Seduced by a Rockstar: A Rockstar Romance

by J. L. Ostle

  “Think you have a little drool.” She points to the corner of her mouth, chuckling.

  “You are Ella?” he finally says.

  I look at Cory and he smiles at me as he watches his brother again.

  “Yes, the one and only. You must be one of the twins who likes to share his women.” She walks towards him, well more like saunters. “Nice to meet you.” Her voice dips—it’s the voice she uses when she’s interested in a guy.

  “Yes, but since my brother went solo, I’m afraid I’m also on my own.”

  She steps right in front of him so that there’s hardly any space between them. “Well, I can keep you company, whenever you feel lonely.” She licks her lips.

  “I will hold you to that.”

  “I hope you do.” She steps back and walks towards me, mouthing, “Oh, my God,” to me. “I am going to get your Mum up. I will be right back,” she says before leaving.

  I know if my mum walked out in her PJs with all her friends from work here, she would die of embarrassment, so I am letting Ella help get her ready. As Mum is doing constant night shifts, even though its midday, it’s like morning for her.

  “Sean, your mouth is hanging open. You may catch a fly.” I laugh and head to the kitchen to check on the food in the oven. I have gone all out and made a huge spread.

  “I think my brother is smitten with your friend.” Cory comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my middle.

  “I think so. Poor Sean, she is going to eat him alive,” I chuckle, placing my hands on top of his.

  “I think he can handle her.”

  I lean my head back onto his chest and he sways us side to side. “I like this.”

  He makes a mmmm sound, and we get lost in our own little bubble when I hear a cough from behind us. I turn around to see Cara and Sebastian standing there.

  “Sorry, Sean let us in. Is everything okay? Anything I can help with?”

  I smile at her and kiss Cory on the cheek as I walk back into the living room. “I think I have everything ready.” I spot my aunt Lacey looking at the photos on the walls. “Aunt Lacey,” I call out and she comes over to me when she sees me to give me a huge hug.

  “Hi, sweetie, you did an amazing job here. My lil’ sis is going to love it. You should have let me help.”

  I shake my head at her. “I told you, I got this. I’m just happy you could come.”

  “Of course, I would be here. I missed so many birthdays when you lived in England. It’s nice that I can be here for one.”

  I nod but I feel a little sad. It’s true. She has missed about twenty-one years of birthdays.

  “She is going to love it.”

  I hear another knock at the door and Calvin and Anna walk in. Like always, Anna looks like she is sticking her nose up in the air. I don’t even know how Cara is friends with her.

  After five minutes, everyone arrives, and I text Ella to let her know that we are ready. I get everyone to stand in the middle of the room, and once Mum comes out, we all shout out, “Happy birthday.” The look on her face makes it worth it.

  “Oh, my God.” She looks at each of us and she starts to cry happy tears. “I can’t believe you are all here.” She comes and hugs each of us, thanking everyone for coming. “How did you plan all this?”

  “You can thank your daughter for this. She wouldn’t let anyone help her,” Lacey says, and Mum looks at me and comes over and holds me tight.

  “Thank you so much.” She steps back and holds my face. “I love you so much.”

  I feel myself tearing up. “I love you too.” She holds me again.

  “Okay, let’s do presents,” Ella shouts out.

  “God, I have missed that mouth,” Mum laughs, sitting down as we hand her present after present and of course she loves mine.

  Ella even got her perfume from the perfume stall back home; it is her favourite. After twenty minutes of going through presents, I sort out the buffet I made and tell everyone they can help themselves. It’s like they are starving as they each head to the kitchen to grab a plateful.

  “You did amazing.” Cory comes to my side, kissing the side of my head.

  “She looks so happy.” I am leaning against the wall, watching her and she is laughing and talking to her sister.

  “It’s all because of you.”

  I turn and smile at him and step up on my toes to kiss his lips softly. “Thank you. Now let’s go get some food before it’s all gone.”

