"So you're both there now?"
"Yes."
"Why wait? Text me the address and I'll head over."
"Now?" Glancing down at her t-shirt, worn jeans, and sneakers, she winced. But this meeting was for Dalton, not her. "That should be fine."
"I'll see you soon." His voice deepened and her knees turned to jelly.
She stared at the phone. "Kate, he's on his way."
"Exciting," Kate rubbed her hands together like an evil genius plotting a takeover. "Let's keep this a surprise. I'll stay with Dalton and watch the game. You wait by the front desk."
Too soon, she spied Zander cutting across the parking lot. He met her gaze through the glass front door and quickened his pace. Leather jacket, dark jeans, black shirt, he caught the attention of every person in the room.
She ignored the urge to straighten her shirt or touch her hair. "Thank you for coming."
His gaze roamed her from head to toe. "This is much better than how I was spending my evening."
"What were you doing?"
"Hanging out with Shredder."
"Shredder?"
"My dog. You'll meet him soon." He glanced around the room. "I haven't been in a place like this in years. Looks just like the one I hung out in. Actually, this isn't all that far from where I grew up."
She knew his story from Irisa. His family had emigrated from the Ukraine when he and Irisa were little kids. They hadn't had much money. In this space, he didn't look like a big-time rock star, just a regular guy. "Dalton's playing basketball. We didn't tell him you were coming." She led the way.
After introducing Zander to Kate, she pointed out Dalton.
Zander nodded and waited for a break in play. Then he walked over and tapped Dalton's shoulder. "Got a minute?"
The teen whirled around. His eyes grew rounder and rounder. "You're…you're…"
"Zander Rostov." Grinning, he extended his hand. "And you're Dalton, right?"
"Yeah. How are you actually here? Is this for real?" He slowly raised his hand to shake Zander's when the rocker pulled him in for a quick, back-slapping hug.
Zander handed Dalton a new concert t-shirt. "I hear you play the guitar."
Jayne relaxed against the wall and watched as Dalton bloomed into full animation as he discussed music with his idol.
After several minutes, Dalton led Zander into the music room and Jayne followed to spy from a distance. Dalton showed Zander the guitar he'd been using. "I've been playing for two years. I'm trying to learn your solo in "My Fist, Your Face"."
"Show me what you've got." Zander stood back and observed, then gave pointers. They worked together for a while, far longer than she'd expected.
Dalton beamed. "This is great. Unreal. I can't believe you're teaching me how to play your song."
"You're doing a good job. Keep it up."
"I'll try. I'll be doing it on my own, though. My teacher quit this week."
Jayne cleared her throat, drawing the attention of both males. "Kate's already posted a notice. I'm sure we'll have a new volunteer soon."
A frown marred Zander's forehead. Worry that he'd think she was trying to coerce him into working with Dalton tightened her stomach. He cocked his head to the side and studied the guitar in Dalton's hands. "You know, some of the best guitarists are self-taught."
"Were you self-taught?" Hero-worship shined in Dalton's eyes.
"Some, but I also had a teacher, one of the best. He passed away a few years ago." Zander crouched beside his chair. "Maybe we can get together here sometimes to jam."
"Really? You'd do that?"
"Sure, man. You have a natural talent and a good ear. I can't have you not playing."
Dalton's chest puffed up. He swung his gaze to Jayne. "Wow. Did you hear that?"
"That's incredibly generous." She let her gaze roam over Zander. Calm features, relaxed stance, no signs of resentment.
He winked at her and then turned back to Dalton. "We're doing a show at The Caboose on Saturday. Want to come? You can hang around and help my guitar tech. Chad's a good guy. He'd get a kick out of having you there."
"Yeah. That would be awesome."
Shaking her head, Jayne moved toward them. "I know some shows there are eighteen-and-over, but he's only sixteen." When Dalton winced at her words, she smiled through a stab of sympathy. Embarrassing him hadn't been her intention. But if he arrived and they wouldn't let him in…
Zander waved away her concern. "I've known Jake, the owner, for years. He'll be fine with it because Dalton will be with us. Just get permission from your parents."
