What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 7)

by Lexi Buchanan

  All eyes in the room are on me and my nerves jump-start my annoying foot tapping habit.

  The blonde says, “Hello, Leila. My name is Jennifer Baxter, and I am the agent for Devil’s Lair. Can we get you anything to drink?”

  Yes, a shot of vodka please.

  “No thank you. I’m fine.”

  As I size Jennifer up I am feeling dreadfully inadequate. She is truly striking. Her blonde hair looks like silk. I’m certain she’s never experienced Jersey frizz on a hot July day. Her eyes look and feel like ice. They’re not warm and fuzzy at all. Her red painted lips are turned up at the corners is an amused smile. Her nails are perfectly manicured. Her clothing screams power. I sit up straighter in my chair in a pathetic attempt to shake the intimidation I feel.

  Jennifer turns to her left and says, “This is Hunter Amatto, and he’s our drummer.” Hunter is gorgeous. I didn’t get a good look at him during my auditions. He definitely looks rocker enough with his piercings and spiky hair, but not in a scary way.

  “Hey, Leila. Nice to meet you.” Hunter smiles warmly at me and I return the gesture. I have a gut feeling that I’ll like him. He reminds me a little of Evan.

  “Then we have Scott Malone, our guitarist.” He waves and grins as well.

  “Hey, Leila.” I can see him with Patti, although it looks as if he wouldn’t get a word in edgewise.

  “This is Trey Taylor, our bass player.”

  Trey…that’s his name.

  He doesn’t lift his shades. He doesn’t smile. He simply nods his head and for some reason this makes me blush awkwardly.

  “And lastly we have Jack Lair, our lead singer.” I turn toward Mr. Sex God and he is smiling the CCDS smile.

  Crap…

  Pressing my thighs together causes me to shift uncomfortably in my chair. What shade comes after bright red? Purple? Because I’m sure that’s the color my cheeks are right now.

  His eyes are so beautiful and hypnotic. I don’t realize my gaze is still focused on Jack’s eyes until I hear Jennifer clear her throat.

  “Leila, as you know the band feels you would be the best fit for their back-up singer. We are trying to change our sound and we feel your voice is the right complement to Jack’s. This meeting is merely an informal presentation of contract. We will proceed to Mr. Crowse, our band’s attorney, for the formal signing should you accept our offer.

  “The band is due to tour in September. Until then, there will be grueling rehearsals, almost every day of the week. Jack is quite the work horse, and expects all his members to be one hundred percent committed to the integrity of their music.” She smiles warmly at Jack.

  Hmmm…so she can be warm and fuzzy?

  “Devil’s Lair is on the cusp of super stardom,” she continues. “Your commitment to this band will bring a huge change to your life. We want you to be as prepared for that as possible. This contract is a detailed account on what those obligations entail. Although Devil’s Lair is more recognizable than they were last year and will be playing in major cities across the country, the studio cannot afford to contract three buses. We want you to be completely comfortable with the traveling arrangements during the tour. You will be roommates with these four gentlemen and their drivers. There will be another bus following that will contain our tour manager, our equipment manager and the rest of the stage staff. I will not be traveling with the band, but I will be meeting up with them at key locations throughout the tour.”

  I internally sigh with relief. Thank God for small miracles.

  “This contract is also here to protect you from any unfortunate events or situations that can occur, as well as protect the band in the same right. Leila, this isn’t intended to scare you. This is a mere precaution and necessity to ensure your safety, as well as ours. Please understand, all your actions and decisions are secondary to the band’s success if you sign. We will terminate your contract and part in the most peaceful of ways if you decide that you cannot continue with your commitment, or we deem you are unfit for the band at the end of the tour. If for some unforeseen reason, you or we terminate your contract before the end of the tour, you will leave the band and immediately sever all affiliations to Devil’s Lair. Your compensation will continue for thirty days after your termination date.

  “Salary, benefits and insurance details are all in the contract as are tour dates and the schedule of cities we will be playing in. The band will cover wardrobe requirements and personal grooming. The band has full authority to present you in the best manner they feel represents Devil’s Lair.” She pauses to ensure that I understand her words.

