Breathless – One Month Before The Tour
“Jesus! Why does this day have to be so jam-packed with shit to do?” Darren bitches as he plops down into the recliner.
“Maybe because Sawyer is still dragging ass on the title song for the new album?” Wyatt offers.
I shoot him the evil eye. “Fuck you. You can’t rush perfection, and this song is the most important one on the album. It’s not my fault I’m in a creative slump.”
No, that honor goes to Noah. Ever since he decided to retire, my creativity is fleeting on a good day and non-existent on the rest. They all suspect what’s going on, but no one actually has the balls to say it out loud. That’s probably best.
“It will come to you, and when it does, it will be incredible,” Noah encourages lightly. Which, of course, makes me feel like an even bigger asshat for being so bitter inside. I need to get out of this slump. Maybe getting laid would help.
“All right, you guys. Slammed has confirmed Belle Dixson will be attending the show tonight, and she’s bringing a plus one. We need to be on our best behavior if we want this to work out,” Warren announces while slamming a massive file on the kitchen table.
“What, are you afraid we’re going to scare her away?”
He glares at me. “You. I’m afraid you’ll be inappropriate or piss her off. We need her on our side, Sawyer. Slammed is the only magazine out there right now with their integrity still intact. No sexing her up either.”
As if. “You’ve got nothing to worry about, she’s cute but not my type.”
His curious nature gets the best of him. “Why is that? Most men think she’s hot.”
My reply is instant. “Because she’s a reporter and you want her to meet up with us monthly for a year. You’re just asking for trouble. Nothing screams potential stalker, security risk, or stage-five clinger more than a single woman with a press pass. Do not give her my number either. She can go through you to get to us if she needs to.”
“You can give her my number if you want to. I haven’t seen her, but if Sawyer says she’s cute, I’ll deal with the risks to have a monthly booty call at my disposal.”
Warren scowls at Darren. “Absolutely not. I expect all of you to be on your best behavior. No exchanging numbers, flirting, or fucking until we get a yes from her on the job. This isn’t a game. The next year is crucial for you guys to end your touring days on a high note. I’m just glad I was able to convince you not to retire completely. Your musical talent would be wasted if you just quit because of a touring issue. There are plenty of bands out there who make music and never tour. Although, I do encourage a long break to rejuvenate yourselves and rebuild your creative energy.”
I’m trying not to take his comment as a personal slam about the slump I’m in. Noah walks in just in time to keep me from saying something I shouldn’t. After taking a seat, he turns his attention to Warren.
“What else is on tap for today, Warren?”
“The book. You guys have to pick a writer to go on tour with you.”
We all groan in unison because none of his picks are great.
“Isn’t there anyone else? These three are kind of …”
“Ridiculous is the word you’re looking for, Wyatt,” I fill in for him, and Warren sighs defeatedly.
“I know they’re not ideal candidates, but they’re talented and capable of doing the job. We’re still putting our feelers out and keeping our eyes open, but time is running out, and we only have a few days to get the contracts signed and get whoever it is vetted.”
This book is turning out to be a huge pain in the ass, and I’m about to voice my frustration and veto the whole damn thing, but Warren doesn’t let me get a word in before he continues.
“We leave for the Greek in an hour. Shit, shower, change, write some music, jack off, whatever you need to do to put on a happy face and a good show tonight, do it. We’ll head back here afterward for dinner, and hopefully, Sawyer will be inspired and write some music tonight. I’ve got some calls to make, but I’ll be in the office if you need me.”
When Warren leaves, I flip through the file he left. “Any of the rest of you want to put a time of death on this book? I’m over it,” I say, sliding the file across the table to Noah.
“I hate to admit it, but I’m with Sawyer,” Wyatt agrees.
Noah opens the file. “Maybe we’ll find someone else. I’m not ready to give up on it just yet. I like the idea a lot.”
“Me too,” Darren agrees with Noah, and we’re at an impasse again. We should have thought about that when we made the band. If we had five members, we wouldn’t be tied so often.
“Fine, we’ll table it for now, but they better come up with something better than this. These people suck. I’m going to go get ready.”
