound into her. I lick her lightly until I reach her clit then I nibble lightly on the skin. She bucks into my face, and I thrust my tongue into her as far as it will go. Her taste floods my mouth, and I move my thumbs away to grip her tighter. She moans loudly, and I raise my eyes to see her back arched. One hand is gripping the counter and the other rubbing over her tits.
I swirl my tongue against her flesh and enjoy the sight until I think I’m going to blow in my pants. I don’t want to stop, but I’m selfish and want to be buried inside her when I let go. I slide one finger in her heat and move it against her walls. Her whimpers tell me she is close so I pinch her clit, and she bucks of the counter screaming. Her thighs squeeze my head, and I continue licking her until her body relaxes.
Pulling her legs around my shoulders, down to my waist, I scoot her closer and slide into her. She watches me through hooded eyes, and I lean over to kiss her. I want her to taste herself and know why I am addicted. She arches up and rubs her tits against me. I wish I had the time to tear off this dress and kiss every part of her body.
We pull apart and stare, lost in each other as I pump in an out of her. Her warmth surrounds me. I try to go slow but with each stroke I get closer. I reach around and lift her ass up so I can go as deep as possible. She moves slightly, and it causes my apa to scrape against her. The sounds she makes are so fucking sexy I can feel my release building in my stomach. She adjusts again and brings her mouth down on my neck. Her tongue and teeth nip from my ear to collarbone.
“Faster.”
I lean back and slam into her causing a scream. I do this several times until I think my balls are going to be bruised. She convulses against me, and I yell her name as we come apart together. The orgasm washes through every inch of my body. My knees shake as I hold onto her until both our breathing returns to normal.
“Jesus Christ you’re amazing.” I whisper against her neck.
“I can say the same thing about you. What was that for?”
“Those fucking shoes. Your whole outfit is beautiful, but the shoes did it.”
“I’ll have to remember that. First my boots, now my shoes.”
I step back, instantly missing her warmth and set her on her feet. She goes to the bedroom to clean up and get new panties while I arrange my clothes. When she comes back out, I help her get our stuff and head to her parents. I’m pretty sure everyone will know why we’re late when they see her shoes.
****
Thanksgiving at the Hayes is much like Christmas. Jenna not only combined our families but invited the Black’s too. Finn’s flight back to Nashville was delayed several times due to weather, and he didn’t arrive until late Monday. With Raven’s school schedule, they haven’t been able to see each other yet.
When we get to the Hayes, I join the guys in the living room to watch football and Raven joins the women in the kitchen.
“Yo, man, I hear the girls have NNN tomorrow night. You want to go out with us?” Robbie asks when he hands me a beer.
“Sure, where are we going?”
“Not sure yet, but it’ll be a whole group. Tripp, Jimi, Gabe, Finn, Will, you, and me.”
I’m not surprised to hear Will’s going. Raven hasn’t told me the whole story but apparently Ella and Will patched things up. I knew they stopped seeing each other this summer, but I was so fucked up over Raven, I never asked what happened.
“Actually I have some passes to an MMA event in town if you guys want them. I have enough for Declan to invite the band too.” James tells us.
“That’s cool. Thanks, Dad.”
James gives us the details of the fight, and I text the guys to see if they want to come. Each one of them says yes. We make our plan to meet up, and Robbie goes out back to fry the turkeys.
I don’t know how she did it, but Jenna set us all up at one table. My dad says the blessing and once again mentions how proud Mom would be of us if she were around. Abbi and Ella sniff a little and when he is done there are tears in Raven and Jenna’s eyes. I look at my dad and wonder how in the world he made it through her death. If something happened to Raven, I’m not sure I could go on.
Dinner is an event. There is so much food on the buffet I’m certain the girls were expecting ten more people. Raven made a few dishes and brought them over, but it’s obvious they aren’t needed. I can’t even fit half the stuff on my plate.
Raven insists on sitting between Finn and me. Before I know it, she has convinced him and Robbie to go for their tuxes on Saturday. She wants theirs to match the one I own.
