Wish Granted: A Very Merry “X”-mas

Holiday Reads Christmas Scene:

Wish Granted: A Very Merry “X”-mas

By Michelle A. Valentine ©

The hallways of the children’s hospital are alive with energy tonight as I walk hand-in-hand with Xavier through them. He’s here by special invitation to grant a couple Christmas Eve wishes for a few boys and girls who requested to meet him. My man dearly loves his fans, but the kids who look up to Xavier really mean a lot to him. He always makes time for them. But tonight, according to the information his manager, Jimmy, gave him, he’s not the only celebrity gracing the hallways of the this medical facility, which is why there’s so much fuss with triple security everywhere the eye can see.

“It’s right this way, X,” Jimmy says as he double checks the paperwork in front of him. “Room three-oh-three—Austin Mills—age eight.”

Xavier nods and worries his lower lip between his teeth as we round the corner and head into the oncology ward. For being the biggest, scariest looking man I’ve ever known, when it comes to children, he has a kind heart.

I give his hand a little squeeze just like I always do when I need to let him know that I’m here for him without saying a word.

He stares down at me, and my gaze locks onto his light blue eyes as one corner of his mouth turns up into a sad smile. “I’m glad you’re here, Anna. I hate seeing kids sick like this, and it takes a lot out of me when I do. Fucking cancer is an evil bitch with no mercy.”

I’m right there with him on that one.

“A cure can’t come soon enough, especially for these little guys. It’s unfair, and they shouldn’t have to go through this,” I say.

“I wish there was more that I could do for them.”

I place my free hand on his tattoo-covered forearm. “You being here…that brightens their day. I’ve seen the way you are with kids. They are in awe of you.”

“You know how I feel about that role model thing. I’m not the kind of person they should look up to.”

I raise one eyebrow. “And you know that I completely disagree with you on that—no matter what kind of shitty things you’ve done in your past. These kids don’t care about that at all. To them—you’re like Superman—real hero material, so stop beating yourself up over things you cannot change and focus on all the good you’ve done since you overcame your past.”

He leans in and kisses my lips. “You believe in me far too much, beautiful.”

I smile at him. “It’s not hard to have faith in someone who has an unbelievable heart.”

We round another corner and finally make it to Austin’s room. I let go of Xavier’s hand and nod toward the room. “Get in there and make that kid’s day.”

Xavier’s lips curve into a wicked smile as he leans in and whisper’s into my ear. “Tonight I plan on making your day.”

I giggle and then kiss his lips. “I’ll hold you to that.”

He winks at me while wearing a sly smirk and then dips through the doorframe into Austin’s room. I hover around just outside the door to watch Xavier in action. His tall frame paired with his broad shoulders seems even more intimidating when he steps up beside the bed in the room.

Xavier’s muscles work beneath the white button-down shirt he has on—completely straining against his impressive biceps as he stretches his hand out to the boy in the bed. “Hi Austin. I’m X.”

The child smiles as he shakes Xavier’s hand. “You know my name? Mom!” Austin whips his head in his mother’s direction who is sitting in a chair in the corner of the room. “He knows my name!”

“I heard.” His mother grins, and I can tell she’s doing her best to appear upbeat, but she fails to hide how truly tired she is in her eyes. My heart breaks for her. She tucks her dark brown hair behind her ear and then blots away the tears streaking down her face. 

Jimmy passes a baseball hat to Xavier with his stage name, Phenomenal X, pasted across the front. Xavier pulls a Sharpie out of his back pocket and scrawls his name overtop his photo on the hat before he hands it to the boy. “Here you go, little man.”

“Wow…” Austin’s face lights up like he’s just been given the greatest gift on earth. He studies the signature for a moment before slapping the cap onto his head, completely covering his bald scalp. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome, champ.”

Austin quickly shakes his head. “I’m no champ, but you are. I can’t wait until you win that belt. It’ll look great around your waist. You are going to get the belt, right?”

That earns a chuckle from Xavier. “I hope so. Brian “Razor” Rollins is pretty tough and will be really hard for me to beat.”

He waves his hand dismissively. “You’ll beat him no problem. I know you will. Are you worried about Assassin coming after you when you win the title?”

The mere mention of Rex’s stage name is enough to make my skin crawl. That man is the pariah of the wrestling world as far as I’m concerned.

“I’ll let you in on a little something.” Xavier leans in a bit toward Austin. “Assassin is the biggest chicken I’ve ever met, so I don’t think beating him will be a problem at all.”

I cover mouth with my hand to hold back the smile as my man talks a bit of trash about his nemesis at Tension. Rex better be prepared when the moment does come that he has to face Xavier. Xavier has been itching to get his hands on Rex, and when the moment finally does come, I suspect there will be one hell of a show.

Xavier takes a few pictures with Austin and spends close to an hour with the boy before Jimmy advises him that it’s time to meet with the next child who has requested to meet wrestling’s resident bad-boy, Phenomenal X.   

 “All right, buddy. Looks like it’s time for me to go. Anything I can do for you while I’m here?” Xavier asks the boy.

Austin stares up at him with hope in his eyes. “Can I have a hug?”

Without hesitation Xavier leans down and wraps arms around the kid, paying close attention to not put any tension on all the IV and oxygen tubing that’s attached to Austin.

Warmth fills me at the sight. I wish Xavier could see what I see when I look at him. He’s always so down on himself and convinced he’s not worth all the love and support he receives from his fans. In moments like this, when his walls come down and he exposes the side of himself that’s caring, I know he deserves all the praise.

Xavier pulls away and smiles. “Take care of yourself, and never stop fighting.”

“I’ll be like you, X. I’ll never give up.”

Tears sting at my eyes as I witness the true meaning of bravery and strength from this little boy. More than anything I wish I could reach inside his frail body and rip out every inch of cancer.

“See you around, champ.” Xavier holds out his fist and Austin pounds his into it.

 When Xavier turns away from the bed and heads my direction, I can see that he’s fighting to keep his emotions in check. Tears fill his eyes but then quickly bats them away as he wraps his arm around me and leads me down the hallway.

I press myself against his side. He isn’t one to talk about his emotions, so I don’t dare push him to talk about what he’s feeling. The things I’ve learned about his childhood so far breaks my heart, and I’m glad he’s opened up to me as much as he has. One day, when he’s ready, I hope that he lets me in about everything that’s happened to him in his past.

For the next three hours Xavier repeats the scene that occurred in Austin’s room with three other children who have requested to meet him. He does an excellent job of showing each and every kid he meets how much he cares about them. He chats with them, and even plays a game of checkers with one. The few stories I’ve heard about from when he was a child are completely heartbreaking. He had it rough, and knows what it’s like to struggle as a kid, which is why I believe he loves giving back to his kid fans. Anyone who has ever seen him in action can tell it’s his most favorite part of his job.

“Last stop,” Jimmy says as we round the corner, heading to the last room on his list. “Jenny Stump—age fourteen.”

“A girl? That’s cool,” I say.

“I brought her a little something other than a hat.” Jimmy hands him a t-shirt and a pair of Phenomenal X inspired sunglasses.

Xavier flings the shirt over his shoulder and wraps his large fingers around the glasses. “Is she a cancer patient too?”

Jimmy nods. “Afraid so. It’s heartbreaking.”

We stop in front of the door and Xavier heads on in. It’s different from all the other rooms he’s been in. The child already has a visitor in her room.

