“Can I help?” she asked as I dug my cell out of my pocket.
“I just need to make a call.”
Shoving up from the couch, I started to pace around the small coffee table in my living room. I started to dial my mom’s number, hating to add more to her plate, but I didn’t know what else to do.
“Hi, honey,” she answered.
“Do I need to do anything for the bar?” I asked.
“Anne called the staff—we’re closing for a few days while all of this blows over. She’s a good manager. I think we’ll be fine.”
“How’s he doing?”
“He’s still asleep. I’ll call if there’s any news. I love you, son.”
“Love you, too.”
I hung up and resumed my position with Cali on the couch.
“You know, I was a bartender before selling my soul to a nine-to-five. I can lend a hand for a while.” Cali smiled up at me. “It would be nice to get back behind a bar for a bit, and since you convinced me to resign, it couldn’t hurt to have a job.”
I kissed the top of her head. “I was planning on showing you adventure, not putting you to work at my family’s bar.”
“Let me help. At least keep it in mind if they get in a pinch while Marty is recovering.”
“He looked so helpless,” I mumbled as I tried to swallow the growing lump in my throat.
Cali grabbed my hand. “You need to get some rest. Staying up all night worrying isn’t going to accomplish anything.”
As I started to get up to take Cali to my bedroom, a knock sounded on the front door. Opening it, I saw my head roadie standing in the foyer with a bottle of Jameson.
“Hey, Quinn.” I held the door open as he came inside.
“I heard what happened to Marty and I figured you could use a drinking buddy since Dane is indisposed playing the good father.”
“Quinn?” Cali came around the corner, wide eyed.
My roadie looked like he was seeing a ghost. “Holy shit, Cali? What in the world are you doing here?”
I grabbed Cali’s hand, pulling her to me. “How do you two know each other?”
Cali’s face contorted as she laughed uncomfortably.
Quinn rubbed the back of his neck. “Remember that chick I had a one-night stand with like ten years ago where I made a complete ass of myself?”
The wheels in my brain clicked. I remembered the story well: Quinn was set up on a blind date, got overly drunk, and came in some poor chick’s hair before she kicked him out of her apartment and never returned his calls.
“The world cannot be that small.” I grabbed the bottle from his grasp. “I think we could all use a drink.”
“I guess your dreams of going on tour came true,” Cali muttered to Quinn as they followed me into the kitchen.
“How’d the two of you meet?” Quinn asked before slamming back his first shot.
“First at Bonnaroo, way before you started working for us, and then that gig in Tampa a while back, the one you just so happened to not be able to make it to,” I explained.
“Cheers to that.” Cali held her shot glass in the air.
“This is awkward, isn’t it?” Quinn started laughing while filling our empty glasses.
“It’s not how I was expecting this night to go, that’s for fucking sure.” I couldn’t believe what was happening. It wasn’t awkward—everyone has a past—I just couldn’t believe the woman I was trying to be with was a chick from a drunken story I had heard time and time again.
“That band you were trying to get a job with—that was Fallon’s band, wasn’t it?” Cali asked Quinn.
He nodded. “I got the job and then when Fallon hooked up with Dane, she recommended me for their tour. The rest is history.”
“Fucking fate, man,” Cali exclaimed.
“Well, I guess I will leave you two to your night. It was nice to see you again, Cali.” Quinn shoved up from the table.
“Thanks for checking on me.” I led Quinn to the door and locked it behind him.
“Now that was fucking weird as hell.” Cali was practically doubled over laughing.
“You’re fucking telling me!”
“I’m sorry. I had no idea you knew Quinn. Honestly, I hadn’t thought about that terrible fiasco in years.”
Scooping Cali up into my arms, I kissed her. “Don’t be sorry. It makes for an even better story now, and why get upset about something that happened forever and a day ago?”
Chapter 7
Falling into Place
Cali
The next few days went by like expected: hours and hours at the hospital, helping Maverick’s mom remember to eat, helping Maverick’s sister out by watching her daughter, Alex, and their overly rambunctious Saint Bernard, keeping Maverick grounded while his world turned upside down.
Being able to help out was incredible. I got to know his family, get closer with the band, and even become friends with Fallon and Serena, Colt’s girl. They all welcomed me with open arms, and I truly felt like I belonged there. I didn’t know if it was fate that had brought me to them, but I was glad I could lend a hand in their time of need.
Pulling a lasagna out of the oven, I couldn’t help but overhear Gina, Maverick’s mother, end her phone call.
“Thank you for the update, doctor. I’m glad physical therapy will be starting tomorrow.”
She walked into the kitchen, grabbing the bottle of chardonnay out of the fridge. I pulled two wine glasses from a cabinet, holding them out for her to fill.
“Bless you,” she whispered.
“Good news?” I asked, taking a seat with her at the kitchen table.
“Apparently, Marty was cleared to start walking a little more each day.” Gina’s face contorted into concern as I rested my hand on hers.
“Have you eaten?” I asked.
Shaking her head, she breathed in deep. “That smells amazing.”
