Sing To Me: A Glory Days Production

by Hissong, Theresa

  "Yeah," I whispered.

  Liana nodded and started pulling me forward. "Now, before you find out the hard way. I don't want you to be surprised if some of the guys...um, well..."

  "Well," I asked with a raised brow. "Spit it out." I used her favorite words back at her.

  "Their adrenaline is pretty high after a show and they like to take some lady friends to knock off some steam. If you know what I mean?" She shrugged slightly and gave me a knowing look.

  Did that mean that I was to be the lady Ash blew off steam with? Or was she letting me know this so that if he ran off with some bimbo I'd be okay with it? He wanted me, this I knew. Wanting him on my part was a no brainer. He was a dream come true, and now that I'd spent some time with him that desire was driven to extreme.

  Better give it up to fate, even though fate was a nasty bitch sometimes.

  I smiled and pulled her forward. The badges around our necks allowed us to go anywhere in the building. We skirted the side of the stage and slid through and opening in the barricade. A few roadies said hello to Liana as we made our way to the backstage doors. Once inside the hallway arched around in a half moon shape, running the length of the stage.

  Rooms were labeled for each band. The first one we came to was for the opening band, The Surge. Not a bad band for their opening act. I liked their stuff. They hadn't been around long and I think I'd only heard their one hit song, "To the Night".

  About five doors down the hall we found our place. The smell of food drifted out of the door. I was almost too nervous to eat.

  Ash looked up as we entered and his eyes and nostrils flared for a moment before he smiled wide at the two of us. He raked my body with those emerald eyes. I shivered slightly. My choice of outfit seemed to be a hit, because not only Ash, but Gabe and Kane too looked me over with appreciation.

  I wore my skinny leather pants and a sleeveless top similar to the red one I wore the night before, but this one was white and sparkled. My black high heels cost a fortune, but even I knew they looked killer on my feet.

  Ash rose from his seat on the leather couch and made his way around the coffee table. The room was standard white with a couch, loveseat, coffee and end tables, some extra folding chairs and four mirrored tables for doing makeup and hair. Glory Days was not alone, the other band had arrived too and they were drooling over Liana and I. Ash didn't look happy.

  Everyone in the room noticed his possessive prowl toward me. I froze in place, like a defenseless deer. He was wearing almost matching leather pants to mine and another vintage t-shirt, this time it he was showing his love for Black Sabbath. The sleeves were cut out and the sides were split down to his waist, only the hem left intact to keep it wearable. I could see a tattoo on his side of a crouching black panther. His black shit kickers were unlaced and clomped loudly on the concrete floor beneath his feet.

  He reached me and placed a hand on my waist, pulling me close. My hand automatically fell upon his chest, and I could feel his heart beating beneath my fingers. He smelled amazing and his hair was gelled enough to give it some volume. I liked it.

  "You are entirely too tempting to be dressed like this," he whispered, and then placed a kiss on the spot below my earlobe. The action sent tiny prickles down my arms. My sex clenched and I felt moisture pool between my legs. My nipples pebbled hard against my bra.

  "Thank you," I said breathless. On a moment of bravery, I leaned in and kissed him sweetly on the corner of his mouth. That was the wrong thing to do, because he used his other hand to fist in the back of my hair and pull my mouth back to his.

  Ash's tongue licked my lower lip, urging me to open. When I did, he assaulted my mouth with his, our tongues dueling. When we both pulled back, our breathing was rapid and heavy. The spark in his erotic green eyes speared me and I couldn't move. We must have stood there for a while staring at each other, our hands still in place, before someone walked by and broke our concentration. A blush painted my cheeks a rosy red and I smiled up at him.

  "Come on, let's eat," he said as he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the table I hadn't noticed on the side of the room. Looks like someone catered in fried chicken and all the fixin's. He grabbed two plates and began filling one. "What would you like? Just let me know and I'll get it for you." He resumed piling his own plate full of potatoes, slaw, and rolls.

  "Actually," I said. "I'm not all that hungry." He stopped and looked at me like he didn't approve. Then he looked worried.

