Page 29 of The Librarian and the Rock Star

– SATURDAY –

17. Abnormal Saturday, Band Life

Soft light filtered through the cream curtains, bathing the room in a mellow glow. As I woke up, trying to stretch a bit, I was pinned down by Jack’s head on my chest, his limbs wound around me like sturdy branches.

Excruciatingly slowly, I began to extricate myself from his vice-like grip. I didn’t want to wake him, but I desperately needed to pee and rinse my mouth. Pushing aside one limb at a time, I finally broke free, replacing my body with a pillow for his head.

After puttering in the washroom and refreshing myself, I put on a pot of coffee in the little kitchenette. I figured if musicians could sleep on a tour bus, they could sleep through the gurgling of a coffee maker.

While my morning potion brewed, I admired this charming hotel room, and the ubiquitous landscape prints in thin golden frames. Then I flopped down on the couch, feeling ridiculously comfortable in just a T-shirt and undies.

All across the coffee table were notes – on the hotel stationary, across the back of a brochure, and some on napkins. I knew it would probably be an unforgivable invasion of privacy if I were to read them, so I didn’t touch a single page. However, I couldn’t help but focus on a few phrases that were printed a bit more clearly.

Every other woman has put me through hell,

Each relationship over by the starting bell,

But when I’m with you, we feel nothing but heaven,

You’re just what I need, Babe, you go to eleven

Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised. Except that I was. And by surprised, I actually mean freaked out. How could a breathtakingly gorgeous famous rock star be this infatuated with a nobody librarian like me? It was illogical.

Perhaps the universe gives us what we need when we need it. Or perhaps things come along when the time is right. Or perhaps there is no mystical nonsense at all, and this was a complete fluke and coincidence. No matter what it was, I was a bit unnerved.

I got up to pour myself a cup of coffee, then sat in the chair by the window, watching Jack sleep. He looked so cute, so relaxed. It was fascinating how he could be so riveting on stage, the center of attention for so many people, but not really care about that part at all.

It was inspiring the way he poured his soul out, sharing his most intimate thoughts with so many. It was also a little daunting. Yet, he was so easily intimidated by the media, thinking that they would intrude upon his personal thoughts, or that he would make a fool of himself.

I sipped my coffee, looking out across Lake Ontario. From this height, the sailboats looked like tiny toys. The ferry was on its way to the Ward Island dock, and a few rowing teams were out practicing.

I heard Jack stirring, and turned to watch him stretch out across the bed. Reaching his arm out, he realized he was alone, and jumped, his eyes flashing

wildly until he saw me.

He exhaled loudly. “I thought you were gone,” he said softly, as if he had genuinely thought that was a possibility.

I held up my white ceramic mug with the hotel logo emblazoned in gold. “Where would I go before I’ve had a cup of coffee?” I teased.

The smile flooded his face, his luscious lips looking darker against his sleep pale skin. “Come here,” he said softly. I loved how it was an order, and a request, with a tiny bit of begging. His voice was so expressive. I took a big sip of coffee, set my mug down, then slowly walked towards the bed. I tried to manage a balance between casual and sexy as I strolled over, then crawled up the foot of the bed toward him.

He pulled my arms out from under me, pulling me over him, and pinning me with a deep, soulful kiss.

“I warned you that I might get addicted,” he said. “It might already be too late.”

“Should I run?” I asked in a high little voice, wide-eyed. “Should I try to save myself?”

Jack’s hands ran down my back, grabbing my hips to position me on top of him. Feeling him swelling between my legs was a rush I shouldn’t let myself think about, but I bent down to kiss him so hard I felt my blood simmering. A twitch ran through me as I realized if he slid that tender tongue between my lips again, I was going to lose my mind, and the panties were coming off.

His phone made a little musical noise, while also vibrating. I had noticed that he seemed to have two ringtones, one for Kelly, and one for everyone else. He groaned, muttering, “I’m so sorry,” as he rolled out from under me, reaching for it on the nightstand.

“Good morning, Kelly,” he said, his voice even lower from not quite being fully awake. He nodded. “Yes, I officially confirm my wakefulness.” He gave me a wink. “One hour, I’ll be TV ready.” He paused again, then gave me a sly little smile. “Um, actually, my good luck charm might be available for consultation beforehand. Okay. Text me the details and I’ll holler if I have stupid questions in half an hour. Thanks, Kel.”

Jack hung up, then pulled me to him, rolling on top of me, nearly crushing me with savage kisses. His fingertips against my collarbone set me on fire, and he moaned against my lips as he gently caressed my breasts over the worn cotton.

“This shirt has never felt so lovely,” he murmured, before sliding over and sitting up. “I’m sorry, I have to shower, eat, and get ready.”

“I completely understand,” I said, perhaps a touch reluctantly. “Work first.”

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