  My head is swimming with all this information. My heart is pounding frantically through my chest wall, and externally I do everything in my power to try and remain cool and calm. My attempts aren’t working very well. I have my legs crossed, and I’m subconsciously jiggling my foot again, which causes my skirt to ride higher than I’d like.

  A sideways glance at Jack reveals that he is staring at my exposed thighs. His heated gaze causes my cool and calm façade to slowly burst into flames. I’m hoping we are almost done here, because I will not be able to keep up this act for much longer. Turning back toward Jennifer, I internally beg, please be done…please be done.

  I gratefully watch as she slips the thick contract toward me and I quickly reach for it with shaking fingers.

  “Thank you for this opportunity. I will review it with my lawyer and get back to you as soon as possible.” I could very easily sign it right here, right now and screw all the legal mumbo jumbo. I don’t have a doubt in my mind I will be taking this job, but I can’t show my cards this quickly and I really need to get out of this room.

  Jennifer looks at Jack and asks, “Gentlemen, is there anything you would like to add?”

  Jack smirks and says, “Nope. I’m good.”

  He looks at his band mates, and one by one they agree with him.

  Jennifer plasters her fake smile on her face and puts her hand out for me to shake. “It was great meeting you. I ask you to please have this signed and returned to us in seventy-two hours. Of course if you choose not to proceed with us, please let us know within that time frame as well, as we will have to continue our search.”

  The way I abruptly stand, prompts everyone but Trey to follow. Hunter glares at him and he callously shrugs. He should hook up with Sally, as they would make a nice couple from hell.

  Thanking them again, I turn to leave the room and hastily forget the contract on the table. Jack snaps it up for me. “I’ll walk you out.”

  We walk side by side in silence until we reach the lobby. Jack holds out the contract for me and our fingers touch sending another jolt of electricity right through my arm down to my sex.

  “Leila, you already have my cell number. Call me if you have any questions. Jennifer can come off a bit strong, but she only has our best interests at heart. If you need to talk to someone less intimidating, call me.”

  Less intimidating? Is he serious?

  I nod and thank him without attempting to shake his hand. The last time I did, his grip almost caused me to almost fall flat on my ass. Today I’m wearing a skirt and the last thing I need is for Jack to become acquainted with my clenching crotch.

  With a shy smile, I walk out of the studio and wait one block before I bend over and hyperventilate violently.

  Feeling a bit better by the time I get back to my car, I analyze the meeting on my drive back to Hoboken. I managed to remain somewhat professional and controlled. Sure my nerves were a bit obvious, but there was definite improvement from the last time I was here. Of course I have no idea how I’m going to be on a tour bus with Mr. Sex God or be in his company twenty-four hours a day and not get fired in the process. I’m pretty sure inside this thick, fat contract there is a clause stating that attacking Jack or his junk in any way is cause for immediate termination. Some super models insure their legs or boobs. I wouldn’t doubt the studio has insured Jack’s penis. I actually giggle at that thought. I wonder
how much it’s worth. I can’t wait to get home to read this thing and find out.

  All in all, I’m ecstatic with my new job offer. Life is so unpredictable. Who would have imagined a week ago that I would be a member of Devil’s Lair? My dreams are finally coming true.

  Chapter Four

  Jack

  That girl is very attractive. It was very distracting, to say the least. I can still see Leila very clearly in my mind as I walk back to the conference room. She looked so damn sexy in her outfit. The way her legs looked in her short skirt and heels and how her tight blouse hugged her curves, not to mention how she would pull her bottom lip in between her teeth when she got nervous, or the random flush of her cheeks was all very distracting.

  Overall, I do think that went well though. Jennifer was a bit intimidating, but Leila held her own. There were moments when she did look terrified. I just hope she doesn’t get home with that contract and run in the opposite direction. Seeing it all on paper can most definitely scare the hell out of her.

