Ace (Band of Brothers #1) Page 9

  "How did you learn how to dance like this?" She was breathless.

  Another twirl and dip, and I pulled her close. I searched her face, aware that my lips were only a few inches from hers. Damn it! I needed to get ahold of myself.

  Nik and Jenny danced past us—Nik with a smile plastered on his face.

  "Everyone wants to know who the lady is that Ace is so willing to dance with."

  He looked at Elizabeth. "You've now got a target on your back, sweetheart."

  "Don't listen to him," Jenny said. The two of them were being ridiculous together.

  I thought I heard Elizabeth groan and couldn't help but laugh. Nik laughed too as he spun Jenny and dipped her. Across the room I saw Jex pointing his finger up in the air like he was boogying through the crowd.

  A photographer walked through the venue and took pictures of everyone. He stopped at Elizabeth and I and quickly told us to smile. The flash left spots in the darkness.

  "Damn it," she whispered.

  "What?"

  "My reputation is on the line here. If that picture of us gets circulated, people are going to think I've slept with you or something. My hard work will be completely discredited. This cannot be happening."

  "I'll take care of it," I said.

  "You can't take care of photos once they're posted online."

  The song ended and so had the moment.

  "Thanks for the dance," she said. And I watched her walk away from me for what seemed like the millionth time. I sucked in a deep breath and turned as Jex squeezed my shoulder.

  "Your balls are so busted right now."

  "Why does everyone keep fucking saying that?" I walked away from him. I ordered another drink and sat on a stool. Nik joined me and we talked about the weather, the show, the tour, and women.

  "You have to learn what women want. You can't be all caveman about it. It doesn't work like that regardless of who you are."

  I sipped my beer and listened to the songs that pianist played. They all seemed sad and lovey and…blah.

  "I'm ready to go," I said.

  Nik nodded his head. "Let's tell Rex and Jex bye, then head back. I'm fucking exhausted."

  As we walked across the room, I scanned the tables, groups of people, and barstools, but I didn't see her anywhere.

  "We're heading back. I want to get a shower before we leave," Nik said.

  "All righty, we're going to stay until the end. Catch up tomorrow," Jex said.

  We exchanged side hugs then Nik and I walked to the exit. A Tahoe waited for us outside. When we got close, a man in a suit got out and opened our doors for us.

  "Anyone else coming?"

  "Not that we know right now," Nik answered.

  I went back to the bus frustrated as fuck because the only person who filled my thoughts was Elizabeth. She was the polar opposite of what I looked for in women, but I found myself wanting her.

  Nik stepped on the bus laughing about something and I didn't even have to say anything for him to know I was in one of those moods.

  "Ace," Nik said.

  I walked to my room and slammed the door shut and fell back on my bed. I slammed my fist into the mattress to get rid of my agitation.

  I changed out of the clothes I wore to the venue and into a pair of sweat pants. Though I was frustrated with Elizabeth my dick went hard thinking about her.

  I closed my eyes and reached down and grabbed myself. I started off slowly thinking about her. Her face, the curves she tried to hide with t-shirts and blue jeans, and those lips. My movements picked up in pace and I throbbed as the orgasm began to build. Pre-come was on the tip and I rubbed it across the head, making it extra sensitive. I thought about laying her down on my bed and fucking her soft then hard, imagining her moans, pants, and how she would beg me to go harder as her face transformed into absolute pleasure. I’d squeeze her tits and tease her as I sank my dick deep into her tight little pussy. Fuck, even my fantasy of her was scorching hot.

  Before I could even prepare myself, I came in my underwear. My heart was pounding along with my head, and though the stress had temporarily been relieved, I still didn't have what I wanted—Elizabeth.

