by Joanna Blake
"We'll pay for it. We need you at your best."
"It's fine. I- I just need a cup of coffee."
He raised an eyebrow.
"No coffee. Just tea. It's too drying on your cords."
Her gorgeous lips opened in surprise. Harry had been right. The girl was really raw. She didn't even know how to look after her voice.
"Come on, I'll show you where they hide the good stuff. I'm Bruce by the way."
He held out his hand and she stared at it, then glanced back at his face. Finally she reached out and he closed his hand over hers. Her skin was incredibly soft and silky. The bones of her hand were delicate, like a bird’s. He felt a sudden wave of protectiveness wash over him.
"I'm Kat. Katrina."
As she pulled her hand back he felt the telltale callouses on her fingers.
"Kat. It suits you. So do you play too?"
She nodded and followed him to the entrance. He gestured that she should walk ahead of him.
He was doing his best to put her at ease as they walked through the darkened studio, but it wasn't working. Her narrow back was stiff and straight. Her eyes were narrowed and suspicious.
Crap, if only she hadn't caught him ogling her in the car. Now she was on her guard. He decided he'd do his best to counteract that by ignoring her the rest of the day.
Of course that was going to be easier said than done.
"The tea's in here- try the green it's less acidic on your cords. And above the fridge is the good honey. Suze always keeps lemons handy as well- it cuts the phlegm."
She nodded tentatively, looking like a lost little girl. He stared at her for a moment before forcing himself to leave the room.
"I'll see you in there."
"Okay. Thanks Mr. Harrison."
"Bruce. Call me Bruce."
“I’d rather not.”
“I insist.”
She just stared at him, unsure how to respond.
“Alright… Bruce.”
He smiled and left. He didn't want her to see the effect she had on him- just saying his name had sent a hot spiral of lust straight to his core. Hell, he was acting like a teenager. He grimaced and adjusted himself.
If he didn't get ahold of himself, he was going to spend the next two weeks of rehearsal in a state of constant arousal.
Not that he minded.
As long as there was a payoff at the end.
**********
Katrina stood with the other two backup singers, Betsy and Linda. They were nice enough but they were already good friends with each other. There was a small group of elite singers in the Los Angeles area and they all knew each other. She was the interloper in their world and they didn't bother to hide it.
Still, she had to admit they could wail. When Harry singled out Kat for the solo in the first song the other two raised their eyebrows. But when they heard her sing, she could tell she'd earned their grudging respect.
That still hadn't meant they were going to invite her to lunch. Not that she could afford it anyway, but it still stung to watch them head off arm in arm to some local restaurant. A different one each day from what she could gather. It was the third day this week that Kat had spent her lunch hour sitting in the break room nibbling on the free crackers. If you dipped them in tea, it almost tasted like soup.
She was sitting there working on her third package of saltines when Bruce came in. He looked a bit startled to see her. After that first day, he'd kept his distance. All her direction had come through Harry and Scott, the lead guitarist. He was the de facto band leader. Plus Clarice, the older woman who came in after rehearsal was over to put Kat through her paces.
She was exhausted, but in a good way. And her voice had never felt better. She was breathing right, and had learned a few other tricks. Clarice confided that she'd been forbidden to over train her, just to give her the tools to support the rigorous schedule. She'd said something about 'Bruce wanting you to keep that sultry quality.'
For some reason, that had made Kat's cheeks grow warm. There was something about the way he looked at her that made her nervous, like a wild animal sensing danger. She looked up from her tea soup.
He was doing it again.
Watching her.
His eyes shifted slowly up her body to her face.
"Not hungry?"
She shrugged but didn't say anything. She definitely did not want her boss to know how broke she was, or how desperately she needed this job. For some reason, her pride just wouldn't allow it. Plus, he already had the upper hand.
"How are the lessons going?"
She took a quick sip of her tea before answering.
"Good. Really good. I had no idea I was doing so many things wrong."
He leaned on the counter and stared at her.
"Not so many things. You just needed some breath work."
Her cheeks warmed up again. What was it about this man that made her feel so on edge? She felt like she might jump out of her skin at any second.
And this was just the first week of rehearsal. They had one more week after this one and then one week in Vegas. And then they'd be performing together almost every night for a month.
There was no way she was going to be able to avoid him so she better get a handle on herself and whatever it was she was feeling.
Fast.
**********
"Still sleeping in your car?"
"No. Just if I get here too early. I mean, I have a place to live."
Bruce could tell she was being defensive. He hadn't meant to imply she was homeless. But now that he thought about it, the girl did seem to be in more than a bit of trouble.
Not your problem Bruce.
But for some crazy reason, he wanted it to be his problem. More than anything he wanted to take care of her. Well, that's not all he wanted to do.
Damn if he was going to let the girl go hungry either way.
"I didn't say you didn't."
The girl's face lit up with an embarrassed blush. God but he'd like to give her a real reason to blush. He imagined her naked, her whole body turning pink under his eyes and hands.