They exchange glances as I stand, and I know they all think I’m an asshole. They’re right, but excuse the fuck out of me for not being happy about this farewell tour. As much as I’m excited about the concept and the new music, I’m still pissed about this being the end.
As the shower warms up, I strip off my clothes and toss a towel on the counter. Once I’m under the spray, I try to allow myself to relax as I soap up. Maybe jacking off will make me feel better. It can’t hurt to try.
With one hand pressed against the wall and the other stroking my soapy cock, I close my eyes and think about the hot blonde from the bar I fucked in the bathroom the other night. About a minute into my fantasy, my thoughts get away from me. Before I know it, I’m thinking about the song I can’t write, the author we can’t find, and how not in the mood I am for a show tonight.
My dick is barely sporting a semi at this point, and that pisses me off even more. I want to come and can’t even get myself off. I finish rinsing and get dressed. I’ve got thirty minutes to kill before we go, which is enough time to catch up with Bethie for a bit.
Explain to me again why you’re not coming tonight?
Bethie: Don’t remind me. I have to work tomorrow, but there’s nothing more I wish I were doing than watching your last big California show.
Fuck, she just nailed it on the head, didn’t she?
I didn’t even think about that until you just said it. This blows.
Bethie: I know it does. I’m happy for Noah and Wyatt, but I’m so sad for you and Darren.
What about you? How do you feel?
Bethie: Honestly? I’m torn. I want to be happy, but it’s hard when I know it’s making you miserable.
I’ll be okay.
Bethie: I know you will, but that doesn’t make it suck any less. I’m sorry Sawyer, truly. If it’s any consolation, I loved you before you were THE SAWYER WESTON and I’ll love you even when you’re back to being just Sawyer again.
Haha so now you’ve got jokes.
Bethie: Always for you. Promise me something?
Anything for you.
Bethie: Have fun tonight. Enjoy it, Sawyer, seriously. Take it all in and experience it like it’s the first time. More than anything, I want you to leave this last tour with happy memories. Get a jump on it and start tonight.
I’ll do my best.
Bethie: That’s all I ask. Love you.
Love you too.
As Noah knocks on my door, telling me it’s time to go, I try to convince myself to listen to her and have a good time. After all, this is the beginning of the end.
I’m breathless, sweaty, and exhilarated. There’s no better high than being on stage in front of tens of thousands of people. We’re huddled together in the corridor, catching our breath before we go out for our encore. Our PA is babbling about who the fuck knows what, and Darren turns to me with a smirk.
“How many?” I ask, knowing damn well he wants to brag.
“Five bras, at least a dozen pairs of panties, and a paper airplane with a phone number.” He laughs with that last part.
“They’re bold, aren’t they? Just think, that’s what made it to the back of the stage where you are. Imagine all the floaters off to the side and what we ‘accidentally’ kicked back off while performing.”
“This is exactly why we don’t use groupie condoms,” Darren muses.
“Amen to that,” we all counter. Our PA is frustrated at this point. She knows we’re not listening to her.
“Listen, guys, I know you’re pros and shit, but this is what you pay me for. Two-minute countdown, okay? At least nod so I know you’re somewhat listening.”
“We’re listening,” Noah remarks, but his eyes are elsewhere. That catches my attention because it’s dead back here tonight since we only have event staff and ours. When he turns back to the group, I follow his gaze, and my throat suddenly dries up.
I don’t see her face, but her body is bangin’. She’s got curves for days in all the right places. My cock twitches as I tug my lip ring with my teeth. She must feel my eyes on her because she turns around. It’s just a quick glance, but it’s long enough for her to blush and for me to notice. She’s pretty in an effortless way—minimal makeup and dressed casually in a pair of jeans showcasing every delicate curve. There’s nothing band-related on her body and that fact alone makes my breath catch.
“It’s time, Bastards, get out there and shut this bitch down! On three!” We all jump in for the count as Amy counts us down. “One, two, three!” This is why she’s the best PA ever; she’s got energy for days.
Mac ushers us into the SUV, and I’m in a fucking daze. Me—Sawyer fucking Weston. I’m not sure what is going on tonight, but I’ve never been more irritated and more turned on by a woman than I have been the last hour by Amelia Greyson.
