Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 336(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 336(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
She picked up her mug and took a sip. “I looked over the band’s schedule, and the next two weeks are quiet.”
He nodded. “That’s good. I’m going to need you to set up a meet and greet at the Hamptons Rehab Center. The timing is perfect.”
She raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Of course. Do you want me to give the information to Naomi?” she asked of the band’s publicist.
“No. Absolutely not.” The rough sound of his voice combined with the determined note told her all she needed to know.
“Under the radar it is.”
His shoulders eased and he leaned back in his seat. “It’s something I do for myself and an old friend. I don’t want any kind of accolades or media attention.”
“Okay,” she said quietly, sensing how important this was to him. “I love that you do this. I’m sure it gives people who are struggling a boost they need.”
He glanced down. “I hope so.”
Because the time was right, she decided to open up to him. “My parents were killed by someone driving while impaired by drugs. Someone who, it turns out, had been refusing rehab when his family asked, then begged him to go.”
He visibly stiffened and she twisted her hands in her lap. She never liked talking about their deaths but she … trusted him with personal, painful information.
“Is he in jail?” Dash asked.
She shook her head. “He died that night, too.”
“I’m sorry,” he said in a gruff voice.
She met his gaze and gave him a smile. “Me, too.” Clearing her throat, she sensed a subject change was in order. “Anything else you want me to line up?”
He seemed to relax again. “No. I’ll be going into the studio with the guys to do some collaboration, see what we can come up with.” Excitement glittered in his eyes at the prospect.
“Have you been writing? I know Axel comes up with his own lyrics, too.”
He nodded. “I might even have been inspired by a certain woman who brings unexpected light to my life.” His sexy grin lit her up inside.
She shook her head, refusing to believe he was serious. “Come on. You already got me into bed. No need to try and charm me now,” she said, still thinking he was joking.
He stiffened and she felt him withdraw. “Is that what you think I’m doing? Trying to charm you and not telling you the truth?” Hurt sounded in his voice, making her feel small.
She hated that her insecurities had led her to belittle what he’d said. “You really wrote songs about me?” she whispered.
“You’re damn right I did.” Reaching out, he pulled her off his chair and onto his lap, taking her by surprise. “I know you don’t trust me, and I’ve given you good reason, but I hope you’ll try and keep an open mind from here on in.”
She’d already trusted him, she thought, as she looped her arms around his neck and touched her forehead to his. “I’ll try harder,” she promised him.
A slow smile crossed his face, and he pressed his mouth against hers. Tasting coffee on his lips, she moaned and touched her tongue to his. The kiss didn’t last long because the ring of his phone interrupted them, sounding from its place on the table.
He groaned and glanced at his cell. “Sorry. Give me a minute.”
He reached over and picked up his phone, answering the call. “Hey, Mom.”
She opened her eyes wide and tried to squirm off his lap, but his strong arm held her tight. Thanks to her movement, she felt him harden beneath her thighs, and arousal suddenly pulsed through her as well.
As if nothing were wrong, he focused on his call. “Thanks,” he said to his mom. “I’m glad you loved the show on television. The guys and I had a great time performing.”
Once again Cassidy attempted an escape, but he clasped a hand on her upper thigh, and she swallowed a squeak of both surprise and objection.
“But it’s your mother,” she mouthed, shaking her head.
He ignored her, keeping her in place, something his erection obviously enjoyed. “Yes, I know the family barbeque is this Sunday at my place. It’s not a problem.”
Cassidy was well aware of the Kingston family get-togethers, big events that included friends as well as the relatives at least once a month. She’d been invited, too, in the past, courtesy of Sasha.
“Oh, you saw the red carpet?” He winked at Cassidy and grinned. “Yes, I’m with Cassidy now. Yep. Official girlfriend.”
She poked him in the chest, and he grabbed her finger, still grinning.
He shouldn’t be lying to his mother. This was a fake arrangement to help his social media presence settle down so he could focus on his music. Now that the world knew about them, he’d have a couple of quiet weeks in the Hamptons, and the potential baby daddy drama should blow over. As it was, mentions were slowing down to a trickle. If the guys stayed out of bars and trouble and lay low for a while, her job would be done. She ignored the cramping in her stomach at the thought of losing this, and she held his arm tighter against her.