Fuck it, that was it. He was going to make that happen. And soon.
It was past time he had a new girlfriend anyway. It had been years since he dated anyone seriously. Little flings here and there didn't count. He just hadn't been inspired to go after anyone like this. Not until her.
He grinned suddenly, feeling that everything was right in the world. He was going to have her and that was that. He’d make sure to look after his future girlfriend. First he'd start with the food.
"It's good that you are here actually. I was going to start asking everyone to stay back for lunch. There's a lot of paperwork to be sorted out. What do you think we should get for tomorrow- sushi?"
Her face wrinkled up. No sushi then.
"Italian? Everybody likes Italian right?"
She nodded. He watched her reach for another package of crackers. Damn, how had he not noticed how thin she was? The girl had looked ready to drop yesterday at the end of the day. A strange feeling was pooling in his stomach.
With a sudden insight it hit him.
He was worried about her.
Really worried.
A strange girl he'd just met had somehow worked her way into his head without the slightest effort. Considering how many women threw themselves at him on a regular basis, that in itself was remarkable.
"I really wish you'd consider staying in a hotel, at least on weeknights."
She looked alarmed as she stood up.
"No- I'm- I'm fine. But thanks. I'm just going to get something from my car."
He watched as she scurried out of the room. So she was too proud to take his help. He'd just have to work it into the job description.
Bruce walked into the office where Suze and Harry were talking.
"Harry, start ordering lunch in for everyone."
"What? Everybody likes to go out for lunch."
"I want everyo
ne here and focused. Suze, you must know some good places. Start with Italian- in fact- can we get something in today for a snack? I don't want everybody dropping around 4 like yesterday."
She nodded and turned away. But not before she gave him a look that said plain as day 'I'm onto you.'
He didn't care if Suze figured it out, as long as Kat didn't.
3
Katrina was home just in time to put Tommy to bed. It had been like that every day this week. She was exhausted but at least she wasn't hungry for once. It was funny that they'd started bringing in so much food after he'd seen her in the kitchen.
For a moment she wondered if it was deliberate, if he'd known she was too poor to bring lunch.
The thought was excruciatingly embarrassing. Not that she cared what anybody thought of her.
That was a lie.
For some reason, she cared what Bruce thought.
She pressed a kiss to Tommy's forehead and whispered in his ear about the cannoli she'd brought him for him. In the morning she'd be gone before he woke up so she kissed his smooth forehead again, for good luck.
Tommy was doing well on the new vitamins and herbal supplements they'd gotten him. It had been expensive though, even after her mother helped her scout the best prices in town. But this stuff was supposed to help kids like him and she would do anything for her special little man.
Going without lunch or lipgloss was a small price to pay.
As she climbed into the leaky shower she wondered if Bruce had noticed her lack of makeup too.
He seemed to like her anyway. She must be imagining that. Why would a huge famous rock star give a shit about a backup singer? She was just another instrument in the show. Thankfully, he definitely liked that about her.
It was only 9 pm but she was exhausted. She kissed her mother on the cheek and made up the couch. There was another added benefit to being so run down: the squeaky old couch was actually comfortable when you were this tired.
**********
Bruce sat in the studio waiting for rehearsal to start. He had caught Katrina sleeping in her car again. He had wanted to pull her out of that ugly old hatchback and teach her a lesson about what happens to women who sleep alone in parking lots.
Part of him had wanted to kiss her, he was so glad that she was okay.
But it was more than that.
Part of him had wanted to scare some sense into her too.
Jesus, just thinking about the kind of trouble she could get in made his stomach clench. If someone else had found her there, looking so helpless and irresistible… who knows what they would have done to her?
He had a pretty good idea though.
It wasn't even 9 am yet and for the first time in years he wanted to throw back a drink. More than one. He wanted to get hammered. Drunk Bruce would know what to do with such a difficult woman. Drunk Bruce wouldn't be shy about telling her what he wanted.
No, what he needed.
Drunk Bruce would be crystal fucking clear about that.
Through the open doorway he saw a sleepy looking Kat wander in. She looked adorable. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and tell her to go back to sleep.
He also wanted to throttle her.
"You did it again."
His voice cracked out like a whip, stopping her in her tracks.
"I told you to get a hotel room."
She just stared at him, looking utterly defenseless.
"Katrina. Are you listening to me? We are invested in your health and well being. Sleeping in parking lots is a danger to this enterprise."
Her mouth dropped open in a tiny little 'O' of surprise.
Bruce took a deep breath and waited for her to answer. He stayed in his spot on the couch. He was afraid if he stood up he might start shaking her.
Or worse yet, kissing her.
That would not go over well with Harry.
"Well?"
Kat raised her chin and stared at him mulishly.
"I can't afford a hotel. But I think you knew that."
Now he did stand, whipping out his wallet and tearing out a stack of hundreds.
"Here. Stay in a hotel next week. This is your lodging allowance."
