by Nina Levine
The mood between us has turned from playful and flirty to serious. I’m amazed he would tell me something so personal. Something no one else knows. “It’s funny how life turns out sometimes, isn’t it?” I murmur.
His smile is gentle, beautiful. “I believe things are meant to be. I’m yet to work out why that happened the way it did, but I know one day it’ll be made clear.”
The more he talks, the more he affects me. The more I want to open myself up to him. “I believe that, too.”
“So, we do have something in common.”
“It would seem we do,” I agree, giving him a smile in return.
“Well, thank fuck for that.”
I have to laugh. And I have to give him credit for the time he’s put into chasing me.
“So, tell me about your band,” I say, half out of interest, half out of a desire to let him convince me to take a chance on him.
“We’ve been together for ten years. I put a call out for band members when I was eighteen, and they were the dickheads who answered it. It took us about five years to really get our name out there and then we cracked the US market. Haven’t looked back.”
“I’m gathering you’re a pretty big international band, right?”
“Yeah.”
“How the hell can you get away with the stuff you do then?”
Confusion flickers in his eyes. “What stuff?”
I throw my arms out to the side. “This kind of stuff. We’ve been out a few times, and no one’s bothered you. If I didn’t know better, I wouldn’t think you were a famous rocker.”
“Sweetheart, there’s security outside. I’ve always got them with me. You just don’t see them. They not only keep me safe, they keep the fans away,” he explains, making perfect sense. I should have realised he’d have security.
Our food arrives and we continue to trade stories about our lives. Jett continues to surprise me by revealing a man I’m impressed with.
“So, I know your parents are still together but do you have any brothers or sisters?” he asks.
“I’ve got an older brother, Stuart. We’re pretty close, but he lives overseas for work so I don’t see him very often.”
“What does he do?”
“He’s an actor and is trying to break into movies in the States. He’s been there for four years with no luck yet, but he’s determined so I hope that pays off soon. How about you? Any siblings?”
He nods. “Yeah, a younger sister, Claudia. She’s still living at home with Mum and Dad while she finishes studying to be a nurse. I try to keep an eye on her because she has this tendency to get mixed up with the wrong guys.”
“Ah, that must be hard for you to watch as the older brother.”
“Like you wouldn’t fucking believe,” he mutters. It’s clear to me he loves his family very much, and I love that about him.
We finish our mains, and as we continue to chat over dessert, I stop him to confirm something he just told me. “Wait, you sponsor ten children in Indonesia?”
“Yeah,” he says like it’s the most natural thing to do in life.
“That’s awesome.”
“We met them a couple of years ago.”
“Who is ‘we’?”
“Me and the boys. They’ve sponsored kids over there, too. But a couple of years ago we went over and helped build houses. I’ve gotta say, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.” His enthusiasm is infectious. Hell, if they hired Jett to promote those programs, they’d probably get a huge increase in people signing up to help.
“Fuck,” I mutter.
“What?” I’ve totally confused him.
“You make it bloody hard for a woman to not want to date you,” I gripe.
He bursts out laughing. “Presley, has anyone ever told you how fucking sexy you are when you grumble like that?”
“No. Most men hate it.”
“Well, I like it, so don’t change, okay?”
Happiness flows through me at his words, and I’m sure I take the last step towards the edge of allowing Jett in. And by the time we finish our meal, I’m completely captivated by him and under his spell. I know I’ll probably give him whatever he wants now.
The next morning, I say goodbye to Jett at my front door and then head back inside. He stayed over last night and gave me another reason why I should date him. The man has mad skills in the bedroom, and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.
I shower and get ready for the day. I’ve got a full day ahead of me, editing more photos from the Crave concert shoot. As I sit down to get started, there’s a knock at my front door. A minute later, my happy bubble bursts when I find my husband standing on the other side of the door.
“Presley,” he says while taking a step inside.
I put my arm up to block him, and he comes to a halt, clearly stunned I would deny him access.
“No, Lennon, you don’t get to come inside. What do you want?”
“I told you I was coming home,” he says as if that answers my question.
“This isn’t your home. Not anymore.”
“My name is still on the deed.”
“Oh my god! That means jack shit, asshole. You walked out, so it’s not your home.”
“I made a mistake, Presley.”
“Yeah, you did, but it corrected the mistake I made when I married you, so let’s call it even.”
“I want to come home, baby.” His voice has that soft tone he uses when he wants something from me, but it won’t work anymore. A year ago, I would have given him anything he wanted when he spoke to me this way. I’ve since learnt my lesson.
“No. And don’t call me that anymore.”
His face tells me he wasn’t expecting this. He must have expected me to roll over and give him whatever he wanted, just like everyone else in his life does. “I’ll give you the baby you always wanted.” He promises me the one thing that came between us the most when we were together.
Anger mixes with pain, and I’m done. “Fuck you, Lennon. You can’t worm your way back into my life with shit like that. Yeah, I wanted a baby with you, but you never wanted that, so don’t come here now and make bullshit promises to get what you want in return. I don’t want a baby with you anymore.” I spit my words at him and then move to close the door in his face.
