by K E Osborn
He holds out the cell to me, and I weakly smile. “Thanks.”
Walking over to the oversized chair, I take a seat in its luxurious cushions. “Morning, Sav.”
She giggles down the line. “Holy shit! You spent the night with him?”
I peek over at Kevlar, who’s picked up his cell trying to look like he’s not listening, but I know full-well he is.
“I did. But I want to know how your night went with Rush?”
Sav sighs dramatically. “You know how they say party like a rock star? Well, they don’t say that for nothing. The guy knows how to move his hips.”
“Glad you had a great time.”
“He has to leave soon, but he wants to catch up for breakfast with you guys to say goodbye. You up for that?”
“Ahh… let me check. Kevlar…” he peeks up at me, “… wanna go out for breakfast with Sav and Rush before he leaves town?” Kevlar dips his head once. “We’re in.” I glance at my dress from last night and the mess I’ve made of it. I screw up my face. “Sav, I need you to bring me some clothes, though.”
She bursts out laughing. “Holy shit! Did Kevlar get a little tear happy with that sexy dress of yours?”
I squeeze my thighs together at the thought of Kevlar tearing my clothes off. “Umm… no. I had too much to drink, and it didn’t agree with me. I made a complete mess of myself.”
She’s silent for a while, then exhales. “So, you didn’t party with Kevlar last night?”
He side-eyes me with a smirk.
Can he hear what she’s saying?
“I don’t… think so.”
“Damn! Okay, I’ll bring some clothes over. Where are you? What hotel?”
“Ours. Kevlar’s here, too. Room…” I shift my eyes to Kevlar.
“1017,” he offers.
“He’s at the Marriott, too?”
“What are the odds, hey? Room 1017.”
“Okay, I’ll be up in like fifteen. I will have a shower, then all of us can go for breakfast.”
“Thanks, Sav.”
“See you soon.” I end the call, my eyes slowly shifting to Kevlar.
The wicked grin on his face tells me he’s in a good mood.
“That’s a burner phone, isn’t it?” he asks.
“Umm… yeah. How’d you know?”
“Part of being a biker is having burner phones—”
“You’re a biker?” My eyes widen as I gasp.
His shoulders droop as he exhales. “You don’t remember this conversation? Me offering my help regarding your situation?”
The memory slams back into my mind full force. “Oh… right, yeah, sorry… I blame the alcohol.”
“How’s the head?” he asks, his eyes shifting to my naked legs again.
I instinctively pull the shirt a little lower to cover myself. I’m not sure why I’m feeling so exposed in front of him, while he’s sitting there practically naked in front of me.
“Dusty… ah, thanks for the toothbrush, and ahh, sorry about last night. I really appreciate you taking care of me.”
He glances back down to his cell. “You’re easy to take care of, Jovie.”
I peer down to my bra sitting next to my dress, and I gnaw on my bottom lip. “So, umm… how did I get into…”
“My shirt?” he finishes my question while his eyes shift to me again with the biggest smirk on his face. “You wanna know if I saw you practically naked?”
I grimace. “That, and if we…” I tilt my head toward the bed a couple of times.
He chuckles like I’m amusing him. “Listen, sunshine, if we fucked… you’d remember it.”
My thighs clench together at the thought of fucking Kevlar. I gulp a lump down my throat as I stare at him. “Sunshine?”
“You called me that last night, thought I’d try it on for size with you this morning. Actually, I think it fits you nicely.”
His eyes meet mine as energy passes between us. It’s like the air in the room vaporizes, and I’m fighting to breathe. “You still haven’t told me how I got into your clothes.”
He waves his hand to the bathroom. “You got changed in there. I do have some gentlemanly qualities about me.”
I’m not sure if I’m relieved or disappointed, and that thought shocks me more than I thought it would. His eyes wander up and down the length of my body, sending a jolt through my system. The way he’s looking at me should be illegal. I know what he’s thinking because I’m thinking it too.
I want him.
He wants me.
I need to do something to either move this along or douse the flames burning between us.
