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

by Lexi Buchanan

  “Fuck off.” He says while smiling. I’m guessing he envisioned the same image. Even so, he becomes serious all of a sudden and asks, “What the hell were you playing your guitar all night for?”

  “Just working on something. I couldn’t sleep.”

  “Just make sure your constant hard on doesn’t interfere with singing on stage.”

  The dickhead is so onto me!

  “Fuck off.” I repeat his words. He laughs annoyingly, as I flip him off.

  Leila is already sitting on a stool when we arrive to the studio. It’s before nine, and she looks like she’s been here a while. She’s texting someone on her phone and barely notices our entrance.

  She looks adorable with her hair in a ponytail, tight Levi’s, converse sneakers, and a tiny little Born to Run concert shirt that hugs all her curves. She definitely wore it on purpose. Watching her for a few seconds does things to my insides.

  “Good Mornin’.”

  She beams once she notices me checking her out and effectively takes my breath away.

  “Hi, guys. I brought coffee and donuts.” She points toward a table laid out with a mini breakfast buffet.

  “Awesome.” Hunter makes a beeline to the box. He grabs one and shoves it whole into his mouth.

  “Fanks, Laywa.” Crumbs shoot like bullets directly at my head.

  I glare at him and punch his arm.

  “Owf.”

  Leila laughs out loud. I love the way it sounds.

  “He is such a Jackass.” I point out while she still giggles.

  “Thanks for the coffee.” Walking over to where she is sitting, I look down at her chest. “Nice shirt.”

  “You like it? I can hook you up with one if you want.” She winks.

  Leila winking? Who is this girl and what has she done with the real Leila? There is no way she could feel comfortable enough to wink at me after just one night of bonding? This is a huge difference from the bundle of nerves that walked in here a few weeks ago.

  I think I like it.

  Jennifer strolls in like she owns the place. Leila sits up straighter on her stool making it pretty obvious she is intimidated by Jen.

  “Good morning, everyone.” She surveys the room. “Ready to rehearse your asses off?” She looks like she is about to walk a runway and not to sit in a stuffy studio for the next ten hours.

  From the corner of my eye, I watch as Leila measures her up from head to toe with a very envious look in her eye. I want to shake some sense into her. Leila looks more in place with a pair of jeans and a Springsteen t-shirt, not to mention she is striking.

  Jennifer’s phone buzzes. “Don’t move.” She barks and walks out of the room to answer the call. Leila visibly relaxes the minute she is out the door.

  “Hey, she doesn’t bite.”

  She looks up embarrassed and blushes. “Is it that obvious?” Her words come out in a whisper.

  Leaning in close enough to practically touch her ear, I whisper back, “Yes.”

  Her eyes widen, and a small gasp escapes her lips causing me to chuckle. “What?”

  “She’s scary.”

  “She’s harmless.” Unconsciously I rub her back to ease her discomfort. She stiffens slightly at my touch. Well maybe she is still a small bundle of nerves.

  “She works for you too. Knock it off.”

  “Yes, boss.” She salutes me.

  I wave a finger at her and sternly command, “I mean it.”

  She looks up at me and I freeze. Her lips are totally kissable, her eyes are wide and innocent, and her chest rises with every breath. Damn it. I really, really want to kiss her. Imagining the reaction I would get from Leila and Hunter is the only thing stopping me.

  This is going to be a long day.

  Scott appears next looking fresh as a daisy. I know that he didn’t see Patti last night so he would be in top shape for our first day of rehearsals. He can be such a nerd.

  “Yay, who brought donuts?” He grabs one from the box as Hunter points to Leila and shoves another into his face.

  “Thanks, Leila.” He answers copying Hunter. “I’m starving.”

  Ugh. Except for Trey, sometimes this crew acts like they are five.

  Speaking of which, of course he is late. While we wait, Hunter bends to pull out a large packet of papers as well as a few CD’s from his duffle bag and hands them to Leila. At least this time he has the decency to pull the donut out of his face before he attempts to speak.