  Most of the food has been eaten and I grab the cake, place the candles, and light them up. Ella turns off the living room lights as I walk through and we all sing “Happy Birthday.” I step in front of my mum, telling her to make a wish. She looks at me and then blows out the candles, while we all cheer.

  “I made my wish,” she says.

  “You can’t tell us or it won’t come true,” I joke. She bites her lips as I set the cake down on the coffee table. “If I can do it, I shall.” I do a fake bow.

  “I want you to play for me,” she says quickly and I look at her and then down at the floor.

  “I don’t know, Mum.” I look at the cake and start taking the candles off.

  “Please, honey. I miss you playing so much.”

  I look back at her and I feel Ella sit next to me.

  “Don’t let him ruin what you are good at. Don’t let your dad tarnish another thing.”

  I look at her and back at my mum and nod.

  “I will go get it.”

  I nod again and stand, taking in a few deep breaths.

  “What is going on?” Sean asks.

  “Hi, can we all sit around, please? My amazing, beautiful daughter, who acts older than her years, is giving me a special present.”

  I watch as everyone sits down or stands near the sofas.

  “You okay?” Cory comes to my side.

  “Yeah, I guess you are going to get to see another part of me.”

  He looks at me in confusion as he goes and sits next to Sean. Ella comes and hands me the object that I haven’t touched in so long.

  “You got this,” Ella says as she joins my mum.

  I put the strap over my shoulder and strum my guitar to make sure it’s in key.

  “Holy shit, she can play?” Sean says.

  “She can play?” Sebastian asks at the same time.

  “Yeah, she is like the rockstar in the family until recently,” Cara says.

  I look at Sebastian and he is looking at me in shock.

  “Okay, I am going to play Justin Timberlake’s version of ‘True Colours.’” I take a deep breath and start to play.

  I close my eyes as I let the chords come through me. I have missed playing so much and I feel like I’m at peace again. I start to sing softly and let the words come out. I open my eyes and look at my mum and she is crying. She gives me a smile and I sing to her. I chose this song for her. I am telling her that I love her and that she is amazing, no matter what.

  I start to get emotional, and then I hear Ella start to sing with me. I give her a smile as she comes to my side and sings along with me, giving me strength. I start to sing louder, letting the music hit my soul.

  Then I feel it—I haven’t felt it in so long.

  Those tingles.

  I look at Sebastian and he is watching me so intently. He is looking at me like he is seeing me for the first time. I keep singing and he sucks in a breath. I see him bite his lip and I quickly look away. I turn to Ella, and by the look in her eyes, she knows what just happened. I look back at my mum and finish the song, letting the final chords echo around the room. Then everyone stands and cheers.

  “Holy fuck.” Sean claps.

  Cory comes to me and looks at me in awe. “That was so hot. I knew you had the guitar but didn’t know you could play like that, or even sing like that. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because of my dad. He loved music and I grew up loving it too. It just reminded me of him.”

  He holds me. “You are too good to stop. Don’t let
him take this away from you.”

  “That’s what I said,” Ella interrupts.

  “You were good too, Ella.”

  “Of course, I was. We had our very own group back home. Our star here, was the lead guitarist and singer, and I was backup singer and on drums.”

  “You were in a band?” Anna says, shaking her head.

  “You are so badass. I think I love you even more,” Sean jokes.

  “Still my girl,” Cory teases back.

  “It’s okay, I think I found a girl I like more.” He winks at Ella and she blows him a kiss, and I swear he almost faints by that.

  “Thank you, honey, that was beautiful, as always.” Mum kisses my head. “My rockstar.”

  I give her a smile. “Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag, so to speak.”

  “You are good, as always.” Cara comes over and hugs me.

  “I still can’t get over you never once said she was in a band.” Anna looks angry that Cara never said anything.

  “It’s not my place to say.” Cara winks at me and I beam at her.

  “Whatever. It was okay,” Anna says as she walks away.

  “You rock,” Calvin says. “Remember me if you ever get famous.”

