by KT Fisher
“Fine.” He laughs, and it annoys me that he knows what he’s doing. Finley knows the effect he has on the opposite sex and he’s toying with me. “I need to do something before the show tonight, so I’ll leave you to it.” Finley leans into me, and I freeze as his mouth softly skims my cheek, kissing me slowly. “I’ll see you later.” He whispers, before leaving me.
The rest of the afternoon I feel weird and I think it has something to do with Finley. He’s gotten to me and I hate him for it. To try and get him out of my mind, I browse on my phone and when I see what’s trending, I close my eyes. I shouldn’t find this funny, but if I don’t laugh I will end up screaming. On my phone is a picture of Finley, strolling through a sea of paps and the headline reads, Who has got Finley travelling to the US? I shouldn’t click on the link, and as I watch for the page to load, I know I should not read whatever it says, but I just can’t seem to help myself.
This morning, the oldest son of rock star, Jax Parker, Finley arrived in New York but is it an innocent visit, or something else entirely? By coincidence or not, rising pop star, Riley James is also in New York, helping The Little Stars charity which helps children from all types of backgrounds. Riley has attended the concert that raises funds through ticket sales and the award ceremony that helps to celebrate the children for the past two years. Are the circulating rumours about their secret romance true, and that Finley is here to help support Riley for her third year helping the charity? Both Riley and Finley have said they are just friends, but if so, why is Finley here alone?
Finley Parker is known to be quite the ladies’ man. Could Riley be the girl to tame the young rock star, or could she sadly be another name on a long list?
Gritting my teeth, I close down the page but not before I notice other headlines about Finley and I, along with blurry photos of us both in the London nightclub. I can’t exactly complain because this is what I enrolled for when I decided to step into the public eye, it just frustrates me when I see lies and I know that some people out there believe them. My mind wonders to Finley and how he would feel if he read this, but then I realise Finley would probably love it and add fuel to the fire.
Speaking of which, my phone vibrates in my hand and I see it’s Cassie wishing me luck on the show tonight, and then a text I hadn’t realised I had received, from Finley.
Finley: Looking forward to seeing you on that stage again. I’ll be waiting for you after the show, I have a little something for you back at my hotel room
I shake my head, a smirk on my face while I text him back.
Me: Thank you, I agreed to have something to eat with you but I didn’t say anything about going back to your hotel room
I don’t have to wait long for a reply.
Finley: Surely friends can visit each other’s hotel rooms?
I don’t know what else to say, so I send him back a quick message letting him know I’m getting ready for tonight and I’ll see him after.
Once the night begins, I’m thankful that it starts to take my mind from Finley and his endless flirting. I stand stage side as I watch Callum Braydon, he’s a big shot hip-hop singer and very easy on the eye. His last song ends, and there’s a roar of cheering from the crowd.
“Thanks guys!” He waves. “Now, next up is my friend Riley James!”
More cheering erupts and goose bumps spread all over me. My dancers jump around behind me, before they run on stage and get in position. Callum runs off stage as I enter from the opposite end, I wave as there are screams and I’m in my element.
“Hello everyone!” I greet above the noise. “I’m so happy to be here again.”
The music begins and nothing enters my mind. All that I care about right now is being here, in this moment as I hear my lyrics echo back to me through the mouths of the fans and I soak it all up.
Watching Riley on stage makes me so fucking excited to join her. I want to sing next to her, flirt with her and hold her as we hit the last note. It shouldn’t be sexual, but I’m rock hard thinking about it. Thank god I’m sat down and covered, because this would be fucking awkward if someone was to spot my hard cock. However, I’m pretty sure every little fucker here is watching Riley and sporting their own erections as she sways those delicious hips. I just want to grab onto them and bury my face between those legs, I am desperate to taste Riley and it honest to fucking god scares me how badly I want to.
