With the Band

by Natasha Preston

  Cooper takes my hand and marches me through the throng of gyrating bodies on the dance floor. I recognise most people here, and I'm a little starstruck by some. Everyone is drinking champagne, and laughter is buzzing off the walls. It seems like Kitt and I are the only ones not jumping with happiness tonight.

  Coop squeezes my hand as we get closer. I know of Isaiah and his band, The Kings. They're a little more mainstream than Enigma and Filthy Sound, but they're good. This is my first time meeting him.

  He turns as we approach, and when his amber eyes land on me, he smiles. At least he seems interested. Isaiah is very good-looking. His chiselled jaw and dusty-blond hair are enough to melt hearts and have women lift their skirts. He's tall and muscular, and he has a killer smile.

  Even though he's the whole perfect package, I can't help but compare him to Kitt. I do it with every man.

  And, of course, Kitt never loses.

  "Isaiah, hey, man," Cooper says, slapping him on the shoulder.

  "Great show tonight," Isaiah replies.

  "Thanks. This is--"

  "Texas Knight," Isaiah finishes. "Pleasure." He leans in and kisses my cheek.

  Bit forward, but Kitt is backward, so it's a nice change.

  "Hi," I say before biting my lip.

  He smells good. It's a woodsy smell I recognise from the vast amount of guitars we have at home and on tour.

  "Gotta go. Milo's calling me," Cooper says before ducking out.

  Milo obviously hasn't called him or anyone. He has his tongue down Jessica's throat.

  I wince. "Yeah, Coop's not so subtle."

  Isaiah laughs, and his voice is deep and sexy. "No, he's really not. So, how are you finding things on tour?" He frowns. "I'm a dick. Forget I said that. You've been on tour since you were in nappies."

  Who would've thought this rock star was actually awkward? It's endearing.

  My rock stars are cocky little fuckers.

  "It's better now that I'm of drinking age," I reply.

  "You didn't drink underage?"

  "Oh, I did, but since I turned eighteen, my dad's been a bit more relaxed about leaving me with Kitt, Cooper, and Milo."

  I've no idea why. He's met them.

  "Your dad is my fucking hero. I grew up listening to his music and miming along at his concerts. And you can never tell him I told you that."

  I salute. "Your secret will die with me."

  Isaiah laughs and nods his head toward the bar. "You want to get a drink?"

  I've probably had enough, but I really want to spend some time with him. It's healthy since we seem to have a mutual like for each other so far.

  "I'd love to."

  He places his hand on my hip as we dodge the people on the dance floor. Kitt is at the bar, too, so this might get a little uncomfortable.

  "What are you having?"

  "Sambuca," I reply, smirking.

  His light eyebrows rise. "Oh, yeah? Well, it'd be rude to make you take shots on your own."

  "Plural?" I ask.

  "You only want one?"

  I shake my head.

  Yes, this is exactly what I need. Getting wasted with a beautiful man is about my favourite thing to do.

  "Good," he replies.

  Isaiah and I clink glasses before downing the first shot.

  "What's next for the band then?" I ask.

  He steps closer, so we're in each other's personal space. "Oh, you've heard of me then?"

  Biting my lip, I nod, hoping it looks sexy. It must because Isaiah's mouth parts, and he presses his chest against mine. His chest is hard and muscular. He towers above me, but he looks good from this angle. My heart isn't all over the place, like it is with Kitt, but I'm definitely attracted to Isaiah. I mean, I have eyes.

  "I happen to quite like your band," I say.

  His lips pull up into a crooked smile. "I'll have to get you backstage next time."

  "Yes, you will. I'm not a groupie though, Isaiah."

  Chuckling, he wraps his arms around my waist. "Believe me, I know."

  "You're kind of confusing."

  He looks genuinely surprised. "I am?"

  "Yes. One minute, you're shy and borderline awkward, and the next, you're forward. Which one is the real Isaiah?"

  "You'll have to spend some time with me and find out."

  "Mmhmm, but I'll be gone in the morning."

  "So, we have, what? Seven hours?"

  "About that. If we don't sleep."

  This is moving speed-of-light fast, but it's a nice change of pace.

  "Texas!" Kitt shouts.

