Page 7 of Rockstar Untamed
“Sailor’s just agreed to come to the island with us on Friday, that okay with you, buddy?”
Tim actually smiled at his father, a rare occurrence, and nodded eagerly. Bodhi held his hands up to Sailor. “See? Now youhaveto come.”
When Tim had finally been persuaded to go to bed, Bodhi poured Sailor and himself some wine. “Girl, how the hell did you do that? He’s talked more this evening than in the last six months.”
He sat down, shaking his head in amazement and a little sadness and Sailor’s heart went out to him. All day, she had been finding out that this megastar, this world-famous billionaire, was nothing more than a simple man at heart. His glorious face, his hard body, his rough velvet voice had made his fortune, but she could see that he craved a simpler life, one out of the spotlight. He’d shown her around his home, and she’d noticed the rooms he got most excited about were the ones where he created things, his recording studio, his workshop where he made beautiful hand-turned furniture ‘to relax.' He told her about the olive groves in Tuscany where he loved to spend summers, away from public view, with his friends, his best friend Claudio, and Bodhi’s artist mom. She looked through some pencil sketches, and her heart hurt when she saw the preliminary drawings he’d made of his son.
“These are gorgeous, Bodhi.”
He looked pleased, giving her a shy grin. “You draw?”
She nodded. “Some. Not as good as this, and I haven’t done anything for a while. Out of practice.”
“You are more than welcome to come in here, use anything you want, anytime.” Bodhi leaned back against the wall, studying her. “Sailor, I’ve been talking about myself all day, all ego. What about you, what’s your story?”
Sailor felt panicky, and she looked away from his gaze. “Not much to tell. Left a bad situation at home, come to Hollywood six months ago. Don’t even know why I chose to settle here…it just seemed…far enough away.”
Bodhi nodded. “Family stuff? Or boyfriend?”
Sailor chewed her lip. “Just…stuff.” God, she should have figured out a story by now. It was just, in this town, people rarely cared about who you were or had been. They just needed to know if you could be useful tothem. She decided to go with a potted version of the truth. “I was raised in a commune of sorts…I never knew who my father was. I was with my mom as a newborn, but she died soon after. I was alone. So, when I got older and decided the commune’s rules and regulations were no longer for me, I left and came here.”
Bodhi seemed satisfied with that answer. “Shame you never knew your parents. No wonder you can relate to Tim.”
Sailor smiled gently. “Tim knowsbothhis parents, they’re just apart. Can I ask? Why did things with Gemma never work out?”
Bodhi sat down next to her. “Sailor, I was in my late twenties, and my career was maybe at its peak. Temptation was everywhere. I cheated, is the truth of it. A lot. Gemma deserved better. That’s why I can’t be mad that she never told me about Tim. I just can’t be mad.”
“But you are?”
Bodhi nodded slowly. “A little. Mostly at myself for being a loser.”
Sailor was silent for a moment, studying him. He looked tired, his beautiful eyes had dark circles underneath, his whole body slumped. Sailor resisted the temptation to hug him or to smooth his dark curls away from his face. He was her boss after all, no matter how friendly and inclusive he was.
“What do you want, Bodhi? Out of life, I mean. You have every material thing a person could need; you have your son back in your life. What else is there?”
Bodhi met her gaze and smiled sadly. “I don’t know, Sailor, is the honest truth. There’s something missing, and I don’t know what it is. I know I’m glad I found a new friend if that means anything.”
Sailor grinned, flushing slightly. “Right back at you, boss.”
“Gah, don’t call me that. We’re…collaborators in life.”
Sailor laughed. “I like that.” She glanced at her watch. “God, it’s late. I’d better go.”
Bodhi got up, and she followed him into the kitchen. He opened a small cabinet and took out a set of keys. “Here you go. You know how to drive right?”
Sailor nodded, taking the keys. Bodhi’s fingers brushed hers, and a small thrill went through her. “Will you be okay driving home?”
She nodded. “Of course.”
He walked her out to the car, and she couldn’t help but gasp. It was a mint green Thunderbird, in spotless condition. Sailor shook her head. “I can’t, Bodhi, this is too much.”
“Sailor, this car was made for you. It’s classy, classic and beautiful. Just like you.”
There were tears in Sailor’s eyes now, and she turned away from him. “Bodhi…you just met me, and already you’ve given me so much. I can’t take it, I’m sorry.”
“Then think of it as a loaner until you find one you like.” He dumped the keys in her hand and steered her towards the car. His hands on her bare shoulders were soft, caressing and Sailor shivered.Nope, do not get a crush.
Bodhi would take no further argument. He kissed her cheek and waved as she started down the long driveway to the road out.