  “I printed up all our lyrics as well as our sheet music for each song. We have been working on adding your backgrounds and keyboards as well. For the next few days we will run through our library, song by song, and add your vocals.”

  Hunter hands Leila the CD’s. “These are all the songs recorded. You can take them home and listen on your spare time to become familiar with them.”

  I admit that he sometimes acts like a child, but he really is a good manager. He ran this by me, and I told him it was a great idea.

  Leila looks impressed. “Thanks, Hunter. This is perfect. I really appreciate it.”

  Jennifer barges back into the room and looks around like she lost something. She looks at Hunter and commands, “Hunter, text Trey to see how far away he is.”

  “I am two feet away.” Trey says from the doorway. “Calm down. I’m on time.” He heads for his corner and promptly ignores our stares. Trey is almost half an hour late. His clock runs in half hour increments, so on his clock he is on time.

  “Of course you are, Mr. Taylor.” They exchange sarcastic smiles. Watching Leila watch this exchange wide eyed is comical.

  Jennifer flips her hair as she turns and focuses on Leila.

  “So Leila, I see Hunter filled you in on what we plan on accomplishing this week. It’s important to get you up to speed with the current Devil’s Lair library. Please be sure to listen to their CD’s as often as possible to familiarize yourself with their songs. We will start re-recording each song to include your voice, once we feel you are comfortable with your backgrounds and keyboard additions.”

  Leila clears her throat. “I am pretty familiar with most of their songs. I’ve been a fan for years. I’ll be able to record backgrounds in a few days if you want. Regarding keyboards, I’ll just need one run through to get up to speed.” She sits up even straighter and levels her gaze at Jennifer.

  I’m floored. I had no idea she was a fan. She acted star struck at her audition, but I would never have guessed she was a true fan. Hunter is beaming at Leila’s admission. He’s always been Leila’s biggest supporter…besides me, that is. Right now he couldn’t look prouder.

  Jennifer on the other hand looks skeptical. “Well, that’s good news. That will help us keep to schedule as we have a lot to do before September. We will be working in this studio until we are ready to add your vocals to our tracks. Then we will be moving to Bobby’s bigger studio in the Village.” She glances at her watch as she sits on a stool near the glass partition that separates us from the control room. “I wonder what’s keeping Dylan.”

  “Oh, he said something came up.” Leila responds. “I’m sorry I forgot to tell you. He texted me earlier to tell you to he’ll catch up with you later.” She looks around the room clearly embarrassed.

  Jennifer levels her gaze on Leila. “Well then, let’s do this.”

  Dylan texted Leila?

  What?

  He is so smooth… I didn’t see that coming.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Leila

  Our first few days in the studio were exciting, grueling, and had me second-guessing my decision to work both gigs at the same time. Each night I climbed into bed dead to the world, and I haven’t hit the weekend yet where I’ll have to end my day performing at The Zone. I hope Cliffhangers are close to replacing me.

  I worked my ass off, so my new band wouldn’t think I was a slacker. Of course I’m not and if anything I ran circles around them, except Jack. His stamina is impressive.

  Lunch and dinner were brought in
and we basically never left the studio.

  He was always conscious of my needs, constantly asking if I needed a break but never bothering to ask the same of the guys.

  It’s gotten to the point where they each want to kill him.

  Hunter was the ringleader in coordinating different ways to annoy Jack.

  On day one, Hunter complained he was hungry and wanted to take a break. He griped he couldn’t play the drums well if his stomach was growling. Jack of course ignored him. The next day Hunter was prepared. He pulled out a huge punch bowl filled with Fruit Loops from behind his drum set and preceded to slurp them down in the middle of a song. Everyone laughed, even Jack hiding a smirk.

  I thought it was hilarious and couldn’t keep from laughing.

  They would all raise their hands and ask for permission to go to the bathroom. If Jack ignored them, Hunter would ask me instead. “Miss Marino, can I go pee pee?”

  We discovered that Hunter had the guys in the control room alter our voices to make us sound like munchkins when we listened to the playbacks. Trey almost pissed his pants when he heard it.

