The next time Jack woke, Em was rubbing his chest. Moaning, he grabbed her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it. “Morning.”
“Morning. I need my hand back.”
With one final kiss, he released her hand which trailed down his chest, stomach, and groin, finally curling around his erection. He grabbed a condom, which she took from him, opened it, and rolled it on, and then she slowly sank onto him.
She joined him in the shower and made him pancakes while he packed up his stuff. They ate in silence, whether because he was leaving or that it was three thirty in the morning, he wasn’t sure.
Their flight arrived a little after eight, and it took them almost three hours due to rush hour traffic to get to the Ettingers’ home. With every passing mile, he prayed and hoped in his heart that Christie was serious about getting help.
Jeff parked, and Christie ran out of the house as Jack got out.
“Baby, I’m so glad you came. I’ve missed you.” She jumped into his arms, so he had no choice but to catch her. Her lips covered his.
“Stop.” Jack tried to put her down, but she wouldn’t let go. “I told you, I’ve met someone.” The coffee they’d stopped for soured in his stomach.
“No woman can—”
“I’m in love with her.” No reason to drag this out. The therapist he’d seen at the end of their relationship told him to be honest, and that he couldn’t give her any hope.
The crushed look on her face lasted only a few seconds before she masked it. “When I get out of rehab—”
Jack shook his head. “Christie”—he paused until she met his eyes—“it’s over. It’s been over.”
She collapsed on the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks. Christie’s parents stood in the doorway, and Jack noticed a neighbor gawking at them.
He extended his hand. “Let’s go inside and talk.”
When she made no move to accept, he reached down and pulled her to her feet. She leaned into him and sobbed uncontrollably, so Jack carried her inside and set her down on the couch. He grabbed a few tissues and handed them to her.
She sniffled, blew her nose, and looked up at him. “Please, can’t you give me one more chance? Give us one more chance?” Her blue eyes, that had always captivated him, held hope and lust.
He felt pity but nothing else. Jack assumed her parents went into the kitchen to give them privacy but wished they hadn’t. He’d lain awake last night, hoping her request to see him wasn’t an attempt to get back together. There were no more pieces left to put back together; she’d destroyed them all. He shook his head. “Your dad said you wanted to make amends and then you’d go to rehab. Were you lying?”
An expression flitted across her face for a split second before she spoke. “No, I’m ready to get help. I am sorry, Jack, for everything. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. Please give me another chance.”
He wanted to believe her words, but he’d seen the look and knew she was lying. His heart felt heavy. There’d been a time when, desperate to believe her, he would’ve ignored the expression. But no more. He couldn’t, wouldn’t, do this again. “It’s over, and it has been for a long time. You need help. Please go into rehab, but there won’t be an us for you to come out to. You have to do this for you.”
Anger flared in her eyes, and she stood and slapped him. “You never loved me. You used me.”
He walked out. He’d loved her with everything he had. Then he remembered what that fucker had said to Em last week. That it hadn’t been enough. In Jack’s case, he realized for the first time that it was true. He could never love her enough to fill the hole inside her.
Needing to hear Em’s voice, he pulled out his phone. “Hey.”
“Hi. You okay?”
He heard her office door close. “No.”
Emily sighed. “I’m sorry. I was really hoping she’d get help.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“Jack?” He turned. Wayne and Carla stood there, tears welling over.
“Baby, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you later. I love you.”
Carla stepped forward. “Please don’t leave yet. She needed to know you weren’t getting back together. Once she gets used to the idea…” She looked down.
Jack couldn’t fault them for laying a guilt trip on him. Christie was their daughter, and they were losing her. If she didn’t get help, she’d be lost to the world. Addiction would consume her, like so many people before her.
Jack nodded and walked slowly back to the house. They spent hours trying to convince her to get the help she needed. In the end, she refused. He left feeling exhausted, depressed, and angry that he’d wasted the time that he could’ve spent with Em.
Christie’s parting words still echoed through his mind. “We’re not done. We’ll never be done.”
chapter
TWENTY-SEVEN
The following Thursday, Emily waited nervously for Jack to arrive. His flight landed two hours ago, so he’d be calling her soon to pick up the key. She’d offered to leave the key under the mat since he was staying with her this week, but he’d vetoed that idea. Well, until they left Friday morning to spend four days with his family. Her nerves were frayed over that. She kept reminding herself that they were nice to invite her, especially after the stellar first impression she’d made.
She’d taken off Thursday through Tuesday. Jack was leaving next Friday for the month-long run, and they wouldn’t be able see each other.
She’d been surprised when he’d told her he’d planned to spend so much time at his parents’ instead of taking a real vacation to an island with sunshine, beaches, and tropical drinks like Curt and Nicki were doing. He’d explained that he traveled so much that his idea of a vacation was to be home. That made perfect sense to her. Maybe this crazy relationship could work. She jumped when her cell rang. “Hi, baby.”
Jack’s voice cut in and out. “Sorry…traffic…soon.” The line went dead.
It was ridiculous how nervous and happy she was to see him. She’d put in a dozen extra hours the last week at work so she’d be able to finish everything before she left on vacation. With Jack. Nine days together. He’d be all hers. And his family’s. She could deal with that.
