The Rebellion Read online

  Helping me off the bed, he pulls me into the bathroom, and positions himself behind me. My makeup isn’t as messy as I thought it would be. My hair is messier. But his arms slide around me and he’s kissing my temple, so all that superficial stuff fades away. At the end of the day, we made a decision, took a path, and paid the price. Now, all we can do is live with it. Having that off my shoulders gives me peace. Peace I’ve needed for a long time.

  * * *

  Sitting in a private dining room at the hotel’s sushi restaurant, I look around at the four couples and Tommy. Introductions have been made and conversation is lively. I have finally met the man Derrick refers to as his best friend. This is huge.

  Kaz Fabian has his own very intriguing story to tell, and so opposite of Derrick’s, but I see how they get on—teasing and joking, but honestly and genuine. His fiancée and I hit it off right off the bat. Lara Kessler has been telling me how she’s been decorating Derrick’s mom’s house and that his mom just adores me and has these photos of Derrick and me in frames that she wants to keep out even with the new décor. She says, “So I talked her into new frames.”

  “I can’t wait to see.”

  She leans in and whispers, “Between us, I’ve heard a lot about you in the last year. I don’t even think Derrick realizes how much a part of his life you’ve been.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m sure you know about the guitar, but Kaz said Derrick used to mumble about a James in his sleep. He thought he was referring to a man and just wasn’t ready to come out yet.”

  “I’m surprised Kaz never asked.”

  “Oh God, no. Kaz is all about being who you are and supporting that. Heaven knows I went through hell and he was right there however I needed him to be. Derrick’s that way too. He has the biggest heart. A little hot tempered, but who doesn’t want a friend willing and ready to fight for you?”

  “That’s Derrick. He used to hit first and ask questions after.”

  “Once at an awards show he punched my ex-boyfriend just to back Kaz up.” I watch as her eyes drift to something I can’t see in the distance, her memories. “I think he would have punched the world if he could because of all the anger he had tied up in him.”

  “But?”

  Her attention turns to me. “But?”

  “I thought there would be a but.”

  Smiling, she says, “But you came back.”

  Into his life. I came back. “I’m starting to think there’s a conspiracy to see Derrick with somebody, especially when I look around this table.”

  “Not somebody. You.”

  “You’re making me feel special and you don’t even know me.”

  She laughs and sips her glass of wine. “We may not know you, but we all know about you. There was never going to be anyone else even if he thought it possible.”

  “How possible did he think it would be?”

  “Don’t even go there, honey. Trust me, it’s a no-win situation. Just know where his heart lies now. That’s all that matters.”

  “What if I’m as temporary as the other possibilities?”

  “You sitting here tonight should put your mind at ease.”

  This is new information. “He’s never brought a date to dinner with you?”

  “No. He hasn’t. This dinner, he organized.”

  Derrick’s hand covers my thigh and begins to rub. When I look to the other side of me, he’s chatting with Tommy about some equipment, but his hand continues mindlessly. He won’t know how that makes me feel, warm and cared for, or how he’s treating me the exact opposite of temporary. He’s treating me like we do this all the time, like we’re together every day. It’s natural and comforting.

  This dinner, he organized. I cover his hand, and hold it until he looks my way. Leaning over, I kiss him. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “This weekend, brunch with the moms, coming by that night to pick up your mom just to see me. For lying in the grass with me when I obviously made a fool of myself and tried to play it off. For bringing my textbook up to my work when we were only seventeen because I forgot it at home the night before a test.” The lines soften around his eyes and it’s funny, but I never noticed before. I love that I’m sitting here witnessing another stage of his life with him. “For remembering what I was wearing the first time you saw me. And for making love to me with care but not treating me like I’ll break.”

  “Any time.”

  “I have one more.” His hand flips over so our palms are together. “Thank you for accepting my son and treating him like he’s your own. If that scares you that I’m voicing that, I totally understand, and I won’t do it again. I just need you to know that I see how you treat him and I see how taken he is with you. Thank you.”