  As exhausted as I was at the end of each day, I still loved my new job. I haven’t laughed as hard or as much as I did these past few days. My old band members were fun, but watching these guys interact was nothing short of a reality show in the making.

  Besides the fun and the whip cracking, there were many moments of clenching on my part. If I thought Jack was sexy on a normal day that was nothing compared to how sexy he looks while playing a guitar and singing.

  Oh my sweet lord. It was an aphrodisiac of the most dangerous kind.

  His handsome face was so intense when he concentrated on the words and his hands were so sexy as they moved among the strings. I couldn’t stop staring at his pure perfection. He caught me and smiled shyly. Witnessing him playing guitar will no doubt fuel many, many more dreams of Jack Lair.

  Jack was thrilled to call me car service at the end of the day. I had to admit it was really nice being driven, especially after the exhausting days we had. In hindsight, his suggestion was thoughtful and sweet. When I regretfully thanked him, the bastard winked at me.

  All in all, things were really moving along until today. I woke up with a terrible head cold and my voice wasn’t cooperating. Even so, I wasn’t going to be the cause of screwing up our schedule. Jack and I argued all morning and got nothing done anyway. He can be so stubborn.

  He ended rehearsal early by sending me home and ordering me to rest. I wasn’t going to win this fight, so I did just as he asked. I set an alarm just in case I overslept, and woke up feeling cranky and irritable when it went off. The nap did more damage than good. As I’m lethargically getting ready for tonight’s show at The Zone, my cell rings.

  “Hi, Jack.”

  “Leila, you sound like crap. Did you do what I said?”

  “Yes, boss. I had soup, I slept, I took a hot shower, and now I have to get to work.”

  “I knew it. Leila you need to stay home and rest. I’m sure the guys will understand.”

  “I’m fine. I feel better. I took cold medicine and I’m fine.” Of course it was a big lie.

  “Leila…”

  “Jack, it’ll be a quiet night. I’ll play keyboards and…”

  “…I’m calling Evan.”

  Sighing heavily, I begin to lose my patience. “I have a dad, I don’t need another one. It’s just a stupid cold. Please stop.”

  The long silence on the other end forces me to ask, “Are you there?”

  “A cold that can turn into something worst. Call me tonight. I don’t care what time it is. If you forget, I’m coming to Hoboken.” With that he hangs up without a goodbye.

  What the fuck was that?

  Once I arrive at The Zone, Evan takes one look at me and smirks. “You do look like shit.”

  “Gee thanks.” Obviously Mr. Lair called him. “You are so generous with the compliments.”

  Evan confirms my suspicion. “Cut the crap. Your boyfriend called. Go home.”

  “Uh…he’s not my boyfriend.”

  “Yeah, whatever.”

  “Jerk.” Brilliant, mature comeback Leila.

  Lori walks up to me and smacks her hand against my forehead.

  “Owwwaaa.”

  “You’re hot.”

  “Thank you. You’re annoying.”

  “Hilarious. Go home.”

  One by one my friends nag me and make me feel like I’m five. Matt is no way sharing a microphone with me. Joe has a party this weekend and if he gets sick and misses it he will kill me. Logan and Alisa both take the liberty to tell Sal I’m sick and have to go home. Sal calls my dad who then precedes to text me relentlessly.

  I can’t take anymore!

  “Fine, I’m going. You are all irritating the crap out of me and that’s the only reason I’m going home.”

  As soon as I’m back in my apartment, I text Jack.

  i’m home…they kicked me out… going 2 sleep.

  I receive his return text instantly.

  good…b there soon…what kind of soup do u like.

  no!…can’t chance you getting sick…i’m fine…locking door and passing out.

  grrr…ur so stubborn….fine…call me 2morrow.

  did u just growl?

  grrr.

  My cold turned into an upper respiratory infection. I hate when I’m proven wrong. Evan and Dad came by to check on me. Jack took the opportunity to gloat and alternated between texting and calling me. It was bordering on excessive and annoying and it was kinda hot. I felt cared for. It’s stupid, because I am cared for between my dad and my friends. But Jack’s “take control” antics were turning me on.

