by KT Fisher
Finley looks at me from the corner of his eye, a slight smile still in place. I’m taken aback by his presence actually, he seems to take over everything around him and has my complete attention.
“The guys are waiting in the studio, with a friend of ours.” He informs and holds open a door for me, which leads to an elevator. He waves a hand for me to enter and quickly follows me inside. He inserts a card, followed by a sequence of numbers and the door closes. I’m suddenly hit by the intensity of Finley, we’re not looking at each other or touching but I feel as though he’s embracing me all over.
“Why are you looking for a girl?” I ask him, wanting to break the silence.
Finley looks at me with utter shock, and I feel as though I just pulled him from a deep thought. He clears his throat before answering. “We want something different for our new album, and we feel as though a female would be a great change. You know, for duets and when I heard your voice I thought you would be perfect.”
His grey eyes burn into my blue ones and I have to look away. My traitorous cheeks burn, showing Finley that I’m affected. The elevator stops, opening the doors and I quickly step outside, shocked at what I see.
“Wow.” I gasp, looking around in amazement. “This is amazing.”
I look to Finley is awe. “You like it?”
I hold my hands out and wave them around like a mad woman. “Do I like it? This is the biggest studio I’ve ever been in!”
And that’s true. This place spans out the whole space of the entire building. There’s the recording booths with all the sound equipment you would ever need, food machines and a seating area with tables, and a couple of large sofas. His two bandmates are currently sat with a gorgeous girl, who I’m guessing is the ‘friend’ he mentioned.
“You’re welcome to record here anytime you like.” Finley offers and I’m shocked at his kindness.
Finley walks to the sofas, holding out his arm towards me with that knee jerking smile. “Guys, this is Riley.”
They all look to me with wide smiles as they greet me. “Hey.” I reply.
Finley gestures to his bandmates. “This is Caden,” Caden has short dark hair, big brown eyes that a girl could lose herself in and a very gorgeous face. His piercings on his nose, eyebrow and lip make him seem a little dangerous and I bet the girls would love to eat him up.
Caden nods, looking me over and I feel a slight thrill go through me. “Hi Riley.”
I return my welcome and then Finley introduces Liam. “Liam is the bimbo of the group.” Liam is just as good looking as Caden and Finley, but Liam is more classically handsome with his chiselled jaw, which is covered in stubble, his blue eyes shine bright in contrast with his golden hair, very much the same shade as mine. It’s styled smoothly back, with the sides of his head shaved and a tattoo in some sort of pattern that flows from behind his ear. It’s an impressive piece of ink and it sets him apart from any other pretty blonde.
Liam shakes his head, laughing. “Hey Riley, don’t mind Fin, he’s jealous he hasn’t got beautiful hair like us.” He wraps his arm around the girl next to him. “Aye, April?”
“Don’t worry, I got your back.” I flash Liam a wink. “Us blondes have to stick together.”
Liam laughs as Finley finally introduces the beautiful girl sat in the middle of Caden and Liam. “This is our friend, April. She helps us write songs and has come up with some new ones for our duets.”
“She hasn’t said yes yet.” Points out Liam.
“Oh, she will.” Finley looks to me, those damn hypnotic eyes pulling me in.
April stands from her seat. “Hi Riley,” She approaches me with a huge smile, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve seen her before. “You’ll get used to them.”
“Have we met before?” I ask, trying to come up with a reason why she seems so familiar.
“No.” She shakes her head. “I don’t think so.”
“You might know her younger sister, Lily.” Finley suggests and I observe her dark blonde hair, her deep blue eyes and familiar features.
“From Glitch.” I point to April when it clicks. “You’re Lily’s sister, you look so much alike.” The only thing separating them is the shade of their hair and eyes.
April nods, smiling. “We get that all the time.”
“I bet, she’s cool. I’ve met her a few times.” I follow April towards the free sofa and Finley sits on the chair facing me. I feel his eyes on me and I have to remind myself that he’s well known for his womanizing ways, and I won’t be taken in by him. Caden and Liam are very attractive, but Finley is something else entirely.