  “This was … well, it is just for fun. I don’t want a career out of it.”

  “You are nuts. I bet you could be famous if you wanted to be.”

  “I only play with my band, and since they are on the other side of the world, it’s not happening, I’m afraid.”

  “You can play?” Sebastian walks up to me.

  “Yeah, I can.” He nods then takes Cara’s hand and guides her to the couch. I watch as he pulls her onto his lap and I quickly look away.

  “Can I have a word?” Ella asks me.

  I tell Mum that we are heading to my room and I kiss Cory, telling him I will be right back. Once we are in my room, Ella closes the door and looks at me. “You two still aren’t over each other.”

  I sit on my bed. “What are you talking about?”

  “Sebastian,” is all she says.

  “It’s nothing.”

  “Yeah, it didn’t look like nothing as you had your stare-off. He was looking at you like you were this angel in the room. He was mesmerised by you. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, and just before, I felt only tension.”

  I stand up and start pacing. “Ella, I am with Cory, and he is with Cara, remember my cousin?”

  “Yeah, I remember, but you two obviously have some old tension that you haven’t resolved yet. I know you, Iris, and I saw how you were looking at him. I have been here for a day, and have only been in a room with him and you for a couple of hours, but I can tell. You need to be careful.”

  “I am not going to do anything stupid.”

  “I have a bad feeling. You know my feelings are normally right.”

  “Yes, your psychic feelings.” I roll my eyes.

  “Don’t diss my feelings.” We chuckle. “I think this is going to blow up in your face if you’re not careful.”

  I sit back down and she sits next to me.

  “Do you think Sean will be good in bed?” She changes the subject and we both burst out laughing.

  It’s a couple of days later, and I have to work. Ella is coming with me to check out the place. I was going to get it off but Ella said she wanted to see me in action. I just think she wants me to take her orders and torment me. We arrive just before it gets busy and I get behind the bar, give her a bottle of beer, kiss Cory sweetly, kiss Sean on the cheek, and I start serving the customers.

  Ella is watching the bands that are playing on the stage as I continue serving, trying to talk to her every chance I get in case she gets bored. I am wiping down the bar when I see Cara and Sebastian heading towards us and he doesn’t look happy at all.

  “What’s up, man? You look like someone ran over your cat,” Sean says when they reach the bar.

  “I don’t have a cat.”

  “You know what I mean.” Sean shrugs. “What’s up?” I try to not listen in but I can’t help but be nosey.

  “You know it’s rude to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations,” Ella smirks at me.

  “I will hit you with this smelly dishcloth if you don’t shush it.” I pretend to hit her with my cloth.

  “Louie just called. The van broke down and they won’t be here for another twenty minutes or so.”

  “Fuck, Sebastian, you go up in like ten minutes.” Sean tugs at his hair.

  “Don’t you think I know that?” Sebastian lifts his arms so his hands are behind his head and my eyes go straight to where his shirt lifts, exposing his hard stomach. I hear a fake cough and I turn to Ella who waggles her eyebrows at me, and this time I do hit her with the cloth, causing her to shriek.

  “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Sean swears over and over.

  “What’s wrong?” Cory asks, coming up to our group.

  “Louie’s van broke down so they won’t get onstage on time.”

  “Shit.”

  I am taking a few glasses out of the dishwasher when I hear Ella’s voice behind me. “Iris and I can entertain the crowd for ya.”

  I turn around and she is leaning forward across the bar so Sean has a good look down her cleavage.

  “Ella,” I scold her but she just ignores me.

  “Have you ever even performed before?” Sebastian asks in a sarcastic voice.

  “We have our very own band, pretty boy, so yes, we have experience. We played all over the UK during holidays. Look us up on YouTube, you may learn a thing or two,” Ella says in a snarky voice. “Plus, we don’t need to play, we just need to keep the crowd entertained until what’s his name comes.” She turns back to Sean.

  He looks at me and back at her and sighs.

  “Fine. I am trusting you here.”