  As I get to the conference room, I can overhear Jennifer voicing my concerns. For some reason it irks me hearing her saying it. “She is very inexperienced and not in a good way.”

  “We were all inexperienced at one point, Jen,” I quip back, taking the chair I sat in earlier.

  Catching my tone, she turns to look at me and narrows her eyes. “Yes, we were, but she hasn’t a clue about what she’s going to sign on to. I worry her inexperience and insecurities will be a hindrance to the tour.”

  “Hindrance? Oh, just relax, Jen. You’re overreacting.”

  The guys all sit quietly watching our exchange. I know Jennifer doesn’t like this whole idea so her comment is nothing new to me. But does my band feel the same way?

  I ask them as much.

  Hunter looks over at Jennifer and shakes his head. She has never intimidated him and he never had a problem standing up to her. Adding Leila was his idea, after all.

  “Nope, I think she is perfect. I told you this. She is sweet and shy, but gorgeous and sexy as hell. The fans are going to love her. Plus her voice is the best we have heard. She’ll be great.”

  Wait a minute… Hunter thinks Leila is “sexy as hell”?

  I turn to the other two members of my band. “Scott? Trey?”

  Scott looks over at Jennifer and it’s clear that he is struggling with what he’s about to say because his skin suddenly turns pink.

  “I get Jennifer’s concerns. We wouldn’t want her to bolt two weeks into the tour because she can’t hack it. It wouldn’t hurt to make sure she understands the commitment before she signs.” Scott says playing devil’s advocate.

  I look over at Trey and he shrugs. “Whatever man. She can sing and she has the goods. Cut the drama.” His words come out in the typical – I don’t give fuck, just let me play my damn guitar – Trey fashion.

  Hunter looks over at him and shakes his head, before he turns to Jennifer. “Jack will call her. He’ll make sure she doesn’t have any concerns or questions that she wasn’t comfortable voicing in this room. Cool?”

  Me? Why am I calling her?

  Jen nods. “Fine. Obviously you feel that she would open up more to Jack than to me, so Jack, make the call.”

  Yes ma’am.

  She grabs her copy of the contract and heads for the door. Flipping her hair behind her shoulders and giving us her full-on Jennifer charm, she smiles sweetly and touts, “Ten am, tomorrow morning. We have a lot to do.” She saunters out of the room knowing we are most definitely checking out her ass.

  I stand to close the door so I can have an honest pow-wow with my band. “Does anyone have any concerns that I haven’t heard yet?”

  No one speaks. “Now or never. Excluding Hunter, do you two feel Leila is it, or do we keep looking?” Still nothing. I point to the door and add, “Jennifer has her reservations, and I get that. But if the four of us aren’t on the same page, this is a huge waste of time.”

  I focus my gaze on Scott until he finally speaks. “I agree with Hunter. I just think she looked terrified in here, and I worry she’s going to run out on us.”

  “Scott, there are no guarantees. Hell, how do I know one of you won’t run?” I know damn well that would never happen, but I just want to make a point.

  Scott stands and retorts, “None of us are running. I get that there are no guarantees. I think we made the right choice and I’m not changing my mind. I just feel like the poor girl was scared to death in here.” He points to the door for emphasis. “That woman can be as scary as hell. Someone should make sure Leila isn’t sitting in a corner shaking from this experience. That’s all I’m sayin’.”

  Ok, he has a point. I decide not to bother with Trey again, as I’m sure I won’t get any more from him since he already gave such a poignant statement.

  With a loud exhalation I concede. “Fine, I’ll call her to make sure she is ok. Not sure she would even open up to me, but I’ll give it a shot.” I’m done with this conversation. “I need food and lots of beer. Let’s get out of here.”

  We pile into Scott’s van, and he drives us toward his apartment in midtown. We may have to start bright and early tomorrow, but we can chill the rest of this gorgeous day. Scott lots the van and we walk over to the pub that has decent bar food a few blocks away from his place. We eat and drink and laugh for hours. Even though all the stuff happening to us is fantastic, it’s still been a stressful few weeks. It feels good to act normal. Even Trey is relishing in the normalness of our afternoon.

