by Brooklyn Ann
The memories quickly progressed to fantasies. Visions of him pulling off her shirt, sinking down to his knees and nuzzling her breasts tormented him. Visions of them naked and tangled together had him hard and aching.
Klement threw off the covers, whispering a quick apology to his irate cats as they jumped off the bed. He’d drunk too much coffee, that was all. Though he could write code like no one’s business when he was baked, looking at the security footage required a different sort of focus, so he’d refrained from smoking. He’d just have to work off the caffeine.
Padding down to the kitchen, he decided to bake some cupcakes. The guys loved his secret ingredient. And licking the batter would help him sleep.
***
Kat woke to a soft knock on her door. She groaned and buried her face in the soft, clean-smelling pillows. Flea meowed in protest and thumped his tail on her arm. She vaguely remembered him following her into her room after she got up to use the bathroom.
“It’s almost time to head to the studio.”
Klement’s voice made her sit up, and she blinked and rubbed her eyes. That’s not what he’d been saying to her in her dream. She much preferred the sweet nothings he’d been whispering while he—
“How do you like your coffee?” he asked, cutting off her dangerous reminiscence.
Struggling to get a hold on herself, she replied, “Half coffee, half hot chocolate—if you have any.”
“Hey, me too!” Klement’s voice rang with surprise before his footsteps faded off down the hall.
Flea jumped down and scratched at the door. Kat’s lips curved into a smile. “Aww, Klement has a sweet tooth like mine.” The realization made a goofy grin spread across her face. She wondered what else they had in common. At any rate, maybe she could bake him some cookies for helping her with the car.
Climbing out of the bed, which had felt like heaven with its fancy Posturepedic mattress, she opened the dresser to find something to wear—something that would be casual enough for the studio but flattering to her figure. Settling on a navy blue peasant top and boot-cut jeans, she then headed to the bathroom, washed her face and did a light touch of lilac eyeshadow and lip gloss before emerging.
To her disappointment, Klement wasn’t in the kitchen with the rest of the guys.
Roderick handed her a mug painted with cavorting kittens. “Here’s your coffee. Klem will be down to take you to the studio in a few. He said he had some computer work to finish up.”
“Computer work?”
Cliff nodded. “Yeah, I told you he has like six jobs. One of them is a software development company. He also grows weed for medical dispensaries, fixes up classic cars and sells them—though these days he seems to be keeping the cars more often than not—invents crazy shit and makes bank off the patents, and even still does some computer work on the side.”
The singer ticked off the list on his fingers, and Kat gaped in astonishment at Klement’s resume. “Why does he keep so busy? I mean, the band is doing really well.”
Cliff shrugged. “Dunno. Maybe he’s sexually frustrated.”
The thought came unbidden to Kat. I’d like to help him with that.
Roderick leaned his elbows on the counter. “No, it’s a lot simpler.”
Kat and Cliff looked at him expectantly.
“He’s crazier than a shithouse rat.”
All three of them burst out laughing.
Klement strode into the kitchen, making a beeline for the coffeepot. “I’m what?”
“Nothing you don’t know already.” Rod set his nearly empty cereal bowl on the floor so the cats could finish the milk.
Klem raised his mug in acceptance. “True. I know everything.” He turned to Kat. “You ready to go?”
On the drive down the hill, her thoughts chased each other like cats with laser-pointers. All of those side jobs, and he’d still made time to help her? Warm fuzzies engulfed her all the way until he pulled into the studio parking lot.
As he grabbed their guitars out of the back of the truck, he gave her a heart-stopping smile. “We’re only doing one song, so get your part right and we’ll be able to have a half day.”
“Oh.” The prospect of spending more off-time with him gave her a little thrill. “Why?”
“For one thing, I don’t want you guys getting burnt out. For another, we need to get your car fixed.” Casually he added, “And I have some news we’ll want to celebrate.”
“Ooh.” She perked up with curiosity. “What?”
Klement put a finger to his lips. “I want to wait until we’re done.”