  She jumps up and down and leans forward to kiss him on the cheek.

  “You will love it, trust me.” She walks towards me. “Come on, sexy, we need to get you more beautiful.” She comes around the bar and takes my hand, guiding me to the bathroom.

  “What the hell, Ella?” I say once we are alone.

  “What? Come on, I miss us performing together and we just need to sing one song or two. Please, please, please?” She pouts at me and I groan, my head falling back. “Yay, I love you. But first, we need you to look a little sexier.” She steps back, looking me up and down.

  The door opens and I watch Cara come in. “I am so excited to see you both sing,” she shrieks and I roll my eyes. Great now there’re two of them.

  “Right, we need your hair down.” Ella comes to me and pulls out my low ponytail and shakes out my hair. “I don’t like the look.” I look down to my black jeans shorts and long grey T-shirt that covers my ass. I was meant to be working so I made sure I dressed comfortably. “Right, okay, I got an idea but please don’t hate me.”

  Why would I hate her? My question is answered when she rips my T-shirt so it now shows my midriff. “I swear, I’m going to kill you.” I glare at her.

  “You can kill me after. Now, shut up as I do your makeup.” She blows me a kiss as she goes through her bag and then starts giving me smoky eyes and dark lips. “I am a miracle worker. I feel like that girl on She’s All That. You know, the one who gave the ugly girl a makeover?”

  Yeah, I know that movie. She finishes off my lips and smiles happily at her work.

  “Voilà.”

  I look in the mirror and yup, I look like my old rocker self.

  “I reckon you missed your old look.”

  I look at her and smile. “I do miss it.”

  She gives me a hug and she jumps up and down again and so does Cara.

  “You look so amazing,” Cara gushes.

  “Right, let’s go sing our asses off.” Ella links with my arm and I quickly turn and grab Cara’s arm, linking with her too as we head back to the bar. I already start to notice a few stares coming my way.

  “They are all looking at you,” Cara whispers.

&nb
sp; Yeah, I can see that. We get to the bar and all three men are gawking at me.

  “Fuck me hard,” Sean says and Ella goes over and slaps him over the shoulder. “Sorry, love, but damn, you did good on her. She looks proper badass.”

  “I know. I am amazing.” Ella pretends to look at her nails.

  “Yeah, you are,” he replies and she turns to him, giving him a shy smile.

  “You look so different,” Cory says coming to me.

  “This is how I looked back home. It was my signature look. Do you hate it?”

  “Does this look like a face that hates it? You look so hot that I am trying not to get hard in front of everyone.” He uses me as a shield and I can feel his arousal.

  “I guess I need to start dressing up like this more often,” I tease and fling my arms around his neck, hugging him. My eyes connect to Sebastian, who is watching me. His eyes are dark. I quickly look away and take a step back. “I guess we need to get people entertained.” I look at Ella.

  “What do you guys need?” Sean asks.

  “Do you have a jukebox that’s connected to a sound system and two wireless microphones?”

  “Of course we have. We are very up-to-date with music equipment in this bar.” He winks at her. He leaves and comes back a few minutes later with two mics and an iPad, and he tells us that all we need to do is pick the song and it will connect.

  I watch as Ella looks through the list before she gives me an evil smile. “I pick this one.” She hands him back the iPad.

  “Right, well do you want to go onstage?” She shakes her head and jumps up, sitting on the bar, and indicates for me to follow.

  “We are going to sing on here.” She stands and I stand with her. She tests the mic and I do the same.

  “What song did you pick?”

  She smiles at me. “‘Bad Blood’ by Taylor Swift—the slow version.”

  I burst out laughing. We loved this song when it came out and we did our own twist on it, making it ours.

  “You ready to perform again?”

  I close my eyes and take in a deep breath. It has been months since I last sang in front of a real crowd. I look out and see people are pointing at us, wondering why we are standing up on the bar. “Bring it,” I tell her and she points to Sean and I hear the music surround us. I lift the mic and we start to sing the first words.