by JN Welsh
“Leona?” Luke fortified himself as if to catch her.
She rubbed one eye with the knuckle of her thumb and tried to liven up by shimmying from head to toe. “I’ll be fine after a power nap.”
Luke frowned at her. “You should eat something.”
“I’ll order room service.” She motioned Luke her way and called the elevator with a press of a button.
They rode the elevator down and shared a car ride to the hotel.
On the trip to their rooms, she was surprised when Luke followed because his suite was a floor above. “Where are you going?”
“To make sure you order room service. I need a healthy tour manager and you look like you’ll pass out.”
“No, that’s not necessary.” Leona held her palm up to stop his advance but he sidestepped her.
“You don’t even have the energy to argue with me. Save what strength you have left to call for food,” he said.
Leona didn’t know why he cared. At times, he treated her like she was the last person on earth he wanted to interact with. Other times his tenderness bowled her over. He unsettled and confused her with all these caregiver demonstrations. Nonetheless, he was right. She often ran on a low tank when she was busy but she had gone past empty. She swiped her room key, the lock release clicking through the vacant hallway. She made a beeline for the menu.
Leona perused the list and then called to order fresh fruit, a spinach omelet, and toast. “Satisfied?” Her mouth was pasty from dehydration, and Luke’s presence in the intimate confines of her suite didn’t help. She pulled a bottle of water from the minibar and gulped it down.
Luke sat down in a love seat and spread his arms against the back. “I will be when you eat.”
“Please go. I need to get a shower and a power nap and you need to prepare for your show.”
“Go get your shower, Leona. I’ll wait for your food to arrive.”
Even her temper fizzled into compliance. “But—”
“The longer you wait, the longer I stay.”
She wished she put up a better fight. She yanked on the handle of her luggage. “This is ridiculous,” she mumbled under her breath. She placed her suitcase on a desk, unpacked a few items, and stomped to the bathroom.
* * *
How the hell is she still standing?
Leona insisted on a shower, but really, even beyond rest she needed to eat.
He cursed himself. Because of his late arrival to the bus depot, she had gotten violently ill. His business with Candy and Velvet was important. With Tommy leaving for California, he wanted to get the women set up with his agent but it could have waited.
Luke was amused by Leona’s irritation with the blonde and redhead. She’d side-eyed the women with venom and massaged her left ear incessantly. Her response had been telling but he couldn’t imagine that her attraction for him was as potent as his was for her.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He opened the door and allowed the attendant to wheel in a tray of food.
“Over there, please.” He dug into his pocket for a few bills and handed them over. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sir,” the man said and left.
Leona emerged from the bathroom minutes later in sweatpants and a tee shirt. Her hair was braided in a side ponytail that lay on her shoulder. He could smell the scent of coconut and vanilla from her shower. As she walked about the room, her ass, now unconstrained by jeans or close fitting pants, jiggled. Luke willed himself to focus on feeding her health, not satisfying her body. But he couldn’t deny Leona Sable’s beauty, even when she was in casual wear.
“Your food’s here.” He salivated but not for food.
Leona approached him and worried her earlobe—something she did when she was nervous or irritated. He was curious as to which one she felt.
She tucked a curly wayward strand of hair behind her ear but it sprung right back out.
He reached for it and smoothed the soft hair against her even softer skin. Leona neither backed away nor startled at his touch and his breath deepened to steady his racing pulse. Don’t kiss her. His fingers lingered a few seconds longer before he once again tucked the piece away.
Her blush was fierce, her swallow visible. “I-I’m going to eat, Luke. You don’t have to stay.”
He held a seat out for her at the table.
“Oh brother.” She sat down and her hand grazed over the spot by her temple where his fingers had been. A couple of forkfuls later, Leona sat back in her seat. “I’m so full.”
Luke arched an eyebrow. “Come on, Leona. You only had a few bites.”
“I’m satisfied.” She pushed the food around on her plate, sighing as if she’d just finished a Thanksgiving meal. She sipped her tea. “Happy now?”
“Yes.”
She dropped her fork against the porcelain plate. “So, why aren’t you leaving?”
Her question was legitimate. “I know we’ve gotten off to a rough start.” He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. “My temper... Sometimes I lash out. It’s not you.”
“You should really work on that because it seems like it’s me.” Another bite of food disappeared into her mouth.
“You have some associations I’m trying to deal with.” He couldn’t have downplayed the fact more. He was at war, torn between holding on to his anger about Paul and his increasing desire to know her. He had to let one of them go.
She chewed as if on a wet paper towel. “Associations? Deal with? What are you talking about?”
“Paul Reese.” He swore he saw steam coming out of her ears.
Leona filled her lungs and he knew she was about to spit fire. “I thought I was clear that my past with Paul is not your concern. I don’t have any association with that man. He ruined my life. I don’t know what you’re dealing with, but I wish you would leave Paul out of any future conversation you have with me.”
“I’m not bringing him up to upset you, I’m trying to explain.”
