“We aren’t up to anything. I’ve got to roll out for some surveillance later. Where the hell are you off to on a weeknight dressed like that?”
“Oh, this little ol’ thing?” I twirl around. Jon curses under his breath. “I’m off to meet friends to see a local band play before they go worldwide. It’s the group we’re working with. Should be a good time, so I know you won’t want to go.” I glance over to Alex who wears a smirk. “Alex, do you wanna come out with me for a night on the town? It’s free cover and drinks for us in the VIP room.”
“You had me at free. Sounds like a good time. Give me a few minutes to throw something else on?”
“You betcha.” She walks down the hall and Jon glares my way. He clenches and unclenches his jaw as he stands from the couch.
“You’re really going out like that?”
“Why? Daddy doesn’t approve?” I goad him with a pout of my lips.
“I’m not your daddy,” Jon grinds out.
“Huh, could have fooled me with how you act. Maybe you would be into that kind of thing? Would you like it if I called you daddy during sex?”
He laughs and rolls his eyes.
“Depends. Do I get to spank you?” Now that’s a visual. My spine tingles in response.
“Only if I’m naughty. And for the record…” I walk directly in front of where Jon stands. We’re inches from each other and my tall shoes have us eye level for once. I lean close to whisper in his ear. “…I’m always naughty.”
“Fuck!” Jon swears under his breath. He runs his hands through his hair and stomps off toward the kitchen. Seconds later Alex appears from the bathroom dressed in a fitted black tank and black pants. Sexy, yet understated.
“Ready to go?”
“Hell yeah! Later, Jon.”
“Be safe, you two. Don’t get into any trouble. I’m not in the mood to bail you out tonight.”
“Thanks, Dad!”
Alex laughs and I join in as we slam the door behind us. Alex is a good time, I can tell already. And I desperately need a night free of my roomie. He occupies my thoughts enough as it is. Tonight, I’m focusing on new friendships. That, and partying with rock stars.
Alex and I push our way inside Goat Head Saloon, a local dive bar known for its live music. I say dive bar because they actually pride themselves in the title, voted Best Dive Bar five years running. A giant of a man checks our ID’s briefly before waving us inside. The rest of the group is already here, hanging out in the upstairs VIP section of the bar.
I link my arm with Alex’s and lead her through the crowd to the staircase near the bar. I flash the bouncer a flirty smile. Wow, this guy’s cute. Young. Probably couldn’t grow a beard, but the ink he’s sporting down his arm has me intrigued.
“Hey there, sexy man. What’s your name?”
“That’s my line.”
“Kate Bryant and guest.”
“ID please.”
I pass him my license and he scans the list on his phone with a furrowed brow until he finds my name.
“You’re good. Wrist?” I offer up my wrist as he pulls a stamp from his back pocket.
“You’re a man of few words. Still didn’t catch your name.”
“Didn’t give it to you.” He stamps my outstretched arm and motions for Alex.
“Well, Mr. Top Secret with the bad ass sleeve tats… give me a call if you want to hang out sometime.” He stamps her skin then offers my license back. I replace my ID with one of my business cards. He’s got this dark, brooding thing going for him. He’d photograph beautifully. I doubt he’ll call, though.
I march up the steps with Alex at my heels.
“You sure are a woman who goes after what she wants.” I smile wide as we reach the top of the staircase. I spot our party near the banister and wave. Evie nods and smiles back right away.
“It’s the only way to be.”
“I knew I liked you, Kate. Now, introduce me to your friends.”
I like her too. At first I wasn’t sure if I would. My green-eyed inner goddess was rearing her ugly face. It was not attractive, and it bothered me. I don’t do jealous. If I’m not a man’s one and only I move on, no reason getting jealous over some other woman if your man wants to be with her. Fuck that shit. Hit it and quit it. I don’t do second place. Ever.
I make introductions and greet my friends with hugs. My best friend Evie, her sister Melissa, Tate’s sister Carly, Steph, Marc and his husband Nicholas, and Jason, who surprisingly doesn’t have floozies hanging all over him tonight.
“Band rocks! You forgot to mention they’re eye candy!” Melissa yells over the music. It’s only then I realize Three Ugly Guys are on stage and probably well into their set.
“They aren’t too bad, right? And I have the painstaking privilege of working with them over the next two weeks. Rough life, I know.”
“Bitch!” She laughs. Alex hands me a beer bottle.
“Hope that’s okay. Didn’t know what you like. I’ve never been a VIP before. Open bar. I’m glad I came out with you tonight!” She bounces her head to the beat of the bass drum.
“This is great, thank you!”
“We’re going to get shots!” Evie yells. Melissa and her scoot out of sight back toward the bar.
I take a sip and turn to see two curvy blondes slink their way over to Jason, drinks in hand, pouty lips painted pink. There they are. Jason’s revolving door of art groupies. He meets my gaze with raised brows, mouthing the word “twins” before wrapping an arm around each girl’s waist. I mouth back “manwhore” and cause us both to laugh over the crowd.
Barbie number one doesn’t think I’m funny.
“Did you just call me a s-whore?” Her words slur slightly, evidence she’s been enjoying the free drinks longer than I. She blinks and pulls away from Jason, steadying herself with the table. Her features twist in anger.
“No, honey. I don’t know you well enough to call you names. I called him a whore!” I nod at Jason, and his eyes dance with amusement.
“Oh.” She looks relieved and smiles. Wait for it. Scrunching her nose in confusion and then anger, she glares once more. “Don’t talk about him like that. Jason is a berry nice man.”
“Did she just say berry?” Alex snickers. I hold back my laughter.
Barbie number two scowls our way. “She’s not nice.”
“It’s okay, baby. She’s my best friend and only teasing.” Both girls smile as Jason wraps them to his side again, and kisses the tops of each platinum head. Gag me. I turn and push closer to the balcony railing with the rest of our crowd, and attempt to get a better view of the show taking place below.
The band’s rocking and the crowd is eating it up. My eyes travel over each band member but land back on Trent. He flips his long hair from where it falls in his face and catches my stare. His eyes never leave mine as his mouth moves deliciously close to the mic. Trent croons words about getting lost in the depth of my eyes. Wondering if he can take me home tonight. That together we can find solace from the loneliness inside. He will lay me down. He will worship my body.
Even in this warm crowded bar goosebumps cover my skin at the sound of his rough voice. I stand still, completely mesmerized by the lyrics and the feelings pulsing to the sound of Trent’s song.
He makes an obscene gesture with his long tongue that sends the crowd screaming in appreciation and my panties soak with the promise of his words. I know it’s only lyrics. I know he does this at every show. He just happens to fixate on me at the moment, probably because I told him no. But all the same, my sex clenches in appreciation.
Holy. Fucking. Hell. Musicians are hot. Having this man focus his attention solely on me in a crowd of women who’d no doubt do anything to party after the show with this sexy foursome brings me satisfaction. I know it’s superficial. I keep repeating that to myself. He knows nothing about me except what he sees, but the same goes for him. I appreciate all that he is based on his ability to wear clothes in a way that causes one to want to rip them back off. His eyes hold me prisoner and I gently bite my lower lip to hold back a moan. That voice makes panties drop everywhere. I’m sure of it.