Page 29 of Derailed
“The only woman I want naked is you.” Trent reaches for Lexi and pulls her to hisside.
“That’s my man.” Her gaze goes back to the print and it’s then I actually take it in. “There’s just something about her. She’s spellbinding. But she’s too sad, I think. I wouldn’t want to look at her everyday.”
I completely agree with Lex. There is something about the model photographed and the way that the artist captured her. Something that’s almost tormented or broken, but also deeply beautiful. It captivates me, too. As if she’s swimming in a sea of shadows, but fighting to be seen anyway. I reach for the pen to place a bid. I don’t even knowwhy.
“Oh, sure. Now Sean’s gonna buy it for you. Fuel the tabloids.” Trent jokes and we alllaugh.
I set the pen down and grin. “No way, man. I want it formyself.”
“That ’cause you can’t find a girlfriend of your own?” he throws back, browsraised.
Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Please. No way in hell I’m tying myself down to one woman. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Well, except for you two.” I wink at Lexi and her lips stretch wide with asmile.
“Can we crash your party?” Coy and Jess step into our circle. I didn’t even see them coming. Anger bubbles up at his happy-go-lucky smile and the proprietary way he plasters Jess to his side. As if he can’t stand for her to go too far. Sure, Trent’s doing the same with Lexi, but the difference is Trent treats his woman better than aprincess.
“Coy, this is my girlfriend, Lexi. Lexi, Coy. And this is Jess, hisgirlfriend.”
“Hi.” Lexi’s lips pinch together and she reaches a hand to shake Coy’s before extending it to Jess. “And it’s so nice to meet you,Jess.”
Jess lifts her eyes to meet Lexi’s as they shake hands. Jess’s smile is weak and they exchange a look—it’s one I can’t quite place, but almost as if they share an understanding. Strange because they’ve never met before tonight. At least, I don’t think so. But as quick as it comes, it’s gone, and Jess’s eyes dart back to the floor as soon as Lexi releases herhand.
The lights overhead dim twice and the MC calls everyone over for dinner. I don’t wait around to mingle, but head straight for the bar. I’ve got an entire dinner to endure with my band, and I’m not nearly intoxicated enough to tolerate Coy and his two-facedpersona.
“Hold up!” Austin calls, and meets my gait until we’re both back at the bartender station. “Good call. I’m sorry, but this “rock star” gig got a whole less fun once everyone started pairingup.”
I laugh. “It’s a rare moment, but I totally agree withyou.”
“Damn it. I should have recorded it for proof. Say it again?” He pulls out his phone as we shuffle forward with theline.
“Fat chance.” Ilaugh.
The group in front of us moves away with their wine glasses and the bartender smiles, pointing at Austin first. “Another whiskey for you?” After Austin agrees, he turns to me. “And anotherIPA?”
“Make that two. Please.” I drop a bill in the jar. I’d ask for three, but even I realize how bad that’d look, given the recent press. Besides, I can always come back formore.
“Wow. Double fisting. Impressive, and classy.” Austin raises his glass of whiskey and lifts his pinky finger high as he takes asip.
“Fuck off.” I take both of my beers and turn toward the table, grimacing the moment my eyes find the rest of the band therewaiting.
“Whoa. No need to be a little bitch. It was just ajoke.”
I almost stop and head back to the bar. With only two open chairs, one next to Coy and one next to Jess, neither seat is without torment.Fuckme.
“You know I don’t give a fuck. Drink all you want tonight.” Austin continues. “Fuck, I need a newwingman.”
“I’d keep the application process open,” Igrumble.
Austin steps ahead and pulls out the chair next to Coy. For that I’m thankful. At least over here I won’t hear every dumbass thing he says. I only have to pretend I’m not attracted to the woman seated next to me. Hope no one at this table notices my thoughts have moved beyond friendly to infatuated. I want to ask her how she likes Deb and whether they had fun shopping together. But after Coy’s tissy fit about her dress and now the lace cover-up hiding half of its allure, I don’t dare bring up something that’s now become a soresubject.
Fucking asshole, that guy. My distaste for him is almost enough to justify my lust for his woman. Only that’s not fair or right. I’ve been thinking about her well before I had the confirmation he isn’t a good man. I normally pride myself on my high moral code. It’s the way I was raised and the only way I stay true to my roots, navigating this world of fame and privilege. I won’t move in on someone else’s woman, no matter how horrible a person he is, and never would I do that to a bandmate. That kind of behavior isinexcusable.
Taking the seat next to Jess, I inch it as far from her as I can without knocking knees against Trent. I lean back into the chair and lift one of my beers, not pausing until it’sdrained.
“We’ve got all night,” Trent says, but I ignore his comment and pick up mysecond.
My plan’s already working, because it becomes easier to tune everyone out with every passing second. I barely notice the way Jess dabs the cloth napkin at the corner of her lips each and every time she takes a sip of water. Or that her perfume reminds me of a beach in Bali. God, I’d love to take her there. She’d love it. The water—warm, still, and clear—and the people and food. The energy there is magic; my only regret was having to leave after two days to go back ontour.
“Do you like the beach?” I twist in my seat andask.