  15

  Elizabeth

  I wasn't sure what was wrong with me, but jealousy wasn't a character attribute I was used to experiencing. Most of the time, I didn't care. But tonight, when I saw him dancing with a woman old enough to be his mother, it just…ugh. I licked my lips as Jenny and I rode in a shuttle back to the bus. I had to get out of there before I made a bigger fool of myself than I already had or before I said something that I would ultimately regret.

  "Did you have fun tonight?" Jenny asked, pulling me away from my thoughts.

  I nodded.

  "He's driving me crazy. Absolutely insane. I don't fall for guys like Ace. It doesn't happen."

  "I think he likes you," Jenny said.

  Heat rushed over my face and body and a rush of excitement streamed through me. I tried to focus on the passing buildings and their twinkling lights. After I gained a little control, I turned and looked at her.

  "I don't think so," I said.

  "He does. I know Ace well. He hasn't looked at a woman like that in years."

  I wanted to ask her a million questions. I wanted to know how she knew him so well. Was she the woman he had looked at that way? I felt ridiculous even considering that, but my curiosity had gotten the best of me.

  "Did you two used to date?"

  She made a face, squishing her nose and burrowing her eyebrows together.

  "No. Definitely not."

  "Did you date any of the brothers?"

  "They're not my type," she said, her eyes searching my face as if she wanted to tell me something, but didn't.

  I didn't know what her type was. She had never talked about men. Maybe she wasn't into guys and was a lesbian, which would totally be okay. Her sexual preference didn't matter to me.

  "I wouldn't be upset if you had. And if you don't like guys, it's not a big deal."

  She paused then laughed. "I'm not gay. I very much love dudes. I have no reason to settle down or even date. I don't have time for either. But if the right person came along, I'd consider it."

  I smiled at her, feeling relieved that the conversation hadn't turned awkward because it easily could have. When Jenny brought laughter into the equation, it was like nothing mattered.

  The vehicle continued down the road and I let out a sigh. My career rode on my shoulders and it was getting a little too heavy for my liking. I was in the middle of a rock star and a hard place. I laughed at my dumb analogy. Maybe I was completely losing it.

  The electricity from dancing with him continued to travel through my body and as much as I wanted to say that I hated every second of it, it would be a lie. I could feel eyes watching us and I wished there weren't so many. I shook my head only imagining what everyone would think.

  "You should give him a chance. He’s a great guy once you get past the asshole shell. Trust me when I say that. I've known him a long time. And it seems somehow you're cracking that shell. So see what happens." She nudged me.

  "I've got a job to do. This will only complicate things, you know?"

  The SUV stopped in front of our bus and we thanked the driver for the ride and stepped out. I glanced over at bus one and saw the lights were on inside and someone was walking around in the living room area.

  The moon reflected across the parking lot causing splashes of light to lead the way. I shut off my thoughts and followed Jenny's tall shadow to our bus. Once inside, I changed clothes and climbed into my bunk.

  Jenny climbed into hers. "Think about what I said, k?"

  "I will."

  I stared at the top of my bunk with my hands behind my head until the bus lurched forward. My heart was playing tricks on me. When I closed my eyes, all I could think about was Ace's touch, his eyes, the way he pulled me close when we were dancing, and the warmth of his breath across my neck. I openly sighed and rolled over on m
y side.

  Before I fell asleep, my curtain was ripped open. I opened my eyes and saw Sarah glaring at me and grinding her teeth.

  "You think you're so smart. You think that if you get close to him, he will give you the interview of a lifetime. Don't be a foolish slut."

  "Excuse me?" I said.

  "You heard me. No one in this industry is going to take you seriously and being friends with this one, isn't going to help you at all." She looked at me like she was ready to rip off my face.

  The curtain below me split open and Jenny tumbled out.

  "What did you say about me?" Her hair was a mess and I could tell she had recently fallen asleep but she was angry. Madder than I had ever seen her.

  They stood nose-to-nose; I waited for one of them to rear back a fist and hit the other.

  "You better be glad we aren't somewhere else at this very moment," Sarah said.

