Rock Her Long (Rock Her Series Book 3)

by Alyson Hale

  The moment I’ve been waiting for all day finally arrives. Elyza’s contact populates on my screen. I press the button to answer, a shit-eating grin stretching my lips as I greet her.

  “Afternoon, gorgeous.”

  “What. The. Fuck. Have. You. Done?” Elyza bellows from the other end of the line. “You told everyone we were a couple, after what you did to me at the concert? How could you?”

  “First of all, love, I didn’t do anything to you at the concert. As I told you, she kissed me. I didn’t kiss her back and I don’t plan on seeing that little leech ever again. Secondly, what I did do for you was a massive favor, and strangely enough I don’t hear any thank you’s.”

  I hear her seething on the other end and have to suppress my laughter. Messing with Elyza is more fun than I thought it would be. It’s something I plan to do for the rest of our lives, although not on quite this grand a scale.

  “You son of a bitch. If this is your way of trying to control me, I’ll have you know it’s not going to work. I will make my life decisions with or without your endorsement, thank you very much.”

  “Ah, there it is. You’re welcome, angel. I look forward to hearing how your demos turn out. If I’m not mistaken, you should be getting your first call from a record label in three...two...one…” I hear a distant beeping sound and my grin grows wider.

  “What the hell…” Elyza’s voice grows breathy and stressed. “It’s a British number. Did you—”

  “I’ll talk to you in a little bit, sweetheart.” I hang up and cross my ankles on the armrest of the couch, folding my hands behind my head. Phase One of my plan is complete. Now I all have to do is keep reeling her in.

  Chapter 20

  Elyza

  My hand shakes as I lower my phone back into my pocket. I’ve been pacing my dorm room ever since I picked up the phone to call Eddie, but now I feel as if all the strength has left my limbs. Hannigan Records, the Filthy Bangers’ record label, just called me and asked me for a demo. Just off Eddie’s recommendation alone, they said they’re looking forward to hearing my music. I’ve never been so terrified in my life.

  Eddie took a huge risk endorsing me to his record company. If I don’t measure up to their standards, it could hurt their opinion of him. He sounded so confident and even happy for me over the phone. Does Eddie really believe in me enough to put his full faith behind me and risk his own reputation in the process? Or is he only doing this because he wants me back?

  I sink down into my crackly twin mattress and let my emotions float over me like waves washing onto a shore. I have to record a demo now. There are a ton of things I’ll have to get in order if I get offered a record deal and accept it. I also have to deal with how my friends and classmates are going to react when they find out I’m allegedly going out with a rock star. Girls are going to talk behind my back, and some might even lash out at me in jealousy. Guys are going to avoid me like the plague. Lance and Maria are going to wonder why I never told them the truth.

  I guess I could tell them Eddie’s lying, but why would I do that? Being his girlfriend, even in name only, gives me a huge advantage in my social life. I’ll be seen as powerful and important. People might even invite me to more parties and events. If I tell them he said this without my permission, they’ll look at me like I’m crazy for wanting to reject him. If I tell them why I broke things off with him, I’ll be humiliated because they’ll know about him kissing Chelsea.

  As much as I hate to admit it, this move by Eddie was pure—evil—genius. He knows I have no grounds to refuse him. I have to go along with this now or risk everything he just gave me. I never imagined Eddie Turner would be capable of this level of cruelty. What does he stand to gain from this? Is he trying to get back at Chelsea by saying he’s in a relationship with me? Did she hurt him again and this is his revenge?

  Fuck. If that’s true, it means he’ll be “breaking up with me” eventually. He probably called his record label as a peace offering so I wouldn’t hate him once this whole thing is all over. As long as it’s a mutual split or he gives me the upper hand when the time comes, I guess it doesn’t hurt to play along until my record deal is in place.

  Shivers run all the way up and down my spine. I might have a record deal soon. It’s an impossible dream I never thought would come to fruition. Eddie was right, he does deserve a “thank you.” The next time I see him, I’ll give him one, right after I kick him in the balls for putting me through this upheaval in order to get it.