She pouted. “All right.”
Unfortunately, the anticipation had her almost too distracted to play her riffs right. What was the news that called for celebration by a workaholic like Klement? Had the guys gotten a song on the charts? Had their last album gone platinum? Were they nominated for an award? After Klement made her start over for the third time, she sucked in a breath and forced the speculations from her mind. If she didn’t do her job, she wouldn’t prove herself worthy of continuing with them.
Finally she got her shit together and started playing better. Another wave of awe nearly overcame her. They were using something she wrote! Biting her lip, she regained her focus, and after two more takes Klement nodded in satisfaction and gestured for her to pack her gear.
“So what’s the news?” She forced herself to sound casual, even though she was bursting with curiosity.
He laughed. “Not yet.”
They met Cliff and Rod in the little break room. Both men had conspiratorial grins plastered on their faces. Kat’s pulse quickened. Whatever it was, they already knew. Dared she hope—?
“…decided we want you to do Thrashfest with us.”
Klement was talking. Too late she realized that she’d been spacing out and hadn’t caught all of what he said. Thrashfest? Really?
“Wait, what?” she choked out.
His lips curved into an amused grin. “I said, after observing your performance, we’ve decided we’re definitely going to do Thrashfest and we want you to join us. It’s in three weeks, so hopefully we’ll be done with the album by then.”
Truly? His words echoed in her ears, making her dizzy. She swayed on her feet.
Roderick cocked his head to the side. “You alright, love?”
“Yeah,” Kat whispered. “I just can’t believe it. You don’t know how long I’ve dreamed…” She trailed off and shook her head. “Sorry, I don’t mean to sound like a dork.”
“Yes, we do know.” Cliff’s brown eyes were full of understanding. “That’s why we’re in this business.”
A sense of belonging washed over her, and Kat smiled at him. Even though the singer was a solo-stealing man-whore, he truly wasn’t a bad guy.
He reached out and patted her on the head, ruining the moment. “Just don’t try to turn us into a chick band, okay?”
She bristled, about to retort, but Roderick smacked the singer on the back of the head. “Congratulations, and welcome to Bleeding Vengeance. We were thinking of going out to The Hellion to celebrate. It’s a really badass club.”
“I’d love to!”
She resisted the urge to look back at Klement and ask if he was coming too, but it was as if he sensed she was thinking about him, and he stepped around to face her. “Now, Thrashfest is your trial. If you do well there, you’ll be hired as a full-time band member.”
The reverse was also clear. If she screwed up on stage, that was it.
Swallowing her trepidation, Kat allowed the glow of her success and optimism for the future seep in. She barely managed not to skip as she followed the band outside.
“We’ll head to my place, get a few things done and have a bite to eat before we go out,” Klement said as he loaded her guitar into his Suburban. Kat nodded, a thrill of excitement running from her head to her toes. He was going out with them tonight! What would she wear?
She smiled at the view as they drove out of Denver and headed back to
ward the secluded village of Dark Score. With her joy, the sun seemed brighter, the foliage greener.
“What songs are we doing tomorrow?”
“We’re not going in for the weekend,” Klement answered. “Besides, we gotta work on your car.”
A measure of Kat’s elation ebbed away. Her shoulders slumped. “Oh.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll get it going again. And, if worse comes to worst, you’ll be making enough money from this gig to buy a new one.”
“I don’t want to buy a new one.” Her voice came out more pitiful than she intended. “It was my dad’s car.” Actually it had been her stepdad’s, her only real dad, and she almost clarified, but then her face flushed in embarrassment. What was it about Klem that made her want to pour out all of her baggage?
Instead of looking at her with scorn, he nodded with understanding. “It’ll be fine. We might have trouble tracking down the injector, and if the gas tank is rusted out we’re in for a whole new level of hell, but we’ll fix it.”
We. The word did funny things to Kat’s insides. He spoke as if they were a team.