We’re only in the car seconds and I’ve already got her book downloaded onto my phone. As much shit as I’ve talked to Wyatt, I can’t have a physical copy laying around, but fuck me, I need to see what’s inside this chick’s head.
Warren looks at the two of us excitedly. “So what do you guys think? Is she really the one?”
“Yeah, she is,” Noah and I agree in unison.
“She’ll be on the buses with you, and she’ll have your phone numbers … you have to be okay with that. For the next three hundred sixty-five days and the international portion, she’ll be with you night and day. You’re sure you’re on board?”
We both nod, each lost in our thoughts.
“She’s pretty perfect, but I need to put this out there. If either of you fuck her it could be a real disaster. You know that, right?”
“She’s a bitch. I’m not going to fuck her.” The words fly out of my mouth before I can think. I’m in defensive mode right now, but that was still messed up.
“She’s direct and blunt, but she’s not a bitch. Say something now if this is going to be an issue, Sawyer, I mean it,” Warren cautions, and I exhale. I can’t fuck this up; something tells me I want this girl on tour with us more than I’ve ever wanted anything.
“It’s not a problem. I’m just hungry and tired.” Hungry for Princess’s pretty little lips to be wrapped around my cock like they were with that water bottle earlier. I’m pretty sure the attraction is mutual too.
“You’re sure your ego can take it? She’s not going to go easy on you.”
“What, Warren? You think I can’t give as good as I get? I’ll be fine.”
“That’s what I’m worried about,” he mumbles before turning his attention to Noah. “What about you? You’re awfully quiet.”
“I think she’s a good fit. The best out of all of them. Up until an hour ago, I was beginning to think Sawyer and Wyatt were right and maybe we should scrap the book. This will be good, Warren, she will be good. We’ll make her feel at home.”
“Not too at home,” he cautions warily.
“Of course not,” He agrees with a chuckle.
I saw Noah checking her out and how he responded to her, but Noah is nice to everyone. It’s hard as hell for me to gauge who he’s actually interested in and who he’s just being nice to. I’ll have to find the time to talk to him about her because I don’t want to be in another Marilyn situation again.
Warren calls Sam to talk details as Mac drives us back to the Malibu house. When Warren hangs up, he rubs his hands together gleefully. Sometimes, Warren is the biggest kid of all of us.
“Sam is completely on board. In fact, he said I could tell Amelia they want to offer her a contract on The O Factor.”
Noah smiles. “You’re going to make her night, Warren.”
“We’re going to make her night,” I say, correcting Noah.
He high-fives me and leans back with a smile as Warren spouts off details. When he gets to the financials, he pauses.
“What?” I ask as he scribbles out something on his paperwork.
“She’s a new author. I think we need to revise the pay. Everyone else was established, paying them two hundred thousand a year seemed right, but maybe we should offer her less. Maybe one twenty-five?”
“That seems a bit low,” Noah hedges.
“That’s bullshit and you know it. Give her two fifty.”
Warren and Noah’s mouths are both gaping open. “Sawyer, that’s insane. She’s already getting a book deal and a percentage of the royalties,” Warren clarifies.
“Yeah, and she’s giving up a year of her life to travel on a fucking bus with four strangers. She’s going to put up with all of our shit, especially mine. Consider it hazard pay for dealing with me. Two hundred wasn’t enough in the first place, but I didn’t like those other people, so if they took that money, it was on them.”
Noah’s interest is piqued. “And it’s not on her?”
“To an extent, sure. But like Warren said, she’s new, she’s green around the gills and probably doesn’t have a clue how contracts are written. We don’t know her situation or anything about her. Hiring an attorney on a weekend premium will cost an arm and a leg. There’s a real chance she could go into debt just trying to make an informed decision about this. At least she will if she’s smart, and I think we can all agree she seems fucking smart.”
I’m not sure why I feel the need to defend her, but I do know what it was like to be new in an industry and get nickeled and dimed to death. I may not be on board with all of Noah’s fate shit, but I believe in karma, and I don’t want to fuck anyone over.
Noah smirks but eventually nods his head in agreement. “He’s right, we should have offered more from the get-go. If her book is as good as Anna and Sam say, and it probably is because she has the bestselling ranking to back it up, she deserves more. We’re putting our trust in her, so she should be able to trust us to protect her right off the bat.”