  “It’s been my complete pleasure to spend years of my life with you. I would never pass up a chance to spend more time with you and your son. I can make you that promise, Jaymes, and keep it.”

  “I don’t want to go home tomorrow and I don’t want you to leave to wherever the band is off to. Call me selfish, but I feel like I just got you back and now you have to go away again. I shouldn’t feel this way, I know, but I’m already starting to miss you.”

  “Three weeks and then you’ll be sick of me hanging all over you, following you around like a lovesick puppy. You know, pathetically head over heels in love kind of stuff. I might even write a few love songs and serenade you. I can already tell it’s not going to be pretty.”

  “I’ll take pathetically head over heels in love kind of stuff any day over not seeing your face at all.”

  “We can FaceTime. And get a sitter when I come back. I guarantee you a reunion you’ll never forget.” My hand is brought to his lips again, a small smile locked in his kiss.

  “I like the sound of that.”

  “In the meantime, we have tonight.”

  * * *

  When the guys head off for the concert, we all head back to change clothes. There’s no way I’m standing around in five-inch heels and a dress at a concert. I’ll break my ankle. Jeans and a T-shirt it is!

  But not just any.

  I scored a band shirt from Holli. What I didn’t expect to find was a gift from Derrick waiting in the suite. I haven’t opened a gift all by myself in years. Usually Ace sticks out his bottom lip and guilts me into letting him open it. So I rip the paper off like it’s Christmas morning and open the lid.

  That sweet man.

  The burgundy of the leather is pristine, the size of the combat boots perfect. I may not be fifteen anymore, but I can’t believe I finally have my first pair of Doc Martens.

  He is so getting laid later.

  I get dressed and touch up my makeup before going to say good night to Ace, who is with the other kids and a nanny for a few hours. “I’ll come get you later, but go to bed when they tell you to, okay?”

  “Okay,” he agrees begrudgingly, looking sad.

  “What’s wrong, buddy?”

  “I want to stay with CJ and Neil.”

  “You want to sleepover again?” Does it make me a horrible person that I wouldn’t mind one more night with Derrick? Mom guilt. “Did you ask Rochelle and Dex?”

  “They said it was up to you.”

  “I think it would be good for him to try again.” I look over at Rochelle and she’s nodding. “We’re happy to have him if you’re okay with it.”

  “As long as you are.”

  “The boys would love it and I think it’s good for you and Ace as well.”

  “That sounds like a yes, Ace.”

  He hugs me tight, and says, “I love you.”

  “Love you, too. You have a fun night and I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

  “’Kay.”

  Rochelle meets me at the door and we walk out together. “Ready to see that hot rocker of yours?”

  “More than ready.”

  34

  Jaymes

  “What is this life I’m living?” />
  Lara laughs. “It’s a nice gig if you can get it.”

  “Dating a rock star or being the rock star?”

  “Either. Want a drink? I’m going to get a bourbon and Coke.”

  “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

  Holli waves me down from the far end of the hall. When I reach her, she opens the door for me. “Come in. We usually hang out until right before they go on stage.”

  Peeking in, the whole band’s there. Rochelle and Tommy are discussing something on an iPad and Holli holds the door open for Lara after me. I round the corner and there’s Derrick. He glances up, but from the delayed response he was caught up in whatever he was listening to. Standing, he sets his guitar down and takes the ear buds out. “I didn’t know if you’d be here before we went out.”

  “I’m glad I am.”

  “Me too.” Running his hand around my neck, I tilt back and kiss him. Even though we’re in a room full of people, I don’t hold back. Now that I’ve found him again, I don’t want to waste a second together.

  Until the catcalls come.

  Then we stop and laugh. I can feel my cheeks heating, but he whispers, “Ignore them. They’re just jealous.”

