Brothers of Rock: WILLOW SON (Box Set - All 5 Novels Together) by London Casey, Karolyn James (4)

A new record company. A new album. An arrest. Public humiliation. A pending tour. All of which Jett could barely juggle. The last thing he needed right now was feelings for a woman.

Too late.

(9)

Portis sat with his hands folded in a leather chair, gently rocking. The sound engineer had his hands flying around the board, obviously nervous as hell by the presence of Portis. Through the speakers blasted the new Willow Son song in its amazing glory and true rock n’ roll grit sound. No sound effects needed. No additional song writers to perfect the lyrics. And definitely no need to layer the sound of the band over and over to make it sound tighter.

This was real, raw music. Like the way it was meant to be written, recorded, and experienced. That was one thing Willow Son took pride in. The fans who heard the songs on the radio would heard the same song live. And it would sound the damn same unless the band changed it up on purpose.

Willow Son sat on a long leather couch at the back of the room. Harry stood, pacing back and forth like a caged animal.

This was yet another part of Portis that pissed Jett off. How he flaunted his power, making sure everyone was uncomfortable. Jett wasn’t uncomfortable. Just pissed off. Pissed off that Portis called an emergency meeting late last night to talk about new material and the tour dates. Granted, the meeting was needed and was very exciting, but not quite as exciting as Jett holding Masie against the light post at the dock, kissing her.

He never wanted to know about a woman like this before. Masie was crazy beautiful, but something dark rested inside her. And maybe that would have scared other men, but it drove Jett wild. He had his own darkness, so he understood it.

The Willow Son song faded out on the speakers.

Portis slowly turned in his chair, his hands still folded. Slowly, he looked at each band member. Jett rolled his eyes and sighed. Colby whacked his knee to get him to stop.

But Jett was done with the damn day.

After the long night, Willow Son had to be at a radio station by noon. They announced the tour - officially - with dates and a quick promo for Crutch Fail. That alone made Jett want to pull his own hair out. Then they had to meet with Harry about travel plans, get to the studio for a wrap up on the new song, and then wait for Portis.

An entire day of being busy as hell but all Jett wanted was to get to Masie.

Portis finally stood up.

Jett stood up.

“Jett,” Portis said. “You have somewhere else to be?”

“I kind of do, actually.”

“Jett,” Colby growled as he stood. “Damn, man.”

“No,” Jett said. “Just give it straight, Portis. We’re not a puppet band like Crutch Fail. You heard the song. You know it’s good. Just say it’s good and what your plan is.”

Portis smiled and nodded. “I like you, Jett. I like all of you.” He pointed to the soundboard. “That song… that song gives me hope. For the band, the tour. For music itself. Mostly, for my bottom line.”

“We’re good then?” Harry asked.

“Beyond good,” Portis said. “I already knew it was going to be a hit so I did this for you guys…”

Portis reached into his suit and pulled out what looked like a CD case.

“What’s that?” Van asked.

“Promo,” Portis said. He tossed the disc to Jett. “It’s going to contain the new song. We’re going to hand them out at every Willow Son show. The cover is you guys without shirts on. Since Jett started a trend.”

“Christ,” Jett groaned.

“I like it,” Brantley said.

“So, that’s why we had to have a little meeting late last night,” Portis said. “Sorry if I fucked up anyone’s plans. But now that we have the tour, the dates, and the song, I can get these into a production run. Oh, and before I go, be ready to sign about ten thousand of these.”

“Are you serious?” Jett asked.

“Wait a second,” Harry said. “I thought we talked…”

Portis grinned. “Have a little faith in me, guys. The ten thousand will be all sold exclusively online at a higher price and all proceeds will go to the children’s hospital.”

“Good,” Harry said.

“You set that up?” Jett asked Harry.

“Good PR,” Harry said. “And because you guys always do something extra like that.”

“Now you just have to get ready for the tour,” Portis said. “Keep writing though. I want to see some new stuff on the road. The more you record is the more we can leak out and build buzz.”

Portis then took out his phone and stuck it against his ear. He smiled and left the room, like a force of nature. He shut the door and the sound engineer let out a sigh.

“That guy kills me.”

“Yeah,” Jett said. “Why don’t you go get a coffee, man.”

“How about a beer?” the sound engineer said.

“Even better,” Ryker said. “Bring back some for us.”

When it was just the band and Harry, the tension melted away.

“Portis is smart,” Harry said. “We just have to deal with him.”

“I don’t have time for this,” Jett said. “I have to go.”

“Where are you going?” Van asked.

“Out.”

“Where?” Colby asked.

Jett stood at the door, looking back. “Are you asking to be nosey, or because you think I’m going to cause trouble?”

“Both,” Ryker said without care.

“Fuck you all then.”

“Jett,” Colby said. “Damn.”

“Look, I’m meeting someone.”

“Oh, I get it,” Brantley said. He’s got eyes for that dancer. For Crutch Fail.”

“Wow. A second date,” Harry said. “That’s a record.”

Jett waved a had. “Not a second date. Finishing the first one. Portis screwed me over.”

Colby shook his head. “Be careful, man. She’s going to be on tour. That’s kind of close to the fire.”

“I don’t mind getting a little burned,” Jett said and left the studio.

He grinned.

I don’t mind getting set on fire at all. As long as it’s Masie who does it.

************

Masie finished the last song and stood in place, her head back, right arm up. One of the girls was supposed to come up behind her, back to back. That’s how it was supposed to end. The other two girls were on the other side of Colin.

But Masie waited and she didn’t feel Gabby behind her.

Just as she was about to turn around and see what was happening, she felt someone against her back. Then hands around her belly. Before she could digest the situation, she felt someone’s cheek against hers.

“Hey, hot thing,” Colin said.

There was whiskey on his breath, sweat on his face.

“What the hell are you doing?” Masie asked as she wiggled free.

She lunged forward and turned, looking at the rest of Crutch Fail and the girls staring at her.

Colin clapped his hands and took a wobbly step at her. His eyes were big and drunk. He pointed and his finger made circles. “Don’t fight it off. We’re done practicing. Let me get you a drink. And a good fuck.”

“Jesus,” Masie said. “Go drink some water, Colin. You’re wasted right now.”

“Rockstar!” Colin yelled and threw his hands up.

He cackled and his voice carried through the entire building.

Masie looked around the stage and nobody gave a shit to help her. If anything, the stares from the other girls were of hatred and jealousy. Like they wanted the attention from Colin.

Please, take it. Take it all.

The drummer, Stan, had his arm around Ana’s waist, holding her close.

Masie heard Gabby telling Josie how she fooled around with Carson twice already in the backseat of his car.

Everyone was doing the wild hookup thing.

Masie wanted no part of it.

Well, at least not with Crutch Fail.

No. Nowhere.

She couldn’t let anything get crazy with Jett either. He was cool to hang with and talk to. Even if things had started to get steamy once, it wouldn’t happen again.

Masie managed to get to the steps before Colin was at her again, reaching for her. He grabbed her wrist and pulled.

“Come on, babe,” he said. “You know you fucking want it.”

Masie twisted and got away. She tried to take a step and felt Colin’s fingers graze her back. It wasn’t exactly a push, but enough that she stumbled down the steps. Luckily there were only four stage steps. Even still, they were metal and on the last step, Masie felt her footing get lost and she tumbled forward to the ground. She caught herself with her hands but a pain shot through her left wrist.

On her hands and knees, she looked up at Colin.

“Right where I want to see you,” he said. “With that ass up in the air for me.”

“You fucking pushed me,” Masie said.

“Prove it.” Colin curled his lip. “I can’t wait for this tour. You can’t get away from me, babe. I get what I want.”

Masie hurried to get to her feet. She flexed her hand and bent her wrist. It hurt but she would manage. At least it wasn’t broken or something worse. That would have been some real dumb luck to have then.

She grabbed her bag and made it out of the building fast. There was no interest in being near Crutch Fail right now. They were assholes. Colin was drunk. The rest of the band was probably drinking the entire time, too. Hell, maybe even the other girls. That was one thing Masie wouldn’t do. No matter if it was a rock show or not, she wouldn’t get drunk and then dance. Not when it was a job and she was getting paid.

Once she got to her apartment and showered and changed, she had the entire night open. It wasn’t the greatest feeling in the world since she had no plans. Part of her wanted to jump in the car and drive to see Ann Marie. See the dance studio and all the little girls. They’d be shocked as hell to see Masie. To them, she was the rockstar. The one who was actually dancing for real and doing something with it. Then again, Masie wasn’t sure how many of the girls she had taught were actually old enough to see the dance moves she was paid to do, or to Crutch Fail.

Masie looked at the pink rose on the table that Jett had brought her. She shook her head, grinning. Jett was beyond sexy, beyond the allure of being a rockstar. He was real. Even with his checkered past, he was real. And he owned up to it. He wasn't afraid to talk about it and admit what he had done right and wrong.

That in itself was sexy.

Masie touched the rose.

It had been wild being with him. The interrupting phone calls stole the rest of their temptation. Which was good.

Getting involved with a rockstar, however, was not a good thing.

At all.

(10)

Jett waited at the pier.

It was dark and quiet. The sound of the waves crashed behind him. He put a foot up and looked around, making sure he was alone. The sad part was that this was almost how it always went when he needed a little fun and the bottles weren’t doing it. This was what it was like. Standing alone, looking around with a nervous eye, waiting for the fix. Waiting for some guy to come up to him and slip him a few pills.

Looking at it now, Jett realized how pathetic it all was to try and mask some kind of deeper pain.

The difference now was that he wasn’t waiting for some pills.

He was waiting for Masie.

She was his addiction now. She made him nervous, excited. She made him feel wild.

Keeping to his word to see her again, Jett sent a car for her. It should have arrived by now, so Jett wasn’t sure what the hell happened. Maybe Masie wasn’t home or she told the driver to screw off.

Either way, Jett planned on waiting.

When he saw a car pull up, he grinned. The backdoor opened and out came Masie. She was fucking beautiful. In jeans and a white t-shirt, she was like a dream walking toward him. She had her hair down and the ocean breeze quickly grabbed it and tossed it all around. Watching her touch her own hair as she tried to get it out of her face actually turned Jett on. He gripped the railing of the pier and gritted his teeth.

Easy now, man.

The last thing he needed was to get hard and have it be so obvious. He wanted Masie. He planned on having her. But he was actually enjoying the chase right now.

“Good evening, sweetheart,” Jett said.

“I can’t believe I’m here again,” she said.

Jett put his hand out. “I can. We have to finish our date.”

Jett pulled Masie right to him and hugged her. The smell of her hair, her shampoo and soap, mixed together and attacked his senses.

He swallowed hard, resisting the urge to groan.

“Come on,” he said. When he pulled at Masie’s hand, she winced in pain. “Hey, what happened?”

“Nothing.”

“Did you hurt your wrist?”

“Yeah. It’s nothing. I kind of fell at practice.”

“You fell? You don’t seem like the kind that would fall.”

“It was nothing. Stupid Colin…”

Jett felt his blood ice up. “What happened?”

“It’s nothing, like I said.”

Jett turned and faced Masie. “Tell me.”

“Jett…”

“No,” Jett said. “If he did anything…”

“He was drunk. It was just something stupid. That’s all.”

Jett hated Colin even more. He knew he was going to have to knock the guy in his mouth before it was all said and done.

“Is your wrist okay?” Jett asked.

“Yes. It’s fine. Just tender. Not a big deal. I’ve had worse work injuries in my life. Please let’s not talk about the band right now. That’s the last thing I want to think about.”

“Okay. Fine. But if that guy does anything. I mean, anything, I’m going to go after him.”

“Don’t ruin something for yourself, Jett. Not because of me.”

“You’re worth it, Masie. And it pisses me off because I think nobody has ever really told you that. That’s not fair to you.”

“Wow, you really know how to work the romance angle.”

Jett laughed. “There’s not an angle here, sweetheart. I’m just being honest with you.”

They continued their walk to the end of the pier.

It was really dark and serene. They were over the water, the waves hitting the thick pillars. The breeze was constantly blowing. The moon glowed high in the air, hitting the ocean with a thousand little reflections on the waves as they crested.

Jett leaned over the pier and Masie was next to him.

They were in silence for a few minutes, just absorbing it all.

“I’m glad I’m here,” Masie said. “This is really beautiful.”

“I’m glad you’re here with me,” Jett said. “I don’t bring people out here. I don’t really do any of this stuff.”

“Only for me?”

“As of now, yes. Sometimes I like to stop and just think about things. When I can’t do that I feel like it all gets to me. I get overwhelmed. I think that’s why I always kept falling back. Going back to those damn pills.”

“So you were addicted,” Masie said.

That was a bold statement to make. Normally, it would have really pissed off Jett. Hell, it did piss him off right then. Not because Masie said it, but because it really was the truth.

“There’s a thing about accidents,” Jett said, feeling the strings of his heart and truth loosening a little. “I was in an accident and messed up my leg a little. Nothing serious or permanent at all. I mean, not like what happened with Colby and his accident.”

“I read that story, too,” Masie said.

“Stay off the internet, sweetheart,” Jett said with a grin. “It’ll drive you mad.”

“I know. Trust me, I know.”

“I was prescribed pills for the pain. I didn’t need all that was given so the others were something to take for fun. I was young and dumb with it. No big deal. When I ran out, I wanted more. So I bought more. More became more. Then I pulled back. I focused on music, touring, that stuff. I stayed laser focused. But each time there was a little setback, I was on the phone, making arrangements. Stupid, right?”

Masie put her hand on top of Jett’s. “No, Jett. Not stupid. You’re human. And it’s okay to talk about.”

“Then the label shut down and we were out on the street,” Jett said. “One second we’re touring, the next second, done. Gone by Autumn were a big help but they had their own thing. Harry reached out to some other bands. Fallen Tuesday’s still touring the world. Chasing Cross only plays little shows when they want. We were just dangling. The funny thing is, I didn’t buy any pills then. I was laser focused on finding a way out of the mess. Then we got our shot and I had the urge to buy some pills. Then I got caught. Now here I am with you.”

“Thank you for sharing that with me,” Masie said. “And I promise you I’ve never judged you. I know the whole famous thing kind of paints a bigger portrait than it really is. I mean, I’ve dreamed of that for myself for years.”

“You want to be larger than life?”

“Yeah. Not on stage with a rock band though. Sorry.”

“So no dancing for Willow Son?”

“Maybe something a little more private,” Masie teased.

“Ah, I get it. You have the hots for Ryker.”

“What?”

Jett laughed. He moved closer to Masie. Slowly, his right hand moved around her back to her waist. He then kept moving his body until he was behind her, his hands at her waist. Right at the end of the pier.

“Let’s just get lost in tonight,” Jett whispered. “Just you and me together. You make all the other shit go away, sweetheart. Not that I want you to feel pressured by that. That night I was in the studio, I was just trying to chase away some pain. Then you showed up. Each time my mind gets a little wild, you’re there.”

Masie looked back at Jett. “To be fair, you invited me tonight. It’s not really romantic fate.”

“Fine,” Jett said. “It’s controlled by me. The way I fucking want it.”

Jett smiled. Masie then bit on her bottom lip.

That was the opening. That was the beginning of the end. Or maybe just the beginning.

Being conscious to everything, Jett knew there was a choice. Back away from Masie and keep things right. Or go for the kill and see where the wild road would take them.

The decision was pretty easy. After all, Jett was a rockstar.

He kissed Masie.

A little, gentle kiss.

Just once though.

He wasn’t going to let the night get away again. Not like last time.

Jett tasted her sweet mouth, the kiss getting hot fast. Masie reached up and touched Jett’s face. He squeezed tight at Masie’s waist, keeping her tight to his body. He felt her, right there, against him. There was no stopping the obvious, which was Jett getting hard.

The kiss broke for a second, Masie’s lips parted. She let out a soft whimper. Her fingers curled, scratching at his face.

Jett then kissed her again, harder.

Masie started to turn but Jett groaned, keeping her in place.

He had a plan for her.

Jett’s tongue teased Masie’s neck, kissing softly. His hands then moved around to the front of her body. He quickly opened her jeans, his right hand grazing along the top of her lacy panties. Jett returned his left hand to her waist.

Masie was looking forward, her head tilted to the right. She reached and grabbed her own hair, making sure her neck was completely exposed. The sight and smell drove Jett mad. He gritted his teeth and sucked in a breath as his fingers slipped into Masie’s panties. His fingertips felt soft and smooth skin. Where her body curved and Jett touched, Masie jumped. She let out a groan as his fingers began to explore her wet silky skin. His middle finger cut right between her forgiving folds. Curling, Jett pressed, feeling the warm resistance of her center.

