Cheri floated to her bunk in the bus, blood still buzzing from having lived out a fantasy she’d had since childhood.

I just kissed Dev Lachlan.

The memory of his mouth on hers and his hands stroking her body sent tingles through her. She never imagined that just kissing could make her feel so good.

"What was that all about?" Gina said, studying the bags Dev had handed her.

"He just wanted to see the video I took at the roadhouse before I posted it and give me these bags I forgot earlier. Really, rock stars are so sensitive about how they look on camera."

"Sure,” Gina said with a smirk, taking a sip from the mug of hot cocoa she was holding. “That's why your chest and cheeks are all flushed and you look like you’re about to jump out of your skin."

Cheri grabbed Gina's arm. "Keep it down, will you?" she whispered furiously.

"Oh," she said conspiratorially, "don't worry. The crew is all in back watching TV. So spill it, woman. These lessons are getting serious, aren’t they?"

"No!" Cheri panicked now. “I told you before, I know what I’m doing.”

Gina crossed her arms and her eyes narrowed.

"Uh huh."

"No. Really. I asked him for help, and he’s helping me. I’m fully aware of the risks."

Gina sighed. "I know I said I wouldn’t say anything else, but I can see it on your face. Loving this guy is a path to pure pain, Bug. You've seen this lifestyle. A different girl in each city. They may be physically available, but emotionally, it's not happening."

"I know, and I’m not getting my hopes up," denied Cheri. "I've known Dev for forever. He's Rory's best friend. Dev eats spaghetti at our house on Sundays. He taught me how to ride a bike. We will just do this thing and then everything will go back to the way it was."

Even as she said the words, the little bubbles of happiness she’d been feeling evaporated.

"Just be careful, okay?"

Cheri forced a smile as she nodded but her good mood was spoiled. She stuck the bag of clothes in the far corner of her bunk before turning back to Gina.

"Look, I'm beat. I’m going to bed," she said.

"Sorry," said Gina. "I'm just concerned about you."

"I appreciate it. But I'm a big girl."

"Yeah," said Gina quietly. "I thought that about myself not too long ago. And then I learned that big girls can cry too."

Cheri tried not to let those words replay in her mind as she closed her eyes a few minutes later, but it didn’t work.

By the time she fell asleep, the sun was smudging the sky with purple and her cheeks were wet with tears.

* * *

Someone pulled at Cheri's arm and she threw the other one over her eyes.

"Turn off the light," she complained.

"That," said Richard, "would be hard to do, unless you can figure out a way to turn off the sun. Come on, we're going to the McBurger for breakfast before the bus pulls out for Atlanta."

"You are a cruel, cruel man," said Cheri. She ran her cotton-mouthed tongue over her lips. "I need to brush my teeth at least."

Richard tossed a bottled water onto her stomach where it rolled off into her blankets. "Let's move it, Galveston. We need to get into Atlanta early today."

"Why?"

"Because," said Gina, pushing out of the small utility bathroom looking glamorous as she always did, "we've got a lunchtime meet-and-greet with the venue patrons, and other rich and famous of Atlanta. Plus, if I read my morning emails correctly, the president of our promotion company will be there as well."

"I hope Bill briefed the band," said Richard. "This is no time for Connor’s pranks."

But as the denizens of B bus walked as a group toward the fast food restaurant, a mob of people, mostly young women, swarmed toward them.

"Let us pass," said Richard grumpily.

"Where's the band?" cried one woman. "Where's Dev?" called another. "Sub-Zero, Sub-Zero," a group chanted.

"They drove on ahead," said Richard. "We're just crew."

"Oh my god," whispered Cheri to Gina who walked next to her. "This is crazy."

"Yeah. It's not often that the crew gets mobbed like this. But it's proof positive your social media efforts have reach. They’re following your posts and setting up star watches based on them."

"Star watches?"

"Otherwise known as crazy fans stalking celebs."

"Move along," said Richard. "There's nothing to see here." He pulled out his phone and sent a group text telling the band not to get off the bus.

"Where's Bill?" said Cheri. "Shouldn't he be looking after the band?"

"He,” said Gina, “went ahead to Atlanta to do the advance work and, of course, rub elbows with the elite of the city."

