Between Love & Fire (Backstage #1) (5 page)

My eyes snap open. The dreams and memories assault my sleep. Every night, it’s like I can’t escape my past. Swinging my feet over the side of the bed, I glance at the alarm clock. It’s only 7 am, but I know most of my staff will mill around the house. Today is my date with Tayla. Since it's at six, I have to think about where we should go. Grabbing a pair of sweatpants, I pull them on and walk into the living room. Just as I thought, its buzzing with staff. “Mr. Hayes.” My newest web designer is in early, we’re launching our new website and I want everything working perfectly.

“Christopher, is everything ready? It needs to go live at midday.”

“Yes, I have it ready. I am testing everything again, and I will set it up for midday launch.” Nodding, I make my way to the kitchen. I need coffee. As soon as I step into the room, I come face to face with chestnut eyes. Fuck she looks incredible today. She’s just filled a mug. Once she turns, her gaze travels over my bare chest and slowly down to my waist. Like she’s reading a book, I notice her take in every inch of the ink on my ribs. There is hunger in her eyes and I allow her to take her fill.

“Callum, how are you today?” I don’t have to turn to my assistant. She’s oblivious to Tayla, and I locked in a battle devouring each other. Tay looks like a kitten ready to pounce on her toy. I wouldn’t mind being that toy.

“Kierra, are we finished with the schedule for the tour? Everything must be confirmed before the end of the week. I want our team to get together one night. Everyone needs a copy of the requirements, venues, and timing.” I don’t move my gaze from the blonde bombshell in my kitchen. Dressed in a white skirt which stops above her knee, the material looks soft, silky. Her top is sheer black and under she’s wearing one of the tank tops from our merchandise store. It’s tight and fits her perfectly. Showing off curves and tits. I would give anything to lift that little skirt and find out what panties she’s wearing. A quick tug will rip that tiny top from her body and I can feast on those beautiful tits. Fuck.

“Cal, I have done this before.” I cut a glance to Ki, her incredulous stare makes me chuckle. She pulls me from my dirty thoughts. All I offer is a smirk. It’s the same procedure every time we tour. It’s who I am. After all these years, I am the perfectionist. My mom taught me to be meticulous about details in my life. There is one detail I want to inspect with meticulous care. Little Miss Quinn. I need to get out of here.

“I know. If you need me, I am heading to the music room. Don’t disturb me unless it’s urgent. Tayla, good to see you wearing our merch.” Her smile lights the room.

“Thank you, I love the tank.” Once I have my coffee I make my way to the staircase. In the music room, I close the door. As soon as I slip into the chair, my eyes close. Visions of her scorched into my mind. In so many positions until she’s screaming my name.

Glancing at my phone, I notice it’s three-thirty. I am almost home. Work has kept me busy, but my thoughts were filled with blue eyes and tattooed arms. Callum hasn’t been around today, so I spent my day with Ryan and Liam. They’re so much fun. It was as if I was part of the team. There wasn’t any animosity or frustration. Both impressed at how quickly I set up the drums and keyboards. Working with the crew will be easy since they've been with the band for years.

I was in a good mood when I left and walked home. It was warm out and I reveled in the vitamin D since I had been indoors most of the time. Also, to clear my mind and calm myself down. Tonight was my dinner with Callum. I sent a quick text to Emma. I needed my sister. We have missed each other online and today I had to talk to her. My news will shock her. She knows how I feel, or felt rather, about Callum.

T: I am almost home. Skype in ten minutes?

I hit send. Fishing my keys from my purse, I unlock the door and step inside the quiet apartment. In the kitchen, I turn the kettle on and get my coffee cup ready. My mind is in a state of uncertainty at the prospect of spending the night with him. Alone. Back in the living room, I plug in my laptop to charge.

I wonder what I should wear?
I cannot believe I agreed to do this. Not standing up to his challenge was not an option, though. He would try his utmost to frustrate me. My sister would kill me when she found out I am going to dinner with Callum. She has had the biggest crush on him for ages. With his dark messy spikes and sky-blue eyes, she was bewitched. Every time he posted a selfie on Twitter or Instagram she went absolutely nuts.

The kettle boiled, and I made myself a coffee. Getting comfortable at my desk, I open Skype and log in. I see Emma is online already and hit the call button. “Hello, love! I have to tell you what happened. You will not bloody believe it.” Her voice is loud and shrill, and her accent is slightly British. With a giggle, I sit back and sip the hot liquid. She always makes me laugh. The overly passionate personality bubbles through with every word she says. Her excitement over every aspect of her life is amazing. My heart races when I think about telling her the situation I got myself into. At twenty-eight, I am older by three years, and I think it shows more often than not.