“Fuck,” he said, breathing against her neck.

He couldn't believe her tightness.

Pressing, Jett penetrated Masie’s beautiful body. The burning tenderness gave way to his touch. He felt Masie’s entire body tense. Her hands gripped the railing of the pier. She pushed back at him, her hips already gently rocking. Rubbing against him. Making him harder by the second.

He slipped his finger from her sweet center and moved up. Her soft folds parted again, but Jett kept going. He found her pleasure button then, her tender nub. With just one flick of his finger Masie let out a gasping groan. He then cupped his entire hand down and between her legs, against her sexiest curve.

That’s when he stopped.

Masie looked back, her eyes wide.

“Jett…”

“Tell me, sweetheart. Tell me.”

“Don’t fucking stop,” she groaned.

She put her head back against Jett’s chest and waited.

Trust me, sweetheart, I won’t fucking stop. That’s what scares me.

************

Masie had completely lost herself in the moment. There was a sense of naughtiness being out in the open. Yeah, they were at the end of the pier, but still, it was in public. The swoosh of the ocean and the waves smacking the legs of the pier made the night all the more sexier, not to mention the rockstar’s hand down her panties, touching her.

Even the way Jett did it was bad ass and perfect at the same time. He went straight into her, touching her, then sliding up and teasing her clit. Now his entire hand cupped her, as though he was staking his claim. There was no claim to stake though. Jett was the first man in a long time - a long damn time - to touch Masie.

When he started to move again, two fingers pressing against her body, Masie lifted up on her toes and gripped the railing of the pier tighter. She felt a burning warmth deep within her body, like she was all ready to let go. She forced herself to let go of the railing with one hand and reach up and touch Jett’s face. Her fingers slipped into his hair just as his fingers slipped back inside her. He thrust with a sensual force, digging, twisting, sending waves of trembling pleasure throughout her body. After only a few seconds of the movement, Masie caught herself rocking her hips again. She worked with Jett’s perfect touch, but she also wanted to feel Jett. The thickness of his growing erection pressing against her made her groan louder.

“Yes,” Jett whispered. His lips flirted with her neck. “Yes, sweetheart, be loud. Let everyone hear you.”

She felt Jett’s thumb come down from her warm skin to her wetness. He made small circles against her clit as his fingers kept moving. The remaining two fingers that were not touching her pussy were against her inner thigh. He was in complete control right now.

Jett kept going, knowing just when to add more pressure to her clit and when to move faster with his other fingers. She felt all of him, her mind and heart wanting it to be more.

She wanted Jett’s cock inside her.

She wanted to feel everything the rockstar had to offer, even if it meant crossing a very dangerous line. A line that Masie had crossed once before. A line that would ultimately hurt her more than him. While Jett had more to lose, Jett also had much more power.

And right now, that power was working her sex to the point of climax.

Jett’s other hand was gripped tight to Masie’s waist. He pressed himself hard to her body as his hand kept her body tight back to his. His fingers kept moving, bringing her to the crest of ultimate pleasure. And just like the waves of the water right below them, it crashed.

And it crashed so hard… and so fucking good…

Masie felt her knees bend. Jett’s hand slid from her hip to her belly and held her steady. His fingers between her legs were still moving beautifully, thrusting against her throbbing sex as she came. Masie had both hands back at the railing, bracing herself. She stared out to the night and felt the pleasure everywhere, from the depths of her inner body, down to her toes, up to her hair as it blew in her face. And even in the most basic and wild way… she felt it right between her legs, her pussy feeling so good.

Because of what Jett had done and was still doing.

Slowly, he calmed his touch and took his hands away from her sex. They returned to her waist and held there.

And Masie just stood there, letting the feeling rush all around. It was a crazy feeling. Almost like a drug.

A drug.

That’s what Jett had become now. Her personal drug.

She turned her head and looked up at him.

A drug… and I’m quickly getting addicted.

(11)

Jett didn’t believe in awkwardness. There was nothing shameful about what he and Masie had done on the pier. There was no shame in watching her fix her jeans. And there was definitely no shame in walking the pier with a hard on that pressed against his jeans and made him uncomfortable.

At the beginning of the pier, Masie looked at him and finally spoke. “So that’s why you wanted to finish the date?”

Her cheeks were still flushed.

Jett grinned. “No, sweetheart. That wasn’t what I completely had in mind. But when the moment strikes.”

“When we get into the car, if you want…”

Jett laughed. “It doesn’t have to work that way. Not a scratch your back if you scratch mine thing, right?”

Masie bit her lip again.

Jett knew he had her. And he wasn’t messing around. Hell, if he wanted some fling or someone to touch between his legs, he could do that with much less work and care. What he wanted with Masie was far different.

They got into the car and drove away.

At Masie’s apartment, the car stopped and Jett leaned over her and opened the door.

Masie snuck a kiss on the cheek.

Jett leaned back and put a hand to Masie’s leg. “I better walk you to your door.”

“You think this is a bad neighborhood?”

“You never know.”

They got out of the car and went to the apartment. It was an older building, lots of bricks, in need of lots of love and care. But Jett wasn’t here to judge anyone on how they lived. Hell, Willow Son lived in a garage of a friend for a while when they were up and coming. They each had a mattress and the rest of the garage was filled with musical equipment. That’s just how you did it to survive trying to become famous.

At the door, Masie slipped the key into the lock and turned. “This isn’t my dream place, either. I grabbed it on a whim. It’s a month to month. I had a nicer apartment in my old town.”

“Where you taught dance to kids,” Jett said.

“Yeah, you remembered.”

Jett winked. “I don’t care where you live. As long as you’re safe here.”

“Thanks. I’m fine.”

Masie opened the door.

Jett knew the routine and actually enjoyed it right now. “You know, I could check for monsters under your bed. Monsters hate me.”

“I think I’m monster free,” Masie said with a sly smile.

“Of course you are. Too beautiful to have any monsters lingering around, huh?”

“You’re pretty smooth, Jett. I’ll give you that.”

“So what’s on tap for tomorrow? Dancing against Colin and hanging with Crutch Fail?”

“No. I actually have a day off. Then we start to travel. Have to pack up and hit the road. I’m… I’m terrified of that, Jett.”

“Of what? The tour? Don’t be.” Jett let his fingers graze along Masie’s wrist. “It’s nothing. You just have to take it one show at a time. And remember…”

“What?”

“Ah, nothing.”

“Try me.”

“Well, I was going to say to remember that the people aren’t there to see you.”

“Oh.” Masie hung her head with a sigh.

“Hey,” Jett said. “I didn’t mean it as a shot to you.” Jett touched her chin and lifted her head. “It’s hard as the opening band. And it’s not going to reflect on you at all. I can’t believe the band got Portis to finance dancers.”

“It’s all about the image,” Masie said.

“You don’t like that, do you?”

“Oh, no, I just love it, Jett. Standing on stage and wearing clothes that are too revealing. Doing dance moves that don’t require any kind of experience and skill. Yeah, that’s why I took dance lessons my entire life.”

Masie stepped into her apartment. Jet didn’t cross the threshold. He stood in the doorway though, making it so she couldn’t close the door.

“Masie, I wish you could see how amazing you are. I know those aren’t your dream moves and not the dream gig, but people will take notice. I promise you, I can talk to Portis…”

“That’s the thing,” Masie said. “I don’t want someone to talk as a friend of a friend kind of thing. Part of me thinks about it, but part of me wants it to happen the right way.”

“So then let it happen,” Jett said. “Get on that stage every night and kick some ass. Steal the show from Crutch Fail. I know I’ll be watching you and not the band.”

Masie looked back and her eyes were glossy. “Shut up. You just want to picture me naked.”

“Yeah. You say that like it’s wrong.”

Jett stepped forward into the apartment and reached for Masie. His thumb gently stroked her cheek, wiping away a stray tear.

“Hey, I can’t leave when you’re like this. It would be bad on me. So don’t cry. Then I can leave.”

“Do you want to leave?”

“Are you kidding me?” Jett asked. “I feel like punching a wall at the thought of leaving you tonight.”

“Then shut the door and do something about it.”

Jett knew the risk and perils of letting emotions get the best of a situation. Hell, his world was lived in an excess of emotions. Rockstars who thought they owned the world and were too big to get hurt and die. And he could easily read Masie’s face. She didn't want to be alone and cry. She didn’t want to feel hopeless and helpless. She wanted the attention to her tears, but she wanted the attention to her body. That sensual feeling of being alive through sex.

There wasn't a damn thing wrong with that either. It was human need. It was human want. But it sometimes came with a big price tag.

Good thing I’m rich, Jett thought as he shut the door.

Masie was right there, right on him. Pressing against him, her hands quickly moved under his shirt. Her nails dug at his stomach and then chest.

“Damn,” Jett said.

“You know exactly what I want you to do.”

“I think I have an idea,” Jett said.

“Then get to work. I have to go on tour soon.”

Jett grinned.

Masie’s cheeks were flushed. She was really pretty though. Everything about her, inside and out, was just so different. She was completely honest with herself and her life, even if she didn’t like it. Beyond being attractive, she was interesting. She won Jett’s attention the first second he saw her and she still had it.

As Jett pressed forward to Masie, he went for her neck. The sweet smell of her skin was only surpassed by the taste of it. Each time his lips closed and pulled back, Masie let out a soft groan. His hands were at her waist and he pushed, walking her backwards.

Masie finally turned and grabbed Jett’s hand, leading the way through the apartment.

Keeping his distance as far back as would allow, Jett looked up and down Masie’s backside. Her perfect round ass. The curves of her hips. It made Jett’s blood run wildly hot.

At the bedroom, Jett pulled Masie, keeping her from entering it.

“What?” Masie asked.

Jett put her against the doorway and kissed her. His lips, his tongue, took over the entire thing. He put his hands to her cheeks and held her tight, not able to get enough of her kisses. She was beautiful. Just so damn beautiful.

His hands rushed down her body and grabbed her shirt. He lifted it up and over her head, throwing the shirt into the bedroom. His hands touched her sides, feeling her warm, smooth skin. Cupping her breasts over her bra wasn’t good enough for Jett. He reached around her body and unsnapped her bra. That left Masie standing against her doorway wearing nothing but jeans. The sight was goddamn sexy.

“Oh, fuck,” Jett said.

He went for the move, kissing her chest. Masie cried out and put her hands to his hair. Jett kissed down her sweet and supple chest to her left breast. He ran his nose across her erect nipple. He felt Masie’s body shudder and listened to her loud sigh. When he came back up, his tongue flicked forward, tasting her nipple. His mouth then opened wider, suckling against her breast. Pulling away with a wet sound, Jett moved to her other breast. Meanwhile, his hands were down at her jeans, opening them for the second time that night. His kisses trailed back up her chest and to her neck.

Jett hurried and began to strip Masie from her jeans. As he did, his lips were back to work, creeping down. He purposely kissed between her heavy breasts, to tease her. As Jett continued down, kissing just above her belly button, he felt the way Masie’s breathing was becoming erratic. Below her belly button he looked up at her. Her beautiful eyes were big and surprised.

The scent of her body hit Jett and he couldn’t help himself but taste all of her.

Masie stepped out of her shoes, jeans, and panties all at the same time. She left herself completely exposed to Jett. The gesture wasn’t just sexy, it was as though Masie trusted Jett. Offering herself in such a wild, yet beautiful, way.

Jett placed his hands to the outsides of Masie’s thighs. He trailed up and felt the natural curve of her hips. It drove him mad, making him uncomfortably hard in his jeans. But he had other things to tend to first.

Coming forward he kissed at Masie’s sweet center. His tongue flickered against her wet and smooth folds. Masie thrust at him, groaning. Jett parted her silkiness and pressed against her body. Curling his tongue gently, Jett found the soft nub of her clit. Swirling his tongue around, Jett made Masie’s body react the way he wanted to do it. She thrust, wiggled, and put a hand to Jett’s head, keeping him right there. Jett’s tongue slipped down and back up, savoring all of her beautiful wetness. The sweet taste would forever linger on his tongue.

Jett then kissed up her body, reversing all the way up her belly, to her breasts, and to her neck again. At her ear, he kissed, nibbled, and growled, “You taste so fucking good, sweetheart. You have no idea.”

Masie then put her hands to Jett’s chest and pushed him away. She turned and strutted into the room, her perfect body all for Jett’s eyes to enjoy.

When Jett got close to her, she grabbed his shirt and ripped it up. “Off. Right now, Jett.”

He was in no position to argue anything. Jett took his shirt off. Before it could touch the floor, Masie’s hands were at his jeans, opening them. Masie was suddenly wild and aggressive. Tearing his jeans open, her hands slid down the front, cupping his thickness over his boxers. Jett let out a hiss as her hands squeezed tight. She bit her bottom lip and smiled, able to tease Jett in ways he never thought possible.

Masie wasn’t just going straight into his pants, she was going straight into his damn heart.

Bringing her hands back up, Masie grabbed the top of Jett’s boxers and pulled them down. His jeans and boxers moved down and his cock popped free. Her hand was quickly there, gripping his erection, stroking him. Up and back down, over and over, leaving Jett breathing, trying to keep control of his own body.

Masie turned Jett around and pushed him to the bed.

Jett sat down and admired the naked woman before his eyes. Masie leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. She kissed him wildly and then moved down to his chest. Jett gritted his teeth as he felt Masie’s tongue travel down his body. She didn’t stop until she was on her knees, between his legs. Her hand gripped him again, this time holding tight at the root of his cock. Her tongue then moved along the top of his shaft, making every muscle in Jett’s body tighten. He groaned and then sighed as Masie’s sweet lips inched over the tip of his thickness. She took him into her mouth slowly, sensually, making it almost impossible not to let go.

When she pulled back, her lips moved over the sensitive ridge of his tip. She pulled away and then went right down to him. Her hand then gently began to stroke, working with her mouth. Her other hand touched his leg, feeling his muscles flexing. Jett couldn’t help it though, Masie was just good at it. Good at everything.

Masie’s slow movements stopped again and Jett gritted his teeth, shaking his head.

“Come here, sweetheart,” he said. “I need to feel you. I need you to feel me.”

Masie gently kissed the tip of his erection and then slowly began to creep up his body again. She purposely let her breasts tease him as much as her tongue did.

Jett shut his eyes for a second and gripped the sheets on the bed.

This was already far beyond sex. And it was far beyond trouble.

Mostly… because it felt good in Jett’s heart.

And that was simply scary.

************

Masie was on top of Jett. Her hands to his wide chest. His body looked chiseled from damn stone. Impossible that he looked as good as he did… but he did. It was real. Masie had seen it and she had tasted it.

Jett’s hands touched her ass, lifting her up and positing himself against her body. One hand moved to her lower back and with the other he gripped himself. Masie looked down and realized just how close they were.

Oh, fuck…

“Sweetheart,” Jett whispered. “Do you have anything for me?”

Masie looked at Jett. “It’s okay. I promise. It’s okay.”

Trust was Masie never had the use for protection in her nightstand drawer because she wasn’t out looking for a boyfriend, a date, or a fuck. It had been too long since someone touched her and loved her body, and that was okay now because the wait seemed well worth. But just because she didn’t have protection in her nightstand didn’t mean she wasn’t protected. She took the pill and she wanted to feel all of Jett.

Right now.

Masie lowered herself a little, feeling Jett touching her, pressing against her core. The tingling sensation was instant and didn’t go away.

Jett’s strong hand on her back guided her down, allowing his thickness to open her up. Breaking her open with such perfect force, Jett thrust up as he pulled her down. Once Jett was fully inside her, Masie sitting all the way down on him, she felt an intense pressure that took her breath away.

Then Jett pulled back and thrust up again. Her body bounced forward, her breasts hanging and gently touching Jett’s chest. Masie curled her fingers, digging into his chest as he continued to love her. His thrusts were hard, deep, and loud. The sound of their bodies colliding was almost as hot as the feel of Jett moving in and out of her sex.

His hands grabbed at her waist. He guided her up and down, the way he wanted, the way she needed it. His right hand then moved up, cupping her breast. Masie lifted herself even more and put her hand to Jett’s, over her breast. She grabbed her other bare breast with her other hand. She then pumped her legs, moving with Jett’s motions. It was intense and hot. And the hotness wasn’t just in the scene, but it was deep in her body. She felt a throbbing pulse building, ready to unleash again. She put her head back, losing herself completely to the moment.

Masie didn’t do stuff like this. Not hook up with rockstars. Not let rockstars take control of her body. Not let herself feel so exposed.

But with Jett, she trusted him.

As her body ached and tightened, Jett groaned and fought through it.