  "Are you threatening me?" Jenny narrowed her eyes.

  "No, I'd never do a thing like that." Sarah's voice dripped sarcasm at the end of each word she over pronounced.

  Jenny looked at me like she couldn't believe what was happening. And truth be known, I couldn't believe it either.

  "You're a joke and not worth it," Jenny said then crawled back into her bunk. I grabbed the edge of my curtain and pulled it closed.

  My heart hammered.

  I didn't like confrontation. It usually made me want to close myself into a tight ball, but right now I wanted to pounce—anger flooded my thoughts…

  More importantly, I didn't like the fact that Sarah had an opinion about me because of one dance. If she did, wouldn't others? I heard footsteps stomp away as the buses continued down the road. I sucked in a deep breath and exhaled. A curtain slid open and then mine followed.

  Not again.

  Jenny searched my face. "Don't listen to her. She's a bitch and has been since day one. I'm taking care of it."

  I opened my mouth then closed it.

  "Goodnight. And don't let her poison your thoughts. Okay?"

  I nodded, then she smiled and closed myself inside of the little personal space I had. It took hours for me to fall asleep. Too many scenarios wandered through my thoughts. Stupid Sarah and her stupid words were too much. There were enough slutty journalists in this business who were too eager to cozy up to get a story of a lifetime, but that wasn't me. It was actually the opposite of who I was. I closed my eyes and waited to drift away, but by the time I did the bus rolled to a stop and the normal hustle and bustle of arriving at the next venue started. We were already in Virginia Beach.

  I couldn't lie there any longer. My mind was too busy, and my body was too anxious. Plus, I needed to be alone. I hopped down from my bunk and pulled on some yoga pants and a t-shirt and grabbed a light jacket. With my gear swung over my shoulder, I headed to the front of the bus. There were a few people sitting around chatting, waking up, but other than that everything was quiet and it was still dark outside. The driver walked around and picked up trash then grabbed his overnight bag. I gave him a smile as I walked by.

  "Are we in Virginia?"

  "Yep, we sure are."

  "Did you happen to see a coffee shop anywhere close?"

  "A Starbucks on the corner."

  "You, sir, are a life saver."

  I glanced down at my phone and saw it was after six. This is witching hour for coffee shops, but I'd risk it. A light breeze swept across my arms followed by little chill bumps. I took my time walking across the parking lot while trying to scope out the venue. I could still see a few stars in a sky that changed colors with each passing minute from the rising sun. It reminded me of a mood ring—the way the colors faded from black to purple then eventually blue or grey.

  I walked around the corner and saw the dark green mermaid smiling at me. Gosh, I loved that sign. It was a beacon of happiness. I picked up my pace knowing that the inside held everything I needed. When I opened the door, I was greeted by what smelled like coffee heaven and several smiling baristas. How could anyone seriously be so happy in the morning? I had to admit, though, it was contagious. The line ended at the door and I stood patiently waiting at the end. Several of the technicians were in line and I smiled at the ones that I recognized. There were so many people on tour and I knew that I wouldn't meet everyone. It would probably take years of touring to get to know the regulars and their stories.

  I had a million questions. What did these people do when they weren't on the road with a band? Did they only travel with Band of Brothers? I made a mental note to interview a few technicians and stagehands before the tour ended.

  After I ordered, I found a small table in the corner and set up shop. I pulled out my computer, camera, and notepad, then got to work. I typed up the interview with Jadon and searched through the hundreds of photos I took of them working the crowd. I chose a few for the magazine and other shots to send to him through email. I opened a draft and began typing.

  The barista called my name and I walked over and grabbed my x-large caramel macchiato. Coffee, to me, tasted like liquid heaven and if it weren't so hot, I'd have finished it in a few gulps. I sat down and continued to lose myself in photographs. I chose ten photos and uploaded them along with the small article of Learn to Fall and emailed Jack. I received an instant email response from him.

