Libby

I chew the last bite of my sandwich and look across the couch at Mia. “So I have some news,” I tell her.

She drops the chip in her hand. “Oh my God, you’re pregnant?”

“What? No. Why is that the first thing that comes to your mind when I say I have news? Who do you think knocked me up? My vibrator?”

“I don’t know,” she says, laughing. “You’ve been jittery as hell all day and then you say you have news, so I assumed it was something serious – either you’re dying or pregnant. I obviously would prefer you be pregnant over dying, so I made it my first choice.”

“To ease your mind, I’m not dying or pregnant. I’m going to be gone for a few months.” I think the reason why I waited to tell her is because I wasn’t sure if I’d bail, and I knew if I told her in advance she’d force me to go.

“Okay … and where are you going?” she drawls out.

“On tour with Knox.”

I wait for it.

Her eyes widen, a smile hitting her lips. “You shut the hell up, Libby Graves!” I shake my head as she jumps up and throws her arms in the air. “You’re going on one of the biggest tours of the year with the hottest pop star in the country. You’re seriously so damn lucky.”

Lucky? No. “I don’t even want to go, but Knox insisted he needed me there.”

“Of course he insisted he needed you there because he wants to screw you.”

I give her a look. “Don’t start with that again.”

“And I think you want to screw him just as much.”

“I don’t want to screw him or anyone else right now for that matter.”

“You know, it’s very insulting to our friendship for you to lie straight to my face.”

I pick up a pillow and toss it at her, hitting her straight in the nose. “Would you rather I hit you in the face.”

She throws the pillow back at me and gives me a serious look. “I can’t wait to tell Dixon. Do you think you can get us the hookup on some good tickets to the show here?”

“I’ll see what I can do, but I’m pretty sure you’re not hurting to pay for them.”

“Why would I need to pay for them when I’m best friends with the girl he wants to screw?”

I grab my phone when it beeps.

Knox: What time are you going to be here tonight?

Me: Whatever time you want me there.

I reread my text after sending it.

Whatever time you want me there?

If that doesn’t sound suggestive, I don’t know what does.

Knox: I like it when you say things like that.

Me: Didn’t we talk about sexual harassment? I almost hit send, but decide to change the subject. I erase that and start typing something else. My roommate wants to know if her and her boyfriend can tag along with me tonight? I promise they won’t be in the way and I’ll do my job 100%.

Knox: Sure, no problem at all. Call Max and make sure their names get put on the list for tickets.

Me: Thank you.

Knox: I got you, girl.

I drop my phone and look over at Mia. “You better start getting ready because you’re going to the concert tonight.”

She skips over to wrap her arms around me. “You’re seriously the best friend ever. I need to call Dixon and then shower.” She turns around and starts to head up the stairs while throwing an, “I love you,” over her shoulder.

* * *

I arrive at the stadium three hours before the show starts.

Knox has been here rehearsing since this morning. He’s been working his ass off to make sure this is perfect, and I hope everything goes well tonight.

The security guard lets me through when I show him my badge, and music is already playing. Thomas waves me over to ask if I have any questions about the tour. We talk for a good thirty minutes before he tells me he’ll see me back here when the show ends.

Knox’s dressing room is my next stop. I knock on the door and wait for him to call for me to come in before opening it. He’s sitting on the couch and sets his phone down on the table when I walk in and shut the door behind me.

“Hey,” I greet. “Do you need anything before going on?” I feel sorry for not asking this sooner.

He grins from ear to ear. “A good luck kiss or even a screw would be nice.” He laughs at the dirty look I give him. “Fine, fun sucker, if none of those is an option then I’m good for now, but can you make sure I have plenty of water throughout the show?”

I smile. “I already have a case in the cooler behind the stage.”

“You’re the best. You do a much better job at this than my mother did when she worked for me. She never asked me if I needed anything before a show. I either did it, or Thomas had it set up.”

I smile. “I’m only doing my job.”

“And doing a damn good job at it. I know I’ll be in good hands this tour.”

* * *

I’m on the side of the stage watching Knox perform, and damn, can he put on a show. He’s amazing up there. He has no reason to worry about the tour hurting his career. It’s only going to look up from here.

Sweat is dripping down his forehead as he sings and keeps up with his backup dancers. I watched him rehearse a few times, but it’s different when he’s up there performing for the crowd. You can see how much he truly loves what he’s doing.

I have to watch him perform night after night and try to keep my panties dry. I make myself a mental note to add vibrator to my list of things to bring with me.

* * *

“That was freaking awesome,” Mia screams, skipping my way and wrapping her arms around me. Max gave her and Dixon front row tickets and backstage passes.

“She’s been Snapchatting the entire performance,” Dixon says, coming up behind her and tightening his hands around her waist. “Will you please tell her it’s better to enjoy the experience live? I’m not usually a fan of this genre of music, but the dude definitely has talent.”

“He does,” I reply, and I wish he were more recognized for it.

“So are there any plans now? Like a big after party?” Mia asks.

“I have no idea. Even if there is, I’m not going. We’re leaving in less than a week, and I still have to make sure everything is in order.” I’m not only responsible for making sure all of my ducks are in a row, but I’m also in charge of Knox’s.

Mia frowns. “Bummer.”

Her frown turns into a shriek, and I turn around to see Knox behind me, a water bottle in his hand and sweat dripping from almost every inch of his skin.

“So what did you think of your first Knox Rivers’ concert?” he asks.

“You did amazing,” I say, smiling.

“You rocked it,” Mia answers and then points to Dixon. “You convinced my boyfriend to join your fan club.”

Dixon laughs, pushing his hand forward to shake Knox’s, and thanks him for the tickets.

Knox points to Mia. “I take it you’re the roommate?”

Mia grins from ear to ear. “Present and accounted for.” Her face goes serious. “I expect you to take care of my girl while you guys are gone.”

“She’s in good hands,” Knox says. “It was nice meeting you, and I’m glad you had a good time. I’ve got to shower.” He squeezes my side before giving them a wave and walking away.

Another squeal releases from Mia’s throat. “Oh my God, did you hear that? He said you’re in good hands!”

“Get your mind out of the gutter,” I say.

“I swear it sounded sexual.”

“It wasn’t. Do you think the Allstate commercial is sexual when they say that?”

“There’s a difference between the way they say it and how he did. He’s got something for you, I swear.”