Masie fell forward down to Jett’s chest, her mouth nestled into his neck. She cried out each time he thrust into her as she came. The feeling was just too much, just too good. Her toes were curled as she remained there, letting Jett have full control of her body. He kept going and going, thrusting, loving, speeding up. And then, he suddenly thrust and held. He stopped.

His hands slid up her body and grabbed for her face.

Jett made Masie look at him.

Their eyes locked with passion. “Fuck. You have no idea how beautiful you are.”

Before Masie could respond, Jett kissed her. A powerful and life changing kind of kiss. And then he pressed at her and rolled, flipping the scene over.

Jett was then on top of Masie, still inside her.

When Jett broke the kiss, Masie was able to whisper one word. “Fuck.”

That’s all she had.

Because it was so good. So real. So hot.

Jett thrust at her again and Masie grabbed the sheets. She felt another climax already building, making Jett the first person to make her feel this way.

He was slow and romantic with his movements, leaving Masie gasping for air. She managed to get one hand away from the bed and reached around to Jett’s back. She clawed him, pulling at him, wanting his mouth again.

They kissed again and Jett grunted as he thrust forward, reaching his own ending. And he stayed right there, pumping as Masie’s hips rocked back and forth, taking all of him in.

It was by far the hottest sex Masie had ever experienced in her life.

Even after they were finished, Jett wasn’t done. His hands moved down to her ass and he lifted her, moving her up on the bed. He pulled the covers back and climbed under them with her. It was all perfect. Jett was so sexy and commanding. His eyes never left her eyes or her body for a second.

They faced each other, his hand moving a few pieces of sweaty hair out of her face. Masie kissed his fingers as he did so, feeling her heart racing and her body wanting things it never did before. There was a passing moment when the emotion caught up to Masie and she almost cried. Just to have someone like Jett touching her, holding her. The way he looked at her, it wasn’t just about them hooking up.

“Get some sleep,” Jett whispered as though he read her spinning mind.

Masie shut her eyes. She sighed and smiled. It felt good. Like, really good. So relaxing and warm.

Jett kissed her forehead.

“Things are going to get crazy,” he whispered.

Masie figured he was talking about the tour.

But her heart knew better. He wasn't talking about the tour.

Things are going to get crazy.

He was talking about them. Together.

(12)

Waking up to Jett cooking breakfast was something Masie got used to way too quickly. It was plenty of nights in a row now that she and Jett had spent together - sharing a bed and their bodies - only to have Masie sleep and wake up to the smell of breakfast cooking. It drove her mad that Jett was such a bad ass rockstar, yet he had the gentle skill to make a delicious cup of coffee and eggs that were to die for. It also didn’t hurt that Jett had been serving her breakfast while wearing nothing but jeans. There was just something sexy about Jett in a pair of ripped jeans and nothing else. The way the jeans slid down just a couple inches on his body, giving hint at what waited beyond that copper button and zipper drove Masie wild.

Today was very different though.

It was time to tour.

The words made Masie’s throat ache and almost close up. She had to wake up and go about her day and life on her own. Jett stayed for most of the night but had to leave to meet up with the rest of Willow Son. He was jittery, excited to get back on the road and get back on stage.

For Masie, her jitters weren’t the same as Jett’s. This was her first real tour with a rock band. But beyond that, she couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened with Colin. She hadn’t seen Colin since the incident when he was drunk and bumped her off stage, hurting her wrist. She tried to let it go and blame it on the booze, but it wasn’t exactly that easy considering she was going to get on stage with Crutch Fail and have to dance with, and on, Colin.

Masie also knew it made Jett jealous. That was kind of sexy though. A rockstar like Jett jealous of her? That was really sexy to think about. Masie couldn’t remember a time in her life when she made another man jealous, let alone someone famous.

“Do you want sugar?”

Masie turned her head. “Uh, no. Just cream. No sugar.”

“Watching your figure?” Josie asked.

“Colin must like her super skinny,” Ana said from the backseat of the rental car.

“Screw him,” Gabby said. “Men like women with a little curve.”

“I have plenty of curve,” Masie said with a grin.

The four of them were crammed into a car on their way to the show. It wasn’t the ideal situation, but Masie was trying to go with the flow. Yeah, for the first couple shows she could have driven her own car, but it didn’t matter. As the tour continued up the coast, they needed a car anyway. Portis was willing to finance the tour, but as backup dancers, they weren't given the luxury of a tour bus, like the bands.

“I don’t get why you’re even here,” Josie said as she handed Masie her coffee. “You could be on the bus right now with the band. Colin would have you in a heartbeat.”

“No thanks,” Masie said.

“What’s wrong?” Ana asked. “Is he packing a little peanut?”

“With or without a shell?” Gabby asked.

Masie busted out laughing. She really hadn’t connected with the other dancers and probably never would. But it did feel good to laugh.

“I’m done talking about this,” Masie said. “I’m not sleeping with Colin and I’m not going to sleep with him. End of discussion.”

“That’s because she’s been sneaking around with someone from Willow Son,” Ana said.

“What?” Josie yelled. “Who? Ryker? Say it’s Ryker. Ohmygosh, I would ride that rockstar…”

“It’s Jett,” Gabby said.

“What the hell?” Masie snapped. “How could you even say that?”

“Is it true?”Josie asked.

Masie wasn’t very good at lying. She just turned her head, giving away the answer by offering silence.

“Holy crap,” Josie said. “So you and Jett…”

“Nothing,” Masie said. “We hung out a few times.”

“What hung out?” Ana asked.

“Is he… hung?” Josie asked.

“I’m going to drink my coffee and ignore you all,” Masie said.

The car suddenly felt small and cramped.

The ride couldn’t end fast enough to get Masie out of the car. The women were catty, gossipy, and seemed to only care about who to sleep with to get to the next level. Gabby’s goal was to marry a rich man. Ana wanted to do international modeling. And Josie… well… she just liked to sleep around and wait for something to happen. Not that Masie would ever judge them, she just couldn’t take being in the car anymore. She wanted out. She wanted to be near Jett.

But this wasn’t going to be calm, cool Jett. This was going to be rockstar Jett. The guy who had to get up on stage in front of thousands of fans to play guitar and entertain. Not the guy who was bold, romantic, and great in bed.

They arrived at the arena, pulling into the back area. There were two tour buses. One bigger than the other.

“Who’s bus is bigger?” Josie said.

“Ask Masie,” Ana said. “She’d know.”

Masie ignored the comment, even as the women all laughed.

They parked the car and each got their bags out of the trunk.

The tour buses were parked, engines running, curtains pulled across the windshield to keep the sun out and to keep people from seeing inside. Masie stared at the big bus, wondering if Jett was in there. What he was doing. Who he was doing.

Masie rolled her bag behind her and a security guard opened the door for her. They all entered the arena and it was a damn busy place. People were running around yelling orders. Guys pushed carts of equipment and supplies. There were dressing rooms for each band and for the dancers. The Willow Son door opened and Masie stiffened. It was Brantley, twirling drumsticks. He pointed a stick at Masie and smiled.

“Hey,” he said. “How’s it going?”

“Good,” Masie said. “Is, uh…”

“Brantley!” a voice yelled.

It was Willow Son’s manager, Harry.

Brantley walked away.

The dressing room door shut. Masie peeked but only saw Colby walking around with a cellphone to his ear.

Masie went to her dressing room. They had two hours until show time. So she decided to just get dressed. The outfit wasn’t all that bad though, and consisted of super tight white shirt with ripped jeans. Nothing too far out of the ordinary except the black bra that easily showed underneath and put it over the top.

Once dressed, Masie let the other three women deal with their makeup and hair first. She couldn’t stand to hear anymore silly chit-chat. Especially when Josie said, “I think I’m going to fuck Carson tonight. Why not? Maybe I can just sleep with the entire band. So when they break big I can say I slept with them.”

Masie wanted to ask what the hell that would provide for Josie, but she skipped the question and confrontation. It didn’t matter. If that’s what Josie wanted, then so be it. Good for her to have a goal and direction to make it all happen.

It was more than what Masie had.

Masie walked down the hall toward the stage. There were even more people, running wires, testing equipment, making sure the sound for both bands was going to be the best it could be.

When Masie saw Lenny, she started to slink back, not wanting to see Crutch Fail. But then she bumped into someone, spun around, and saw Stan standing there.

The drummer for Crutch Fail put his hands up. “Whoa, you okay?”

“Good. Where’s…”

No need to finish the question because the rest of Crutch Fail appeared. That included Colin. He had a beer bottle in his hand. He looked at Masie and smiled.

“Hey, babe,” Colin said.

“Colin,” Masie said.

“Let’s check this stage out,” Carson said.

Masie stepped to the side, but she couldn’t get out of the way of Colin and his reach. He had an arm around her neck and Masie was then walking with the band.

She had to admit - it was really cool to walk up actual steps to a big stage in an arena. Masie walked to the middle of the stage and looked out. It took her breath away for a second. All the empty seats on the floor and in the stands would be filled soon enough. There were a handful of people walking along the floor, pointing and talking. It took so much effort and work to put together a stage show. All for the love and enjoyment of rock n’ roll music.

Crutch Fail broke away from Masie. Colin walked to the front of the stage. There was a small island that pushed out to the crowd. He crouched down and put his hand out like he was slapping hands with fans. Masie doubted there were really any Crutch Fail fans. Hell, for all she knew, there would barley be anyone in attendance to actually watch Crutch Fail play.

But Masie stood there, taking it all in. The stage. The dream. The life. It made her heart race, maybe for all the wrong reasons. Her heart raced because she saw herself on a stage in New York City, waiting for people to come see her dance to a beautifully haunting ballet. Not to wiggle against Colin for forty minutes.

She was able to finally sneak away. She charged from the stage and down the hall. Passing by the dressing room, she saw the backdoor to the arena and wanted to get some air. She heard someone yell that the doors were opening in twenty minutes. It was amazing. An actual concert. Part of a Willow Son tour.

Outside, Masie wandered around. She could see the parking lot and how it was filling up by the second. Fans walked the back of the gates, slowing and hoping to catch sight of the band.

The door to the tour bus opened and Masie almost let out a scream when she saw Jett standing there. Black t-shirt, ripped up jeans, and a rockstar attitude that just poured from his body. He took off a pair of sunglasses when he saw Masie.

“Now that’s the best sight I’ve seen all damn day,” Jett said.

Masie felt the color rush to her face. “This is wild.”

“This is work,” Jett said. “We’ve been here since noon. Had to run through a soundcheck then did two radio interviews with acoustic sets. Got back on the bus, grabbed a bite, took a nap, and now we’re getting ready to go inside.”

“Much better than my day.”

Jett inched closer. He touched Masie’s hands and it set her body on fire.

Holy shit.

“What’s wrong?” Jett asked.

“Women.”

Jett laughed. “The other dancers?”

“So gossipy. Asking questions about who is sleeping with who…”

“So they know about us?”

“They assume. I don’t really care.”

“Good. Neither do I.”

Jett leaned forward and kissed Masie’s forehead.

Masie felt bold. She started to move up on her toes, desperate to plant a kiss on Jett’s lips.

But they were interrupted by the yell of a few fans who recognized the guitarist. They started yelling his name, chanting Willow Son!, and plenty of other things that included sleeping with Jett, having babies with Jett, and marrying Jett.

Jett opened the door to the tour bus and nodded. “Let’s get some privacy.”

“I’ve never been on a tour bus before,” Masie admitted.

Jett leaned and kissed her cheek. “Hey. There’s a first time for everything, sweetheart. Now, are you ready to come onto a rockstar’s tour bus?”

Masie felt a heat rush through her body. She was already turned on.

************

Jett let Masie on the bus first. There was only one good reason to do so. So he could look at her ass. She was three steps up and her ass pressed hard against her jeans. Jett gripped the handle on the door and was jealous of Masie’s jeans.

The fans continued to call for him. Thankfully when he shut the door, all the noise was left outside. He snuck up behind Masie and put his hands to her waist. Just touching her made his body react. It was insane that he could be this attracted to her. He was far beyond the instant attraction too. It was deeper now. Spending night after night with her. Touching her. Memorizing the shape of her body, the taste of her skin, the way she moved, the noises she made, it cut straight through his hardened shell and got to his heart.

Jett moved by Masie and kicked at Ryker’s legs as he had them up and stretched across the seats.

“Make some room,” he said.

Ryker sat up. “It’s all good.” Ryker stood up. “Damn. I guess I’ll show myself out.”

“Careful,” Jett said. “They’re waiting and yelling for us.”

“I love it,” Ryker said.

Ryker breezed by Masie, winking as he did so. “Take care of him. Not too much though. He needs to perform tonight.”

“Man, get the hell out of here,” Jett growled.

Ryker laughed and climbed down the steps. He opened the door and slammed it shut.

Jett was finally alone with Masie. He leaned back against one of the tables and grinned. “This is the bus.”

“This is massive. It’s like a hotel room.”

“Yeah, it kind of is.”

The bus was really big. One of the biggest Willow Son had ever had on tour. Complete with five beds, a bathroom, a kitchenette, a bar, tables, chairs, three TV’s, and fully stocked with food and drinks. They could survive for weeks if they needed to without going hungry or thirsty - or entertained.

“You don’t have to drive around,” Jett said. “I can make arrangements here for you.”

“On the bus with five rockstars?” Masie asked. “No thanks.”

“Why?”

“I’m sure you’re so quiet and good on here. No drinking. No partying. No women.”

“Whoa, wait a second,” Jett said. “Do you think I’m messing around with other people?”

“I didn’t ask that.”

“You’re hinting at it.”

“Jett, you’re on tour. You’re a rockstar. It’s all good. Whatever you do.”

Jett gripped the edge of the table. He gritted his teeth. “You know, it really pissed me off when everyone and their brother started assuming stuff about me after my arrest. I mean, yeah, I was busted for buying pills. But it was such a cliché, and everyone ran with it. They assumed I was addicted, I was a junkie. They assumed I was a burnout loser. They assumed I was going to end up dead. They assumed my bad past fucked up my present and future. Right?”

“Jett…”

“No. I took it on the chin. Hit after hit. But for you to say that about me screwing other women… that actually bothers me a little.”

“It does?” Masie asked.

“Yeah, it does. You’re not a hookup, sweetheart. You’re not a one night stand. You’re not a groupie. You’re not…whatever. You mean something to me. You matter to me.” Jett touched Masie’s face. His thumb stroked her cheek. “I don’t know where you’re at, and that’s fine. I didn’t ask. Now’s not the time and place for that conversation. You have nothing to worry about with me, sweetheart. I wear the rockstar badge, but that doesn’t mean shit. Okay?”

“You know, all things considered with the tour, the band, the rockstar stuff, that’s kind of romantic to say,” Masie said.

“Sorry I didn’t line the floor with rose petals for you,” Jett said with a grin. “But I have something better.”

“Oh?”

Jett leaned forward and kissed Masie. A sweet and soft kiss. “One of those.”

“Just one?” Masie asked.

Jett leaned in for the next kiss. This time, Masie threw her hands up to his shoulders and pulled him closer. Her hands went around his neck and she dug into his hair as the kiss got hotter.

Their tongues flirted and battled, Jett loving being able to take control of Masie like he was. She leaned into him hard and he pushed his body harder to hers. His hands slipped around her waist and down to her ass, squeezing. He felt himself getting hard.

If this went the right way, he’d be the first person to have sex in the new tour bus. What a way a properly christen the bus.

Jett grinned and broke the kiss.

“What?” Masie asked.

“Nothing,” he said. “Nothing at all.”

“Come on, don’t hold back on me now, rockstar,” Masie teased.

“Oh, that’s one thing I’ll never do. I’ll never hold back. Not with you.”

Jett moved forward again and the bus door opened.

Jett gritted his teeth. “This better be good.”

“It is.”

It was Portis.

Jett turned and Masie grabbed his hand. He looked at her and saw how insanely nervous she became.

Portis stood and slipped his hands into his pockets. “Interrupting?”

“Just talking about the show and tour,” Jett said.

“Right. You’re Masie, right?”

“Yes, sir,” Masie said.

“Sir?” Jett asked.

“She respects the power,” Portis said.

“Don’t be an ass right now,” Jett said. “Please.”

“Hey, I’m just checking on who I pay,” Portis said. He approached them. “Now, Masie, I’ll be watching the show closely. Actually, all the shows. I normally don’t do that kind of thing, but this tour is important to me.”

“Me too,” Masie said.

“Now why’s that?”

Jett put a hand to Masie’s lower back and gave her a nudge.

Don’t be afraid. Be bold, sweetheart.