Warren mumbles again but scratches out his new numbers and writes a big 250K with a circle around it. Seeing him give in is oddly satisfying. It’s not often I win a battle of wills with him.
When we arrive at the house, Warren exits the car, but Noah grabs my wrist, holding me back. “That was nice of you,” he muses.
“There’s a difference between nice and fair.”
“Maybe. She got to you, didn’t she? Are you upset she called you out on your shit?”
“Do I look upset? She’s a princess, Noah, and she’s going to hate me because I’m everything she isn’t, but we don’t screw our employees. Never have, and I’ll be damned if we start now.”
“Okay, if that’s all there is to it, I’ll let it drop.”
“Thank you.”
Noah grins and hops out of the SUV. “Come on, I’m starving, and we get to go make someone’s life a little bit better tonight.”
I’ve got no doubt Amelia will be excited about the deal with SOS, but I’m not sure how she’s going to feel about our offer. It would be a dream come true for most people, but if there’s one thing she’s shown us tonight, she’s not most people by a longshot.
“I should go talk to Mel.” Belle excuses herself from the table and Noah follows, giving her a blanket to take down to the beach. While he leads her to the stairs outside, we all sit quietly and finish our dinner. That was beyond strange yet not exactly unexpected.
“She’s not going to do it, and if she doesn’t, we need to just cancel this book. It’s not like we have to do it anyway,” Wyatt says.
“No, but it would be fucking cool to have a book,” Darren says as he tosses a piece of garlic bread in his mouth.
With a glare at them, I push my plate away in frustration. “This book isn’t just for us. It’s for everyone. The fans, other celebrities, our family. Unless you’re famous, you don’t understand the toll this life takes on you. How hard things are. I can’t even buy a box of condoms without the pictures ending up all over the tabloids. If people understood what we actually go through just trying to live our day-to-day lives, maybe things would get easier. If more celebrities spoke up, maybe people like Sara wouldn’t become fixated on people like Noah.”
Noah enters on the tail end of my rant and takes his seat before contributing. “It’s true, this book could make a difference, but for me, it’s more about giving our fans a piece of us. A final glimpse into our world. I want them to feel our highs as well as our lows. It’s like Sawyer said, we want to give our fans an insider’s look at our lives. If we can show them the good, bad, and everything in between, hopefully it will give them the closure they need and a newfound respect for what we go through. Which, in turn, could make our retirement a whole lot easier.”
Warren nods as he stands. “It’s up to you guys. If Amelia won’t do it, you’ll have to kill the project or pick one of the others. We’re out of time and out of options. I’ve got to get some work done.” After tossing his napkin down, Warren walks away.
“So …” Darren begins, dragging out his thought while he makes sure the office door closes behind Warren. “Belle’s a fucking hottie. I’m going to grab a blanket and go chat her up for a bit.”
Groaning, Noah gets back up. “Then I guess I’ll come with you and bring Amelia back up to the house. God only knows how long you’ll be down on that beach.”
“Hopefully long enough to show Belle I’ve got mad skills. Round one might be quick, but round two will display my epic fucking capabilities. She had me practically busting a nut in my pants earlier. I just about had my hand down her pants before someone interrupted us for dinner. I’ve been blue balling it ever since.”
He tosses a pointed glare at Wyatt, who shrugs it off casually. “Whatever, dude. Next time I’ll let Warren catch you fucking instead and have her pulled from the tour before it even starts. How’s that?”
“Okay, I’ll give you that. Thanks for the save.”
After they head down to the beach, Wyatt turns his attention to me. “You all right?” Sometimes, I wish I was the easy-going one because I want to be the one going down there to check on her instead of my brother.
“Yeah, just got a lot on my plate right now, you know?”
“Don’t let them get to you, Sawyer. We can push off the title track a few more weeks if we have to.”
I know Wyatt is only trying to help, but I’m stuck on the sexual chemistry between me and this girl. If I could funnel that energy into our song, it would be a hit.
“I appreciate the support, but you know as well as I do I’m about out of time.”