  "Are you okay?"

  "Yes, I'm fine." He stopped and set his plate down. He touched my arm and moved his hand up to my neck, like he was checking me for fever.

  "Are you sure? Why don't you want to eat, angel?" Ash looked worried. He called me angel again. I liked it.

  "Just my nerves," I admitted. Liana was sitting on the arm of the couch next to Reed, but her eyes were on me. The smile she gave me lit up the room and I wanted to punch her. She was trying to be my matchmaker.

  "Why are you nervous," he asked, still running his hands over me, but this time with a calmer touch. I really wanted to fall into his arms and hide there forever. He was so concerned, and domineering. If this was what it would be like to give him control over me then sign me up. I'd take it.

  "It's really nothing and I'd rather not talk about it," I admitted. "You have a show to prepare for." Pushing him back was like letting go of a lifeline, but I did it. He scowled at me and turned for his plate. When he reached the chair he motioned me over and patted his knee.

  I sat cradled in his arms with his plate of food in my lap. He would feed me a bite before he took one for himself. I didn't realize how hungry I truly was until that first bite hit my tongue. It was really good and I found myself enjoying his control a little bit more than I wanted too.

  Who feeds another person with only their hand anymore? I thought that happened only in historical romances. I was beginning to think this guy was too good to be true. Ash Martin was an amazing man.

  I finally raised my hand to halt his, "I'm so done. Please, no more," I laughed. He frowned a little and took the last bite for himself. He set the plate down and stood us both up.

  "Going for a walk," he murmured to Gabe, who nodded at Ash and gave me a sweet brotherly smile. Gabe was a good guy, just like his sister.

  We walked out of the room and turned right, heading back toward the door to the stage. "Where are we going?" I asked, unsure as to what he had in mind.

  "Just going to check out what's going on out front. There's about an hour before they open the doors and I thought I'd help with sound check." He opened the door for me and placed his hand on the small of my back, ushering me toward the stage.

  Standing frozen at the bottom of the steps, Ash turned to look at me and I know I looked like a deer caught in the headlights. I couldn't do this. Going up on stage was a no-can-do. My fragile self-esteem would surely break.

  "What's wrong, Mary?" he asked, but somehow I think he knew.

  "I..I can't go up there with you." My head was shaking involuntary and I started backing away. Ash's hand clamped down on my bicep and I tried to pull away.

  "Freeze," he commanded. And I froze. "Mary, breathe!" He looked totally in control. Something I was not, not even by a long shot.

  "Ash," I whispered. "This isn't a good idea. You don't understand."

  "Actually," he said. "I understand, angel. I'm not asking you to come up with me. I'm telling you to come up on this stage."

  He was in control. Always in control, he told me that when we met. Ash would take care of it. Oh, God, I must look like a damn fool! Ash's stage. This was his stage.

  I took a huge breath and walked forward. Ash's triumphant smile beside me gave me strength to move on. Roadies rushed around taping wires to the floor. Guitars lined up on their stands toward the back of the stage. A girl with a short butch hair cut was suspended above us locking lights into place.

  A roadie walked by and said hello to Ash, and gave me a once over, but not before Ash stepped i
n front of me, blocking his view. He was very possessive; something that I seemed to like more than I should.

  With a curt nod, Ash moved us toward the front of the stage where the main microphone stand sat all alone and empty without the actual microphone there to complete it. Slowly, I raised my eyes to look out at the empty arena. There were no chairs on the floor since that would be for general admission ticket holders.

  I could picture the crowd with arms raised singing along to their favorite bands songs. A mosh pit would likely happen halfway through Glory Days set, just like every show I'd been too. Their music was powerful enough to get a crowd raised enough to slam their bodies into complete strangers. That power came from the voice of the man standing next to me.

  Ash's voice was superb. Every note sang to perfection. A little bit scratchy when he slowed down and he had one hell of a high voice. The man could hold a high note for a long time. It was a miracle I didn't stare at him in awe, or hate him for having what I couldn't.

