Chapter One - Mindy
Mindy Cassidy waited in a room off from the concert hall for the biggest new band in the country, August Doll. Her older brother had begged her to come, telling her he needed a “big favor” before she went back to school in the fall.
She’d come right away because she’d do anything for Bret. Her brother had always been there for her and, even now, he paid her tuition so she could attend school for her Bachelor’s in psychology.
She flipped her long auburn hair over her shoulder as she heard the band finish the last song of their set. She knew the set by heart, had heard it a million times since they were just a garage band, practicing at her parents’ house.
August Doll had hit it big with their first album, something even she could barely believe. She just hoped she didn’t have to run into Devon Jennings. He and her brother had been best friends since they were in middle school.
As a teen, she’d had the worst crush ever on the lead singer. She was certain she’d acted like a love-struck idiot, barely able to string together sentences whenever he was around.
She’d rush up to her room, certain the rest of the band was making fun of her because it was so obvious. All the same, she’d had torrid fantasies about losing her virginity to Devon. Sometimes, even now, she’d dream about him. And she still hadn’t found anyone who could compare to her feelings for Devon. Because of that, she still held onto her pesky V-card. It was humiliating to be twenty-one and still a virgin. She had lied to her friends that she had a summer fling last year and gone all the way with a boy from home.
Bret walked into the room and Mindy jumped up to give him a big hug. He grabbed her up and spun her around. “Min, it’s good to see you, kid.”
He ruffled her hair like she was twelve, not of proper drinking age.
Devon strolled in behind him, glowering at them both, and went straight for the makeshift bar set up in a corner.
The familiar shock went through Mindy, that strike of attraction straight to her core, and she cursed herself a dozen times over for still wanting the man when he’d shown her zero interest. Not to mention, Devon was not a “nice guy.” He’d recently been splashed all over the papers for his tumultuous affair with a supermodel, and the subsequent end when Devon had trashed a nightclub after a big fight with her ex.
Mindy turned her back on Devon as he poured himself a shot of vodka. “So, what’s this big favor you need?”
“It’s okay to say no,” Bret started, holding out his hands.
“No, it’s not. The label was pretty damn clear,” Devon said from behind her. Mindy turned to peer at him. What was he talking about?
“Say no to what, exactly?”
Bret huffed and put a hand on the back of his neck. This was obviously not coming easy for him.
Mindy took him by the hand and tugged him to the big sofa in the middle of the room. “Just say it, Bret. I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”
“All right. Devon needs a girlfriend.”
Her eyes widened and her cheeks flamed. Didn’t everyone know exactly how she felt about Devon? This was like her worst nightmare. Then again, Bret would never have asked if he had any clue she wanted Devon so badly.
“Why would you think of me? He’s never had any trouble finding women to bed.” She pretended like he wasn’t even in the room. It would make this conversation so much easier.
Devon stalked over to stand before them and glared down at her, singling her out. “One word: discretion. You can be trusted to keep your mouth shut about our fake romance.”
She squirmed under his dark-eyed gaze. He had long blonde hair, which he wore in a low ponytail when he wasn’t performing. Since they’d just come off the stage, it hung about his shoulders and, damn, long hair on a man should not look so freaking hot.
Trying to focus, she stammered, “Fake romance?”
Bret gave her hand a squeeze. “Our label says Devon has to clean up his act or we’re out on our asses. They suggested he rehab his image by settling down, at least for a couple of months, with a good girl. You’re the best, and we can trust you.”
“Of course you can.” She said it without thinking. Her mind raced. What would a fake romance consist of, anyway? A few dates? Going on the road with them? Being on his arm for big events? How, exactly, would it work?
She wished Devon would stop looking at her that way. His eyes half-lidded, as if he’d just climbed out of a big bed where he’d done dirty, exquisite things. With her.
She was at it again. Years had passed and she still wanted him, just as much. Being in the same room with him was torture. She couldn’t possibly pretend to be his girlfriend. That would involve touching, maybe even kissing.
Bret went on, oblivious to her state of mind. “Devon has given me his word, he won’t lay a hand on you.”
“She’s not exactly my type.”
Okay, ouch. He didn’t need to point it out. She was well aware that with her freckles and healthy figure she didn’t compare to some supermodel. “I bet I could keep you out of trouble, though.”
Bret gave Devon a hard stare. “We talked about this. She’s doing us a huge favor—don’t be an ass.”
“Right,” Devon said. “Hands to myself and not being an ass to your baby sister.”
“How would it work?” Mindy asked. Regardless of her feelings, if her brother asked, it meant he really needed her help. She couldn’t say no.