“Then let’s rally tomorrow. Like the old days, just hang out and jam our asses off. Inspiration always hits when we let everything go.”
It’s been a while since we’ve said fuck it and had a band jam day. “Let’s do it. I’m going to go to the garage and clear my head a bit.”
“Movie night later?”
God love Wyatt, he’s doing everything he can to relax me. “Sounds good. Text me when you’re ready.”
After quickly running down to the garage to get my journal, I run back up to my room. I need to take a shower, but my curiosity gets the best of me, and I pick up my phone and open Amelia’s book to a random page. I’m dying to know what’s inside this girl’s head.
Joss laid motionless under Sam.
“Babe, that was nice,” he murmured against her heated skin. Par for the usual course lately, he rolled off her and went into the bathroom to ditch the condom and clean up.
Tired of being his pump and dump receptacle, Joss stuck to the decision she made earlier and reached into her nightstand. After smoothing a bit of lubricant onto her favorite vibrator, she reached between her legs so she could finish herself off. Gasping as the bunny ears teased her tender clit, she set the vibrator to a comfortable pulse and fucked herself the way she deserved.
“What are you doing?” Sam hissed from the entryway.
“Isn’t it obvious?” she asked through her pleasure. “I’m taking care of my needs since you seem to have forgotten how.”
Sam remained motionless, but his eyes never left hers. Joss imagined it was him between her legs as his lustful gaze raked up her body. They’d been together for a while, but she was tired of accepting complacency. She was always going to long for the pleasure he used to bring her, and if he wouldn’t give it to her, she wasn’t going to stick around any longer waiting for him. Crying out as her orgasm crashed over her, Joss gave into every sensation and thrashed across the bed. As the sensations subsided, she turned off the vibrator and gasped for air.
“That was so fucking sexy,” Sam said, crawling into bed with her.
Turning to him, Joss made her intentions clear. “Sam, I love you, but that’s the last time I come thinking of you if you’re not the one bringing me pleasure. If it’s not you getting me off next time, I’ll find someone else who wants the job.”
My dick is hard, and I’ve got a million questions running through my mind. The first thing I want to know is how much truth is in her fiction? Did Amelia’s man leave her high and dry? If he did, he’s a fucking fool. The sexual vibes that radiate between us have already convinced me she’s the kind of girl who gives as good as she gets. And I’m the kind of guy who gives again and again.
Fuck, I need a shower.
After removing my shoes and putting my clothes in the hamper, I hop under the heated spray and try clearing my mind. It’s no use; I’m still picturing the glimmer of lust in Mel’s eyes from when I told her I wanted to put her over my knee. I want to smack that tight ass of hers until it’s pink and she’s begging me to fuck her.
Unlike earlier today, my cock is rock hard. My soaped-up fingers circle the tip of my dick, my pre-cum adding to the slickness. With my head against the tile wall, I work myself to the point of no return. Imagining Amelia’s pretty, pouty lips circling my dick and swallowing me down her throat is my undoing. My body trembles with the aftershocks of one of the best orgasms I’ve ever had. Getting myself off shouldn’t feel that good, but damn … it was like she was right here with me.
How am I letting this girl I don’t even know get under my skin? She’s bitchy, sarcastic, and undeniably sexy in the most obscure way. She’s not one iota my type, yet I can’t get her out of my head. I just need to sleep with her and get it out of my system. She seems like the kind of woman who can handle a one-night stand. And since she doesn’t like me or my band, I won’t have to worry about her turning into a clinger.
I’ve just wrapped my towel around my waist and cracked the bathroom door when I hear someone step into my room. No one comes in without knocking, ever. If it’s not her, it’s Belle, but one of them is about to get a surprise.
Rapidly flipping the light off, I open the door and pull the unsuspecting girl inside. “What the fuck?” she gasps.
It’s her.
“Fucking hell, Princess,” I growl. The room is dark and steamy, and before she can tell me to shove my Princess comment where the sun doesn’t shine, my mouth crashes against hers. As I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her closer, I weave the fingers of my free hand through her hair. Her scent is intoxicating, and as I slide my tongue across her lips, she opens to me. My heart pounds in my chest as our tongues meet for the first time. Her mouth tastes like heaven, but the two of us together could easily burn a path straight to hell.
