Love Notes (Rocked by Love #1)

by Susan Scott Shelley

  The singer crossed his arms over his chest. "Let me guess, you are?"

  "Come on, guys. We have company here. We can settle this later." Irisa's forced cheerfulness fell flat amid air thick with tension. Luke continued glaring at Zander, and Zander scowled back.

  Two gummy bears arced through the air, one hitting Luke's chest and one landing on Zander's head.

  "Damn it, Brendan." Zander picked the red gummy out of his hair. "Dude, if that had gone into my guitar…"

  "Relax. My aim's not that good…yet." Eyes dancing with laughter, he twirled his drumsticks.

  "I can't work in these fucking conditions," Luke grumbled, but his tone lost a lot of heat.

  Irisa leaned toward her. "I forgot to mention the bears…"

  When Brendan shrugged, all innocence, Jayne couldn't help cracking a smile. He tossed another gummy into the air and caught it in his mouth. "Want one?"

  "Thanks, but I think I'll let you keep your stockpile."

  Zander winged the red gummy back at the drummer, but he grinned when he threw it, and then he focused those hazel eyes on Jayne. "Did you know Shredder can sing and play the drums?"

  "Can he?" She shared his smile. He looked so good when he smiled… "I'd love to see that."

  He nodded and called the dog over to Brendan's kit, then knelt and positioned the dog's back leg by the base drum. "Okay, boy. Sing."

  He strummed a few notes and Shredder let out a few barks and yips, followed by a howl. His back leg and his tail thumped the drum. The sounds mixed in with Zander's playing and didn't sound too bad. Every time he pointed to the dog, Shredder would let out a single bark.

  Jayne laughed. "You should take him on the road with you."

  Landry set down his bass. "We have. Where do you think he learned to do this? Hours and hours, driving across the country."

  "Now that we're finished goofing off, can we get back to work?" Luke stood in the middle of the room, hands splayed on his hips. The brooding scowl once again darkened his features.

  Zander exchanged the acoustic guitar for his blue Gibson. "What's your deal, man?"

  "Maybe I have something else to do."

  Did they have to argue? Jayne shifted in her seat. After growing up in a house filled with fighting and tension, she avoided it at all costs. When Luke spun in her direction, her first thought was to soothe. Maybe he was angry about his forced driving ban. "If you need to go somewhere, I can drive you."

  "I'll grab a cab." He paused and thought for a moment. "Later."

  Shredder padded over and lay over her feet. Leaning down, she scratched his head, absorbing comfort, and then slid to the floor and rubbed his belly, giving him her undivided attention while the guys ran through the National Anthem close to a dozen times. No drums for the ballpark. Brendan harmonized with Luke while Zander and Landry played the melody.

  Finally, the guys were satisfied. Either that or they were tired of each other or of playing the same song so many times. Luke and Irisa left first. He'd accepted a ride home from her. While Landry chatted with Zander, Brendan sat beside Jayne. "For the tour, can you make sure I have gummy bears at every show?"

  She smiled. "For eating or for launching attacks on your band mates?"

  "Both." He shrugged. "Things can get pretty heated and it lowers the tension."

  She'd witnessed that first-hand. "Don't worry, I've got you covered."

  "Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow at the ballpark." He stood and said his goodbyes to Zander and Landry. When all three men walked toward the doorway, Jayne got to her feet. As much as she loved playing with the dog, she didn't want to overstay her welcome.

  Zander turned back. "You don't have to go. He hasn't had this much attention in a while."

  Shredder barked and nudged his head against her legs. Zander laughed, and the rich sound echoed through the room and sent a flutter of awareness through her blood. "See? He's asking you to stay."

  "All right." Her heart beat faster. She bent down and rubbed the dog's head. "It's pretty tough to say goodbye to you. We can play a little longer."

  Zander rewarded her with a smile before following the guys out of the room. She rejoined Shredder on the floor and tried not to dwell on the fact that she was now alone with the one man who tempted her to throw caution and rules out the window.