After the album is done, and we set another tour I hope Riley could join us because the Lunacy fans will adore her. She’d fit perfectly on the stage. As soon as Riley finishes up her set, I get up from my seat and walk right through to back stage. The guards know who I am, so let me through with no argument. I catch sight of Riley, celebrating with her dancers and the sight of her smile almost stops me in my tracks, but I have to make it back to Riley’s dressing room. I want to be there when she steps through, the high from performing is the best! It feels as though you’re floating on air and I want to see her face.
When I step inside, I see a black dress hanging up and waiting to be worn.
“Finley?” I hear behind me, and turn to see Riley standing watching me. “I didn’t know you were meeting me in my dressing room.”
“Don’t let me stop you from getting ready.” I point to the dress behind me.
“I need a shower, I’m all sweaty.” She laughs. “If you promise to behave, you can stay here while I go and shower.”
I hold my hands up in surrender and take a seat. “I promise to stay here.”
With a humorous smile, Riley escapes to the back room where she will shower, collecting the black dress on her way.
Riley almost knocks me to my feet when she walks out in her little black tight dress. It feels as if I have waited a lifetime while she was getting ready. I was browsing the photos I had taken of Riley while she was on stage, as I had to listen to the hair dryer. I knew she would look amazing, but what I did not know, was that Riley would look so beautiful and it does not go unnoticed that she hasn’t got a single drop of make up on.
“Sorry, but you’re going to have to be seen with this.” She points to her face as if it’s a bad thing. “My make-up artist went a little heavy for my make up earlier, and I needed it all off.”
“No,” I shake my head and stand. “You look beautiful Riley.”
I slowly close the gap between us, enjoying being able to see her natural and equally stunning face.
“No I don’t.” She laughs.
“It’s my opinion, and I say that you are.” I argue, causing her to smile and her eyes linger on me for a little while.
“Well Mr Parker, are you going to stand here all night complimenting me, or are you going to take me out to dinner?” She asks, her hand on her curvaceous hip as she pops it out.
“How can I refuse?” I laugh, walking over to the door and holding it open for her. “But I think we might be late, you take forever to put your make up on.”
Riley walks past me, a loud laugh escaping her pretty little mouth and it hits me hard in the stomach. Damn I didn’t know this girl was going to be so dangerous.
“Cheeky fucker.” She laughs as we walk together, we have to go towards the back hall to escape the venue quietly. I have Dave waiting with the car to drive us to the restaurant that I’ve picked out tonight. I observe Riley as we walk, she has no make-up on, her freshly washed and blow dried hair is up in some sort of messy pony tail. Dressed in her tight black dress and matching black heels, she looks fucking amazing!
“So, why are you here anyway Finley?” She looks over to me while asking.
I dig my hands in my pockets. “I heard there was a show I couldn’t miss.”
She laughs, and because her cheeks aren’t hidden, I’m able to see the slight blush. “You’re a real charmer.”
“I try.” I flash her a wink and once we reach the door, a security guard nods to us and opens it up.
I was not expecting the crowd of screaming fans and a large group of paparazzi. Riley and I share a look, both of
us in surprise at the people shouting our names.
“What do we do?” She looks to me in question, her eyes wide and bright.
I look out to them all and then back to Riley. “Stay close to me.”
I see Dave, holding open the door while at the same time fighting off a small gathering starting around the car. I wrap an arm around Riley and bring her in close. She walks with me as we step out and fight the crazy mob as camera flashes blur our vision.
“Hold on.” I warn Riley as a fresh group of screaming fans join and try to get to us but with the help from some security guards that quickly run over, I’m able to get Riley to the safety of the car and Dave shuts the door behind us.
“Wow.” Riley sighs when we’re alone.
Dave jumps in the front, and looks behind to us. “Everything ok?”
“We’re fine.” I nod to him and he brings up the privacy screen. “You ok?” I look to Riley.
She nods, smoothing her hands down her dress. “All thanks to you.” Dave begins to slowly drive away as the events security help clear the way. “I need to see you live now.”