  Three raps sound at the door. I stand and cross the small space. When I open the door, I see a delivery man holding a cardboard box.

  “Elyza Calloway?” he asks. I accept the package and bring it inside, closing the door behind me. I take out my pocket knife, which I carry around in case college boys get any ideas at parties or football games, and slice open the packing tape holding the box together. Inside the box are a set of studio headphones, a cylindrical microphone and a couple of other devices I don’t recognize. There’s a note on top of the recording equipment:

  Dear Elyza,

  This equipment is for the purpose of recording demos for the labels I spoke to on your behalf. Please call me if you have any trouble using it. Be sure to record that piece you played for me as well as a couple more of your compositions so they’ll know you have more than one.

  I know you must be reeling with confusion, but I want you to know this is all one hundred percent real. I love you. I’ll say it over and over until you believe me. And I’m going to make up for everything you’ve been through because of me, even if it takes me a lifetime.

  Still yours,

  Eddie

  The paper slips through my fingers and flutters back down onto the microphone. Eddie must have meant it when he said he loved me before. He’s serious about both of the things he said in that article. He still wants me to be his girlfriend, and he really does want me to submit my music to his label. I can’t figure it out. Why is he bothering with me? Chelsea Kent came back for him. He has the chance at everything he ever wanted. I’m just some small-town girl from Georgia with a freckle face, a flat chest and a few stupid piano tunes I made up at our old, out-of-tune upright piano at home.

  Then I’m reminded of the way his eyes come to life for me. The way he laughs at my stupid jokes. The way he watched me play, like a man entranced. Somehow, I’ve captured the heart of the rock star who captured my fantasies all those years ago. He’s pursuing me hard and is obviously not willing in the slightest to let me go.

  Could it be true what he said, that we’re soulmates? I never believed in that before, but the connection I felt with him when we met was instantaneous, and it wasn’t just the physical attraction. It was as if I’d been searching for something my whole life and I’d finally found it, like a homing pigeon finding its nest. I’d been so afraid of giving myself to him because I was convinced he would hurt me, and then he did. But he insists Chelsea was the one who kissed him and he didn’t want her to. I must be going crazy, because I’m actually starting to believe him. After all, it wasn’t her he talked about to the magazine, it was me.

  Regardless, I have serious business to attend to, and I don’t want to waste a second. I’m about to open my laptop to research how to use my new recording equipment when Lance and Maria burst into the room.

  Lance’s big brown eyes burn right through me. “Girl. Explanation. Now.”

  Oh, God. Eddie had better hope this record deal works out, because otherwise he is dead meat the next time I see him, soulmates or not.

  Chapter 21

  Elyza

  Two months later

  I straighten the circlet of flowers on top of my curly updo and stand tall and proud in front of Alex and Kyri. Alex and I are in light pink bridesmaid dresses, and Kyri is in a stunning, strapless A-line gown. Jace, who is about to officially become my brother-in-law, is standing beneath an arch awaiting his bride. Jace and Kyri decided on an outdoor venue for their May wedding. Temperatures are starting t
o rise here in Atlanta, but we’re surrounded by emerald-colored life everywhere you look. Summer in the southern U.S. is a beautiful sight, and we’re about to add to the scene with a picture-perfect ceremony.

  The flower girl and ringbearer, Jace’s niece and nephew, make their way down the aisle. The guests openly adore them. My gaze is pulled to the right of Jace, toward a person I haven’t seen face-to-face since the night he broke my heart.

  It’s strange seeing Eddie in a formal tux. His tattoos are grazing the top of his crisp white collar. It seems almost too tight for his thick neck. His dark hair has grown slightly longer, overlapping the collar, and his stubble is growing out into a full beard. I allow my gaze to wander his muscular frame, remembering how it feels pressed against mine. Everything below my belly button clenches.

  My eyes meet his as I step forward down the aisle. The question hanging between us is almost suffocating. His gaze is focused, determined, but there’s a hint of vulnerability as he searches my eyes. So much has happened over the past few months, and yet we’ve barely talked. I knew I would fall back into his arms if I called him, so I talked to him over text, letting him know how the recordings went and that I submitted my demos.