“This is my dream,” Masie said. “Well, not to be on stage with Crutch Fail.”

“You’d rather be dancing with Willow Son?”

“We don’t need dancers to make our show look good,” Jett said. He glanced at Masie. “Sorry if that offends you.”

“No,” Masie said. “I mean, my dream is to dance. Tour. I appreciate the opportunity.”

“I’m not handing you an opportunity,” Portis said. “I’m not giving it to you either. You’ve earned it. Keep earning it. I see everything. I know everything.”

“Christ,” Jett whispered. “Let me walk you off the bus, Masie.”

“Break a leg!” Portis yelled as they exited the bus.

“Wow, you were nervous,” Jett said.

“I’ve never met him before,” Masie said. “I’ve always hoped I would and he’d help me. Shit, what if he thinks I’m sleeping with you? I mean, like, you know, like a whore or something?”

“You’re too pretty to be a whore,” Jett said.

“Is that really a compliment?”

“I don’t know, sweetheart. Just go inside and get ready for your show. A better time will come to hang out with Portis.”

Jett let Masie slip a couple feet away. “Hey, wait.”

“What?” Masie asked.

Jett pulled her close and snuck a kiss. “You don’t need Portis to take care of. You’re good at what you do. Believe in yourself. I do.”

Masie grinned and strutted away.

Jett gritted his teeth.

Shaking his head he went back on the tour bus.

He’s crossed the line from caring to really caring. Heart racing caring. Caring so much about Masie that he didn’t give a shit about what Portis had to say. All he could think about was Masie.

(13)

Jett stood at the side of the stage and watched the show. The place was pretty packed, considering it was Crutch Fail playing. It didn’t seem like many people were interested, and those who were, danced because it was music. Their sound was dry, processed, nothing actually original jumping out. There was no emotion to the show and the stage presence. That could work for some bands as long as they carried the songs and the crowd.

Crutch Fail did not.

Having the dancers running around and doing their thing just seemed weird. It pained Jett to think it because he would hate for Portis to pull the plug on the dancers. That meant Masie would be off the tour. Unemployed and too damn far away from Jett.

“Hey, man, you want to start getting ready?” a guitar tech asked Jett. “I’ve got you all tuned up. We’ll double check. But your first guitar is all ready to go. If you wanted to practice a little.”

“I’m good,” Jett said.

“You a fan here?”

“No,” Jett said. “I like the dancers.”

“Me too, man. Me too.”

The guitar tech walked away.

Jett approached the steps and put a leg up.

The song ended with Masie having her head back, arm in the air, leaning against Colin.

“Fuck yeah!” Colin yelled. “What a great fucking show!”

Jett shook his head. It wasn’t cool to curse at the crowd. Or brag about yourself.

“I guess we should wrap this up soon,” Colin said. “Get to the main act. Anyone know who is playing?”

The crowd got louder, probably the loudest since the band took the stage.

“I asked… does anyone fucking know who is fucking playing?”

The crowd started with a broken Willow Son! chant that picked up speed, steam, and finally all blended together. It carried much longer than Colin probably expected. And he had no idea how to control the crowd. It was one thing to give the headliner a shoutout, but to lose the crowd, that was embarrassing.

So Colin yelled, “Here’s the last one!”

The band hurried into the song, Colin pushing Masie to the left. She stumbled but didn’t fall. Jett stepped up, his heart pounding.

Masie caught herself and turned, going with the song.

Colin walked to the end of the stage, nodding as he played guitar. He looked mad. Like he wanted to be the headlining rockstar. He kicked his foot and screamed at people, wanting them to cheer, jump, dance, sing.

He hurried to the mic and started to growl, really making the lyrics sound like shit. Colin was mostly drunk by then, unable to control himself on stage. The rest of the band moved around the stage with the exception of the drummer, who was probably the most musically talented in the band.

Jett watched the mess of a song continue. Colin moved left to right, stepping in Masie’s way, shouting at her to get the fuck out of his way. It left Jett grabbing the railing to the steps, wanting to attack the asshole lead singer.

Then it finally happened.

With only one more chorus to go, Colin lifted his guitar and spun. He bumped into Masie again and sent her flying to the back of the stage. This time Masie couldn’t save herself. She tumbled on the stage and stayed there.

Colin ran to the mic and screamed, “Fucking yes! Thanks for fucking showing up!”

Crutch Fail finished their set and then took the side of the stage. Jett rushed around and jumped up, wanting to get to Masie. She was on her knees when he got there.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Fine,” she said. “Just embarrassed. He was all over the place.”

“I know he was,” Jett said. “Asshole. Come here, stand up.”

Jett helped Masie to her feet. The other dancers came over, asking how she was. Lucky for her, she was okay. Nothing was broken, sprained, or twisted. She was able to walk off the stage on her own.

But Jett wasn’t letting it go that easily.

He jumped from the stage and Colby was right there. “Whoa, bro. You’ve got fire in your eyes.”

“Move,” Jett said.

He pushed by Colby and charged along the corridor. When he saw Colin standing with a bottle of beer in his hand, he reached and smacked the beer out of Colin’s hand. The bottle shattered on the ground.

“What the fuck?” Colin yelled.

“What the fuck?” Jett said. He grabbed Colin by the shirt and swung him across to the other wall. “You almost fucking hurt someone!”

“She’s fine,” Colin said. “Bitch shouldn’t have been in my way.”

Jett stepped back and swung. He cracked Colin in the jaw, sending Colin stumbling to the left. He cocked back another fist, wanting to knock his damn teeth out, but reality settled in.

This wasn’t the old days before cellphones and stuff. This was current time and that meant there were phones and cameras everywhere.

“Ah, shit,” Jett said.

He turned and stormed away, wanting to check on Masie again.

There were crew guys everywhere, hurrying to unload the Crutch Fail equipment and bring the Willow Son gear forward. The entire process was designed to be timed for a fifteen minute window. Enough time for the people to get another drink, a t-shirt, and get back in their seats.

Jett flexed his hand and found Masie sitting on the edge of a case.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“What did you do to your hand?” she asked. “Did you hit him?”

“Asshole. He deserved it. If he ever…”

“Jett!” a voice boomed.

He looked back and saw Harry and Portis standing there, their faces a matching red.

“I think you’re in trouble,” Masie said.

“I don’t give a shit,” Jett said. “As long as you’re not hurt.”

“Even if I was hurt, punching him wouldn’t have helped.”

Jett grinned. “But it felt good.”

Jett went to face the music. On the way, he grabbed his first guitar from the guitar tech. He put it over his shoulder and stood before Harry and Portis.

“You punched the lead signer of Crutch Fail?” Harry asked.

“That’s the best PR they’ll get,” Jett said.

“Goddammit,” Portis snapped. “What is this? This isn't how my tours go!”

“He’s up on stage, drunk,” Jett said. “And he’s endangering people.”

“The woman from the bus,” Portis said. “Christ, Jett. You’re defending her?”

“He hurt her.”

“She doesn’t look hurt to me.”

“Okay,” Harry said, getting between Jett and Portis. “Let me run damage control on this. Jett, you get on stage and do your job.”

“It better be fucking amazing,” Portis said. “I’ll pull the plug on this.”

“Try it,” Jett said. “Crutch Fail couldn’t get fifty people in the seats.”

Jett turned and walked away.

The rest of band came a minute later, ready to go.

Van with his bass. Ryker with his guitar. Brantley put his ear pieces in, talking to the drum tech, making sure everything was just the way he liked it. Colby rubbed his throat and stretched his neck.

And all the lights went out in the arena.

And the crowd exploded.

************

Masie was in awe.

Willow Son played as though they were larger than life. They were able to get every single person in the arena to stand, cheer, and sing. It was wildly sexy to watch Jett from the side of the stage. Watching him play guitar. Watching him walk to the edge of the stage and seeing people grabbing for him.

Being the ultimate bad ass rockstar, he played a guitar solo with his left hand while he stole someone’s phone with his right hand and started taking pictures. He stood, tossed the phone to the crowd, and turned, never missing a note of the solo and the song.

Masie had tried to lay as low as possible, fearing something was going to happen if she saw Colin, Crutch Fail, Lenny, or Portis. She had met Portis for a second, and then a little while later Jett punches the lead singer of the band that Portis was desperately trying to launch.

It told Masie one thing.

She was far too close to Jett.

It’s happening again.

She watched Jett hold up his hands after a song ended. He then turned his head, looked at Masie, and winked.

Yeah, she was far too close to Jett.

Yet it felt okay. It felt good.

Gosh, with just that one wink, she was turned on by him.

Masie crept along the side of the stage and started to make her way to the dressing rooms. She got to hers and opened it. That’s where she found Josie on top of Jack. In a chair. Jack’s pants were down to his ankles, Josie naked from the waist down. There was a moment of shock that went through Masie’s body, allowing her to see way too much. She jumped back and shut the door.

“Holy shit,” she whispered.

She turned and Colin stood an inch away.

Masie jumped and yelled. “Shit!”

Colin had an ice pack on his jaw. He moved it away and flexed his jaw. “Good news. I’ll be able to sing tomorrow night.”

“Okay,” Masie said.

“Bad news. I’m going to make it so you’re never on stage again.”

“I had nothing to do with that,” Masie said. “You know that. You were drunk. You still are. That’s the second time…”

“I don’t give a shit,” Colin said. “Know your stage presence.”

“You can’t threaten me.”

“Hey, girl!” a voice yelled.

Masie turned her head and felt even more trapped.

There was Ian.

Running right at her.

“Enjoy your men,” Colin said. “You better choose one. Bad enough you’re fucking a rockstar, rubbing against another, and you’ve got this clown wrapped around your finger. Quit acting like a slut.”

Masie felt her left hand go back. She was ready to slap Colin. Attack Colin.

But she didn’t.

She froze up and watched him walk away.

“Damn, what a show out there!” Ian said. He hugged Masie and then moved away from her. “Hey, you didn’t get changed yet.”

“There’s a situation in the room,” Masie said. “Josie and one of the guys…”

“No way,” Ian said.

“Yeah.”

“Damn. I’m sort of jealous.”

Ian had that look in his eye.

No way in hell.

Masie managed to get out of reach of Ian. He trailed her though, asking about the show. He told her how Portis hooked him up with a sweet ride for the week so he could hang with the tour. All that meant for Masie was a bigger headache.

“Hey, you want to go meet Portis?” Ian asked.

“No,” Masie said. “I’m good here. I want to watch the rest of the show.”

“Okay, girl,” Ian said. “I’m going to track down Portis. Then I’ll be hanging around. I’ll find you. We’ll hit something good later. I got some cash from my little trip and stuff.”

“Ian,” Masie said. “Don’t do any of that. I mean, you and me… it’s not going to happen.”

Masie couldn’t believe she just said that to Ian. Her mind thought about what Jett had said about her being too talented to need anyone else. Not that she was doing anything with Ian. He just latched on and refused to let go.

“What?” Ian asked.

“You heard me. I’m sorry if you think anything. But it’s not going to happen. You and me together. You know that it can’t happen.”

“Fuck that, girl,” Ian said.

He looked pissed off and stormed away.

Willow Son was playing their encore set, thousands of fans cheering.

Masie stood there, shaking her head. First night of the tour and she managed to piss everyone off. Including herself.

(14)

“Okay, guys, I have to ask this. I know it was taken off the sheet. But you know how my job goes. I’m here to ask questions. To entertain the fine people who tune into this radio station.”

Jett felt his throat tighten. He looked over at the rest of the band as they all sat with giant headphones on their ears. Over his shoulder, he saw Harry with his arms folded, stepping forward. Jett threw out his hand and waved Harry off.

“The history of Willow Son has been well documented, all of which is simply the life you guys enjoy to live. But there is the story that Jett knocked out the lead singer of Crutch Fail.”

“I wouldn’t call it a knock out,” Jett said. “You saw the video.”

“Yeah, the entire freaking world did.”

“Well, then you know the truth.”

“Hey,” Colby cut in. “When you’re on tour, it’s a lot of work and pressure. It’s not a joke. It’s what we do. All those people out in the audience spent their money to be there. Someone working right now is doing so to save up money and buy a ticket to our show. How is that not special?”

“Never said it wasn’t,” the radio host said. “But seeing the lead singer of your opening band with a shiner is quite interesting.”

“He won’t mouth off again,” Jett said.

“So that’s what it was?”

Ah, shit, I shouldn’t have said that.

“I’m not talking about this anymore,” Jett said.

“Did he say something about your arrest?”

Jett let out a sigh. “Listen, it was just talk between two bands. That’s all. Sometimes stuff happens backstage. It’s really not that big of a deal.”

“Better yet, how great have the shows been?” Van cut in. “Willow Son, back on stage.”

“Agreed,” Jett said.

The radio host eyed the entire band, nodding. “Well, it’s certain that nothing has been taken away from Willow Son. The live shows are electric. The sound is so original and so good. And the best part? The fans seem to enjoy it. They enjoy it so much that right now I have two pair of tickets for the Willow Son show! That’s right, we’re taking callers… Jett, pick two numbers.”

“Yeah, sure,” Jett said. “How about callers number two and seven?”

“You heard it. Callers two and seven. Make it quick. Make it count. And when we come back from the next break and set of the greatest damn rock n’ roll music yesterday and today, Willow Son will be in the studio, this time playing some guitars. Don’t change the freaking station!”

There were some sound effects and then it went to commercial.

The On Air sign went off and Jett took his headphones off. He left the studio with Harry and the rest of the band behind him. He wasn’t mad, he just wanted a breather from it all. Sometimes the promo days were just a big pain in the ass.

Down the hall and around the corner, Jett was met with Lenny, the manager for Crutch Fail. He was finishing up a phone call and quickly grabbed for Jett.

“You son of a bitch,” Lenny said. “You realize what your punch did?”

“I can’t imagine it would make Colin sing any worse than he already did,” Jett said.

Lenny laughed. “Crutch Fail sales are up twenty percent. Digital downloads even higher. Seems everyone who sees that damn video of you slugging him wants to find out what the band is all about.”

“Isn’t that wonderful?” Jett asked. “Glad I could help. Why are you here?”

“They got invited onto the show with the next host,” Lenny said.

“Christ,” Jett muttered.

He spent the rest of the day with the band taking care of more press. After the radio show performance there was a call in interview to another station in southern California. Harry then went over a list of shows that wanted Willow Son on their show. It was all a play because of Jett’s arrest and the attack on Colin.

That’s how it was perceived in the press by those looking to really cause trouble.

The attack.

The long afternoon came to an end with a quick bite to eat on the bus and then into the arena for the next show. That was part of it all and Jett was perfectly fine with it. Even if it went so damn fast.

There were press waiting at the show, wanting to talk to the bands and see what the true story was. If Jett was a violent rockstar. Or if it involved a woman. Everyone had a theory behind what had happened.

While walking down the hall, looking for a drink, Jett was sideswiped by a young woman with a tape recorder. She almost jammed it into his face. Before Jett had a second to react, the woman asked, “Why did you punch the lead singer of Crutch Fail?”

“Because I fucking felt like it,” Jett snapped.

That set up the rest of the night for Jett. He had to spend most of the time hiding out. He spotted Masie a few times, but she was busy with her own show to perform. They exchanged a few glances and waves, nothing more. Crutch Fail took the stage, played the same damn set as they always did. When Jett tried to sneak to the stage to watch Masie’s beautiful body moving, Harry pulled him back into the dressing room. Jett had to sign some papers demanded by Portis, which kept all legal proceedings out of the mess. It pissed Jett off that anything legal related had to get mentioned. But in reality, with his arrest so fresh, there was a chance he could get arrested for hitting Colin. Worse yet, if Colin wanted to be a prick, he could have pressed charges. Technically, Portis was protecting Jett.

Once all the legal stuff was done, Willow Son was getting the call to get ready to get on stage.

With a guitar strapped around his neck, Jett searched the backstage area for Masie. He only spotted Josie as she flirted with one of the road crew guys for Crutch Fail. Watching her rub her fingertips along the headstock of a guitar was just weird.

“Hey, Josie, right?” Jett asked.

She spun and let out a yelp. “Ohmygosh. You’re Jett! I love you.”

She threw her arms around Jett. He was thankful for the guitar between them. Her grip was fierce, the kind that Jett knew. This woman was on the prowl for some action. And she wasn’t going to get it from Jett.

“Hey, listen,” Jett said. “Where’s Masie?”

“She’s in the back dealing with her ankle.”

“Her ankle? What happened?”

“Nothing,” Josie said. “It’s been bothering her. That’s all. Nothing bad. It’s hard work up there, you know?”