“Well, I’m gonna… go shower. I smell like a hurricane, and not the fresh drinkable kind.”
Good going, Jovie. You didn’t just douse the flames, you obliterated them.
His face lights up in amusement. “Oh, I know, I slept with you on me all night.”
“Sorry.” I grimace.
“Don’t be… I kinda liked it. You on me… not the smell so much.” His eyes are back on me again, gliding up and down my long legs.
Jesus, I need to leave.
I spin, heading for the bathroom. “Can you send Sav in with my clothes when she arrives?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks again, Kevlar.”
He dips his chin, and I walk into the bathroom, closing the door behind me, then let out a long breath as I hold myself up on the back of the door.
Holy fucking hell.
How on earth can there be sexual tension like that when we’re talking about last night’s gross events?
Either we’re both very sick individuals, or the sexual chemistry between us is off the charts.
Either way, I need to figure this out.
The water pummels my tired muscles. If I said the warmth of the shower wasn’t soothing me, I’d be lying. Suddenly, the door to the bathroom creaks open. I jerk back against the wall covering myself, but Savanah walks in with one hand over her eyes, the other holding my clothes.
“Just me, I’m not looking… just bringing in some clothes for you.”
Relaxing, I drop my protective stance as Savanah enters, shutting the door behind her. “Okay, I need to peek a little, but I won’t look at you, I promise. I just need to see where I’m going.”
Her fingers split, and she places my clothes on the basin, then turns her back to me, walking backward to the toilet and sits down on the lid facing away from me. She drops her hand from her face but keeps her eyes closed. “Okay, babe, it’s just you and me. So, spill everything.”
I shake my head while continuing on with my shower. “There’s not much to tell. I puked everywhere, he held my hair for me, brought me back here. Got me a toothbrush for this morning. When we arrived at his room, he gave me a shirt of his, so I got changed into it, and we fell asleep in his bed. That’s it.”
She scoffs. “That’s it, my ass. The guy’s falling over himself for you, there’s gotta be something here.”
Rinsing out my hair, I exhale. “He’s a biker—”
“What!” Savanah yells, opening her eyes wide, glaring at my naked form.
“Sav!”
“Shit, sorry…” She closes her eyes again. “Please continue.”
“He says he can help us… me… with my family problem.”
Savanah slouches on the seat with a groan. “And what do you have to do in return?”
“He says nothing. Kevlar just wants to help.”
She scoffs. “There’s always a catch, Jovie. We might be moving from one group of bad guys to another.”
I scrunch up my face. “I just don’t see that with Kevlar. I mean, he was a cop. So, he can’t be all that bad, right?”
“A cop turned biker. Yeah, that screams good guy.”
I rinse off Kevlar’s body wash, then turn off the faucet. “Towel.”
Savanah grabs one and hands it to me. “Look. Honestly, we need to trust him. What other option do we have?” I wrap the towel around me as she e
xhales.
“Okay, I trust your judgment, but the second this turns sour, we take off again.”
“Deal, ‘nother towel?” I ask her.
Sav chuckles, handing me another one in which I wrap up my hair.
“You know he’s probably used one of those towels, so in essence, you and he are touching uglies right now.”
I step out of the shower rolling my eyes. “Okay, it’s time for you to get out. I need to get dressed.”
“I’m just saying, if you trust him, and now that your body parts have touched by towel proxy, what’s stopping you from actually touching his—”
“Out!” I laugh as I lift her from the seat, shoving her toward the door.
She giggles, but it’s more like full-on laughter by the time she exits. “We’re leaving in ten, with or without you, babe. My stomach waits for no one.”
I smile as she closes the door, and I let out a long exhale. I peek down to the towel wrapped around me.
Maybe he has dried himself off with this exact same towel? Focus, Jovie!
Shaking my head, I move about getting myself and my hair semi-dry, then get dressed. I pull my long blonde hair up in a messy bun considering it’s wet. I’m paler than normal, but I guess it’s the massive hangover I’m sporting. I’m not wearing any makeup, so I look pretty fucking average, but I do need something to eat.
