Mean Machine

by Joanna Blake

  And most importantly, bought his mom a car and a house. And then a second house. Bought both of his grandmothers houses. Paid for his sister to attend private school and college. Dated some incredibly beautiful women, even though it never seemed to last.

  It seemed like the more gorgeous the women he met were, the more they wanted to vibe off his cache, increase their own visibility. But still, swimsuit models were fun to go out with.

  Fame was a good thing.

  Mostly.

  He pulled his baseball cap lower and locked the doors before making a u-turn and heading for the gate.

  Chapter 4

  Jess

  "Come on… don't be a wuss!"

  "Yes, my little Jessalina, do it!"

  Jessica was doing her best to ignore Cathy and Lisa, her two best friends from the Animal Hospital. Cathy was a vet tech and Lisa was the assistant to the owner Dr. Pendleton, which meant she basically ran the place. No small feat for someone who'd dropped out of college sophomore year. She was street smart though. They all were. That's part of the reason they were friends.

  "You guys. That's stupid. I am not waiting for the band."

  "It's not stupid! It's a right of passage!"

  "Yeah, come on, isn't this your childhood dream or something?"

  "Um, kind of. I mean, other than not having a disfunction alcoholic family and being taller than an Oompa Loompa."

  Cathy and Lisa looked at each other and then back at Jess. Cathy crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrow.

  “Oh you are going.”

  “Oh… no I’m not.”

  They stood off, toe to toe. Cathy was stubborn. But Jess was, um, stubborner.

  Yeah, pretty sure that’s not a real word Jess.

  "I dare you."

  Lisa chirped up behind her.

  ”So do I."

  "Buck buck buckAW!"

  They started flapping their elbows and making chicken noises. Jess hushed them, immediately embarrassed.

  Ugh! Damn it.

  They knew she had a weakness for dares. She hated being called a chicken. Anytime anyone called her on something, she immediately stepped up to the plate. Jessica loved a challenge.

  Even a stupid one.

  "Fine! This is ridiculous though. Just please, no more squawking”

  They waved and giggled as she stormed away. Jess followed the steady stream of fans toward the back of the amphitheater. There - across the street and just up ahead a crowd was forming.

  A big crowd. No screaming teenagers though, these were all women her age and older. And they looked… like cougars on the prowl.

  Cougar groupies obviously.

  Coupies.

  Yikes.

  She stepped into the street, determined to at least stand in the crowd for two seconds before rejoining her friends. If they wanted her to get caught up in the madness, she would.

  But only for a hot minute.

  The car slammed into her before she even heard it. Jessica had the strangest thoughts as she flew through the air.

  This must be how a dog felt when it got hit by a car.

  She hit the ground and blinked, trying to determine how bad it was. She must be in shock. It didn't even hurt.

  “Oh my God! Are you okay!??"

  Jessica was laying on her back, staring up at the sky. And then she was staring at him, one of the most gorgeous men on the planet.

  Kendall Jackson.

  She blinked once. Twice. Three times.

  Nope, not a mirage. He was still there. He looked… concerned.

  "Miss? Are you alright? I'm so sorry- I didn't see you."

  Jess took stock of her body, wiggling extremities one by one. All good. Though she had taken a knock to the head when she hit the ground. She sat up slowly, holding her head.

  "Ouch."

  “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. Jesus."

  "No, no. I'm fine. No need to take the name of the lord in vain."

  He was staring at her with a funny look on his face.

  She shook her head, feeling like an idiot.

  "I'm just kidding. I'm fine. Seriously."

  "Are you sure? Here, let me help you up."

  He held out his hand and she stared at it stupidly, then up at those ridiculously beautiful eyes.

  Kendall Jackson wanted to hold her hand.

  No Jess, he’s trying to help you up.

  She exhaled and took it. A flash of electricity leapt from his hand to hers. She could feel his huge, calloused hand enveloping hers and he pulled her up- nearly into his arms. She blinked again and took a hasty step backwards.

  Kendall Jackson was grinning down at her.

  "You're a cute little thing, aren't you?"

  She grimaced. Cute. Great. Her childhood obsession had just called her cute.

  "Yeah, I'm short. It's easy to miss me."

  He looked horrified.

  "No, no- God, that sounded wrong. I just meant that- I'm so sorry I hit you."

  "It's totally not your fault. I am short. It's okay, I'm used to it."

  "Get in the car, let me take you to a hospital."

  "I don't need a hospital. I'm fine. You should probably- um- go and do your concert anyway."

  He tilted his head quizzically, as if he was trying to figure her out.

  "We have a doctor on staff. Or at least there should be a nurse backstage. It's standard procedure. Let them take a look at you."

  "Really, it's okay. I'm a doctor."

  He gave her a doubtful glance.

  "Very funny. At least get in the car. You can watch the show from backstage and then I can be sure you don't keel over."

  "I don't want to be any trouble."

  "It's no trouble! I insist. Please, it would keep me from worrying about you all night."

  She did feel a little bit out of it to be honest. And it would be fun to watch from backstage. Now, that would be a good story to tell her friends.