  Elizabeth,

  Email Shelia.

  She will be assisting you with the summer tour.

  -Jack

  I rested my upper back against the chair and exhaled. I’d hoped to get some sort of praise; but no, not from Jack…ever. He didn't give out compliments freely—especially not to me. I felt like he viewed me as public enemy number one—like he was waiting for me to royally fuck up. Wanting to reply with a snarky response, I deleted what I had written and forwarded my original email with attachments over to Shelia. I was a little annoyed that Jack assigned her to my project. Shelia had no experience in touring—only in design—but I’d try to make the best of it.

  The sounds of the coffee shop were somewhat distracting, so I pulled my headphones from my bag and plugged them into my computer. I pressed shuffle on iTunes and the first song that played was “One Night Stand” by Band of Brothers. Even hearing the song made me squirm because I knew each time it played, someone was being brought backstage, and another mark was being added to Ace's wall of women. I opened up the web browser on my computer and typed in Ace Hathway then minimized the screen in case anyone peaked over my shoulder. There were too many techies wandering around.

  An article written by the Fans of Band of Brothers was written 24 hours ago popped up in my Google search. I opened it without hesitation.

  Ace Hathway, the lead singer of Band of Brothers, is known for romanticizing the ladies but up until now all of that has been done privately. Last night, at the summer tour kick-off party, he was seen dancing with a woman. Picture is below. Sources say she is a journalist but right now her name is unconfirmed. This is the first time Ace has publicly been seen with someone in this manner. So who is this mystery woman? What does she do? Could Ace Hathway have a new girlfriend? Only time will tell. Leave your thoughts below in the comments section.

  The comments were horrible. People criticized the way I looked, what I was wearing, and whatever else they could think of to criticize. If this is what being in the limelight felt like, I didn't like it at all. They were hateful and mean and played on all of my insecurities. As much as I wanted to stop reading what they had to say, I couldn't. I was lost in all the negativity. Didn't people realize I was a person and had feelings, or were they so caught up in their jealousy that they didn't care?

  I had to close out of it but not before I read where someone had anonymously dropped my name and which magazine I worked for in the comments section. I was absolutely horrified. How long would it take to be updated with my name? The thought made me cringe. It all felt dirty. I placed a hand over my eyes and tried to regroup my thoughts. No telling how long I’d sat there in that very position. I was exhaust
ed and frustrated and upset. The knocking on the table broke me away and I sat up straight and looked Ace right in the face.

  "Don't worry about that," he said.

  "About what?"

  "I kind of peeked over your shoulder when I was coming back from the bathroom. It's nothing to worry about. They're always so catty on that website."

  "Don't you realize you sitting here with me could be talked about?" I whispered.

  "I'm not ashamed."

  I exhaled. "Are you trying to ruin me?"

  He smiled and popped an eyebrow up. "Not in the same way that you think."

  I took a sip of my coffee and waited for my pictures to finish uploading to the server before closing my laptop.

  "I'll make you a fan before the end of this tour," Ace said as I stood and grabbed my things.

  "I'd like to see you try."

  "Challenge accepted."

  16

  Ace

  The universe was constantly putting me in the same place as Elizabeth. She goes for coffee then I do too. I'm sure she thinks I have some sort of tracking device on her or something but it's nothing more than a little serendipity and luck.

  I grabbed my coffee and walked back to the bus, feeling the itch of playing shoot through me, but I couldn't get the look on her face out of my head. She was obviously upset about the article. I’d read it on my phone last night, but ignored it. I was used to this sort of thing, but I tried to put myself in Elizabeth's shoes. I tried to feel what she would have felt and I got it. When I got back to the bus, I picked up my phone and texted Jenny.

  Me: Take care of Elizabeth today.

  Jenny: What did you do now?

  Me: Nothing. An article on the bitch site of us together at the party went live and she read it.

  Jenny: Ah, gotcha. Will do.