Page 7 of Laying it Bare Backstage

“That is never a problem for me. Make it out to Alayna or do you have a nickname?”

“Alayna is fine.”

After I signed her makeshift paper, I gazed down at Serenity. “What would you like to drink?”

“I’ll have a caramel latte.”

“I’ll have one of those too. And could you bring one of those huge sticky buns for us to share?”

“I’ll be right back with those.” Giving us a smile, Alayna headed behind the counter.

“Do you often rent out an entire place when you want to meet up with someone totalk?” Her stunning violet eyes sparkled with her humor.

“I see you have a little bit of wild in you too. Not as much as your friend though. Not that either is bad. I like you the way you are. But is she rubbing off on you or did you always have a little bit of spunk inside?”

“Nice save there. You really are working to impress me. But she is probably rubbing off on me.”

Or it could be the fact she was comfortable with me, so more of herself peeked out. At least that was what I told myself because I wanted that to be the reason. “I don’t normally rent out a place unless we’re having an event for a group. Usually when I go out, I don’t mind signing autographs or getting selfies with the fans. I enjoy meeting them. Groupies not so much. But fans make me able to do what I love. Share my music. And usually once I spend some time with them, they’re happy to give me space to go back to whatever it was I was doing. But today, I wanted uninterrupted time to get to know you and spend time with you without you being overwhelmed with my life. I’m hoping today goes well because I’d like to date you. And then I’d ease you into some of my craziness.”

“I still don’t think it’s a good idea.” She dropped her gaze to the table.

Taking her chin gently between my finger and thumb, I turned her face so I could meet her gaze. “I think it’s a fantastic idea on my end. How about you tell me what I can do to make it more appealing to you.” I hoped it was something as simple as renting out every place we went for a date and doing everything in my power to keep her out of the tabloids. But as I watched the emotions flit across her face, I realized it went far deeper than that. She wasn’t someone who craved attention so would jump at the chance to date a star to gain the limelight. On the other hand, I didn’t believe the exposure terrified her either.

Alayna brought out our drinks and sticky bun. “Just flag me down if you need anything else.”

“Thank you. We will.”

With our connection broken, Serenity stared down at her cup and ran her fingers around the rim. “When Mick York was in town filming for a television series, I met him at one of the local cafés where they were shooting a scene because I was one of the extras hanging out there. He approached me after they were done filming and asked me out.” She took a sip of her latte. “Of course I said yes right away. He was good looking and a star and out of everyone he picked me. We went out for a couple of months and stupid me I allowed feelings to get mixed in with what was apparently just a good time to him.”

I growled low in my chest, but forced it down so that I didn’t rudely interrupt her. But I didn’t do a very good job.

She gave me a small smile. “On what would be our last date, but I didn’t know it at the time, I told him I was falling in love with him. His response was that that was sweet but didn’t I know that commoners shouldn’t fall in love with famous people. Then he dropped some bills onto the table and left.” Her attention returned to her latte and I gave her a moment to collect herself and take another drink.

Then twisting in my seat, I cupped her cheeks in my hands, swiping away the couple tears that had fallen. “He was a first class bastard. The whole reason for dating is for feelings to get involved. If I didn’t have feelings for you, I wouldn’t be chasing you so that I could get the chance to date you. Fuck, what he did to you was horrible. And I promise you I willneverwork onanyproject he is involved in. But I’m begging you to give us a chance.” I didn’t know how someone could treat anyone like that, but especially someone as sweet as Serenity. It made my blood boil and I wanted to beat the shit out of him and ruin his reputation. He was a sorry excuse for a human being. “I counted it as a win that you didn’t take off right away last night and you didn’t bolt away today either. But I wore running shoes just in case I had to give chase.”

Leaning back, she glanced under the table and released a short giggle. Then she lifted her gaze back to me. “I did like hanging out with you last night. And I have to admit I like you.”

My face split into a huge smile making my cheeks hurt.

She giggled again and I loved the sound. “You look like a kid at Christmas.”

“I feel like one. I got what I wished for. Does that mean you’ll give me your number and go out with me?”

Her lips were still curled in a smile, but other emotions flashed across her face.

“I promise I won’t ever hurt you. I know that sounds empty, but I hope you believe me. Besides, you could always sic Ivy on me.”

“That is true. She wanted to go after Mick.” She released a long sigh. “Ivy did tell me I needed to get back out there.”

“I know I only talked with her for a few minutes last night, but I could tell she was a smart girl. You know you should always listen to your best friend.”

“You didn’t let me finish. But she said she thought I could do a lot better than you.” Her serious expression only lasted a moment before her lips twitched with her smirk.

Little minx. I ducked my head and pressed my lips to hers for a quick kiss. When I leaned back, her eyes were wide, but I caught a glimpse of heat in their violet depths.

“Why did you do that?”

“I wanted to see what sassy tastes like and it’s delicious.” Grinning like an idiot, I prayed she wouldn’t shove me out of the booth and race for the exit. Because, damn it, it would have been my fault. But I’d still give chase.

---