The sudden realization of what Jack was showing her hit. Not just the band’s history but someone he respected and loved. Emily reached out and touched Jack’s cheek. He closed his eyes at her gentle touch and pulled her into his arms.
“I haven’t seen Sid in over a year, so this is long overdue.” Jack dropped his arms to his side and opened the door for her. “It doesn’t look like much now, but at night, fans line up down the block.”
Emily walked through the door into a dark vestibule. Another larger door leading into the club was propped open. Even in the dim light, she could make out the flyers of bands that had played here, protected behind large sheets of Plexiglass. Several of the flyers were thirty years old. She recognized a few of the bands, Alchemy Riot for one. Then she saw it.
A yellow flyer, featuring a picture of the band. Stone Highway, November twenty-first, 2007, Debut Appearance at The Rock House. Doors open at nine. All the other flyers were stapled haphazardly to the wall, but this one was set straight at eye level.
Emily snapped a few pictures with her phone. She’d text Vince the picture of his flyer later. She looked up at Jack, who watched her intently. “Wow, that’s amazing, Jack. Thank you for bringing me here.” She was honored. This place obviously meant a lot to him, and he wanted her to see it. Instead of analyzing why, she enjoyed the moment. “That’s so cool.” She touched the glass in front of the flyer. “It’s great that this is still here.”
“Sid’s great.” Jack smiled back at her. “He told us if we didn’t give up, we’d make it. No one had ever said that to us before.” Jack swallowed hard and broke eye contact. “Let’s go in,” he said, taking her hand.
The stage lights lit up a good portion of the room. The inside was bigger than she’d expected. Two long bars, one on each side of the room, were fully stocked. Jack stopped in the middle of the room and pulled her into his arms. He danced them around in a circle, never missing a step. She stepped on his foot twice. Before the accident, she’d loved to dance, but now it was more of a requirement at a gathering than something she enjoyed. Sully loved to dance, so she always obliged. “You should’ve asked Jack. I would’ve told you I’m a terrible dancer,” Emily said, stepping on his foot a third time.
“Stick with me, baby, I’ll give you lessons.” Jack dipped her, kissing her in the process.
“Jack McBride,” someone said from across the room.
With a quick kiss, he righted them, keeping her tucked into his side as he extended his hand. “Hey, Eric, right?”
“Yeah,” Eric said, taking Jack’s hand. “I figured you’d be stopping by.”
“Is your dad here?”
Eric’s hand fell away. “Dad passed away two months ago.”
Jack’s arm tightened around her and his face grew pale. “I’m so sorry, I hadn’t heard. He was a great man.” Jack’s body tensed. “Was he sick?”
“No, not that we knew. Locked up for the night and had a heart attack in the parking lot. When he didn’t come home, Mom called the police, and they found him in his car,” Eric said, his voice cracking.
“How awful, I’m so sorry. He always seemed invincible.”
Emily put her arm around Jack.
Eric swallowed hard. “I have something for you. Be right back.”
As soon as Eric was out of earshot, Emily turned to him. “I’m so sorry.” He opened his arms, and she stepped into them, resting her cheek on his chest and wrapping her arms around him. “Poor man, dying alone in his car like that.”
“At least he didn’t suffer.”
Eric returned, so Emily moved to Jack’s side. Eric handed Jack a framed original of the same flyer hanging in the vestibule. “Dad was going through some old papers and came across that. He thought you’d like to have it.”
“Thank you. Wow, that’s great.” He cleared his throat. “What’s going to happen to this place?”
“Dad was this place. He loved it. I thought about trying to keep it open, but, as you can see, it needs work,” Eric said, waving his hand around. “The bathrooms need to be redone, the stage needs reinforcing, and the electrical is outdated. Dad was going to get a loan, but with him gone, I don’t know if I could secure one. Not even sure I want to.”
“This place is a landmark. I’d be sad to see it close.” Jack shook his head, then a slight smile crossed his lips. “Listen, man, if you’re serious about trying to make a go of this place, I’d be interested in investing. Do you have a proposal?”