"All they do is fight with each other. They don't know or care if I'm home or not." The forlorn, lost-puppy look was back.
"Give me your number. I'll call to clear it with them." He waited while the teen rattled off a number and his parents' names. To her surprise, he made the call right there. Within minutes, he'd obtained permission from Dalton's mother, assured her he'd arrange for her son's transportation to and from the show, promised her someone from the center would accompany him, and then convinced an ecstatic Dalton to rejoin his friends in their basketball game.
Once they were alone, Zander leaned in and lowered his voice. "The kid wasn't kidding. His parents were fighting when his mom answered the phone."
"That breaks my heart. He's been so unhappy lately but what you're doing made his day. You're really going all-out for a kid you just met." An awful thought entered her mind. "I hope you don't think I was hinting around at anything when I mentioned the volunteer thing."
"Believe it or not, I think I'm the one getting the better end of this deal."
"Why's that?"
"I like helping him, and I'll get to spend the night looking at you."
Warmth crept into her cheeks. "Looking at me?"
"Oh yeah. And don't pretend you don't know you're totally stunning. And each time I see you, I find even more things that I like." His fingers trailed a teasing path over the back of her hand, scrambling her thoughts. "So for Saturday, the show's at nine. Can you get there at eight-thirty? We'll meet at the side entrance in the parking lot and all go in together."
"I don't want to be a distraction." She twisted her necklace around her fingers and grasped the pendant in her hand. She couldn't afford a distraction like him.
He propped his arm against the wall and his hand brushed her shoulder. His quick smile shot heat through her. "His mom wanted Kate to be there. I want you to come too. It'll be good for Dalton to have some familiar faces."
How had he moved so close? Jayne gazed at him, and the fine lines etched into his forehead.
His hand closed over hers. "Come."
Looking in his eyes, the brown edged with green, intense and focused on her like she was the most interesting creation he'd ever seen, she couldn't say no.
CHAPTER FOUR
Helping Dalton had infused him with fresh energy. Throughout the week, Zander jotted down tips and techniques he could teach the kid.
Jayne wasn't far from his thoughts either. She'd looked so cute at the center, like one of the kids with her old t-shirt and faded jeans. Thoughts kept him distracted during the party with the fans on Tuesday, kept him subdued enough to play nice with his band mates, and kept him calm during a press event on Thursday, when the media hounded him about Luke's arrest. He'd repeated the same canned lines about fully supporting his friend, then answered the same old tired questions the press fired out at nearly every interview: How did you guys get your start? What's your favorite band? If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be? He still shook his head over that last one.
Finally, Saturday rolled around. He drove down to The Caboose, one of his favorite places to play. The bar, a generic brick building with its scarred wood floors and awesome acoustics was like a second home. Jake had given The Fury their start long ago and in return would forever have their support. They attended meet-and-greets and played special performances there several times a year.
As Zander pulled in to a spot, Bre
ndan sped into the one beside him. They walked toward the side entrance where Landry and Luke leaned against the wall.
Luke raised a brow. "Once again, you live the closest and you're the last one here."
"It's not even seven-thirty yet, so why do you care?" Zander scanned the lot for Dalton.
"Technically, I was last." Brendan put in. He threw his arm over Luke's shoulder. "Hey, is that the kid?"
The car service Zander hired pulled into the lot. "Yeah. Don't scare him."
Dalton got out, grin wide and wearing the new Fury t-shirt Zander had given him.
He waved, beckoning the teen to join them.
"Guys, this is Dalton. He's going to be shadowing Chad tonight." He introduced the boy to his band mates, Chad, and a few other members of the road crew. Dalton's eyes grew wider and wider with each new hello.
A sleek green sedan glided into the lot. Jayne, Irisa, and Kate emerged. Zander made the introduction rounds again before they finally headed inside.