He puts a foot inside to stop the door from closing. “I’m not giving up on us, Presley,” he promises, and I see the determination on his face. Shit, he means this, and when Lennon wants something, he does everything to get it. I do not need this in my life. Not when I’ve finally decided to start something with Jett.
“Goodbye,” I say and shove his foot out of the way so I can slam the door shut. Once I have the door closed, I sag against it.
Shit.
I hope he gives up, but I know he won’t. Not until he’s exhausted all avenues.
Fuck.
I look at the room I’ve just stepped into. It’s a fundraising event for breast cancer research, and it’s decorated in pink and white. They’ve pulled out all the stops with balloons, flowers, candles, and pretty party lights everywhere. It’s like a magical wonderland, and I stare in awe. I wish I had my camera with me; I could get some amazing photos of all this.
Jett pulls me close and murmurs against my ear, “Thank you for coming tonight.”
He called me four hours ago and asked me to come. I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Smiling at him, I say, “Any excuse to wear a party dress.”
“I’ll remember that,” he promises while scanning the room. His gaze settles on the bar. “I’m gonna go get some drinks. What would you like?”
“Surprise me with a cocktail.”
He nods. “Will do. You’ll be right at the table with the boys?”
“Absolutely. I’m looking forward to hanging out with them tonight.”
“Good. They’re looking forward to it, too.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. They like you. Told me not to fuck it up.”
I turn to face him and loop my hands around his neck. He bends to give me a quick kiss, and when we pull apart, I say, “I’m so happy I decided to go on a date with you, Jett Vaughn.”
“Me too, sweetheart. You’ve no idea just how happy.”
I like his honesty, and the fact he doesn’t hesitate to make himself vulnerable to me.
“Okay, go. If you get enough cocktails in me tonight, you might get your way with me later.”
“Really? I think your sex addiction would guarantee me that without cocktails.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I mutter. He’s totally right. I shove him gently. “Go.”
He gives me one last sexy grin and then leaves. I admire him as he walks away. Jett’s wearing a suit tonight and looks so hot I’m sure we’ll have to leave early so I can satisfy my addiction.
“Presley!”
I turn to find West motioning for me to join the rest of the band at the table. I’m surprised none of them brought a date tonight. I’m the only woman in the group. I make my way over to them and take a seat.
“Looking good, babe,” West says, his eyes gazing appreciatively at my body for a moment. I’m wearing a fitted, floor-length black evening dress, that has gorgeous beading over the thin straps and a long slit that ends mid thigh. Jett’s eyes almost bulged out of his head when he picked me up.
“Fuck, West, don’t. The last thing we need is Jett losing his shit tonight,” Hunter warns him.
I eye West. “Thank you for the compliment but I think Hunter’s right. Let’s not rile Jett up tonight.”
“I know I’ve said it before, but I fucking like you, Presley. You say it like it is,” West says.
Van’s been lounging in his chair, an angry glare fixed on his face. But he looks at me now and asks, “Has Jett convinced you to photograph our next tour yet?”
“We haven’t really discussed it.”
“You should consider it. Your photography is fucking amazing. We’d be lucky to have you.” It’s the nicest he’s been to me so far, and I’m floored by his kind words.
“Thank you,” I say to him, and he nods and then goes back to his angry glaring. I’m thinking Van’s a man of little words.
I chat with West and Hunter for another couple of minutes before excusing myself to go to the ladies’ room. When I arrive there, the line is five deep, and I kill time by texting Erin.
Me: At charity event with Jett. You should see him in a suit…
Erin: Shut it. Don’t tell me any more bitch.
Me: LOL
Erin: You heard from your asshole husband again?
Me: Not since he showed at my door two days ago.
Erin: Good. Sorry, gotta go chick. Talk to you later xx
Me: Night xx
I finally reach the end of the line, and five minutes later, I’m heading back out to the table. The sight I’m greeted with when I get there takes me aback. Lennon’s here and he and Van are going head to head over something. Both men are furious about whatever it is.
“You wouldn’t know the meaning of fucking loyalty,” Van spits at Lennon.
“She told me you two were over. How the fuck was I to know she was lying?”
“It’s called friendship, motherfucker. We were friends, and you don’t do that to a friend. You don’t fuck his fiancée behind his fucking back.”
“Do you fucking listen, Van? I didn’t know you were still together.”
“Yeah, well, it’s not good enough. You should have asked me, not her. She wasn’t your fucking friend, I was.”
Jett steps in to try and break them apart because they look like they’re at the point where fists could start flying any minute. “Van, leave it. He’s not fucking worth it.”
Van’s eyes are wild when he looks at Jett. “I told you coming tonight was a bad fucking idea.”
Jett directs his attention to Lennon. “You need to leave. Now.”
Lennon shifts his gaze and stops when he sees me. “Presley? What the hell are you doing here?”
Jett swings around to look between Lennon and me. “You know this asshole?” he demands.
“Yes.”