Eric’s eyes lit up. “Are you serious?”
“Why not? I’d like to give something back. Places like this are essential in helping musicians launch careers. Hell, who knows where we’d be if your dad hadn’t helped us.” He reached into his wallet and pulled out a card. “Fax your proposal to Kevin. He handles my investments. Let’s see what he thinks.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Eric said, taking the card from Jack. “This is unbelievable.”
“It’s not a done deal, but this is the first step.” Jack shook Eric’s hand.
“Thanks, man.”
Jack turned and led Emily to the vestibule. He stopped and looked at the flyers on the wall.
“You okay?” she asked.
Jack released a heavy sigh. “It’s a shock.”
Emily pushed open the outside door and stepped into the sunlight. Even though she squinted at the brightness, when she looked across the street, she swore she saw Jeff. But when she blinked to get a better look, whoever it was disappeared. At least there were no photographers; Jack needed a minute.
She led him down the street to the corner and turned. As soon as they were out of view of the main street, she stopped, turned to Jack, and put her arms around him.
“We’d been in the city for over a year before we met Sid. We were playing at this crappy bar, to maybe fifteen people. Not our best gig. After our set, Sid came up to us as we’re packing up. He said he owned The Rock House, and he wanted us to play there.” A melancholy expression shrouded his handsome face. “That changed everything for us.”
Emily stood on tiptoes and kissed him.
Jack looked at her questioningly. “What?”
“About that rock star thing?”
“Yeah?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking about it, and the thing is, as far as I can tell”—Emily met his intent gaze—“the rock star can’t hold a candle to the man.” Emily urged his head down as she turned her lips to him. Suddenly, the world fell away.
When they finally broke apart, panting for air, Jack smiled at her. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
J
I almost missed Jack leaving the hotel this morning, since I’d expected that muscled idiot to be driving him, but as soon as I saw those damn paparazzi moving, I ran to the front of the hotel. Jack was still with that groupie whore. He ushered that little bitch into the cab so fast they were gone before I could regroup.
Anger still coils throughout my body. I’d planned on bumping into him today. I’d taken extra care dressing this morning: tight low-cut black sweater, pink miniskirt, thigh-high boots. I lined my gorgeous blue eyes in thick black liner, added three coats of mascara, and painted my full lips red. I’d even taken the time to straighten my hair, since Jack prefers it that way.
All for nothing. Fuck.
It shouldn’t be too hard to find him since he is the biggest rock star on the planet.
chapter
TWENTY-ONE
How did he get so damn lucky? Em blew him away at every turn, and he’d known her less than a day. Jack smiled. He was glad she’d been with him when he’d found out about Sid. He’d gotten more comfort from her touch than any words could’ve provided. She’d understood what this place meant to him, without him having to explain. When he’d last seen Sid, Christie had been with him. They’d been together for over two years, but she hadn’t understood. She’d been bored and wanted to go shopping. New York wasn’t L.A
., she’d said, but it’d do.
For the first time, Jack acknowledged in his head what his heart had hoped when the tour started, that they’d get back together. It had been foolish because he’d known it wasn’t possible, not after all the things she’d said in a rage when he told her she had to leave. He’d known he couldn’t fix this for her, but he’d wanted to help her fix it. She blamed him for everything. But still, he’d loved her. Jack hoped Christie would clean up, but he no longer wanted to spend his life with her. That realization hit hard. He still had the three-carat Harry Winston engagement ring locked up in the safe at home.
As the wind whipped past, Emily shivered, but her hazel eyes sparkled. He looked around and blinked slowly. Until that gust of wind, he forgot they were standing on a street in New York City, outside The Rock House. He thought it was paradise.
“Why don’t we walk for a while?” Emily asked, as another shiver tore through her.
He should’ve gotten her a warmer jacket.
Emily slipped her hands in her jacket pockets as she shivered again. “It’s a beautiful day, and we’ll warm up as we walk.”
