Love Notes (Rocked by Love #1)

by Susan Scott Shelley

  "Whatever, man. I'm done." Luke turned and strode toward the lobby.

  Zander followed him. "We're not done. I don't know what your deal is, but you're going to be nice to her. And while you're at it, get your memory checked. I've never known someone to forget as many things as you have these past few weeks."

  They gained the attention of everyone in the lobby.

  Luke flipped him off and walked through the automatic doors.

  Two hands on his shoulders kept Zander from following. Brendan stood on his left and Landry on his right.

  "Let him go." Landry sipped his coffee. "So are you sleeping with Jayne?"

  He grunted. So much for secrecy. But maybe everyone knowing was better. "Got a problem with that?"

  "Not as long as it doesn't fuck up the tour. And she doesn't seem like the type for that to happen."

  "Where is she? I don't like thinking she's been unhappy." Brendan scanned the room.

  "Upstairs. I told her I wanted to talk to you alone. I don't know why Luke's being such an asshole."

  "He's been that way since we left New York."

  "Yeah well, it's going to stop now. I don't care what he says to me, but Jayne's working for us, so he'd better figure out how to put on his professional face."

  When the elevator opened, he stepped inside. "I'm going to go see her."

  Jayne had showered and made the bed. He kissed her and handed over his coffee. "I thought we could share."

  "As long as it has some sugar in it, I'll be good."

  He waited until she'd taken a sip. "Thing is, the guys know about us. Luke asked me what I was doing in your room at one AM."

  "Oh."

  "Brendan and Landry don't care."

  "But Luke does?"

  "He walked out during our meeting. But I laid into him. No more special requests. If it's not on the list, it's not happening." He paused. "Actually, I'll be taking a look at that list from now on to make sure there aren't any crazy requests thrown in."

  She nodded. "All right."

  He grasped her hand. "Why did you run those errands for him? Why not come to me or to my sister and tell us what was going on?"

  "I've had musicians ask for odd things before, so I didn't think it was too much of a big deal at first. Then I thought that since the guys know to come to me for the requests, that maybe Irisa did the extra errands for them too. Yes, he's been an asshole to me, but I really thought things would get better. Or at least that he would become more pleasant toward me. It's crossed my mind that maybe he's doing this as a test. You know he wasn't happy when I was hired. Maybe he needs proof that I can do anything he asks."

  "I don't like that thought at all. If I find out he was doing it to test you, I'll kick his ass."

  "He reminds me of a stray."

  "What?"

  "Sometimes, when he's sitting alone, he looks lonely. When he's with you guys, sometimes he's fine and sometimes he's snappish, and when he's with me, he's in full-on non-friendly. Just like a stray dog at the shelter."

  "I told him to be nicer. If he isn't, you need to tell me. You also need to tell me if he does ask you to do anything else."

  "I don't want to create problems between you and your band mates."

  "You're not the one who created the problem. He is."

  Equipment problems sound and lighting issues plagued their shows for the next three nights. Jayne handled the glitches like a pro. To make good on his threat, Zander kept close watch on Luke and Jayne. Luke didn't talk to him unless it was necessary, and didn't even look at Jayne. Playing on stage together was difficult. Every time he looked at Luke, he wanted to throttle him. But coming back to the hotel and sinking into Jayne's softness eased his tension.

  That weekend, Mother's Day presented a challenge. He'd been looking forward to flying home with Irisa to spend the day with his mom, like they did every year. But with the heightened tension, he was hesitant to leave Jayne alone in the same hotel as Luke. Brendan solved his problem, volunteering to fill in as Jayne's shadow.

  When he got back to his parents' house after their annual go-to-brunch-and-guilt-the-kids-into-wanting-kids fun, he called Jayne.

  "Hey." Her voice softened.

  "What are you up to?"

  "Brendan and I are hanging out." She murmured for Brendan to say hello. A hello called out in the background. "We went to lunch, and we're going to a movie tonight. How's your visit with your mom?"

  "Great. She doesn't change." His mom had been on a you-need-to-get-married kick for years. She'd said he needed someone to take care of him. Thank God his dad was sane.

