Page 2 of Laying it Bare Backstage

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I promise I won’t prank you or give it to any solicitors or any of my band members. They’re all pigs. And I think it’s a great idea.”

“Aren’t you really busy with your music? Besides, I find it really hard to believe you are asking me out on a date. You can’t possibly have time to date. And I don’t mean to offend, so please don’t take this that way. But I want to tell you up front that I’m not one of those fans who can’t wait to rip off your clothes and then brag on all of her social media that she got banged by the sexy Teak Pierce.”

His grin grew wicked. “You think I’m sexy. But you don’t want me for my body.” His eyebrow cocked with his amusement.

I swiped my hand down my face. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m always this awkward. Ugh. Although I guess I should be glad I didn’t hurt your feelings again.”

He gave me a strange look I couldn’t decipher. There was no way he was interested. Or that my opinion really mattered. My lack of brain function was remarkable tonight.

“Tonight was my last concert for this tour. I’ll be hanging out at my home here in Santa Cruz writing songs for my new album and then moving on to recording. That means I have time to date if the person is worth my time. And I think you are.”

My cheeks heated with his admission. There was no way he was serious. But I couldn’t pick up any hint that he was playing me.Was he really that smooth? “You don’t even know my name. You don’t know anything about me. How could you want to date me?”

“Isn’t that the point of dating? I’m intrigued, interested, and attracted to you. I would love the chance to get to know you better. And I’m hoping to get your name and number before you leave here tonight.”

Completely rattled and so far out of my element, I merely stared at him, hoping my mouth hadn’t gaped open, again. My brain was no longer simply malfunctioning; it was mush.

Saving me from having to respond at the moment, Ivy stepped out of a room a few doors down. When she spotted me, she jogged up the hallway. Shooting me a smirk, she wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Oooh, I see you decided to check out the back stage area too? I knew you’d get curious. And since you wouldn’t leave without me, you figured you’d join the fun. And look who you ran into.”

“No. I got lost trying to find my way to the exit for the parking lot.” I scowled at my best friend.

Teak raised his eyebrow at her.

“It’s okay I’m back here. I’m Ivy Reyes. I’m kinda a big deal.” She held out her hand.

“I don’t think he’s fooled by your last name.” I rolled my eyes at her usual antics. “She thinks she’s entitled to enter into restricted areas.” Her step uncle or something was a big time lawyer.

Ivy stuck her tongue out at me. “Aanndd I know the drummer. I can’t believe I didn’t recognize him at first. It’s only been seven years, but he’s changed a lot. He’s gotten hotter. Ascher and I went to high school together. We were catching up.”

Uh huh. Sure.

Grinning at her playfulness, Teak grasped her hand in his and brought it to his lips to kiss. “Nice to meet you too. I was just trying to get to know your beautiful friend here.”

“And let me guess, this blonde bimbo probably didn’t even give you her first name and I know for sure not her last. That’s okay. I’ll make introductions. That’s what friends are for.”

I groaned, but there was no sense protesting. She always got her way. However, if she gave him my number, therewouldbe a murder in this arena tonight.

“This is Serenity Hayes.”

“Fuck. Even your name is beautiful.” He grumbled. “And I didn’t want to mention them at the start because I’m sure people are constantly making a fuss about your eye color and I didn’t want you to think that was what had first drawn me to you. Your violet eyes are stunning and complement your gorgeous features. But I really just find you intriguing and haven’t had this much fun talking to a girl in forever. Although I’m not going to lie, it doesn’t hurt that you are lovely. Besides, you have the warm personality to go with your dazzling looks.”

“We should hang out with them for a bit. Neither of us has to work tomorrow. I’m sure there is a less crowded room somewhere that isn’t as busy where we could go chill. I’ll go drag Ascher from the rest of the group. Come on. It will be fun.” She gave me a squeeze before kissing the side of my head.

I didn’t want to think about the kinds of things that were going on in the room she had just stepped out of. I barely suppressed a shiver. But Ivy had always been able to go with the flow. She probably hadn’t even batted an eye at the activities happening down there. Yet, I was almost positive she hadn’t participated – although maybe a little groping with the drummer – even though most things never fazed her. I wouldn’t have lasted two seconds in the lust fest.

“We could hang out in here until they’re done.” Teak jabbed his thumb over his shoulder to indicate the room behind him. “And then once they send the groupies off, I can introduce you to my band.”

“Why aren’t you hanging out with your band?” I couldn’t help wondering if he had slipped out for a moment to get something and I interrupted his return.

“I gave up that scene over a year ago. I love the rush of performing, but I don’t find any gratification in the little flings with groupies afterward. Although, I don’t deny my band their fun. It’s just not what I want anymore. We always celebrate with some beers or something – and just so you know, we’ve never touched drugs – but not until they’ve indulged in their sexual pleasures. Me? I usually find somewhere else to kick back by myself for a while before I rejoin them. Or on the once in a life time chance I’m really lucky, I run into a lost gorgeous girl who fascinates the hell out of me. Then I spend my time trying to get her number and learn everything I can about her.” He shot me a wink that had my panties growing damp.

Damn him. Teak was now making my head numb, after he had blown out all of my brain cells. However, before I could organize them into any semblance of working order so I could once again politely decline his offer; a cluster of giggling scantily dressed girls stumbled out of the room Ivy had vacated and staggered up the hallway.The ensemble cackled wildly as they drew closer and sent him shy waves and blew kisses, but thankfully didn’t step up to him. His standoffish posture with his arms crossed over his chest and a detached smile on his face discouraged their approach.

Well except for one who refused to be deterred.

A tall blonde – whose hair was so light she had to have bleached it – with dark unfriendly eyes and dressed in a tight black dress that dipped indecently low, almost showing her nipples, and so short I was sure when she sat down her panties peeked out – if she was even wearing any – sidled up to Teak and purred in his ear. “Come on, Baby. I want to get out of here.” Then she sucked his lobe into her mouth.

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