A rather tall man who is only about an inch or two shorter than Xavier stands beside the bed. His hair is shaped into a funky black and blonde stripped Mohawk and he has a lip piercing, not to mention several other piercings in his ears. The clothes he has on screams rock and roll with his torn blue jeans and tight black T-shirt. Like Xavier, this guy’s arms are covered in intricate tattoos, giving him that bad-boy appearance. He’s super hot.

The man notices Xavier step into the room and his eyes widen. “Holy shit! You’re Phenomenal X!”

“Riff, language.” A sassy-looking redhead scolds the man and then smacks his arm.

Riff grimaces as he stares down at Jenny who is sitting up straight as a stick in her bed. “Sorry about that.”

Jenny waves her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry. I listen to your music. I’m not offended by cursing.”

Riff chuckles. “Touché, kid.” He then turns his attention to Xavier. “We’ve never met, but I’m a huge fan. Your finishing move kicks ass. I’ve been watching wrestling since I was a little kid, and you remind me of some of the greats that made Tension so famous. I’m Riff, lead guitarist for Black Falcon.”

“The hard-rock band? I know your music. I work out to some of your tracks.” Xavier walks over beside Riff and greats him with one of those weird guy handshake hug things. “Call me X.”

“Wow,” Jenny says in awe as she stares up at two of the biggest guys I’ve ever seen. “I can’t believe you’re both here in my room. It’s like a Christmas miracle.”

“Sweetheart, I’d hardly call us that,” Riff says. “You—you’re the real miracle in this room.”

And just like that Xavier and Riff find common ground in making Jenny’s Christmas wish special. Both men dote on her, taking their time to talk with her to find out about her interests. It’s amazing how these hugely successful men can turn into putty in one little girl’s hands.

After Xavier gives Jenny her presents, he hugs her one final time. “It was awesome to meet you. Let me know if you want to go to one of the shows when you feel up to it. I’ll make sure that happens.”

“Same goes for any of the Black Falcon shows,” Riff adds. “We’ll get you backstage and you can meet the rest of the guys.”

“That would be so amazing. I can’t wait to tell all of my friends about this.” The giddy expression on her face is priceless. “They’ll be so jealous that I have two of the hottest guys in the world in my room.”

Riff’s lips turn up into a cocky grin. “You’ll get no argument from me on that. I am pretty.”

The redhead that’s been next to Riff the whole time laughs. “Jenny, please don’t encourage him. If his head gets any bigger he won’t be able to fit through the door when we get home.”

Jenny stares up at the woman, still wearing a dreamy expression. “You are so lucky to be married to him, Aubrey.”

Riff throws his arm around Aubrey’s shoulders. “Hear that, Kitten. Consider yourself one lucky lady.”

Aubrey shakes her head. “You are absolutely too much.”

“But you love me anyway.”

“That I do.”

Riff whips his head toward Xavier. “X, it was great meeting you. If you ever want to come to a show, let me know.”

Xavier nods. “Thanks, man. Same goes for Tension.”

Riff grins. “I will definitely take you up on that.”

Both men come out of Jenny’s room and then Riff heads down the hallway with his arm around Aubrey. I have to admit, I’ve never heard of Black Falcon before, but then again living with my father didn’t expose me to much more than contemporary Christian music. I’ll have to look his band up because Riff is such a nice guy that I want to support his work.

“Ready, beautiful?” Xavier asks as he threads his fingers through mine.

“Yes.”

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this man. Not only am I insanely attracted to him, but I’m completely captivated by what’s on the inside of him too—his mind and his heart. He doesn’t give himself enough credit for being an amazing person, but as long as I’m around I plan on making sure he realizes how special he is to me every day. Xavier might’ve been busy granting wishes all evening long, but tonight I realize the love that we share for one another is all I’ll ever need this Christmas. 

Phenomenal X:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1G9Wcou
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/NXj890
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B&N: http://goo.gl/0UdPxw
Google Books: https://goo.gl/2Buv9b

Rock My Bed:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/21Qhjnd

My Favorite Chapter Written in 2013

So as I'm reading all the excellent posts about the best books of 2013, it's got me thinking about my most favorite chapter I've written this year. After a lot of thought, I've decided CHAPTER 4 from the novella, ROCK MY WORLD is my favorite and I want to share it with you all. This chapter shows just how far RIFF/ZACH has really come since we'd met him in the first book, ROCK THE HEART. He went from a womanizing man-whore to a man with a purpose and this chapter shows this so well. I think I'll always have a soft spot for Riff's Oreo-lovin' ass. He's a very special guy. Thank you guys so much for making 2013 kick-ass for me and my guys in Black Falcon.

Love,
Michelle

Chapter 4

ZACH

Seven hundred and thirty-seven messages? Holy fuck. That’s what I get for not keeping up with this fan site. This is going to take me a month to sort through. I lean back on the brown leather sofa and close my eyes, completely overwhelmed with the amount of work to do. I’m tempted to say fuck it and take a nap instead, but I know that’s not fair to the fans. This is their outlet for their passion about my work. How can I ignore that?

I take a deep breath, grab a snack pack of Oreos from my bag and then get to work. It’s a painstakingly long process, but to see their giddy responses when they realize I’ve replied personally make it all worth it. Before Aubrey, this was the place I came to feel love. My fans poured it out to me unconditionally and I soaked it up. That’s actually why I started bagging so many groupies. There’s nothing like being someone’s everything.

“You got a minute, son?” I glance up from the computer screen to find the Judge leaning against the door frame into this impressive den. “There’s something I would like to discuss with you.”

I glance down at the clock on my computer. Damn. I’ve been answering messages for an hour and a half and didn’t even realize it. Aubrey should be back soon, but I wonder why her father wants to talk to me without her present.

Fuck. This can’t be a good sign.

I swallow hard. “Sure.”

I stand and follow Judge down a short hall into an office. There’s a very classic look in here, with chocolate walls, cherry bookcases and a matching desk. There’s even a bottle of Scotch, accompanied by four glasses, sitting on a side table.

The Judge’s eyes follow my line of sight. “You want a drink?”

This is probably some sort of test on his part. If I accept the drink, he’ll automatically think I’m a partying alcoholic, but if I refuse, he’ll think I’m lying.

“Sure,” I answer, but don’t plan on drinking the entire thing.

He walks over and removes the glass cork from the Scotch, pouring two glasses half-full. After handing me a glass, he walks around his desk and sits in the high-back chair. His eyes study me intently as we sit in silence, staring at one another.

Judge sits the glass on his desk and leans forward in his chair. “I’m not a man to beat around the bush about things, Zach. I’m very direct, and I don’t keep what I want secret. If more people were like me, the world would be a better place. We would all know where we stand with one another.”

This sounds like the intro to a speech about him not liking me very much. Instead of starting an argument with the father of the woman I love, I simply nod my head like I’m in total agreement. I could be wrong about him, after all. I barely know the man. “I like directness.”

“Good, because I’m about to lay it all out for you.”

Oh fuck.

“Why are you dating my daughter?”

That’s an easy answer. “Because I love her.” There’s no waiver whatsoever in my voice as I speak my truth.

He stares at me a long moment before he continues. “I can see that you believe that, but I know your type—the here today and gone tomorrow guys. I have to be honest with you, Zach. I don’t want that for my little girl. She’s too good for that. She deserves a man that’s stable and isn’t going anywhere.”

I flinch, but understand his reservations. My past isn’t a favorable one. “I can assure you when it comes to your daughter, sir, I’m not going anywhere.”

He sighs. “I was afraid you’d be stubborn about this. You leave me no choice.”

He slides a print out of some sort towards me. “What’s this?”

“Your sealed record.”

My eyes grow wide as they scan the record of my historical brushes with the law. “How did you get this?”