“What happened, Emm?” She gushes about the guy she works with. Apparently he is taking her to Paris Fashion Week. He’s hot, rich, and well connected. I giggle at her enthusiasm. After twenty minutes of details, ranging from his favorite foods to the way his abs look when he’s working out, I have a perfect idea of the man that my sister is now head over heels for.

“So what’s your news? How is LA? And the new job?” She shoots questions at me and when she eventually gives me a second to reply, I take a deep breath.

“LA hasn’t changed since you left. My job… it’s... Well, it’s different. I mean, it’s what I want to do, but it’s scary.” I keep quiet hoping to buy time, but she presses me for more information.

“Yes, okay, who is the band? You said they’re famous.”

“Uhm… Well, I…” My phone beeps as I am about to come clean.

“Tay, come on tell me? I can hear there’s something you’re not telling me.”

I glance at the screen, there's a text from Callum.

C: Be ready at 7, and wear something… stunning, I know you will.

My heart races again. I am sure stunning wasn’t what he wanted to say. Looking back up at the laptop monitor, thankful that we didn’t do a video chat. “I am going to dinner tonight with my boss, to uhm… to welcome me.” Cringing at the lie. “I mean, you know, to chat and stuff.”

“Fucking hell, Tay, who is your boss? Do I have to drag it out of you?”

I grin. “It’s Callum Hayes.” Shutting my eyes, I wait for it, but she's silent. “Emma?” I am met with stony silence. Finally, she clears her throat.

“Sorry, I think my speaker crackled, it sounded like you said you’re going on a date with Callum? THE Callum fucking Hayes! The one you don’t like? You said he is an over confident, self-absorbed asshole?” I realized this was coming.

“It’s not a date, it is dinner. Nothing more. Emma, he is my boss. I am part of the crew for their upcoming tour. It’s a professional dinner.” Not sure if I am trying to convince myself or her. With a hope that would calm her down, I stay silent.

“Fine, BUT if I see any tabloid pics of you kissing him, you’re dead. I want the news first before anyone else. And if you’re dating him, can you hook me up with his brother?” Finally, I hear her laugh and the nervous tension that tightened my shoulders abated.

“Why on earth would I kiss Callum? And no, I will not hook you up with Liam. He’s an asshole.” The thought of kissing Callum runs through my mind and the knot in my stomach tightens. He wouldn’t try anything stupid. At least, I hope he won't. Emma’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

“Don’t be a dunce, because he is Callum fucking Hayes! You will fall for him, love. I can guarantee that now. And we’re sisters, it’s important that you hook me up babe. I mean, Liam can bang my drums any day.” I chuckle at her. Shaking my head, I realize she can’t see me.

“You’re terrible Emm. And I will not fall for Callum!” Famous last words.

After my call with Emma, I got ready. She gave me an idea of what to wear, although her first option was way too sexy, I preferred a less revealing top to the one she suggested. A demure black silk cowl neck. The grey pants were straight cut. They hugged my thighs and ass like a glove. I can tease him, even if we're not dating. My black high heeled boots would put me at roughly the same height as Callum. My outfit was stylish but relaxed. With my long blonde hair pinned into a messy bun, I kept my makeup minimal, since this wasn’t a date, I wanted to look as casual as possible. There was still fifteen minutes before Callum was picking me up. It was a good decision to get ready earlier, so I didn’t rush around at the last minute.

The top covers my back; I made sure that my tattoo wasn’t visible. Tonight wasn’t the night I wanted to explain why my back is covered in ink. All Callum’s girlfriends were inked and I wonder if that was a conscious decision on his part.
Did he prefer girls with tattoos?

The doorbell pulls me from my thoughts and my stomach is in knots. Calm down Tay, it’s a dinner. Relax. Deep breaths. As soon as I stand my knees are wobbly.
Shit!
Annoyance at myself for allowing him to affect me heats my cheeks. He’s just Callum. This is ridiculous. I need to get a grip. Walking over to the door, I twist the handle. When he comes into view, my breathing hitches.
Shit!
My eyes hungrily drink in the man in front of me. There is no doubt, he actually put in some effort. He’s wearing a black dress shirt, the first three buttons are loose, hinting to the soft smooth skin beneath. I can see glimpses of the tattoos that cover his exquisite body. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows and the ink adorning his toned forearms look incredible in the dim light of the hallway. My gaze slowly drops to his legs. The snug dark blue jeans hug his thighs like they’re molded to the muscle beneath. This will be harder than I thought. I had to admit; he looked incredible. “Callum,” my voice came out breathy and I instantly regretted it.