  Zander closed the door behind his band mates and made his way back into the practice room. Jayne sprawled on the floor playing with the dog. Her hair fell over her shoulders and a smile as brilliant as a sunbeam lighted her face.

  "Looks like he made a new friend."

  She smiled. "I love dogs. I was the kid who always brought home strays."

  He knew she volunteered at the animal shelter with his sister. "Do you have any pets?"

  "I had Pepper, my Yorkie, for six years. She passed away two months ago." A shadow clouded her eyes.

  Shit. He joined her on the floor, and mirrored her position, back against the couch, forearms resting on his knees. "I'm sorry. Losing a pet is like losing a family member."

  "It's true. Especially with Pepper. I adopted her when she was eight weeks old. We went through a lot together. She was the runt of the litter, and had all sorts of health problems from the beginning. But the last eighteen months, she battled cancer."

  "I'm so sorry." He remembered Irisa flying home during their East Coast tour to visit Jayne. And now he remembered why.

  "I tried every type of treatment to save her, but it wasn't enough." Her voice quavered. She cleared her throat and cuddled closer to Shredder. "But I'm happy she's not in pain anymore."

  Shredder nudged his head into her legs again. Comfort offered, canine-style. Jayne's hand rubbed over his head, then she leaned over and hugged the dog. "He's a sweetie."

  Zander agreed. His dog was awesome, but he needed to lighten the moment. "You know, his master's pretty good too."

  At that, her head came up. "Yeah?"

  "Sure. Once you get to know him." He shifted closer. Her breath caught when his elbow brushed against the side of her breast. The little hitch of breath aroused him immediately.

  Her eyes deepened to darker shades of blue. "I like what I know so far."

  "Do you? Me, too." He leaned down until only a few inches separated them and trailed his fingertip down her cheek and across her mouth. He'd been dreaming of tasting her lips for days.

  Those full lips parted and the look in her eyes, surprise mixed with need, sent his desire soaring. "It's not a good idea."

  "What isn't?" He could barely hear over the buzzing in his head.

  "Kissing. I never get involved with someone I'm working with."

  Her words and definitive tone registered loud and clear. He sat back. "I never have either." If things headed south, they'd still have to see each every day. He liked Jayne—admired her as a person. She wasn't the kind of person for a casual fling. She was also Irisa's best friend. He definitely didn't want to hurt her.

  Pink spots appeared in her cheeks and her gaze dropped to Shredder. She tucked her hair behind her ear and then her fingers tangled around the gold necklace she wore. "So…"

  He didn't want her to be uncomfortable. Kissing or no kissing, he liked her and wanted to get to know her better. He tapped her hand with his finger and smiled when she looked at him. "So. How'd a nice piano-playing girl like you end up being a tour manager for rock bands?"

  "Music saved me. It was my escape." She shifted her position, stretching her long legs out in front of her. "I mentioned before that my parents' divorce was similar to what Dalton is going through. They had awful fights for years. I'd hide in my bedroom blaring the music as loud as I dared to drown them out. I fell in love with rock because the drums and guitars covered their arguments better than anything else."

  Zander moved Shredder's bulk off of Jayne's legs. He settled the dog between them. "I gravitated to it because it's powerful and aggressive and I like playing loud."

  "I noticed you tend to play the blue guitar more than any of the others y
ou have. What makes it special?"

  "I've had it the longest. I bought it when the band was just starting out, after we'd all found each other. I met Luke in college. I was studying music. He was a chemistry major. We were both in other bands that didn't work out. He knew Landry, and the three of us started hanging out, jamming, and realized we had something special. Landry met Brendan through another band, and then he joined us too. He clicked. It all fit. We all fit." He smirked. "You'd never know it from the way we've been acting lately. Anyway…"

  "Anyway, it's a beautiful guitar."

  "It matches your eyes. That was one of the first things I noticed about you. That, and the way your presence lights up a room." What the hell was he doing? She'd just said she didn't get involved with anyone she worked with. But he couldn't shake the chemistry between them.

  Those blue eyes focused on his mouth long enough for him to consider leaning in and tasting her, consequences be damned. Her lips parted but then her gaze flicked to his eyes. "I should probably get going."