  When I look back all three are kissing their guys and I elbow Derrick in the gut. “Yeah, I have a feeling they’re not jealous.”

  Tommy says, “I am.” Spreading his arms, he asks, “Any takers?”

  We all laugh and it feels so good to laugh so freely, our problems left in another state entirely. Or at least mine.

  Someone knocks on the door and says, “Five minutes.”

  Derrick gives me a quick kiss. “I’ll see you out there.”

  “Break a leg.”

  I shake my ass for him, and he calls after me, “Nice shirt by the way.”

  Kicking my boots up, I say, “Nice boots. Thank you.”

  “No problem.”

  Holli slaps Johnny’s ass and Rochelle says, “I’ll see you out there. I have a few emails I need to send.”

  Lara hands me my drink and we’re escorted backstage by a guy with a headset who’s holding a clipboard. Behind a curtain and through a door, we’re led to the VIP seating. Tapping Lara on the shoulder, I say, “I’ve never been so close to the stage during a concert before.”

  Standing in front of the seats, she laughs. “You do realize you’re dating a member of The Resistance?”

  “No. I don’t think it’s sunk in at all.”

  The stage goes black with the rest of the arena. From where we’re standing I can see tiny flashing lights on the floor.

  “Well, get ready.”

  I’m not sure if she means for the performance or for dating Derrick, which seems to be almost the same as dating the band by how close they all are.

  The drums kick off and a spotlight hits Dex. Droplets fly from the impact when his sticks hit the set. His arms are sculpted and on display in a sleeveless Journey T-shirt that has seen better days. “I wish Rochelle could see him.”

  “She’s watching backstage. She always watches his kickoff.”

  Not even two minutes in and he stops, and the lights go out. I hear shuffling about on stage but can’t see a thing.

  The spotlight comes on and Johnny is standing at the microphone. His guitar swung around on his back. He caresses the mic like he would caress a woman. Glancing to the other side of Lara, Holli stands mesmerized. He’s wearing sunglasses, but I could bet money he’s singing to her. It doesn’t matter that thousands have spent money to see the band tonight, he only sees her.

  She closes her eyes and sways to his sultry and entrancing voice, but it’s not him who holds my attention. Another spotlight kicks in and Derrick joins the chorus and then Kaz. Dex starts in with a backbeat and the guitars are added.

  I spend the next hour screaming in excitement, dancing, and flirting with the sexiest guitarist I’ve ever seen. Derrick steps to the edge several times and once while changing out guitars, he fell into a push-up and kissed me. He didn’t miss a beat and Johnny laughed.

  Lara screamed in excitement with me, then said, “You just won the most hated woman in America banner. I’m happy to hand the title over.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Derrick was the only one left. His single status gave fans hope they’d get a hookup. After that very public display of affection, you’ve earned it fair and square after me.”

  “I can’t say the honor is all mine.” I laugh anyway, but I have most definitely taken Derrick Masters off the market.

  Looking down at my phone, a text catches my attention: Ace is in bed and had a great time. Have fun tonight.

  I’m so happy to hear Ace is safe and sleeping.

  The band rushes off stage and Holli zooms past me flashing her backstage pass and through the doors. We’re hot on her tail, just as excited as she is. She bounds toward the band. Johnny turns and just like that she jumps into his arms. His sunglasses are off his face and she’s smothering him with kisses.

  Lara whispers, “They are the horniest couple ever.”

  I’m too busy laughing to reply, but I’m competitive by nature. “I bet I’ve got them beat.”

  “Hey Masters,” I call.

  Derrick looks back and then turns with a damn sexy smirk on his face. “You talkin’ to me.”

  “Sure am.”

  “Why don’t you bring that conversation in a little closer.”

  “How close?” I ask with only five feet left between us.

  “Close. I want to show you something.”

  I shrug to Lara and she rolls her eyes, then says, “Kaz, wait up.”