  He doesn’t know my secret yet, nor does anyone else. As soon as I can secure a flight to London, Hannigan Records is signing me.

  Eddie has gone above and beyond to prove he’s sorry for what I saw at the concert that night. Not only did he give my music career an enormous jumpstart, but he sent me notes, flowers and gifts from every city he visited on tour. I started running out of space in my closet because of the sheer number of boxes I received from him. The things he gave me were expensive, far more luxurious than I ever would have asked for. From what I’ve heard via Kyri and Alex, he’s been above suspicion on tour as well, going straight to the bus after every concert and barely even letting other women look at him, let alone touch him.

  My heart flutters when Eddie’s unreadable expression gives way to his full smile. I drop my gaze, pretending to be very focused on stepping up beside the arch. In spite of myself, I can’t help returning his smile, but I turn my head and watch Kyri coming down the aisle to mask it. I’m embarrassed to even talk to him, especially since I suspect now that he was telling the truth all along.

  ◆◆◆

  We all head to a nearby hotel for the reception. I meet Lance in the parking lot and walk into the lobby with him arm-in-arm. We enter a large ballroom with a domed ceiling, a stunning, enormous chandelier, and circular tables clustered around a hardwood dance floor. Various tables around the ballroom are set up with drinks, finger foods and a place to drop off gifts for the happy couple. Lance and I each pick up a glass of chardonnay and a plate of crackers and fruit. My twenty-first birthday has passed, so I’m finally legal to party as much as I want. It feels good to be able to drink alcohol openly without having to look over my shoulder.

  Lance and I watch from a distance as Eddie converses with some tall men with British accents. A lot of Jace’s friends seem to be in attendance, in contrast to Kyri’s small circle of family and friends. The two of them haven’t shown up yet, which I can only surmise means they’ve stopped somewhere to consummate their marriage. We’ve already done the wedding photos, much to my relief. My shoes are starting to blister my feet. I’m already looking forward to nursing my fresh wounds in a hot bath later.

  A spindly elbow makes firm, painful contact with my ribcage. I glare sideways at Lance. “Ow?!”

  “Go and talk to him,” Lance says through clenched teeth, the whites of his eyes forming a ring around his dark irises. When Lance heard about Eddie and me, he believed Eddie’s story and immediately took his side. I was mad at him for it at first, but I know Lance is in my corner no matter what. He thinks Eddie and I are perfect together and I’m just being stubborn. He’s probably right. Doesn’t mean I’m going to make the first move, though.

  “H-he’s busy,” I say, jamming a dark chocolate covered strawberry in my mouth and shifting my gaze. The burst of sweetness and tang in my mouth makes me giddy. Lance continues to push the issue, but I shrug and pretend my hands are tied so I won’t have to face the fact that Eddie keeps looking at me like I’m holding the world on my shoulders.

  The DJ arrives and plays light dancing fare to get the party started. My hips start to move of their own accord. It doesn’t matter what the music is, I can never resist getting down to it. Music lives in me. It’s my world, especially now. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life sharing my songs with the world, hearing the crowds cheer for me, living a life I’ve only seen in movies. It’s enough to make a girl feel like dancing forever.

  Lance sets his plate down and holds his hand out to me. We grin at each other and skip past the tables, becoming the first couple on the dance floor. That’s the great part about having a gay best friend; I always have a guy to dance with. Lance and I pull each other’s hands back and forth and he twirls me, preparing to dip me, when a presence behind me makes Lance stop in his tracks. His deep voice sends shivers up my spine.

  “Mind if I cut in?” Eddie asks. He sounds outwardly calm, but I can hear the underlying tension like a rip current in his voice.

  Lance nods and steps away. I force a smile and turn toward Eddie, who immediately scoops one strong arm around my waist and clasps my hand. His gaze softens as soon as my chest makes contact with his stomach.