He frowns. “I’m a judge, son. I can get access to anything.”

“But, why do you have it? Aubrey already knows about all this. You telling her won’t stop her from being with me.”

He nods in agreement. “That’s true, but the press would have a field day with something like this, wouldn’t they? It’d be a shame if this was leaked somehow.”

I shoot up from my seat, sloshing my drink around before I slam the glass down on his desk. “Are you threatening me?”

His eyes grow wide for a second and I can tell for a split second I’ve rattled his tough exterior. “Calm down. This could be a threat, but I would prefer to think of it more as a bargaining tool.”

“What do you mean—a bargaining tool? What do you possibly stand to gain by smearing me across the press?”

“My daughter.”

I shake my head. “She wouldn’t leave me over that.”

“No, probably not. My daughter is fiercely loyal—gets that from me, so she’ll stick by your side. That’s why you’re going to leave her.”

“No! There’s no way in hell I’m going to leave her. She’ll understand.”

“She may, but I took the liberty of pulling the other band members’ histories as well. Trip Douglas appears to have some dirty secrets too. I don’t think Trip would appreciate his secrets being shared with the media, or being made public. If you don’t walk away from Aubrey, then you’re going to force my hand. I’ll tear your band apart.”

My pulse races under my skin, causing my hands to shake. Was I really such a bastard this man would ruin the lives of other people to keep me away from his daughter? Can’t he see I’m a changed man? I fucking worship the ground Aubrey walks on. I’d never hurt her. Why would he try to stop a love so pure?

“Why? Why would you do this? I told you I love her. Isn’t that enough?”

“No. It’s not. I want her with a man who I know will always take care of her. I’m not getting any younger, and I don’t want to leave this earth with the fate of my daughter in the hands of some young punk who’ll ruin her life at some point.”

“I won’t do that. I have more than enough money to give her an even better lifestyle than this place if she wants it!”

“For now you do. What happens in ten years from now when your band breaks up and the money stops? What then? You going to drag her down with you?”

His words feel like a fucking smack to the face. He’s right. I have no other skills. None. Music is everything to me. I’ll never stop doing it, even if I don’t make another penny for it. It’s in my blood. I can’t give it up.

The other thing that kills me is the fact that he’s right. While Black Falcon is on top of the fucking world right now, I know that won’t last forever. There’s always another fame-hungry band ready to out-rock you and steal your fans. God knows we’ve taken enough breaks and cancelled enough shows to leave half our fans pissed off. What happens when I can no longer give Aubrey the life she deserves?

“I’m going to take your silence as confirmation that it’s sinking in? You and I both know she’s not the girl for you. She needs to be with someone like Brady—a guy with his head on straight, and a solid future. You shouldn’t be selfish and stop that from happening for her.”

I pull my eyes up from the floor and stare at him. I have no doubt he’d smear both me and Trip to the press if given a chance. While we know about each others pasts and have moved on, it doesn’t mean the rest of the world will.

I sink my head into my hands. As much as I love Aubrey, I don’t want to be the one to hurt her someday. I don’t want her to resent me. She deserves the best life she can possibly have—the nice house, a husband home every night, kids.

God. Kids.

The last part stings the most. I’ve never let the fact that I can’t have kids bother me before, but knowing I can never give her something like that fucking kills me.

The thought of Aubrey pregnant, with a soft glow, smiling as she carries my baby inside her taunts me like a nightmare—one that, no matter how much money I have, will never be fixed.

I sigh, knowing that deep-down I’m still a fucked-up loser who doesn’t deserve my red-headed goddess. “What do you want me to do?”

“I want you out of her life. For good.”

“I can’t just leave her here. She’d expect an explanation, and I don’t want her to know what an evil dick you are. It would ruin her whole perception of you.”

He laughs bitterly. “Very well. Finish out the weekend here, and on Monday I want you on the first plane out of Texas and forget she doesn’t exist.”

My lips pull into a tight line. “I might be on a plane, but you’ll never make me forget her.”  

I don’t give him a chance to say anything else before I storm out of the room, grab my computer and head for the car. I can’t stay here one more second and listen to him tell me that he’s ripping the one thing I care about in this world away from me.

I toss my shit on the passenger seat and crank the car alive, nearly squealing the tires as I back pull out onto the street.

I rub my forehead vigorously as I come to a red light. “FUCK!”

My entire body shakes as it hits me that once again I’ve lost everything that’s important to me. The light turns green just as my eyes burn and tears stream down my face.

Anger wells inside me, and I pound the steering wheel with my hands. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!” I scream at the top of my lungs.

How is this happening? This isn’t what’s supposed to happen. It’s me and Aubrey against the world. I should go back and tell him to go ahead and tell the fucking world I killed my family. It wouldn’t matter if he did. I’m nothing without her anyway.

I slam on my breaks ready to turn around and the car behind me blares its horn, pulling me back to reality. I can’t go back. That would make me a selfish prick, just like the Judge says. I’d destroy Trip, probably royally fuck the band, and never allow Aubrey the chance to have a baby.  

I take a deep breath and mash the gas. I can’t be here anymore. If I can’t have her, I can’t see her. I won’t be able to play it off that everything is fine. She’ll know. She’ll see how fucked up I am.

I park the Fusion in the hotel lot and head to my room. I let myself in and stare at the rumpled sheets on the bed, picturing her naked body laying there, begging me to take her. My chest constricts and suddenly I find it hard to breathe. I crawl into bed and bunch the sheets up in my arms, burying my nose in the soft cotton as I inhale her scent.

“I’ll always fucking love you,” I whisper, doing my best to picture Aubrey in my arms.

The next thing I know someone’s pounding on the door. I shake my head and stare down at the sheets and pray the last few hours of my life was a fucking nightmare. I drag myself out of bed and yank the door open.

Aubrey’s face twists the moment she sees me. “Really, Zach? You couldn’t wait on me?”

I sigh and close the door behind her. I’m a fucking idiot to think I wouldn’t have to see her again. All her shit’s here. “I’m sorry alright. I was tried and you were taking forever.”

“I was only gone two and a half hours. I thought you were okay with waiting. If you didn’t want me to go, all you had to do was say so.” She crosses her arms over her chest and waits for me to apologize.

More than anything I want to. I want to tell her I’m sorry for thinking I could have her—that I’m worthy of her. But as I stare into her eyes, all I feel is shame for the hurt I know I’m going to cause her soon.

She frowns and closes the distance between us so she can touch my face. “What’s wrong?”

I glance over at the bed and lick the corner of my mouth, fighting the sting in my eyes. I can’t let her see me break. “Nothing. Just tired.”

“Did something happen while I was gone?” There’s a slight inflection in her voice. “The Judge trying to scare you off? Because if he is, don’t let him. No matter what it is—I won’t care. I love you.”

I open my mouth to tell her exactly what her father is trying to pull, but quickly close it. I don’t want to be the reason she never speaks to her family. God knows I wish I still had a family to be close to.

I close my eyes and lean my forehead against hers. Can I really give this up?

“Zach, you’re scaring me. Please tell me what’s wrong.”

Shit, this isn’t going well. I need a distraction. If I keep on thinking about this I’m going to drive myself insane.

Without warning I wrap my arms around her and pull her into my chest and kiss her like it’s the last time I’ll ever get to taste these lips. Her eyebrows rise for a second, but she quickly relaxes into me and grabs my neck. I hate keeping shit from her. I want to be honest, but I can’t. I have to keep this shit to myself and figure out how in the hell I can make all this go away and still keep her. I’m not ready to let this go, not by a long shot. 

