Harlequin E Contemporary Romance Box Set Volume 2: Maid to CraveAll I HaveThe Last First DateLight My Fire

by Rebecca M. Avery

  The waiter placed a platter with shrimp and cocktail sauce in the middle of the table, and then faded away again. Lily was mesmerized by Nate’s story. What she remembered about that night was dancing with Nate to Alicia Keys. The last song of the night. She’d wanted it to go on forever.

  “You asked the band to play Alicia Keys, because you knew it was my favorite song.” She didn’t tell him she’d sung that song to him, in her mind, about a million times before that night.

  He shrugged and sipped the wine. “I’m just saying, I know what it’s like to feel under that microscope. If you don’t show them you’re uncomfortable, they won’t know.”

  Lily bit into a shrimp. “I know, in my head, that what they write doesn’t matter. But it still bothers me.”

  “Because you’re a nice girl, Lil.”

  “I’ll get over it.” She pushed her maudlin thoughts about reporters away, determined to keep things light. “You know what I remember about that party?”

  “The presents?”

  She chuckled. She’d gotten a car from her parents, a keepsake snow globe from Kat, and bunch of presents she couldn’t name. And Nate had given her a book of poetry. She had no idea how he’d gotten the money to buy it, but the leather-bound edition was still one of her favorite belongings. “I remember convincing Chase that Tara Spencer was head over heels in love with him. And you and I watched while he worked up the nerve to ask her to dance—”

  “And at the last minute Bailey Yeardley beat him to the punch and took her home.”

  “We were awful.”

  “He got over it when Tara dropped Bailey five seconds later and he took her to the homecoming dance.”

  Nate reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “That was a fun night.”

  She tipped her glass toward him, feeling the heat from his palm racing through her veins. “This is a fun night.”

  Fire lit in her belly when his eyes went dark. He squeezed her hand.

  She felt the shift, felt the world her knew tilt off its axis. She wanted more, so much more than to relive a few old memories. Than to have a few extraordinary nights with Nate.

  She wanted everything. Lily swallowed, opened her mouth to speak but no words came so she finished the glass of wine.

  “What do you say we make this an appetizer-only dinner and go home?”Lily pushed the plate away and intentionally kept her voice light. “I’m suddenly not very hungry.”

  Nate signaled for the check.

  He wanted to go home, and while home for Nate meant something different than it meant for Lily, she would take the small crumb and hold onto it as tightly as she could.

  For now, she had Nate. For now had to be enough.

  Chapter Five

  The next night, Lily held the microphone toward the couple on the stage. Last question of the night and she couldn’t wait to get out from under the hot lights. The duo, a brother-sister team from somewhere in Arizona, chattered on about writing songs in their backyard as teenagers.

  “Let’s hear them sing, something impromptu, as background.” Nate spoke up from beyond the lights and the pairs’ eyes grew round as Frisbees.

  “Wonderful idea, Nate.” The producer’s gravelly voice cut through her earwig. The older man snapped his fingers and the backstage crew began wheeling instruments onto the stage.

  “We’re not ready—”

  “We didn’t bring our guitars—”

  Lily shook her head, stopping them before the two could psych themselves out. She watched as a group of musicians began tuning up. “This isn’t a request. I’ve read your sheet music. It’s solid. This could be the difference between making the live shows and just being some of the pre-show footage. Knock ‘em dead.”

  The producer invited her to the front row and Lily hurried over. The area behind the lights was a solid fifteen degrees cooler and she rolled her shoulders. She sat next to Nate who lazily crossed one ankle over the opposite knee and relaxed against the seat. Lily sat, back straight, trying not to lean into him. The woo-hoo girls had already tried prying details about last night from her, and then promptly gave her the silent treatment once they realized Lily wasn’t talking. So far the producers hadn’t said a word to her, which was weird.