“Definitely,” Jett said. “I would never question what you four do up there. You’re better than the band.”

Josie let out a laugh and put a hand to Jett’s shoulder. She pulled, wanting him close, but Jett resisted.

“Hey, Jett, good luck. I’ll be waiting right here if you want.”

“No,” Jett said. “Just tell Masie I was looking for her.”

Jett turned to go to the stage. He knew Masie wasn’t going to do a damn thing. He saw Harry and rushed to him. The backtrack was already starting to play. The fans were going wild. Colby, Van, Ryker, and Brantley were already standing at the side of the stage, ready to take the steps and put on a show.

“Harry!” Jett yelled. “I need a favor!”

“You’re supposed to be getting on stage!” Harry yelled back.

“I need a damn favor! Listen to me carefully… you need to find something for the guys to do… and then…”

************

Life on the road was not what Masie thought it was going to be. Then again, she wasn’t the main act. She wasn’t even the opening act. She was third, if not maybe fourth on the list when it came to the tour.

Another show was over. And for forty minutes she hurried across the stage, hoping Colin wouldn’t screw things up and hurt her again. He hadn’t, but the added stress on Masie had her body fighting back. Her right ankle had been bothering her for the last couple shows, but she didn’t want to say anything. She was easily replaceable.

And maybe not just by Portis either.

She hadn’t seen Jett in two days.

The last time they talked, Jett seemed off. It was right after he punched Colin and people were going crazy about it. Most of the people loved the idea of a rockstar being so bold to hit the lead singer of the opening band. It left an opening for plenty of gossip and assumption. But then there were people who used it as a way to attack Jett. To combine the punch with his arrest and turn it into some sick and twisted story. Worse yet, anyone with a computer and an internet connection could say whatever they wanted about Jett.

Part of Masie wanted to scream because nobody out there knew the real Jett.

Then again, Masie wondered what she knew of Jett. Other than the rockstar and music stuff. Sure, they’d been talking, fooling around, but it really wasn’t anything greater than that. Which was okay. She was certain that once this little tour was over, Willow Son would be going nationwide. They’d tour coast to coast. Probably without Crutch Fail, but if by some chance Portis went along with the tour, he wouldn’t pay for the dancers to travel.

Masie took the ice off her ankle. Her skin was red. She rubbed her ankle and it was very tender. She forced herself to stand after slipping her shoe back on. She walked on it and it felt better.

She opened the door and heard, “I’m going to fuck Jett tonight.”

Masie stepped back and listened.

“Seriously?” Ana asked Josie.

“Seriously. He came up to me before the show. My gosh, he is so hot. I can’t wait to ride him. Maybe he’ll take me on the tour bus.”

“What about Masie?” Ana asked. “I thought she and Jett…”

“Well, they’re not married. And she kind of started to ruin his career, right? I mean, what happened with Colin. Jett could have gotten into serious trouble.”

“You have to admit,” Ana said, “it was kind of sexy to see that video. Colin is such a tool.”

“And Jett is far from it,” Josie said. “He just goes for what he wants. And he wants me now.”

Masie stepped from the dressing room and ignored the two women. She wanted to run but feared her ankle would end up twisting or breaking.

By the time she got to the stage, Willow Son was finishing up. They were on the front of the stage, taking a bow, throwing guitar picks and drumsticks into the crowd. The band came off the stage and Masie stepped forward, needing to touch Jett.

She then felt someone grab her arm.

She turned and it was Ian. “Girl!”

“No,” Masie said. “What are you doing here?”

“Portis asked me to come. He’s trying to get me into the merch world. It’s going to be sweet.”

“I really need to go,” Masie said.

“Come on, girl. Come with me. Quick. We’ll go hang with Portis for the night. He’s got a private club just for us. Willow Son is going to be there and everything.”

“The band is? At the club?”

“Yeah. Come on.”

“I have to go.” Masie pulled away. “I’m sorry, Ian. I can’t.”

Masie turned and Willow Son was already gone. The band was already all the way down the hall. And Masie watched as Josie waited, smiling and ready to go after Jett. Masie didn’t want to believe Jett would fall for it.

Then she saw Josie throw her arms around Jett’s neck. And Jett kept walking. Lifting Josie up. There was probably a very good reason for it all, but Masie wasn’t going to waste her time finding out. Not right now. It didn’t matter all that much. She was here to be on tour and nothing else.

All around her, the road crew worked damned fast and hard to take apart the stage and equipment. It was like a tornado of people all around her as she just stood there. Too many memories flooded her body like a damn fool. She was far away from home, from Ann Marie, from the girls she taught to dance.

When the arena started to feel really small and cramped, Masie went outside. The night was crisp and the sky clear. It was well past midnight. The parking lot was almost empty except for a long line of traffic. Red brake lights flickered as people crept forward to get home.

The two tour buses were behind Masie. The rental car for the dancers waited just a little bit in front of her. How badly she wanted to be in the car and driving right now. There wasn’t another show for two days. She could definitely use a break in a hotel to rest her body, her ankle, and her mind. Hell, at this point, Masie was ready to treat herself.

Masie took a few steps back, letting the horizon of the city grow. There was something greater out there for her.

Hands touched her shoulders and she let out a cry.

When she turned, Jett stood there.

“Jett.”

“Masie.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Looking everywhere for you.”

“Why?”

Jett raised an eyebrow. “I haven’t seen you in a while. Days feel like forever without you.”

“Where’s Josie?”

“What?”

“I heard what she said,” Masie said. “You and her.”

“Josie? I asked her to tell you I was looking for you.”

“What?”

“Yeah. Before I got on stage. Wait, what do you think is happening here?”

“I saw her hug you. You carried her.”

“She wrapped her arms around my neck,” Jett said. “Security pulled her off me. Did you think I was screwing her?”

“I don’t know what to think,” Masie said.

“Come with me real quick,” Jett said. “I want to show you something.”

Jett took Masie by the hand and led the way to the tour bus. He opened the door and ushered her inside. When Masie climbed the steps and turned, she let out a small gasp.

“I know we’re on the road and it’s hard,” Jett said. “But I wanted to take you out on a date. But I figured why not bring the date here?”

Masie couldn’t believe her eyes. There was a dozen roses all laid out on one of the tables. The other table had plates, silverware, and a bottle of wine on ice.

She looked back at Jett, shocked.

He wasn’t just a rockstar, he was a romantic. And he was damn close to stealing her heart for good.

(15)

It was almost too much for Masie to handle. Sitting there across from Jett. He was showered and smelled so good. His hair a little messy and still a little damp. He poured two glasses of wine and before they could take a sip, Harry came onto the bus, but only to bring the food.

Yes, the food.

Jett had two dinners ordered from a local steakhouse.

“I’m not serving you,” Harry said with a grin.

“I’ve got it,” Jett said. “Now disappear until morning.”

Harry looked at his watch. “It is morning.”

“You know what I mean. Disappear. Make sure the driver doesn’t come near the bus until morning. Daybreak.”

“You got it.” Harry looked at Masie. “You’re lucky. I’ve never seen him do this before. You must have some dirt on him.”

“Harry, get out,” Jett said.

Harry laughed and left the bus.

Masie watched as Jett set up the two plates with food.

“Jett? Where’s the band?”

Jett served the plates. “They’re at a party with Portis. Then they’re going to a hotel. Colby had Tessa come up for the night so they grabbed their own room. The rest of the guys are crashing in their own room. You have nothing to worry about. This is just us.”

Jett touched Masie’s cheek. He smiled.

“This is too much,” Masie said. “I feel guilty for the things I was thinking.”

“What? That I was some kind of man whore?”

“Well, yeah.”

Jett grinned bigger. “Get over that, sweetheart. I do whatever I want. And all you need to do is trust me.”

He leaned over the table and kissed Masie. Masie knew instantly that kiss was going to taste better than the food on her plate and the wine in her glass. She wanted nothing but those kisses. Tonight. Tomorrow. Forever.

Thinking the word forever made Masie shudder. She didn’t like that kind of thinking.

“I’m sorry I missed the show tonight,” Jett said. “I had to lay low. I’m hoping this blows over soon.”

“Once Colin’s jaw goes back to normal.”

“Christ, I’ve never seen someone bruise like that from one punch,” Jett said. “I swear he irritates the bruise on purpose, just to keep the story fresh.”

“I wouldn’t doubt it.”

“What happened to your ankle?”

“Nothing. It’s just sore.”

“From that first show?”

“Maybe. It’s a lot of work up there. Especially when you don’t know if the band is going to be drunk or not.”

“I’m sorry you have to go through that,” Jett said. “It’s crazy. I wish there was something else for you. You’re too good for this.”

“It’s a start. What was Willow Son’s first show like?”

Jett laughed. “Well, it wasn’t like this. No tour bus. No arena. We had a station wagon. An actual station wagon. We crammed it with our gear and drove to a show. We played in a little hall. Literally a hall. Like where you’d have a kid’s birthday party or something. It maybe could fit twenty people. We had ten show up.”

“Far cry from all this,” Masie said.

“It was fun though. Just trying to survive and believing in our dream.”

“And now you’re the biggest band in the world.”

“Maybe not the world,” Jett said. “But it’s nice to think it.”

“You guys had a lot of stuff happen it seems.”

“You reading online again?”

Masie smirked. “I’ve been good. Kept away.”

“Sometimes we would think the band had a curse. Like we were all being told not to pursue this thing. But as we kept going, we all realized something. Maybe the most important lesson in life.”

“Which is?”

Jett lifted his wine glass and leaned halfway over the table. “Shit happens and you sometimes just can’t control it.”

“That’s a good lesson. I’ve been living that lesson my entire life too.”

“When do I get the full story?” Jett asked.

“Of what?”

“You, Masie. I want to know everything about you. How you ended up on a tour bus with me. The whole thing. Beginning to end.”

“So this is the end?” Masie asked.

“Actually, to me, sweetheart, this is the beginning.”

Masie felt her heart swell.

She wanted to say something back but ended up eating.

They finished their meal and the entire bottle of wine. Jett held the bottle upside down for a few seconds.

“I think it’s dry,” Masie said.

“Never,” Jett whispered.

He put the bottle down and went to get something else. He returned with a bottle of whiskey.

“This is the rockstar’s version of wine.”

“No way,” Masie said.

“We’ll make drinks. It’s good. Just keep talking to me. Tell me something.”

“I’m sorry I thought you were sleeping with Josie. In my defense, I caught her with one of the guys from Crutch Fail.”

“And then you thought it was my turn?”

“She told me so.”

“Please,” Jett said. “She can sleep with all of Crutch Fail. I have something else in mind. And it has nothing to do with her. Or anyone else.”

Jett twisted the cap off the whiskey. He reached back and grabbed one of the roses from the other table. He handed it to Masie and crouched down.

“I know this is probably hard to take in, but I like you, Masie. I like you a lot. I have no interest in anyone else but you. I’m not promising you forever, but I’m promising you right now. My past few days have been hell. I shouldn’t have punched Colin in the face, but it felt good to do.”

Masie touched Jett’s face. “I shouldn’t act like this. I feel petty and jealous. But you… you really get to me, Jett. I mean, you. Not the Willow Son thing. Not the tour bus thing. But the idea you wanted to take me on a date. You wanted me here.”

“Of course I do.”

They were in silence for a few seconds. Masie then let out a soft sigh. “I had my dreams in my hand at one point, Jett. And I let them slip away. Well, I actually closed my hand, squeezed tight, and crushed all my dreams. So I’m a little held back sometimes. I hate myself for it.”

“No need,” Jett said. “You take care of yourself and that turns me on. You’re not looking for a handout. That really turns me on. And even when you get a little petty and jealous, it still turns me on. Everything about you does. You know, I have nothing besides the band and the life. Colby, Van, Ryker, and Brantley are brothers to me. The fans are like the fire for my soul. They don’t understand what it means to me and that’s okay. That’s why when there’s dead space, it gets to me. Makes me think about things.”

“Like what?” Masie whispered. She inched closer. “You can trust me, Jett.”

Jett grabbed the whiskey bottle and took a sip. “You’re making this date something else.”

“That’s okay. I’m not a date kind of woman anyway. I just like to be with you.”

Jett stood up. He put the bottle down. He stepped back and leaned against the table. “The band is my only family because they are. I have no other family, sweetheart.”

“Why?”

“They were all killed in a car accident.”

Masie gasped. “Oh, Jett…”

“It was a long time ago,” Jett said. “Maybe everything is somehow all connected, I don’t know. I’ve always believed in moving forward. Pushing forward. I hated to just stop and think.”

“I understand that,” Masie said. She slowly rose up from her seat. The three glasses of wine suddenly caught up to her. The tour bus did a little spin and Masie had to blink to get through it. “I’m drunk, Jett.”

Jett put his hands to her waist. “I know, sweetheart. I’m feeling good myself.”

She moved up and kissed his chin. “Please tell me everything. The story. Everything. I just want to know, Jett.”

Jett nodded. “Okay. I’ll tell you everything. All I had growing up was my mother and brother. My younger brother idolized me. Jefferson was everything to me. Yeah, my mother named him Jefferson. My mother meant well in life, but she could never pull things together, you know? I never knew my father and Jefferson never knew his. Take that for what it’s worth. I had a show to play and she called me. My mother called me. She said that Jefferson had some kind of bad dream and was asking for me. So I got on the phone with him and tried to calm him down. He said there was a monster under his bed and in his closet. He heard banging and noises. My mother used to invite friends over. Not good people at all. A few writers took the time to dig up the truth of my mother and it’s hurtful to read. As though her problems were able to flow into me. Sometimes I think it’s true.

“But anyway… I was on the phone with Jefferson. He begged me to come home. I told him I’d come home right after the show. In the meantime though to just turn on his light and look around. I didn’t know how to raise a kid, you know? It wasn’t supposed to be my job. But it was. It was all dumped in my lap. I loved Jefferson, but he was a pain in the ass.”

Masie watched Jett swallow hard. He turned his head and his nose wiggled. Like he was holding back tears. Masie had her arms around him and she was terrified to move. She felt so close to Jett and knew this had to be impossible for him to talk about.

After a good minute, Jett continued.

“I finally got Jefferson to calm down. My mother took the phone back and she started to tell me I needed to come get him. She had plans and she didn't want him to bother her. I asked her to just stay and let me play the show. I mean, even at that time, we started to have a little following. Our ten person shows were now a couple hundred people. And they’d pay to get in and see us. We were actually making a little money at it. I was able to pay most of the bills for the house. I finally had to hang up on her. It was the only thing I could do.”

Jett looked down at Masie. His eyes were big and glossy.

“What happened?” Masie whispered.

“She put Jefferson in the car. I guess she was going to bring him to the show. To just drop him off as though I was his father. As much as it angers me to think that’s what she wanted, I hate that it never happened.”

“It never happened?”

“No, Masie. She was in no condition to drive. There was a car accident and I lost my mother and my brother.”

Silence again.

“Jett. I’m sorry I…”

Jett leaned down and kissed her. Not just any kiss, but a real kiss. His hands grabbed her face and he kissed her harder, faster. They both breathed heavily, Masie grabbing his shirt.

The kiss broke for a second. “That’s my story, Masie. Okay? After that, I tried to take care of myself. There was a sense of relief in me and that drove me crazy. I ended up in a car accident myself a year later. I wasn’t drunk or anything. I was just tired and fell asleep behind the wheel. I hurt my leg and was given pain pills. When I took those pills, I didn’t think about anything. So that’s why when the weight of it all gets to me…”

Masie lunged up on her toes and kissed Jett. She lost herself, pushing at Jett as hard as she could. His hands moved down to her ass and lifted her up. He turned and started to walk her to the back of the bus. Their kiss was hot and messy, but it was perfect.

At the doorway, Masie put her hands out and stopped Jett from walking.

“You never have to feel any kind of pain,” Masie whispered. “Ever, Jett. You’re a good person. You’re a good guy. I want you, Jett. So badly.”

“Fuck, sweetheart,” Jett growled. “You have me. Now move your hands.”

Masie listened to the rockstar.

************

Jett tore Masie’s clothes off with ease. Her shirt – up and over her head. Her jeans, opened and down. She stepped out of her jeans and shoes. Jett’s hands grabbed her hips and pulled her close. They kissed for a few more seconds before Masie lifted his shirt. It fell to the floor of the tour bus and Masie touched his jeans. She opened them and then ran her hands up his body, surprising him. She touched his neck and his face.

Jett unsnapped her bra and pulled it forward. Now Masie was standing in nothing but a pair of panties. He touched her breasts, cupping under, gritting his teeth. He was so hard, so ready for her, his emotions completely out of control. Something about it almost felt wrong, but he never wanted someone as bad as he wanted Masie right now. She was going to be the one to make everything feel right.