“How are you, Petal?” His eyes roamed over the exposed skin of my shoulder. The heat of his intense gaze branded me, and an ache that was almost debilitating pulsed between my thighs. A blush heated my cheeks instantly. This man will be the death of me.

“Come in.” Stepping aside, I watch him walk into my apartment, he looks out of place in the cramped living room. The door shuts with a click and I turn to face him. The smirk on his lips unnerves me.

“I am fine, Callum, thank you. So it’s Petal now?” I am in for a challenge tonight. I can’t stop staring at him, stunned by his ethereal beauty. His dark brown spikey hair pointing in all directions, his ice-blue gaze shimmers like diamonds in the low light.

“Yes. Your tattoo. It’s beautiful. Soft and feminine. Like you. Mostly.” His gaze rakes over the blossoms on my shoulder. Thankfully, my top covers the one on my back. I don’t want or need him seeing that one.

“Mostly?” I question. Amusement is clear in his features.

“You come across as a hard ass sometimes.” His gaze travels from my face to my neck, over my breasts. It’s such a slow movement, it has my core clenching with suppressed desire. When he reaches my shoes, I recognize the dark glint in his eyes as he locks his stare back on me. “You scrub up well, Petal.”

“Thank you, Callum. You can call me Tay.”

Ignoring my statement, he smirks. “Are you ready, gorgeous?”

“Yes, let’s get this over with.” Grabbing my purse, I shut my laptop and turn to him.

“You’re not paying so I suggest you leave that behind.” He points at the purse in my hand.

“This isn’t a date. I can pay for my dinner.” With narrowed eyes, he shrugs and turns towards the door. As we step out, I turn and lock the apartment. Taking another deep breath, I spin on my heel and bump into his solid back. The scent of his cologne envelopes me and goose bumps rise over my body.

“If you want to touch me you could just ask,” he offers a cheeky wink and strides down the hall and walks down the staircase. I wanted to scream he infuriated me so much.

“Don’t flatter yourself. You forget I am your intern.” I retort, following him to the foyer.

As soon as we reach the entrance, he turns to face me and his expression changes. I see a flicker of indignation. “You should lighten up beautiful, just enjoy yourself tonight.”

I glance up into sky-blue eyes and smile. “Fine, I will lighten up when you realize this is NOT a date.” We’re face to face. Only inches apart and his warm breath is on my face. He is handsome, with a rugged jaw. He hasn’t shaved and the 5 o’clock shadow looks enticing. His skin is smooth, not a wrinkle in sight. His lips are full and look so goddamn kissable. My teeth tug on my lower lip to keep from leaning up to plant my lips firmly on his. There’s no doubt he is perfect. My tension eases before realizing who I am with. His cologne invades my senses again and I can’t tear my gaze away.

He grabs my hand. “Fine, it’s a friendly dinner, but I guarantee that by the end of the night, you will agree to a second date.” We make our way to the black Jeep parked in front of my building. He opens the door and I slide into the passenger seat. I watch him walk around to the drivers’ side, moving with such grace and confidence. It’s sexy and I realize I am blatantly staring. Once he slips into the seat, the engine purrs to life. The radio starts up and I recognize his voice as Hunters in Oblivion’s new song fills the car. “What’s your favorite song on the latest album?” He asks, his eyes never leaving the road.

“Damaged Angel, no question about it.”

He glances at me and smiles. “Really? Why?”

I open my mouth, then shut it again. There is no way I can tell him it saved my life. It’s too personal, I have only just met him. “Uh, I love the lyrics. They speak to people on a personal level. Like you’re talking directly to us. It’s a beautiful song.” I opt for a half truth and hope he doesn’t ask me any more questions. He gives a small nod and doesn’t say another word. I watch the city lights pass as we make our way into town.

Ten minutes later he pulls into a parking lot for a restaurant called Crossroads. Since it’s a vegetarian restaurant I am looking forward to seeing what they have on the menu. I haven’t really had an inkling to eat vegetarian meals when I was studying. At that point anything we could afford would do. Mainly pizza. It seems Callum will be with me the first time I experience this. The warm feeling in my belly calms me. When his hand reaches for mine, I flinch, not expecting the spark to rush through my arm.