  The producers of the Rayna show had held staff-only focus groups when the slightest thing hit the tabloids. She glanced at Frank and the rest of the suits to her left. No one paid any attention to Lily and Nate, all eyes were on the duo on stage. She relaxed into the seat, but kept her legs pressed firmly together. Not that it mattered. Nate’s heat seemed to reach for her across the open space, starting a delicious burn along her thigh and then moving up, up, up until Lily’s belly was in a knot and all she could feel was him.

  And he wasn’t even touching her.

  She needed to get a grip.

  The stage manager cued the singers.

  “We’re Kyle and Kendra,” the man said into the mic. His voice was gruff, as if he was still sleepy, but Lily knew it wasn’t true. It was nerves. She willed them to settle down and sing, like she’d heard them do backstage throughout the late afternoon. “We’re going to sing something new tonight.”

  He picked up a new guitar from the stand and strummed. The melody immediately caught Lily’s attention. He played beautifully. Kendra joined in, humming along and swaying to the slow beat. She was a nice backdrop for Kyle’s rich tenor when he began singing a few bars later. Backup musicians joined in, following Kyle’s lead. Three minutes later it was over and everyone turned expectant eyes toward Lily.

  “You write all your own songs?” She spoke into the microphone.

  Kyle and Kendra nodded, standing before them and holding hands. “Since we were little. Momma didn’t believe in television so we had to do something for entertainment.” Kendra giggled. “We graduated music school last spring.” Kendra’s voice squeaked over the last words.

  “Musical background is definitely a plus,” said Lily. She looked to Frank and then to Nate, who smiled at her, lifting one eyebrow in challenge. What was that about? She thought they were on more solid ground, that he’d accepted her on the show, especially after last night and then their talk this morning.

  “Go ahead, slugger. Give them your best shot.” Nate’s husky voice was soft through her earpiece, tickling along her nerve endings, challenging her to take her job as host one step farther. The devilish glint in his eyes, though, that was a challenge to make it fast so they could get out of here.. “Wrap up the segment, and then give them your speech.”

  The singers were too expectant. Too excited about performing. Too talented to not get this chance. But Kendra was too flat to get them farther than open mic nite at a club downtown. They’d never get past the live show. She wrapped the segment and once the lights switched off, took a breath. Lily flicked off her mic and approached them.

  “You performed well. Kyle, your playing is superb and the writing is strong. You feel the music and that goes a long way to a good performance, especially on a talent show like this one.” She took a deep breath. “But, Kendra, you’re flat. Very flat. And you don’t harmonize well. I’m…I’m not sure why or how you’ve gotten to this point without fixing your pitch, but if you’re hoping to get farther than the first round or two of this competition, you need singing lessons. You need to learn how to hear your voice, adjust on the fly and re-harmonize.”

  Kendra’s cheeks went white and her hands shook at her sides.

  Lily tried to soften the blow. “You feel the music, too, and that has allowed some people to perhaps overlook the voice issue. That feeling, the emotion on your face as your sing, the enjoyment you show, it’s huge. It’s a great selling point for your music, but if you really want to go farther, get the lessons. We’re still a couple weeks away from the live shows, so there is time. Figure out your pitch and go for it.”

  The girl nodded and together with Kyle backed off the stage. When they were gone, Lily turned around. Nate stood at the edge of the stage, arms cros
sed over his chest.

  “Good job.”

  Lily felt like a preening peacock at the compliment. “Thanks.”

  “I heard them practicing backstage and I saw your expression when she hit those flat notes. Figured it couldn’t hurt to offer some of that backstage advice you talked about at the audition before a live show. Those two could be something special.”

  She shook her head. “You heard my audition?”

  “I was in the sound booth. Just getting a feel for the place and then you walked in and kind of turned my world upside down.”

  “I got the feeling you didn’t want me on the show.” There, she’d said it.

  He took her hand as they walked to the dressing rooms backstage. “I didn’t. I wanted you as far away as possible so I didn’t have to admit how I was feeling about you. That obviously didn’t work.”

  She grinned. “Nope. Do you want to get out of here?”