  “Finally,” he whispers, pulling me so far into him it becomes an embrace. I cuddle into his chest, tears stinging my eyes as I listen to his heartbeat. It’s been so long since I felt him against me. I didn’t realize how much my heart was crying out for him. Or at least, I tried not to notice.

  Eddie brushes away a tear as it slides down my cheek. I’m not embarrassed anymore to show how much I missed him. Even when I was boiling mad at him, being away from him for all those months was miserable. I craved his arms around me, his lips on mine, his length inside of me…

  My hip nudges against the hard bulge in his pants. I smile. We’re not even dancing sexy this time, but he’s still hard as granite for me.

  “I’ve missed you so much, angel,” Eddie whispers. His voice is soft with emotion. I look up and my gaze stops on his kissable lips. Talking, dancing, eating...it all suddenly sounds boring as hell. There’s only one thing I want right now, and I know he wants it too.

  I rise up on my tiptoes and whisper in his ear, “I want you to take me into a bedroom and fuck me until I’m seeing double. The reception can wait. I need you, right now.”

  I feel him smile against my ear. He doesn’t have to be told twice. Immediately, the two of us leave the ballroom and make a beeline for the reception desk. Eddie keeps a firm hold on my hand the whole way, as if he’s terrified I’m going to change my mind and run away from him again.

  As soon as we have our key cards, we head up the elevator to the fifth floor of the hotel. Eddie kisses me as he slides his key card into to the slot of door 501. As soon as his soft lips make contact with mine, I’m a goner. I leap up into his arms, letting him carry me inside the room and bolt the door behind us.

  Eddie carries me to the bed, not breaking contact with my lips, and lays me down on top of the soft, embroidered comforter. He holds me and kisses me, running his hands up and down the silky material of my dress. I lean up so he can pull my zipper down. As soon as he slides my dress off of me and his rough hands make contact with my skin, I’m on fire for him. I pull his jacket off of him and help him unfasten the buttons on his shirt. Soon we’re completely naked except for his boxers and my pink lace thong. Eddie’s eyes brighten at the sight of it.

  “You wore that for me, didn’t you, angel?” His voice rumbles with desire.

  “Yes, baby.” I slip my fingers down between us and trace his defined abs down toward his girth, giving him my naughtiest “fuck me” look. “Always for you.”

  Eddie traces my slit over top of my thong. The slightest touch on my nub sends a spike of desire through me. I moan into his touch,
rocking my hips toward his fingers. Hunching down, Eddie pulls the thin strip of fabric aside and starts licking my sex like I’m the first meal he’s had in months. He brings one hand up to knead my breast as the other goes down to finger my channel. I’ve gone so long without his touch that it doesn’t take him long at all to get me up to my peak.

  “Eddie, I want to come on your cock,” I whine.

  Eddie strips off his boxers and plunges his length inside of me. I feel my walls stretch around him. My juices leak all over his cock. I continue to pulse around him as Eddie pumps into me, filling me almost to the point of pain. Angry veins appear on his neck and forehead. He looks into my eyes, driving into me so ferociously I feel like I might break apart at the seams.

  We hold onto each other as we cross the threshold into ecstasy together. After the last of our pants and gasps die down, Eddie kisses me tenderly, staying inside of me like he never wants to leave his holster again.

  “I love you so much, Elyza.” My heart bursts into a million happy shards as he moves his kisses down to my neck. “I know you don’t feel the same yet, but I need you to know you mean everything to me.”

  I cling to his neck, letting my tears flow with abandon. “I love you too, Eddie.”

  Chapter 22

  Eddie

  I smile against Elyza’s hair as she curls up in my arms, resting her ear against my chest. It’s still hard to believe I finally won her over. I’m holding living proof in my arms that anyone can stumble upon a second chance. When Chelsea smashed my heart into a million pieces and then came back and wrecked the only good thing I’ve ever had besides my music, I thought that was it for me. I’ll be forever grateful that I kept on chasing Elyza instead of letting it destroy me. When I was young and stupid, I thought I had true love with Chelsea, but now I know I’ve never felt love until the moment I laid eyes on this woman.