“Easy as pie.” She shrugged, unconcerned.
He narrowed his gaze, trying not to be too comforted by her confident assurance.
“Make no mistake. I’m not paying you to be their girlfriend. You cannot, under any circumstances, sleep with them.”
Jerry choked on a cough and struggled to breathe.
Carl held Lenny’s eyes.
“Do you understand?”
“Loud and clear.” Lenny matched his expression and Carl had to hold back a smile. She was definitely unexpected.
He sighed and ran both hands through his hair while looking up at the ceiling before chuckling sardonically. “I have no idea why I'm even entertaining the thought of hiring you. You are exactly the kind of girl that can bring this tour crashing down.”
“Listen, I know I’m a chick and I know I’m not what you expected,” she started, refusing to be deterred. “But I’m stronger than I look and I'm a fast learner. I can do the job and I'll do it well,” she repeated, her jaw flexing lightly under her skin and Carl heard the desperation that she tried to hide in her voice.
Why did she need this job so badly?
He knew Jerry was watching him, waiting for an indication of some kind, but he couldn't look away from the determined stare of her midnight blue irises. She was serious, she meant business, and he believed her.
Somewhere in her life she had learned to fight for what she wanted.
When he spoke again his attitude had changed from skeptical to decided. “I've been with these guys for nearly twenty years. They tend to be pretty self-destructive and I need someone on the inside. Not just an assistant. I need someone who can be their best friend, but stay loyal to me. They have to trust you, need you, and like you. I can't have another tour riddled with scandal, and the guys have promised they've changed but...” He rolled his eyes and rubbed his chin dejectedly.
They were so stubborn. The last time he’d tried to explain to them that hiring on-site tour assistant would be beneficial, they’d balked. Said they wouldn’t be able to relax and focus on the job if they felt like their every move was being analyzed by an outsider.
And while he understood their perspective, and respected the work they’d put into the band and themselves since Germany, he didn’t trust them not to fall into old habits eventually.
Hence, the assistant.
His backup.
He could be the heavy. He had no problem with them hating him.
He just needed someone who’d give him a heads up if say one of them decided to get drunk and smuggle a motorcycle into a hotel suite.
And disassemble it.
And leave it there.
Not that that had ever happened.
They could make as many promises as they wanted. But Carl needed just a little more than words.
“I don’t think it’s having an assistant that bothers them,” he mused out loud. “I think they have just as many trust issues as I do. They just don’t want a random weirdo to be in charge of them for the next six months.”
He sucked air in through his teeth as a fresh thought crossed his mind. His eyes flashed at Lenny and a slow smile spread across his face.
“What?” Lenny asked apprehensively, her eyes lighting up as she realized that the job was in her reach.
“I'm gonna stick you on the plane with them tomorrow. Let them think you're another passenger. If you use as much charm on them as you have on us, they'll hire you themselves.”
“That's pretty sneaky, Carl,” she pointed out, arching one eyebrow at him.
“I'm out of options, kid. These guys have been the collective pain in my ass ever since I walked into their garage and told them to keep it down. They have so many hoops to jump through, you have no idea.”
He shook his head and looked her over again. “I like you, Lenny. I almost feel bad asking you if you want the job. It might ruin your life.”
Carl watched Lenny as she considered all of the information. At first glance, with her blonde up-do and flawless skin, he thought she was just another pretty face. But she had a spark in her she couldn't hide. A spunky cockiness that appealed to him.
She was undoubtedly perfect for this job.
“You're making a good choice, Carl.” She gave him a half-smile and Carl was surprised at his own sense of relief that flooded his veins.
For the next twenty minutes the three of them went over the confidentiality agreement and the touring schedule. She signed some paperwork and asked hardly any questions. They all shook hands and she left.
Carl stared after her, lost in his own thoughts. He had complete confidence that they had found the ideal person.
“That was easier than I expected,” Jerry said, breaking into his thoughts. “I wasn’t sure you’d find what you were looking for. Considering... everything.”
“She’s perfect,” Carl agreed.
“I sure hope this works out for you. Better than the last tour anyway.”
“It will,” Carl said matter-of-fact as he started to gather his things. He couldn't wait to get out of this office and have a cigarette. He hated coming to this building, but Jerry insisted they do the interview in his office. Saying something about how Carl's smelled like cigarette butts and coffee.
“What makes you so sure she won’t run off with one of them and end up in the tabloids?” Jerry attempted to joke.
“She’s smart,” Carl responded simply. “Besides, she didn’t even ask what band she’s working for. Not once.” He took a breath and picked up his bag. “Whatever she’s looking for, it isn’t fame and drama.”
The ticket had been waiting for her at the counter like Carl had promised.
That was the moment it had started to feel real.
It was really happening.
She’d sent one last text message in the terminal before shutting down her phone and getting her focus on.
Now, she sat patiently in the plane––a window seat, bless Carl and his grumpiness.
Tension like heavy butterflies trembled in her belly and she focused on her breathing.
She tried to keep in mind all the instructions Carl had fired at her the day before.
Be friendly but not flirty.
Talk about how you’re unemployed.
