Fame (33 page)

Laughing some more, Steve wiped his eyes and looked over at Rook, who was in the corner. Willow knew exactly why too. Even though the jackass set their whole situation up, he wanted to stay out of the limelight as much as possible, which didn’t bother Willow, because the more Rook stepped out of it, the more she could step in.
 

She had been feeling a bit neglected lately with her publicity, thanks to Rook’s idea of living in the house together. After a week, they had already started to get on each other’s nerves. She stayed away from Grey, even though he eyed her constantly. She hadn’t spoken to Cruz either, which was fine with her, because after the little romp she heard between him and who she could only assume was Maelani, she was done. He was good while it lasted.
 

The need to be in the public eye was starting to claw at her, but the label kept such a close eye on what they were doing that it was hard for her to get away with anything. She needed to see Declan, bad, because she was about out of her stock, and she needed some more to get through the next couple of weeks.
 

The only good thing about her set up was the camera crew. She made it her mission to walk around the house as naked as possible. The camera guys loved it; the label didn’t, but she didn’t care too much. They couldn’t control everything about her life, and if she wanted to walk around naked, she would. Kaid pleaded with her to put some clothes on, which she did on occasion, but when she knew he wasn’t around, she would put on a little show for the camera men. She loved the attention, craved it.
 

Steve cut through her thoughts when he asked Rook, “So, you’ve been quiet over there, Mr. Tyler. Tell me, what’s been on your mind recently. Any new songs in the mix?”

Rook sat up in his chair, eyed Maisy, and spoke into the microphone.
 

“I’ve been working on a new song that is just about ready. It’s near and dear to my heart, so I’m really trying to fine tune it before I let anyone hear it. I want to make sure it’s perfect…just like the person it’s about.”

“Oooh, who’s it about?” Steve asked, sounding more like a teenage girl than a syndicated radio DJ.
 

A small smile passed Rook’s face. “That’s for me to know.”

“Oh, come on now. Don’t pull a Taylor Swift on us.”

Laughing, Rook said, “Sorry, Steve. My lips are sealed.”

While Steve continued to talk about the new album Shattered Souls was working on, Willow looked around the room and examined everyone. Landon and Grey were on speaking terms again, yay fucking hooray for them; Cruz was his smarmy self; Maisy was avoiding any kind of eye contact with Rook, smart girl; Kaid was being Kaid, attentive and professional; and Rook was trying to help the DJ avoid the giant elephant in the room.
 

Willow wanted to scream at the top of her lungs that no one was talking about the fall out between the two bands at the end of their tour. Or the fact that Rook cheated on Maisy. Or why Landon was now seen with Quinn, rather than Grey. There had to be questions about that, because Quinn and Grey were well known as a couple; everyone knew they were together. Was no one curious?

Looking around, Maisy spotted Derek from the label hovering over the producers of the show, and that was when it clued in to her. Derek must have given Steve a strict list of topics not to talk about. If Willow wasn’t too nervous that the label would kick her off her contract for speaking out of turn, she would have blown up everyone’s spots, not because she didn’t like anyone; it was because she wanted to see all the drama unfold right in front of her.
 

“Willow, are you going to answer the question?” Maisy said, poking her.
 

“I’m sorry, what was it?” a slight blush crept over Willow’s body from daydreaming and being caught. It almost felt like school when you were called on by your teacher and the prayers you sent up to the school gods clearly didn’t work.
 

“
Playboy
, are you excited about seeing your issue?”

Now, that was something she could easily talk about.
 

“I can’t fucking wait.”

Derek cringed, and Steve laughed. “Good thing we have a delay, folks, because we had our first F bomb of the day.”

“Oops, sorry,” Willow wilted a little in her seat and put her hand over her mouth.
 

“That’s okay, the audience will just hear a cow moo to cover the slip up. So, tell me about the pictures. Am I going to be a very happy man?”

Leaning toward him, giving him a great view of her cleavage, which he took full advantage of, she said, “Oh, Steve, you’re going to be a very happy man.”

A light sheen broke out on his forehead as he looked down at Willow. Yes, she was flirting with the DJ, but she didn’t care. He loved her and that was all that mattered.
 

“Will you sign a copy for me?”
 

“I bet she’ll do more than sign for you,” Cruz said, being the idiot that he always was.

“Eat a dick,” Willow said to Cruz, who leaned back in his chair and laughed.

“Pretty sure we’ll be mooing that one out as well,” Steve laughed. “On that note, I want to thank Twisted Perfection and Shattered Souls for coming into the studio; it’s always a delight hanging out with you guys. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for their tour coming this summer. Tickets will be going on sale shortly. Oh, and let’s not forget your E entertainment special.”

Everyone said thank you into the microphone at the same time and the “on air” light clicked off, letting them know they could take off their headphones and speak freely.
 

“Thanks, guys, that was awesome,” Steve said, as he led them out to the hallway where they had taken a picture together before the show. “I would love to have you come back during the tour or right before you launch it. You’re always a good time.”

“Sounds great,” Grey said, as he shook hands with Steve.
 

Who made him the boss? Willow thought, as she could feel herself give him the stink eye.
 

Without even a good bye, Rook took off, leaving everyone in his wake. Willow didn’t much care, because she couldn’t stand the tool bag. Landon met up with Quinn, and they frolicked down the hallway with Cruz trailing behind, making fun of their little Candy Land relationship. Willow agreed with Cruz on that one. Kaid spoke into a somber Maisy’s ear while he gripped her shoulder and led her down toward where their car was parked. She said something about going to the studio, but Willow didn’t really care. She’d done her part; she wanted to relax now.
 