  "Stand here," he said quietly while he pulled me in front of the stand. He wrapped his hands around my waist, his front to my back. I felt sheltered and content. He nuzzled my hair at the back of my neck. "I want to give you this, but I don't know how."

  Facing forward I said, "My time has gone, Ash. And how do you know so much about me?" I didn't want to hear the answer.

  "A little from Liana," he admitted. "Please don't be mad, Gabe gets so excited to hear of the things you two get into that he shares a lot of information and pictures. God, the pictures. I felt like I knew you before I ever laid eyes on you for real."

  "Did you look me up on the internet?" I asked softly.

  "Yes, my angel. I know everything. How you were on your way to stardom, but it was shot down by that mother fucker of a stepfather. I heard you sing, there are some old videos on YouTube." He kissed the top of my bare shoulder.

  "And," I pushed. I wanted to know what he saw.

  "I saw the news reports, the audition tapes, and the performances. You were, are amazing. I'd love to hear you sing." He rubbed his calloused hands over my shoulders to help contain my shivers. The tears I'd held at bay threatened again.

  "I'll never sing again. At least not where I can be heard," I laughed unsteadily. "It's not very good. Only the shower walls hear me nowadays." I turned in his arms, so that I could look into his eyes. I ended up closer than I intended. He kept me plastered to him. I could feel every muscle in his rock hard abs against my breast and I stifled a moan. My hands rested on his forearms. His muscles there jumped at my touch. His skin was smooth on the inside of his arm where my thumbs were. I rubbed there absently.

  "Let me take care of you," he whispered into my ear.

  "I'm starting to like that idea," I admitted in a small voice I knew only he could hear. The idea still disturbed me, but for some reason, I trusted him, even though I didn't know him.

  "I want you to see my doctor," he suggested, but I was already shaking my head before he was finished with the question.

  "Ash, there is nothing that can be done," I choked, tears springing into my eyes. "I've seen a number of specialists, and they all say the same thing." He moved a hand from the small of my back to trace a line in my jaw; I leaned into his hand.

  "When was the last time you went?" he asked.

  "About five years ago," I admitted. "I'd had some problems swallowing and he said there was nothing wrong. I gave up all hope after that."

  Ash dropped his hand in defeat, but smiled, "Turn around, angel. Look out and tell me you wish there was a way. If I could make you sing again, would you do it?" I did at he asked and I wanted it. Like breathing fresh air, I damn sure wanted it. My heart leapt and for a second, just one tiny second, I could see myself on stage.

  A prick of pain ticked in my throat and the dream was lost. I was still Mary Montclair, photographer. "With my whole being, Ash Martin, I would give up everything to be back up here. Reality bites baby, and I have no business up here. My life now is to capture moments, not create them."

  We stood there in silence for a while looking out into the empty arena. Our breathing steady, our minds closed off, Ash would sway with me occasionally and I would squeeze his hand telling him I understood.

  "Hey Ash," someone called, breaking our moment. Ash let go of me, but kept one hand in his as we turned toward the roadie.

  "Yeah, Nick, what's up?" he asked.

  "Time to get gone, man," he laughed. "Unless you're ready to get mobbed. Doors open in ten." We laughed and Ash said his thanks.

  We rushed off the stage and back to the rooms. There were not many people there. Liana had said that only a few back stage passes were distributed to the local stations for giveaways. The opening band, The Surge were at the meet and greet before their appearance, and during their show, it'd be time for Glory Days to meet their fans.

  When we walked into the room, Gabe had Liana in the corner in a heated discussion and I knew exactly what it was about.

  Reed

  Reed was in the process of approaching the brother and sister, fury plain on his face. Ash reached out and grabbed his arm. "Dude, not now." Reed's pained expression told us he didn't want Liana upset and he was helpless to do anything.

  Suddenly, Liana broke away from her brother after saying something that made him pause. Whatever it was had to of been good, because she walked by me smug as the day is long. She'd spoken her mind and Gabe had backed off.

  "Wonder when he's going to give up on those two," Ash laughed. "Reed is totally head over heels in love with that girl." He grabbed my hand and pulled me over to the love seat.