“Explain that your hate for me has nothing to do with me? Further making it clear that you should work on that.”
“Leona.” He wanted to tell her what had happened but every time he tried, the memories tickled his temper to explosion.
“I have to get some sleep, Luke. I ate. I’m fine, okay? I’ll see you later for your interviews.”
Again, he had upset her. Her point was valid. He didn’t know everything that happened between her and Paul, only what was in the media, but she wasn’t forthcoming with information any more than he was.
He wanted answers, but Leona needed rest. Now wasn’t the right time.
He let himself out. “For what it’s worth, you’re not the only person whose life Paul ruined.”
* * *
What the hell did that mean?
If Luke mentioned Paul one more time, she was sure she would dissolve into a puddle of tears. That wasn’t a place she wanted to go.
When Luke left, Leona was glad to finally be alone. She needed some space from him to collect her thoughts. She hadn’t completely regressed to middle school when he’d tucked her hair behind her ear and his soft, strong hands touched her skin. But he was a hot and cold enigma and she still wasn’t sure which version of him was true.
She should rest, but the complications from the previous night put her behind and she needed to stay on top of things.
Just a little bit and then I’ll sleep.
They were heading back to the States after their Canadian stops. First on the list was Ohio and then Minnesota. More DJ contest winners would perform in Massachusetts. The tour already had pre-show support from a mix of popular DJs and bands. Had they all arrived at the hotel together, Leona might have had a chance to ask them how things were going. Her team had things under control but she liked to give the tour her personal touch. She had to e
nsure she didn’t spend half her time searching for Luke.
Leona dialed New York. After a few line transfers she was finally connected with the VIP bouncer from Aurora Nightclub. She didn’t know if he would be available or interested, but she would give it a try.
“Hi. Diesel?” Leona cradled the hotel phone between her head and shoulder.
“You got him.” His powerful voice filled her ear.
“This is Leona Sable. We met the night DJ Luke performed. I’m his tour manager.”
“Oh yeah. They call you Leo, right?”
“Yes.”
“I saw you in an entertainment piece about The Musical Prophet. It’s my job to remember VIP guests. You had an English friend with you.”
Leona smiled. Thank you, Izzy. “Yes, that’s correct.”
“She said you’d never forget my name. She was right.” He chuckled. “What can I do you for?”
“I have a job for you.” Leona explained the situation.
“You want me to babysit him,” Diesel stated more than asked.
That sounds horrible. “Well, yes, but I’m hoping it won’t always be that way.”
“I see.” Diesel was quiet for a bit. “Okay, I’m in.”
“This is kind of last minute but would you be able to meet us in Cincinnati in two days?” Leona readied alternatives in case his answer was no.
“Not a problem. I’ve done private work before. Things move fast. I’ll work it out,” Diesel said.
That’s my kind of guy. Now all she had to do was break the news to Luke. “Great. Stay on the line so I can connect you with my colleague, Sara. She’ll get you set up.”
“Sounds good.”
Leona was about to click over to call Sara.
“Oh, and Leo?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m a damn good babysitter.”
Leona laughed. She and Diesel would be very good friends.
* * *
Luke ran the streets of Cincinnati, cataloguing the landslide of creativity in his head. The last few tour dates had gone off without a hitch and he understood more and more why Leona had come so highly recommended. Not only was Leona efficient with her operations but she also seemed to be in tune to his needs even before he made an inquiry or request.
Back at the hotel, he rubbed his hands together, famished for his post-workout meal. The team leads were having a status meeting and once he finished eating, he quickly showered and headed over, eager to discuss some of the changes to his set for the lighting crew. A large, bulky, familiar-looking dude powered in a few minutes later. The man dressed in black jeans and a black shirt. By the way both Leona and Sara ogled the man, this guy was giving him some competition. He frowned.
Leona motioned the man over to him. “Luke, this is Diesel.”
Luke’s brain found the connection. “You’re the bouncer from Aurora. What’s up, man?”
They shook hands.
“Just glad to be a part of your tour. My girl’s freaking out about it. She loves your music,” Diesel said.
Luke gave Leona a quizzical look. She was up to something. “Thanks, man. I appreciate that.”
Both he and Diesel waited for Leona to continue.
“Luke, your tour is popular and as we travel, the excitement of the fans will increase. You’re going to need more security in addition to what we already have. Diesel will provide personal protection for you.” Leona overdid it on her facial expressions. She was definitely selling him something.
“A bodyguard?” Luke asked. She thinks I need a babysitter?
“Yes. Diesel will make sure you get to your destinations on time, and the best part is, he’ll always be connected to our team. No one will bother you or question your whereabouts.” Leona wandered to the team with her back almost facing him.
Did she just wink? Jeez, it was just the one time. Well, there was also the time she was looking for me before the first show, but I was preparing my set. Okay, twice.
Sara stifled a giggle and Sebastian stared openmouthed at Leona as she finessed the situation. Luke shook his head, sharing his own humorous moment with her team.