Sliding his hands back down Masie’s body, Jett grabbed Masie’s ass and lifted her. He put her against the bunks, her legs wrapping around him. He kissed her lips then tasted her neck. She put her head back, groaning, her hands firmly gripped tight to his shoulders. The entire scene was littered with an angry passion. But it was good. It was wild. It was amazing to let the hell go of it all.

Down Masie’s chest, Jett allowed his lips to playfully cross back and forth across her left nipple. Feeling the erect nub between his lips made him groan for more. He thirst for her body, for her desire. Opening his mouth, he tasted her breast. She was warm, soft, sweet. Unable to wait any longer for Masie, Jett reached down and unzipped his jeans. He forced them down enough to let himself pop free. His fingers cut between Masie’s legs, rubbing the middle of her panties against her warm center. He peeled her panties to the side, feeling her wet folds. His fingers sliced along, touching her throbbing center, thrusting his fingers into her body.

Masie cried out for him, demanding more.

Jett gave her more.

The feel of her tender body pulling at him, wanting him, was exactly what he needed to feel. That burning want and need, topped with pleasure, gave him purpose and his own sense of pleasure.

Masie stuck her hand between their bodies, forcing herself to touch Jett. He turned and lowered her down to the bottom bunk, putting her on the bed, hovering over her. He kept his lower half above her body, looking down, watching her hands grip him, stroke him, each time making him breathe with a growl as he fought back the urge to come.

When Jett looked at Masie again, she stuck her other hand into his hair and clawed at him. She pulled and Jett allowed himself down. His lips crashed to hers, kissing her. His lower half thrust, his instinctive and feral desires taking control. Masie moved her hand away from Jett as he crashed into her.

Once deep, Jett held, broke the kiss, and let out a long hiss. Every muscle in his body tensed. Masie had her hands at his waist, her body crunching forward, her mouth kissing his bare chest.

“Fuck,” she managed to cry out when Jett pulled back.

He thrust forward a second time and Masie’s head went back again, back arching. Jett kissed her throat, the tip of his tongue then drawing a straight line down her chest. His nose flirted with each nipple as he pumped at her harder and faster. Images flashed in his mind. Those old memories that were supposed to be long since dead, but obviously weren’t. They returned when they wanted, like an unwanted sickness.

Jett opened his eyes and looked at Masie’s beautiful body. His hands trailed along the curves of her body. Her thick hips, slender sides, heavy breasts all for the taking. Her legs were wrapped tight around Jett’s body as she rocked her hips with his movements. For a few seconds, Jett felt nothing. He was numb from the inside out. He heard himself breathing, feeling his heart punching like it wanted out of his chest.

Then Masie looked at him.

Those wild dancer eyes. A passion was so deep inside those eyes, it ripped Jett to shreds. His hands traveled back up Masie’s body. His right hand at her left breast. Masie quickly put her hands to his. The subtle move was deadly sexy.

His other hand moved up to her face. Holding her cheek, wanting to say something in the moment, but there was nothing to say. Their bodies were doing all the work, all the communicating. All the connecting.

Masie’s stomach rose and fell with greater intensity. The depths of her warmth pulled hard, squeezed tighter, her body reaching climax. Jett lowered himself back down to her, his chest pressed tight to hers. His movements were still fast, hard, thrusting with everything he could offer the beautiful woman under him.

This wasn’t just any woman though. This was his woman. The one he wanted. The one he needed.

Jett kissed Masie’s neck and moved up to her ear. “Oh, sweetheart, you’re perfect.”

Masie let out a whimpering groan and threw her hands to his back. She dug her nails into his muscle as Jett reached the end of his own will. And he didn’t care. Thrusting deep into her, letting himself succumb to her perfect body, it was all he could ever ask for in that moment.

Even when Jett moved from Masie, he didn’t exit her body. She moved with him, facing him. Their legs intertwined. Their eyes were on fire. They shared deep and slow kisses, the kind that kept the heart racing and the blood running extra hot. So much so that with just a few sweet and subtle thrusts of her hips, Masie had Jett hard again in a few minutes. So hard that he was ready to fuck her again.

But this time, he rolled to his back and pulled her on top.

Her hands on the bed, her hair and breasts dangling in front of him, Masie’s smell completely engulfed Jett. The smell of her body, her sweat. The smell of the sweet and delicate desire coming from somewhere else.

And she moved slow. Thorough. Her hips rocking. Her legs working. Those fucking dancer legs with thick muscle. Jett grabbed her legs and held tight.

“Ah, shit,” he growled.

This time, he knew, he wouldn’t last long at all.

But that was okay. Because if Jett was going to have it his way, he’d have this forever.

(16)

Masie curled up in the blankets and smelled them. She didn’t want to fully open her eyes. She had already peeked once and couldn’t believe she was actually on the tour bus for Willow Son. Not only was it her first time on a tour bus, but it was the first time she slept on a tour bus.

All night.

Jett held her, stroking her shoulder, kissing her. His hands traveled everywhere. He knew where to touch, when to touch, how to touch. It wasn’t the fantasy of the touch from a rockstar. It was the reality of the touch from a man.

A real man.

That man, however, wasn’t in the bed with Masie.

She finally accepted that it was morning - or early afternoon for all she knew. But she knew it was a new day and time to get up and find a way to function.

Her body was achy, tender, and warm. The work she and Jett had put into their bedtime fun was definitely more of a strain on her body than being on stage dancing.

Yet it wasn’t just sex. It wasn’t even just fucking.

There was some deep emotion behind it all. Stuff that Masie knew Jett didn’t like to talk about. He didn’t like to be alone or feel alone. Masie knew the feeling, but coming from Jett it was something amazing. A man who toured the country, made millions, and had millions of fans.

Yet he could feel empty and in need of someone.

Masie rose from the bed and took the top sheet with her. She wrapped it around her body. Feeling bold, she bit her lip and stepped from the back of the bus. For all she knew the rest of Willow Son would be with Jett. Or even Portis. The thought scared her, but it was too late now. She stepped to the front of the bus and found Jett sitting on the table, shirtless, his back to her, a guitar in his hands. He wasn’t playing though.

The rippling muscles of his back left Masie’s mouth watering, fingertips tingling, and the rest of her body burning.

Jett then strummed a few chords. He looked back, did a double take at Masie, and then stood up. He spun the guitar around in his hand and put it down. Rushing to Masie to hug her, Jett traded the guitar for her body. He pulled her close and kissed her.

“Good morning,” he said. “How’d you sleep?”

“First night on a tour bus,” Masie said with a grin. “I can get used to it.”

“You say that now. Just wait until you’re a month into it. Five guys. One bus. It gets pretty messy, smelly, and everyone started to get on each other’s nerves.”

“Then I guess I’ll just need my own bus.”

“Dream big, sweetheart.”

“Yeah, right,” Masie said. “I’ll be happy if I can just get a decent enough job at this point.”

“Here, I made us some coffee.”

Masie’s eyes had been in their glory looking at Jett without a shirt on that she didn’t even smell the coffee. She sat down at the table, turned to put her back to the window, and hugged her knees, still wrapped tight in the sheet.

Jett slid across from Masie. “What’s on your mind, sweetheart?”

“Thank you for talking to me last night,” Masie said. “Everything you said. I mean, it’s pretty heavy stuff. And you gave that to me.”

“I trust you with it,” Jett said. “It explains a lot about me.”

“I’ll never tell you how to live,” Masie said. “Just know that if you need anything from me, I’m here. If any of that stuff starts to creep up inside you and you need someone.”

“You really want that burden?” Jett asked with a grin. “Isn’t it more fun to just fool around on a tour bus and leave it at that?”

“Is that what you want?”

“No, sweetheart, it’s not.”

“Then it’s not what I want.”

Jett leaned back and shook his head. “You’re just too much, Masie. The sexy dancer that crashed my recording session. And now you’re crashing my heart. You’re right in there, tearing things up and moving them around.”

“Trust me, Jett, I know the feeling.”

“Then tell me about it,” Jett said. “We can go grab something eat and then get on the road.”

Masie sighed. “I hate the thought of being crammed in that car. Those women drive me crazy. I’m trying my best to deal with them. But after last night and what Josie tried to pull off, I want to hit her. I want to…” Masie made a fist and slowly threw it. “I want to do to her what you did to Colin.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Jett said. “That would be a hot video.”

Masie laughed.

They finished their coffee and Jett slapped the table. “Okay, I have to track down the rest of the band. We’re leaving in a little bit. You’re on the road with us now.”

“Jett…”

“Where’s your bag?” Jett asked.

Masie’s face dropped. “Probably in the arena still.”

“Leave that to me. I’ll get it all worked out.”

Jett stood and went for his cell. He was tall, beautiful, and he had an aura of command that Masie couldn’t resist.

“You don’t have to do any of this,” Masie said.

“Of course I don’t. But I’m going to.” Jett then pointed to the back of the bus. “If I were you, I’d grab a shower while you can. Once the guys get on the bus, I can’t be held responsible for anything. Don’t tell anyone, Masie, but you’re the first naked woman on the bus. Whether you want that honor or not, you got it.”

“Thanks,” Masie said.

She stood from the table. Her head was spinning. She still hadn’t processed the night with Jett.

Jett was already on the phone with Harry.

“Yeah, you heard me right,” he said. “I have to get into the arena. I left something there.”

Masie walked to the back of the bus. The bathroom and shower was surprisingly big. Not the size of a normal bathroom but enough room to get in and settle. She turned on the water and it got hot after a few seconds.

“I don’t care!” she heard Jett’s voice yell with a lightness that suggested he was smiling. “I have to get in there, Harry. I’m part of Willow Son. If we have to play the celebrity card, then we play it. Just make it happen.”

Masie slowly let the sheet fall from her body. It collected at her feet. She put her left foot into the water and it was so calm and soothing.

“Now that’s a morning sight I like.”

Masie looked over her shoulder and grinned at Jett.

He moved at her, touching her waist and cupping her ass. Masie was so comfortable around him. She leaned back to his bare chest, turning her head, kissing his neck.

One hand came around and touched her lower belly.

“I’ll have your stuff here in a few minutes. I promise.”

“I’m good right here,” Masie whispered.

“You and me both. But I have to wrangle up some rockstars.”

Masie turned and pressed her breasts to Jett’s chest. She reached up and touched his face. “You should stay right here. With me.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Jett warned. “Just don’t tempt me.”

“Oh, I am.”

Jett’s cell started to beep. He gritted his teeth. Lowering his mouth to Masie’s, he kissed her. A beautiful and perfect kiss.

“I’ll be back in a few.”

Jett walked away and Masie stepped into the shower.

She let the water rush over her. Her mind was screaming on the inside, reminding her that she was on a tour bus. That she just had the hands of the guitarist from Willow Son all over her body.

And just as Jett had promised, he came back into the bathroom holding Masie’s bag.

“How did you do that?” Masie asked.

“I’m famous,” Jett said. “I get what I want. Now finish up. The rest of the guys will be here soon. Then we start cruising.”

Masie was left in awe. Even standing in the warm shower she had a cool shiver race through her body.

Jett was beyond amazing. Their ‘thing’ had grown beyond hooking up and just being a dancer and a rockstar.

With her eyes shut, her head and face in the water, Masie smiled.

I’m falling for him.

************

Jett tuned up his guitar as he stared out the window. The road breezed by in a blur. There was a lot of background noise and conversation behind him, but he could only focus on the guitar. That and Masie’s sweet voice. He could pick her voice out of a million because it was the only one that made his heart race.

She and Tessa were in a deep conversation about their favorite kinds of coffees and little dive places to eat. However the hell they connected so fast was a miracle. Maybe because Tessa understood what it was like to love a rockstar.

What, does that mean Masie loves me?

Jett paused for a second to consider the thought. It wasn’t the worst thing in the world. At least not for him. But for Masie, that would be a chore. A woman like Masie deserved to have her dreams first.

With his mind crossing a very serious line, Jett turned around, while seated on the table, and strummed a loud chord.

The rest of the guys - and women - stopped talking.

“Let’s play,” Jett said.

“I’m ready,” Colby said. He had two notebooks on the table and had been scratching at some lyrics the entire afternoon.

Normally the bus ride was crammed or boring. It was usually a good time to catch up on sleep, but Jett felt very rested. Holding Masie all night was like a jolt of energy for his body.

“Wait,” Ryker said. “If we do this, we do it right.”

He went to the fridge and took out beer. A drink for everyone.

Jett had no problem with that. After all, it was their day off. They could get a little loosened up in the afternoon and not give a shit. It was an actual day off too. Meaning no press, no interviews, nothing. The only thing they had planned was to arrive in the next city by early evening. Tomorrow morning, however, it would get busy again with a full day of interviews and then the show.

But right now, they were free. All of them.

Jett looked at Masie and winked.

She seemed happy.

“So,” Van said, “let’s skip the small talk and go right for it. What’s it like dancing for Crutch Fail?”

“Jesus, man,” Jett said. “Don’t make her sick.”

“I’m serious,” Van said as he laughed.

“It’s not as fun as you’d think,” Masie said.

“They suck so bad,” Tessa said.

“She said it, not me,” Colby said.

“You’ve said it before,” Brantley said. “We all have.”

“It’ll be over soon,” Van said.

“Yeah, I know,” Masie whispered.

The mood fell.

That’s when Jett started to play guitar. Going right into whatever song came to his mind first. Ryker picked up with Jett while Van went to get a guitar for himself, and Brantley brought out a set of handheld drums. Colby stood and started to sing.

One song turned into a damn concert. It turned into all five members of Willow Son taking turns singing and jamming on guitars, Tessa and Masie singing during the choruses, and drinking more beer than they probably should have for an afternoon off.

“Wait,” Colby said. “Let’s work on something new. Let’s just try to throw something together. I’ve got these lyrics…”

Jett moved from the table to the one across from him, to be closer to Masie. She stood and stumbled, but quickly blamed the bus, not the beer. Everyone started to laugh. It took a lot for them actually feel a bump in the road while on the bus. The vehicles were designed to be traveling hotels.

“Okay, man,” Jett said. “Let’s get something going here.”

“I have something,” Van said. “Here…”

And just like that, the bassist for Willow Son started to play a riff on guitar. It was a little choppy but had a good sound to it. Jett could already hear it electric, a nice, live sound with a little reverb and gain behind it to add power.

“Keep that going,” Ryker said.

He came in with the root chords to the riff, adding more life.

Jett watched and listened.

Colby nodded his head.

Brantley started to play the drums.

There was a good sound going.

It just needed something…

Jett shut his eyes. He felt Masie leaning on his shoulder. Her right hand was at the back of his shirt, holding on tight. The moment couldn’t get any better. It was the most alive he felt t and the most fun he could remember having on a tour bus in a long time, maybe ever.

“Okay,” Jett whispered.

He watched Van one more time and then came in. He started with the root chord of the riff played an octave higher. It gave an echoing sound to the music. He then went into his own little riff, gently plucking the strings. It didn’t overpower Van but added harmony to it.

“That’s awesome,” Brantley said.

Colby started to sing, very loosely though, trying to figure out what worked and what didn’t.

It took them all of an hour to actually come up with something worth playing.

They ran through the song a couple more times and finally Colby called it. He waved his hands. He closed his notebooks. He twisted the cap off a fresh beer.

“It’s supposed to be our day off,” he said.

“We’re just having fun,” Jett said.

Masie slipped her hand between the guitar and Jett’s body, sliding down, touching over his jeans a little. “I have a different version of fun.”

Jett looked at Masie. “You’re wild. You try to play it off. But you’re really something wild.”

Masie smirked and that’s when Jett felt it really hit him.

The way he felt about Masie. It was real. It was good.

They drank and laughed, sneaking kisses when they could, and the bus came to its destination.

Leaving the bus, Jett slipped his had into Masie’s and held tight. They were all mostly drunk, looking like a bunch of fools stumbling out of the tour bus. For Masie, it was the most rockstar thing she had ever done in her life. Partying and getting drunk on her day off.

“Hey,” Jett whispered. “We’re getting our own room. We still have some time left in our day off together.”

Masie looked at Jett and smiled big. Her eyes were glossy but still sexy.

I’m going to fall in love with her… damn.

(17)

I’m really falling in love with him.

Masie gripped the sheets on the bed tight and lifted her lower half for Jett. She nibbled at his neck, tasting his sweaty skin, loving it. When her head hit the pillow again, she arched her back, wanting and demanding more. Her body craved him in a way she never knew could exist.

