Ian put his hand on her shoulder and whispered in her ear, “I don’t like it either. He never used to have to push himself so hard.”
His tousled hair flew back when James suddenly lifted his head and stepped forward into the perfectly timed spotlight. The sold out crowd roared to life as he ran for the microphone, sliding the last five feet and launching into the opening lyrics without missing a beat.
This can’t possibly be real, but I hope I don’t wake up soon, Beth thought with a dreamy sigh.
13
As far as Cassie knew, there were only two people in the coliseum. Well, besides the band, of course, but they were only there to provide the music so that James could sing for her. To her. And there was also her stupid-ass sister and her sister’s stupid crackhead friends, all of whom were treating her like a kid, not as the woman she was. She had had a brief moment of panic at the hotel when James kissed that other woman. Right in front of her, like she wasn’t even there, but she decided the redhead must have won a radio contest or something and dismissed her as insignificant. Daily searches on the internet never turned up anything concrete about his romantic life. So, Cassie reasoned, if he really had a girlfriend, I’d know about it.
She eeled her way through the packed bodies until she stood against the short security wall erected around the stage. The narrowed eyes of the cornfed bodyguards flickered over her, dismissing her as non-threatening. That’s ‘cause you don’t know who I am. She smirked, then lost all train of thought as James sauntered over, right in front of her and began to sing. He didn’t look at her. Maybe with the lights he couldn’t see her. She hopped up and down trying to get his attention. “Jaaamesss,” she shrieked, holding out her hands to him in supplication. “I love you!”
With a nimble twist, James spun around and peered past the blinding stage lights. He gave a roguish wink to the cluster of females at the wall and blew a kiss in that direction, eliciting squeals of delight from all but one. Cassie just smiled, mentally hugging herself with smug satisfaction. He loves me too, she realized.
* * * *
From having seen Horizon once live and countless times on DVD, Beth knew James was an over-the-top performer. Up close, personal, and on the same stage, Beth came to the stunning realization that she had been dead wrong. He was pure energy, pure animal magnetism, pure sex. Swaggering back and forth at the front of the stage, he moved with catlike speed and grace, dripping with undiluted testosterone. He alternately growled, howled and purred his way through the familiar songs, riveting every female eye firmly to him and basking in the envy of every male present.
During the intro to the third song, he ran back behind the speaker column near where the three stood watching. Spiderman shoved a plastic bottle of iced water into his open hand. He drained half in one swallow then dragged the back of his hand over his mouth. Turning to focus his full attention on Beth, he caught the tip of his tongue between his teeth and flashed a wicked grin as his bold gaze raked over her. She gasped and blushed scarlet at the blatantly sexual look. He threw back his head and laughed with pure masculine triumph before running back out on stage.
Ian rolled his eyes and laughed when Lily and Beth exchanged glances. Holy shit, Lily mouthed, wide-eyed. Beth gulped and nodded in agreement then both women turned their attention back to the amazing spectacle going on just feet from where they stood.
The concert was outstanding, as the three watching from the wings knew it would be. During one of the songs, James gave DJ the nod, and still chewing his trademark gum the muscular man grinned wide as he launched into a blistering drum solo, giving the other band members a chance to slip backstage for a quick break. James darted over to Beth and threw an arm around her shoulder, pulling her tight. She inhaled deeply, reacting instinctively to his unique combination of sweat, spicy cologne and what she was certain were lethal levels of pheromones. “Enjoying the show?” he asked.
“Very much,” she assured him. “This is all just incredible.”
He tilted her chin up to meet his eyes. “This is the happiest night I’ve had in a long time, and I have you to thank for it. Tonight, I’m singing for you and you alone.” He lowered his lips to hers in a reverent kiss. “You breathed life back into me, Beth my darlin’.”
“Ready in five…four…,” Spider announced, tapping him on the shoulder. Giving her a rueful smile, James reluctantly pulled away then turned and ran back out on the stage to finish the song. They rocked the house for another hour before the band finally took their bows and left the stage with shouts of “Thank you, Tampa. Good night!” The lights went down, plunging the coliseum into darkness. Lighters came out in force and the crowd began to chant for the band’s return.