  He cocked one eyebrow at her and leaned against the jamb of her dressing room door. “Sorry, I’ve got a hot date with the new star of Star Power.” He waited a beat. “How long do you need to get ready?”

  “Depends on where we’re going.” They were back on solid ground. Well, mostly solid. Bantering back and forth. Teasing. Lily breathed a sigh of relief. This Nate she understood. The darker Nate, the one who didn’t want her on the show, was another entity altogether.

  “Casual. And that’s all the hint you get. Ten minutes?”

  “I’ll meet you outside.”

  She was ready in five, trading what she thought of as her glam-rock boots for a pair of platform sandals and the glittery, flapper-inspired dress for skinny jeans and a cami-top. She’d scrubbed the heavy stage makeup from her face, but pushed a light lip gloss on her mouth before grabbing her bag and starting for the parking lot.

  Nate leaned against the hood of his blue Hemi-Cuda. Lily was no gear-head, but she loved the car. Sleek, classic lines and an engine that offered a rumbling purr to the night air. He helped her into the passenger seat before getting behind the wheel.

  They were speeding along the interstate, heading south in a matter of minutes. Nate reached across the seat between them and took her hand in his. Lily smiled. Holding hands. The touch was innocent. Completely different from the way Nate had touched her last night and kissed her this morning, but it zinged along her nerve endings, starting a fire at her palm that raced straight to her pounding heart.

  She looked at him in the darkening night, watching the road ahead of them, intent on his driving. He glanced her way and smiled. “What?”

  Lily held their hands up and shrugged. “I have no idea.”

  He seemed to understand that she couldn’t quite put this night into words. She had thought it would be hard, working with him and not melting into a puddle of goo. What it was, was fun. Listening as his instructed the bandleader and helped with sound checks. Sitting with him while Kyle and Kendra played. Seeing the music wash over him. The chemistry between them was there. She’d caught him, twice, watching her with intent and the look in his eyes made her cheeks flush and warmth pool low in her belly. It was a weird kind of foreplay. No double entendres. No stray touches. But she’d known she was his focus throughout the filming. Just as he had been hers.

  He’d given Kendra the number of a voice coach before she left the stage.

  One more reason she’d always hero-worshipped the man. He was kind. Helpful.

  Hot. He’d traded board shorts and skater shoes for jeans, boots and a leather jacket. And his ever-present T-shirt. Lily wasn’t sure he owned anything but tees, but it didn’t matter. The man could wear a rugby shirt and look like he’d stepped off the pages of GQ.

  His thumb drew patterns across the back of her hand. Lily leaned her head back against the seat and crossed her legs.

  “Where, exactly, are we going?”

  Nate made a turn off the main road and Lily sat up a little straighter. They were in her neighborhood. How had she missed that he was driving her home?

  “Since we agreed this isn’t necessarily a show for the paparazzi, I thought we might try a nice, secluded place I heard about recently. Its called Lily’s Place and it serves the best iced tea in Los Angeles County.”

  “I thought this was a date?”

  Nate waggled his eyebrows. “Did I mention that Lily’s Place not only serves the best iced tea, but it also has a private room where a couple can go to be alone?”

  Lily widened her eyes and put her hand over her heart. “But this is only our second official date. You, sir, have the wrong idea about me.”

  He slowed and punched the code for her gate and then pulled into the driveway. “I think I’ve got exactly the right idea about you, Miss MacIntyre. But feel free to set me straight if I get out of line.” With that he pulled her across the bench seat and kissed her.

  Long, deep, as if he couldn’t get enough of the taste of her. Lily melted against him, winding her arms around his neck and playing with the short hair at his nape. His heat burned her and Lily pressed her body more firmly against his.

  She sat on his lap, wedged between his body and the steering wheel. Against her hip, she felt his erection hardening between them. Nate’s hands spanned her waist, playing with the little bit of skin between her jeans and the cami-top, sending delicious sensations to her core. She nipped at his lower lip and then sucked it into her mouth. His brown eyes turned molten and their breathing was heavy in the quiet car.