One of Jett’s hands moved up to her breast, cupping tight. His mouth came down and tasted her other breast. The feel of his tongue circling around her nipple sent a tingling pleasure sensation right between her legs. She was so achy and tender, climaxing with a loud and satisfying moan.

Jett kept thrusting, working with her body as she throbbed against his cock. Jett lowered his body down to hers. His hands reached down and cupped her ass. He squeezed tight and lifted, gently speeding himself up. Masie kissed his neck, nibbled at his ear, and cried out again. She was so full, but it felt so good.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Jett groaned. “Fuck.”

Jett climaxed a moment later, bringing Masie to another wild climax.

From the tour bus to the hotel room.

The entire thing was crazy. It was wild.

Jett pulled Masie on top of him, her head resting on his chest. She remained there, listening and feeling his heart racing and then slowing down. She perked up and looked at him. His face was chiseled from stone. His eyes were deep and lustful. When he smiled though, it was almost magical. The feeling it sent through Masie’s body made her bite her lip.

“What?”

“When this is all over,” Masie said. “The tour. I just can’t figure it out.”

“Figure what out?”

“This. Us. What’ll happen.” Masie was still a little drunk. She was tired, dehydrated, but she didn’t want to miss a second with Jett. “You’re going to stay on tour. I won’t. This isn’t a year long thing for me. It’s not what I want.”

“I have what I want right here,” Jett said. “I’m holding it.”

“You can say that all you want, Jett. You’re rich.”

“Hey, this isn’t a money thing,” Jett said. “I really… I really care about you. I like you. I’m beyond it. This is real for me.”

“This is real for me,” Masie said. Her heart fluttered. “I did something dumb once though, Jett. I fucked up my dream once before.”

“What does that mean?” Jett asked.

“I had the chance at my dream. My actual dream, Jett.”

“Meaning?”

“I was dancing professionally and getting paid for it. I was in a ballet program, actually working. It was everything I’ve ever wanted. Getting paid to do something I really loved. I got to show up, learn some amazing moves, practice until I was in pain, and then go home. Wake up and repeat it. There were talks that I was going to be put on tour. Or I’d be sent to New York City and stay there for a little while. The chance, Jett. That’s what it was. The chance.”

“Well, what happened?” Jett asked.

“I slept with the guy running the program.”

“Whoa.”

Masie lowered her head to Jett’s chest. It then crashed down on her as she realized where she was and what she was doing. It was almost a repeat thing. Only she never loved Clyde. She thought she did, but it wasn’t the same feeling with Jett.

I love him. I love Jett.

She slipped off Jett’s body and propped herself up on her elbows.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Jett said.

“Yeah, but it’s not okay at all. I let him - his name was Clyde - I let him get to me. He was the first person that really went after me, you know? He was powerful. He ran the program. I mean, he could have been with any woman there, but he set his sights on me.”

“Because you’re beautiful and smart. And open.”

“No,” Masie said with a laugh. “He was fucking four other women.”

“Christ.”

“Yeah. He used the same moves on whoever he wanted. And it always worked. The promise of something bigger and better. So not only did he crush my heart, he crushed my dream, Jett. I had to leave when I found out what he was doing. I tried to do the right thing and get help but it only turned on me. I was basically attacked and made to feel like I was worthless. I let it all get to me. I second-guessed everything I thought I knew about myself.”

Jett reached out and wiped a tear from Masie’s eye. She hadn’t even realized she started to cry. Talking about this stuff always left her feeling numb. Traveling back in time really sucked.

“I’m so sorry,” Jett whispered.

“I never had any real family either. My mother did her best to survive as a single mother. I think I was more of a burden to her. I had my dream though. My entire room was always ballerina stuff. It’s all I wanted. So when I left there I just started over. Completely on my own and alone. I vowed to never get involved with someone again. I was lucky enough to meet Ann Marie, who runs the dance studio I teach at. She gave me a shot and it really inspires me to see all those kids show up and have fun. I mean I know a lot of them are there just to get out of their parents hair for a little while, but it’s still fun.”

Jett stuck his fingers into her hair and started to play. It made Masie’s body tingle. It was such a soothing and comfortable feeling. Masie even closed her eyes for a few seconds and let herself get lost in the moment.

“You’re an amazing woman,” Jett said. “That’s all you need to know. How amazing you are. And whatever happened to you, it put you here.”

“On tour with Crutch Fail.”

“In bed with me.”

“Fine. You win.”

Masie rolled to the edge of the bed and sat up. She grabbed for her clothes. A fresh flood of anger started to roll through her body. She felt Jett touch her back and she shuddered, not wanting to have it affect her.

“Hey, talk to me, sweetheart,” Jett whispered.

“This is what I feared,” Masie said. She stood up. “I’d get another chance and I’d end up in bed with someone.”

“Whoa, whoa. This isn’t just in bed with someone. It’s us, Masie. I care about you. I mean, I really care. I lo…”

“Just don’t say anything else, Jett,” Masie said. “That’s why I hate talking about stuff, okay? Because it just reminds me of what I did wrong.”

“We all do things wrong,” Jett said. “You have to believe that. I mean, look at everything I told you already. My life has been a mess. But when I’m with you, it makes sense. It all makes sense.”

Masie paused and looked back. “I promised myself nothing would happen. And it did. I’m hooked on you, Jett. I’m falling in love with you.”

“Then fall,” Jett yelled. He grabbed the covers and stood from the bed. “Just fall. I’ll catch you. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.”

Standing there, looking at Jett, Masie’s heart swelled even more. She didn’t want to lose him. She didn’t want to leave Jett. But she didn’t want to risk getting hurt again. Or losing out on everything she dreamed of again. It was almost too much to bear in that moment.

“Jett,” she said. “I don’t want anything handed to me. I don’t want favors. I don’t want to be that woman.”

“Christ, you’re not,” Jett said. “You have to be able to see that. How special you are. How hard you work on your own. I mean, are you sleeping with me hoping that I’ll do you a favor?”

“No!” Masie yelled. “No. Never.”

“Then it doesn’t matter.” Jett approached Masie. He touched her shoulder with one hand, the other hand holding the blanket around his waist. “This isn’t a joke for me. I promise you. This is serious. I mean, everything I’ve been through lately. With the band. My personal stuff.”

“Exactly,” Masie said. “And you’re now in love with me?”

“What if I am? What if I say I am?”

There was a knock at the hotel door.

“No!” Jett yelled.

“Jett, it’s Harry. I’ve called you three times. We have to talk right now. It’s important.”

“Not now,” Jett growled.

“Go,” Masie whispered. “I’m fine. I’ll be fine. I’m sorry I brought all this up, okay? It just bothers the hell out of me still. And it shouldn’t. I’m pathetic.”

“You are not pathetic,” Jett said. He kissed Masie’s cheek. “You’re perfect. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m not going to let you down. I’m sorry if I said anything that made you feel uncomfortable. I would never want that for you. And as far as this tour goes? When it’s over, it’s over. That’s the tour. Not us.”

“Jett!” Harry’s voice boomed through the door.

Jett gritted his teeth.

He then dropped the sheet and walked to the door, opening it.

“What?” Jett asked.

“Whoa,” Harry said. “Uh, can you get some clothes on? Meet me on the bus?”

Masie caught herself smiling. She never met someone that could cut through her like Jett did. Masie hated admitting what she did wrong because she hated to feel weak. But as she stared at Jett’s perfect ass, she realized that being weak wasn’t always a bad thing – just as long as someone strong was there to pick you back up.

************

Jett ran a hand through his hair. The band all sat around, looking half beat up. It had been a long day of traveling. Normally they spent those days resting. They’d sleep, watch movies, talk. It had been a while since they spent the day drinking, jamming, and actually partying hard on the bus.

“What’s so important?” Jett asked.

"The tour is going to be broken up," Harry said.

"What the hell does that mean?" Colby asked.

"You guys are too big for the arenas. Which is a great thing. It’s a really great thing. But the bad thing is that we don’t have the logistics figured out for a bigger tour.”

“So why does that bother us?” Jett asked.

“Because once this leg is done, we’re done for a little bit.”

Everyone looked at each other.

Ryker looked pissed off. “That doesn’t make sense.”

“Well, it kind of does,” Harry said. “You’re not going to like it. It’s a business move. It’s a play.”

“A play?” Van asked.

“We take the footage from the little tour,” Harry said. “Package it together and sell it. Distribute it for a bigger tour. During that time you guys get free run in the studio to finish up what will become a full length album. You can tour up and down California, grabbing as many little shows as you want. Anything to generate a buzz.”

“This is all Portis,” Jett said. He stood up and folded his arms. “He’s cashing in big time.”

“He can’t count on Crutch Fail,” Harry said. “He realizes that. Their numbers are dismal.”

“They aren’t good,” Brantley said. “And financing the band? Come on. Putting them on prematurely was stupid. Having those dancers was stupid.” Brantley looked at Jett. “Sorry, man. No offense.”

“None taken,” Jett said. “I get it. The idea was bad. The whole thing was bad.”

“And Portis takes risks but he doesn’t keep going when it’s bad. You guys have proven yourselves to him. But Crutch Fail hasn’t done that. And it’s time to pull the plug on the thing. You know you’re set. I mean, musically and financially. The backing is there. The fans, the money, the studio. You have Portis in your pockets.”

Jett was completely torn. He knew he would be fine in life. But he worried about Masie. She wouldn’t just fall into him. She wanted her own life. Her own dreams and passions to chase down. And goddamn if that wasn’t the sexiest thing about her. Yet Jett wanted to scoop her up and take her away from it all. Protect her from all the bad in the world, but that’s not how it worked.

“Any questions?” Harry asked.

“So tonight is the last gig?” Van asked.

“There’s two more shows slated up north,” Harry said. “Not sure what Portis will do. He’s making money on you guys but nowhere else. To him he’d rather build the buzz and let it explode when it’s time. I know you guys don’t function like that and I’m sorry about it. But that’s the way it is right now.”

“If that’s what we have to do,” Jett said. “As long as we can get into the studio.”

“The entire industry is different,” Harry said. “A guy like Portis knows how to survive. That’s important to remember. And if he likes you, he’ll throw money at you until you make it all back and then some.” Harry’s phone started to ring. “Now I have to take some calls. I have a few conference call meetings. I’m organizing some press and other stuff. You guys just stay put. Play the show of your lives tonight. Remember what you have.”

Remember what you have.

Jett knew what he had and what he had to lose.

“Thoughts?” Colby asked.

“Doesn’t matter,” Jett said. “What’s done is done. Portis calls the shots and we go along for the ride.”

“We could tell him to screw off,” Ryker said.

“Would that work?” Van asked.

“Christ, I think he’s right,” Brantley said. “I mean, getting us off the road sucks. But to get rid of Crutch Fail is good. Those guys aren’t what we are. I think it would only piss our fans off to keep them up on stage.”

“What about Masie?” Colby asked.

“What about?” Jett asked.

“I mean, she was just on the bus, Jett. You two… we all see it, man. How close you are. It’s not a fling. It’s real. How is she going to handle it? And you?”

“Don’t worry about my personal life,” Jett said.

“We have to, brother,” Ryker said. “You know that.”

“You want to check my fucking pockets?” Jett asked. “Go for it. You want to dig through my bags and guitar cases? Do it. But don’t question my heart and intentions.”

Jett walked toward the front of the bus. He looked out the large windows and realized he didn’t even know what the hell city he was in right now. All he knew was that Masie was in the hotel, in a room, by herself. Doubting herself and in some ways, maybe doubting Jett.

He was beyond the rockstar stuff now. He wanted Masie’s heart. And everything that came with it. Which meant telling her exactly where everything stood. No matter if it ended up hurting him in the end.

(18)

Masie was ready for the show. The crowd was getting rowdy, ready for some music. The entire aura of the night and show seemed off though. Everyone seemed to move a little slower and it was like nobody gave a damn. The only time Masie saw Crutch Fail, they were going into a room with Lenny and Portis. Portis was the only one to leave the room a short while later. Portis gave Masie a head nod and a wave, leaving her surprised. Maybe he remembered her. Maybe he just nodded to everyone, always assuming people were looking at him.

Her mind traveled to a conversation she had with Ann Marie. The dance studio was closed for a couple days and Ann Marie was in the crowd tonight. That made Masie even more nervous, but excited too. The only thing that bothered Masie about Ann Marie being there was that the woman never closed the dance studio. Not for any reason at all. So either something big was going on or Ann Marie was going to surprise Masie by bringing others with her. Not kids though, they wouldn’t be allowed at this kind of show.

When Crutch Fail finally did emerge from their dressing room and walked toward the stage, they did so like they were on a boat in a hurricane. Swaying left to right, kicking at each other’s feet, they were drunk. Just plain dead drunk. Lenny stood a few feet back, shaking his head.

It was going to be a shit show.

Colin stumbled by Masie and pointed at her. “Our last night together. Better make it fucking count. I know what I’m doing to get out of this.”

Masie had no idea what that meant.

Her mind and heart had been battling for the last few hours, thinking about everything with Jett. She walked from the hotel to the arena to meet up with the other dancers. She forced herself to hang out with them, only to receive a text from Jett telling her that the band had to deal with some personal stuff and that he’d talk to her tomorrow. Tomorrow meaning today. But today was jam packed for Willow Son. She did talk to Jett on the phone - for about a minute - as he scrambled to tell her that they had been booked for some extra promo stuff. He told her he had to talk to her about something important and that’s where the conversation ended.

Until Masie saw Jett barreling down the hall toward the stage. He bumped into people, waving his hands.

On stage, there was music playing.

Masie had about ten seconds until she had to make her move to get up there and get into position.

Portis then appeared and put a hand to Jett’s chest, stopping him dead in his tracks.

“Masie!” Jett yelled.

She kept staring at him, mentally counting down.

… six… five…

She pointed to the stage and bit her lip.

… three… two…

“I love you,” Jett managed to yell. “No matter what happens. Know that!”

The words echoed around everyone who heard it. The words shot deep into Masie’s heart. She was completely taken off guard by it.

She heard Colin scream, “Are you fucking ready?”

It snapped her into reality.

She turned and ran to the stage. She made it on time just as the show started.

The curtain dropped and the arena was actually decently full. Maybe the most people of in their seats for Crutch Fail so far on the tour. Masie took that as a good sign. Maybe that meant the tour was doing better than expected.

With Jett’s words running through her mind, she worked along the stage. Somewhere in the back of her mind she told herself to give it more than her all. Pretend she was on that stage in New York City, like she always wanted. Somewhere near the stage Portis was lingering around. He could see something in her and help her.

Even if he didn’t, this could be for the people in the crowd.

Colin started to walk with the mic in his hand, not playing guitar. It wasn’t part of the set, but Masie saw it and went with it. Josie, Ana, and Gabby were all near the drums, dancing like fools. They were there with half their hearts. Just going with the flow of the music and the show.

Masie tried her best to stay with Colin. He walked to the front of the stage. Trying to stay the part, Masie was next to him. That’s when Colin looked at her and gritted his teeth like a rabid animal. He then threw an elbow that came way too close to hitting Masie. She was able to jump back and save her moves.

“I’m fucking talking!” Colin yelled into the mic.

The song continued, sounding sloppy with Colin’s guitar echoing with feedback. The rest of the band carried the song as Colin made a complete ass of himself. He preached about music and sales. About how people had the responsibility to support musicians.

It was really dumb and took the life out of the music, not that Crutch Fail had much of life to begin with.

Masie went to the other three dancers and stayed there.

Colin finally went to the mic stand, put the mic on it, and then started to sing. It was pretty obvious he was drunk.

Three songs later, Colin was drinking a beer, letting his guitar screech.

“Thanks for who was there,” he said. “You won’t be next time. Only the true know what it’s like. Fuck.”

Masie had no idea what the hell Colin was talking about.

She took her spot next to him.

Ana was on the other side.

He started to play the next song.

The way it was designed was this: Colin would play the intro and go into the first verse. While that was happening, Masie and Ana would stay close to him, moving with the rhythm of the song. When it came time for the pre chorus they would step away and give Colin room to swing and jump into the chorus.

That’s not how it happened though.

Colin played the intro and then turned, hitting Masie with his guitar. She flew back and stumbled, trying to catch her balance as her hands went to her face. Colin kept spinning as though he completely forgot about the routine that he demanded and designed to have happen.

As Masie kept moving, the lights on the stage were flashing. It was almost hypnotic, the music pounding, and Colin racing at her like he was hellbent on hurting her. The way the lights moved reminded Masie of a horror movie right when the killer was going to make a strike.

The strike, however, didn’t come from Masie.

