by Jayne Frost
“Sure thing. Lead the way.”
She brightened immediately, breathing an audible sigh before turning toward the parking lot.
“You’ve seen my car, right?” Looking at me out of the corner of her eye, she gauged my reaction. “So you know it’s a little r-rough.”
“I can handle it.”
“G-good.” Moving ahead of me, she hustled to the driver’s side of the Honda parked in the first space. It looked much worse in the light of day. “Let me unlock the door.” Grinning, she jangled her keys. “No automatic locks.”
Sliding behind the wheel, she reached over and pulled the knob on the passenger door. The door creaked loudly when I pulled it open. I climbed into the seat, and the door popped when I slammed it shut. The bucket of bolts didn’t look like it would make it out of the parking lot, let alone across town.
“Not what you’re used to, huh?” Lily raised her voice over the roar of the engine.
It was more than a roar. It was a cry for help. As in, please put me the fuck out of my misery.
“Not lately.”
“No disparaging remarks about Bianca.” She patted the dashboard. “She’s old as dirt, but she’s paid for, and she’s reliable as shit.”
“I don’t suppose Bianca has a GPS.” I quirked a brow at her.
“They didn’t even have GPS technology when Bianca came off the line.” Suppressing a laugh, she pulled her phone from her pocket and tossed it to me. “Press the map on the home screen; I’ve already loaded the address of the radio station.”
After I opened the app, the automated voice of the navigator offered the voiceover of our route.
Lily bobbed her head to the radio playing quietly in the background as we pulled out onto the freeway. When she started to sing, my attraction turned to near frenzy. I looked around for a distraction.
“What are those?” I pointed to the two large portfolios and several sketchpads in the backseat.
“N-nothing. Just some drawings.”
Grabbing a sketchpad off the back floorboard, I opened it to the first page. A charcoal of a city street with dilapidated storefronts, slick with rain, was so lifelike it felt like you stepped into the picture.
“C-Cameron!” She nearly swerved into the median as she reached over to grab the sketchpad.
“Watch the road, darlin’.” Turning sideways to avoid her reach, I flipped from page to page, each drawing better than the last.
“Fuck, Lily.” I spotted the “L” in the corner with the little flower. “These are amazing.”
The drawings in her office—they were hers. She glanced at the page with a shy smile, full of pride.
“Is this your medium of choice?”
She seemed surprised by the question.
“No, actually, I like oil.” She sighed. “But I think my charcoals might show more promise, according to my teachers, at least.” Staring straight ahead, her mouth turned down at the corners. “I always dreamed of being an artist,” she said quietly.
Thumbing through the pages again, I studied the details. “You are an artist.”
It was the truth. Each and every one of her drawings was gallery worthy. Closing the sketchpad, I laid it on the floorboard. The urge to rip off her clothes had my body thrumming. But the desire to kiss her was greater.
“Did you always know?” she asked.
“Know?”
“About the music. That you wanted to be a musician?”
This was the question that I was asked in most interviews. It may not have been worded in exactly that fashion, but the sentiment was the same. The explanation was slightly more complicated, and something I never detailed. There were very few people that knew the truth.
“Have you ever heard of the Noble Ones?” Looking out the side window to avoid her questioning gaze, I studied the glass buildings that jutted into the sky.
“They were a band in the ‘80s, right? I think I’ve heard their songs.”
I laughed dryly. “Song. As in, one song.”
The car inched forward in the afternoon traffic, the fumes from the diesels turning my stomach almost as much as the memories.
“That was my father’s band. Music was his dream. His whole life.” My lip curled inadvertently. “And booze. Sometimes women, as long as they weren’t my mother.”
My eyes drifted to hers. The adorable crease in her brow deepened as she alternated glances between the road and me.
“You can’t choose your parents.” Frowning slightly, her voice dropped to a whisper. “I should know.”
We both looked down when the GPS dinged. Lily yelped and whipped her head around to check the traffic behind us. She punched the gas and jerked the car across two lanes of traffic. My heart jumped into my throat as she nearly clipped an SUV when she merged into the exit lane.
