Page 3 of Laying it Bare Backstage

Wiping his hand over his ear, Teak stepped to the side. “That’s enough. Go catch up with your friends.” He barked. His swift change in demeanor pleasantly surprised me. And I didn’t believe for a moment it was an act. Unfortunately, I had some experience in that department and now had an easier time recognizing the charade. It was too bad I hadn’t learned to identify fake emotions earlier, like two years ago.

When her hand reached down to grab his crotch, he politely wrapped his fingers around her wrist and removed it as he stepped out of her octopus arms. “Naomi, please don’t make me get Jasper. I can’t stop you from coming to my concerts, but I can stop you from sneaking back stage or anywhere near me.”

The glare she shot me held so much fury I actuallyfeltthe daggers strike. Maybe therewouldbe a murder tonight.

“Oh no.” I threw up my arms in surrender. “I accidentally ran into him and then my best friend showed up and loves to talk and – ”

“She doesn’t owe you any justification as to why she is back here because it’s none of your business.” He cut off my attempt at an explanation. “I’m talking with a fan and you rudely interrupted.”

Curling her nose and lip like she smelled something bad, she sneered down at me. “She won’t hold your interest long. Not dressed like she bought her outfit in the little girls’ section of a department store.”

I barely stopped myself from peering down at my booty shorts – my ass and pantiesnotin jeopardy of falling out – and my flowery halter top that showcased a hint of cleavage, without my boobs being in any danger of spilling out.

“Jasper!” Teak’s voice surged with irritation.

A moment later, a burly blond guy with calculating brown eyes poked his head out of the door down the hall before stalking his way to our little group and frowned at Naomi. “You just don’t give up, do you? Let’s go. I’ll make sure you make it safely out to the parking lot.” Wrapping his big hand around her upper arm, he tugged her along with him.

“Get your hands off of me.” She snarled. “I know where I’m going.” She shook his grasp from her arm before briefly pinning me with her vicious gaze. Shooting Teak a provocative smile, she ran her tongue enticingly along her bottom lip. “I’m sure you’ll be calling me later.” Then twisting on her black stilettos, she sashayed off with Jasper following close behind.

Teak blew out an exasperated breath. “There always has to be one, huh?”

“Maybe not her in particular, but I’m sure girls like that are more your speed. It was nice meeting you, but we really should get going. I don’t want to keep you from your stuff.” Even though deep down I believed his words about no longer being interested in a tryst with a groupie; I wasn’t his type. I moved to walk away.

Reaching out, his long fingers wrapped around my wrist, before sliding down to loosely clasp my hand. “I know you don’t believe it, but girls like that group that staggered down the hallway earlier and that one just now in particular hold no interest for me. I’m attracted to girls who dress sexy, not like a skank. You pull off sexy with ease. And as I told you before, you’re real. And I really like that I can have an actual conversation with you. Even if I can’t get you to stay and hang out for a bit; can I get your number so I can call you sometime to get together? I’d really like to get to know you better.”

Ivy elbowed me in the side. I was surprised she had waited this long to butt in ...again. “Give him your number. We can double date. I wouldn’t mind seeing Ascher again.”

“Hey, Teak. What are you planning to do later? You’ve been gone for a while now.” A guy with blond hair that hung past his shoulders poked his head out of the same door Jasper had come from a few moments ago. Apparently where the real party was happening.

“I’m not sure yet. Can you give me another five?”

“Sure.” Even from the distance, I caught the way his eyes ate up Ivy and me. “Well, whatever you decide, bring the hotties with you. I wouldn’t mind spending some more time with Ivy and I’d like to meet her friend.” His head disappeared from the door.

Teak released a low growl, but his sexy smile quickly reclaimed his lips.

I had no idea what that sound was all about.

“See, Ascher wouldn’t mind hanging out with me some more too. Come on, Serenity.” Shooting me a forlorn puppy look, Ivy bumped her shoulder into mine.

I politely slid my hand out of his. “I still don’t think it’s a good idea. However, I will definitely come see you in concert again if I can. And I’ll be watching for your next album to drop.” I inwardly cringed.Why did I have to get a sudden case of diarrhea of the mouth instead of just ending with not a good idea? Because meeting Teak shifted my world on its axis and I needed to get away from him. Before I did something stupid. And my best friend would not stop me since she was staring at me like I was the biggest idiot in the world turning him down. I didn’t believe he was being deceitful or would intentionally hurt me, but this was not a road I could go down again. Before anything else stupid fell from my lips, I grabbed Ivy’s hand and pulled her down the hallway. Feeling his hot stare on my backside the entire time, I didn’t dare glance over my shoulder and give him even the slightest indication I was second guessing or regretting my decision. Because I was not. On either account.

“I can’t believe you wouldn’t at least give him your number. What is wrong with you?” She hissed at me. “He was totally into you.”

“I’m sure he looks at all of his female fans like that and says stuff like that. Well, except to ones who are definitely way too clingy or something. I don’t want to know what that episode was all about. Besides, he wants us to keep shelling out the money for his concerts so he is going to be charming and charismatic.”

“You are such a dolt. How did you not notice? He didnotlook at me like that. He was extremely interested in you and I don’t think his entire vibe was merely lusty. Don’t get me wrong; there was a great deal of that going on, hello he’s a rock star and you’re a hot little number with class. I think he was really captivated by you.”

I let out a huff of air. “Fine.” I grumbled. “I have to admit he did seem genuinely interested, but I am no way going down that road again, ever. You know how easily my feelings get involved. So right now, he’s into me. But what happens when he then grows bored? I’m the one left picking up the pieces. I’m not setting myself up for that again.”

“Maybe, maybe not.” She squeezed my hand. “But you have to put yourself out there again. I think you learned from that disaster. And besides, what if there isn’t a crash and burn? Or if there’s a crash but no subsequent burn?”

She made another good point, but I had made my decision and I wasn’t turning around and going back. That would make me look pathetic. At the end of this hallway, a door with a sign indicating the parking lot stood in front of us. “Well hell. Why wasn’t it that easy to find earlier?”

“Because fate wanted you to meet Teak Pierce face to face.” Ivy swatted my ass as she shoved open the door and stepped out into the humid air. “Come on. Let’s go home, you party pooper.”

Following her outside, my eyes scanned the parking lot. I was surprised a decent amount of cars remained in this section. We walked about half way down the lot to where my car was parked, a gray compact. After hitting the fob, the two of us ducked inside. I backed out of the spot and slowly made my way down the aisle.

I had barely driven fifteen feet when something white slammed into my front windshield, its contents splattering red all over the glass. Shrieking, I slammed on the brakes and shoved my car into park.

---