"Let's just get our food and get back to the bus," said Richard. "Cheri, you know our boys best." He nodded toward the first bus. "Can you order for them?"

Which meant she was going to see Dev sooner than later when she delivered it.

She was still a confused wreck after the night before, and only hoped she didn’t look as bad as she felt.

"Yeah, sure," she chirped back brightly.

After fifteen minutes of wrangling, they grabbed the bags of food. Cobb volunteered to help Cheri carry them, and Gina carried the over-stacked beverage tray. Cheri was amazed at how their publicist balanced the liquids as she walked on her stiletto heels, sure she could never duplicate Gina's efforts.

"What the hell is going on?" said Dev as they climbed into the bus.

She needn’t have worried about how she looked. Dev avoided even glancing in her direction. But his eyes narrowed when they lit on Cobb.

Doesn’t mean anything, fool.

"Crazy fans," said Gina shrugging her shoulders.

Cheri slowed in her tracks as she took in the full picture of Dev sporting some seriously sexy, early morning scruff. She shivered thinking about how those bristles would feel scraping against her skin in a morning kiss.

God, she was as bad as those star watchers.

She shook her head to clear her wayward thoughts. Last night with Dev might’ve been the nail in that coffin. She had to prepare mentally for that possibility, and mooning over him wasn’t going to help.

But, god, that kiss…

"Yeah," she said. "Richard said to tell you that we'll stop at a truck stop up the road so you guys can get cleaned up for the meet-and-greet."

"Oh joy," said Connor dropping into a seat in the kitchen area. "What you got there?"

"Well, I got you a big breakfast," said Cheri.

"Bless you, child," said Connor.

"And here is an assortment of biscuits, and bagel sandwiches."

"And coffee," said Gina.

"I think I love you," said Rory grabbing a coffee from the tray Gina held.

"Darling man, you can't survive my true form as kaffe goddess," she said. "But your worship is duly noted."

Rory grunted and took the covered cup Gina offered. Cheri's phone buzzed in her pocket.

"Richard tells us to get on the road, so gentlemen, according to this schedule we'll hit Atlanta at about eleven thirty. The meet-and-greet starts at noon. Also, note that your clothing for today will be delivered to you."

Connor saluted Cheri. "Yes, my cap-i-tan," he quipped. But Mac, Quinn, and Rory stared glumly into their coffee cups.

Gina nudged Cheri. "Are they going to be okay?" she said.

"Sure. They are always a bit uncommunicative in the morning," said Cheri. "Some mornings the most I can get out of Rory is a couple of grunts."

Cheri's phone buzzed again. It was Richard making dire threats if they didn't get to the bus. She showed the message to Gina.

"Even my magical alcohol powers couldn't unscrew that one. He's too tightly wound."

"Seems like. Bye, guys. See you in Hotlanta." Cheri gave a cheery wave and did her best not to make eye contact with Dev.

There was a collective groan either from hangovers or dread of the meet-and-greet that followed them out of the bus.

For the next couple of hours, Cheri shored up her social media efforts and posted a blog piece that extolled the virtues of the people of Charlotte and how much they loved the show. The video she’d loaded of the guys dancing turned out to be a big hit across all forums and the social media account manager displayed an impressive number of views and shares.

Just as she was patting herself on the back, a text from Rory popped up on her phone.

Dev hates you right now.

She knew he probably didn’t mean it literally, but reading those words in black and white made her want to chuck up her breakfast.

Her fingers shook as she shot back a quick reply.

Why?

Three dots lit the screen and she waited impatiently for her brother’s reply.

The video you posted. His personal tweeter account is blowing up.

She let out the breath she’d been holding as relief coursed through her. That she could handle.

It’s Twitter, dumbass. And let him be a hater. That kind of publicity you can't buy.

I'd tell him that if he didn't threaten to punch me.

She swallowed a chuckle.

Feed him. Maybe his blood sugar's dropping.

You're right. He won’t eat. Maybe he’s too hung over.

Or maybe he was as affected by their kiss last night as she was.

It was so unlike Dev, who downed food with the ferociousness of a grizzly bear, to not eat. She hoped he wasn't getting sick because they couldn't afford their front man getting ill right now.

Try a Pop-Tart. He loves those.

"What are you doing?" asked Gina.

"Giving instructions to Rory about the care and feeding of Dev Lachlan."