“Fuck, yeah!” She hit the dashboard, and her eyes twinkled with excitement. “Never doubt the mighty Bianca!”
“Damn, girl,” I croaked, turning my head to make sure no one had a gun on us. “You know we’re in Texas, right? You’re going to get us killed.”
Her throaty laughter took up the entire car, filling the space and creeping into my body. Like something I wanted to hear every day. My thoughts drifted into dangerous territory. Relationship territory. My lifestyle didn’t allow for relationships, so I didn’t do them. I didn’t even try.
If there was one thing I learned from Tyler Noble, it was never make a promise you couldn’t keep. The man was full of empty promises. Those promises led to two children and the awkward moment he left without a word. My mama used to say we were just like him, Chase and me. She didn’t say it out of spite. She said it out of reverence. She never got over the bastard. Or their sorry-ass relationship.
The car jerked to a stop in front of the radio station, rousing me from my thoughts.
“We’re here.” Lily turned, giving me a brilliant smile.
My heart tugged at the sight of it.
Reaching over, I brushed the hair off her face.
“That we are, darlin’.”
Chapter 7
The red light blinked off, signaling a commercial break. Pulling one of the headphones off my ear, I reached for the water bottle. The difficult part was over. Christian’s accident kept most of the questions centered on his recovery, which I could handle. Lily sat in a chair outside the booth, watching the interview through the glass.
“How are you liking your stay here in Dallas?” Wendy gave me a sly grin. “Are you staying out of trouble?”
“I’ve been staying out of trouble. So far.” Leaning back in my chair, I ignored the tugging in my chest that felt like a noose around my neck.
That was a damn lie. Lily was trouble with a capital ’T’. I wasn’t staying out of trouble. I was chasing it.
“That’s a shame,” Wendy cooed. “There’s no fun in that.”
“I’ve still got a few days.” I leaned forward, giving her a sexy smile. “You know I’m all about the trouble.”
“Sixty seconds,” the disjointed voice crackled through the speaker.
Shifting my gaze to Lily, her furrowed brow was the only thing that let me know our conversation carried outside the booth. Adjusting the headphones, I waited for the music to wind down, looking anywhere but at the wall of windows where Lily sat.
“We’re back with Cameron Knight, guitarist for the band Caged,” Wendy announced. “He’s been staying here in Dallas while Christian Sears recovers from the traffic accident he was involved in earlier this week. So, Cameron, our listeners are dying to know. Are you seeing anyone special?”
Wendy had to throw that one in. It was obligatory. Taking the microphone, I let the answer roll off my tongue without hesitation.
“I’m very single at the moment, Wendy. What you see is what you get.”
She laughed, husky and filled with innuendo. “At the moment? Does that mean the notorious Cameron Knight might be on the lookout for something a little more permanent?” Her eyes flickered to
the phones that were lighting up like a Christmas tree. “I’m sure that more than a few of your female admirers might want to know where the line to fill that position forms.”
I felt stripped to the bone. And scared shitless. “Don’t go putting words in my mouth.” My gaze drifted to Lily, locking on her like a heat-seeking missile. “But if the right girl came along…you never know.”
Following my gaze, Wendy smiled. “Well, there you have it, ladies, straight from the horse’s mouth. Cameron Knight is on the prowl.” She laughed. “Maybe one of you can catch his eye while he’s in town. Thanks, Cameron. We’re looking forward to Caged Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. It’s Wicked Wendy at 102.1…The Eddddggge! We’ll be right back.”
Yanking off my earphones, I stood awkwardly. Suddenly, I felt more like Cameron Noble than Cameron Knight.
Wendy hit a couple of buttons before pulling one earphone off her ear.
“Thanks for coming in, Cam. It’s always great to see you.” Looking up at me, she winked. “I guess inviting you over to my place is out of the question?”