  “We should take this inside.” Her voice was rough.

  Nate chuckled. “On a second date?”

  Lily nodded. “If you count my Sweet Sixteen and then prom night, this has to be at least date number four. Then there was that first awards show when you had no one else to ask.” They walked to the front door together, Nate’s keys jangling from his fingers. Lily fumbled her key in the lock, hands shaking in anticipation. They’d slept together less than twenty-four hours before, but then it had been about getting one another out of their systems. This was different.

  They were seeing where this went, and as far as she was concerned, it could keep going straight to the bedroom as long as it kept Nate with her.

  Finally, the lock released and she pushed inside, dropping her bag on the side table. Nate’s keys clattered on top of the small bag and he kicked the door closed behind them.

  And Lily stopped short.

  A trail of rose petals was scattered over the entryway, leading through the living area and into the kitchen where two places were set. An ice bucket and a bottle of champagne sat to one side while in the middle had platters of fruits, chocolates, cheeses and a bowl filled with her favorite crackers. Goldfish.

  She laughed. “You lay out a romantic dinner and top it off with Goldfish crackers?”

  Nate shrugged, hands in his pockets. “I thought about graham, but graham crackers and cheese don’t exactly go together. There’s a box of gourmet crackers in the bread box if you want to trade.”

  “Not a chance.” Her stomach rumbled. “How did you get in here?” She popped a grape into her mouth and took a seat.

  He pointed to the patio before sitting across from her. “Your ceramic frog. Not the smartest place to hide a key, even in the relative safety of a gated community in Malibu.”

  Lily rolled her eyes. “Really? We’re back to you protecting me?”

  “Just offering a little experienced advice. Which you are free to take or leave.”

  For the first time in more than a year, Nate’s protective streak didn’t make her feel smothered. Not after their revelations last night and then this morning. They might not be in love, but there was more than simple lust fueling whatever this was.

  They sat, munching on the snacks and listening to low music on the stereo. Lily crunched a couple of crackers and then swiped another through the brie. It tasted good so she did it again.

  “You’re totally corrupting me, you know. My mother would never forgive me for eating expensive cheeses and champagne with Goldfish crac
kers on the side.”

  “My mother would have forgone the food in favor of an all-alcohol dinner.” The words were light, but his tone wasn’t. Lily reached across the counter, taking his hand in hers the way he’d held her hand earlier.

  “I’m sorry.”

  He shook his head. “For what? It was a long time ago.”

  “I didn’t understand, for a long time, what your parents’ addictions meant for you. We can lose the champagne if you’d like.”

  “Not necessary. I came to terms a long time ago, and I’m not a tee-totaller so why should you be?” He sipped and then stopped her breathing with his next words. “I talked to your brother today.”“

  She didn’t need to ask what about. While Chase was the road manager for Nate’s band, he was also Nate’s best friend. Nate would have felt honor-bound to give Chase a head’s up that they were sleeping together. Lily was only surprised she hadn’t gotten a follow-up call from her brother, telling her to take care of herself.

  “And did the traditional don’t-mess-with-my-sister speech change your mind about us?” Was that the reason they’d gone from hot kissing in his car to a friendly snack at her kitchen island?

  “Nope. But I’m on notice that we’re going to have an issue if I hurt you.”

  Lily blew out a breath. “I’ll call him and—”

  “Don’t. Chase and I are fine. I don’t intend to hurt you, Lily, that’s all I meant.” He waved his hand between them. “This has been happening for me since before that model last year, but I didn’t know what to do about it. I’m adjusted about my past. I’ve come to terms with my parents, but I can go dark now and then. I like my life ordered. I like my working relationship with Chase. I like my career. I like my friendship with you. This dating could mess all of that up. But not doing this was already messing our friendship part of the equation up. So I figured it was better to take a shot because if we didn’t, the friendship was going to go anyway.” He followed her lead and tried a brie-dipped Goldfish. “This is really good.”