by Susan Ward
Exasperated chuckles rumble from my chest. “How’d you come up with that conclusion?”
“You date.”
She looks at me. Well?
I nod. Yeah.
“But I’m thinking your goal in dating and my goal in dating is different,” she says, as if pondering something significant.
My brows crinkle. You’ve lost me, Willow.
She does a series of pelvic tilts. You just want sex.
How hot she looks rocking those hips, fuck, I can’t deny it, so I won’t. “Dating for me is pretty much sex.”
“Exactly what I thought about you the first time I met you.”
“Oh yeah? And you still wanted to get to know me?”
Her face turns up to mine and her lids drift halfway closed as her long lashes cast shadows on her cheeks. “Why not? You’ve fallen hopelessly in love with me exactly as I thought you would.”
I bust up laughing, turning on my back and pulling her atop me. I rest the tip of my nose against hers. “And how do you know I’m hopelessly in love with you?”
Her killer smile spreads wide. “Because our dates aren’t just sex. We talk a lot about things that are real and sometimes all we do is hang out together, and you like it.”
“What’s not to like? You’re fun to be with.” I brush the hair back from her cheeks.
“But I still haven’t earned the status with you, have I?”
Whoa. Where’d that come from? I can’t tell if she’s messing with me or serious. “I’m not looking for a girlfriend, Willow. But if I were, it’d be you.”
She lays her cheek against my chest. Fuck, she doesn’t want me to see her face.
“Why no girlfriend?”
“I’m in a band. We’re always in the studio or doing gigs and soon we’re going to be touring. Relationships don’t work out well when you live most of your life on the road. Wouldn’t be fair to the girl. Wouldn’t be fair to me.”
“Why not take the girl with you?”
I groan. “Worst idea that exists. That’s a recipe for two people ending up hating each other.”
“Maybe it depends on the two people.”
“No, I think it’s pretty much a hard and fast rule.”
Time to get out of this conversation. I tap her butt and she rolls off me to lie on her back, legs bent, staring at the ceiling. She’s thinking. Yep, time to end this.
“I’m going to take a shower, OK?” I pull on my jeans. “Figure out what you want to do today after I’m done.”
Her face tilts in my direction, eyes wide. “I want to crack the code on your cell phone and find all the junk you’re trying not to tell me.”
“Why don’t you try to worm it out of me using your body?”
“I have. It hasn’t worked.”
I grin. “Try more.”
“Sorry. I’ve decided to try less. Using my body is never going to make you break. I think I’m going to hold out on you instead.”
I roll my eyes and grab my phone off the bed.
Her mouth scrunches up, lower lip pushed out. “You’re no fun.”
“Gotta make a call.”
I quietly laugh all the way to the bathroom. Willow’s a trip. Nothing ever gets her angry, and even when she says wack things to me like holding out she doesn’t mean it. She’s not the type who uses her body as a weapon against guys. Her other weapons—beauty, hot bod, great smile, and sweet personality—are lethal enough to get her anything she wants.
I turn on the shower and go to the sink, running my hand along my cheek and chin. Getting a little too scruffy. More than I like.
Razors? Razors? None in the drawers. I look in the vanity cabinet. Good, disposables.
I lather up my face.
That part about not wanting a girlfriend; true. But it shocks the hell out of me that the other part, if I wanted one it’d be you, is true also.
I really like Willow, more than any girl I’ve hung out with. I even think my mom and my sisters would like her. I bet she’d be the first girl I’ve ever dated that my dad would even approve of. Yeah, she’s the kind of girl you bring home to the family. The kind of girl that says a guy’s got his shit together.
I hold the razor beneath the water then start doing slow, even strokes across my stubble. I wonder how that’d be having Willow as my girlfriend. It’s clear she’s vying for the slot. But the long-distance thing wouldn’t work. Not for me. She’d have to move to California.
My chin bobs as I rinse the blade.
