“Coffee,” she demanded.
“Yes, love,” I picked up the carafe of coffee I had ordered with breakfast and poured her a mug. I had been around her enough in the past month to know she liked it with two creams and two sugars. I proceeded to fix her coffee before handing it to her.
I ignored her huff at the use of my endearment.
She took a long whiff of the caffeinated brew before bringing it to her lips. Her moans of contentment woke up my morning wood again. As did the mewling sounds that came out of her mouth with each slice of bacon she inhaled.
I shifted and readjusted my flagpole before pouring myself a mug of coffee. I watched her eyes light up at my blatant display. I was not ashamed of what she was doing to me.
I reached for a plate and filled it with some eggs and fruit. “You need more than bacon before we get on the road,” I told her before handing over the plate. I had no problem if she wished to eat the entire plate of bacon. However, if she didn’t eat something a little more substantial, she was going to be hungry before we stopped for lunch.
“Jade stopped by and dropped off your suitcases while you were in the shower. She and Kestrel are heading back together,” I informed Crystal. If she was second-guessing our arrangement, maybe knowing another couple had no problems with going public might work in my favor. “Jade asked if we could take her stuff back with us since Kestrel arrived on his Harley.”
“Good for Jade. She deserves a little fun. Last year touring with Ruby was a nightmare. I hope she doesn’t break his heart.” I was taken aback that Crystal believed what Jade was doing was nothing more than a fling. Of course, they lived together, so it made sense Crystal would know more about Jade’s feelings for Kestrel than me.
Fuck, I hope she didn’t think what I was proposing was a fling? Something to occupy us during the tour? Not that it wouldn’t be fun to have her occupy my time during the tour. However, what I desired was a deeper personal connection with Crystal.
I hope she wanted the same.
I let her finish her breakfast without the pressure of what I expected from a relationship interrupting her happy bubble. I appreciated that she wasn’t one of those women who ate two bites and claimed they were full. We ate in a comfortable silence sitting beside each other on the bed.
“Theo wanted us ready by checkout. We have to head to Boston for another show tonight. He wanted us to have time to relax before heading to the club.” She poured herself another coffee. “Are you coming with us?” she casually asked while taking a sideways glance in my direction.
“Of course I’m going to be there,” I confirmed for her. “Did you want to come with me? I drove here by myself, and I would love the company. I have to make a pit stop at the McMansion.” I waited for her reply.
She put her mug on the table and turned to face me.
“I would love to spend more time with you. I think it’s important to talk about how this thing between us will work, or if it’s worth what it might cost our careers. More likely, my career,” she added.
“What is happening between us does not have to affect either of our careers. This is our personal life, Crystal. It may play out in the public eye, but no one but us can dictate how it will affect us,” I assured her.
“That’s easy for you to say. Men don’t get accused of sleeping their way to the top, Baden. Women do. All the time, whether it’s true or not.” She blew out a frustrated breath.
I couldn’t argue with her on that one. Shelby had been accused of sleeping with a top executive at our old label when we were first discovered. Other bands who had tried to get signed on with no luck had claimed it was how we got our first big break. Shelby was a strong woman and knew how to maneuver through the bullshit to make her mark in the industry.
I’d seen those same qualities in Crystal this past month.
Was the confidence she projected all an act?
Chapter 22
Crystal
“Fuck, I must sound like an insecure teenager,” I laughed. I took his hand. “Baden, this opportunity Theo has given me is something I have wanted for a very long time. I want to enjoy my achievements before some gossip reporter tries to tear it apart, and they will. It’s part of the cost of this business.”
I wished with all my heart he understood what I was trying to tell him. I did not enjoy feeling insecure, and it had been years since I let anyone make me feel less than what I deserved. The trip to Boston was going to be a long one if I didn’t have an explanation for why I was adamant about keeping our relationship under the radar. At least until we went on tour and proved Divine Chrysalis deserved to be there.
Baden’s cell danced across the desk as it vibrated from an incoming text. He reached over and read the screen. “Theo would like us to join everyone downstairs to discuss travel arrangements.”
“I guess that’s my cue to get my ass in gear and get dressed.” I stretched out my taxed muscles that got an exceptional workout last night. Looking at the rumpled bed, a shiver ran down my spine as I remembered all the dirty things we did in that bed.
Would it be wrong if I gave in to these feelings I was beginning to have for Baden? This wasn’t like the last time. Divine Chrysalis was already slated to go on tour with ReInVented. A decision that was made by the head of Bentley Records, Theo, not the lead guitarist in the headlining band.
I dropped my overnight bag on the bed and proceeded to rummage through it to find something I thought would be comfortable for the next leg of our road trip. “What are you driving?” I questioned. If he came in his vintage Mustang with the leather interior, I would not want to wear something that would have me sticking to the seat in this hot weather.
“I’m using one of the company’s SUVs.” He gave me a curious gaze. “There’s plenty of space for all your and Jade’s girly shit,” he scoffed and pointed to the luggage sitting by the door.