I nod, liking the idea. “You do, maybe we can sort something out when we’re back home.”
Riley nods smiling, and I can’t help myself from returning the smile.
“You do know I’m not falling for your charms, right?” She points out, an eyebrow quirked in challenge.
“I know.” I offer, but it doesn’t mean I won’t keep trying.
We arrive at the restaurant, and I wait for Dave to open the door for me. It’s one of his rules, he likes to make sure I’m ok to exit the car.
“Let’s go and eat.” I step out the car as Dave holds the door, and I turn to reach for Riley. She looks to me and then back to my hand. “I won’t bite.” I taunt and with an annoyed roll of her eyes, she places her soft hand in mine and steps out from the car.
I knew she would freak if I took her to a fancy restaurant full of romance, so this is a bit low key but I still wanted privacy, so I made sure we had the whole top floor of the restaurant. I don’t want anyone disturbing us. We’re lead upstairs, and I know immediately that I made the right decision because the people that are eating are already staring and pointing.
“Wow.” Riley looks around as we enter the top floor. The waiter leads us to the centre table which is lit by candles and Riley smirks as I hold out the chair for her. “Real smooth.”
“I try.” I smirk, sitting at my own chair. The waiter passes us separate menus and leaves us to it. “You like it?”
“Yeah.” She nods. “It’s not romantic at all.”
I frown, looking around. “It’s not.”
“Finley.” She laughs. “You’ve got us up here, alone and sat at a table surrounded by the New York lights outside and lit candles in the centre of the table, this screams romance.”
I sit up straight in my seat. “Well, it wasn’t meant to be, I just didn’t want us hounded by fans.”
Riley nods, placing her hand on top of mine which lays on the table. “And that was nice of you.”
I look down at her hand resting over mine, and Riley quickly snatches it back. Riley covers her face with the menu and I let her have some peace and decide to not tease her. Instead, I browse at the food and when the waiter returns, we order.
“You were great tonight.” I compliment her again.
“Thank you, I really love this charity and I enjoy helping out.” She smiles.
“It’s a great charity.” I agree. “And to help support, I’ve paid for my seat at the award show tomorrow.”
Her eyes widen. “When?”
I understand her confusion, at awards like The Little Star’s, seats have to be bought and are usually snatched up.
“Yesterday.” I simply answer, pausing as the waiter delivers our food. “I had to get in, and I have my ways.”
This makes Riley laugh. “I’m beginning to understand that whatever you want, you get.”
“Not everything.” I look her right in the eye, enjoying the blush creep on her cheeks.
Riley looks down at her plate, taking a bite from her meal. “So, where are you sat?”
“Sitting next to you, of course.” I smile broadly, feeling happy with myself.
“But, my table is sold out, it has been since the day they were on sale. It’s the performer’s table.” She argues, but I laugh.
“You said that I get whatever I want.” I shrug.
“Who did you kick off the table?” She asks, not able to hold in her small smile.
“Nobody important.” I sip on my drink. “Are you glad I’m coming?”
Riley finishes her mouth of food. “I am actually. To be honest Finley, I really appreciate you coming tonight too. Cassie wasn’t able to come with me this time, and having a friend here means a lot.”
I hold my fist to my heart, grunting in pain. “Ouch, I’ve been friend zoned.”
Riley laughs, shaking her head. “You do know that the same rules apply for tomorrow right? No sex.” She points over at me from across the table.
“Not even friends with benefits?” I ask and Riley rolls her eyes, chuckling.
“You’re unbelievable.”
Riley and I talk constantly while we eat, there’s not a dull moment or any awkward silences. I’m shocked at how well we get on, and I fucking love seeing that gorgeous smile on her face. I’m glad I came here to join her, I knew I had to and it was hard to keep away. The more I get to know Riley, the more I get sucked in by her presence. I didn’t know she was so funny and care free. It’s refreshing compared to other women I have spent my time with and I intend to spend a lot of time with Riley James. Not that I can help myself when it comes to her, she’s becoming my addiction.