Would she even go to California with me?
She would if she knew everything I haven’t told her yet. Who I really am. That she’s wrong, I’m not broke. That my becoming a globally famous rock star isn’t a pipe dream—and yeah, I can tell she thinks it is when I talk about it—but it’s a lock given my name.
I run the blade from the underside of my chin down my neck. I could move her into the house I own in Laurel Canyon. Wait. No. Can’t do that. The apartment I keep in the Hollywood Hills would be better. The one I bring girls to that I don’t want finding out who I am.
We could hang out, no strings, and be together when I’m not on the road or recording.
Like we are now in Seattle.
It’s been fucking unreal being with her.
She’s not the kind of girl who’d get in my face 24/7 and turn things to shit because I couldn’t be there all the time. She understands putting in the long hours to get somewhere in life. She’d be cool with it without my asking.
It’d be good for her, too.
She wouldn’t have to work so much.
Whenever she wanted to she could go home.
I toss the razor in the trash and turn off the faucet. Won’t ever happen. I can’t ask Willow and she wouldn’t do it. But it’s something nice to think about anyway.
I STEP OUT OF the shower and grab a towel. I rub the damp out of my hair, then swipe my body. Lifting the lid to the hamper, I freeze.
Something’s not right here.
I scan the bathroom. My jeans are gone from the floor. My cell’s not on the counter either. Door’s still locked.
OK, Willow, how’d you slip in and swipe my stuff?
Shaking my head, I wrap the towel around my hips. Steam rolls into the hallway as I step out of the room.
The corners of my mouth dip down.
Willow’s bedroom empty.
My shirt gone also.
Why’d she take my fucking clothes?
Better question: where’d she take my clothes?
I look down the hallway. Can’t see anyone in the living room. No sign of anyone near Jade’s room. Good, maybe Jade and Gary are gone for the day.
Hmm, I know those feet poking out of some kind of closet. I never noticed the folding doors before, and what the fuck is that noise?
I tiptoe quietly down the corridor and, keeping my body out of view, poke my head around the opening. “What are you doing?”
Willow jumps. “Damn it, you scared me.”
“You deserve it. Are you trying to hack into my phone again?”
Her mouth scrunches up. “Maybe.”
I brush the damp hair from my face. “Give up. You can’t do it.”
Both black brows lift as she tilts her head. “Not giving up. I can do it. And I will.”
“Can you tell me what you did with my clothes?”
“A public service. They smelled.”
My brows furrow. “Am I supposed to know what that means?”
Her smile flashes wide. “Look behind me, Eric. Washer. Dryer. See the clues. Find the answer.”
I stare at her. “You’re washing my clothes?”
“Can’t fool you. You’re too quick.”
“What am I supposed to wear until they’re done?”
She slowly moves her gaze from my face, down my body, pauses at the towel—bites lip—then returns to my eyes. “I think you’ll survive with the towel for an hour. Why are guys so impatien
t? You’d rather wear dirty clothes than be inconvenienced for a few minutes.”
Actually, I wouldn’t. I’m thrilled she’s doing this. I’d have asked her to do it if I hadn’t thought that would be pushing it.
Her cell vibrates, and she pulls it from her pocket, taps it, and reads a text. “I’ve got to run downstairs and help Jade. The alcohol delivery is here.”
“I thought you didn’t work today.”
“That’s not work. I count the boxes and she checks them off the manifest. Then we put it away and are free for the day.” She plants a kiss on my cheek. “I had a really great lazy morning with you.”
I run my thumb along her cheek. “I did, too. I wish you didn’t have to go help Jade.”
“Can you do me a favor?”
“Sure, I could probably manage three or four for you.” I get a fast kiss in before she steps away from me.
“When the washer is done I need you to move the clothes to the dyer. Otherwise Jade will have a fit there’s no clean towels and you won’t have anything to wear today.”
“How will I know when the washer is done?”