It came from the side of the stage. Her foot had ground and then suddenly didn’t. Masie reached, missing the railing, and fell off the side of the stage. She tumbled, her sore ankle twisting, this time with a shooting pain that told her it was definitely broken.

When she hit the ground, she sat there, almost in shock.

Colin strutted to the mic and started to sing.

Masie wasn’t sure if anyone even saw what the hell had happened.

Finally, there was help and lots of it. Three, four, then five guys, all with flashlights, coming to her aid. They yelled at her and Masie yelled back. It was so loud. Just so damn loud. And the pain in her ankle was so intense.

Her hands started to shake as a wave of panic ran through her body. It was a terrible feeling. She felt so helpless.

One of the guys touched her ankle as Masie kicked with her other foot. She hit the guy in the mouth. His head snapped back and he dropped his flashlight and fell to his ass.

“Fuck!” the guy screamed.

“My ankle is broken!” Masie shouted. “Help!”

She shut her eyes and wished for it all to be done. The entire thing. Taking the chance on this tour was a risk and it was a bad risk. A really bad and dumb risk.

Masie opened her eyes and Jett was right there. Inches from her face. He touched her face, his eyes wide.

“My ankle!” she yelled.

Jett hurried to lift her, scooping her up. He turned and walked. With each step, her ankle throbbed with more and more pain.

Once they were in the hallway Jett put his lips to Masie’s ear.

“It’s going to be okay, sweetheart. I promise. I love you, Masie. I love you.”

************

Jett paced like a hungry lion. Crutch Fail was done but Jett wasn’t. His hands were balled into fists and he planned on unleashing on Colin. He’d make it so Colin couldn’t fucking play another show ever again.

It took way too long for the band to appear.

That was because they had security surrounding them.

Portis was in the front, a hand out, looking right at Jett.

Colby grabbed Jett’s arm. Ryker grabbed the other.

“What the hell?” he bellowed.

“Don’t,” Van said. “Let them get out of here.” Then he yelled louder, “We’re done with them! They fucking suck!”

“Fuck you!” one of the band members yelled back.

The second Jett saw Colin, he lost it. He kicked at the wall and lunged forward, taking Colby and Ryker with him. They were able to keep him from getting free though. The security guards pushed back and Harry was quick to dive in the middle of things. He had two handfuls of one the guards shirts and pushed.

Harry had some serious unexpected strength. “Do you know who they are? Don’t you ever touch them!” Then Harry yelled, “Portis! Get them out there!”

Portis started shouting for Crutch Fail to move quicker.

The band had their heads down, except Colin. His head bobbed and he had a cocky grin on his face.

“Come on,” Jett yelled. “Come over here and push me. Too tough to fight a man, right?”

Colin looked back. “Nah, man. She’s probably not even that good in bed. Fuck her.”

Jett started to pull but stopped when he felt Ryker push him.

Ryker then jumped over a security guard and landed a right fist to Colin’s nose. All Jett saw was blood and then Colin was gone. The security guard threw Ryker back.

He shook his hand and looked at Jett.

He nodded.

“Thanks,” Jett said.

Colby let his arm go.

“No worries,” Ryker said. “Nobody talks about a woman like that.”

“I’m just glad we never have to see them again,” Brantley said.

“Why not?”

Jett turned and saw the dressing room door open, Masie sitting in a chair, her leg up on another. Some medical tech was working on her ankle, and working on transportation to get her to the hospital to get a x-ray.

“Ah, shit,” Jett said.

“I know this really bad timing,” Harry said as he wiped sweat off his face. “But you guys have to hit the stage.”

“Harry,” Van said. “You were like a boxer out there. That security guard was twice your size.”

Harry smirked. “Don’t fuck with my band.”

“Go ahead,” Jett said to everyone. “I’ll be there in a second.”

He stepped into the room and asked the medical tech for some privacy. The guy left the room.

Jett crouched down. “Shit, sweetheart. What can I do?”

“Nothing,” Masie said. “It’s just… it’s over now. My ankle is broken.”

“Masie, the tour is off. Portis called it off today. That’s why I was so busy with press stuff. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t get to see you.”

“What?”

Jett nodded and swallowed hard. “Crutch Fail… well, they failed. They suck. It’s not worth Portis’ time. So he’s pulling the tour. We’re going into the studio to finish our album. He’s going to release the live shows and then build buzz. He’s dropping Crutch Fail. And I’m telling you right now - after tonight, if he doesn’t, I’ll quit the band. I never want to see that guy or that band ever again.”

Masie’s lips quivered. “Jesus.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

Masie shook her head. “And my ankle is broken. What the hell am I supposed to do?”

“I’m there for you,” Jett said. “You don’t want that answer from me though. You want to be tough and on your own. But it’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to need someone. It’s okay to need me. I won’t hurt you. I said it before and I’ll say it to you every day of my life.”

Masie reached out and touched Jett’s face. “You came for me. I was on my ass, in pain. I kicked someone in the face. They were all yelling over the music. It was the scariest moment of my life, Jett. And you were the one there.”

“Always.”

“Jett. I love you, too. I really do.”

Jett leaned in and kissed Masie.

Down the hall he heard the sound of the backing track. They were playing it on an extended loop now.

“I have to do this,” Jett said. “Then I’m taking you home. Where we belong together.”

“Can you do one more favor for me?”

Jett stared into Masie’s dark and beautiful eyes. He was hooked. Forever.

“Anything you want,” Jett said. “Name it.”

(19)

Ann Marie cried.

She sat in a chair, looking around, crying. Wiping the corners of her eyes, her breathing erratic.

Masie sat in a hospital bed. It wasn't exactly comfortable but better than at the arena. Although, she was missing the Willow Son show.

Jett had come through again, like he promised he would. He had one of the security guards find Ann Marie. She came at the last second as the ambulance showed up to take Masie to the hospital.

Ana, Gabby, and Josie had already stopped by, upset about the announcement of the tour being cancelled. They all hugged Masie and left. It was no sweat off Masie’s back to see them go. She knew they’d be fine, one way or another. For now, though, her focus was on Ann Marie.

“I can’t believe this,” Ann Marie said.

“It’s okay.”

“It’s not! I hated the idea of it. And now it’s here.”

“You have to take care of your sister.”

Ann Marie looked at Masie. “I think I love you more than her.”

Masie offered a weak smile.

“I didn’t want to close it all down though,” Ann Marie said. “But I had to. I was behind on the lease. I couldn’t afford it.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It wasn’t your job. I owned the business.”

Masie didn’t want to cry in front of Ann Marie. Bad enough the poor woman had to shut down the dance studio to help her sister who was going through a third round of chemo for breast cancer. She felt guilty enough already and seeing Masie in a cast only made it worse.

“What are you going to do?” Ann Marie asked.

“I don’t know yet. I have someone though. You won’t believe it if I told you.”

“Give me something good, please.”

Masie gave Ann Marie the rundown of her and Jett together. From the tour bus to the hotel to all the romance in between. It was kind of strange to talk about because Masie wasn’t ashamed. She was in love.

“What about dancing?” Ann Marie asked. “Promise me you won’t give it up.”

“I never will. I’ll get on my feet soon enough. It’s just a break. No surgery or rehab. I guess I was lucky in that regard.”

“Lucky,” Ann Marie said. “I saw you up there and then you were gone. I didn’t know what happened.”

“Well, maybe nobody saw what happened. It was kind of embarrassing.”

“No.” Ann Marie stood and walked to the bed. She touched Masie’s shoulder. “I’m the one who is embarrassed. This is so hard for me.” She sat down on the edge of the bed. “I spoke with Carol’s doctor today. I told him my plan of going to see her. Live with her. You know what he told me?”

“What?”

“It was good to do it now. Because in his opinion, off the record, time wasn’t a friend.”

“Oh, Ann Marie,” Masie whispered. “I knew she was sick… but not like this.”

Ann Marie squeezed her eyes shut and nodded. “I know. Please take care of yourself, Masie. Go with whatever is out there. Don’t hide. Don’t be afraid. Live like there’s no tomorrow. I hate saying that, but dammit, it’s so true.”

Ann Marie looked at Masie.

They both then started to cry.

************

Jett played the last chord and quickly took off his guitar. He pulled out the wireless transmitter and then walked it to the front of the stage. He’d been eyeing a young kid in the front row all night. The young guy was singing and jamming to every song. The kid played air guitar like no other, actually moving his hands in form. That meant he knew all the Willow Son songs.

When Jett gave the kid the guitar, his eyes went wide. His mouth fell open. Jett called for security to make sure the kid didn’t get mobbed and hurt while trying to leave the concert.

Then Jett turned and ran from the stage. He grabbed a bottle of water and was on the move. Harry met him halfway down the hallway.

“She’s fine,” he said. “Just a break. She’s in a cast. Nothing to worry about.”

“I have plenty to worry about,” Jett said. “Get me a car so I can get to her.”

“Jesus, man, you really love her?”

“I love her. Don’t ask, Harry. She just crashed into my life one night and that was it for me. I can’t explain it.”

Jett was at the backdoor to the arena and Harry blocked the way. He put his hands out to Jett’s shoulders. He caught his breath.

“What?” Jett asked.

“I was there for everything, Jett. When your mother…”

“Christ,” Jett growled. “Not now.”

“Yes, now,” another voice said.

Jett looked back and the rest of Willow Son was there. Sweating from the show. Out of breath.

“We want to apologize,” Harry said. “For not seeing any signs with stuff. Okay? That’s all. We were there for everything and yet we didn’t see the bad days happening and how bad they really were for you.”

“I’m sorry,” Ryker said. “I should have helped you, man. Instead of riding you and throwing out comments.”

“You paid your price,” Jett said with a grin, referring to the punch to the face in the studio. “I think everyone did at some point. Now get the hell out of my way so I can get to Masie.”

“Bro,” Van said. “If this is what you want, you better be all in.”

“I’m all in,” Jett said. “After seeing her go through that hell with that other band… just trust me.”

Harry opened the door. “Don’t go disappearing on us. We have lots of work to do.”

“I’ll be in the studio right when you need me,” Jett said.

He rushed from the building and looked back once to see the band and Harry standing there. It was a strange feeling, but he understood it. They had been on the road and in the studio for so long, it was hard to pay attention to every possible detail. The rockstar life led down many paths, some of them dark, some of them lonely, but as long as the five of them came out the other side still together, it was okay. It would all be okay.

Just like Jett had promised Masie.

The ride to the hospital felt like it took days.

Getting to Masie felt even longer. A dozen people stopped Jett to ask for his autograph, amazed to see a rockstar running down the halls of a hospital. People took pictures, yelled, and all Jett could do was keep moving.

Masie was waiting in a small room, ready to be discharged. A cast on her ankle, her eyes looking heavy and tired. When Jett saw her, he dropped to one knee and hugged her. He understood the position he was in - on one knee - but it didn’t mean much right then. That day would come though. Jett believed it; it was something he never felt before.

He kissed Masie’s hand and then nodded to the cast. “How does it all feel?”

“Good now. They gave me… uh… some medicine.”

Masie pointed and Jett looked.

There was a pill bottle on the counter next to a sink. He looked at the bottle and shook his head.

It didn’t matter anymore.

“Jett, I won’t take them home,” Masie said. “I won’t bother. It’s not worth it.”

Jett looked at Masie. He leaned up and kissed her.

He kissed her hard.

When he broke the kiss, he said, “You would do that for me?”

“Yes. I never want you in trouble again.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I’m in big trouble. With you. As far as those pills? I don’t give a damn. I have a new addiction. I’m looking right at it. And this is one I can savor for the rest of my life.”

(20)

Masie was already tired of the cast and it was just a couple days. She did like having Jett at her mercy though. Anything she wanted, he was there to take care of.

Portis personally came to Masie’s apartment to apologize for Colin’s actions. He told her that Crutch Fail was released of all their contractual duties with his record company. He ensured he never intended for her to end up in that position and he took it personally. There was no talk of future work, and for some reason it satisfied her. She didn’t want someone to give a favor, and she didn’t want Portis to give her work because she had been injured.

When the time came she would work her ass off and earn it.

Using her crutches, Masie hobbled into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. There was nothing else happening in the kitchen, leaving Masie kind of sad. It had been nice to wake up to Jett cooking breakfast. Today, she figured he must have had something going on with the band.

But the apartment door opened a few minutes later.

Jett was holding a brown paper bag with grease stains at the bottom.

“Breakfast,” he said. “I didn’t want to cook.” He put the bags on the table. “Someone told me this place has the best. Greasiest ever.”

“Sounds healthy.”

“You need the food. You need to heal up.”

Masie dug in the bag. The smell of eggs, bacon, cheese, and a flaky croissant was good enough for anyone to forget about having a broken ankle.

Jett sat down and reached for Masie’s hand. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Masie said.

“You have to move out of here.”

“What?”

Jett nodded. “You can’t stay here anymore.”

“It’s my apartment.”

“Not anymore.”

“What are you talking about, Jett? We never talked about living together…”

Jett laughed. “Oh, you can live with me for the rest of my life. But this is different. You have to head back to your little hideaway town.”

“Why?”

Jett stood up and took out a piece of paper. He unfolded it and put it in front of Masie. “I did something stupid. Well, not stupid, but maybe stupid.”

“What is this?”

“Agreement of sale. I bought the building where your friend had her business. Oh, and I also bought the business from her. Terrible that her sister is so sick. She shouldn’t have to worry about anything. So I took care of it.”

Masie shook her head. “Wait. You bought Ann Marie’s business?”

“And the building,” Jett said. “So, yeah. I know nothing about it. I’m a rockstar. So you’re going to deal with it all. I mean, it’s your business.”

“My business?”

“Yours. You can pay me if it makes you feel better, but the bottom line is, Masie, it’s yours. You are meant to be there and teach. I talked to Ann Marie.”

“You called her?”

“Yeah,” Jett said with a smile.

He’s so bold. And amazing.

“When?”

“Doesn’t matter. We chatted and she told me what you meant to the girls there. You’re not giving that up. I know you want to be on the biggest stage for yourself. But what you’re not seeing is that you have it already. All those dreams you get to hold and help. The girls that are growing up like you did. You get to be their mentor. Their teacher.”

Masie felt her eyes fill with tears.

“I’m so…”

“And we will make it all work,” Jett said. “With the studio, the band, tours. Whatever. I want this, sweetheart. Forever.”

“I’m so… in love with you. Not because you’re giving me this. But because you saw beyond it all. What it meant to me, to Ann Marie, to all those girls. You’re amazing, Jett.”

Jett walked to the other side of the table and leaned against it. He looked down at Masie. “Yeah, I am pretty amazing.”

Masie laughed and wondered if it was possible to love someone any more than she loved Jett.

************

For Jett, it was simple. He could play guitar on any stage anywhere in the world and it would now forever be the second greatest feeling in the world.

The first?

Looking in Masie’s eyes.

That’s where the future existed. That’s where love existed.

(EPILOGUE)

Ryker walked the hallway of the studio. He had a riff in his mind that had been burning all day. He jammed it out on electric and acoustic. Now it was time to get the damn thing recorded. His plan was to get something record, take a stab at drums, throw a cheap bass track behind it, and then surprise the rest of the band with it.

Shit had hit the fan with Crutch Fail and being off the road wasn’t much fun. Well, being yanked from the road wasn’t much fun.

The door before the recording room was halfway open.

“Yeah, it’s all good. We’ll get the contracts signed.”

Portis’ voice.

Ryker felt like a creep as he inched forward.

“No, no, nothing to worry about. Everything will fall into place.”

“You said that before.”

A second voice. Harry’s voice.

What the hell is this? Ryker thought to himself.

Yeah, it wasn’t all that uncommon for a band manager to meet with someone from the record label. But something about Portis just bothered Ryker. Always had and always would. Especially after the stuff he said to Colby. Bringing up Colby’s past? That was low. And then this stuff with the tour…

“Hey,” Portis said. “I made a bad call with that band. I forget their name already. That’s how I roll. One after another. So me talking to you right now, Harry, that means something. For you. For me. For Willow Son. The contracts… it’s all good. This is what we need to do next.”

“The band won’t go for it,” Harry said.

“Yes they will. Or I’ll drop them.”

There was silence.

Ryker had a decision to make. Bust into the room and demand to know what the hell they were talking about or just split. And if he split…

Ryker turned. He slithered down the hallway and got out of the studio without a sound. In his car, he sat there looking out a burning orange sunset.

The horizon. The road.

That’s where it all waited. The music. The freedom.

Not this stuff.

Ryker grabbed his cell and sent a text to Colby.

Sorry. I had to take a drive. I don’t know when I’ll be back.

And with that, he left the studio, the band, the dream, all behind.

* * *