“So Riley,” Finley begins. “We asked to meet you because we’re interested in bringing a woman closer to the band than anyone has before. We don’t want another band member, just someone permanent who will collaborate with us from time to time, to switch up the sound of our songs.”
“Like an extension from the band?” I ask.
“Exactly.” Liam nods.
“What about me?” I ask.
Finley leans forward, his arms resting on his knees. “You’re welcome to use me anytime.”
“And the band.” Caden pipes in, making me giggle.
“How many songs are you thinking?” She asks.
“I’ve written around seven potential songs with them,” replies April.
“You think you could handle that?” Finley asks and I look him right in the eyes.
“I can handle anything.” With a wicked smile of my own.
“So you’re in?” Asks Caden, and there’s silence as I quickly think it through. I already know I’m going to say yes, I’d be stupid not to but I enjoy soaking it in and letting Finley wait for my answer.
“I’m in.” I nod and Liam jumps up and strides towards me.
“Welcome to the team!” He wraps his arms around me and squeezes tight.
“Thanks.” I laugh, my voice a little muffled because I’m pressed so close up against his chest.
“Alright, let her go.” Finley says, sounding closer than he was a couple of minutes ago and when Liam drops his arms, Finley is stood right beside us.
Liam leaves us to it, and Finley takes a step closer. “You made the right choice.”
I feel as though I just said yes to something else, rather than collaborating with the band.
“Come and look at the songs Riley.” April shouts from the table, and sets out a notebook for me to look at, with one last look at Finley, I join April as she goes through the songs I will be featuring on.
After thirty minutes of going through them and discussing some minor changes, I sit back in my seat. “April these songs are amazing, we need to write together sometime.”
“Thanks.” She blushes. “I’m a writer, but it’s nice to create something different every now and then.”
I hold the notebook and read through her lyrics. “You’re crazy skilful with words.”
I spend the rest of the day talking with the band and getting to know them. The songs are beautiful and I can’t wait to begin singing them, the only thing that I’m a little agitated about is a couple of them are very intimate but I have every faith that they will do very well and that’s what we’re here for. I’m just going to have to keep Finley at arm’s length. My manager Marcus, already sent over the contract D Records mailed to him for me sign. Marcus has already squiggled his signature on it, and now it’s just up to me to sign. Now that I know them a little better, and I get a sense of what is needed of me, I sign it in front of them all and April claps.
“I think we should celebrate.” Finley suggests.
“Fuck yeah!” Cheers Caden.
“You coming Riley?” Asks Liam, his eyes begging me.
“Only if I can bring my best friend.”
“Then it’s settled.” Finley approaches me as Liam, Caden and April talk amongst themselves. “I need your number.”
“Why?” I challenge.
“For when I need you.” His voice deep and teasing me,
he knows what he’s doing. Instead of letting him know he’s affecting me, I grab his phone from his hand and ignore his smouldering eyes as I type in my number.
“There.” I pass it him back and he tucks it back into his back pocket. Ignoring his devilishly handsome face, I say bye to them all and promise to meet them later.
As I wait for the elevator to reach the top level of Lunacy’s penthouse studio, Finley joins me. “I’m happy you’re with us.”
“So am I.” I honestly reply. “I’m certain the songs will be a success.”
Finley lets his eyes feast on me, and for just a second I let myself enjoy it. “We could let ourselves have some extra fun.”
His finger skims along my arm that is thankfully covered with my shirt sleeve otherwise he would see my goose bumps. The elevator doors open and I jump inside, turning back to face Finley. “Let’s keep this professional.”
Finley stands opposite, watching me and just before the doors close I hear him quietly reply. “I don’t think I can do that.”
And when I’m alone my head hits the back of the elevator wall. Fuck I’m in trouble here.
Chapter Five
As soon as I get home, Cassie is ready and waiting for me. “How was it?” She asks before I’ve even managed to close the front door behind me.