“Are you sure?” Jack asked, looking around as they walked toward the front of the club. “We might be better off in a cab.” Between the wind and the paparazzi, a cab sounded better.
“They’re hard to miss. If we see a gaggle of people with cameras, we’ll make a break for it.”
He scanned up and down the street. No paparazzi. “Walking sounds great.” They walked arm in arm for several blocks. This felt so right, so normal. She had to be feeling it, too. He’d have five days to convince her they had something worth pursuing. She was having a good time with him, and not just in bed. Their chemistry went beyond sexual. Never before had he experienced such intensity. The sex was unbelievable, but being around her made him feel so alive. Maybe because she’d been through so much and it hadn’t broken her. Em looked distracted. “Looking for something?” he asked.
“What? No. Nothing.” She smiled and resumed looking at nothing. Jack didn’t buy that. He knew Jeff was following them, but Jack hadn’t seen him. They’d argued over his going out alone with Emily today, but since he hadn’t gotten a letter since the tour started, Jack was confident this ridiculous business was over. Since Emily was a writer, she was probably soaking up the neighborhood.
He had to tell the guys about Sid. They’d dedicate a song to him at their gig tonight. Jack remembered the song he’d written last night and couldn’t wait to play it for them. It was a rare bit of inspiration that came together so easily. The lyrics flowed, and the music followed; he’d hardly made a change. When he read it over this morning, he was amazed at how good it was.
Elliot would bust his balls over this, but he didn’t care. He and Emily fit together so well, in so many ways. Jack was happy.
Emily looked over her shoulder again. Shit, she knew something. He didn’t want to alarm her, so he kept quiet, but he had to distract her. “Wow.”
“What?” she asked, her attention snapping back to him.
“What?”
“You said ‘wow.’ Sounded like a revelation.”
Jack smiled. “It was. It’s about us. Wanna hear it?”
Emily stiffened “No.”
“Not at all curious?”
Emily stopped walking and turned to face him. “Jack, there is no us. There’s you, Jack Rock Star McBride, and me, Emily Grace Prescott, not interested.”
“Grace is a beautiful name.” Jack hugged her close. “It suits you.” He chuckled. “My middle name is William, not Rock Star. But you already knew that.”
“Jack…” Emily’s voice was laced with frustration.
He tried to usher her forward, but she didn’t move, so he turned and walked backward.
Scrunching her eyes closed she let out a low growl. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it earlier. You’re insane. Certifiable.”
She didn’t catch up, so Jack slowed down.
They crossed the street and Emily stopped in front of a jewelry store window. Shaking her head, she leaned her forehead against the glass.
“You okay?” Jack asked. Maybe her leg ached.
She turned and looked at him. “Yeah, I just remembered something.”
“What?”
She pointed to a purple pendant. “See that?”
Jack nodded.
“I’ve always wanted a piece of Tanzanite jewelry, a pendant or earrings. I promised myself after my first novel got published that I’d buy a piece. I looked around but didn’t find exactly what I wanted. Then I met Sully, and I wanted to write more, so I cut my hours back at work. Once we got engaged, I had a wedding to pay for.”
“Why not tell the fucker you wanted it for your birthday or Christmas? Or was he cheap?” Jack couldn’t help the smirk from curling his lips.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but Sully wasn’t cheap. He makes good money. He would’ve gotten it if I’d asked him to. I never told him because I wanted to buy it.”
“Really? What does golden fucker boy do for a living?”
“Investments. He’s brilliant at it, makes tons of money for the firm and his clients.”
“If the fucker is so well off, why wasn’t he paying for the wedding?” It wasn’t any of his business, but he was pissed on her behalf.
Emily shot him a back off look. “I don’t expect you to understand. None of my friends did.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, but I don’t like the fucker.”
“I don’t like him right now either.” Emily wrapped her arms around her waist.
“What do you mean right now? Are you thinking of getting back with him?” He hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but he needed to know.