  Isaiah's eyes light up. "Kitt Daniels. Man, awesome show."

  Kitt grinds his teeth. "Thanks. We're leaving in ten, Tex."

  "Fine. I'll see you at the hotel in the morning."

  "Do you really think that's going to happen?"

  I'm burning with anger. My skin feels hot and tight, and I want to slap him.

  Glaring, I stare him down. He doesn't budge. His eyes bore into me, and his face is completely blank. I don't know if he's jealous or just being a prick.

  Isaiah puts his arm over my shoulders. "It's cool, man. I'll make sure she gets back okay."

  "See? I'm fine with Isaiah."

  I tug his wrist, and he takes the hint. We walk away from Kitt and head toward a table in the corner.

  Kitt is being fucking ridiculous. My hands are shaking. I'm so angry with him.

  "You good?" Isaiah asks, sitting down on a stool.

  Be fine. Isaiah is gorgeous, too, and you're having a nice time with him.

  "I am."

  He smiles and pulls me between his legs. I don't feel what I feel when I touch Kitt, but I'm not hopelessly in love with Isaiah, so there's no reason I'd feel the same. Plus, I'm not looking to marry the guy. We're just having a few drinks together.

  "Glad to hear it. So, if I were to ask you to dance, what are the odds you'll say yes?"

  "Hmm, I think your odds are pretty good."

  His eyebrows lift. "Interesting."

  He takes my hands and puts them around his neck.

  Yep, I'm going to enjoy tonight.

  KITT

  SATURDAY, MAY 9

  PARIS, FRANCE

  I take a swig straight from the bottle I made the bartender give me. I'm past the point of having the patience to wait for single glasses. Texas is pissing me the fuck off.

  "What's up with you?" Cooper asks, leaning against the bar. "You look like someone's left you high and dry. The blonde not up for it?"

  "I didn't talk to the blonde."

  The brunette's driving me crazy.

  "So, why this look?" he asks, wiggling his fingers in front of my face.

  "I'm tired."

  "So? Sleep when you're dead. You're a rock star, dipshit. Start acting like one."

  "There's more to it than sex."

  He looks me dead in the eyes for the longest time. "No, there's not."

  I roll my eyes. "Fuck off, Coop."

  "Nah. Where's Milo?"

  I raise my eyes to the exit. "Left with Jessica thirty minutes ago."

  "Nice. She's a solid nine. Texas?"

  Gritting my teeth, I tilt my chin toward a booth. Texas and Isaiah are drinking together, sitting far too close. I fucking hate him, and I hate her.

  No, you don't hate her.

  If he touches her leg one more time, I'm going to cut his fucking hand off. My chest is tight. Everything is too fucking tight. I'm grinding my teeth so hard that there will be nothing left. All I can feel is rage.

  "Ah, go get him, girl," Cooper murmurs. He sounds proud of her.

  "Why are you encouraging that shit?" I bark.

  "Why wouldn't I? She's a big girl now. If she wants to have sex with a rock star, she can."

  I want to punch him in the gut.

  And since when has it been okay for Texas to sleep around?

  Double standards. You're hardly saving yourself for marriage. You didn't even save yourself until it was legal for you to
have sex.

  "You know who she is, Cooper."

  "Mark knows she's not going to stay a virgin forever. Heck, she's probably not a virgin now."

  My hands shake. I slam the bottle down and clench my fists. "We should get her back to the hotel."

  Coop's mouth turns up, and he folds his arms. "Are you jealous, Kitt?"

  Jealous? I don't get fucking jealous. I can have whatever I want, whenever I want.

  "I'm just looking out for her--you know, like we promised Mark. Or have you forgotten everything he's done for us?"

  You sure have.

  "Not forgotten, but she's fine, bro. She can flirt and do whatever the hell she wants. We're here to look out for her, but that doesn't mean we're her babysitters. It means, we'll make sure she's safe, and she gets home safe. What she chooses to do in the meantime is up to her. Now, again, are you jealous? Is there something going on with you and her? Because you're not usually this uptight."

  "Of course there's nothing going on."

  "Then, calm the fuck down. She's having fun."

  Too much fun.

  I feel sick.

  "Nah, I'm beat. I'll see you back at the hotel." I push off the bar.