Fixing both of us plates of pasta-y goodness, I rejoined her at the small wooden table.
“I hope it came out good. I haven’t cooked like this since I was married.” The words tumbled out of me and I realized I probably shouldn’t have just told Maverick’s mom I was divorced. Not something you just spill out to the mother of the guy you’re trying to start dating.
“Well, his loss is our gain, because this is incredible.” She offered a kind smile, and relief washed over me. “I don’t know how to thank you enough for all you’ve done for our family over the last few days.”
“Honestly, it’s my pleasure. I really do care about your son, and all of you. It’s like being part of a real family for once.”
“We’re glad to have you.”
“Mom, Cali?” Maverick’s voice boomed through the house as the front door slammed.
“Kitchen,” Gina called to her son.
I hopped up, making him a plate of food as he took a seat next to his mother after grabbing a beer.
“Do you think I can borrow her for a little while after we’re done eating?” Maverick asked Gina.
With a kind smile, she glanced over at me. “She’s all yours, and it’s a good excuse for me to insist on doing the dishes for once. Cali hasn’t let me lift a finger since she got here this morning.”
Maverick practically inhaled the entire plate within minutes.
Grabbing my hand, Maverick looked down at me. “Ready?” he asked, digging his car keys out of his pocket.
“For what?”
“You’ll see.”
With his hand on my knee, Maverick drove us to a mall.
“What are we doing here?” I asked as he cut the engine of his muscle car.
“You’re living out of a suitcase and barely brought enough clothes to last you one more day.” Maverick pulled out his credit card, holding it out to me. “You’re going shopping.”
“Mav, you don’t have to buy me clothes.” I refused to take the plastic from him.
“What if I want to?”
We went store to store, and I reluct
antly let Maverick buy me a bunch of outfits. It was adorable how excited he was, walking hand in hand with me, carrying all the bags. It wasn’t something I was used to. I had never had a guy want to take me shopping like that before.
“One more stop.” Maverick pulled me into a lingerie store. With a wink, he sat in the husband chair at the front of the shop. “Pick out some nice stuff.”
I popped around the store, grabbing the essentials off the racks and out of the drawers. I knew what Maverick meant, but shopping for sexy lingerie with him only paces away was a little uncomfortable, to say the least.
As I walked to the back of the store, a mannequin in a particularly sexy outfit caught my eye.
That would be a nice little surprise.
The longline bra had sheer lace, peekaboo details, and scalloped lace trim, and it was topped off with a matching high-waisted garter belt with satin bow accents and a matching thong panty. It was going to rock his damn world.
We hadn’t even seen each other naked yet. Our only sexual encounter was against the wall in the hotel, and even though we had been sleeping next to each other the last few nights, it just didn’t seem like the time to jump his bones. Maybe, though, it was just the distraction he needed, and why not start off with a showstopper?
The cashier wrapped my spoils in pink tissue and thanked me for my business. I couldn’t wait to surprise Mav with it all.
“All set?” he asked, taking the bag from me before holding the door open.
“This was a lot of fun.” I kissed him on the cheek as we headed for the exit.
“It’s the least I could do after everything you have done for us this week.”
“Honestly, I have enjoyed being able to get to know everyone.”
“It’s not the grand adventure I was hoping to take you on and the circumstances are shit, but I’m glad there is a little silver lining.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Just as we were about to leave, two teenage girls rushed Maverick.
“Oh my gosh! You’re Maverick Steele, aren’t you?” one of them screeched.
“I can’t fucking believe this,” the other one shouted as she started hyperventilating.
“That I am,” Maverick said, rubbing the back of his neck. How uncomfortable he had just become was palpable.
“Can we take a picture with you?” the first one asked as she dug her phone out of her purse.
“Here.” I reached for the cell. “I’ll take it for you.”
They stood on either side of him, squishing into his sides as they bounced and giggled. I thought it was adorable, and Maverick looked like he wanted to dive under a table and hide.
After snapping a few, I handed the phone back to the gushing fan.
“Thank you so much.” They both smiled sweetly at me.
“We just love The Hysterics so much.” The second girl could barely get out the words, nearly in tears.
“Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram.” Mav winked at them, trying his best to play the famous rock star. “It’s always nice to meet some fans.”
“Thanks again.” They waved goodbye as we made our way out of the mall.
“Sorry,” Maverick muttered once the door slammed behind us.
I stopped him, putting my hand on his cheek. “You have nothing to be sorry for. You should be proud of the fact that your band has come so far.”
He shrugged. “I’m just not used to it yet.”
“Well, I am proud of you.”
Chapter 8
Long Overdue
Maverick
“How’re you feeling, Pop?” I asked as I took the seat next to my father’s bedside.
His eyes fluttered open as he smiled at me. “I’d feel better if these damn doctors would discharge me so I could get the fuck home.”
“All in due time. They said you’re making really incredible progress.”
Lifting his head off his pillow, Dad shifted to sit up a bit more. “The food in here is crap and I need a damn drink.”