 

Teaser Tuesday--ROCK MY WORLD

***CAUTION UNEDITED. NOT FINAL VERSION***

Releases 6-30-13
Add it your list on GOODREADS!

Zach let’s out a low whistle as we pull onto my street. “Wow, looks like I’m dating a spoiled, little, rich girl.”

“I’m far from rich. The Judge is the one that’s loaded, not me,” I remind him.

He shrugs nonchalantly. “Maybe so, but I guarantee you never went without.” When I don’t immediately have a snappy come back to argue that I didn’t have a childhood like that, he smiles. “That’s what I thought.”

The truth is I had it made as a kid as long as I played by my parent’s rules. I was never one really to step outside the perfect child role they expected my brother and I to play, but I didn’t fully embrace the uppity lifestyle, either—which probably explains why in college I started dating the bad-boys. They were so different from the guys I grew up with in high school. They typically hate rules and love their freedom, and deep-down I discovered the same thing about myself once I was out in the real world and could make my own decisions.

Zach pulls into the drive and cuts the engine before turning his head my direction. “Anything else I need to know before I walk in there?”

My mind wonders through a few scenarios of how this first meeting is going to go down. The last boy I brought home was clear back in high school, and he was nothing like Zach. While my mother knows I tend to get my heart crushed by loser men, she’s never had the pleasure of meeting my new type. She’s used to seeing me with uptight jerks like Isaac, so I’m not sure how she’ll react. I pray they remember their manners and are polite to him, whether they approve of our relationship or not.

Not one piece of advice to give to Zach flits through my mind, but I want to reassure him. “Just be your charming self and they’ll love you.”

He flicks his eyes towards the large, two-story, brick home in front of us. “I can’t get over the size of this place. Lawyers really make that much?”

“The good ones do.” I touch his hand on the gear-shift. “Remember, my dad takes his job pretty seriously, so don’t crack jokes about it. My father actually prefers that my brother, Gabe and I call him The Judge like the rest of this town.”

Zach raises his brow. “Maybe I should have you start calling me Guitar God. Might be kind of fun, especially in the bedroom. What do you think?”

I smack his arm. “I think you better keep dreaming, because that’s so not happening.”

He laughs as he opens his door. I take a second to appreciate the view when he walks around the front of the car. His jeans hang low on his hips, but yet hug his butt perfectly, accentuating the curve, making it almost yummy enough for me to want to take a nibble. The white t-shirt he’s wearing gleams against his toned, tattooed forearms as he reaches up and tugs on the hat that’s hiding his trademark hairstyle. He’s so freaking hot. How did I get this lucky?

Lost in the thought of how sexy he is, I jump when he opens my door and clutch my chest.

He stares down at me with those sparkling, green eyes with a perplexed expression. “You alright there?”

A blush fills my cheeks as I stand up. “Never better.”

Zach wraps his arms around my shoulders and grins. I inhale the spicy scent of his cologne mixed with the soap he uses. “You were thinking naughty thoughts about me again, weren’t you?”

I bite my lip but never look away from the challenge in his eyes. “Maybe I was.”

A growl escapes his lips as he pushes his hips against me, allowing me to feel the growing erection in his pants against my belly. “Damn it, Kitten. See what you do to me. I swear to God I’m on like a fucking light switch whenever the thought of you and sex enter my head at the same time. You’ve ruined me for life.”

I laugh and run my hands up and down his back. “I’m glad I’ve ruined you for all other women. I want to keep you all to myself.”

“You don’t ever have to worry about that, babe.” He reaches up and tucks a strand of my auburn hair behind my ear. “If I have it my way, you’ll be stuck with me forever.”

His thumb traces my chin and he leans in and presses his lips softly to mine. My legs below me instantly turn to jelly and I sink further into him. It’s amazing the affect a simple kiss from this man can do to me. It was one simple kiss from him that first night backstage that turned my world on its head and changed everything in my life. For him—for this love we have—I would do anything. This man is my world.

On their own accord, my lips part and I allow his tongue to slip inside my mouth. I grip his shirt in my hands, holding on tight as I get lost in how much my body craves him.

Lean muscle pushes against me and I steady myself against the car for support. Zach’s fingers thread into my hair and a small whimper escapes my lips when he pulls away and kisses the corner of my mouth before working his way across my cheek to the spot just below my ear that drives me crazy. My head falls back as he runs a hand down my side.

We probably look semi-pornographic making out in my parent’s driveway, but I don’t care. Zach brings out a wild side in me even I didn’t know existed—a true rebel willing to risk anything for the man who makes me feel this good. His touch is pretty damn addictive.

He sighs against my skin. “We should probably go in before someone reports the tattooed man mauling The Judge’s daughter to the cops.”

“To hell with the neighbors,” I breathe, not wanting to loose this feeling.

Zach chuckles. “As much as I would like to give the neighbors a hell of a show by fucking you on the hood of this car, I don’t think it’s the best idea. I actually want your family to like me.”

 

(Scene Inspiration: HEAVEN by Boyce Avenue)

 

 

 

 

***FULL BOOK BLURB***

 

Rock My World (Black Falcon, #2.5)

After Aubrey Jenson is wrongly dismissed from her job at Center Stage Marketing, she seeks legal advice from her father, The Judge, to see what grounds she has to get her position reinstated. Her surprise visit to her family doesn’t go as smoothly as she hopes when she brings home her new boyfriend, Zach, Black Falcon’s lead guitarist. She soon discovers that father doesn’t always know best when it comes to matters of the heart.  

When Zach meets Aubrey’s family, he’s immediately faced with his deepest fear: The love he so desperately wants, he doesn’t deserve. The Judge makes no attempt to hide his disdain for Zach, and will stop at nothing to keep him away from his daughter. But an unexpected twist turns everyone’s plans upside down and no one’s world will ever be the same.

Outside forces attempting to pull them apart are strong and it’s going to take every bit of Zach and Aubrey’s love for one another to withstand the fall-out. Soon, they discover making love last is harder than finding it to begin with and sometimes you pay the ultimate price for true love.   

Rock My Bed is LIVE!

I wanted to write a quick thank you to all of you for coming out and supporting Rock My Bed on release day. It made it to #13 overall on Amazon on its first day. I can never thank you guys enough for all of your love and support. It means the world to me!

To show my appriciation, I am giving away a signed copy of Rock My Bed and 5 ebook copies of the book. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! I would hug each and every one of you if I could!

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Teaser Tuesday from Rock My Bed: Riff's a Naughty Man

Rock My Bed teaser

Novel Releases 4-22-13

(((**CAUTION. UNEDITED. NOT FINIAL VERSION**)))

The blonde giggles as I slip my hand into the waist band of her jeans. This one, like most of the others, offered no challenge when I pulled out a Golden Ticket. She eagerly accepted and offered to drop to her knees and blow me on the spot, which was a little awkward considering we were in a crowd of people.

Some women will do anything. Even though most of the time their willingness is welcomed, lately I just haven’t been feeling the whole groupie scene. I’m twenty six fucking years old. I should be having the time of my life, but I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something missing.

I blame the red-headed vixen that’s gotten her hooks into my head. 

Ever since her ass messaged me, all I’ve been thinking about is that kiss and what it’ll be like to fuck the hell out of her. That girl earlier tonight reminded me a lot of Kitten. She would’ve made a good distraction if she hadn’t told me to basically go to hell.  

“Can I cash in that ticket now? You’re so fucking hot,” The tipsy blonde says into my ear, taking me away from my thoughts.

