Page 56 of Rock Out Together
I hadn’t had a reaction like that … well, ever. I'd been with women—a lot of women. A rockstar's bed was rarely cold. But as quickly as they fell in, I'd roll them out. With my schedule, I seldom had the time or opportunity to really connect with a woman. This woman’s unguarded honesty had an effect on me I just couldn’t shake.
But this thing I felt for Emily? It took only a split second. The instant I had her safe in my arms, I felt more at peace than I had in years. I felt at home in her warmth, a feeling I hadn’t realized I needed.
I needed to know this woman.
“Where are we going?” she squeaked.
I looked back at her, grinning. “You’ll find out, Care Bear.”
“I wish you wouldn’t give me a nickname based on my underwear,” she said under her breath.
I stopped, turned to her, and gave her a soft kiss on her nose. “I can’t help myself. They’re so fuckin’ cute.” Her jaw dropped. I’d rendered her speechless. Her wide eyes and flushed cheeks made her irresistible.
Oh man, she was so much fun.
We got through the maze of the behind-the-stage area and jumped into the waiting limo. Rowan and Zara clambered in next, with Elliott bringing up the rear.
“Wooo! Hell yeah, man, great show,” Rowan crowed, and slapped my hand in a bro-shake.
“We had them in the palm of our hand,” Elliott crowed, leaning back. A look of pure exhaustion rolled across hisface. The drums were a physical workout. One set was like sprinting for two hours, and Elliott consistently gave every ounce of energy in our shows. His dedication was inspiring, reminding me of how hard we’d worked to get here, keeping me motivated to give everything at every show.
“That was the most amazing experience of my entire life,” Zara squealed, snuggling next to Emily. “Remind me to make you strip in the mosh pit more often.”
“Hell no!” I snapped. The idea of Emily half naked, dozens of hands palming her body, didn’t sit well with me. Zara caught on to my vibe and gave me a raised eyebrow. Her knowing look told me she saw right through my reaction.
“I agree with Jake. No more strip-mosh.” Emily turned to me. “Where are we going?” she demanded, sounding like my mother asking where I’d left her car keys.
“The beach house! It's time to party, spring-break style.” Elliott threw up his hands and whooped.
“You’re not in college, Elliott,” Rowan said, jabbing at him.
“Spring Break is a universal phenomenon of our generation,” Elliott defended, refusing to be deterred.
Zara joined him, the mirrors on her scrap of a shirt vibrating over her firm breasts, lighting the limo in a twinkling of stars. Rowan's eyes were drawn to them like a moth to a bug zapper. His obvious attraction made me chuckle. But I couldn’t blame him—Zara was a force of nature.
Oh, he was gonna get zapped, alright.
“I hope you don't mind,” I said to Emily. “We’re gonnahave a bonfire and crack a few. Some of our friends from the city are coming, and it's going to be a good time.”
She stared at me, her eyes as big as silver dollars. Pulling on the shirt, her forehead creased. “I … clothes …”
I took her hand in mine and squeezed. “We’ll find you something. Between us and the crew, there’s bound to be something that fits.”
Her delicate hand felt right in mine. Like a piece of a puzzle I didn’t know needed solving.
“Girl, when will we ever get the chance to party with Steele Horizons again?” Zara whisper-shouted in her friend's ear. “Please?” She scrunched her forehead, giving Emily the most intense puppy-dog eyes, along with a strong lower-lip thrust.
I wanted to interrupt, to suggest that they could party with us anytime. It’s what I wanted, but I couldn’t show my hand this early.
The thought of not seeing Emily again after tonight made me uncomfortable, and I wasn’t ready to examine why.
Emily burst out laughing at her friend’s expression. “Oh my God, Zara, don’t do that for too long. Your face will get stuck.”
The two broke into giggles, leaning into each other. They obviously had a great relationship, and it was cute. Girlfriends who weren't just using each other were rare in my world. Not in a business that pitted women against each other for resources, romantic partners, and even work. I was used to seeing them vicious and territorial.
Emily and Zara’s bond was refreshing. A reminder of what genuine connections looked like.
Women—real women—were awesome. And Emily wasallwoman.