Chapter Seven
The whole time I’m waiting to board my plane, Finley is running through my mind and I just can’t seem to shake him. Last night replays and it brings a smile to my face. Finley really does not give in easily, and he’s starting to get dangerously close to my heart and I cannot have that. I had no idea he was so funny in his flirting, which is a fatal combination. Men like Finley love to play around with women by flirting and more. Just like he is with me, but I’ve told myself time and time again, I can’t be with another TJ. I won’t be second best to a man with a wandering eye, and Finley is far worse than my ex, TJ ever was because Finley is famous in his own right. Unlike TJ who only reached a little stardom because he was with me but was still able to bed more girls than I can count on my fingers. Finley is notoriously known to enjoy sharing his bed with many women, and I don’t want to be another number on his long list of names. No matter how close he gets. I won’t allow him to break through and make myself vulnerable to him.
I did think that Finley would have surprised me and got on the same plane though, but here I am all alone. Last night, at The Little Stars awards, Finley had told me that friends of his had discovered he was in New York and wanted to catch up, so he obviously decided to stay.
Thinking back to the awards, my heart flutters a little. I had worn my sparking, silver gown and when I opened my hotel room door and saw Finley waiting for me in his tux, I was happily stunned. He looks sexy in his usual clothes, but dressed smartly in his suit the man had nearly knocked me on my arse! All the women were looking at him, but Finley looked at me and nobody else. I wasn’t paying that much attention, but I did notice that I was his focus for the entire night, and it did make me feel good. I remind myself once more that I can’t afford to fall for Finley Parker. It won’t be good for my heart.
Finley had his seat beside me as the credits to all the young and wonderful were awarded and tears ran down my cheeks. The Little Stars always get to me every year and last night was no different.
This morning, when I did my daily scroll through my social media sites, I saw all the photos of Finley and I from the past two days and I can see why people are jumping to the conclusion that we’re together. Most of them, we’re both grinning at each other or la
ughing and then there’s the ones when Finley escorted me to the car he had waiting before we had our meal. He had his arm around me like a shield, he looks like the handsome protector.
My phone vibrating shocks me from my daydream.
Finley: Have a safe trip home and I’ll see you next week at the studio
I write out my reply and stare at the screen, wondering if I should put a kiss on the end or not. Would it look too forward? As my plane is called for boarding, I think what the hell.
Me: Thank you, have a good night out x
I look at my phone, happy that she replied to my text but at the same time I’m gutted that I’m not with her. Sitting next to her on a plane would have been the perfect opportunity to tease her more, but my friends deserve to not have me avoid them. Especially since I haven’t seen them for about six months. I really enjoyed myself with Riley the past couple of days and I look forward to reuniting with her when I get back home.
My phone rings, and I see its Mick, an old friend who lives in New York.
“Hey.” I answer, browsing the few clothes I’ve brought along with me. I can’t decide on what to wear.
“Finley!” Mick shouts down the phone. “I’ll be fifteen minutes, so be ready.”
“You’re coming now?” I ask, glancing at the time to see it’s three in the afternoon. I didn’t think we would be meeting for another couple of hours yet.
“Yes!” He laughs. “Courtney and Sky are at a party, they said it’s where we need to be tonight. Some rich guy has just moved in and is having a huge moving in party. All sorts of rich and famous there, so we should go.”
I pull out my black t-shirt and regular denim jeans from the hotel wardrobe, I don’t need to dress up for fucking house party. “I’ll see you in fifteen then.”
I hang up and change, looking forward to catching up with Mick and the girls, Courtney and Sky are old friends of mine. The four of us, along with Chad and Bronson, were tight when I used to live in New York. When I began to make my own money, I decided I needed a New York apartment but I soon realised it was a waste because I was hardly there, so I made the decision to sell. Chad and Bronson can’t make it tonight though, so we promised to meet up another time.