I pull back and gaze into her face. She’s attractive with her platinum hair and dark eyes, but she doesn’t have that spark I’m looking for—that thing that’s sometimes in another person that can light you up and remind you that you’re alive. This chick is just here for the ride, which is fine, and I’ll happily give her what she craves, but it’ll only be instant gratification for me. That few seconds of bliss that makes me forget about everything else, but the here and now. I’m addicted to forgetting. My life is something I would love to sometimes forget.

She leans in and runs her tongue across my lips. “I want you.”

She’s persistent. I’ll give her that. The quick flicks of her tongue against mine causes my dick to grow hard and strain against my jeans. “Come with me.”

I nearly toss her off my lap before I take her hand and pull her into the next room. It’s a cleaning supply storage closet, but there’s enough room in here for to get the job done.

Blondie is eager. She goes right to work on freeing my cock from my jeans. It springs up once she shoves my jeans and boxers down a little. She wraps her fingers around me and gives me a couple quick tugs.

I suck in a quick breath. “Jesus.”

She’s done this before. You don’t get great hand job skills without some practice.

She drops to her knees, but I pull back. “Not without a condom.”

I never let random hookers lick my dick without one. It’s probably not the most pleasant experience for them to basically suck rubber, but I don’t have any sexually transmitted diseases and I would like to fucking keep it that way. I don’t know where the fuck her mouth’s been. I don’t even know her name for fuck’s sake.

I tear the foil package with my teeth, pull the rubber out and then roll it onto my shaft.

She runs her tongue up and down my length. “You have a huge cock. I want you to fuck me with it really hard.”

I know this is a further ploy to turn me on, but I hear the same lame ass lines from different chicks every night. I stare down at her as she swirls my dick around her lips, before taking me into her mouth.

She’s slow at first with a nice, steady rhythm, but I know I don’t want to be trapped with her very long, so I grab a handful of her hair and coax her into sucking faster.

I close my eyes and try to forget where I am, and even who I am, focusing only on how good I feel. That’s when I’ll be damned if Kitten doesn’t pop back into my mind. I can see her leaning against the wall where I first spotted her. The feel of her smoking hot body shoved against mine, and the little moan she let slip into my mouth when I kissed her plays in my thoughts. Suddenly, I imagine us naked against that wall, with me driving my cock balls deep into her.

“Fuck!” A tingle takes over my entire body and I clench every muscle in my body as I come hard.

A couple shudders ripple through me as I untangle my hand from the blonde’s hair.

“Can you go again? I didn’t get anything out of this,” she whines.

I shrug. “Better luck next time, sweetie. I’m done with you, so you can go ahead and go.” I nod towards the door.

She stands with a scowl on her face. “Fuck you!”

I shake my head, but refuse to make eye contact because I’m actually kind of embarrassed. I didn’t mean to lose my shit so fast, but I have to play it off. No one wants to be thought of as a one minute man. “No thanks. It was hard enough coming for you the first time. Now leave.”

“Asshole!” she shouts before she slams the door, leaving me alone finally.

 Fuck. I rub my forehead. What the fuck is wrong with me? I feel like I’m losing my fucking mind.

First Two Chapters Of Rock My Bed and Offical Release date Announcement

Dear Readers,

I know I've been kind of elusive about the release date of ROCK MY BED. The reason for that is I didn't want to give an actual date I didn't think I can make. I've told people *Fingers Crossed* 3-31-13 several times, but now that the date is nearly here I don't feel like that's going to be realistic. I still work as a nurse and have a family, so my time is always stretched thin. Maybe some day I can do this writing thing full time, but until then I have to write when I can.

I have been working like crazy to get Riff's story out to you, but unlike Noel Falcon, he's a total diva. I can't make him do things as easily as I did Noel. Riff will totally flip me the bird and then turn around and clean my kitchen wearing big yellow gloves because he feels bad. Riff won't allow me to rush him, so he needs some extra time.

While I wish I could hand this thing over to you right now, I don't feel it's ready at this point. With that being said, I do feel comfortable giving you a release date of 4-22-13.

To try and ease the sting of the wait, I want to share with you all the first two chapters of the novel. This novel is almost like a retelling of Rock the Heart from Riff and Aubrey's point of view. You'll find out a ton of new things in this book that go along with the first book. Rock My Bed is a stand alone novel, so if you haven't read the first two books you can read this book and completely understand it. However, I will say reading the first book will only enhance the experince of this novel. Rock My Bed does extend past where Rock the Heart and Rock the Band left off, so you will find out what's up Noel and Lane as well. Don't worry Noel Falcon fans, he's in this book a lot.

Thank you all for supporting me over the past few months. Sometimes it's crazy to think this will be my fourth release in five months. I appreciate every single one of you, and can't thank you enough for all the words of support--means the world to me.

I can't wait to share this entire book with you!!


Michelle

 

***CAUTION UNEDITED. SUBJECT TO CHANGE.***

 

 

Rock My Bed

 

Chapter 1

 

AUBREY

 

I tip my head back and listen to the beat of the music echoing down the hallway and readjust my backstage pass. This isn’t the piece of cake first assignment for my best friend, Lanie Vance, I thought it would be. I just hope she isn’t beating the crap out of Noel Falcon on the other side of that red door.

The brick wall is cold against the bare skin on shoulders as I lean against it. This is such a fucked up mess. If I’d known things would get this heated between Lanie and Noel I might’ve agreed with her that she shouldn’t take Diana Swagger, our boss, up on her offer to head up his children’s literacy campaign. Seeing an ex is never easy. I can’t even imagine what I would do if my ex became a rock-God and I was forced to work with him in order to advance my career.

She’s definitely got her work cut out for her.

A few screams at the end of the hall draw my attention. I stiffen against the wall as my gaze lands on Riff, the lead guitarist of Black Falcon. Women rip open their shirts for him to sign their chests as he moves gracefully between them down the hall. My eyes rake over his body. I can see why women line up to throw themselves at him. The hair on his head is perfectly styled into a tall Mohawk that alternates between blonde and black chunk stripes, while his wife-beater tank top shows off a vast array of tattoos covering his broad shoulders and impressive forearms. Riff grins as he signs a couple of bare breasts with a silver Sharpie while another fan kisses his cheek. Everything about him emits raw sex appeal, and it’s impossible to tear my gaze away.   

I bite my bottom lip just as Riff glances up and notices me. Every instinct in my body advises me to look away because this guy is trouble—the kind I’ve sworn off of since the last bad-boy I messed around with broke my heart. Guys like him aren’t good news.

He holds my eyes with his for a few seconds and when I don’t break our stare, a slow, cocky smile spreads across his lips.

Oh shit. Why do I have the feeling that look means I’m in for it?

Riff leans over and says something to one of the security guards and then clamps him on the back before he stalks towards me alone.

Security holds the crazed fans back and it doesn’t even faze him as heads straight for me. The girls behind him continue to scream out his name as he leaves them standing there still starving for his attention, but he never looks back.

I swallow hard as my heart hammers inside my chest. The moment is surreal. Since getting to know Lanie in college and learning about her connection to Black Falcon, I admit Riff is the one band member that’s always caught my eye. There’s just something about him that screams naughty sex on a stick, and I can’t believe he’s heading my way.

My knees grow a little weak beneath me as he stops a couple feet in front of me. Riff smirks as his eyes trail over my body unabashedly, lingering a good while on my breasts beneath my form fitting halter-top. “You’re tits are amazing.”

I flinch and my mouth drops open. “Excuse me?”

His grin widens as he leans into me and braces himself against the wall with a hand beside my head. “I knew it. Red-heads are always feisty and they never disappoint.”