  "Are you sure?"

  "Yes, I’m sure. Come on. Let me take care of you.”

  He held the passenger side door open and she shrugged, climbing in. He climbed into the drivers seat and smiled at her.

  "Put on your seat belt sweetheart.”

  Oh God, Kendall clearly thought she was a kid. This couldn't be more humiliating. Then again, she was in a car with Kendall Jackson.

  "Okay, dad."

  He gave her that quizzical look again. The look that said he found her mildly amusing at best.

  "What were you doing back here anyway?"

  "My friends- they dared me. It was a stupid idea obviously."

  "Do you always do what people dare you to do?"

  "Kind of. I don't tend to back down from a challenge."

  He gave her an odd look as he put the car in drive.

  "That's funny. Neither do I."

  Her cheeks heated up as she realized what was happening. Her forever crush thought she was underage. But he was still flirting with her, in the most innocent way.

  He might think she was a kid, but he had no idea he was giving her the thrill of her life. She stared at his hands as he gripped the steering wheel.

  Then again, maybe he did.

  Chapter 5

  Kendall

  Kendall checked to be sure that her seat belt was on. The last thing he needed was for her to get hurt again.

  He shook his head. What a mess.

  The girl he'd nearly killed was adorable. She was going to be a heartbreaker when she grew up. Hell, she already was.

  The cutie next to him would have driven him crazy when he was a teenager. She was a total babe. And surprisingly unimpressed with his fame.

  He had to keep himself from staring at her. Her face was a striking combination of exotic and pretty. With her big blue eyes and pouty lips she was cute, but in a sexy Lolita way.

  The truth was, she looked good enough to eat.

  This is how you end up in the tabloids, Kendall.

  He smiled reassuringly
at her and put the car into drive again. He pulled up to the gate. Almost immediately the car was surrounded by screaming fans.

  Women. As usual, it was all women.

  "Hold on, it might get bumpy."

  The girl looked appalled as she stared out the window. Slowly he inched forward, being careful not to hurt anyone.

  "Is it always like this?"

  He glanced at her and nodded.

  "Jesus, it's like being in a war zone. I never imagined…”

  He looked at her again. She wasn't star struck by him. She felt sorry for him. That was a first.

  "What's your name?"

  "Jess- Jessica."

  "That's pretty."

  "Um, thanks- look out for the blond!"

  He laughed as she helped him navigate through the sea of fans. Finally they were through the gate with it firmly shut behind them. He pulled into the lot and parked near the stage door.

  He was getting out when he noticed her rubbing her head.

  "Shit- you aren't okay are you? I knew I should have taken you to the hospital."

  She climbed out of the car and leaned against it.

  "I'm fine. I really am a doctor you know."

  He rolled his eyes.

  "Very funny."

  "Not a people doctor- a vet. I'm a veterinarian."

  He honestly did not know what to make of this girl. She had a weird sense of humor. Then again, she was more entertaining than anyone he'd spoken to in a long time.

  Definitely more entertaining than any of the women he usually dated or took to bed.

  Where did that come from?

  Get your mind out of the gutter Kendall. Jesus. She's sixteen years old at best.

  "Okay doc, what's your diagnosis."

  "Just some bumps and bruises. Possible mild concussion."

  "Concussion?!? That's serious, isn't it?"

  "Well, the only thing they would do at the hospital is keep me from going to sleep over night. I can do that on my own. It's no biggie, really."

  He stared at her, her gorgeous blue eyes peeking up at him. And then he said something incredibly stupid.

  "I'll make sure you stay up."

  She raised her eyebrows at him incredulously. He raked his hand through his hair distractedly.

  "No- I mean- Jesus. I'm not a child molester! I just meant it's my fault you got hit in the head, so I will keep an eye on you. It's the least I can do. We can watch movies or something."

  She folded her arms over her chest.

  "I am not a child."

  Belatedly he noticed her bosoms.

  Oh God, did he notice them.

  He'd been so focused on her startlingly blue eyes and doll like face that he hadn't realized… Good lord.

  They were perfect. He swallowed, realizing that Jessica might be a teenager, but she had the body of a woman. A really, really curvy woman. She had an exceptionally good body. Tiny, but not in, um, certain places.

  There was a juicy handful everywhere he looked. Just waiting to be squeezed. He felt his blood start to pulse in a southernly direction.

  Jesus.

  "Of course, you're not. I just meant. Oh hell, come on. We can talk about this later."

  She gave him a look and shrugged, following him into the amphitheater.

  Chapter 6

  Jess

  Jess followed Kendall down a long hallway to another door. He stopped at the security gate and asked the guard to get her a backstage pass. He grinned at her as he lowered it over her head.

  She followed him down another hallway to a large dressing room with several couches. The rest of In Tempo were sitting around, Gerald and Tom were playing with their phones. Davie was stretching.

  All of this was seen through a blur. Hardly anything registered in Jessica's shellshocked brain.

  She'd been hit by a car.

  She was backstage at an In Tempo concert.

  But most importantly: Kendall Jackson just asked her to watch movies with him all night.

