Page 66 of The Librarian and the Rock Star

I nodded. “You’re right. I just don’t want to upset you right around interviews because they rattle you. But it sounded like it went so well!”

He finished his drink quickly. “Okay. Let’s shake this off and hit some more patios, okay? Do you have the energy for another hour of schmoozing with people?”

I downed the last gulp of the delicious cocktail. “A little booze and a lot of sugar. Let’s go.”

I stopped suddenly, clutching his arm. “Wait – one more thing I meant to tell you.” He paused. “I saw that interview with you and Noodle.” Jack looked disturbed and uncomfortable. “Listen, it wasn’t bad at all. It was entertaining. A little chaotic, but fun. The host genuinely loved it. But I could see Paul giving you shit at the very end. I think he was trying to break you down by lying to you when you were feeling fragile so that it would play off your insecurities.”

His jaw fell open. Then he took my hand and led us to the door, muttering, “We’re not going to let that asshole win.”

We hit seven more patios and three more bars. I took photos and promoted the show while Jack signed autographs and hugged hundreds of screaming girls. It was exhausting, invigorating, crazy, and electric. I was starting to feed off their energy, and realized that it was getting easier to talk to handfuls of people at once. They were all delighted to help promote the show, and many seemed absolutely determined to drag their friends out and spread the word far and wide.

In the land of rock and roll, the fans will always fight hard for the bands they love.

39. Nuit D’amour

Jack held my hand as we practically skipped into the hotel lobby, and took the elevator to our room. The second the door slid shut he pressed me against the wall, kissing my neck, my chin, working his way quickly to my lips.

Then he looked down at me, snickering. “You let me take you in an alley. I love that you’re so wild and free.”

“But I’m not.”

“Um, I was there. You did.” He looked perplexed.

“But that’s not how I really am. It’s hard to explain, but I’m weirdly different with you.”

“Baby, I don’t want to change you. I’d never want you to be something you’re not.”

“Thanks. I just... I don’t know what’s happening. It’s all so fast.”

“What do you mean? You like it, right?”

“Just... Please don’t expect me to be wild all the time. Maybe I’m growing. Maybe I can handle it here and there. But please don’t expect me to be outgoing all the time, because I can’t.”

“Okay,” he nodded, thinking carefully. “I’ll ask, and you can always say no.” The doors slid open and he took my hand, leading me out of the elevator to our room. “Keira, you can always say no to me. I know that I’m spazzy and loud and all over the place, but anything you need to say, stop everything to tell me.”

“Sure. If I break a nail, I’ll come running up to tell you in the middle of a show.”

He howled as he swiped his key card and let us in. “Baby, if you came onstage to tell me something, I would never stop laughing as long as I live.”

He stopped halfway into the room, turning to look at me in the dim light. “I have a secret, beautiful,” he whispered.

“If it’s a secret, should you tell me?” I whispered back. I wanted so desperately for us to be naked in bed already.

He nodded, very seriously. “I’m falling in love with you.”

I shut my eyes. My stomach clenched into a knot. This can’t be happening. Didn’t we just agree to take things as they happened?

“I know it’s too soon and it’s illogical and it’s not something you can research for verification,” he grinned.

“And we’re both a bit tipsy,” I added, trying to lighten the mood.

“I’m pretty sure we burned that off over an hour ago. But if not, alcohol makes me honest. It always has. I’m sorry that I’m a person of extremes, and that sometimes I’m too intense. But please, Keira.” He grabbed me by the shoulders and held me tightly in front of him, staring at me pleadingly. “I feel that you keep hitting the brakes. But we can’t just be a week and a half. We can’t.” His hands dropped quickly. “I’m sorry.”

It took all of my power to resist the urge to roll my eyes. “I’m not that delicate. It’s fine.”

He waited, hoping that I’d say more. I took a few deep breaths. “I didn’t know what we were starting, because I didn’t think that things needed to be defined just a few days into whatever this is. I think you’re amazing. I’m thrilled that you fell into my life. But I can’t quit my job to follow you around the continent, and I can’t have you stop touring to be with me because I’d never forgive myself. So for now, we’re going to have to wing it.”

Jack pulled me against him gently, cautiously, as his lips found my throat. I could feel him begging with each kiss. I’ve never had anyone need me this much, and the feeling was heady. He was scaring me, both by wanting me so much, and by helping me come out of my shell more than I had ever expected. But my head was spinning from it all happening too quickly.

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