Where does he get off? I’m not a prude. I’m down for having all kinds of fun with a random hottie, but just because he’s a fucking rock-star doesn’t give him the right to treat women like random pieces of rump-roast. If any other pick-up line would’ve come out of his mouth he would’ve had a better shot of getting in my panties. Now, he’s just pissed me off.

“Um, ever heard of personal space.” I place my hand on his chest and give him a gentle shove.

Riff’s hand shoots up and wraps his fingers around my wrist. “Feisty and brave. I can only imagine what a night with you would be like. I bet you’re a wild-cat. Here.” He reaches in his back pocket and pulls out a golden piece of paper from the back of his jeans and slips it into my palm. “Meet me out by our bus. Let me have just one night to fuck you senseless. I guarantee I’ll have you speaking in tongues before the nights threw.”

I stare down at the paper and it looks like a ticket to an amusement park ride. My fingers crumple the paper in my fist. “What the hell is this?”

He moves his other arm and places his left hand on the other side of my head, effectively pinning me against the wall. Both of his knees bumped into mine as leans into me. Damn my stupid body for getting turned on by this beautiful asshole. I feel my own lips betray me as they part when Riff dips his head low like he’s about to kiss me. I close my eyes and my chest heaves with anticipation. This is wrong on so many levels, but a rational reason to not allow this to happen doesn’t enter my brain.

The door across the hall startles me as it slams shut after a very pissed Noel Falcon flees from the room. Riff watches the back of the lead singer of his band storm down the hall, obviously distraught as he grips handfuls of his own hair in his fists.

Riff shifts his gaze back to me. “Use this ticket and come find me. Security will let you past as long as you have it. We aren’t done with this conversation.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he leans in and kisses me so passionately my knees below me nearly give out. The warmth of his tongue gliding over mine causes a tingle in my belly that spreads down to between my legs. Riff cups my face in the palms of his hands and gives me a final peck on the lips. “Find me.”

Without another word he pulls away and heads toward the direction of his band-mate. I watch his retreating backside with my mouth gaping open.

What the hell just happened? Did he really just offer to fuck me for sport and then kiss me breathless?

My heart still hammers in my chest as I unclench my fingers and stare down at the golden piece of paper in my hand. That’s one man I need to stay far, far away from. I just know my sanity and my heart depends on it. Good thing this is the last time I’ll ever see him.

I shake my head to wake myself out of the daze Riff just put me in and stare at the door across the hall. The way Noel came tearing out it tells me Lanie’s little chat with him didn’t go well. Time to do a little damage control.

The door creaks open and I spot my friend with her head hung low. More than anything I want to comfort her. I know it can’t be easy facing a messy past head on like she just did. She’s got some big lady balls, I’ll give her that.

I rest my hands on her shoulders. “Did you get your answers?”

Lanie nods, but she doesn’t turn to face me. She sniffs a little, trying to fight back her emotional pain. “Everything I needed to know.”

My heart instantly breaks for her because I can tell she’s not referring to our job duties. This weekend jaunt hasn’t went anything like I imagined.

 

 

RIFF

 

What the fuck is wrong with me? Why am I chasing down the one person I hate, instead of working on seducing that fine piece of ass back there? Two more seconds and I would’ve had her heading back to the bus where she would’ve been happy to cash in that Golden Ticket.

What a waste.

I follow Noel out the exit doors into the Texas summer heat and watch as he paces in the parking lot. The cool demeanor he usually spots is gone, and replaced by a wild look in his eye as he huffs and growls with his hands on top of his head.

“What the fuck is your problem?” Not that I really care any more. Anything that’s bothering him, he probably brought onto himself.

Noel glances up to the sky and bites his bottom lip like he’s searching for answers from up above. After a couple long moments he shakes his head but still allows his chin to be tilted up. “You ever wished for something so much, that when it actually came true you ruined it without even meaning too?”

I crunched my brow. “I have no clue what the fuck you’re talking about. You’re not using again are you? Babbling like this was always a sign before. You know you shouldn’t be doing that with a baby coming and all. You need to keep your shit together.”

Noel’s eyes meet mine. “You know I don’t touch that shit anymore.”

I cross my arms over my chest. If it weren’t for needing to keep Black Falcon together, I would’ve told him to go fuck himself two months ago when I found out he fucked my girlfriend and got her pregnant.

I actually do hate him for going behind my back. Sophie I expected that kind of shit from. I knew from the jump she and I were never going to be serious. She was merely the chick I kept around for a good fuck when I needed it. Finding a random groupie night after night gets pretty taxing.

But Noel on the other hand, his ass was supposed to be my brother, and I never expected that shit from him. If he stabbed me in the back for a quick piece of ass, what else is he screwing me over with? The moment Sophie told me she was pregnant by him, the trust between us was gone. And so was our friendship.

I stand here now, trying to talk to him out of obligation to the band, nothing more.

Noel rubs his hand over his face and sighs. “Lanie Vance was at our show tonight.”

My eyes widen. “The cold-hearted slut you dedicate Ball Busting Bitch to at every one of our shows?”

He nods. “That’s the one. I never thought I’d see her again, and how the fuck did she end up back stage?”

Things start to click. “Is that who was in there with you when you came flying out? No wonder you were pissed. The one chick that carries your balls around in her purse finally confronts you for calling her ass out in front of thousands of people. Nice.”

I laugh and his face twists. Karma is a bitch named Lanie Vance apparently. Life couldn’t get any fucking sweeter.

Noel glares at me. “That’s not why she came after me.”

“What other reason would she have? You haven’t seen her since high school, right? Keep your wallet in check, dude. Sounds like a gold digger to me,” I say.

He shakes his head. “No. She isn’t like that. Believe it or not she needs me for a job.”

Like that doesn’t sound like a load of shit? “What kind of job?”

“She’s working for Center Stage Marketing.  Apparently, I’m her first client.”

“Fuck. That blows. Can’t you just hire someone else to handle your children’s literacy thing so you won’t have to deal with her crazy ass?” This band doesn’t need any more fucking chick drama to come between us.

“That would be the easy thing to do, but the thing of it is, man, she knows me. She knows all about my struggle with Dyslexia, and as much as I hate to admit it, she’s actually the best person for the job.”

I stare at this pussy-whipped douche bag in front of me, and know exactly what he’s trying to get at. He’s told me all about how this woman was the great love of his life. I know Noel Falcon well enough to know he’s got a side agenda on keeping her around. God knows he’ll screw anything that walks at the drop of a hat, why not fuck an old flame that crushed you once just to prove you still can. If I was him, that’s what I would do.

I shake my head, trying to rid myself of the thoughts. Who he sleeps around with is none of my concern. It just makes him look further like a jackass if he starts stringing along this Lanie chick while he knows he’s got another woman knocked up. “Well, good luck with all that.”

“Whatever you’re thinking, don’t. I’m keeping my word to Sophie. I will be there for the baby. Lane coming back into my life won’t change the fact that I’m responsible. I’ll take care of her and stick by her side throughout the pregnancy just like I promised.”

I hold up my hand. “I don’t give a flying fuck what kind of arrangement you and Sophie have worked out. All I know is that neither of you can really stand the other. How you two are delusional enough to think you’ll be able to come together as some sort of cohesive family unit is beyond me. Thoughts like that prove to me how screwed up your concept of family is.”

“You don’t have to understand it—”

“And I don’t have to listen to you talk about it either. Like I told you before, the days of our personal friendship is over. You ruined that when you couldn’t keep your dick out of my girlfriend.”