"You know a lot about these boys, don't you?"

"I've known them all since I was eight, so yeah."

"Then I'm really sorry if I overstepped last night. I was looking at my own experiences and applying them to you and your situation. You would know the guys better than me. If you say you’re cool and you’re not going to get hurt, I believe you. Just know I only poked my nose in because I care."

Cheri smiled and gave Gina’s arm a squeeze. "Don't worry about it. It's been a long time since I had a good gal friend. It's nice to have someone who wants to watch my back."

"Well, then I'm about to offer some more unsolicited advice. Like, get off that computer and get yourself ready for this party."

"Me?” she asked with a squeak. “I'm not going to this."

"Oh, yes, you are. You are front office, so to speak, and yes, you are going. And you got the dancing shoes to go with it. Man, did you see those spike heels Dev bought you? I was drooling when I saw them."

She’d been so sure the party had been band and core staff only, she’d thought she would have a couple Dev-free hours to get her head straight. Now, in the face of this new challenge, panic started to set in.

"He said something about those heels, but Gina, I've never worn a pair in my life."

"It's easy."

Cheri tossed her a skeptical glance.

"I'll talk you through it. Because they go perfectly with the little black dress in that treasure trove you have."

Despite her protests, Gina pep-talked her through dressing up for the meet-and-greet. Using tricks from long years on the road, she spiffed up Cheri's blow out from the day before. Then, she brushed it until it gleamed and piled it up on her head with elegant curls. While Cheri wriggled into the simple black dress that clung to every curve of her body, Gina dug out a pair of textured black hose from deep within her own wardrobe.

By the time they were ten minutes outside of Atlanta, Cheri was sporting a full face of make-up and, yes, even the dreaded spikes.

She sat on the couch while Gina disappeared into the tiny bathroom. Cheri’s head was still spinning when her friend emerged dressed in a drop-dead sexy red dress that hugged her curves as tightly as Cheri's did.

"Red. I love it!" said Cheri.

"Red is the new black," she said with a grin.

"Now you tell me."

"Besides, I had room in my luggage for one good dress and red is my best color."

It was true. The strong contrast of the deep color set off her dark hair and eyes.

"If you don't get lucky in that dress, there is no hope for mankind or womankind either."

"Ah, one little detail," said Gina. She took her phone and slid it into her bra.

"It won’t fall out?" said Cheri.

"Nope. And the only one that knows it’s there will be the man groping your breast."

"Well, that's unlikely," laughed Cheri. But she followed Gina's example.

The bus finally entered Atlanta's city limits. Cheri watched out the side window as the huge city came into view. It was less crowded than New York but the majesty of the skyline held Cheri's attention. Cobb and the rest of the crew came to the front of the bus, ready to get off and take up the day's work, but then stopped in their tracks as they sighted the women.

"Holy shit," said Cobb softly.

A couple wolf whistles sounded behind them, and Cheri’s cheeks flamed.

"What?"

"She can't see herself. We don't have a mirror big enough," said Gina. "Woman, you outshine Cinderella herself.”

Cobb dropped to one knee. "Marry me, right now," he said.

"Up," commanded Cheri, fanning her face in embarrassment. She couldn’t help but wonder if Dev’s reaction would be as positive. "No offers of marriage will be contemplated until this tour is over. Besides, I don't think the bus driver is empowered to perform marriages. But I will put you on my list," she joked, desperate to get the attention off her now.

"There's a list?" said Cobb with a mock frown.

"Of course," said Gina imperiously. "You can't expect a princess like Cheri not to have a list."

"Get up, fool," said one of the other members of the crew with a laugh. "The women are playing with you."

To Cheri’s relief, the bus rolled to a stop in front of the venue, which looked more like a museum than a concert hall. Cheri took her first step on her heels and instantly almost toppled over.

She scrabbled to catch herself on the wall and glared at Gina as the guys chuckled. "I thought you said this was easy," she hissed.

"It is. Just take it one step at a time. Cobb, help Cheri off the bus."

"Gladly, my lady."

On Cobb's arm, she descended the steps onto the firm concrete of the road. At the same time, the Gang of Five departed their bus. Dev turned his head and stared at Cheri as if he didn't recognize her. Gina clomped down the stairs in her heels and hung Cheri's photo case on her shoulder.

