Across the Miles (The Not So Bad Boys of Rock #1) (22 page)

“Not really, we wear a baseball cap or a beanie and dress like normal people. Most people around here are used to seeing movie stars out and about so it’s not uncommon, but the tourists are the biggest issue, they aren’t accustomed to it, so they don’t know how to act when they do recognize us. But, for the most part, it’s not too bad, it comes with the territory.”

“I guess, I’m not sure I would like all of that attention, I would feel self-conscious all the time,” she groaned.

“You have nothing to be self-conscious about, you’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever met.”

“Wow, thanks. That’s quite a compliment, coming from you.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because you’re Sebastian Miles, drop-dead gorgeous rock star, perfect in every way,” she huffed, “Duh!”

“I’m far from perfect Brooke,” I winced.

“Well, you are to me, and half the world, so I think the odds are in our corner on that ruling buddy.”

“Whatever, I don’t agree, but I’m not going to argue, if you think those things about me then that’s great, but I’m definitely not perfect.”

“You are to me.” After that, I didn’t try to argue with her anymore, if she wanted to feel that way about me I would just have to learn to accept it, even though I knew it wasn’t true.

The next morning, I
woke to the sound of the doorbell. I got up, thinking it must be Travis or Dek, went to the door and peeked out the peephole, no one was there. I cracked it open and looked down on the doormat, finding a cup of coffee and a small notecard.

“Just because it’s Wednesday, and because I can
Love, B.”

I couldn’t contain my smile; her wit carried right through that paper and into my living room. Typical Brooke. Not to be outdone, I pulled out my phone and placed an overdue call to her best friend, Jade.

“Hey, it’s Sebastian; I need to know what her favorite flowers are.”

“I’ve got to hand it to you; you’re single-handedly helping to keep the stores in this city in business for a lifetime.” After her snide remark, she proceeded to give me the information that I needed. Once that was taken care of, I had one more Michigan business to support.

Brooke~

“Order in! Table twenty, two covers – one lobster capellini one lobster bisque, two filet mignon, medium rare.”

“Yes, Chef!” my team called out behind me. I really did love my crew, we all worked great together, I could always count on them to put out great food and for the most part we all got along really well while working under extreme conditions. While that order was taking shape, another came in through the ordering system, I pulled off the ticket and turned to my team once more.

“Order in! Table thirty-two, four covers – two lobster bisque, one order steamed mussels, one escargot, one duck breast, one sea bass, two paella.”

“Yes, Chef!” I turned and began plating up the filets, checking for temperature accuracy, and cleaning the plate before setting it up on the service counter.

“Service, please!”

I had just turned to check on the appetizers when I heard someone behind me, clearing their throat. When I whirled around I caught a glimpse of a huge bouquet of the most beautiful pink and white calla lilies I had ever seen, they were my favorite flower. For a moment, I wondered how on earth he would have known that and then it occurred to me, Jade. I covered my face, attempting unsuccessfully to hide the blush that quickly spread over my face. I heard the click of a shutter and looked up to find Donnie taking a picture of me, I scowled at him.

“Don’t bite my head off, he specifically asked for a picture of you blushing,” he retorted, hands raised in the air as if surrendering.

“So, he’s sucked you into this too?” Good grief, the man knew no limits. Just when I thought I was one step ahead of him, he came up with something else to make my heart swoon and my knees weak.

“They’re really pretty, he must have spent a fortune,” Donnie made a clicking sound with his tongue against his cheek.

“Yeah, impressive. That one’s going to be hard to beat.”

“What, is it a competition?”

“Not really. Before I left I told him that I wanted to be romanced, this is his way of doing that from afar. He’s doing great so far; I just like to keep him on his toes, so I
send him a little surprise every now and again. It helps keep things interesting.”

“What kind of surprises are we talking about here?”

“My lips are sealed,” I laughed, walking off to place the flowers in the cooler, the heat from the kitchen would wilt them for sure.

“So what’s your next move?” Donnie called out after me.

“Not sure yet, but I’m working on one.”

Me: So I received an embarrassingly large bouquet of flowers at work tonight

Sebastian: Oh yeah, wonder who would have done that to you?

Me: My new boyfriend, he’s always doing the sweetest things.

Sebastian: Is that so?

Me: Yeah, he spoils me rotten.

Sebastian: Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Me: Definitely good, I love it! Don’t stop

Sebastian: Oh, so you think I’m the one sending these presents, that’s pretty presumptuous of you

Me: Well, it could also be this really cute guy I met last week while grocery shopping.

Sebastian: That’s it, no more shopping for you. I’ll order all of your food and have a woman deliver it. Stay away from the grocery store! Just kidding

Me: You know, I meet men every single day at work too.

Sebastian: Ugh! You’re going to have to start working from home. So did you like them?

Me: Like what?

Sebastian: The flowers silly.

Me: Oh, they were from you. Gee, it’s getting harder and harder to keep all of you men straight.

Sebastian: Keep it up, and the next present you get will be me standing at your door with a baseball bat, ready to fight off all of your admirers

Me: I’ve got news for you baby, that threat only makes me want to tease you more. I would like nothing more than to find you on my doorstep.

Sebastian: Well, one of these days you just might get your wish pretty lady

Me: There you go again, making promises… Seriously though, the flowers were insane. I loved them, and I love you.

Sebastian: I love you more. Sleep well baby.

Me: You too. Miss you.

Sebastian: Miss you more.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

It was Saturday night, and the first Saturday I wasn’t scheduled to work since I had gotten back from California four weeks ago. Jade insisted that we had to get out of the apartment and go to a club; I couldn’t remember the last time I’d gone out dancing, so I immediately said yes. We spent two hours getting ready. Jade informed that I needed to straighten my long curls, she thought I would look hot, so she spent the next thirty minutes going over every strand until it laid flat. When she was finished, I stood and looked in the mirror, she was right, I did look hot! I changed into my jeans and sapphire blue blouse and took a picture of myself, sending it to Sebastian with a message that I was going dancing with Jade. Less than a minute later, my phone rang.