Chimes alerted her to a text message from Jack: In the parking lot, black SUV, missing you.
Emily sprinted out of the office, barely getting out to Cassidy that she had to get something from her car before she was out the door. Seeing each other for the first time in over a week in the parking lot of her office wasn’t ideal, so Jack had agreed to wait in the car.
She opened the door and climbed in the front seat. His blue eyes sparkled as he reached for her, or had she lunged toward him? No matter, she was in his lap, kissing her boyfriend. He tasted of mint and coffee, and she couldn’t get enough. The interior smelled of his cologne and that unique combination of soap and wind.
A sudden knock startled Emily, and she hit her head on the roof of the truck. “Ow.” She turned to see Ben smiling through the closed window. Oh crap. He crooked his finger at them.
“That’s my boss.” He helped her off his lap and back into her seat. She smoothed her hair down and checked her makeup in the mirror.
Jack got out and walked around to her side, opening the door, and offering his hand. Jack put his arm around her.
“Ben Bradford, Jack McBride.”
Jack shook Ben’s hand. “Nice to finally meet you, sir. Emily’s told me all about you.”
Ben smirked back. “Really, because I’ve heard nothing about you.” He quirked a graying brow at her. “Come in, my brother and I would like to talk to you.”
Emily would’ve protested, but Ben cut her off. “You should’ve told us you were dating a bona fide rock star.”
Emily was sure her chin hit the pavement. “How do you—”
Ben addressed Jack. “Emily doesn’t think an old geezer like myself would recognize a rock star.” He chuckled. �
�We are a marketing firm, it’s our job to have our fingers on the pulse of pop culture.”
Emily’s feet finally got the message from her brain to move. She followed behind Ben, taking Jack’s hand. “I wouldn’t use the word geezer.”
Ben looked over his shoulder. “What word would you use?”
“Codger.”
Ben laughed. “That’s my girl. Come on, stop stalling.”
When they walked into the office, Cassidy glanced up and gulped. “You’re Jack McBride,” she screeched.
This is like a nightmare. Emily hadn’t been prepared to introduce Jack yet, let alone getting caught making out like a schoolgirl with him in the front seat of his truck. Definitely a nightmare. Or a daymare.
“Oh my God, you’re like my favorite singer. I love your band,” Cassidy gushed. She grabbed a pen and paper and thrust them at Jack. “Can I get your autograph?”
Emily’s head dropped to her chest. Her cheeks flamed. “Cassidy…” At least her friend hadn’t asked Jack to sign her cleavage.
“I’d be happy to,” Jack said with practiced, rock star ease.
And he was at ease, not at all embarrassed or put out, so Emily relaxed. She’d been embarrassed that Cassidy made such a fuss, but Jack took it in stride. She’d seen him in action with other fans, but she hadn’t been friends with them. The weirdness faded, and she smiled. He really was a natural.
Cassidy’s screech had caused other women in the office to rush to the reception area, practically knocking each other over for a better look. Jack just spoke to each in turn, signed autographs, and took a few pictures. Emily looked on still amazed and aware that Ben watched her closely.
“What’s going on out here?” Jerry asked.
Ben smirked at his brother. “This is Jack, Emily’s new boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend eh? Ha, you owe me a dollar, Benji.”
Ben scowled at his brother. He hated when Jerry called him that, which was probably why he did it. Now that the bosses were watching, his fans receded, and Emily stepped next to Jack and took his hand. “You had a bet going?” She tried for a stern tone, but it was impossible to pull off through her smile. “You two have a problem,” she scolded, still smiling.
Ben put his arm around Jack’s shoulders. “Come into our office, young man, we have some questions for you.”
Jerry nodded in agreement. They walked to the door, but Jerry stopped her. “Don’t you have some work to do?” He closed the door, leaving Emily to stare at the woodgrain pattern that always resembled a spooky face.
Oh shit.
J
Jerry smiled to himself. The look on Emily’s face as he closed the door was priceless. He and his brother had suspected she was seeing someone new, but Jack McBride was a shock. Stone Highway was just about the tip of the top of the music industry. Jerry liked their music; it had a melodic quality that he appreciated, and the lyrics actually made sense. Unlike some of their contemporaries, Stone Highway didn’t just produce noise.
Jerry stopped at the bar. “Would you like some water?”
“No, thank you.”
Polite too. He liked that. Emily was a good girl, and she deserved someone who would treat her with respect. “Whiskey?”
“None for me, but you go ahead.”
He shared a look with his brother. Good, not a day drinker. Some of those musicians were into all kinds of bad behavior. They couldn’t be too careful with their Emily.
“Have a seat,” Ben offered.
Jack took one of the club chairs that faced Jerry’s desk and angled it so when he sat, he could see both men.
Whoever got in first moved the chairs to face their desk. They loved watching someone new come in and decide how to sit without offending one of them. Most chose to stand.
Jerry settled behind his desk.
“So, tell me, how many girlfriends do you have?” Ben asked.
Jack smiled. “Just Emily.”
“So, no girl in every city?” Ben pressed.