A nervous laugh bubbled from my chest. “Not this time, Wendy.” Leaning forward, I brushed my lips against her cheek. “Hope to see you at the show.”
“Wouldn’t miss it, baby.”
Giving me an amused grin, she replaced her earphones. I grabbed my bottle of water and headed out of the booth, shaking hands with a couple of guys before I raised a brow at Lily.
“You ready to roll?”
It took a full fifteen minutes in heavy traffic before Lily said a word.
“So that’s pretty much what you do all day.” She chuckled. “Give interviews and flirt with disc jockeys?”
“I manage to fit in some music every once in a while.” I laughed. “And trust me, that wasn’t flirting. You’ll know when I’m flirting.”
“Wendy looked pretty flirty to me.” Glancing at me out of the corner of her eye, she assessed me with a blank expression. “She was very interested in your dating situation.”
Blowing out a breath, I pondered my response.
“Well, that’s probably because I don’t date,” I said slowly. “I haven’t dated anyone since high school.”
Tilting her head back, she laughed uproariously. “Really? I don’t see you spending many nights alone, Cameron.”
Resting my arm on the console that separated us, I brushed my pinky against hers. She made no move to pull away.
“There’s a big difference between a date and a random chick I hook up with on the road.”
My honesty might send her running for the hills, but there was no use pretending. She wasn’t a fool. When a couple minutes passed, and she didn’t move her arm or throw me out of the car, I was calling it a win.
“How about you, Lily?”
She kept a straight face. “I’ve had a couple dates since high school.”
“I figured that.” I laughed. “Nothing serious though?”
I held my breath and waited for the answer, trying to act casual. It had been a while since I had to try this hard to get information from a chick.
“I don’t have time.” She sighed. “Between school and working two jobs, sleep is the only thing I do when I get a few extra hours. I don’t even have time to paint anymore.” She frowned at that.
“Two jobs? You don’t make enough at The Mansion?”
“Not really. School is expensive, so I have to pick up bartending shifts to make ends meet.”
We rode in silence until she pulled into the tree-lined driveway, jerking to a stop at the entrance of The Mansion.
“Sorry about the mix-up today.” Turning to look at me, she flashed a quick smile. “I had fun, though.”
Her eyes were soft and relaxed, and damned if I didn’t want to drag her inside with me.
“Have dinner with me tonight,” I said impulsively.
Her eyes clouded with hesitation. “I can’t.” She pulled her hand away. “I’m meeting a demanding client in the morning. He purchased a very expensive package. I need to be up bright and early to make sure everything is perfect for him.”
She was right. It wasn’t a good idea. But I was a selfish bastard, and I wanted her in my bed. Wanted it so bad I could taste it. I figured since Lily was not like the girls I hooked up with, taking her to the museum, the ballet, and all that shit would probably satisfy her three date requirement. It was the pregame warm-up. To be followed by a night of mind-blowing sex. And then I’d be gone.
Stick to the plan. Before I could stop myself, I leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her lips.
“It’s just dinner, Lily.” Lifting her chin with my finger, I kissed her again.
The ice blue of her eyes was melting into a clear, blue sky. Full of possibilities. She searched my face. I was asking for more than dinner.
“Ok,” she relented, looking around nervously. “But not in the dining room. Go to the bungalow, and I’ll be right behind you. I work here, Cameron.”
Nodding, I pushed the door open and wobbled to my feet. I didn’t want to open my mouth and give her a reason to change her mind.
I headed for the lobby at a good clip, ignoring the band around my chest that was tightening by the minute.
Chapter 8
Inserting the key into the slot, I pushed open the bungalow door. Dave stood in the kitchen, preparing a tray of fruit and cheese.
SHIT.
“Cameron!” His smile fell away a little when he noticed my blank expression.
“Hi, Dave.” Covering my shock with a smile, I walked toward the kitchen. “I didn’t realize…” I rubbed the back of my neck, my mind racing for something to say. Fuck it. “Dave, I’m going to need some privacy. I’ve got someone coming by.”