“And—” Leona spun around as if to add a highlighted feature. He righted his face back to serious. “Because Diesel is paid by Wallace Entertainment, you don’t have to worry about budget for him or give him any instructions. He knows exactly what he needs to do and how to get you to where you need to be.”
Luke crossed one arm over his chest and with the other hand, twisted the patch of hair under his lip. “Hmm.” A smile almost cracked his visage.
She may have been trying to sell him on the idea of a bodyguard-babysitter, but she was damn cute doing it. He forced his focus from her swiveling hips back to her words.
“Diesel will occupy one of the bunks on your tour bus and his room will be on your floor at the hotels. If you’re going to be somewhere public, he’ll accompany you. Whatever you need. I would feel so much better knowing you’re safe and in good hands. He starts tonight, if you’re okay with it.” She held her breath and planted her feet as if for a fight.
But he wasn’t going to fight. The start of the tour had been well received and her decisions so far had benefitted him, the team, and the tour. Who was he to stop her from keeping tabs on him?
Luke smiled but didn’t respond right away. “I’m okay with it.”
Leona’s eyebrows rose to her hairline. “Really?”
“Really. So long as it doesn’t alienate my fans.”
Leona frowned. It wasn’t the response he was expecting but perhaps his compliance had thrown her. He couldn’t fault her for that because it surprised him, too. In fact, their entire exchange during the status meeting had been unlike those in their recent past.
“We’ll find the right balance, Luke. I’ve done this before,” Diesel said. “Sometimes you won’t even know I’m there.”
“Cool.” Luke shrugged.
Leona inched over to him and the scent of wild berries and warm jasmine from her fragrance made him lean down further than necessary to hear her. “You’re sure you’re okay with this?”
“Yup, I’m good.” He had a tendency to lose track of time especially when he was working. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea to have Diesel help him out.
“Okay.” Leona clapped her hands. “Excellent. All right, folks, let’s give Cincinnati a great show tonight.”
Chapter Twelve
Leona fanned herself as she escorted Sara and Sebastian to the airport taxi, but it did nothing to cool her down. The humid Florida weather left her skin clammy. She couldn’t believe they were already a month into the tour and about to embark on the southern portion.
“We’ll see you and Luke in Nashville.” Sebastian held the door open for Sara.
The cool air was heaven and Leona wished she, too, were going to Music City. Since Luke was doing a performance at a Miami club, the owners accommodated both him and Leona with luxury suites at the club hotel. She met with her team at the tour hotel before sending them off to Nashville.
“Where’s Diesel? Isn’t he riding with you guys?”
“Luke did another pop-up fan visit, so he’s running late. He should be down in a minute,” Sara said from inside the vehicle.
Leona frowned. One thing she learned about Luke was his spontaneity with surprising the fans in public. She found this endearing yet frustrating, but was thankful for the updates Diesel fed her.
Luke had opted not to have Diesel stay for the one-off performance. Since the club provided security, Diesel could travel to the next location with her team.
“Here he comes.” Sebastian pointed to Diesel, who exited a shuttle bus and jogged over with his luggage.
“Hey,” Leona greeted.
“Sorry about the wait. The fans didn’t want to let Luke leave and he didn’t want to
let them down,” Diesel said to Sebastian, and then turned to Leona. “He’s all tucked in with his animal crackers at the club’s hotel.”
Leona laughed out loud. “Thanks.” Diesel was doing great with Luke, so much so that the two had become a friendly pair. He had learned Luke’s quirks and preferences and Luke had come to know his. Alas, a bromance was born.
“Hey, Sara,” Diesel said.
Leona couldn’t mistake the soft inviting intonation in Diesel’s greeting.
Sara blushed. “Hey.”
When did that happen? Doesn’t he have a girlfriend? Leona glanced at Sebastian who returned a weary smile, confirming the sweetness between Diesel and Sara. Leona’s heart ached for Sebastian, who had not-so-secretly pined over Sara since they’d met three years ago.
“Umm, okay. You guys be safe.” Leona said her goodbyes then retreated back inside the hotel to get some relief from the heat before the next shuttle arrived. She could have easily arranged for a car to pick her up, but the shuttle ride helped slow down her partial free day.
She and Luke didn’t have to be at the club until later that night, giving her time to refresh and relax from the intense travel. Over the past month she and Luke had gotten into a rhythm as manager and client. As best as she could she avoided being alone with him for too long, which was easier with close to a hundred roadies, including lighting techs and team members around. But at times there was still a tug of war for control.
Leona had been working on video installments with Sebastian to finalize the montage for Luke’s website and social media outlets. Now that they had enough footage, the series of videos was ready.
Leona occupied a conference room down the hall from Luke’s room. There was no one else on the penthouse floor so unless it was Luke, she wouldn’t be disturbed. She plugged her computer into the large monitor, put on earbuds, and critiqued the images.
As she made minor notes for Sebastian, she reached for the brownie sundae she’d bought from the ice cream parlor. Instead her hand swiped air. She whirled around to find Luke standing behind her, holding her sundae.