Make sure you mention your organizational skills.
“Hey, beautiful.”
She glanced up at the greeting.
An attractive man in his late twenties grinned devilishly at her.
She smiled politely as her brain nearly short circuited.
Up until that exact moment the phrase “rock star” had just been a tiny detail in her otherwise elaborate plan to run away from her life.
“How did I get a seat next to you?” he asked her flirtatiously, his pale blue eyes sparkling with mischief. He fell into the seat beside her and she was introduced to the scent of his clean hair and aftershave.
She suppressed the urge to inhale deeply.
He angled his upper body slightly her direction and she allowed her eyes to scan his features. Dirty blond hair that was tied back in a short ponytail, faded jeans, ratty Chuck Taylor’s, pale blue t-shirt that hugged his chest and stretched over sculpted shoulders.
Lenny shrugged and played it cool, remembering her instructions from Carl. “Luck, maybe?” she replied coyly.
“Story of his life, the bastard.” Another voice joined their conversation from across the aisle.
Lenny leaned over to see what she assumed to be two more band members seating themselves adjacent to them. Another two men plopped into the seats in front of her as well. They were all in their late twenties to early thirties, had rumpled clothes on, and dark circles under their eyes. As she looked more closely, she began to recognize them.
Yeah, she really should have done her homework.
No wonder Carl had been worried.
They were all incredibly attractive.
And not only that, she knew their music.
Had this been a bad idea?
“Going on v
acation?” The friendly young man next to her kept the dialogue going.
And just like that, her reason for needing out now came screaming back to her.
“Looking for a change of pace and a new job,” Lenny replied, not lying.
At least he wouldn’t have to work at getting their attention. That was a relief.
When Carl had said she was supposed to befriend them without flirting she had no idea how that would happen.
Apparently that had been a wasted worry.
He grinned at her and she fought being straight dazzled by his beauty.
“Unemployed and sitting in first-class? How is this possible?”
“I have wealthy parents,” she explained strategically, realizing her slip. She tilted her head and smiled sweetly, hoping they could skip the details about her life.
“I’m Sway,” he introduced himself and stuck out his hand, not truly interested in Lenny‘s back story.
She grasped it strongly and replied, “I’m Lenny.”
“Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” He winked at her and Lenny suppressed a grimace.
It wasn't exactly the most original line she'd ever heard.
She let her hair fall over her face as she dipped her eyes, thankful that she could hide behind it, pretending to be flattered. Her physiology didn't normally respond to a guy flirting with her, she had always told herself she was far too practical for things like butterflies and blushing.
Obviously rock stars had a little more charm imbedded int her DNA.
Still, her gut reaction was to be snarky or flippant and she couldn’t do that now. She had to be friendly––whatever that meant.
She was now thankful that her elastic had broken in the terminal, releasing her customary tight braid and rendering her hair a useful curtain as she recalibrated her expressions.
Sway, if that was indeed his name, though Lenny doubted it, wasn't traditionally handsome. His face was wide and angular with high cheekbones and soft, full lips. His skin was smooth, freshly shaved, not even a hint of stubble. His fine, blonde hair was probably shoulder length, though it was hard to tell since he had it casually pulled back.
Lenny looked at his unbroken elastic with envy; Sway caught her gaze and gave her a suggestive eyebrow waggle.
Lenny fought back a chuckle and looked away with feigned shyness.
Out the window, the plane was rising off the runway and into the air while the flight attendants went through their perfectly practiced speeches. She swallowed hard to compensate for the pressure change and tried not to think about home.
She had sent a text to her parents with very little explanation. Her mom would be unreasonably worried, which is why she avoided the conversation altogether. They would never understand. They had always struggled with comprehending the majority of her life decisions, but even more so in the last couple of years.
As her thoughts kept following their path, her chest started to burn with an irritatingly familiar heartache. She closed her eyes and leaned back in her seat, deliberately pushing those old thoughts and feelings away. The past was the past and she couldn’t change anything, so there was no reason to think about it.
Her hand clutched her phone and she checked to make sure she had turned it off at the attendant's reminding. She knew she had though, she had powered it down before boarding, not looking forward to the inevitable string of irate replies when she had to turn it on again.
Luke Casey tried to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous girl tucked between his bass player and the window across the aisle from him without being too obvious.
She hadn’t been giggling at Sway’s flirting so that was something.
He’d first spotted her in the airport terminal when they’d been walking into the First Class Lounge.
Something about her energy had grabbed his attention.
Her attire wasn’t remarkable––cutoff denim shorts with legs for days, a white t-shirt, her long, naturally blonde hair hung past her shoulders. And she was taller than average.
She’d laughed at something the older woman at the counter had said and that was what had gotten his attention.
She laughed with her whole body. Her energy rippling through the air and bringing smiles to the faces closest to her.
Her energy was captivating.
She had the kind of beauty that reminded Luke of sunsets and mountain vistas.
Natural, wild and dangerous.
The kind that made it hard to look away.
Luke hadn’t been able to get her out of his head.
So when he’d spotted her next to his bassist in the plane, he was annoyed.
They all had a habit of letting beautiful women get them into trouble.
