Ace (Band of Brothers #1) Read online

  Ace seemed lost in the music, crowd, and lights. It was almost as if he were playing for no one other than himself. When he closed his eyes and belted out the lyrics, I glanced behind him at his brothers who were smiling like they were proud as hell.

  Heat trickled across my body, followed by little chill bumps when Ace opened his eyes and looked straight at me. Even though there was a crowd of people, he knew exactly where I was. I swallowed hard, trying to catch the breath he’d stolen from me from across the stage. My heart pounded so hard I could feel it rocking through me. The crowd was oblivious, and as I stared at him staring at me, I became oblivious to the crowd—lost in his trance. When the song finished, he nodded at me and snapped back into his rock stardom as he strapped his guitar across his strong body. The crowd pushed forward, moving as close as they could to the barriers with their hands raised in the air ready to rock.

  “Thank you. Thanks.” He slightly laughed and shot a cute little side smile to the crowd. “That one right there is all because of Nik. Thanks, Bro.”

  Ace lifted his hand to acknowledge Nik and Nik followed with a quick little bow.

  I couldn’t help but smile at the light banter between the two brothers.

  Ace looked over at Jex with a smile on his face and nodded. It was all too obvious they were sharing some sort of personal joke.

  The infamous “One Night Stand” song blasted into the arena, which meant Ace would choose his booty call for the night. My heart sank. He stood tall in a white thin, sleeveless shirt. Without looking too hard, I could see his stomach muscles. With precision, he rolled his hips and moved his shoulders. The women went crazy.

  I licked my lips and continued to snap pictures. And as I imagined, he chose a pretty little brunette from the crowd. She looked like the woman Ace had pulled onstage the night before. Maybe he had a type: brown hair and slutty. My cheeks went hot and I felt a gnawing in the bottom of my stomach. Why did I even care? I shouldn't give a shit about Ace Hathway or who he would be fucking tonight, but the thought of his lips on her body stirred an anger in of me. Was it possible I could be jealous? Maybe I was like the other women in the crowd shooting daggers at this stranger who he had been randomly pulled on stage. What the hell did it matter? I was losing control and had to turn my head to stop the negativity that boiled within me. Ace could do what he wanted, and I felt ridiculous.

  The song finished and the lights faded to black. I took those few seconds to re-compose myself. I could see her walk to the side of the stage in her white dress, which practically glowed in the dark under the lighting. I let out a deep breath and changed memory cards. The show was almost over, and I actually couldn’t wait for it to be. The respect Ace had gained immediately vanished.

  The bass drum pounded, followed by snare. The beat kept going on and on then Nik strummed one chord. Ace played the solo to the front row then moved to the microphone and belted out the lyrics. They were emotional, rough, and for a moment I felt like they were meant only for me.

  “I’ll never be the one for you.”

  There was so much truth in those words.

  The brothers walked offstage and it felt like an eternity before they returned. The crowd was not giving up. They chanted and screamed until the brothers walked back on that stage. Each show, it's known they’ll play a three-song encore so I expected it. Ace walked back on stage, past Rex with a guitar strapped to his body and his fist balled in the air, moving to the beat of the chanting crowd. The set was almost finished, and it couldn't end quick enough for me.

  I glanced over at a smiling Jenny while she adjusted nobs on the board. She gave me a quick thumbs-up then returned her focus to the band. The final song started and each brother gave their audience everything they were. Ace jumped on stage with his guitar in hand while he played, like any true rock star would. He walked over to Nik and they soloed together. He smiled over at Jex then moved the attention over to Rex. When the song finished, I was exhausted from watching them. The crowd went crazy when Ace removed his guitar from his body and threw it across the stage for a techie to catch it. I gasped and couldn’t believe it but I was quick enough to snap a picture right as the guitar left his hand. What if the person on the side of the stage would have missed or dropped it or if he hadn’t thrown it hard enough to reach the side of the stage? Careless. I shook my head and packed my camera into the sling. I would never treat an instrument like that.