  Cooper grabs my arm. "Are you making her go with you?"

  "Yes."

  She's lucky I've waited this long.

  "I can get her back just fine, too, you know. She's enjoying herself."

  Leaving Cooper alone with Texas when they're both drunk is one of the worst ideas I've ever heard. Many times, he's fallen asleep in a bar, and security has had to bring him back to the bus or his room. Or he's stayed out with some girl and woken up in a strange house, having no idea how he got there or which hotel he was staying at.

  "You're kidding, right? Only a few weeks ago, you tried to let yourself into a room in the wrong hotel."

  "But I had the right room number," he says, as if it's something to be proud of.

  I'm all up for having a good night and getting wasted, but I've always been able to walk at the end of it. "I'll be taking Tex with me. See you tomorrow."

  He rolls his eyes. "Whatever, man."

  I leave him to it. No doubt, he'll see his next victim soon and forget all about Texas anyway. My muscles protest from the effort of trying to slow myself down. All I can see is her with Isaiah, and I need it to stop.

  Neither of them looks up as I approach. Isaiah brushes Tex's hair out of her face and leans closer.

  Fuck no.

  I stop dead when his lips touch hers.

  Instead of pushing him away, like she should, she kisses him back. I feel like I've just had the air knocked out of me by something big and hard smashing into my chest.

  "Texas!" I snap. I make my legs move and finally reach the edge of their booth.

  Stay calm.

  Jumping, she looks over her shoulder. "Kitt, what's wrong?"

  "We're leaving. Now. Cooper is looking for his next conquest, and Milo's already gone. I'm not leaving you with a guy you've known for three minutes. No offense, Isaiah."

  He smirks. "None taken. I understand the situation."

  No, you don't.

  "But I don't want to leave, Kitt."

  "Well, life's a shit sandwich, Texas. Get up."

  "You're being an arsehole," she growls.

  "Say good-bye. I'm sure you'll see Isaiah again."

  "I'm sure she will," he replies, stroking her cheek.

  I look away and ball my hands.

  Why does this hurt?

  "Fine," Texas says. "Thanks for the awesome evening, Isaiah." She stands up without kissing him again.

  I snatch her hand and pull her closer to me. "Bye, Isaiah."

  As I practically pull her outside, she yanks on our connected hands, but I'm too strong. I can't let go.

  "What the bloody hell is wrong with you? That was so rude!" she says.

  We smile as we leave the club because we know exactly what's going to be out there. I release her hand and wrap my arm around her back, opening the door with the other hand. She won't run because it wouldn't look good.

  Lights flash like strobe lighting the second we're outside.

  "Kitt, have you had a good evening?"

  "Kitt, how's the tour going?"

  "Kitt..."

  "Kitt..."

  I zone them out and concentrate on getting Texas into the waiting car. Ted is on the other side of Texas, making sure no one can reach her. He opens the car door, and we get in.

  Tex sighs as Ted slams the door closed. Her smile falls. She's itching to shout at me again, but she won't do it with Ted here. I'm sure that'll be reserved just for me later.

  "Are you okay?" I ask.

  She purses her lips and nods once.

  I hand her a bottle of water from the fridge. "You're going to need to sober up a little. Mark might still be up."

  She snatches it from my hand and mutters a pissed off, "Thanks."

  I groan and rub my eyes. "Don't be angry, Tex."

  Stealing a glance at Ted, who is on his phone and deep in conversation, she says, "You acted like a moron tonight, and I don't understand why. Kitt, you're usually...I don't know...fun."

  "I'm not fun anymore?"

  You've noticed that, too.

  "Tonight, you weren't. I don't like it."

  "I'm sorry, okay? I just don't want to see you make a mistake."

  She screws the cap back on the bottle and twists her body. "A mistake? I was only talking to him. We had one kiss. I'm not a child. If I want to talk to someone, I will. If I want to kiss someone, I will. If I want to have sex with someone, I will."

  Her words rub across my skin like sandpaper.

  "I understand all of that."

  "Then, what?"

  Yeah, what?

  I look out the window and close my eyes. If I had the answer to that question, I have a feeling that things would be so much easier. I don't want to be like this.

  She turns her body, and out of the corner of my eye, I see her determination. She wants answers.