  "I wish mine would." Her voice sounded wistful. "Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow morning?"

  "Bright and early. Keep that bed warm for me."

  "If you get back early enough, I might still be in it."

  He grinned. "That better be a promise." As good as it was to be home, he couldn't wait to get back to see her.

  The second week on the road had been tough. She'd steered clear of Luke and he'd steered clear of her but the tension between Luke and Zander was sky-high. Jayne was thrilled when the plane touched down in L.A. on Sunday morning. The rest of the tour was divided into a week at home, a week away, repeat, repeat, repeat.

  Tonight, they had a charity event to attend, hosted by Dom. The band was scheduled to play, and Jayne had promised Irisa she'd be there for moral support.

  She climbed into Zander's car and leaned over the gear shift to give him a kiss. "Thanks for driving me."

  "Anytime."

  Kate called her when they were halfway home. "Can you do me a favor? It's for Dalton."

  "What's up?" Hopefully it wouldn't be a request to meet Luke. She couldn't guarantee that one. She put the call on speaker and grabbed a pen and paper from her purse.

  "The apartment he and his mom are moving into doesn't allow pets, and his dad refuses to keep the dog because of how much he works. He only gets Dalton for two weekends a month."

  So sad. He loved that dog. "So you want me to help Dalton take Patch to the shelter?"

  "Well, I know you were thinking of getting another dog…"

  Damn it. She wasn't ready yet. "Pepper hasn't been gone long. I don't think I'm ready yet."

  "Please? I could hide him at my place for a little while, but I can't take him permanently. My building has a one-pet-per-apartment rule."

  "What kind of dog is he?" Zander's gaze met hers for a moment before he returned his focus to the road.

  "Patch is half-Boxer and half-Beagle."

  "He's three years old and really cute." Kate chimed in. "Mostly white with light brown patches, and big brown eyes."

  Dalton did love that dog… Her resolve weakened. She looked over at Zander. Then put herself in Dalton's place. She'd felt isolated, alone, and separated at his age. She could help Dalton, and shelters didn't need more animals.

  "Please." Kate begged. "Dalton is so upset. He trusts you."

  She couldn't say no. "I'd have to meet the dog first to make sure it's a good fit."

  "I knew I could count on you."

  After making plans to meet with Kate and Dalton, she ended the call and glanced at Zander. He watched her with a measured gaze. "You ready to take that on?"

  "I can look at it like a foster situation. Maybe they'll only live in that apartment for a year, and maybe they'll move to a pet-friendly one after that."

  "Or maybe you just found yourself a new permanent dog."

  She shrugged. "Pepper wandered into my life at the right time. Maybe Patch is too."

  He stared at the road for a while. "Mind if I tag along? I've been texting with Dalton a little bit and sending him how-to videos for playing my solo. It would be good to see him again."

  Two hours later, Jayne and Zander arrived at a dog park near Zander's house. Dalton and Kate were tossing a Frisbee to Patch.

  The kid wore the Fury t-shirt Zander had given him and the saddest expression Jayne had ever seen. She crouched beside him and greeted the dog
. Patch licked her hand and jumped up on her. For a moment, sadness about Pepper overwhelmed her, but then Patch barked and bathed her cheek in doggie kisses.

  "Mom said she can't wait for another apartment to open up. I don't know why my dad won't keep him." Shaggy hair covered eyes she was sure were blinking back tears.

  "When are you guys moving?"

  "In June."

  She patted his shoulder. "Well, you can come and visit him any time you want. He's still your dog. I'm just dog-sitting for a while. You can take him back any time, I promise."

  "Okay." He blew out a breath and sat on the ground and pulled the dog into his lap.

  Jayne backed away, giving him time alone. Tears hit the back of her eyes. She found the comfort of Zander's strong chest and leaned into him.

  He looked at Kate. "I'm told the center gets all of its instruments from donations."

  "That's true. That's how the music teachers come to us too. It's all volunteer so we can offer the kids the lessons for free."

  "When I was starting out, I couldn't even afford new guitar strings, but when things took off and we became famous, everyone started giving us stuff for free. In the past, the band has donated instruments to schools. We have a lot of things the center might be able to use. Give me a chance to get through this tour and I'll see what I can give you."