  My phone now buzzes with text number seven hundred and three. This one announces that he is at my door.

  open up.

  Groaning, I shuffle to the door without opening it. Calls and text were hot and sexy, but showing up at my door when I looked like a zombie out of the Walking Dead was not cool.

  I’m wrapped in an afghan and wearing mismatched pajamas. My dirty hair is in a messy ponytail, bags are under my eyes and I haven’t shaved my legs or showered in two days.

  “Go away. I look like crap.” Actually, I just insulted crap. I really prefer he didn’t see me like this.

  “No…open up.”

  “No.”

  “Leila…Leila…Really? Open the damn door.”

  I huff and puff and slowly open the door a tiny crack.

  “Hey, Rudolph.” He teases.

  “Funny. I told you to stay away, you’ll get sick.”

  “Planning on making out with me?”

  Wait…what?

  “Uh, no…”

  “Then how would I get sick? I came to make sure you are getting better.” He pushes his way in, and carries two bags into my kitchen.

  “What’s that?”

  “Medicine and soup.” He begins pulling item after item out of the bags and lines them up on my counter.

  “Medicine and soup for a small village?”

  “Cute. You’re needed back healthy and in singing condition.”

  “So you’re concerned about the recording schedule and not with my well-being?”

  Jack stops in his tracks looking highly insulted. “No. Is that what you think?”

  “I’m kidding.”

  “Leila, I don’t care about the album right now.”

  “I know.” Jeez, he’s so sensitive.

  I feel bad about hurting his feelings and allow Jack to play nurse for few hours. I let him feed me, medicate me, and fill me in on what I missed at the studio. He really is a very good nurse who also happens to be very easy on the eyes.

  The soup is absolutely delicious. I inhale the entire bowl without stopping and look up to see him scowling at me.

  “What?”

  “When was the last time you ate?”

  “Does Nyquil count?”

  “Ha, ha.”

  “I don’t remember. The so
up was really good. Where did you get it?”

  “My mom made it.”

  “Shut up!”

  “She dropped it off this morning.”

  “Jack, please tell me you didn’t ask her to make me soup.”

  “I didn’t. She did it all on her own.”

  “Oh my god…that is so nice…and so embarrassing.”

  “Why? That’s my mom. Get used to it.”

  I can’t believe he told his mom I was sick.

  I can’t believe Jack’s mom made me soup.

  I can’t believe he drove it all the way to Hoboken.

  The Lair family can’t be real. Gorgeous… generous… caring… it’s all too good to be true.

  I’ve been trying to convince myself what I feel for Jack is just a mad crush. Sitting here having Jack take care of me, seeing me at my worst, and killing me with his kindness, makes me realize I’ve been delusional and in denial.

  It’s not just a crush.

  I am falling for him…hard and I haven’t a clue how I’m going to handle this because Jack and I cannot be a together. I can predict what people would say – his back-up singer fucked him to get her dream job. It doesn’t matter that I already got the job. That’s a small detail that would be ignored. I may as well flush my career down the toilet.

  Jack senses my discomfort.

  “You ok?”

  “Yep, just tired.”

  To change the subject, he announces, “The guys miss you. They claim I’m a bitch when you aren’t around.”

  Laughing at his admission I ask, “Are you?”

  “No comment.”

  “Tell them I’ll be back soon to keep you in line.”

  “Good.” Watching me closely he adds, “I miss you too.”

  The familiar buzz I feel when our eyes lock takes hold of my body. For the first time in days I don’t feel chilled to the bone. I feel very warm. My lower half shows signs of life, and I feel my heart pounding in my chest. My palms are clammy too. My eyes, my heart, my crotch, my body all don’t care what would happen if Jack and I got together. They all want him. My resolve is wearing extremely thin and stretched to its absolute limit right now.

  Having Jack in my apartment as I’m having this life-altering awareness while under the influence of cold medicine is a dangerous situation.