“I told you I don’t remember sleeping with her. I didn’t do it on purpose, I’m sorry—”

“Save it. I’ve heard this song and dance from you before, and frankly I’m sick of it. You did it. Man up and admit it. Don’t play the victim card here.”

“God, Riff, are you ever going to accept my apology? I didn’t mean to hurt you, man.”

Hurt me? He has no fucking clue how much it actually takes to hurt me. My life has never been sunshine and rainbows, so bad shit happening to me is the expected norm. I learned a long time ago in order to keep heavy shit away, you had to stop letting people in. Only if they’re inside your heart can they hurt you. Things are so much easier when you can keep the caring part of you locked away from the rest of the world. The idea of Noel hurting me is laughable and it pisses me off that he thinks he has that much influence over me.

“Whatever. I hope she rips your heart out again for sport and I’m there to laugh when she does.” A little harsh I know, but it gets my point across.

Noel flinches as I turn around, not giving him a chance to reply, and trudging toward the security of our bus, Big Bertha. I whip out my phone and check the time. The nights still young. I hope that fiery, wild cat doesn’t make me wait too long. I need a good fuck to take my mind off of shit.   

 

Chapter 2

 

AUBREY

 

A couple days after the concert in Texas, I’m back in my comfortable little cubicle at Center Stage Marketing working away. Sometimes the work as an assistant is a little tedious, but typically I don’t mind. My new boss, Isaac Walters, and I seem to be hitting it off.

Isaac is the newest up and coming hot shot to the firm. Even though he’s fairly new to the marketing world, he’s proven that he knows his stuff. Already, he’s landed major accounts that the old blood hounds around the firm would kill to represent. I can learn a lot from him, and hopefully one day this place will give me a shot to run a few jobs on my own.

I stare at my computer screen. Ever since that crazy-random kiss from Riff, he’s been constantly hoarding every spare minute in my brain. I’ve tried to convince myself that he’s a total jackass and to forget about him, but I can’t.

Stupid body for getting turned on by him.

After a few simple clicks I pull up a social media site. It feels a little creepy and a slight bit stalkerish, but my curiosity is intense. I type in Zackary Benjamin Oliver, the name behind Riff’s stage persona, and hit search. Two seconds later a few names pop up, but none of them are the man I’m looking for, which disappoints me.

I lean back in my chair and tap my bottom lip. He must only use his nickname on these types of things so his fans can follow him. I try again, only this time typing in Official Riff. The person with the most followers lands at the top of the list. It’s him. I could spot that signature, crazy hair anywhere. His page fills my screen after a few clicks and I study his profile picture. The green in his eyes is striking, and I lean in to study the rest of him. His strong jaw line and prominent nose give him that I’m very approachable vibe, but all the tattoos scream rocker bad-ass, quickly reminding me of his true nature. His plump top lip curls into a slight snarl almost like he’s growling while his hands grip his guitar in a suggestive pose.

I bite my bottom lip. Damn it! Why does he have to be so sexy? It makes the fact that I missed out on a one on one sex session with him because my best friend needed me sting a bit.

All the what-ifs flow through my mind. If he fucked half as good as he kissed, I know it would’ve been mind blowing.

I sigh. Maybe it was for the best I didn’t hook up with him. A night like that would’ve probably ruined me for all other men and it would’ve meant nothing to a man of his stature. I’m sure he sleeps with models, actresses and any other beautiful women he wants. Compared to them I will only be a blip on his radar.

The mouse in my hand hovers over the friends’ button. I debate on opening a can of words by connecting with him, but decide to click it anyway because what are the odds that he’ll actually remember me anyhow.

The phone on my desk rings. “Yes, Mr. Walters, what can I do for you?”

“Aubrey, can you please come to my office for a quick meeting.”

I start grabbing up my tablet and pen as soon as he mentions needing to see me. “Sure, I’ll be right there.”

I shake my head. It’s best if I forget about Riff. As much as I would love to experience a night with a sexy rock star, that’s one pipe dream that will never happen.

My mother is probably right, I need to find a nice respectable man with a good job—a man that’s good for my future. She’s been on me for years to leave the bad-boy types alone. They always break my heart, and she’s always been there to pick up the pieces.

I hook my pen into my legal pad and stand up just before an audible ding from my computer attracts my attention.

 

 

RIFF

 

My eyes widen as I spot my red-headed wild cat on my laptop screen. I didn’t think I’d ever see her again after she stood me up the other night, so I’m totally caught off guard when I see her picture pop up as one of my new friends on one of my fan sites.

I click on her photo and it instantly fills my entire screen. She’s just as beautiful as I remember, long auburn hair trailing over her shoulders, complimenting her green eyes and fair skin. She’s the absolute model of fucking perfection—one I’m desperate to bed. Everything I like in a woman she has: sex appeal, sweetness and fire. Those things combined are a rare find and my libido drives me to posses it.

This request excites me. It’s another shot—a do over—for me to try and get her. She doesn’t hate me, that’s clear, or she would’ve have never sent me a friend request. I minimize the profile picture she has posted and click on her personal information section. The name Aubrey Jenson rolls off my tongue as I read her name allowed. I finally have a name to go with the beauty I’ve been dreaming about the past couple of nights.

It says she lives in New York, which throws me off a bit because I met her in Texas. I shrug it off and continue reading about her and then my heart pauses for a beat.

 Fuck!

She works for Center Stage Marketing? That’s the same company that Noel’s heart breaker came down to talk to him about. Holy Hell.

Things start clicking as I think about the few stolen moments with Aubrey in the hallway. Noel flying through the door in a rage after arguing with Lanie flashes before my eyes. My dream girl was there on business, and I treated her like one of my random groupies that was just looking to get laid.

No wonder she stood me up. She’s probably not the type of girl who sleeps with sweaty rock stars who ram their tongues down her throat on a whim. This chick is different from the rest. She’s classy, not some hooker that will suck my dick on command.

But then again, she did just search me out. Maybe she’s down for a night of hot, sweaty sex after all.  

I chew on my thumb as I debate on what to do. The fact that I want to bang her doesn’t change, but my approach will definitely need to be different. This will take more finesse than I’m used to shelling out in order to get laid.

Knowing that we’ve got a common connection almost ensures that I’ll see her again at some point, and when I do, I want her to be so desperate for me to fuck her, she’s practically tear off my clothes the minute she lays eyes on me.

Yes. This chick will take some wooing. Not typically my style, but I love a good challenge and I rarely have that when trying to get laid anymore. Girls playing hard-to-get is one of my biggest fucking turn-ons.

I sigh and start putting a plan of attack in my mind. First things first, I need to gain her trust.

 

AUBREY

 

The fact that Isaac’s waiting on me to come into his office to take notes presses into my brain as I plop back down in my seat. A private message from Official Riff just dinged into my inbox within a couple minutes of requesting his online friendship.

My fingers shake a little as I click to open it.

 Hello Wild Cat,

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since the other night…that ticket never expires, just so you know. See you soon.

Riff

 I swallow hard at the realization that he remembers me. I don’t know whether to be flattered or scared. He’s sexy as hell, I’ll give him that, and my God, I bet he knows what he’s doing in the bedroom. I love a man that’s forward and goes for what he wants. It’s one of the biggest reasons why I always fall for bad boys. Nice guys just don’t have that edge I need to keep me interested.

My phone rings again, and I glance down at the number.

Shit. Isaac again. He’s probably wondering where the hell I am.

I gather my things and head for his office across the hallway. Luckily for me, my boss typically works with his door shut, so I don’t have to explain why I was sitting in my cubicle with my mouth hanging open staring at a computer screen instead of jumping at the immediate call to come into his office.

