Page 27 of The Librarian and the Rock Star

16. Hotel Bedtime

We chatted and laughed together for about an hour, having some snacks and saying hello as his friends cruised in and out, then realized it was time to leave.

“I really want to invite you back to my hotel to spend the night, but I have the distinct feeling that you are not that type of girl, and quite frankly, I don’t know if I want you to be. But maybe I could invite you up and show you the fabulous view from my room?”

I wasn’t sure whether to be offended that he made assumptions as to what kind of person I am, or thrilled that he might be asking me to spend the night. My shyness tried to kick in, but my force of will couldn’t let it take control this time.

“I’m any kind of girl I feel like being,” I heard myself say with a saucy wink. His eyes lit up, realizing that I was full of possibilities. “We could hang out and see what happens.” Inside my guts were trembling at being so bold, but I just wasn’t completely myself around Jack. It was like the primal, lizard based part of my brain was finally waking up and having a say occasionally.

He grabbed a knapsack that had been hiding in the corner, then said, “Shall we?”

We left the after party, with Jack waving goodbye to several people along the way. He checked with security, who said it was all clear to leave by the side door.

He poked his head out, looking left and right before allowing me to follow him. I shot him a questioning look. “Expecting monsters?”

Jack took my hand, guiding me through the laneway and out to a side street. “No, but the fans that lurk around after a show are sometimes really screamy. I don’t think they’re dangerous, but you have to brace yourself for the volume.” He looked down to check my boots. “Are you okay walking about ten blocks?”

“Sure.”

It was lovely strolling through my beloved city with a lovely man, pointing out the newest buildings, the interesting window displays, and the matte black muscle car zooming through. Toronto is breathtaking at night, but sometimes people don’t take the time to admire it properly.

But instead of the glass and steel, I found my eyes constantly turning back to Jack. He was so striking that it was sometimes difficult to focus around him.

“I don’t get back to Toronto very often,” he admitted as we turned a corner, his eyes looking like they held the weight of the world. “You deserve someone who is going to be there for you.”

That was a bit out of the blue , I thought, but I was beginning to realize his thought processes jumped around a lot. Perhaps it was the creative mind of a performer, or perhaps it was ADHD or something. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me,” I said quickly. “I’m the independent type.”

He looked a little hurt. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just think you should have a real boyfriend.”

I tried to smirk, but I was a bit irritated. “I’ve had those in the past, well, two, and they didn’t work out. Right now, I don’t even know what I want. So why can’t I wing it for now?”

He nodded, but seemed very thoughtful.

As we entered the elegant hyper-modern hotel lobby, I noticed one receptionist nudge another one, and they both straightened up as we walked by. “Good evening, Mr. Vegas. The kitchen is open for another half hour if you’re interested in a late dinner.”

“Thank you, ladies,” he said, flashing that megawatt smile.

As we got into the elevator, going up to the fortieth floor, I whispered, “Okay, I don’t mean to be weird, but how famous are you?”

His lips pressed together strangely, then I realized he was stifling a giggle. “It depends where I am and what sort of people are around. Those gals were there when the whole band checked in, and a few of the record label people were sort of making a fuss.” He shrugged. “I dunno, I try not to think about it. It’s like the more you analyze it, the weirder it gets.”

“I could see that.”

As we entered his hotel room, I kicked off my boots and headed straight to the window. Looking down across the lights and Lake Ontario was always a thrill. Jack came up behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist as he set his head on my shoulder. Rocking me gently, we gazed across the dark, glittering water.

“I love my city,” I said softly.

“I miss Toronto.”

I couldn’t help desperately wishing that he still lived here. Turning, I tilted my chin up until he kissed me. So soft and warm, terrifying and perfect.

Jack ran his thumb across my chin, sending shivers of lust straight through me. “I feel like these lips were made to kiss me,” he said softly, then he pressed into mine again, dissolving my spine and any resolve I had to lead with my head instead of my heart.

“I’m afraid that if I sleep with you I’ll never go back,” he whispered.

“May I stay, and we’ll just cuddle?” He nodded.

I realized that I couldn’t very well sleep in my dress, especially wearing a bra. “Can I borrow a T-shirt?”

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