* * * *
The roar from the audience was deafening when Bryce appeared on stage under the spotlight and launched into the slow, sweet strains of Let Me Be the One. James stepped out from behind the speaker, took the microphone in hand and a second spotlight focused him as he began to sing in a voice as rich and deep as warmed whiskey:
Let me be the one to take you home tonight
Let me kiss away your tears and hold you oh so tight
All my life I’ve waited for a woman just like you…
He turned to look backstage and saw Beth, no longer clad in the beautiful designer dress, but in a black t-shirt, a glowing plastic necklace and a smile bright enough to light her up from a dozen rows back in the amphitheater. “It was you,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe and wonder, the song forgotten as the microphone fell useless to his side. The music swelled and continued while the crowd sang the lyrics of the familiar song, and after a moment James recovered enough to sing with them.
Before they knew it, the two-and-a-half hour show was over and the band left the stage for the final time. James appeared at Beth’s side, taking her arm. Spider appeared at her other side, tapping Ian on the shoulder. “This way,” he motioned, quickly shuffling them out to the limo waiting to take them back to the hotel.
Once inside the limo, Ian clapped James on the back in hearty congratulations. “That was truly amazing, my brother. You’re a force of feckin’ nature on stage,” he crowed in delight.
Lily nodded in firm agreement. “Unbelievable,” she echoed.
James mopped the back of his neck with the plaid shirt and smiled proudly at the heartfelt compliments. “Did you enjoy the show?” he asked Beth, his voice rough. “It’s a little different watching from backstage, isn’t it?”
She gazed back at him with an odd expression and something flickered across her eyes that gave him pause. “I’m still me, Miss Beth, nothing has changed,” he said softly. He lifted her hand, kissed it, then turning it over growled fiercely and pretended to bite her wrist. She squealed and snatched it away, laughing at his playfulness.
* * * *
“Sorry, miss, but you’re not getting backstage,” the security guard explained for the tenth time. “You’re not going anywhere but out without a pass.” His huge body blocked the backstage entrance like a shiny bald minivan.
Attempting to peer past him into the dressing room hallway, Cassie’s pretty n pink smeared upper lip curled into a snarl. “You’re making a big mistake,” she glared at his badge, “Nico.” Do you know who I am? Once James–that’s James Kelly, ring any bells for you?–hears about this–and you can bet your ass I’m going to tell him all about how you’re treating me–you’re going to be out of a job and…”
“Uh-huh – now see, you gone and got me all scared.” Nico feigned boredom, curling his fingers to inspect something under his fingernail. “Look, little bit, the band’s already left.”
Cassie froze. “They….they’re gone?” All the menace went out of her voice and her shoulders slumped. “He left? Without me?” Her eyes grew bright with unshed tears. “But I…he…”
The big man looked down at the lovesick teen and after a quick glance around to make sure no one witnessed the small act of kindness, pulled a crumpled tissue out of his poc
ket. “Here,” he said gruffly, shoving it into her hand. “The band left about ten minutes ago. You ought to be going home too. Ain’t you a little young to be out this late?”
Cassie blew her nose loudly and wiped her eyes, smearing her eyeliner. “Was James with anyone? When he left, I mean,” she sniffed, stifling what sounded like a whimper.
The security guard scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Seems like…” His sentence was interrupted by a roadie coming out of the stage entrance, reading from a clipboard. “Hey, Ross,” the guard asked the wiry technician, “did you see who Kelly left with?”
Ross grinned. “Last I saw he was climbing in the car with his girlfriend. Didn’t you see her backstage? The redhead in the black dress. Man, she was smokin’…”
Nico’s eyes cut over to Cassie, who had gone white as a sheet at this announcement. Without another word, she spun on her heel and bolted for the exit.
The two men stared after her. “That little girl ain’t got no business being out this late,” Nico muttered, shaking his head. “Ain’t nothing good gonna come of it.”