“You’re going to have to lay off the whiskey, Mr. Steele,” the nurse reminded my old man as she walked in to check his vitals.
“He’s just being his stubborn self,” I told her with a smirk.
She smiled at me sweetly. “I’m glad to see you’re getting back to your old self. That’s a good sign.”
“When are you going to let me out of this place?” I could see how antsy my dad was getting, and it broke my heart that he felt trapped in the hospital.
“All in due time, sir. Just keep making good progress.”
She was gone as quickly as she’d come and I relaxed back into the cushioned seat. “The bar is running fine. Everyone keeps asking about you.”
“I need to get out of this hellhole and back where I belong.” He rolled his eyes. “It was just a heart attack—that can’t stop a Steele.”
“Just don’t push yourself too hard. We don’t want you collapsing behind that bar again.”
“How’s Cali?” The knowing grin I was met with made my heart race a little. It was amazing how quickly Cali had assimilated into our family, but it scared me a bit. I was careful to not let people into our little world. I didn’t want someone coming in and messing it up.
“She’s been great.”
“I think you found a good one with her, son. Don’t go fucking it up.”
“There’s that charm I’ve been waiting for, Pop.” I laughed a little.
“You deserve to be happy and settle down with a nice girl like her.”
“It’s not that simple.”
My dad waved me off dismissively. “Everyone has their shit. Everyone has baggage and fucked-up pasts. The fact that she didn’t run for the hills and jumped in to save the day time and time again proves that no matter what skeletons she has in her closet, she’s worth it.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“I know you’re scared of getting hurt again, but even if it crashes and burns, aren’t the highs worth the lows? You can’t keep just existing, son. You have got to start living. Your life ended in high school, and that’s not fair to any of us.”
“What do you mean?”
“Think about it: we all lost someone that day. I lost a girl that was as good as a daughter to me, so did your mother. Dane lost a sister. Julie lost her best friend. You lost the love of your life. Colt, Rodney, Sheila—they lost their friend. Newsflash, kid: you’re allowed to be happy. No one is going to resent you for finally moving on.”
Getting up, I took his statement to heart. My father was right. At the end of the day, my self-pity was selfish. I wasn’t the only one who grieved and missed Leilani, but I was the only one not getting over it.
“Thanks, Dad.”
I rushed into my house, grabbing Cali off of the couch.
“Maverick?” She wiggled in my arms as I carried her to my bedroom.
I didn’t respond, just threw her on the bed and climbed on top of her. I hastily pulled at her new blouse and yanked off the jeans that still smelled like the store we had been in only the day before.
I plunged my tongue into her mouth, letting my desire pour into her. I ripped off my clothes and let my body rest on her soft skin, taking in every sensation of how badly I had been craving the moment without even realizing it.
“What has gotten into you?” she said breathlessly against my shoulder as her legs wrapped around mine.
“You,” I quickly responded. “You’re incredible, and it’s time I actually show you just how amazing I think you are.”
I kissed every inch of her skin, took note of how her breath hitched when my tongue rolled over her nipples, paid close attention to the way her back arched when my fingers ran up the inside of her thigh. I used her involuntary moans to guide me around her more sensitive areas. I took my time with it, didn’t want to rush. I wanted to actually experience her.
Finally, I let my thirst for her be quenched between her legs, flattening my tongue as it gently glided over her soaking clit.
As her fingers knotted into my long mohawk, I picked up the pace. Looking up at her as her body quaked and shook, I saw her eyes slam shut, and it was the most intoxicating sight I had ever seen in my life. Instantly, I was addicted.
“I need to feel you inside me right the fuck now,” she cried as I sucked on her sensitive skin.
I didn’t want to stop but I also wanted to give her everything she could ever want. Climbing back on top of her, I let the head of my cock press against her opening. As I slowly filled her, I was stunned. She felt incredible. Every movement, every buck of her hips, every bounce of her plump tits—it took my breath away. It wasn’t the sex, even though it was incredible; it was the connection, the raw, visceral sensation of actually feeling every part of her need for me. I had already known I was a hopeless romantic, but in that moment, I knew exactly what it meant to be one. I only cared about being as close to Cali as possible and pleasing her as much as I could.
As she screamed out and her cunt hugged around my dick, I couldn’t control myself. I rode out my climax as deep within her as I could get.
Letting my head fall onto her shoulder, I tried to steady my breath. “You’re astonishing.”
Wrapping her arms tighter around me, she whimpered, “I think it is you who is astonishing, Mav.”
I pulled her into my arms, wrapping my body around hers. “I know this is kind of a fucked-up question and way too late to be asking, but are you on the pill?”
Cali started laughing. “Of course I am.”
I nuzzled into the nape of her neck. “Sorry, had to ask.”
“Totally understandable.”
Chapter 9
Wedding Bells Are Coming
Cali
I woke up to five frantic texts from Mags that had come through in the middle of the night.
Mags: Call me.
Mags: Why is your phone off?
Mags: Why are we in different time zones?
Steele: A Standalone Rock Star Romance (The Hysterics Book 4) Page 4