Grabbing the clothes Savanah brought in for me, I put them on. Take a centering breath, I then head back out into the main room. Kevlar’s dressed in jeans and a gray tee—he’s fucking delectable. And Savanah is sitting on Rush’s lap in the oversized chair.
“You look nice,” Kevlar offers.
I glance down at my ripped jeans and slim gray tee—it’s now that I realize we’re matching. I smirk as I head over to the bed to sit. “I look like a hot mess, but it seems we’ve been hit by the style police today.”
He peers down at his shirt. “Seems so…”
Savanah snorts. “He was dressed when I got here, in case you’re thinking we conspired, Jovie. It’s all a coincidence.”
“Fate maybe?” I question.
Kevlar raises his brow. “Maybe.”
Rush inhales sharply. “While you two figuring out your love story is utterly enthralling, I’m on a schedule. So, can we…” He tilts his head toward the door.
“Yeah, let’s. Where are we going?”
“Café du Monde… I’ve been dying for beignets since I got here,” Rush tells us.
Smiling wide, the inner traveler in me does a giddy leap. Part of the reason for wanting to escape San Antonio was to try new things. And they say when you come to NOLA, you have to try Café du Monde’s beignets. So, I’m more than excited to go there for breakfast.
“So… much… yes!” I groan with a little too much enthusiasm.
Kevlar widens his eyes as everyone stares at me.
“If you sound like that over food, I can only imagine what you sound like in the—”
“Rush, don’t be an ass,” Kevlar berates the rock star.
A flush crosses my cheeks as Savanah whacks Rush across the chest. “All I’m saying is that was sexy, Jovie.”
Kevlar purposely doesn’t look at me.
“Let’s just get some breakfast, okay?” I murmur.
“Agreed,” Savanah adds as I head for the door.
As I pull it toward me, I jump back in fright as two men wearing suits so large they’re intimidating, block my way out. I gasp as they stare me down. “What the fuck?” I blurt out as Rush moves in behind me.
“My bad. Security found me last night. Unfortunately, they’ll be with us. Can’t do shit about it. Hope you guys don’t mind,” Rush tells us.
I peer over my shoulder at Savanah, who smiles like she knew they were there. “You knew about them?”
Savanah shrugs. “They’re kinda hot, especially Murphy. I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re hot, too, Stone, but the way Murphy has that aura like he could snap your neck in half just by looking at you, mmm… mamma like.”
Rush bursts out laughing. “I knew you were a freak, Sav! Wish we had more time together.”
She turns, facing him. “Me, too.”
Rush waggles his brows at her, then turns to his security team. “Right, boys, we’re heading to Café du Monde for breakfast.”
Murphy glowers at him. “You sure, Rush. It’s Friday morning. It’s going to be busy.”
Rush grins wide. “That’s why you’re coming, Murphy. Now c’mon, we don’t have much time.”
We all walk out of the room. Rush takes Savanah’s hand in his, and I can’t help but smile at them. Murphy and Stone flank either side of them while we make our way for the elevators. As we walk out, Rush pulls his baseball cap over his head again, and he lets go of Savanah’s hand. We make our way out the front, where a car is waiting for us.
I guess we’re not walking the short distance. I suppose it’s too risky having Rush with us.
Murphy opens the door, and Rush slides in, followed by Savanah, as Kevlar and I walk around to the other side. Kevlar opens the door for me as Stone slides into the driver’s side and Murphy’s in the passenger seat. The car is big in the back. Rush and Savanah face us as we face forward. I have no clue what type of Range Rover vehicle this is, but it’s nice.
“This is fancy,” I tell Rush.
“This is my life. Big cars. Security everywhere I go. I’m surprised Eden hasn’t come screaming the place down.”
“Who’s Eden?” Kevlar asks.
“My manager. She’s probably been all over New Orleans searching for me last night.”
“And why haven’t Murphy or Stone told her where you are?” I ask.
“Because I pay their salary.”