Equipment set up didn't take long. He chatted with Jake while keeping watch from the side of the stage. Had it been almost ten years since that first time they'd played at the bar, with only a handful of people lounged at the tables? Tonight, the crowd packed in, around tables, and three-deep at the front of the stage. It was unreal. As always, gratitude overwhelmed him.
In the corner of his vision, Jayne approached. In navy jeans and a blue tank top sprinkled with glitter, she resembled a mermaid emerging from the sea. His groin tightened and he gripped his guitar so hard the strings bit into his callouses. Forcing himself to relax, he set it aside. "Hey."
Jayne's gaze swept over him, from his hands to his face. "Do you need anything?"
Those curves and those lips wrapped around him would be a good place to start. But he had a show to put on and didn't want the one hundred people surrounding them watching their first kiss. "I'm good, thanks. You're not here to work tonight. Relax and have a good time."
She glanced at the screaming crowd. "They're more than ready for you to play."
"So am I." But rather than plucking his guitar strings, his fingers itched to play across her skin. He needed to distract himself from those thoughts. "Dalton's a good kid." The teen stood with Chad, nodding over something the tech said.
"He really is. Thank you for letting him do this. He'll never forget it."
He shrugged off her thanks with a wave of his hand. "It's nice to feel needed." Better than nice.
Under the house lights, her hair appeared more coppery red than her regular rose-gold, reminding him of the sky at sunset. He couldn't resist temptation and slid a strand between his fingers to see if it felt as warm as the hue hinted.
Eyes darkened, she watched his hand slide off the end of her hair. "I know what you mean. That's how I feel when I'm doing my job too."
Luke stomped past them, grumbling about something under his breath. Two crew members followed. Jayne shifted into him and out of their path, and Zander held still to resist locking his hands around her waist and drawing her against him. He settled for resting his hand on her shoulder. The warmth of her skin only teased him. Her perfume drifted around them, a sultry cloak separating them from the rest of the world.
Jake stepped onstage. "Are you guys ready?"
Zander glanced around him. Brendan, Landry, and Luke were already in position. "Let's do it."
"Break a leg." Jayne's fingers drifted across his.
He blew out a breath as she sauntered away. Jake's brief introduction allowed him a minute to switch gears. Blood humming, he played the opening riff of "Cut Down".
The crowd went wild, shifting from cheering into singing along. After the song, he handed his blue Gibson to Chad. For over eight years, no one had touched his guitars but Chad or him, but Dalton was right there—with Zander's red Fender in hand—for the switch. The kid must have impressed his tech. He nodded his thanks and Dalton grinned. Brendan's crashing drums launched the next song, and Zander shredded, playing the intro solo with lightning speed, to the fans' cheers and chanting that lasted through their eight song set.
Shows at the bar used to end with tossing back drinks with the fans. But tonight was different. Jayne's presence was enough to spike his blood. She outshined everyone else in the room. He still signed autographs and posed for pictures, all the while keeping an eye on Dalton. He couldn't help hoping Jayne would hang around long enough for him to say goodnight.
Dalton buzzed around from band member to band member, asking questions. Having the kid around kept them on pretty decent behavior with each other. He was impressed by Dalton's willingness to help out with anything the crew needed. After the chaos wound down, he joined him in front of his rack of guitars. "You said you don't have a guitar at home, right?"
"Right."
He gestured to the rack. "Pick any one of them, except the blue one."
"You're giving me one of your guitars?"
"You need something so you can practice. You'll need an amp too. Talk to Chad. He'll hook you up."
"Man, this is unreal." Dalton gazed at the guitars. He reached for the red Fender. "Maybe someday I'll be able to play "Temperature Rising" as good as you."
Zander felt like Santa at Christmas. The band donated items frequently, but this up close, first-hand experience of seeing the happiness on Dalton's face was, in the kid's words, unreal.
Turning, he caught Jayne watching the exchange and smiling. The warmth flowing through him headed south. He wasn't helping the kid to impress her. But if that happened, it would be a nice side benefit because he fully intended to get to know her on a much more personal level.