  "Jayne, I really like your friend." Kate grinned. "So, what's the verdict with Patch?"

  "He's a good dog. I think it'll be fine, except for what it's doing to Dalton."

  "What are you going to do when you're on tour? He's not as small as Pepper was."

  "I guess I'll have to board him."

  "Or he can hang out with Shredder." Zander pulled her closer. "My housekeeper takes care of him if I can't take him on a trip. And if he can't do it, my parents help out. Two dogs wouldn't be that much harder than one. Remember, Shredder's pretty lazy."

  "You'd do that?" Jayne lowered her sunglasses and regarded him over the top.

  "Shredder needs a buddy." With that, he strolled over to Dalton and began a discussion on music, guitars, and pets.

  Kate nudged her hip. "You lucked out."

  "He's pretty unreal." She smiled. He was passionate, compassionate, stubborn, and kind. But his best friend didn't like her. And she didn't pretend to think that wouldn't matter in the end.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Zander closed the door to the dressing room. Things had been tense between Luke and him for weeks. He'd thought the tension had eased the previous evening when they'd all come together to support Irisa, but even there, Luke interpreted "be nice to Jayne" to mean "pretend she doesn't exist." Zander knew it hurt her feelings, and for that reason alone, he wanted to see her smile. "We're putting the new song in."

  Luke shook his head. "I don't think so. We're all supposed to agree, and I don't agree."

  "Well it's three-to-one, so you're overruled." He'd cleared it with Brendan and Landry earlier.

  "I'm not having a fucking ballad mess up my fucking show."

  "How would one song mess up a show?" His hands formed fists, ready to unleash his anger. "Fuck you. Go. I'll sing."

  Luke laughed, then sneered. "The fans won't buy that. We can replace a bass player, a drummer, hell, even you. But you can't replace a lead singer. I'm what brings fans in."

  He hadn't meant the whole damn show—but wait… "You're what brings the fans in? Just you, asshole?"

  "Guys, enough." Irisa pushed between them. "You have to be onstage in a few minutes. Pull it together."

  He'd had enough. Zander locked into the stare-down. Luke had become an even bigger asshole than his new normal level. "Might want to watch that ego, buddy. All of us have taken turns at the mic."

  "You think you can do better than me?" Luke shoved Zander's chest. Physically, they were evenly matched. He didn't back down. "Fine. Have at it." He grabbed his jacket and slammed out of the room.

  Shaking his head, Zander stared at the door. The room behind him was silent. He turned, expecting to find an ally in Brendan or Landry, but neither one looked anything but angry.

  Irisa leveled them each with a glare. Shadows under her eyes sharpened her fury. "Is it too much to ask that you get along for one show?"

  "I'm getting really tired of him." Rolling his shoulders, he reached for his guitar.

  Landry tugged on his leather jacket. "Not only him."

  Still primed for a fight, Zander faced the bassist. "What was that?"

  The door opened. Not Luke. Jayne walked in, wavy hair flowing behind her. "It's show time."

  "Did you see Luke?" Irisa gripped a roll of antacids in one hand and her phone in the other.

  She shook her head. "Where was he going?"

  Brendan moved toward the door. "I'll go look for him."

  Realization dawned on Jayne's face and she put her hand on Brendan's chest to stop him. "No. Get to the stage. I'll find him." Jayne rushed out.

  "What the hell?" Zander grabbed his guitar and stalked out of the room, gaze sweeping the hallway as he made his way to the stage. If Luke delayed them…

  The crowd grew restless as the minutes ticked by. He waited, anger gathering steam, and exchanged annoyed looks with Brendan and Landry.

  The scent of Jayne's perfume reached him a second before she appeared by his side. "Security couldn't find him, so they checked their cameras. He walked out of the building a few minutes ago and got into a cab."

  "Fuck." He bellowed the word and Jayne flinched. "He wants to leave that way? Fine."

  Irisa grabbed hold of his arm. "You can't go out there and tell the fans that he walked out."

  "I know, I know. He got sick." Using air quotes, he smirked.

