Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out. I keep repeating the words in my head. Kacen is acting . . . different. Over the last few weeks, I’ve felt tension between us. There would be subtle touches or a wink, but nothing like last night and today. It almost seems like when he pretended like we were together when Daniel showed up at my place earlier, that he’s still . . . acting? I want to say it’s all just an act, but I know better.
I can feel it.
I can feel his eyes rake over my body, memorizing what they see. I can feel the heat of his body when he stands next to me. I can feel his hands, his gentle touch.
It’s not just an act.
I have no idea what this means. I work for him, and being involved is a bad idea. We both agreed that moving forward as if Hawaii never happened was the best course of action. It was a good plan, solid except for the fact that we spend five days a week with each other, and now . . . now I’m staying here.
This was a bad idea.
The sound of Kacen’s voice brings my attention back to the present. Not that it was ever far away with his body pressed next to mine. Oversized chair my ass!
His voice is deep and smooth like velvet. The sound alone sends desire coursing through me. I sit quietly with my hands folded in my lap, just taking it all in. I take the time to watch each one of them. This is truly their passion.
“Hold up,” Tristan says.
They all stop and wait for his instruction. I watch as he closes his eyes and taps his foot.
Surprising me, Kacen drops his hand to my thigh and rests it there, casually tracing circles with his thumb. “He’s working out a beat,” he says low enough that only I can hear.
I don’t reply, afraid my voice will give me away. His hands on me for . . . I’ve lost count of the number of times today. My body is screaming for him, but my head is telling me no. I couldn’t make it work with Daniel so how in the hell am I going to make it work with a rock star? Kacen is tall, dark, and so handsome it’s sometimes painful to be around him. Painful because I think of that week we shared. I study him with his chiseled jaw sporting a five o’clock shadow, dark hair that always looks like I just finished running my hands through it. His broad shoulders, six pack, and oh, yes . . . the V, and his array of tattoos is one hard to resist sexy package.
Tristan works the beat out in his head and gives his bandmates a nod, and just like that, they pick right up where they left off. I’m mesmerized as I watch them create what could possibly be the next big hit. This is an experience I will never forget. I love music, and being able to witness this creative process is something I will always cherish.
I jump when I feel my phone vibrate. I am so in tune to them that it scared the hell out of me.
Stacy: I got your message. That sucks. You can stay at Mom and Dad’s.
That’s probably where I will go until it’s ready. The spare key is in
my desk at the apartment.
“Is that him?” Kacen leans in to peer at my phone.
I show him the screen and say, “Stacy.”
He nods. “You’re good here.”
His simple statement leaves no room for argument.
I can’t help but think this is going to make it even harder for me. I think about him all the time, think about that night. I’m still not convinced staying here is the best choice.
His hand again falls to my thigh and he gives a gentle squeeze. “I want you here.”
Four simple words.
Regardless of what my head is telling me, how do I say no to that?
Me: I’m good here. Maybe when you get back next week, if it’s not fixed by then.
Stacy: Okay. Let me know if you change your mind. So how’s the rock god?
Me: Good. The guys are all super nice. But after last night you already know that.
Stacy: YES!!!
Me: LOL
Stacy: Gotta go. Offer stands if you change your mind.
Me: Thanks.
Clicking out of the messages icon, I see it’s after midnight. “I think I’m going to call it a night,” I say as soon as there is a break in the action.
Kacen immediately stands and holds his hand out for me. I take it, thinking he’s just being polite and helping me up since we are sitting so close together.
Wrong.
He keeps my hand in his grip while leading me to the back wall to place his guitar on the stand. “That’s it for tonight. See you all in the morning.”
He doesn’t stop to say goodbye, goodnight, kiss my ass, nothing. He just leads me out of the room and up the stairs.