“Good,” I replied, sticking my tongue at him for his comment. “Cutoffs it is.” I dropped the robe and began dressing in front of him. There was no need for modesty. It wasn’t like the man had not seen or touched every inch of me last night.
He chuckled as he finished dressing and tossed the remainder of his belongings in the duffle sitting on the bed next to my overnight bag.
Unlike most women, I preferred to travel light. Our stage clothes were carefully packed and transported to each performance by David, Amber, and whatever crew Theo hired to follow them around. All I required was a change of clothing, fresh underwear, and personal hygiene products. The three large pieces of luggage sitting by the door belonged to Jade. I knew for a fact one was filled with every type of footwear she owned.
“We should call downstairs and have them send someone to bring Jade’s girly shit downstairs,” I scoffed. I pulled my bag over my shoulder. “I’m okay with taking care of myself.” I smiled as recognition of what I was insinuating hit him.
“Come on, Bad Dog.” I patted him on his taut, muscular chest as I strode past him. “We don’t want to keep Theo waiting.”
Baden smirked as he picked up his bag and followed me out the door.
The elevator doors opened facing the lobby. Theo turned and noticed Baden and I walking towards him. He handed me a copy of the New York Times. “Some artists like to frame their reviews,” he stated with a smile.
It didn’t take long to get everyone organized and checked out of the hotel. Baden volunteered to get Jade’s luggage to Boston. I had only brought enough clothing for one night. Baden’s pit stop in Tranquility was as much a necessity for me as it was for him.
Our show wasn’t scheduled until nine in the evening. It was barely eleven in the morning. There was plenty of time to get us to our next destination.
I settled into the roomy SUV, similar to the one we had been using to get us around. It seemed bigger with only two people.
“I don’t mind sharing the driving if you want,“ I offered.
“It’s not that far, Crystal. We’re making a stop halfway as it
is.” His curt response raised my anxiety. I was already on high alert, knowing he was going to want to finish this morning's discussion.
“Are you always this persnickety when you don’t get your own way?” I teased, hoping to lighten the mood.
He glanced over and flashed me that panty-melting cocky grin of his. “Yes,” he answered honestly before letting out a frustrated sigh. “This is new to me also, Crystal.”
I was aware of what he meant. He had always been the dominant partner in his past relationships. I was anything but submissive.
Baden reached across the console and entwined his fingers in mine. “That doesn’t mean we can’t learn from each other.”
I jerked my hand out of his. “Oh, hell no, you will not teach me like your little virgins.” I was outraged.
He laughed, “Fuck, Crystal, with all the time we’ve spent together, do you seriously think I would ask that of you? I meant I was hoping you would learn to trust me. From your reaction, I’d say I have a ways to go.”
“Arrgg,” I lamented. “This shouldn’t be hard, Baden.” I laid my head against the back of my seat. “Why do we have to put a label on this?” I waved my hand frantically between us.
“What do you want out of this, Crystal?” he asked.
Good question; what did I want out of this?
“Can I think about it?” I placed my hands over my face, not wanting him to witness my embarrassment over my indecision.
I wanted Baden, there was no question about that. However, did I want the attention that would come with being involved with the lead guitarist of ReInVented?
“Let me tell you what I want,” Baden’s declaration interrupted my thoughts. “I like you, Crystal, I’ve made that clear. We have incredible chemistry.”
I couldn’t deny what he had said. The chemistry and physical attraction were off the charts.
“However,” he continued, “I want to spend time getting to know Crystal Devine, the person. Not Crystal the artist, not Crystal the fuck buddy.”
I snickered, “Fuck buddy, really?”
He shrugged unapologetically.
“May I continue?” He kept his expression sober.
“By all means, enlighten me,” I was curious as to how this conversation was not going to resemble every one we have had thus far on the subject of us.
“I want to take you out on dates. Visit places while we are on tour. Hold your hand and kiss you in public without wondering if you are going to freak out if the paps take our picture.”
“In other words, you’re asking me to be your girlfriend?” I snarked.
“Yes, Crystal, I am asking you to be my girlfriend,” he confirmed.
“And we are right back where we started. Yippee.” I twirled my finger in the air, much to his amusement.
“No, we are not where we started,” he reiterated. “I told you what I wanted. You asked me to give you time to think about it.” At least he heard that part of the conversation. “I am going to give you until we begin the tour to decide where we go from here.”
“Two weeks, you’re mighty generous,” I scoffed. “Do you honestly believe you can keep your hands to yourself for two weeks?”
He smiled salaciously, “I didn’t say we were not going to continue this,” he gestured between the both of us. “What I meant was I could keep it on the down-low for the next couple of weeks.”
I had to chuckle at Baden’s ability to adapt to the situation to suit his benefit.
“However, make your choice wisely. I want everything or nothing.” He gripped the steering wheel tight enough to turn his knuckles white before taking a second to look at me. “Crystal, if you’re not all in…” he paused. “Then, I’m out. No more sneaking around. We part as friends without benefits.”
Did he seriously give me an ultimatum?
Chapter 23
Baden
The time I spent with Crystal in the past month allowed me to recognize the meaning of every look and expression. Like the fierce stare directed at me because of the ultimatum I delivered. Not too discreetly.