  “Going to the party?” Jenny asked as I moved toward the steps that lead out of the booth.

  “You know it.” I stopped walking and waited for her to catch up to me.

  “The show was great, wasn’t it?” She was way too excited.

  Pulling my camera case on my shoulder, I glanced behind the stage and saw Ace speaking with the girl that he’d brought on stage. Her line of sight followed what I was staring at and she gave me a sweet little smile, but her eyes seemed sad.

  “Don’t worry about that,” she said.

  Her words were sincere but I was a little confused by them.

  “I’m not worried about that, trust me.” I smiled once more and walked down the steps.

  “Meet you on the bus. Some SUVs are going to pick us up and take us to the venue.”

  “Sounds great. Oh wait, what should I wear?”

  "Look cute. I'm wearing a skirt and a crop top. It's hot as hell out here."

  "So something girlie?"

  "Yeah. Show off that amazing waist and those hips." She smiled at me.

  I stood and thought about everything I had packed in my suitcase and mentally pieced together an outfit, when a thought struck me. I’ve never been concerned with how I looked before; why the hell did it matter now?

  I took a step down and slipped into the sweaty crowd that moved in herds toward the exit of the venue. It felt good to blend in though if only for a moment.

  14

  Ace

  After the show, I dismissed the girl and walked to the bus alone and got ready for the kick-off party. On the way to the venue, I took the time to ride in silence. Partying after a show was exhausting. It almost felt like we never walked offstage because of the industry professionals that surrounded us. The spotlight was still on and burning bright. This was the party of the season, the summer tour kick-off where our label thanked all the investors. We were expected to act like puppets—smile and pretend that we loved being there. I think my brothers genuinely did, but being around these type of people really wasn’t my thing.

  I liked it when we had time to hang out before we had to travel to the next city, but this wasn’t my idea of fun. Too many people trying to get into my head or pants, and they seemed desperate. I enjoyed playing the game and when people were too easy to give it up or too eager to hang with us, it was a turnoff. It always put a bad taste in my mouth, and I didn’t care for fake people.

  "Did you see those shirts that group of people made? They were fucking amazing. Bros of the Band of Brothers. I love that shit," Jex said.

  "Yeah, apparently they glowed in the dark too," Rex said.

  "Oh, one of them gave me one. I've got it on the bus," Nik bragged.

  A few journalists walked up and Rex and Jex began chatting about the summer tour. I think it was the cleavage that attracted my brothers to them. I took the titties as my cue to leave. The crew had shown up and a few journalists, but the one person I was looking for, I didn't see. I walked across the venue to the bar to try and grab a drink, relax, and let loose with the people who helped make our shows flawless. We couldn’t do any of this without them and too many times they didn’t get enough credit. Nik followed me, knowing that I shouldn’t be left alone in social situations like this one.

  I leaned across the bar and ordered a Guinness for both of us.

  I took a sip of my beer and stared at the front door with the bar against my back.

  “How was the show?” a guy asked while he sat at the bar drinking whiskey on the rocks.

  "It was a good show. I always love playing in No
rth Carolina," I said, trying to be social. I gave a few people smiles as they glanced over at me. Nik would raise his glass at them.

  Then, as if a strange force pulled me toward the door, Elizabeth and Jenny walked in. Elizabeth searched around the room and waved at Romeo and a few of the techies. Romeo walked up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder then together the three of them walked to the bar.

  "Did you hear me, Ace?" Nik asked.

  "Sorry. I'm a little tired. Yeah. I'm excited about New York too."

  I knew the vein in my neck was pulsing, and if I didn't get up and do something or speak to her, I would lose my fucking mind.

  "I'm buying everyone at the bar a drink," I said and made a little looping motion with my finger.

  The small crowd that huddled around us started clapping, hooping, and hollering. Elizabeth turned from the opposite side of the circle bar and looked straight at me. She held a drink in her hand and raised it to the sky then turned and said something to Jenny then smiled.