Looking to her side, she saw Grey standing next to her with his hands in his pockets, looking at her with that “I’m pitiful” look. Well, she wasn’t falling for it. He could cry all he wanted. She’d had a weak moment, and she didn’t plan on showing it again.
 

“Can we talk, Willow?”

“Do you really think that’s a good idea?” Willow asked, while looking around the studio.
 

“Probably not a good idea to do it here, but will you ride back to the house with me? I really want to talk.”

“What could we possibly talk about? How to flip your hair to the side without being all Justin Bieber like? Because, you know, you’re borderline creepy with the hair flip.”

“It’s long,” he said, while running his hand through his hair and pushing it to the side. “I need to get it cut.”

“And that pertains to me in what way?”

Grey was about to answer, when Willow’s phone chimed with a text message. Ignoring Grey, she looked down at her phone to read her text message.
 

Declan: Hey, hot stuff, I’m down in the parking garage of the radio station with a little package for you.
 

Squealing inwardly, Willow typed back quickly.
 

Willow: Be right down!

“Got to go,” she said to Grey, as she walked past him and toward the elevator. Declan had, by far, the most perfect timing.
 

The elevator door was about to close when Grey caught up to her and let himself in. Rolling her eyes, she continued to press the door close button, and then crossed her arms over her chest, while she waited to be transported to the parking garage. She could feel Grey’s gaze on her, but she chose to ignore it.
 

“Can we please talk?” his voice sounded a little ragged, and she hated that it actually had an effect on her.
 

“As much fun as that sounds, I’m going to have to pass, Grey.”

“Why are you being such a bitch to me?”

Willow snapped her head at Grey and glared him in the eyes.
 

“I’m the bitch? You were the one who embarrassed me and beat up my fucking heart in front of Quinn and whoever else was in hearing range.”

“I know!” Grey shouted, while raking both hands through his hair. He was losing his cool, and it was almost nice to see. She liked seeing the imperfect Grey come through…it showed that he was human. “I fucking know what I did, and I’m sorry. How many times do I have to say it? But, you’re not that innocent either, Willow.”

“I’m not claiming to be a nun. Did I try to fuck you while you were with Quinn? Yeah, and you know what? I don’t feel bad about it, because I loved every second of it. I loved every moment I was able to capture your attention, and I loved the way you came undone around me.”

“I’m still that way around you, Willow. Fuck, I need you so damn bad it’s unhealthy.”

The elevator doors opened with a ding and Willow got out, but turned to face Grey one last time. “Unfortunately for you, I don’t feel the same way anymore. Yes, I got lost in the kitchen, and I’m not going to lie, having your dick in my mouth was fantastic, but there is too much damage between us.”

“There isn’t,” Grey countered. “But, do you know what there is? There’s heat, yearning, and need.” He stepped closer to her and pulled her into his chest. She could feel his hard muscles against her soft skin; it was intoxicating. “Don’t fucking lie to me. I mean something to you. I can see it in your eyes.”

Shaking her head now, she tried to pull away, but instead, he grabbed her neck and pulled her just close enough that his lips were only a whisper away. He spoke softly to her while he rubbed her back with his hand.
 

“I’m going to give you some time to think, but I will be back for you, Willow. This time, I have nothing holding me back, and my need for you is much stronger. You will be mine, Willow.”

A car honked, and they both turned to see Declan pulling up in a black Escalade.
 

“That’s my ride,” Willow gulped, losing all her bravado from being so damn close to Grey.
 

Grey eyed the car suspiciously, and she could tell from the disapproving look on his face that he was not happy about Willow leaving with Declan.

“Who is that?” he asked, while letting her go just a little. He still had his arm wrapped around her.
 

“None of your business.”

“He doesn’t look like he’s good news, Willow.”

“And how would you know?”

“Uh, maybe by the way he’s eye fucking you, his sloppy appearance, and the cigarette hanging out of his mouth.”

“You’re too quick to judge, Grey; you don’t even know him. I suggest you go take a look in the mirror with those judging eyes before you lay into someone else.”

“When are you going to be home?”

Willow pulled away and said, “Once again, none of your Goddamn business.”

She turned her back on Grey and went straight to Declan, who leaned over the passenger seat and opened the door for her. The minute she hopped in his car, he pulled her in for an all-consuming kiss, probably to put on a show for Grey. When Willow pulled away, she saw Declan’s eyes look past her at Grey, and then a smirk played across his face. Declan had obviously made Grey jealous, and he was satisfied with himself.
 

“Ready to go?” Declan asked as he put the car in drive.

Just to put a cherry on top of Grey’s cake, Willow smiled at Declan and then lowered her head into his lap. In a flash, Declan put the car back in park and pushed his chair back to give her room. She unzipped his jeans and pulled out his already hardening erection.
 

Giving him a blow job was the least she could do for all the blow he gave her. Plus, she liked the thought of being able to just get lost in the action, rather than think about Grey and his soulful eyes that cut right through her.
 

**Maisy**

The hallways of the studio were dark, making the space feel almost eerie. After the radio interview, she needed some time alone. She could feel Rook’s heated gaze on her the whole time and she was worried sick through the entire interview that someone was going to slip up and mention Maisy’s break up with Rook. It was a topic she couldn’t handle on air, let alone in real life. She needed time, she needed space, so when Kaid asked her if she wanted to ride back to the house with him, she instead asked him to drop her off at the studio. She wanted some alone time.
 

The past week had been beyond uncomfortable, living in the same house as Rook. He didn’t push her, never pressured her into having a conversation, and only ever talked to her in passing. If she didn’t know any better, she would have assumed he was mad at her, but whenever she met his eyes, she knew that wasn’t the case. He was giving her the space she demanded, but his eyes were telling her a different story. He looked at her as if she was the only person, or thing for that matter, that could make him smile, make him happy.