Her body fits perfectly against mine, and as our tongues duel for control, she wraps her arms around me and releases her soft cries of pleasure against my mouth.
If another woman had ever kissed me like this, I would have given up my bachelorhood a long time ago.
She tugs my lip ring with her teeth, and it sends a jolt straight to my cock. I’m moaning just as much as she is, and when her body begins grinding against my dick, I slide my hand down her tight little ass, bringing us even closer together. I want her doggy style on my bed, and the thought alone practically takes me to my knees. Her gasp brings me back to the present as she abruptly pushes me away.
What the fuck?
“We can’t.” Her voice is a breathless whisper.
“Oh, Princess,” I say, placing her hand on my dick, “I’m pretty sure we can.”
She laughs, and it’s like music for my soul. With a laugh like that, I have to see her smile, so I flip on the light and she blinks rapidly. Oops, guess I didn’t exactly think that through, but oh well, it’s worth it because she’s still smiling and it looks damn good on her. Once her eyes focus, she takes me in. There isn’t an inch of my body her gaze doesn’t roam across. I know she said no, but when she licks her lips and bites down on her bottom lip, I know it’s her mind talking over her sex drive.
When her eyes land on my chest, the rapid rise and fall of hers becomes noticeable. This girl has a thing for my piercings. I’m tempted to drop my towel, if for no other reason than to see her lick those luscious lips of hers again. Too bad, she’s starting to come to her senses, I was enjoying the pheromone high between us.
With a regretful look, she speaks, “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this.”
“Your body says otherwise,” I counter, curious as hell to see how this is going to play out.
“Maybe it does, but I don’t think with my body anymore, I think with my mind. We can’t do this if I’m coming on tour with you.”
So she made her decision. All right, I’ll play her game … for now. I’ll deal with a temporary disappointment as long as I know I’ve got access to her for the next year and a half. I’ll talk to Noah about her tonight and tell him how I feel because if there’s one thing I know as easily as my own name, it’s that me and Princess are meant to be fuck buddies.
“All right. I’ve never had a woman turn me down before. I’m not sure I like it. It’s your call, Princess. You know where to find me if you change your mind.”
While she picks her jaw up off the floor, I walk out and close the door behind me, then I drop my towel and hurry up and get dressed. When I grab my phone, I see Wyatt has already texted about movie night.
When I enter the living room, Warren looks up in surprise. “Did you just get out of the shower?”
“Yeah, gave Princess in there quite a shock.”
Wyatt chuckles as Warren blushes. “Shit, is she still coming on tour with us?”
“Seems like it.”
Amelia walks back into the room, and Warren apologizes to her as the guys start debating movie choices. After it’s decided we’re going to watch Goonies, Noah goes to grab some snacks.
“Still coming on tour with us?” I ask, and she looks at me with a mixture of defiance and defeat before answering.
“Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
I bet she is; I know I am. “Okay, give me your phone then.”
“My … my … you want my phone?” She swallows hard, and I do my best not to laugh at her. Most girls would have given it to me in a heartbeat.
“Yes, Princess, your phone. If you’re coming with us, we’re going to need to talk details, and I’m sure you’re going to have questions. We want you to be one hundred percent on board. But if I put our numbers in your phone and you fuck us and give them out, I will make your life hell.”
I say it with a smile, but I’m only half joking. The last thing in the world I want to do again is get another new phone number.
“I would never do that. I promise.” She sounds honest enough, so I add all of our numbers to her contacts. Wyatt watches with rapt attention; I’m pretty sure he’s on to me but whatever. After programming our numbers, I put her number in my phone while wracking my brain to come up with a hello song to send her. She seems like she’s got a good sense of humor, so I settle on “Hello, I Love You” by The Doors.
When I give her back her phone, she pulls the message up, snorting when she sees it. Unfortunately, she’s sitting next to Noah, or I might joke with her. Surprisingly enough, a few minutes later I get a reply, and it’s all I can do not to laugh out loud. Instead, when I click on her text, I cough into my hand when I find the link to “My Name Is” by Eminem. This tour that I’ve been dreading for months has suddenly become a lot more appealing.