Sway was perhaps the most likely to have that happen.
Maybe he should ask Sway to switch places with him.
To protect the band obviously.
Not because he wanted to know more about her.
Right.
He shot another glance across the aisle and spotted a notebook with a pen shoved in the spiral clutched in Lenny’s lap.
And right on cue Sway asked, “Are you a journalist?”
Ha. No way was she a journalist.
Over the years he’d developed a sixth sense where they were concerned. Journalists tended to give off a certain aura that repelled him. However, he was somewhat thankful that his pushy friend was keeping her talking.
Lenny looked at the notebook in her lap. “No, just a poet,” she said absentmindedly. Luke strained, trying to listen in on their conversation without being obvious.
Or creepy.
“Oh, so it’s a book of secrets, is it?” Sway's tone stayed light. He could never resist a pretty girl.
Lenny winked. “Everyone has secrets.” She smiled easily and changed the subject. “Why are you going to Chicago?”
“We’re heading there to kick off our tour,” Sway answered with a hint of pride and Luke rolled his eyes.
Lenny frowned. “Tour? Are you in a band?”
Laughter and snickers erupted from the other members as they overheard.
Sway smiled, pretending to be embarrassed that she didn’t know who he was. “I guess you could say that.” He took a bottle of water from the drink cart as it passed. “I’m sorry, I thought I introduced myself. I’m Ryan ‘Sway’ Schaeffer, bass player for a band called Double Blind Study.”
Lenny's brows drew together. “Okay...”
Sway wasn’t disappointed. Instead, he grinned from ear to ear, showing her his dazzling, perfect teeth. “We’re kind of a big deal,” he bragged.
“Is that why you thought I would be impressed with your flattery? I imagine most girls are.” Lenny raised an eyebrow pointedly and Luke smirked. Girls didn't tend to call Sway out on his obvious self-important air.
“Of course,” Sway admitted, still grinning.
Lenny snorted. “You’re so humble, too.”
“Admit it, you’re a little impressed,” Sway pressed with a small pout.
Luke couldn’t listen to anymore. He stood in the aisle and grabbed Sway by an arm and pulled him to his feet.
“You talk too much, Sway,” Luke gently scolded. Sway’s eyes connected with his and they exchanged an unspoken conversation.
What are you doing?
Saving you from embarrassment.
Oh. I was doing the thing?
Yeah. You were doing the thing.
My bad.
Luke shook his head and took Sway’s now vacant seat.
“Sorry. He can be… a lot.” He sighed and avoided direct eye contact with Lenny.
She laughed softly. “He’s not that bad.”
Luke’s lips twitched and he opened the magazine he’d brought along with him. Even though he wouldn’t be able to focus on the contents for a minute.
“Ha ha,” Blake jeered from just ahead of Luke and Lenny. “Did Luke put you in timeout already? How long did that take?”
“Whatever, dude,” Sway grumbled hal
f-heartedly. “No regrets.”
Lenny was amused at their interaction, they reminded her of her brothers.
But she couldn't get distracted, she had a job to do.
Time to become their new best friend.
Lenny had been blessed with a photographic memory. It came in handy more often than not, allowing her to learn tasks quickly and become proficient in them. She noticed and stored details as precisely as a computer. It was her best kept secret, and she had always used it to her advantage.
The guy who had switched seats and was now sitting next to her was the lead singer of the group. Double Blind Study had been her favorite band for some time now. Hard rock with a bit of metal influence. They hadn’t toured in two years because of the drummer doing hard drugs when they were overseas and landing in the hospital. The tabloids ripped them apart, sensationalizing the truth of the matter. They printed gossip and pointed blame on drinking, girls and the band’s inability to get along with one another. The band members refused to do interviews and took a hiatus. Their fame skyrocketed. Fans demanded new music and a follow up tour.
She covertly studied Luke Casey sitting next to her. He was casually browsing through a guitar magazine, not as interested in her as Sway had been. His short blond hair was covered by a Celtics ball cap, not a surprise since most of them were natives of Boston. His gray t-shirt was snug against his lean but muscular chest and shoulders. Tattoos leaked out from his short sleeves and down to his elbows. Despite his rumpled appearance and worn jeans, he smelled clean and his face was shaved smooth. His reputation was one of smoldering sex appeal and refusal to get tied down. Typical lead singer qualities.
Lenny put on her most amicable smile, tucked her hair behind one ear and asked, “Are you guys always this nice to each other?”
She still hadn't gotten a clear view of Luke's face, and she was wondering if he was as good looking in person as in the magazines. Not that it should matter, she was now on the payroll and Carl had been pretty specific about how he felt with her 'fraternizing' with the band members.
However, those facts did nothing to extinguish her curiosity.
She was still a woman, after all.
“Pretty much.”
He thought for a minute, seemingly engrossed in the periodical, then added, “We look out for each other. Some of us don’t know our weaknesses as well our friends do. You need someone to watch your six.” He turned his stunning blue eyes on Lenny. “You know what I mean?”
Key Change: A Slow Burn Rockstar Romance (Common Threads Book 3) Page 35