* * * *
The ride back to the hotel took only moments and the two couples were once again in James’s room, waiting while he showered before going to the after party held at one of the downtown clubs. When he emerged from the bedroom, Lily gasped and elbowed Ian in the ribs, eliciting a most undignified woof in response. “Find out where he got those pants. I mean it. You need some just like that.”
James’s crimson silk t-shirt caressed every ripple of his broad chest and abdomen and the leather pants caressed….well, everything else. He hopped on one foot, tugging on black harness boots. “Are we ready?” he asked, glancing at the bedside clock.
Beth watched him out of the corner of her eye, not wanting to meet his gaze, knowing her eyes would give her thoughts away. I feel like Cinderella, she thought, and if I blink I’m going to wake up. What a beautiful man, she sighed.
He did a fast flamenco step to get the boots settled then took Beth’s hand to help her up from the loveseat. “You look nice,” she said, eyes downcast.
He put a finger under her chin and lightly kissed her lips. “Thank you, my darlin’. Are you hungry? I’m starving.” He looked at Ian and added, “And I need to get some food, too.” Both women gasped in mock outrage as the men laughed. “There’s food up here somewhere, I can smell it,” James assured them, opening the door to the hallway.
They followed their noses to the hospitality suite and were greeted with a hail of welcomes. At the banquet tables boasting a variety of light entrees and hot hors d’oeuvres, white jacketed chefs stood waiting to serve the hungry band and their guests. James and Ian ate with hearty appetites, mumbling words of culinary praise around mouthfuls of paella and fried plantains. The ladies stuck to fruit salads, and even though it was delicious Beth only picked at hers, too awestruck to eat.
The servers kept the glasses full of fruity sangria and the conversation between the tables was animated as the band congratulated and toasted each other on a gig well played. With their hunger finally sated, the jovial company proceeded en masse downstairs on their way to the after party.
* * * *
From the mezzanine overlooking the elegant lobby, Aaron glared in blatant disapproval at the foursome. Hidden from casual view behind a huge potted bush, he watched James pull Ian to one side and whisper something that made the elder brother double over with laughter. His gaze wandered over to the two women, lingering on the nice ass on the blonde. What was the redhead’s name again? Ah, he remembered – Beth. He scowled, looking down her plunging neckline from his overhead vantage point. He hadn’t worked for years building this band up to have some piece of ass fuck it all up, even if she did have a nice rack.
Exiting from his leafy hiding place, his brow furrowed in deep consternation. Maybe he was worrying for nothing. Could be he’ll just get tired of her and this will all blow over. He headed for the banquet room, intending on taking a plate back to his room where two pretty little groupies were waiting for him to introduce them to James. He had something else for them to meet first, giving his balls a discreet scratch. After that, the plan was to take them up to James’s suite. He’d arrange them all pretty in his bed, then when James takes Red back to his room to bang her after the party, those two will put an end to the whole girlfriend debacle. He smiled. How he loved tidy solutions to his problems.
* * * *
By the time they arrived the party was in full swing, the music loud and the drinks flowing. Beth’s tension showed in the tightness of her grip on his hand tension as they moved through the club, the crowd parting like the Red Sea to let them through. “Everyone is staring at me,” she whispered, smoothing her skirt uncomfortably.
“Of course they’re staring at you, sweetness. You’re beautiful. I’m just glad you decided to let me be your satellite tonight…oh, shit.” Mumbling frantically under his breath, he waved down a server. Before the bedazzled waitress could speak, he grabbed a cocktail napkin and a pen from her tray, scribbling something then shoving it into his pocket. “Satellite tonight…heavenly body…that was almost clever enough to be a song,” he explained, “I’ll knock it around a bit, see what comes loose. I told you, darlin’, you inspire me.”
They danced, laughed and danced some more, finally taking a break to have a drink. They caught up with Ian and Lily at their reserved table, also taking a break. When the girls excused themselves to the restroom, the men gallantly rose and held their hands as they scooted out of the booth. Watching them weave their way through the crowded club, James pulled Ian aside. “Whenever you and Lily are ready to head out, just tell the driver where you want to go. I’m keeping Beth, though.”