  We are a little buzzed by the time we stumble out of the pub. We draw attention to ourselves because we are loud and obnoxious and noisily head over to one of our favorite rock bars called Granite. They have a rooftop bar, the music is awesome, the personnel know us well and I know one particular waitress intimately. I haven’t seen her in awhile.

  Scott finds a corner table facing the stage, and we sit like we own the place. Trini our favorite waitress makes her way over and straddles my lap. She is a pixie of a thing with spiky black hair, a few tattoo’s, piercings that are visible, others that aren’t (which I’ve seen firsthand), and an attractive face.

  She once showed me her high school graduation picture, and I couldn’t believe it was the same person. Her natural hair color is light and fair. Her parents weren’t thrilled with her transformation, but it didn’t stop her. This is who she is and you gotta love that. We’ve had a few romps in the sack and she never expects more. She is a free spirit who goes with the flow. My kind of girl.

  “Hey guys, I haven’t seen you in like forever. Where have you been?”

  “We’ve been a little busy getting ready for the tour Trin.” My hands are on her ass as she continues to straddle me, and the contact with her crotch is really turning me on. I lean in to whisper in her ear, “I definitely have missed you. Are you free tonight?” Nibbling on her earlobe, she responds by rubbing herself against me in a very suggestive manner. It’s such a turn on.

  Leaning in she whispers back, “Yes and if you continue doing that you are going to get me fired. I get off at ten. I did the day shift today.”

  “I don’t know if I can wait that long.”

  She slowly licks my top lip and gets up off my lap leaving me hard as a rock.

  Hunter is watching me with amusement. “Does she ever say no to you?”

  Smiling I say, “No, and I haven’t said no to her either. It’s mutual you know. We each scratch an itch that needs scratching.”

  Shaking his head he simply says, “Sometimes I hate you.”

  Sputtering out my beer from laughing out loud, Hunter picks up a coaster and flings it at my head.

  Over the course of the night, several girls make their way to our table. Quite a few pass me their phone numbers. Once they walk away I pass their numbers over to Hunter.

  After the fourth time he wads it up and throws it at me. “Fuck off. I don’t need your leftovers.”

  Attempting to stand, I wobble over to Hunter and pat him on the ba
ck. “Just tryin’ to help a friend in need, and you my friend needs to get laid.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “No thanks. You’re not my type.” I lean over to give Hunter a nice wet kiss on the cheek and he turns to take a swing at me. Laughing my ass off, I stumble backwards to avoid his fist. I am thoroughly buzzed and goad him even further without remorse. “You sure are pissy.”

  Trini appears just in time. “Trin get him out of here before I kill him.”

  Trini grabs my hand and says, “Ok, let’s go Romeo.”

  Hunter and Scott are staying. Trey disappeared an hour ago.

  I turn toward the guys and slur, “See ya’ mañana.”

  “Don’t be late Jack. I mean it.”

  What the hell? Who died and left him boss?

  With a wide smile I blow him a kiss and watch him flip me the bird. Trini pulls me out of the bar. On our way out, we get a few looks from some of the girls who passed me their numbers. It’s funny seeing their reaction to Trini. I love that she couldn’t give a shit.

  She has a studio apartment across town. The minute we jump in a cab, we are all over each other. She immediately has me worked up into a frenzy. I barely remember throwing money at the cabbie or climbing the three flights of stairs to her apartment. By the time we reach her door, she’s already torn my shirt off and is working on my belt.

  We walk and make out and walk our way to her bed. She pushes me hard so that I land on her bed on my back and I laugh out loud from the way my aroused body bounces. I’m definitely drunk, but hopefully not enough that it will hamper my performance tonight.

  Trini immediately strips for me and my laughter quickly fades. She has a very hot little body. She’s not well endowed, but her proportions are perfect. If at all possible, my excitement grows seeing her in a sexy red bra and stringy thing.

  “Were you expecting me tonight?” My eyes devour her from head to toe.