“No sir. Emily’s it for me.”
That shocked Jerry. A glance at Ben confirmed his shock. They were half-brothers and usually on the same page. Based on how the ladies in the office responded to him, Jack was used to female attention, but he’d done it with a certain detachment. He doubted the ladies even realized it, but Emily had. This guy might just be worthy of her.
“Any kids?” Jerry asked. Some of these guys had more baby mommas than could be counted on one hand. Of course, in his day, they were called wives.
“No.”
“Are you sure?” Jerry asked.
Jack smiled. “As sure as any man can be.”
Huh. He’d meant to rattle him with that question, but Jack didn’t rattle. Ben had been busy on his computer, but now he looked up and cleared his throat.
“So,” Ben said. “What do you do when you’re not on tour?”
“Touring eats up about seventy-five percent of my time, so when I’m home, I like to be home. I have a studio in my house, so I’m always working on a new song.”
“That’d be your house in California?” Ben asked.
Jack nodded.
“How do you expect to carry on a relationship with our Emily if you live across the country?” Ben rocked back in his leather chair.
“Actually, that house is on the market, and I’m looking for a place in the city. We’ll be visiting my folks this weekend, and hopefully, by Tuesday, the real estate agent will have a few places for us to look at.”
“Us?” Jerry asked.
Jack held his gaze. “Emily’s not ready to move in with me, but I’d like her to help me pick out the place, since she’ll end up there eventually.”
So, he had long-term plans for this relationship. Jerry held his smile in check. He liked this guy, but he could tell Ben was skeptical.
Ben narrowed his eyes. “What exactly are your intentions?”
Jack didn’t hesitate. “I want to marry her, sir.”
Ben sat back and smiled.
Even though they had different mothers, since they’d met, he’d always felt like he had a twin. To a casual onlooker, their grilling this young man might seem odd, but Emily was like a daughter to them. And after the havoc their own father had wreaked on everyone in his life, especially his wives, children, and employees, they’d been determined not to let history repeat itself.
When Ben stood, Jerry knew he was satisfied. Ben offered Jack his hand. “Well, it’s been a pleasure to meet you, young man.”
Jack stood and accepted his hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you as well. I hope you got what you were looking for.”
“Young man, if I hadn’t—”
“Ben, enough.” Sometimes he needed to be reminded that Emily was a grown woman. And making threats wasn’t legal.
Ben shot him a “fuck you” look, which Jerry responded to by brushing his hair back, giving Ben the finger.
“I understand,” Jack said. “Emily told me you were like a family here. I can see that you love her, and after what happened, she needs protecting.”
Jerry’s temper rose in an instant. “That motherfucker…”
Jack’s eyes widened.
Ben chuckled. “What? You think your generation invented that word?”
Jack looked down but that didn’t hide his smile. “No, sir.”
Jerry shook his head; young people today thought they invented everything. They couldn’t imagine a world that existed before they did. At least not where people were intelligent, creative, and didn’t live in caves.
Ben hit the intercom button. “Emily, please come in.”
Ten seconds and a quick knock later, Emily walked in. From the look on her face, they were in trouble.
Emily narrowed her eyes and pointed at Ben then Jerry. “What have you two been doing in here?”
“None of your business, young lady, and I’ll thank you to remember that we are your employers and, as such, des
erve not to be spoken to—”
“Cut the crap, Jerry. You spent the last twenty minutes grilling my boyfriend, that’s hardly the duty of an employer.” She grinned at him.
“Yes, well, it’s every father’s duty.” Jerry choked up and turned to cover, noticing that Ben did the same.
“I appreciate it.” When he looked at her, she smiled. “Thank you.” Emily cleared her throat. “Now, if you’re done, I’ll say goodbye to Jack and get back to work.”
Ben looked at his watch. “It’s almost lunchtime. Why don’t you two go out to lunch a little early.”
“Sounds like a great idea to me.” Jack pulled her into his side, his arm curling possessively around her waist.
“I can’t, I have—”
“Young lady, we’ll tell you what you have left to do. That is, if you think our feeble minds are still capable of running our business.”
Emily closed her eyes and slowly inhaled. She always did that when she was frustrated with them. “Sir, thank you, sir.”
Ben tutted. “You know very well, young lady, that the ‘sir sandwich’ is reserved for those who outrank you.”
Jack laughed, and Emily playfully shook her fist at him. “You’re not helping.”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I like these guys.”
“Yeah, me too. I’ll keep ’em.”
“Enough of that, you two.” Jerry ushered them toward the door. “Go have lunch. And don’t rush back.” He winked at her as he closed the door behind them.
J
Jack sat across from Em in the small Italian restaurant and felt more relaxed than he had in days. He’d missed her so much, but now they had over a week together. She had to work tomorrow but took Friday, Monday, and Tuesday off so they could spend time with his family. He hadn’t expected her bosses to grill him the way they had, but he obviously passed.
Em sipped her wine. “What?”
Caught smiling like an idiot again. “I like your bosses. It’s clear they love you.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry about that.”
No More Yesterdays: A Rock Star Romance (Rocked in Love Book 2) Page 28