  "I’ll be back," I said to Nik, drinking the remaining beer in one big gulp then crossed the venue and walked toward them.

  He laughed at me and shook his head. "Ooookay."

  Jenny whispered in Elizabeth’s ear and walked away. The distance between us quickly vanished, but as soon as I was close to her, I didn't know what to say. Fuck! I didn't get like this around women; but maybe it was the fact that we were at a huge ass party and I knew I had a target on my back and once I spoke to her, she would have one too.

  "Happy you made it," I said calmly, my shoulders relaxing as I shot her a smile. She twisted her hands together in front of her but refused to look at me now that I was close and not on the opposite side of the bar. That black skirt that flared on her hips and lace shirt that dipped low on her chest did things to me. She looked…beautiful, and for a slight moment, she took my breath away. But I had to gain control.

  Romeo's eyes searched the room. He glanced at me and thanked me for the drink then excused himself. I gave him a chin lift, and as he turned and walked away, I took a step closer to Elizabeth. She took a few steps toward the bar, almost as if she were ignoring me. What had I done?

  "Are you two?" I asked.

  "Excuse me?" Her eyebrows squished together and she narrowed her eyes as she leaned her back against the bar.

  "I don’t think you ever said if you were dating someone." I ran my fingers through my hair then stuck my hands in my pockets. I wanted to know her answer. Suddenly I wanted to know everything about her. I wanted to know about her childhood and her life outside work. I wanted to get to know Elizabeth Riley because she was driving me fucking crazy. Too many times, I found myself thinking about her and realizing I knew nothing about her. I wanted to change that.

  "I don't think that's any of your business, Ace." She sipped her drink and stared out into the large room with crystal chandeliers hanging at different levels. A pianist played hit songs on the piano, making the event seem even more fancy than it was. Tulle and blinking lights filled the blank space of the ceiling creating false stars. My arm brushed against hers as I turned the position of my body. I saw Jex and Rex sit right next to Nik across the bar and nodded my head at them. Great, now they were watching us.

  "Then I'd like to make it my business," I leaned in and said low in a raspy voice. The sexual tension was pulling me toward her and even though she said one thing, her body said another. Sometimes women could be stubborn, but never in my life had I met one quite like her.

  "I highly doubt that." She took another drink and swallowed, but I could see her body tense. She was trying to brush me off but I wouldn't follow her hints.

  "What are you so afraid of?" I asked low enough for her to hear.

  She turned her body toward me and peered into my eyes. My heartbeat increased and I couldn't focus on anything other than her. She searched my face, my lips, and then my eyes.

  "The Hathway heartbreak."

  My mouth fell open and I quickly closed it. There were too many distractions in the room and after those words fell from her lips, the room noise seemed to grow with intensity. With our backs leaned against the bar watching the crowd, I lost my train of thought.

  "I'd never hurt you," I said in her ear then turned and ordered two shots of tequila. I needed something with a little more oomph. Elizabeth turned her head and glanced at me over her shoulder. Her face was blank and I couldn't read her any longer. But it was the truth. I'd never hurt her.

  “Tequila?” I held the drink to her, hoping to change the subject and lighten the moment. It had gotten too serious and there were too many people around. She glanced at the shot then back at me.

  “No thanks.”

  “You’re going to make me drink by myself? That’s rude.”

  “You should share it with the woman you brought onstage with you tonight.”

  I chuckled. “Ahh. That’s what this is about. Now it all makes sense. You’re jealous.”

  When she opened her mouth to give me some sort of rebuttal, Jenny scooted in on the other side of her.

  “How did you know I needed a shot?” she said, reaching across the bar. Jenny grabbed the extra drink, clinked it against mine, and gulped it down in one swallow.

  “Thanks, dude.” Jenny leaned forward with her palms pressed against the bar and gave me a wink.

  I shook my head and exhaled through my nose. Not that I was doing well on my own, but Jenny was a game killer.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, did I interrupt something?” she asked, finally getting the hint.