“I’m going to be an extension of Lunacy.” I deliver to her and with an adorable scrunched up face, she tilts her head to the side. “It means, whenever they want a woman’s voice on their songs, I’ll be there and if I want them to feature on my songs, they have to.”
Cassie’s face lights up. “That’s amazing Riley!”
I settle down my bag on the counter and join her in the living area. Cassie and I share an apartment together. It’s large, very modern and open plan. The colour scheme is anything goes and we try to keep our own individual mess to our bedrooms.
“They’ve asked if we want to join them to celebrate tonight.” Just like I predicted, as soon as the words are out of my mouth Cassie’s eyes widen and she jumps right in front of me.
“Yes!” She shouts excitedly, and I know she’s already thinking about our outfits which is awesome for me because as usual I have no clue. “I have to be at work early though, but I’ll be fine.”
“Why?” I ask.
Cassie is a radio DJ and hosts the 10 – 12:30pm slot. She’s amazing at her job and has a big following because her funny and kind spirit shows through.
Cassie sighs. “Daryl is away this week, so the rest of us have to juggle his early slot at 7. He’s always on before me, so I don’t mind but I’m glad I’m not doing it all week long.”
We sit down at the sofas and April comes to my mind. “A girl was there today too, her names April and she helps them write some of their songs. She’s really nice.”
Cassie nods. “She’s Rhys’s oldest daughter, who is in Decoy with Finley’s dad, Jax.”
“How did you know that?” I laugh through my initial shock.
“I am a DJ Riley.” She rolls her eyes, but then she laughs at herself. “I asked about them at work today and Scott, who loves Lunacy told me all about them.”
My phone alerts in my bag, and when I look at the screen I have a text from a new number. I open it up, my eyes widening the more I read.
Riley, it’s Finley. I’m so happy you said yes today, you won’t regret joining us and I don’t doubt you will have a lot of fun with us. I can’t wait to see you tonight and see you let your hair down. I’m hoping you wear a dress, I bet you have every man’s attention tonight but I want you to know you already have mine. Save a dance for me.
“Who is it?” Asks Cassie and I look up at her, my cheeks burning.
“Finley.” I reply, my voice is slow as I try to catch my breathing.
“Holy shit!” She shouts. “Finley from Lunacy? He has your number?”
I nod, deciding not to tell her what he has said in this text. I can’t believe he’s so forward! I mean, I know he’s a flirt and I’ve heard he’s a huge player and although I had the feeling he was flirting earlier, I didn’t see much evidence of this but reading this text, I have no more doubts.
“He just wants to know if we’re coming tonight.” I lie.
“Obviously.” Cassie shakes her head.
Finley then lets me know what club they will be meeting at and are waiting in one of the VIP areas, so when I arrive I just have to tell them mine and Cassie’s name to gain access to our private party. Being a celebrity myself, I’m used to VIP areas, but I don’t tend to use them a lot. Especially seeing as though I’m not a huge celeb, like Finley and his family are. I think I’ll do it my way and have some fun with the ‘normal’ crowd.
“So,” Cassie interrupts my thoughts. “You sort out dinner and I will have a look through my dresses.”
“Why not mine?” I ask, thinking that my black dress will be perfectly fine.
Cassie laughs, and it’s the kind of laugh you would expect from a villain from a Disney film. “You’re funny Riley.” She gets up from the sofa and pats me on the shoulder on her way to her room. “We both know you don’t have the appropriate dress to win over Finley Parker in your wardrobe.”
I don’t know which part of that statement I should be pissed at. “I don’t want to win him over.”
Cassie looks at me over her shoulder, her light curly hair bouncing as she does. “Sure honey!”
I’m a little annoyed that Riley didn’t text me back, but I let it roll off my shoulder. It was a risk and I was prepared to take it. I know Riley is as attracted to me as I am her. God when I saw her waiting in the hallway, I almost fell down those fucking steps because I was so shocked at how gorgeous she fucking looked. Her bright blue eyes struck me and when we were in that lift, I couldn’t think straight. I had images of pushing Riley back against the wall and kissing her plump lips. I fought so hard not to act on my fantasy, I have no doubt she would have kicked my ass if I had done what I really wanted to do.