  "Have a seat. I just need to change into my- uh- costume."

  He grimaced, making her laugh.

  "What's wrong? You don't like to rock the track suit anymore?"

  He gave her a look which was half annoyance and half shrewd assessment.

  "You're pretty smart for someone who just got conked on the head."

  "So I've been told."

  "I bet. Listen, drink something. You should hydrate right?"

  "Okay. Where's the beer?"

  He let out an exasperated laugh.

  "No beer for you, Miss.”

  He tousled the hair on her head and walked off to a separate dressing room. She looked around and found a seat on one of the couches. The other guys looked at her curiously but didn't say anything.

  She was reaching for a bottle of water when she felt it.

  Her phone was buzzing.

  And buzzing.

  And buzzing.

  Oh God, she'd completely forgotten about her friends!

  She pulled it out and quickly texted them both what had happened. Her phone buzzed back immediately as they texted in simultaneously.

  What?

  No you didn't!

  You guys. Yes. I am backstage because Kendall Jackson ran me over with his car.

  OMG are you okay?

  Is he hot for you?

  No! God, he's just being nice.

  I'm fine.

  Okay good.

  He's hotttt for yoooouuuu!

  Shut up. He thinks I'm twelve. I have to go.

  Okay girl we will SEE OURSELVES HOME.

  Don't do anything we wouldn't do ;)

  TAKE PIX

  Ttyl

  Jessica shut her phone with an exasperated sigh. She looked up to see Kendall watching her with a funny look on his face. He was back already.

  That was fast.

  "Everything alright?"

  "Yeah. My friends are just being stupid."

  She paused, suddenly noticing his outfit. He was wearing a white satin track suit. With rhinestones.

  "Is that-"

  He nodded.

  "Yeah. Ye’ olde track suit. It's just for the opening number."

  She tried to fight it but she couldn't. A startled laugh burst out of her mouth. He gave her a mock offended look but she could tell he was smiling.

  "I know, it's ridiculous. But we rip them off after two seconds."

  She was still giggling. The long suffering look on his face was making it impossible to stop.

  "I'm sorry- I just-"

  "Go ahead, get it out of your system. Hey- drink your damn water!"

  He smiled at her.

  “Now. I think it’s time we called your parents.”

  “No can do. Don’t have any.”

  He gave her a funny look.

  “Legal guardian?”

  “Nope.”

  “An adult should know what happened to you.”

  “Enough Kendall, I’m legal. Now, the track suit on the other hand…”

  Chapter 7

  Kendall

  She was laughing at him.

  The little minx was laughing at him.

  He couldn't blame her really. He was wearing an exact replica of the suit they all wore back a million years ago, in the late 90's. It was a bit humiliating to be honest.

  Thankfully they tore them off after the first song started. And the second half of the show was done in suits. He’d insisted on that.

  He watched as the adorable woman child laughed at him. Though she had insisted she was legal, which was an odd choice of words. He rolled his eyes and threw her a bottle of water.

  "Drink up, little Miss Hilarity."

  "You look great- I muh- mean it-"

  She dissolved into laughter again.

  "Hey, are you okay? Maybe you got hit on the head harder than we thought."

  She shook her head and finally stopped giggling.

  "I'm fine. You look great."

  He scowled at her.
r />   "Yeah well, you should see what we have on under these."

  Davie came over to stand next to him.

  "Yeah, it's skin freaking tight."

  Gerry piped up, still playing with his phone.

  "I feel like a piece of meat!"

  The girl looked around at all of them, shaking her head.

  "I'm sure that everyone appreciates you all for your musical abilities and - your minds-"

  She started laughing again.

  Kendall looked at Davie.

  "Should we?"

  He nodded.

  "Come on guys. Let's give her a preview."

  They lined up in front of the couch where Jessica was sitting.

  "One, two, three."

  They pulled their track suits in unison and stood there in skin tight t shirts and jeans that were designed to hug their bodies like a second skin.

  Jessica wasn't laughing anymore. She wasn't looking at the other guys either. She was looking at him.

  After all the bells and whistles he had finally gotten a reaction out of her. The girl looked awestruck. She definitely found him attractive, even if she wasn't impressed by his celebrity status.

  That was gratifying.

  Really gratifying.

  He grinned and starting pulling his track suit back on.

  "The opening act just finished. Come on, guys. We are on in five."

  They scattered and started primping in front of the mirror.

  He leaned forward and tousled her hair again.

  "Keep drinking that. You can come up and watch from the side."

  She opened the water and dutifully took a sip. He smiled at her.

  "At least I know how to get you to stop laughing now."

  Her eyes widened as he leaned in and whispered.

  "All I have to do is take my clothes off."

  Her mouth was open as he waved and headed up to the stage. He'd had to stop himself from kissing the look of surprise off her face. He’d wanted to kiss her.

  More than he’d wanted to kiss anyone in a good long while.

  Maybe ever.

  He was grinning as he headed for the stage. The look on her adorable face had been priceless. He knew he shouldn't have said that but he was enjoying messing with her, just for the reaction.