Chapter Four – Devon
Devon led Mindy out of the concert hall to a waiting limo in the back. He opened the door for her and she slid in, scooting over to make room for him.
When she’d walked out of that dressing room, all dolled up, all the blood had rushed from his brain. He could think of nothing but touching her, of kissing her.
She’d laid the law down on that pretty fast, but it didn’t mean a kiss wasn’t in their future. They were going to be at a party, they’d have a few drinks. He’d see where things went. He had to.
For one thing, he couldn’t think about much else right now, sitting across from her in the limo. For another, they had to make a splash, pretty quick, or the record label might think he was ignoring their ultimatum: clean up your act or else.
When they arrived to the hotel, he moved to sit beside her. “I’m going to hold your hand while we get out and walk up to the party. I’ll get us a couple of drinks. We’ll sit in the corner and look like we’re having an intimate conversation.”
“I’m with you so far.” She sighed. “Yeah, I can definitely do all that.”
“At some point, we’re going to have to kiss, Min. It’s inevitable. There will be photographers and entertainment journalists there.” He’d been an absolute ass to her, and he knew it. But, this had to look real and to do that, she had to trust him, at least a little. It was in his best interest to warn her about what lay ahead.
“I never said we couldn’t kiss for the public. It’s not something you and I are ever going to do in private.”
“That’s fair.” He took her hand as the limo slowed down. There would be fans there, and it could be intense to someone not really used to the whole scene. “If I didn’t say so before, you do look beautiful.”
“You didn’t. You said I looked hot.”
“You do.” He gave her hand a squeeze as the door opened. “Let’s go.”
When he stepped out, fans began screaming and chanting his first name. He waved at them, then helped Mindy out of the car. He held onto her because she looked like a deer caught in headlights. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Don’t look at them, don’t think about them. Keep your eyes on me. That’s it.” He tucked a finger under her chin as she lifted her face to his. “Now smile for me. Just me.”
She let the grin spread across her face. For a moment, it really did feel like it was only the two of them in the whole world. He could’ve kissed her then. She was open to it, as she focused on him, and, God, he wanted to. But he knew if he kissed her now, he’d spook her. Best to let her get used to all the attention first.
His security team ushered them inside and they got into the elevator, along with three big, muscular guys. “You did great,” he whispered.
She gave a nod and a weak smile. “Thanks. That was… strange. Everyone calling out your name. How does that not go to your head?”
“Who says it doesn’t?” They laughed together and he took the opportunity to put an arm around her shoulders. He pulled her closer, and she snaked an arm around his waist. “You ready for this?”
She exhaled slowly. “As long as I remember to breathe, we’ll be fine.”
“I’m not sure how to take that.” The elevator doors slid open to reveal the penthouse room. It was massive. That wasn’t anything new to Devon, but he looked at Mindy to see how she was taking it all in.
Her eyes were wide as she looked at the room and all the people. Their music blared from a stereo. She’d never been on the road with them, not even before they got their big break, so he didn’t suppose she had any idea what to expect. It’s not like Bret would’ve texted his baby sister about wild parties and loose women from the road.
Everyone called out Devon’s name as he and Mindy stepped off the elevator. He waved as he led Mindy to a loveseat in the corner. “Wait here, Min. I’m going to get us a drink.”
She settled on the couch while Devon crossed the room. A blonde was standing near the bar and she gave him an extra wide grin. “Devon, hi. I’m Cyn. Can I get you a drink? I’m a bartender, so I can make anything.”
“Just a couple of vodka and cranberry juices. Thanks, um… Cindy?”
“Cyn. Like how sinning can be fun…” She poured the juice over the vodka and ice.
“I’m here with my girlfriend.” He took the drinks and tipped her a wink. Women were everywhere on the road. Mindy wouldn’t be the kind of girl you cheated on, though. She’d be the kind of girl a guy couldn’t wait to get home to. Which he absolutely didn’t want. Commitment was the last thing on his list of things to do. He’d probably screw it up.
“She can join in. Get it? Sinfully Cyn.”
“She’s not that kind of girl,” he tossed over his shoulder. Man, some of these women could be so pushy. They wanted a famous notch on their bedpost, and he knew they were using him as much as he used them. That lifestyle had been fine until he started dating Natasha, his supermodel ex.
He hadn’t cheated on her, not even once, and then he’d found out she was screwing around with her old boyfriend behind his back while he was on the road. He didn’t plan to get serious with anyone anytime soon.
He reached Mindy and handed her the drink. “I got hit on getting that. I made sure I had yours in my hand before I turned her down. So, it should be pretty good.”
Mindy tilted her head to look at the disappointed blonde by the bar, glaring daggers at her. “Because she’s hot?”
“Because she’s a bartender. What would being hot have to do with it?”
He stretched his arm out on the back of the loveseat. “Lean in, Mindy. Reporters coming off the elevator now. It’s picture time.”