“I’m looking forward to tonight.” Signs Liam.
“Yeah, I need to bring a woman back tonight. I’m horny as fuck!” Caden agrees.
“Fucking hell Cade.” I laugh, shaking my head. “Too much information.”
“Don’t worry about Fin,” Liam looks to Caden. “He’s just pissed he didn’t get a kiss from Riley.”
Caden bursts out laughing. “Maybe that’s a good thing.”
“Why?” I ask, a little too harshly and the both of them exchange a glance.
Caden puts down his beer. “We’re working with Riley, and if you two get together and you fuck her off, the band is left in the shit.”
“Why would I fuck her off?” I ask, a little insulted even though it rings true from past events.
Liam laughs. “Finley, you’re twenty seven and haven’t had a serious relationship.”
“Neither have you.” I point out.
“Yeah but I’m not wanting to fuck around with the girl we’re bringing in to help us. You will piss her off and then fuck us over.” He points out.
Maybe he’s right, but I’m drawn to Riley in a way I’ve never been taken in by a girl before and she’s got my dick hard. I want to explore Riley, I don’t want to piss her off the way Caden and Liam suspect I will. I get where they’re coming from because I’ve been with a lot of women, sometimes more than one.
“Fine, I’ll keep my distance.” I hold my hands up.
Liam looks at me with no expression at all. “Stop talking shit Finley.”
“Ah man.” I run my hand through my hair.
Caden shakes his head. “I don’t know, Riley hasn’t fallen at your feet like the rest of them. Maybe she’s not into you.”
I grab my bottle of beer and take a big gulp. Riley does act differently than any other girl I’ve met, she’s strong and very funny. She’s going to make me work for it, I just know it but I have faith that Riley is interested in me and it’s just a matter of time until I’m able to kiss those beautiful lips of hers.
&nbs
p; Deciding that I’ve been waiting around the house for fucking hours, the three of us get into the car driven by one of my dad’s security guards. Since he got back with my mum, he had a whole team of security surrounding them and the band. Growing up, the security were a part of the family because they were always there and I trust them all with my life and those of my family and closest friends. Tonight, it’s Dave who is driving us and he’s a good guy. He worked with my dad for a while but as soon as my profile was raised, my parents wanted him as my own, personal body guard and with Dave are his own team of security.
“To the clubs Dave!” Liam hollas from the back of the car and Dave gives a single nod before driving away from the house.
“I just got a text from Taylor.” Caden announces, looking down at his phone. “They’re out tonight and want to know if we’re going to Transform?”
Transform is one of the most exclusive nightclubs in London, and it’s obviously where we’re going. We’re meeting Riley there with her best friend. April was invited too, but she said she couldn’t make it.
“Tell him we’re headed there.” As Caden types out his text, I quickly add. “And tell the fucker Riley is off limits.”
Caden smirks as he continues typing and laughs when he gets a reply. “He said he can’t keep any promises.”
I grit my teeth, deciding to ignore Taylors teasing and by the time we pull up at the club, she hasn’t text back to either of my texts. I don’t even know if she’s here or not. Dave, our security guard/driver for the night escorts us inside and we’re guided through the back entrance into the VIP section. Usually we would go through the front, give the club some celebrity exposure and let everyone in the club know we’re here but tonight I want to play it differently. I told the guys it’s because I want a quieter night to celebrate Riley, but really it’s because I want to spend more time alone with her.
The thumping of the music hits as soon as we enter the building. Caden claps his hands together, excited for the night to come and Liam laughs. These guys are as bad as I am with women, so I don’t understand why they give me shit for it. Then again, they’re not planning anything with Riley. At least I fucking hope not. I’d rather not compete with my best friends for her attention.