She rolls her eyes. “Don’t give me that. I can’t stand when guys pretend not to know how to do anything so they don’t have help out.”
I give her a look. Not pretending anything here.
She exhales, annoyed.
“Some girl is going to curse your mother someday. You’re hardly even housebroken.”
“Why don’t we go back to your room”—I pull her up against me, rubbing my towel-covered, almost ready cock against her—“and you can break me there?”
“Not happening, Eric. I gotta get downstairs.” She drops my cell into my hand. “If you get confused, Google how to use a dryer. There are YouTube videos on everything. But figure it out. Get it done. Or your clothes won’t be dry before we head to lunch with Gary and Jade.”
I groan. “We’re having lunch today with your sister?”
“Yep. We are. It’s near the bus station. We can go in and see if there’s a way to get you home by Friday. Sometimes they have cancellations you can only get if you go to the ticket counter in person.”
I frown. “Can you sound less happy about the thought of me leaving?”
“I’m not happy about you leaving, but that’s not going to stop you from going.”
She hurries down the hall, then she’s out the door.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Eric
“DON’T GIVE ME THAT, Hugh. It was a pussy move to take off with the guys and leave me here.”
“Eric, where’s the money?”
I sink my fingers into my hair and glare at the screen. “Fuck. I’ve already told you. Promotion. Travel. We went into the red the last tour.”
His eyes flash. “That’s not how I hear it.”
“I don’t give a fuck how you hear it. It’s the truth. And fuck you for bringing my dad into this.”
“I didn’t know what to do. I can’t tell when you’re fucked up or straight, telling the truth or lying anymore.”
I grimace. “Don’t give me that. That’s bullshit. You’re just looking for an excuse to sink a knife in my back. You’ve been jealous of me since we were kids. You saw an opportunity to take my place and fucking took it. I know what you’re doing. You think by cutting me out of the band you get to be the front man and the star. Only one problem, asshole. You’re not me and you won’t ever be.”
For the first time his stony expression cracks. “Do you really believe that?”
“Fuck yeah.”
I make a fast glance over my shoulder through the windows into the bus terminal. Willow’s almost to the front of the line.
“Listen, I can’t talk much longer,” I say, focusing back in on the video call. “Get your ass in the Escalade. Drive up here and get me. Then first thing when we hit LA, we’ll get the guys together, meet with Henry Weinberg, and he can explain shit to you since my trust-Eric credit is low with you these days. Even though everything I told you would happen has happened. We’ve got a contract, right? Don’t fuck it up for us now, Hugh.”
“You’re the one fucking up shit, Eric.”
“No. You’re the asshole who started all this by leaving me here.” He looks like he’s unbending a bit. “We can clear this up, man. Get back to doing what we should be doing. Making music and touring.”
“I’m not driving to Seattle.”
Stubborn prick.
“Then send Linc or Taz. Just get me fucking back to LA so we can fix this.”
“Get yourself back to LA. I’m not believing anything you tell me. Not ever again.”
“You’re going to throw it all away, the chance to do something epic with the band because you’re fucking angry with me?”
“Whether we crash and burn before we sign with the label is up to you, Eric.”
“That’s what I’ve been telling you,” I say, relief gushing through my veins. “We talk it out. Meet with Henry. We’re all good again. Come on, brother. Don’t trash what we’ve all worked for because you’re pissed at me.”
His jaw tightens. He’s shaking his head, saying nothing, and fuck, I don’t know what’s left to say to convince him.
“The meeting is still set with the label on Friday—”
Bingo.
“But if you want the band there, we’re all going to meet at your pop’s. Wednesday. Hash it out there.”
My momentary flash of happy is gone. “Why the fuck do you want to do that, Hugh? There’s no need to bring my dad into this more than you already have.”
“I’ll only trust what I hear if I hear it with your dad there. Alan won’t lie if you’re trying to feed me and the guys bullshit.”