  .

  "It's crazy," I agreed, as I watched Liana walk outside of the room. She needed to be alone and I wanted to go get her. Reed beat me to it and followed before the door could close on its own.

  "Hey," I turned to him, suddenly remembering something. "Can I ask you something?"

  "Sure, angel," he replied as he drew lazy circles on my thighs. It sure is damn hard to concentrate when he does that.

  "Can I use your balcony in the suite tonight to take some photos of the strip?" I almost begged. He had the perfect view and it was high enough to get almost everything.

  "Did you bring your camera here tonight?" he asked.

  "No, Ash," I smiled. "I wasn't asked to bring it, so it is tucked away safely up in the room. All I have is my iPhone." I held it up as proof.

  Taking the phone out of my hands, Ash tugged me against his chest and started snapping pictures of the two of us. "A little something for your personal file," he chuckled and it was cute. Then he posed and took some crazy self-portraits of himself. I snuck his phone from his back pocket (trying not to faint because I swear my hand grazed his luscious ass) and started taking my own self-portraits that I hoped he would look at after this weekend was over.

  After he was done making a fool of himself, he clicked on the little orange music button on my phone and immediately went looking for his own songs. When he looked up at me (I was dying of humiliation) and smiled so wide I could see nothing but white teeth, I knew exactly why.

  "You have every song we have ever recorded!" he yelled. Everyone turned around and smiled down at me. Geez, it was like being in a scary movie with clowns bearing down on you. They were the clowns, and I was the poor stupid little murder victim.

  "Well, um...yes," I blushed even harder.

  "Dude, I think I love her," I heard Kane say from across the room. He blew me a kiss and offered to autograph a part of my body, any part. He suggested I could get it tattooed on and for a split second I thought about it. Until Ash glared at him and he held up his hands in defeat. "I still love you, Mary!" He laughed and grabbed a beer from the cooler.

  A knock sounded on the door and the woman who was just up in the air doing lights poked her head in, "Yo, Meet and Greet now!" And she slammed the door.

  "Who was that?" I asked, curious.

  "Coraline," he pointed at the door with a beer in hand, his feet were still propp
ed up on the coffee table; the other hand still perched possessively on my thigh. "That little shit is like a roadie extraordinaire, she knows how to do everything. Keeps us on our toes, and she's Kane's baby cousin. She's like nineteen or twenty; been telling us since she was fourteen that she was going to run away and be our help. Had no clue she wasn't kidding." He shook his head and set the beer down.

  We went out to an open area set up with tables and four chairs. Fans were cordoned off by a red velvet rope. Eric and his team of security ushered the guys into their chairs, where they were greeted by the local rock station.

  Liana stepped up next to me and sighed, "I'm sorry for running off." She looked a little winded, her lips red and slightly swollen.

  "I get it, honey," I assured her. "Gabe will come around, once he stops looking at you as his little sister. Reed is crazy about you, everyone can see it."

  She bumped my shoulder and smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I hope you know what you're doing with Ash, Mar. I'm all about you two getting together, but this isn't the life I'd want for you. You never see them and they're always gone. If you can make it work, then more power to ya." She shuffled her feet and frowned at the floor. Her long black hair shifted to make a curtain around her face.

  "I have no idea what's going on with him," I look up at Ash and he's signing autographs and posing for pictures with the fans. A little girl, no more than ten looked at him with the biggest brown eyes I've ever seen. Ash picked her up and kissed her cheek, she instantly started crying. He looked at me and smiled. I turn toward Liana, "but I really like him and enjoy his company. He's a great guy."

  She nods but frowns when I cough a little. "You okay," she ask, concerned.

  I nod and immediately cough harder. Liana panic stricken face concerns me. She pulls me around the corner and pulls a tissue from her purse, "You have blood on your lip."

  A bottle of water is thrust in my face by a guy walking by with a cooler full. He dips inside the room next to us. I turn it up and drain half of it before my throat closes up. "Thanks," I mumble.