  "Make sure you don't use those hand gestures when you tell the fans," his sister urged. She had her phone out, and sent another text to Luke.

  What the hell? He needed to hit something, but instead, he had to go out there and feign concern over his friend's fake illness. And Irisa would have to deal with the label. Excite wouldn't appreciate Luke walking out. The idiot could find himself in a lot of trouble.

  Jayne's hand met his, cool and reassuring. He tugged her against him and pressed a kiss to her lips. She gave him a moment of calm in a storm. His emotions evened. He held on to that feeling as he stepped on stage.

  The crowd went wild. He grabbed hold of the mic. "Hey guys, how the hell are you all doing tonight?"

  They responded with cheers and chants. He glanced at Landry and raised his brow. The bassist shrugged.

  "So you guys probably noticed we're missing a band member. Luke's sick. He strained his voice. It was sudden and he's so sorry he can't be here with you." He bit back the snarl and waited out the mild boos. "But we're gonna give you guys a great show, and you're going to help us do it. I want you all to sing along as loud as you can. You're all honorary band members tonight."

  Cheers echoed back. Maybe they could pull this off. He launched into "My Fist, Your Face," picturing Luke as he sang. For the next hour, he chatted and sang. Then he spied a young woman in the front row. She'd held up a sign that read It's my birthday and I came here to sing with Luke.

  He had security help her onto the stage, then turned to the crowd. "She came here to sing with Luke, so how about we sing "Happy Birthday" to her?"

  The crowd sang and the girl beamed. When the song finished, she hugged him, then held up her phone and they took a photo together. She squinted at her screen and her mouth dropped open. She thrust her finger in his face. "You lied. Luke's not sick. He's at a bar with my friend."

  His mic picked up her words.

  Boos drowned out the low tune Landry played.

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  A security guard helped the girl back into the crowd. Cursing Luke, Zander leaned into the mic. "I told you his voice was strained, guys. He couldn't perform and give you one hundred percent. That's why he's not here. But come on, let's show everyone why you're the best crowd we've had on the tour."

 
Fresh beads of sweat ran down his face. He turned to the guys. "Let's do "Raging Inferno"." The aggressive, fast-paced song was a fan favorite.

  "Luke sucks! Luke sucks!" The crowd's chant blended into the song. And an open cup of beer landed on the stage, sloshing its contents at Zander's feet. He stepped back and dodged another, then another. Trash came flying from all directions. Security jumped onstage.

  He moved closer to Landry, in front of Brendan's kit. "Keep playing."

  "Refund! Refund!" The new chant grew even louder. More trash sailed his way. A container smacked into his guitar and splattered orange goo all over the pickups.

  "Fuck." He whipped his head toward Chad. The tech tossed him a towel. Swiping at the substance, he stared at the sea of angry faces in the out of control crowd. Fucking nacho cheese on his fucking guitar. Seething, he motioned for the guys to stop playing and broke through the wall of security to reach his mic. "You guys want a refund? Contact Luke through Excite Records. He'll make sure you get one."

  "Zander," Jayne called to him, waving her arms for him to exit to her side of the stage. The guys from Assertive Ire stood with her. They weren't due to go on for another hour. He kicked a path to them through the debris, sending cups rolling.

  Griffin jerked his head toward his band. "We're ready. We can take over from here."

  Might as well turn it over to them. The crowd wasn't settling down. "Thanks, man. I'll owe you one."

  The stage lights dimmed.

  Show over.

  He strode past his sister. "I'm going to kill him."

  "Get in line." Irisa followed him away from stage and back to the dressing room. "One of you could've been seriously hurt out there."

  Landry pulled off his dripping jacket and beer-stained shirt. "Where was he? Let's go get him."

  "Too late." Brendan looked at his phone. "Other fans showed up there, but he's gone now."

  Zander set the towel aside. He'd need something else to get the cheese out of the crevices. "As far as I'm concerned, he's out of the band."

  "No rash decisions." His sister's voice was firm. "Hit the showers and let's get out of here. He's not answering any of us, so you have two choices. One, you go home, nowhere else, home, and we'll figure this out in the morning. Or two, you come with me to Luke's house. He has to come home sometime."