Closing her eyes, she brushed off the sentimental musing. Of course he was used to talking like that; he was in a band.
When they pulled up in the driveway, he hopped out and unloaded her case. “Go on in, I’m going to the garage to get a list of what we’ll need before I call the parts stores.”
“Cool,” Kat agreed. “I’m going to take a shower.”
Something flickered in his eyes before they hardened. “Lock the door,” he said.
She couldn’t help a dopey smile at his protectiveness. “I will.”
After her shower, Kat tried to call Kinley to tell her the good news, but her friend didn’t answer. She thought about calling IT Guy to tell him, but decided to hold off until their next support call. He might think it was weird for her to call him for social reasons. She’d never done so before, and she wasn’t sure why she wanted to do so now.
Focusing on the here and now, Kat opened her closet. She wanted to wear a dress tonight. Nothing too slutty, just cute. Grinning, she settled on a black A-line with skulls all over. They’d go great with her knee-high boots.
When she met the guys in the kitchen, they whistled. Her cheeks pinkened as she sat on one of the stools at the island counter next to Klement, and Roderick served some sautéed shrimp to die for, along with a crisp salad and delicious rolls. As they ate, Klement talked about the parts he’d located for her car and how long it would take for the stores to get them in.
“Let’s smoke a bowl before we head out,” he told the guys after wiping his plate with the last bite of his bread. “You can come upstairs, too,” he told her. “You don’t have to smoke.”
Kat shook her head. “That’s okay, I wanted to text Kinley. She’s on the road with Viciӧus, so I haven’t been able to tell her the good news about Thrashfest. Also, I want to take a look at the site and make sure everything’s running fine.”
When they left her, she sent Kinley a text. While waiting for her friend to reply, she spotted a plate of chocolate cupcakes on a plate by the microwave. The plastic wrap was lifted, and it looked like a few had been eaten. Kat licked her lips. She hadn’t had chocolate in days. And if they were going out drinking, it would be good to eat something absorbent.
Unable to resist the temptation, she grabbed one.
Chapter Nine
Klement passed the pipe to Roderick.
The drummer frowned. “You’re not taking another hit?”
“Nah, I’m saving myself for a cupcake when we get back.”
Cliff’s eyes widened. “You mean, you didn’t have one yet?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m driving, remember? I’m just having a hit for now.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot.” His friend gave him a lopsided grin. “You’re missing out. The body high’s kicking in.”
Roderick nodded. “Damn. You made a potent batch this time.”
“I know.” Klement beamed. “Just licking the batter off the spoon and bowl knocked me on my ass last night.”
Cliff took the pipe from Rod and took a hit. “Which plant did you use?”
“I did a blend of Schnozberry and Sticky Wicket. And no, I’m not sharing the recipe for the bud-butter.”
Roderick laughed. “Did you call our manager about Thrashfest yet?”
Klement nodded. “Yeah, and he already contacted the booking manager. They have our rooms reserved. We’re going to be at the Alpine Valley Resort. Viciӧus, Deity, and a couple other bands will be there too.” He paused before making a suggestion that had been on his mind for awhile. “I want us to write a song in honor of Lefty’s memory.”
The others nodded, then they all spent awhile discussing lyrics, drumbeats, and measures before Klement looked at the clock and frowned. They’d left Kat downstairs alone for over a half hour. If her cute dress and brilliant smile were any indicator, she was probably anxious to go.
He ashed out the pipe. “I suppose we should go. I want to get back early. I gotta work on Kat’s car tomorrow. Meant to do some on it today.”
They went downstairs to see Kat walking slowly across the living room floor. She stared down at the polished wood, taking careful steps as if there were hidden pitfalls and bogs within the varnished pine.
Klement put a hand on her shoulder, surprised. “You okay?”
She looked up at him with wide eyes, pupils dilated. “I feel kinda dizzy and the floor looks funny.” She took a shaky step and grabbed the arm of the couch.