  "Come on, Kitt!"

  "Mark," I say, as if that's the answer to everything. "What if you'd left with Isaiah and been photographed with him, and your dad saw, huh? He doesn't know the guy, and he sure as hell wouldn't be happy if your sex life was splashed all over the press."

  She narrows her eyes, knowing I've got her there. Mark isn't an idiot. He must know that Texas isn't a virgin after her relationship, but no one wants to see their child's about-to-have-a-one-night-stand picture.

  "My dad would've been fine. He knows I date."

  "Dating and casual fucking are two different things, and despite what you say, I know you don't want him to know if you chose to sleep around."

  "Fuck you. It was one guy, and nothing even happened. You make it sound like I'm with someone new every night. That's you!"

  "That's not what I meant, and you know it."

  "Oh my God, why are we even talking about this? Let's forget it because you're making me hate you right now."

  Fuck.

  She is the only person with the power to bring me to my knees with her words.

  "I..." I mutter, like a fucking idiot. "Don't hate me, Tex," I whisper.

  She groans and turns her head. "Don't use your eyes like that. It's not fair!"

  "Come on." I smile now because I know she's already forgiven me. "I'm sorry, okay?"

  When she looks up, her shoulders relax, and her face softens. "Okay."

  I need to fix this. Somehow, I need to fix something I unintentionally broke, but I have no idea how to repair it.

  Once Ted hangs up, I lean forward and whisper in his ear. He chuckles and nods his head, letting me know he understood and is on board.

  I hope she likes this because, right now, I'm nervous as hell.

  "What was that?" she asks.

  "You'll see in a minute."

  "Come on! I hate--"

  I nudge her shoulder. "Don't be a brat."

  "Bugger off."

 
; Smirking, I lean over and kiss the side of her head.

  Why does that feel so right?

  Tex looks up and gives me a smile that stops my heart.

  Jesus.

  She turns and looks out the window as Ted drives us in a different direction. No doubt, she's trying to figure out where we're going at 1:38 a.m., but her knowledge of Paris is limited.

  After fifteen minutes of silence, Ted parks the car and turns to me. "I can give you a bit of space."

  "Thanks, man."

  Texas is staring, open-mouthed, as she finally realises where we are--the Eiffel Tower. For the next hour and fifteen minutes, the lights will be on and will twinkle on the hour for ten minutes.

  "You getting out, Tex? We need to walk the rest of the way."

  She finally snaps out of her trance. "You've brought me to the Eiffel Tower?"

  "Looks like it. I'm happy to watch from the car."

  "Right. Get out, idiot" she mutters to herself. Giving me a long look, she opens the door.

  "Wait in the car, Ted? We won't go far."

  "Kitt..."

  "I won't let her get hurt. Please?"

  "I said, I'll watch from a distance. That's the best I can do."

  I give him a nod, knowing I was asking too much. Security is something we have to take seriously, especially with her. I round the car, and somehow, my hand finds hers.

  Friend zone's fucked.

  She feels like answers to questions I'm not ready to even think about.

  We walk across the grass in silence. There are quite a few people around, locals and tourists, but it's so easy to forget everyone when she's around. It's dark out, but the area is lit. The vastness of the Eiffel Tower takes me by surprise, and the lights make it even more incredible.

  Pictures do not do it any justice.

  "Wow," Tex whispers. This isn't her first time here, but this isn't something that gets less exciting, the more you see it. "How come you brought me here? I didn't think we'd have time," she whispers.

  "That's why," I say. I've got a lot to make up for. "We have time now, and I thought you'd like to see the light show."

  "Oh my gosh! I forgot about that." She squeezes my hand in excitement and picks up the pace.

  I'm not sure how close she wants to get because I imagine it's better if your view is of the entire thing. I don't really care as long as she loves it.

  Why is everything suddenly about her? Why do I want to move the fucking earth if it'll make her happy?

  Texas stops just before it starts to become difficult to see the whole thing in one frame. "It's so beautiful at night. Remind me to move to Paris one day."

  Pushing my luck further, I let go of her hand and wrap my arm around her.

  I need her closer. It's not enough.

  She lays her head on my chest, and my heart starts to thump loudly.