She stared at the money, not taking it, just staring. She looked utterly bewildered. He tore another stack of bills out and grabbed her hand.
"And this is your clothing allowance. You need to look good coming and going from the theater in Vegas. People will be watching. It's all part of the show."
She gasped at the insult. Her tiny hand was not closing around the money. Why was she making this so difficult?
"Take it Katrina."
"No."
"Fine. I will book you a god damned hotel and I will get you some god damned clothes. What size are you?"
Her big green eyes blinked at him. Once. Twice. Then they started filling with tears. If anything, the tears only made her eyes shine brighter.
He reached out for her but she flinched away from his touch.
And then she ran off.
The rest of the day he spent watching her avoid him. The way Katrina ignored him completely bothered him more than he could have imagined. Bruce stood in the studio watching them perfect the latest song and pacing like a caged tiger. Only at the end of the day did he come in and join them. Normally he sang toward the booth but this time he could not resist watching Kat out of the corner of his eye.
She looked utterly beautiful in her threadbare black clothes, her chin held high as she sang her heart out. That was the thing about the girl. She never did half measures.
Hell, he was singing his heart out too. The lyrics were hitting home in a big way.
The song was about a hard headed woman.
He couldn't think of anything more appropriate.
5
"Katrina!"
"What mom?"
"I think you better come out here."
Katrina ran into the living room and stopped in her tracks. A limo was parked out front. Stacks of shopping and boxes were already piled high on the stoop. A young thin blond was unloading even more.
She walked up with the driver behind her, both of them carrying armfuls of bags.
"Hi, I'm Bree. Where can I plug in my steamer?"
"Uh, over here."
Katrina stepped aside and watched as the girl ran back to the limo for a steamer and a rolling rack. The driver helped by lifting it onto the stoop. Then they started piling even more bags into the living room.
The girl rolled a rack into the kitchen, staring around with what could only be described as distaste. Then she started pulling clothes out of the bags. Beautiful clothes. Katrina and her mother exchanged a glance.
"What is this?"
"Your new wardrobe. Bruce picked everything out himself."
Katrina's jaw nearly hit her shoes. Bree didn't seem to notice.
"You are so lucky. He is so gorgeous. And generous! These are all pre season- nothing off the rack."
"I'm not his girlfriend. We work together, that's all."
Bree gave her an assessing glance and shrugged.
"Oh. Too bad for you."
An hour later the rack was full of dresses and silk shirts. There was a stack of neatly folded jeans. Another stack of sweaters and t-shirts. There was lingerie. There were shoes and handbags. And boots. My god, were there boots.
Ankle boots, knee high boots, cowboy boots, designer boots.
He had her style figured out to a T. And then he'd upgraded it. By a lot.
She couldn't accept it though. Any of it.
"Keep the rack. Oh I almost forgot. Here's your luggage."
Bree waved the driver in with a full set of Hermes leather bags.
"Do you want me to help you pack?"
Slowly Katrina shook her head.
"One last thing. Here you go. Have a lovely day."
Bree handed her an envelope and walked out. Katrina was still standing there ten minutes later before she realized she hadn't opene
d it.
It was a hotel reservation for Sunday- Thursday. In the back was a note.
I expect you to stay near the rehearsal space for the remainder of our time in LA. The clothes are off duty wardrobe and also non negotiable. Check your contract.
-Bruce
Wordlessly she handed her mother the note.
"You didn't tell me he wanted to sleep with you."
"He doesn't. He's just being bossy."
Her mother's raised eyebrows challenged that particular piece of bullshit. Kat sighed. Her mother was right. Bruce Harrison definitely wanted to sleep with her.
He wanted it bad.
Crap. This was not good. Not good at all.
He'd already given her more solos than the other girls. Now this? It wouldn't look good to the rest of the band.
It already didn't look good to her.
"Well, either way, I think he's out maneuvered you sweetie."
Kat nodded. He had. But she didn't have to wear these clothes until Vegas. Then it would be part of the act. If she wore them now, it would be a sign that she caved in too easily. Kat ran her hand over a dark green silk gown. It was deceptively simple. She recognized the brand from the fashion magazines she flipped through on occasion. The color would look spectacular on her she knew. It was the exact shade of her eyes.
And Bruce had picked it out for her. She knew without trying any of it on that it would all fit like a glove. How had he done that?
"This is a disaster."
Her mom pulled her down to sit on the couch surrounded by bags and shoe boxes.
"Oh come on sweetie. So what if he wants to bed you? That's what makes the world go round. Besides, there's no rule that says you have to do it. If I were you though, I'd be tempted."
She laid her head on her mothers shoulder. Her mom patted her gently on the head, just like she did when Kat was just a little girl. After a few minutes Tommy woke up from his nap and crawled onto the couch with them. Kat felt buoyed by their love, even if her life was a disaster, she had this.
She had them.
"I will give the man this. He has exquisite taste. In clothes and in women."