  "You can stay."

  "I don't think staring temptation in the face is a smart idea."

  He grinned. "Maybe not, but it's a beautiful view from where I'm sitting."

  The blush crept up her neck and over her cheeks. "Thank you. And on that note, I'll say goodnight."

  As they stood, Shredder whined and rubbed his head against Jayne's shin. "I think he's protesting. You'll have to come back and visit him."

  She gave the dog one last rub. "I don't think I could stay away."

  Zander led her to the door. He'd spent so much time picturing kissing Jayne that he couldn't not see it every time he closed his eyes. Her position on not getting involved made sense, as much as he didn't want to admit it. A sadistic part of him demanded he test them both. When they reached his door, he stopped her by laying a single fingertip on her shoulder. "What, no hug goodbye?"

  She clasped the gold pendant dangling from the long chain around her neck. "All right."

  They opened their arms at the same time. Jayne took a step toward him and his hands closed over her shoulders and drew her into his embrace. Her curves fit against him perfectly, like they were two puzzle pieces. Soft golden-red hair brushed his cheek and he inhaled the scent of honeysuckle. She'd turned her face toward his chest rather than away and when he looked down, her eyes were closed. Her chest rose and fell in time with his as she relaxed, her muscles growing soft, yielding to his form.

  All he had to do was slide his hand into her hair and direct her mouth to his. His hands flexed on her back but he didn't move them further.

  Releasing her was torture but he'd scored a small victory—he'd seen how much of an effort it had cost Jayne to pull away.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  One of his earliest and favorite memories of his childhood was coming to the Riptide's ballpark with his dad. If someone had told him back then that one day he'd be on their field playing the National Anthem with his rock band, he'd never have believed it in a million years. Yet here he was.

  Zander turned in a slow circle, taking in the scoreboard, the dugouts, the baseball diamond, the scents of grass and dirt and ballpark foods, and the murmurs from the sea of people filling the stadium's seats. Beside him, Landry and Brendan chatted with one of the security guards. Luke stood off to the side performing the series of breathing exercises he did before every show. He'd been quiet on the ride to the stadium, sitting in the back of the SUV Irisa had hired to drive them, scowling and saying nothing.

  Irisa and Jayne would be watching from one of the suites. Keeping his mind off of Jayne and the way she'd felt in his arms hadn't worked. She didn't get involved with people she worked with, he didn't either, and the band typically hired the same people over and over again. Irisa seemed happier with Jayne on tour. He wouldn't be surprised if Irisa wanted her again for the next one. Pursuing Jayne wouldn't be smart. But they could be friends. With maybe some harmless flirting added in.

  The crowd cheered as the two teams filed onto the field and stood in front of their respective dugouts.

  Show time.

  A rush of energy flooded his body. Zander glanced at the band. "Let's rock this place."

  He played the opening strains of the anthem and it rang out from the stadium's giant speakers. Landry's bass followed, his accompaniment filling out the low end of the song. He grinned. This was so fucking cool.

  Luke grabbed hold of the mic and belted out the lyrics, his voice strong, his pitch perfect. Brendan joined in. Not having his drums didn't stop his fingers from moving. They tapped the side of his leg, keeping time with the music.

  Too soon, the last chords faded. Luke thanked the fans and rallied the crowd for a Riptide win. Flying high, Zander led the way to the line of Riptide players. He went down the line, receiving either handshakes or high fives. Dom Torres, one of his favorite players, stood at the end. He had an inkling that his sister's sudden interest in baseball stemmed from the center fielder's recent move into her apartment building.

  He shook Dom's hand. "Good luck today."

  "Thanks, man. Nice job out there. I'll see you in the locker room after the game, right?"

  "I'll be there." And he'd be sure to let the ballplayer know that he had better take care of his sister.

  When he reached the tunnel, he turned around for one last look, and watched the players take the field. Temptation to stay and soak in the moment battled with the temptation to get to the suite and see Jayne. Being with her was sweet torture. The one woman he wanted—and he couldn't have her.