Before I can explain myself further, Lennon says, “She’s my wife, asshole. Get your fucking eyes off her.”
Jett looks like he’s about to explode with anger. “What the fuck?” he roars at no one in particular, and I’m not sure if he’s directing that at Lennon or me.
Shit, this is a clusterfuck.
“I was your wife,” I correct Lennon.
“You still are,” Lennon says.
“On paper only. Give me six months, and I’ll rectify that.”
Jett interrupts us. Looking at Lennon, he says, “Like I said, you need to fucking leave.”
I nod in agreement and Lennon assesses the situation for a moment before finally doing what Jett suggested.
Van glares at him until he can’t see him anymore and then he says, “Fuck it, Jett, I’m out. Sorry man, but I can’t be in the same room as him or I will fucking punch him, and that’s the last thing we need.” His face is a mask of anger and apology.
Jett nods. “Yeah, you’re right. You should go.”
Van doesn’t wait around and a moment later he’s gone, and I’m left with Jett staring at me. He’s still angry but there’s a calmness to it now. “You’re married to Lennon?” He’s incredulous and I don’t blame him. I haven’t mentioned my marriage at all.
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“We split up six months ago, and I’m done with him. I’m just waiting for the year to be up so I can file for divorce. I don’t consider myself married anymore.”
His chest heaves and he seems relieved with that answer. “Thank fuck.”
I move to where he is and lay a hand on his chest. “I promise there’s nothing left there,” I say softly.
He grabs my waist and pulls me into his space. “I believe you, sweetheart. I’m more surprised by the fact I’ve known Lennon for years but I’ve not once met you. I knew he was married but never knew who to. How the fuck did you guys work it that way? If you were my wife, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.”
“He didn’t want me on tour with him and because I was busy with my work, he had no trouble selling that to me. It hurt, though.” My voice cracks on my last few words, and Jett wraps me in his arms.
“Fuck,” he mutters. “He’s an asshole, baby. You’re better off without him.”
“I know,” I mumble into his body. “But he’s told me he’ll do anything to get me back, and when Lennon wants something, he’ll do anything to get it.”
Jett lets me go enough to look down into my eyes. There’s a fierce determination in his. “So will I, Presley, and I want you. If Lennon thinks he can come back and pick up where he left off, he can fucking think again. You’re mine now, not his.”
I suck in a breath.
This could get messy.
Really fucking messy.
9
Presley
“Good God, you’re a lucky bitch.”
I whack my hand over my best friend’s mouth before she can blurt out anything else. “Shh,” I caution her while she wrestles with me to remove my hand from her mouth.
“Don’t tell me to shh,” she mutters as she wins our wrestling match. “Don’t you think women everywhere need to know there are men on this planet who are well hung and know how to use it?” She grins at me once she has the words out and I can’t help but laugh with her.
“You’re right; it’s a rare gift,” I concede and raise my glass at her. “Cheers to men with huge cocks and the talent to use them well,” I say before throwing back the rest of my drink.
The bartender shakes his head at us but there’s a smirk on his face. Leaning across the bar, he looks at Erin and says, “If I knew all you were after was a guy with a big dick, I would have let you know weeks ago that you’ve found one.”
We’ve been coming to this club for a couple of months now an
d these two have been flirting ever since. He’s hot, but I’m fairly certain Erin is after a guy in a suit, not a dude pulling beers.
She leans closer to him and says, “I’m after more than a guy with a big dick, Romeo. If he can’t use that thing well, I’d rather fill my vibrator with batteries and sort myself out.”
He leans away from her and reaches for our empty glasses. “No need for vibrators, babe, my dick is extremely talented. All you gotta do is say the word.”
Erin waves him away. “Yeah, yeah, that’s what they all say.”
Mr. Bartender shrugs. “Your loss. Now, do you girls want more drinks?”
I nod and he gets to work on our cocktails. We’re each about five drinks in and I’m feeling the buzz, which is exactly what I needed after dealing with Lennon yesterday and last night.
“So tell me, how did Jett handle learning about Lennon?” Erin asks, looking at me expectantly.
“You’ve been hanging out for this all day, haven’t you?”
She grins. “Yeah, you know how much I love juicy gossip. Now spill.”
Sighing, I fill her in. “He was great. To be honest, he was more interested to know why he’d never met me before, because it seems as if he’s known Lennon for years.”
Erin seems disappointed. “Is that it? He didn’t get all possessive of you? Didn’t have a punch up with Lennon over it all?”
“No. He did tell Lennon to leave but that was about it.”
Her shoulders slump and a frown lines her face. “Well fuck, I was hoping for something more interesting than that. Jett can’t be perfect all the damn time. His flaws have to show soon.”
Smiling mischievously at her, I tease, “The interesting part was when he took me home -”
She cuts me off. “For fuck’s sake, Presley, I don’t need to hear how fucking awesome he is in bed again. Can’t you see I’m dying of sexual frustration over here? Women like you with their perfect, penis-slinging men should never be allowed to mix with sex-starved women like me.”