The women no longer in view, Ian nodded and sat back down in the plush booth. “Thanks. It’s been a grand evening for sure, but I have a feeling Lily and I will be taking the long way home. I’m fancying a backseat game of how fast can I get that dress off,” he laughed.
His brother’s roguish grin made James laugh out loud. “‘Tis a terrible thing when a man’s in love with his own wife,” he commented. “How do you stand it? Taking her out to places looking like she does?”
Ian arched an eyebrow in challenge. “Looking like she does? How exactly would that be, Seamus?”
“You know damn well she’s fucking gorgeous, you dense bastard,” James snorted. “‘Course now that I’ve seen Beth all dolled up, I know Lily can’t hold a candle to her.”
Ian nodded and smiled. “And that’s as it should be. To the ladies,” he said, raising his glass.
Clinking their glasses together, James echoed that toast. “Amen to that, mo dearthair.”
Changing the subject, Ian asked, “You’ll be coming over to Meg’s for lunch tomorrow? You know she’ll kick your ass if you don’t. “ He studied his brother thoughtfully before adding, “You’re bringing Beth, right?” James opened his mouth to speak, but Ian interrupted him. “By the way, when’s the last time you called Ma to tell her you love her?”
James met his brother’s eyes squarely. “I’d sooner open up my own veins than hurt that girl. I love her, Ian. I really do. And,” he laughed, “if you’re going to drown me over it, at least wait until after tonight.”
Ian laughed and winked. “Tomorrow, then.”
* * * *
In the restroom, Beth and Lily were having a very in-depth discussion, or at least as in depth as it could be with fifty other women in there all vying for mirror space while they primped, sprayed, and fluffed. “So what are you two doing after the party?” Lily asked, digging around in her tiny purse for lipstick.
Beth shrugged. “I don’t know, James hasn’t said anything. I guess go back home with you guys.”
Lily laughed out loud, clapping her hand over her mouth to muffle the abrupt sound. “I don’t have my cards with me, but I don’t need them to see that you riding home with us isn’t in your future tonight. I think your date has other plans.” She leaned forward to
reapply her lipstick, but the stark terror stampeding over Beth’s face gave her pause. “What’s that look about?” she asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
Beth swallowed. “Nothing,” she said quickly.
“Now that might work with some, but not with me. What’s…” Lily put her hand on her friend’s arm and closed her eyes. Beth tried to pull away, but Lily held firm.
“Now really isn’t the time to talk about this, but he wants to…you know…with me,” Beth hissed between gritted teeth.
“And that’s…bad?” Lily asked, confused. “It’s not like…” and her mouth dropped open as the realization hit her like a ton of bricks. “…you haven’t done that before, have you. All these years I thought…” She laughed happily. “You’re twenty-three years old and in love, so it’s high time. Not to talk out of turn, but if he’s anything like his brother, you’ll be in good hands. I think you should trust him.”
Lily picked up her purse from the counter and tucked the forgotten lip gloss inside. “We–and when I say we, I mean you–can’t hide in here all night,” she said firmly, “so off we go.” Taking Beth by the hand, she dragged her out of the restroom and back toward the booth where their men waited.
* * * *
A constant parade of well-wishers paid court at the Kelly booth, among them a large number of females that tried every trick in the book to catch the eye of the handsome brothers. When one sequin-clad lovely dropped her purse in front of Ian–for the third time–and bent over to pick it up, displaying large breasts in imminent danger of falling out of her low-cut dress, Beth knew her friend had had quite enough.
Oblivious to the drama playing out next to him, Ian was talking to James over the pulsating music when Lily grabbed him by the front of the shirt in mid sentence and kissed him fiercely. Sequins sniffed disdainfully and leveled her sights on James only to find Beth glaring daggers at her. Deciding discretion to be the better part of valor, she moved on in search of less guarded prey.
The Gypsy Ribbon Page 17