  After the band left the field, Jayne left her position by the window. During the performance, her gaze had been riveted to Zander's jacked frame, the way he held his guitar and the way his jeans and black t-shirt showed off well-developed muscles. Muscles she'd experienced to be as strong as they looked. Wrapped in his arms yesterday, leaning against his chest, she'd wanted nothing more than to raise her lips to his. But she never broke her own rule and got involved with any client. She excused herself and headed into the restroom. A few minutes to compose herself, to gain control of her breathing, and she would be fine.

  Over the exhaust fan's noise, male voices called out—the band congratulating each other on a job well done. With one final glance at her reflection, she opened the door and stepped into the room, and came face-to-face with Luke. His smile faded and his blue eyes hardened. Without a word, he turned away. Her stomach lurched and she stood rooted to her spot as members of the road crew entered the suite and swarmed the food table.

  Zander came toward her, holding two beers. "I saved you a seat."

  His smile warmed the ice out of her bones. "Nice job out there."

  "Thanks." His grin formed fast and he passed her a bottle. Then he guided her to a seat in the suite's first row. They had an unobstructed view of the field. She sank into the cushion and let the beer soothe her dry throat. He settled beside her, hot and tempting. His knee rested against hers and his arm brushed hers on the shared armrest. She didn't want to pull away.

  "Hey." Zander's voice rumbled low.

  She looked up from the bottle and her breath caught at the intensity of his gaze. He shifted closer and her pulse thudded, but before he could say anything, Brendan dropped into the seat on her other side, carrying a beer and a plate piled high with a burger and a small mountain of fries. She angled her body closer to Zander to give Brendan more room.

  "Dude. Look at the Jumbotron." He pointed to a section on the other side of the field. A group of young women in one of the nosebleed sections were all wearing I love Zander t-shirts. They saw themselves on camera and began cheering and waving.

  "Cool." Zander reached over her and snagged a fry from Brendan's plate. "Maybe I'll send them some pizzas."

  The camera zoomed in on an attractive brunette pointing to the text stretched across her ample chest and the stadium filled with catcalls. She then held up a Marry Me Zander sign with a phone number scrawled underneath.

  Jayne pulled away so her bo
dy no longer touched his. Her imagination didn't have any trouble picturing the curvy olive-skinned woman draped all over him. He had women hitting on him all the time. It wasn't his fault. He was attractive, talented, famous, and nice to the fans. Sipping her beer, she kept her focus on the ball field and away from the giant screen. Commercial break over, the play resumed.

  Zander leaned in, close enough for his lips to brush her ear. "Groupies aren't my style. Neither are college-aged girls, or brunettes who broadcast their numbers on national television."

  The murmured words feathered over her neck and goosebumps dotted her arms. She glanced at Brendan, but he was deep in conversation with Landry. Her gaze darted back to Zander and his intense hazel stare. "It's not my business."

  His large hand touched the back of hers. "I have a thing for strawberry blonde tour managers." He spoke the words evenly, and his chin jutted in the same stubborn way that Irisa's did whenever she was adamant about something.

  "Zander." She licked lips gone dry.

  His gaze zeroed in on her mouth and he draped his arm over the back of her chair. Not touching her, but still there. So near she could feel his heat. He leaned in again.

  The familiar guitar riff from "Cut Down" blared over the stadium. The suite erupted in cheers so loud they matched the crowd's noise level, and around her, the guys high-fived each other. Then the Jumbotron's camera panned from Dom Torres at home plate to their suite, landing on the band. The cheer turned into a roar.

  She vaguely heard Irisa telling the guys to smile and wave. Seeing herself on camera, Jayne straightened her shoulders. Brendan thrust his half-eaten burger in her hand and jumped to his feet, fists raised high. The crowd went wild. Zander's hand curled around her shoulder. He leaned forward and waved. She didn't know what to do, so she smiled. The smile bloomed brighter when his hand tightened its hold. She shouldn't encourage him—she should move away—but the warmth seeping into her shoulder felt too good.