  “Nope,” Elizabeth said, then glanced over at me. “Nothing at all.”

  I twisted the glass in my fingers before shooting it down and walking away.

  When I glanced over my shoulder, I saw Elizabeth had turned her body against the bar. She was staring at me as if she was trying to read my mind. I'm not sure how much of her I could handle. Being around her right then was too intense.

  “What was that about, Little Bro?” Rex asked.

  “Nothing. Only a jealous journalist that wants my nuts.” I laughed, trying to make a joke out of it, but somehow it wasn't funny.

  Rex turned and looked at Jenny and Elizabeth.

  "Does she know about Jenny yet?"

  "Don't know. Don't care," I said, frustrated. I ran my fingers through my hair then walked over to the pianist.

  "Can I make a request?"

  He looked at me and smiled. "Sure, buddy." He continued playing.

  "Love Me Tender,” Elvis Presley."

  "Classic. I'll play it for ya next."

  With a huge grin on my face, I walked away through crowds of people who were slowly dancing with each other. I felt like I was at prom all over again by the way people's heads gravitated toward me when I walked by. The spotlight was on, bright and shining directly in my face, or at least that's what it felt like. Rex had started dancing with the journalist he had been chatting with and I could hear his laugh echoing over the music. Jex was busy entertaining a group of people and Nik was talking to Miley.

  When the piano started with the signature notes, I glanced over at Elizabeth who stood awkwardly at the bar alone. She turned her head and our eyes met. A million silent words passed between us as the twinkling continued. The song always reminded me of something in little music boxes, but now it will forever be connected to her.

  I took a few steps forward, knowing that Elizabeth had gotten the silent message to come to me and if she wouldn't, I would go to her. Only a few steps were taken before one of the music executives stopped me in my tracks.

  "Ace, dear, would you like to dance?"

  I sucked in a deep breath and put on a fake smile, knowing that I couldn't say no.

  "Of course," I said and held out my hand.

  She wrapped her arms around my neck and I placed mine on her waist. My eyes met Elizabeth. She shook her head and walked away.

  "So how's the tour going so far?" Patty asked.

  "Great. I love meeting everyone and giving them
the best damn show I can."

  "Lovely to hear. Are you excited about New York? It's supposed to be even bigger this year."

  "I can't imagine it being any bigger. Same venue?"

  "Yes, it can hold twenty thousand people if needed. And it's perfect. Working on new songs while on the road?"

  "I'm always working on something new. So are my brothers. I hope when the tour is over and we have our wrap-up meeting we can start discussing the next album."

  She laughed and I twirled her around as the song ended. When the pianist started playing “I Can't Help Falling in Love” next, a big smile crossed my face. I had to find her—bottom line.

  "If you'll excuse me. I'll see you in New York," I said to Patty.

  I glanced over at Jenny and she pointed across the room. I gave her a head nod and made my way through the crowd. When I found Elizabeth she was busy laughing and goofing around with roadies. Her face went blank and I grabbed her hand and pulled her to the dance floor. At first she resisted, then gave in. Maybe I was being too persistent? Elizabeth had me questioning myself.

  She looked at me as the song continued to play, and I shot her a smile then held out my hands.

  "Don’t make me beg in front of all of these people," I said.

  "But I don't dance."

  I grabbed her hands and pulled her close. Her body barely swaying as the pianist beat out the keys so perfectly.

  "You told him to play this."

  "No, I swear I didn't."

  She exhaled. "Why are you doing this?"

  "Doing what?" I stared into her eyes.

  We stayed on the dance floor, as another song started.

  "You know exactly what you're doing. It's not working. This won't work. It's not supposed to."

  "Not sure what you're talking about." I twirled her around. Her body felt so small and fragile in my hands. I felt like I could have picked her up and thrown her across the room—she twirled so easily in my hands. After she made the complete spin, her breasts pressed against my chest and she gasped.