Jayne arrived at the gates of Zander's large Spanish-style home, but before she could roll down her window to touch the speaker button, they swung open. She followed the winding drive and parked beside Irisa's blue BMW. The nerves churning her stomach increased. Zander's invitation for Jayne to watch the band practice and to attend the next day's ball game had seemed like a good idea, until now. He'd been too tempting at the community center and at the show—all caring and sweet under that sexy exterior. Nearly a week had passed since that night at The Caboose. Since the show, she'd reminded herself that getting involved with a client wasn't a smart idea. But then she'd remember something he'd said, or the way he'd looked at her, and forget all about why mixing business and pleasure was a bad idea, and she'd be back to square one.
Before she could knock, the front door opened wide. Zander stood in the threshold, hair disheveled, and wearing a black t-shirt that pulled tight across his broad shoulders. A sexy smile slowly spread across his face. "Hey. You made it."
"I hope I'm not late." She brushed her hand through her hair. The drive had taken a little longer than she'd anticipated.
"We didn't start yet. Luke and Brendan aren't here." He stepped back and gestured to the large room at his back. "Come in."
She stepped into the foyer. Coffee scented the air. He gave her the nickel tour, just long enough for her to appreciate the Spanish motif—smooth archways, high vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors with a few well-placed fireplaces. The large kitchen opened out to a slate patio and pool. They breezed by the generous living room and she stole a quick peek at the game room, dominated by an elaborate pool table, before they entered the studio used for practice. Landry and Irisa called out greetings when she walked in. Guitars, a drum kit, and various sized amps spread across the room. A couch and two chairs lined one of the walls under framed photos of the band and several rock legends.
The pictures normally would draw her interest but the large English Bulldog on the floor captured her attention. He lifted his head and regarded her, then staggered to his paws.
Landry laughed. "Whoa, Shredder's deemed Jayne worthy enough for a proper greeting. He must like you."
"He usually needs a lot of motivation to move." Zander crouched beside his dog. "You can pet him, it's okay."
She knelt beside Zander, her knee pressing into the side of his thigh. Shredder lumbered cl
oser and dropped his head into her lap. Zander's fingers brushed over hers as the both scratched the dog's head. Each time their fingers touched, electricity sparked up her arm.
When the doorbell rang, he pulled away with a sigh. He left the room and returned a minute later with Luke and Brendan.
Luke scowled at her and Irisa. "What are you guys doing here?"
Irisa laughed. "Hello to you, too. I thought it would be fun for us to sit in."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop with his icy stare. Jayne joined Irisa on the couch. Shredder looked up from his spot on the floor and gave a low grumble before following to settle at her feet.
"I think Shredder's found someone he likes more than his owner." Brendan took a gummy bear out of the container by the drum kit and popped it in his mouth.
"Can you blame him?" Zander picked up an acoustic guitar from a stand near the wall. "Before we practice the anthem, here's something I've been playing with."
His fingers strummed the strings. The melody pulled her in, pulled at something inside her, and filled a yearning she didn't even know she had. Zander's fingers on the guitar, his expression, the concentration, drew her in as much as the music. When the last note faded, he looked up for the first time since he started played and stared right into her eyes. For a moment, she thought he could see into her soul.
"You want to add that in the set list?" Luke's curt voice cut in, a sharp contrast to the romantic song. "We don't have anything else like it."
"I think our fans could handle us giving them something in a different direction." He began playing it again.
"Are you writing lyrics or leaving it instrumental?" Landry began picking out notes on his bass while Brendan softly tapped the high hat to the beat.
Again, Zander's gaze tracked to Jayne. "It's pretty new, so I'm not sure yet."
She offered him a smile and her honest opinion. "I thought it was beautiful."
"Yeah?" His grin spread across his face.
Luke shook his head. "We aren't some soft ballad band, man."
"It's one song." With a shrug, Zander adjusted the strap on his guitar. "You don't need to worry about it because you're not singing this one anyway."
Love Notes (Rocked by Love #1) Page 3