“No, of course not, but I have to forgive him, someday. What’s done cannot be undone. I don’t want him back,” she said in a flat tone.
Jack’s audible sigh of relief had Emily looking up to meet his eyes. “Leaving, Jack.”
His cell rang. He pulled it out of his pocket. Shit. Eric hadn’t wasted any time. “It’s my financial guy. I should take this.”
“Of course.” She pointed to a street vendor. “I’m going to get water. You?”
Jack nodded as he connected the call with one hand and took his wallet out with the other. Her indignant expression had him putting the wallet away and smiling. “Hey, Kevin.” He watched as she sauntered away.
“Jack, I received a proposal from Eric Levinson, about a night club.”
“Yeah, I told him to fax it to you.” A car horn honked incessantly, making it impossible to hear. “Hold on.” Jack turned and went into the jewelry store. “Sorry about that, I had to get inside.”
“Jack, you know night clubs, bars, and restaurants are all risky.”
“Yes, but this place is special, we got our first big break there, the place is a landmark.”
Kevin sighed. “Okay, I’ll take a look.” He paused for a second. “I have to recommend what’s best for you, not taking nostalgia into consideration.”
“Got it. Thanks, man, appreciate it. How’s the family?”
“Linda and the kids are great. They miss Uncle Jack though.” Kevin chuckled. “My sister-in-law’s single again—”
“Gotta go.” Jack ended the call. He didn’t need a fix up. He’d already met the girl for him. Jack looked around, and his eyes landed on an older gentleman standing in front of the engagement rings showcase.
“Can I help you?”
Jack walked over to the man. “Mind if I just look?”
“Surely. Let me know if you’d like to see anything. I’m Albert.” He smiled and resumed wiping the clean glass on the case.
Without meaning to, Jack glanced at the rings. Holy crap. It’s perfect. Em would love it. Jack took a step back. Maybe he should get his head checked. Maybe that shot Buzz gave him when they’d sparred yesterday knocked his brain around. If Emily came in and caught him looking at ri
ngs, she’d lose it. He smiled. No way he’d charm his way out of this, so he better not get caught.
He crouched to get a better look. He scanned the case but came back to the same ring. A simple square cut diamond with three smaller round stones on either side. Jack’s heart thudded against his rib cage. Someday. “Albert, I’d like to see that one.” He placed the framed flyer on the counter top.
Albert smiled, took a ring of keys out, selected a key, and opened the case. “Here you go.” He handed Jack the ring. “It’s a one and three-quarter carat princess cut center stone, VVS2, with three round cut diamonds on each side weighing approximately .20 carat each, set in platinum.”
This is it. Jack handed the ring back to Albert, and as he took out his wallet, the door to the store jiggled from a huge gust of wind. Jack jumped and swallowed hard. Better not get caught. “I’ll take it.” He slid his credit card onto the counter. “If a stunningly beautiful brunette walks in, pretend like I didn’t buy this.”
“No problem. We offer free sizing. What size is she?” Albert asked as he wrote up the sales receipt.
Shit, he should know this. “I don’t know.”
“No problem, just come back after you pop the question, and we’ll get it taken care of.” Albert grinned.
Jack grinned back; he was so ready for this adventure with her. It wouldn’t be easy, but he’d be patient, give her time to heal, and then they’d be together.
“You’re Jack McBride, aren’t you?” Albert asked.
“Yes,” Jack said, smiling his friendliest smile. He hadn’t expected to get recognized by this guy, but then it still caught him off guard whenever it happened.
“My granddaughter is a huge fan.”
“How old is she?”
Albert’s face lit up with pride. “Fifteen.”
“Would she would like an autograph?”
Albert smiled so wide Jack feared he might tear something. “I hate to bother you.”
“It’s no bother at all. I’m glad to do it.”
“We have tickets for Monday night.” Albert beamed as he placed paper and pen on the counter.
With You: A Rock Star Romance (Rocked in Love Book 1) Page 19