We all chuckle as Stone takes off toward Café du Monde. The car ride is short—under five minutes—as Stone pulls into the parking lot behind the café. Murphy and Stone get out of the car, quickly rushing to the side, then opening the door. I widen my eyes at Savanah, and she smirks at me as she steps out. “How kind of you, Murphy.”
“Ma’am,” he replies.
Rush slaps him on the chest as he exits.
I follow them out, then Kevlar after me, and we walk around to the front of the building. Rush keeps his head down the entire time. A couple of people look our way wondering what two burly guys are doing with the rest of us, but we keep walking, trying not to make too much of a scene. A sense of adrenaline washes over me. I’ve never been out with a celebrity before, and it’s kind of exciting, though I suppose not so much for Rush. He would be on edge right now. You have got to feel for the guy.
We round the corner where a long lineup extends out the front of the café, and I frown. My stomach growls in disapproval, but I’ve heard about the infamous line-ups at Café du Monde.
“Murphy, I can’t wait in line. Go… do your thing,” Rush orders.
Savanah glares at Rush. “What did you just do?”
“You’ll see. Being a rock star is hard, but every now and then it also has its perks.”
What the hell is Rush up to?
KEVLAR
We’re standing back, out of the way, when a worker from the café comes out the front. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please... I’m sorry, but due to a technical issue with our kitchen, we have to close for the next hour. If you could all please vacate the premises, so our team can come in to work on the issue, and then return later, we would appreciate it. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.”
Everyone around us moans out their disapproval as they all turn to walk off.
Jovie pouts, clearly saddened by the news. “Bummer, I really wanted those beignets.”
Rush chuckles. “You’re getting them, Jovie. We all are. They’re closing down for us.”
Savanah’s eyes sparkle at Rush. “Huh, just when I thought you couldn’t get any sexier.”
He grins at her as Murphy signals to us.
I raise my chin to Rush as we walk up to the entrance. “
What about their lost income?”
Rush rolls his shoulders. “I’m covering it, then tripling it. Gotta make this worth their while.”
“Holy shit. You have too much money,” Savanah gasps.
Rush smirks, ignoring Sav as he leads her inside to a table. The same café worker comes over, sporting a bright smile as we all sit on the chairs provided. Murphy and Stone stand back out of the way, but close enough to get to Rush if they need to.
“Welcome to Café du Monde, Mr. Dayley. It’s a pleasure to have you dine with us this morning. What can I get for you?”
“Four servings of beignets. And does everyone want coffee? I sure do!”
Jovie nods emphatically. After last night’s effort, she might need two.
“Yeah,” I add.
“Please,” Savanah replies.
“And four cups of your finest joe. And thanks, thanks for understanding,” Rush emphasizes.
She tilts her head. “We understand. And we thank you for your donation.” She walks off as Rush sits back inhaling deeply like he’s finally relaxing.
“You don’t get out much, do you, Rush?” I ask.
“Nah, man. Eden has me on a tight leash and schedule.”
“Well, I’m glad you got to escape with us, even if only for a little while,” Jovie declares.
“Me, too,” Savanah seconds.
“Yeah, man. Me, too,” I add.
Rush relaxes back in his chair. “We don’t have much time, so let’s make it count.” He pulls out his cell phone, turning in his seat, and raises it in the air. “Everyone, move in closer… I wanna remember you guys.”
I shift in beside Jovie, wrapping my arm around her. My skin alights with an insatiable fire when I touch her. She shivers as I do, her eyes shifting to look at me. Savanah glides in next to Jovie, and Rush moves in next to Savanah. “Say… N’awlins!”
“N’awlins,” we all call out, and Rush snaps the camera on his cell.
Normally, I wouldn’t let anyone take my picture who wasn’t club approved, but Rush is a rock star. He knows about confidentiality. He won’t want his adventures in New Orleans going anywhere. He’s fully aware anyone linked to him will have tabloids digging into them. He’s smart. It’s why there’s no one in this café with us. So, no one will search into Savanah and the wild night he had with her. I trust him.