Recognition dawned, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Of course. Two minutes, and I’ll be out of your hair.”
Wiping his hands on his apron, he hastily assembled the tray and placed it in the fridge while I chewed my lip. I smiled reassuringly when his eyes met mine.
Jerking my head toward the light rap on the door, I froze. “Guess she’s early,” I said, arching a brow.
Sauntering to the door, I swung it open, looking down at Lily with my best attempt at surprise.
“Hey, Lily.” Resting my hand high on the doorframe, I cocked my head, motioning at Dave with my eyes. “What are you doing here?”
The term “deer in headlights” aptly described her, frozen on the doorstep with her mouth slightly open.
“I-uh…” Her gaze shifted from me to Dave, her eyes getting wider as the seconds ticked by.
“Oh, that’s right.” Dropping my hand, I stepped aside for her to enter. “You were going to bring the itinerary for the tour. Let’s make it quick. I’m expecting…someone.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but a cute little squeak tumbled out. She cleared her throat.
“Yeah, I brought it. The itinerary. For the…thing.” She stuttered over the words as she stepped into the room. “Hi, Dave.” She waved, color washing over her porcelain skin.
Luckily, my back was to Dave when I cringed. Lily’s was not when she mimicked the expression.
Nodding at her, he suppressed a smile while he hurried to finish up. Dave had been around too long and had seen too much for us to fool him with our little charade. He had the same expression as when I had pumped him for information about Lily. Amused. We stood awkwardly, staring at anything but each other while he finished.
“Mr. Knight, I’ll be leaving now.” Dave lumbered toward us with a tray of fruit rinds, wearing a jovial smile. I pulled the door open for him. “Nice to see you, Miss Tennison. When your guest arrives, Mr. Knight, ring the kitchen if you’d like to order dinner. Have a good night. Both of you.”
Lily folded her arms over her chest, her gaze fixed on the door sliding shut. Flipping the deadbolt, I closed the distance between us.
“You think he suspects anything?” She looked up, the wrinkle on her forehead begging me to smo
oth it away.
“No, darlin’,” I lied, pulling her against me. “Besides, we haven’t done anything.”
Yet.
Dropping my mouth to hers, I quieted her protest, threading my hands through her hair. I swallowed her soft moan, letting it echo in my chest. Lifting her off the ground, I buried my face in her neck. The tip of my tongue made a slow path across her collarbone. Her skin was sweet as honey.
“Fuck, Lily, you’re sweet,” I groaned. “So fucking sweet.”
She hooked her leg around mine, and my cock stirred when our hips met. She pressed against me, a silent assent that stilled my heart. Before I had time to think, I swept her in my arms and carried her toward the bedroom.
She searched my face when I slid her down my body and onto the bed. Leaning over, I untied the laces of my boots, kicking them to the side. The sight of her had me in a near frenzy. I pulled the t-shirt over my head and unbuttoned my jeans. Giving her a smile, I pulled out my wallet and dug out a condom, throwing it on the bed. She snapped her head around, looking at the foil package then back to me.
Sliding my zipper down, I let my jeans fall to the floor and dropped to my knees in front of her.
“I think you’ve got too many clothes on, darlin’.” I reached down to slip the Converse off her feet. “Let’s see what we can do about that. Lay back for me.”
I stilled when she hesitated, bringing her hand to my face. Her lips were parted, as if to ask me something.
“You okay?” I rose to eye level, leaning into her touch.
“Fine,” she murmured, dragging my lips to hers for a slow kiss.
Breaking away, she lowered herself to the mattress, never taking her eyes off me. I stared at her, fingering the button of her jeans for a second before popping it open. Tugging at her zipper, I finally chanced a peek at the smooth skin of her stomach. I leaned forward and planted a soft kiss just below her belly button. And I was gone. Gone for her.
I pulled off her jeans with a couple of tugs, and her hand clamped down on mine when I reached for her panties. Slipping out of my grasp, she moved to the head of the bed.