  I think Lara might have a competitive streak too. But back to Derrick and how he’s kissing me with abandon in the middle of the crew rushing around us setting up for the encore performance. “Where are the restrooms?”

  “This way.” He shoves a door open and we almost fall inside. Shutting the door, he locks it, and then stalks me against the sink. With one hand against the wall above my head, he leans down. “What do you need, baby?”

  “Remember how good I made you feel?”

  “Yes, I have a red dick to prove it.”

  Red? Oh right. The lipstick. “I want you to make me feel the same.”

  “Right now?”

  “Right now.”

  “I’ve got fifteen minutes until I have to be back on that stage. Get to stripping, woman.”

  My jeans are too tight and my boots are a bitch to take off. I do it anyway and I’m like Speed Racer doing it. Standing there in socks and a T-shirt I can’t say I’m on top of my sexy game, but he sure does seem to like it. “Do you know how hot you look in that shirt?”

  “I feel even hotter. Twelve minutes.”

  He chuckles and lifts me onto the counter next to the sink. “Lean back and spread your legs for me.”

  I’d like to say this was uncomfortable or awkward, but once my panties were removed, I forgot what happened next. I just remember singing the Star-Spangled Banner and seeing stars from the ecstasy.

  The knock comes with five minutes to spare. “I’ll just stay here with bones made of jelly. Go on. Save yourself. The world can have you for thirty minutes. Then you’re mine again.”

  He’s laughing. “I really do have to go, babe.” He kisses me and it’s erotic and sensual. Careful not to expose me, he slips out of the room, but stops to add, “That was dinner. You tasted so good that I can’t wait to eat you again for dessert later.”

  My vagina clenches in anticipation. Good Lord, that man’s mouth—skilled and dirty. The perfect combination.

  Managing to get dressed on shaky legs, I slip my jeans on after an exhaustive search for my underwear. I have no idea where they went. Probably to the same place that only single socks go to die. Once I come out of the bathroom, all three women are shaking their heads. “You know we could hear you?”

  “What? No? Hear what?” I play the innocent.

  Rochelle says, “Let’s go. They’re already lined up
to start the encore.”

  We start walking, but I hear Lara say, “Girl’s got some lungs on her.”

  “No,” I reply mortified.

  Holli whispers, “Don’t worry. We’ve all done it. We’re just teasing.”

  That’s a relief. I think.

  “I lost my underwear though. I couldn’t find it anywhere in there.”

  She says, “That’s odd.”

  “Yeah, it sucks. I just got those today.”

  We find our seats again and the band starts playing one of their biggest hits, but there’s no sitting when it comes to one of their concerts. I’ve been revived and seeing him on stage . . . Gah! He’s so incredibly hot up there. But then he shows me why his name is Masters. He licks his lips and tastes his finger. Holli, Rochelle, and Lara all look at me. I just nod. I’m not going to deny it. Everyone can see right through us, so I’ll just own it.

  Hollie’s arm shoots straight out at Derrick. “There.”

  “What?”

  “I think I found your underwear.”

  “Where?”

  “Front right pocket.”

  Following her finger, my mouth drops open in shock. “Oh my God.” The black lace is barely showing but we see it easily. “I’m going to kill him.” After I have sex with him for that. Dirty boy. I love it and I’ve never been more turned on by something so naughty.

  He knows I know too and flashes that signature smile that makes all of us go wild.

  When the show is over, the band leaves the stage and a security guard escorts us to the back again. There are lots of people rushing around, breaking down the equipment and stands. We walk into the dressing room and the guys are so quiet, but when they see us, it erupts into a room of chaos, each couple sectioning off for privacy. I grab my handsome man’s face, and say, “I’m so damn proud of you. You are incredible.”

  With a cocky smile, he asks, “So you liked the show then?”

  “God, I loved it. It was amazing from beginning to end.”

  Lifting up so no one else hears me, I whisper into his ear, “I need to fuck you then make love to you all night.”