Klem glanced over at the kitchen counter. “Uh, you ate one of those cupcakes, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Her lower lip quivered with fear. “They’re laced, aren’t they?”
“Oh fuck, I’m so sorry.” Guilt stabbed him in the gut. “I made them with THC butter for the guys. I should have told you, or put them away, or…I’m sorry,” he repeated. Behind him, Cliff and Roderick burst out laughing.
“Oh man, you’re in for one hell of a ride, girlie!”
“It’s a strong batch, love.”
Klement glared at his bandmates. “Shut the fuck up. It’s not funny. The stuff gives her panic attacks.”
“Oh shit,” Kat whimpered. “Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!”
Her panic visibly mounted, and Klement guided her to the couch to sit down. “I don’t think you should go anywhere tonight.”
She bit her lip and nodded.
Cliff ran a hand through his hair and shifted on his feet. “It sucks to leave her alone here when it’s supposed to be her celebration.”
Kat’s panicked gaze darted up to him, and it didn’t take a genius to figure out that she was scared to be left alone.
“We can celebrate tomorrow,” Klement said firmly.
“But—”
He cut Cliff off. “You guys can go out, but I’m staying with her. It’s my fault she’s in this state.”
Roderick shrugged. “It’s okay, we can stay.” He approached Kat and offered a tentative smile. “Cliff and I ate some too. We can enjoy the high together.”
She looked back and forth at Cliff, Rod, and Klement. “I’m not enjoying it. I can’t breathe. I can’t…I can’t…” She trailed off and curled up in the fetal position on the couch. “Please don’t look at me. I know I’m being pathetic.”
Cliff paced around, restless. “Damn, it is hitting her hard. What should we do with her?”
“I’m right here,” she grumbled from the couch cushions.
Klement eyed her huddled form with growing worry. Her whole body shook like a leaf. “It might be best if you guys go ahead and take off to the club. I know when people are having a bad trip on something they sometimes get overwhelmed when they’re crowded. I’ll take care of her.” He placed his hand on hers. “Does that sound okay with you, Kat?”
She nodded. “I don’t want to ruin everyone’s night.”
Cliff practically ran to the door, eager as always to drink and socialize and maybe find his
next conquest. Roderick just shook his head and grabbed his car keys out of his pocket. “Ring me if you need anything.” He smiled down at Kat. “Feel better soon, love.”
After the guys left, Klement lightly stroked the back of her hand. “Is it okay if I sit by you?”
“Uh-huh.”
He sat on the couch and reached over to lightly caress her back. “What do you usually do when you have a panic attack?”
“I usually take my Xanax and…”
Klem shook his head. “It’s probably not a good idea to mix it with the THC. What else?”
“I curl up in a ball and wait for it to go away. Then I listen to music, or watch a movie, practice my guitar…” She squirmed like she had a bad itch. “Can I take my boots off? They’re bugging me.”
“Of course.” He tried to ignore the way her skirt rode up on her thighs.
She fumbled with her footwear, getting more frustrated when the laces tangled in her fingers. Klement gently pushed her hands aside.
“Let me.”
He removed her boots, savoring the feel of her bare calf in his hand. “Damn,” he said, “your feet are tiny.” And adorable.
“I know. Buying shoes is a bitch.” Her shaking grew worse. “How long will it take for this stuff to wear off?”
He shrugged. “Depends on the person. For a lightweight like you, probably a few hours.”
“Hours?” she squeaked. “Oh God, I wish it would stop now! I keep seeing bad memories flashing before my eyes.”
Klement’s heart clenched in helpless agony. More than anything, he wanted to make things better. “What if you open your eyes?”
“Then I get too dizzy!” she wailed.
“I’m so sorry, Kat.” Why hadn’t he warned her not to eat one of the damn things? He rubbed her back in slow soothing circles. “What can I do to make you feel better?”
“Actually, this feels nice.” She took a few deep breaths, and her shaking subsided to a fine tremble. “I’m sorry I’m such a wreck.”
“No,” Klem said. “It’s all my fault.”