And make no mistake, it was an ultimatum.
I’d never been someone’s dirty little secret, and I sure as fuck wasn’t going to start now. Yesterday I accepted that Crystal wanted to spend the day with her family before the show and that it may have been a little early to do the meet the parents. But one day, and I hoped soon, she would be willing to take a trip to Rockcliff with me to meet my parents.
My main concern at the moment was that if I didn’t do something to soothe the seething beast building inside her over my comment, I was not going to get the results I’d hoped for.
I decided to take the scenic route back to Tranquility from New York. The freeway would have gotten us there faster. However, I would not have been able to pull over at a moment’s notice on Main Street in the middle of Bum Fuck Nowhere in front of a little cafe.
“Why are we stopping?” She snickered, “Afraid I’m going to do something to your manhood while driving because of that asinine ultimatum?” She pointed to my crotch. “Don’t worry, the boys are safe, for now.”
I didn’t give her an answer. Instead, I pointed to the sign hanging above the door, stating that we were parked in front of The Coffee Shop.
“Coffee, oh god yes,” she responded gleefully.
I tossed an old baseball cap at her. “Might want to hide that hair,” I suggested. “After last night’s performance going viral, you might not be as inconspicuous as you used to be.”
She put her hair into one of those messy buns and slid the cap over her head. I put my well-worn Yankees cap over mine and gave her a nod.
She’d unbuckled her seatbelt and was out of the car before I had the chance to round the front of the SUV to open her door. She was not going to give me an inch. I shook my head and led her down the sidewalk to our destination.
A bell tingled above the door as I opened it. I was expecting everyone to turn in our direction. The patrons and customers must be used to the sound. No one made any moves towards seeing who had entered the establishment.
We made our way to the back of the line in front of the order counter. I was checking out the specials on the board behind the glass showcases that held pastries and other treats. I pointed to the lemon poppyseed muffin, Crystal’s favorite, next to her lattes. “We can take some to go if you’d like?”
“Trying to keep my mouth full to keep me quiet?” she accused in a hushed tone.
“Will it work?” I asked amusingly.
“Maybe it will, maybe it won’t,” she answered contritely.
The place was busy; then again, it was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. This was the type of place I would love to bring Crystal on a date. We’d sit at the back of the cafe in the corner booth. My mind wandered to the dirty things I could do to Crystal while hidden away. How far would she let me go? Too bad we didn’t have the time today to find out.
I kept my head down and my baseball cap low over my eyes. I was a recognizable personality, and I didn’t want to create chaos for this small cafe if someone decided to announce I was there.
Add in that Crystal was not comfortable with us being outed as a couple, any pictures taken by fans would surely hit the internet at lightning speed. The last thing I wanted was to prove her point about us going public.
As we approached the front of the counter, the barista’s plastered smile began to fall as she looked up at my face. I slowly raised my finger to my lips in a silent plea for her to not go all fan girl on me. She bit her bottom lip and nodded her understanding.
While she prepared our order, I checked her name tag. Reaching over the counter for an empty to-go cup, I autographed it for the young woman. A simple thank you for not announcing to the entire shop that we were there. She handed us our order, and I handed her the cup and dropped a twenty in it. I flashed her my cocky rock star smile and threw a wink her way. I knew it would fluster her long enough for Crystal and me to make it out the door before th
e woman went all fan girl, exposing us.
We hurried out to the SUV, and I pulled away without incident. I was pleased to show Crystal that we could indeed go out in public like ordinary people.
Crystal popped the lid off her to-go cup and blew at the contents inside. I knew she liked to chug her whipped mocha latte concoction, which meant she preferred it lukewarm.
I enjoyed my dark roast piping hot.
Once I was sure she was comfortable and settled in, I cleared my throat. “Can I ask why you seem hesitant on us going public with our relationship, but you had no trouble walking into the hotel lobby with me in front of everyone this morning?” It had weighed on my mind, and the duplicity of the situation confused me.
“Everyone in that lobby was well aware of where I’d spend my evening. I’m not a hypocrite. I wasn’t going to pretend or lie about that fact.” She took a cautious sip of her latte to judge the temperature of the liquid before taking a large gulp. “I don’t have a problem with people knowing we’re together, Baden. I have a problem with how us being together is going to be perceived.” She let out an exasperated sigh.
This information wasn’t new to me. She had been preaching it for some time now. What was I missing?
“You said you would give me two weeks to decide what I want. Is that offer still on the table?” She pursed her lips.
I reached over and squeezed her knee, “Yes, I’m okay with keeping a low profile until we go on tour. We are going to be very busy revamping the album with the new songs and finishing the promotional shows to do anything more until then, anyway.”
“Thank you for being patient with me.” I was taken aback at the shyness that had enveloped her. This was not the brash, confident woman I had become acquainted with.
“At the risk of being,” I looked down at my crotch and smirked at Crystal, “manhandled, can I ask where all this insecurity is coming from? It seems out of character for you.”
Rock Gods: Baden Page 12