My family helps clear the table while Raven and Robbie serve dessert. I made sure my dad brought the same pie he did last year since Raven loved it so much. Truth be told, I loved watching her eat it.
When everyone is done, Mrs. Black asks about the wedding. It didn’t take five seconds before every male at the table gets up and goes to the living room. This is total chick territory. I don’t mind talking about our wedding planning, but I need to hold some form of respect in front of the other guys. I don’t want to lose my mancard right before Guys’ Night Out.
Chapter 29
NNN with Testosterone
Raven
I wonder if it can really happen. Can one die of death by orgasms? I swear I literally saw spots and my eyes rolled back in my head an hour ago. Since we got home last night, Declan hasn’t let me go. I finally had to threaten him to get out of bed and bathe. He has to meet the guys in an hour, and I need to get to Abbi and Ella’s.
“Sparkle, what’s your outfit look like for tonight?”
“I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise. I bought it for you but haven’t worn it yet.”
He grumbles something and leaves the bathroom.
I dress in sweats and pack an overnight bag. Declan’s driving me because we’re going to the tux shop midmorning, and I didn’t want to have two cars.
I’m not sure of the details of the evening but something about dinner, drinks, and a fight at the Arena. I’m not really familiar with fighting, but I assume it’s a boxing match.
When we get to the girls’ house, Declan walks me to the door, and kisses me long and hard before letting me go in. Harper and Kendall pull up, and catcall as they walk up the drive. He promises to call me when he gets home and leaves reluctantly.
“Fucking finally! I thought he’d never let you go.” Charlie yells when I get to the kitchen.
“Shut up. Don’t piss me off this early in the evening. He’s mad because he finally has some time off, and I made plans for tonight and tomorrow morning. He’s gotten possessive of our time alone together.”
“Has he grown a vagina too?”
“Charlie! Lay off, you of all people know how busy the guys have been. I think it’s sweet, but he knows how sacred NNNs are so he’ll get over it.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m kidding with you. I actually got my own form of lecture this morning from Blake.”
“Enough about hot, possessive boyfriends. Don’t forget that not all of us have a member of the hot-tourage.” Harper s
ays.
“Okay, enough about them. Let’s get dressed.” Abbi announces.
Sleeping arrangements are made, and I’m in the room with Abbi. We change quickly and join the others back in the kitchen. Ella has poured tequila shots and lined them up on the counter. Kendall stands at one end and raises her glass.
“I’m going to have to amend the toast since this isn’t technically a girl’s weekend. So, to the best girls’ night ever! May there be secrets, sauce, silliness, and sex!” We all lick, slam and suck down our shots.
I look at each girl and decide Harper is winning the nightie contest tonight. Her black satin baby doll nightie is hot! There’s lace trim everywhere and the straps have rhinestones. Because of this beading, I doubt it’s comfortable to sleep in, but it’s so sexy, I don’t think it’s meant to be slept in. I tell the others this, and they agree.
We didn’t choose a winner last year because of Declan’s interruption. So this year we announce her the winner before we get too drunk or interrupted again. There really isn’t a prize. Just bragging rights and saying the mantra.
Harper raises another shot to us, “We swear on the sisterhood that nothing leaves this house. We may be horny, we may be whipped, but we know ho’s are better than bro’s.”
“I want it to be said again this year, I think we can come up with a better mantra.” Ella tells the group.
“Why don’t you work on that for us? You have until Raven’s bachelorette party to come up with it.” Kendall answers her.
“Time for drinks and stories. We have too much to talk about to worry about our fucking mantra. A bunch of shit has happened since last NNN. I personally want to hear about Will Turner moving in without anyone telling me.” Charlie looks right at Ella and winks.
The drink of choice tonight is Pink Panty Pulldowns. We all find a place in the living room to sit and wait for Ella to fill us in.
“Basically, I’m a bitch and really quick to jump to conclusions. What I saw at the bar that night wasn’t what I thought. When he took me to lunch a few weeks ago, he explained everything. We picked up right where we left off. And Charlie, he hasn’t moved in here. It’s easier for him to stay on week nights. My stupidity costs us four months.”
Surviving Page 20