Fuck you.
“Do you want me to set it up?” It damn near sticks in my throat, but there doesn’t seem to be another way to get Hugh back onboard with the band.
“I already have. Henry says he can meet us there Wednesday at noon.”
“What do you mean it’s already set up? Did you go behind my back and set up a meeting at my parents’ house?”
His eyes meet mine, hard and unwavering. “Yeah, I did.”
“How long is it going to take you to get up here?”
The screen goes black.
What the fuck?
Did he hang up on me?
I start walking in circles, unable to believe what just went down. Hugh thinking he can call the shots. Putting my balls in a vise with a meeting at my folks’ when no fucking way do I want it there. Then leaving me hanging—still—in Seattle.
“Eric, are you OK?”
I whirl to find Willow standing just outside the station. “Yeah, I’m fine. Were you able to get me a ticket?”
“No. Nothing before Saturday.”
“Fuck.”
“We could try the train again.” She holds out the money I gave her, and I take it, shoving it into my pocket.
We start walking. “The train’s not going to work, Willow. I’ve got be home Wednesday by noon or my life goes seriously to shit.”
“I’m sorry.”
I slip my hand into hers. “It’s not your fault. Hugh’s being a jackass again.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Figure out a way to get home by Wednesday.”
We both lapse into silence as we walk toward the café where Gary and Jade are waiting for us. We find them sitting at a table on the patio.
Jade looks up. “Success?”
Willow drops into her chair. “No. There’s no way for Eric to get home by bus. No seats until next week.”
I settle in the chair next to her. “It’s no big deal. Minor problem.”
“What are you going to do?” Gary asks, staring at me over his menu.
“Don’t know. Haven’t figured it out yet.”
“Well, you better figure it out fast,” Jade murmurs under her breath, then goes all tight lipped.
<
br /> I frown. “Your concern is touching.”
“Sorry, not concerned. Well, not about your problems.” Her green eyes lock with mine. “Listen, Eric, you have to be gone by Saturday. Before our dad gets home from the hospital. His health isn’t good. He doesn’t need anything upsetting him, like finding that his daughter moved some strange guy into the apartment while he was in the hospital. She shouldn’t have even let you stay this long.”
I turn in my chair to face Willow. “Is that true?”
“Jade!” Willow exclaims. “Don’t be so extreme and nasty. You know Dad won’t get mad if I explain everything to him. Do you have to make everything sound worse than it is?”
Jade leans across the table, bringing her face up close to Willow. “Worse than it is? When he gets out he’ll have been in the hospital three weeks this time. Dad’s health can’t take any stress.”
“And he won’t get any stress from me.” I close my hand over Willow’s under the table. “One way or another, I’m heading home tomorrow, guys. I’ve got a meeting Wednesday I can’t miss.”
Willow smiles at Jade, but I can see her eyes have clouded up. She doesn’t want me to go, and seeing that makes me feel bad that I have to.
After lunch, Willow and I take an Uber to Volunteer Park to hang out.
I lie back in the grass and slip my arms around her. “You’re awfully quiet.”
I feel her body move with a shrug.
I turn her face toward mine. “Just because I’m going back to LA doesn’t mean we’re not going to know each other anymore.”
Her eyes flare wide as she searches my face. “It doesn’t?”
I trace the line of her lips. “No. Never. You’re too cool a girl for a guy to break it off with.”
“I wasn’t sure. I have no experience with this. Dating a guy not from around here. It kinda seemed like when you leave that’s the end.”
“To who? Not me, love. It’s a two-hour flight up here. That’s nothing.”
Her gaze darts back to mine. “Next month I’ll be in Virginia at school.”
I kiss the edge of her mouth. “Six-hour flight, then. Nothing.”
She hides her face by touching her nose to me. “So you’re thinking we might keep seeing each other. Is that what you’re thinking?”
“Yeah. I was kinda hoping you were, too.”