I knock once before I hear Isaac call “come in” on the other side of the door.

His office is in perfect order, as always. I never knew a man could be so neat until I met Isaac Walters. He’s hard at work on his computer, typing furiously with his brown eyes narrowed through his glasses. The blonde hair on his head lays perfectly into place. His gray suite jacket fits snuggly across his board shoulders. He’s only older than me by a couple years, but he has a defined presence about him that makes him seem so much wiser.

I catch myself staring at him, ogling his chiseled cheek bones and sculpted nose before I shake my head and remind myself that this man is my boss, and a little bit too up tight for my taste. Yes, my boss is model perfect with a little touch of O.C.D. and makes for good eye-candy while I’m at work. This is the type of guy my uptight mother would love for me to bring home, but he’s totally not my style.

“Have a seat, Aubrey. I’ll be right with you,” Isaac says, but never tearing his eyes away from his work.

I take my seat across from him and tug down my black skirt as I cross my legs. His ultra modern black and glass desk gleam from the afternoon sun shinning in from the wall of glass windows behind him. There’s nothing better than New York in the Summer time. Anything you could possibly want is in this city.

I adjust the yellow legal pad on my lap and click my pen, ready to jot the list of notes I’m sure he’s about to fire at me.

Once Isaac is satisfied with whatever he’s working on he turns his chair to face me directly. That’s one thing I’ve learned from him. Direct eye contact lets people know you mean business. It’s hard not to give him one hundred percent of your attention when he turns his gaze in your direction.

He folds his large hands together on his desk and clears his throat. “I was curious how it went this weekend with Black Falcon.”

Oh shit!

This is surprising. We never really make small talk, and it kind of shocks me he’s interested in an account that doesn’t belong to him. Or maybe it does concern him. Maybe Noel called Diana and demand Lanie be fired, and I’m automatically going down too because of association.

I take a deep breath and internally cringe. “It went okay, I think.”

Isaac nods. “That’s good. So, you think you’re up for working with them a little more then?”

What? “I guess so.”

“Excellent. I’ve been assigned to create the design for the Noel’s children’s literacy campaign, and I’m going to need a lot of help from you on this one since you had a chance to meet with the band and hear Noel’s vision directly.”

My shoulders relax, even though I’m still in shock a little bit. From what Lanie told me, Noel Falcon couldn’t get away from her fast enough. I figured we’d be in some deep shit for losing such a large account for the firm, but from the way Isaac is talking, Black Falcon is still our client.

“Of course, anything you need.”

Isaac leans back in his chair. “It’s funny you say that, because what I actually need from you requires a bit of…discretion.”

 “Okay. No problem.”

“I know you’re close to our intern, Lanie Vance, and I’ll need you to obtain some information from her.”

I crunch my brow, confused on where he’s going with this. “What kind of information?”

“It seems that Noel Falcon is quite smitten with her, and has requested that she alone handle this account for him. Diana smoothed things over with him and led him to believe that was exactly what was going to happen. She even agreed to send Ms. Vance on the road with Black Falcon, at his request, for two weeks to appease him, but naturally we can’t allow an intern who’s still wet behind the ears run a million dollar project.”

Things start to click. “So, you’re going to work on it here, while everyone is lead to believe that Lanie’s in charge?”

He smiles. “Precisely.”

“How am I involved in all of this?”

Isaac leans in and rests his elbows on the desk. “You’re going to keep me on the inside track. Get her to tell you things about the band, and then report back to me.”

I swallow hard. “I’m sorry, Isaac, but that feels like a huge betrayal of my best friend’s trust.”

He nods and scoots his chair back and walks around to the front of the desk. His tall frame towers over me as he leans back against his desk while both hands rest on either side of him. “I know this sounds bad, but it’s not exactly what you’re thinking. Diana was going to give this account to someone else until I threw my hat in the ring. I didn’t think it was right to pull the rug out from someone like that, so I figured if I took the account, since you know her, you can get her ideas. That way, we can still implement some of them…if they’re good. She’ll still get some credit.”

“That seems awfully nice of you, but I can’t help but wonder why you would get involved.”

He shrugs. “Because you work for me, and I would like to keep it that way. If your friend quits because she gets angry over the Black Falcon account, I don’t want her to convince you to quit with her. I like having you around.”

That’s kind of sweet, in a weird twisted way, but I’m not sure why he would go through all the trouble. It’s not like we talk much, other than when we have to for business related things. This sudden act of chivalry causes me to raise my eyebrows.

“Isaac, even though I love Lanie, I wouldn’t quit my job on a whim. Center Stage has been my dream place to work since my third year of college. I’m just glad you put your faith in a new grad and hired me even though I had no experience. No one else would’ve given me a shot like that, so I’m grateful to you for the chance.”

Isaac’s face lights up and his smile brightens. “Good, because I really don’t want you to go any where. Matter of fact, I would like to keep you around so I can get to know you better.”

I meet his gaze with my mouth slightly agape. Why am I getting the distinct feeling he’s trying to make a play for me? This is so not good. I can’t get into a relationship with my boss—it could end my career.

Feeling a bit uneasy about the situation, I stand and fight the instant urge to run as fast as I can out of this office. “Okay, well, will there be anything else?”

He pulls his lips into a straight line. “No. That will be all, Aubrey. Please just keep me informed of Ms. Vance’s progress on the campaign.”

I nod curtly and flee from his presence.

Shit.

I flop down in my desk chair inside my little cubicle and run my fingers through my hair. How can I tell a man to take his O.C.D. ass and beat it because I’m totally not interested when he’s my boss? They certainly never prepare you for this in college. They should teach a When Your Boss Wants to Fuck You one-o-one.

I punch my spacebar on my desk top, ready to fire a message of warning out to my best friend, and the message from Riff still sits on my screen.

If I tell Lanie about this, she’ll probably quit and ruin the one shot she has at getting her foot in the door here. Pissing off people as powerful as Diana Swagger is highly unadvisable. She practically runs New York’s advertising world. If she wants to destroy you and make sure you never work in this town again, then she will.

Besides all that, going on the road with the man she still loves, even though she denies it, might be the start of a beautiful new relationship for her. One that I can tell even as an outsider isn’t completely over for either one of them.

I stare at Riff’s message, and the thought occurs to me that I can not only get insider information from Lanie to help her out secretly with the ad, but I may have just won myself a new connection in the form of a sexy, tattooed rocker.

I hit reply and begin to type.

Riff,

I’m amazed and flattered you remember me. It’s nice to know the golden ticket still stands. I am kind of curious as to what it grants me admission to?

 Aubrey

I hit send before I have a chance to chicken out. Since my last break up, I swore off the bad boy type, but I can’t help but to still be attracted to them. When I saw my mother over the weekend back in Texas, she went on and on how at twenty four she was settled down with my father after college and was ready to start her family. She just can’t understand that I’m not ready to settle down, or feel that I have to.

I’m still young, with my entire life ahead of me. Twenty four isn’t old by any stretch of the means. What’s wrong with messing around with a guy for fun every now and then? It’s not like this thing between Riff and I will ever turn into a relationship anyway. My mom would have a heart attack if I brought someone like him home to meet her. She would like nothing more than for me to find a nice, boring man like Isaac and pop out a few heathens.

I shudder at the thought. Not that there’s anything wrong with Isaac, but I just know me. He would bore me to tears, and the organization issues he has would drive me insane.

I shake my head. The last thing I need to be thinking about right now is men. I’ve got bigger problems than that—namely, how and if I can break the news to Lanie about what’s going on in the dirty underworld of Center Stage Marketing.