"Honestly, you'd forget your own head, wouldn't you?" said Gina. "This is a working event for you, princess."

"Thanks," Cheri said distractedly. She stared at Dev who was dressed in a dark blue sports jacket, black tee, and black jeans so tight she swore she saw the ripple of his muscles when he walked. He lifted his eyes to look straight into hers and she turned away, afraid he’d see exactly how vulnerable he made her feel.

Luckily, she was getting used to her spikes because her legs were trembling as they entered the marble-lined atrium of the theater. It was set up for a high-end party, with catering on tables to the right-hand side and an open bar on the left. Waiters walked through the crowd of glittering people, men dressed in Italian suits and the women in New York or French couture.

The band manager led the boys deeper into the crowd of people. While Cheri unslung her camera and made adjustments for the lighting, a tall and lean blond-haired man sidled between her and Gina.

"Gina, I didn't know you worked for Sub-Zero.”

“Peter,” said Gina tersely.

Cheri thought the man looked familiar. Then her eyes went wide when she placed the face with the name. Peter Ebon of Ebon Steel? She nearly squealed except it wouldn’t be very professional of her. Aside from Sub-Zero, Ebon Steel was her favorite band.

“Is that all I get? Not even a peck on the cheek?” said Peter.

“You seemed to have that covered the last time I saw you. Not with me, of course.”

Wow. Did Gina have an affair with Peter Ebon? Holy shit. But it was clear that whatever had happened was long over. Gina wanted no part of the man. In fact, her eyes blazed with an anger Cheri never saw in her friend before.

Peter slipped his arm around Gina’s waist, either ignoring the daggers coming from her eyes or too clueless to notice them.

“Now, love. You know how the business is. Women throwing themselves at musicians is part of the game.”

“I know how the business is, Peter. I just got tired of you giving it to me.”

“You didn’t have to quit like that. We need you, Gina. Our new publicist is shit compared to you.”

“I’m not so sure you’d want me back. You know us yappy little dogs. We tend to bite the hand that feeds us.”

Peter’s face colored. “You never forget a fucking thing, do you?”

“I never forget a good fucking, Peter. Or a good fucking over.” She shot him a lethal smile and then turned away. “Oh, look, isn’t that Darcy Andrews, the big-time actress, over there waving to you? You should go say hello. I’m sure she wants to throw herself at you too.”

“You really should give me a chance to explain.”

“No,” said Gina. “I really shouldn’t.”

“I’ll catch up with you later, Gina. We do need to have a good chat.” The handsome rock star bent to give her a peck on the cheek, but Gina moved her head. He shrugged and walked toward Darcy Andrews with a big smile.

“No, we really don’t,” Gina muttered.

“So give, girlfriend,” said Cheri. “Did you and Peter Ebon have a thing?”

“What we had is not worth talking about.” But Cheri saw the pain in Gina’s eyes when Peter walked away and she remembered her friend’s words of warning about Dev.

“You've seen this lifestyle. A different girl in each city. They may be physically available, but emotionally, it's not happening."

So maybe Gina was talking about her and Peter Ebon. But her words could be just as true about Dev Lachlan. The thought gave Cheri an uneasy feeling in her stomach.

Gina’s next words didn’t do anything to comfort her.

“There, go take a picture of Dev talking to that reality star."

Cheri moved off and positioned herself to capture the shot Gina wanted. After she got it, she moved around the room snapping pics of the guys with different people. She lost track of time as she followed Dev, Rory, Connor, Mac and Quinn as they circulated through the gathering. It was fun until she caught Dev talking animatedly with a dark-haired woman that hung on his every word. With a shock, she realized it was movie actress Darcy Andrews who Peter had gone to talk to. Cheri took the picture with a sinking feeling in her stomach.

How could she hope to compete with someone like that?

Obviously, the men she grew up with were shooting stars, getting ready to take their place in the strata reserved for celebrities. What did she have? A half-baked job created for the sister of the band's drummer. It was a sobering realization. Dev Lachlan could and did have any woman he wanted. And now he was moving up to a level where the women were far richer and prettier than she ever hoped to be.

Some Cinderella she was.

Then her phone buzzed. Turning her back to the crowd she pulled it out from her bra and with a shock she saw it was Dev.