Stand (Black Addiction Book 3) (19 page)

“Hi,” she mumbled, her voice still thick from sleep as she answered the door. “I was worried you might miss dinner, so I saved you some.” Her eyes slowly blinked struggling to stay open.

“Thanks, I’ll grab it later. Let’s get you back to bed.”

It was my usual routine, coming home after a session with my only interests being a shower, food and Beth. Not necessarily in that order. And lucky for me I was able to combine Beth with the other two—showering and eating were better when shared. And sure, sometimes there was actual food involved too.

Every night she’d opened her door, no questions asked or demands made. Her body slipped effortlessly into my arms. And I couldn’t be happier if I’d tried.

Work, Beth, Sleep—repeat.

It was probably the only thing getting me through the days, knowing what my reward would be when I finally saw her. Half the time we didn’t even talk, both of us having better things to do with our mouths. Which was why—probably against my better judgment—my surprise bowling date wasn’t mentioned.

The day got closer, and I hadn’t so much at hinted that I had a clue. Besides, part of me was curious on what the grand reveal was going to be. We all knew something was coming and it had nothing to do with ten pins and a fucking ball.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait too long. The long days with the band and nights with Beth finally got us to the end of the week.

Friday was textbook ordinary.

Rus and Angie were going back and forth over whether a different key would add more value on the current song while Joey was insisting we needed to use the timpani he bought.

Usually it would have pissed me off, but I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Especially knowing we got to call time out early because it was Friday and I had a surprise date with my girl; it just made all the craziness worthwhile.

Sure, tensions were screwed a little tighter than usual. Add into the mix that Angie announced we were going to start recording in two weeks and suddenly it wasn’t playtime anymore.

“A few more undercover gigs and then we pull the pin.” Rus unplugged his guitar. “And I say we try some of the new stuff on the next one.”

“Agreed.” Angie nodded, grabbing a couple of bottles of water out of the nearby fridge. “We’ve got twenty songs completed plus the two we’re working on. Playing a couple live will help us narrow them down.”

To which a bunch of
yeahs
were tossed around and we said our goodbyes. Wrapping up early had worked in my favor. I was able to get home, shower—by myself this time unfortunately—and change before heading out. Jules had already given me the details of where I had to be along with a thumbs up emoji for keeping my mouth shut. I guess that’s what I got for giving her my phone number, the few messages I’d received were like modern day hieroglyphics.

I hadn’t seen the inside of a bowling alley in years, the trip through the double glass doors taking me back in time. Just not
my
lifetime.

With a distinct 1950’s feel,
Pins
was too new-penny-shiny to be authentic. My guess was the walls had seen more than just one coat of paint over the years, the checkerboard linoleum floor buffed to mirror-finish perfection. Even the soundtrack was keeping the theme, Buddy Holly singing about “Peggy Sue” as kids and adults were tossing balls down lanes, laughing and talking as they did it.

“Oh my God.” I heard the gasp from behind, my plan to find Beth quietly probably not going to happen. “You’re Max Reynolds.”

It always amused me when someone told me who I was. Like the fact was surprising to me as well as them. I wasn’t sure it was something I’d ever get used to, but I made sure I didn’t come across as an asshole when I did the “yeah, I am.”

“Hi.” I turned around and gave the blonde a smile. “I prefer just Max, the whole name usually means I’m in some kind of trouble.” My eyes did a quick left and right but came up empty. “I’m actually looking for a friend.”

“Beth invited you?” Her eyes Christmas-lighted as she took a step closer. “I can’t believe you are really here.” Her hand reached out and retracted suddenly like she thought better of whatever it was she’d planned. “Wow, I mean just wow.”

What made me do the double take wasn’t that she was star struck, but that she’d mentioned the exact person I’d come to see. Coincidence? Not when Jules was involved. Yep, this had her name written all over it.

“You know Beth?”

“Well of course, we teach together.” She giggled, the fact they work together hilarious. “Didn’t she mention that when she spoke about me?”

This time it was my turn to look like a deer in headlights. I had no idea what this girl was talking about, but her eager smile told me I probably should.

“It’s been a busy week; we haven’t had a lot of time to talk.” Well that was the truth, not a lot of actually talking had gone on and even less of it had been about her teacher buddies. Blondie, was on the list of things that weren’t discussed.

“Oh, of course. Sorry. I’m Rita.” She shoved out her hand, the adding of her name not helping my lack of clue. “So, are you sticking around or you just stopping by to say hi?” Her fingers wrapped tightly around mine, a little friendlier than I’d expected.

“I’m sticking around.” I tried to unpeel her hand while still being polite. “I’ll be here for as long as Beth needs me to be.” I’d hoped the mention of her might remind Rita I was here for someone particular. And sadly that wasn’t her.

“That’s very considerate of you. She’s lucky to have such a good friend.” Her hand cocked on her hip as she pushed out her tits, the friendly smile hinting at something else.

Was she fucking flirting? I mean, it looked like she was, her pouty-lip-look-at-my-tits combo was a dead giveaway, but if she knew about me and Beth . . . maybe I was wrong.

“I’d say we’re both lucky.”
Not everyone wants to suck your dick, asshole.
“Is she around?”

“Sure, she’s chatting to some of the parents,” She moved a little close, her voice dropping to almost a whisper. “But she won’t mind if we get to know each other a little better first. There’s a little courtyard out back.”

Correction, this woman most definitely wanted to suck my dick.

“Not sure that’s such a good idea.” Also, wasn’t going to happen, but I didn’t want to be a total asshole.

“She knows about my intentions, if that’s what you’re worried about.” The hand that had been doing the should-I-shouldn’t-I reached out and rubbed up and down my arm. “She’s totally okay with it.”

What the actual fuck? Call me crazy, but I highly doubt Beth would be cool with me sticking my cock in this woman.

“Well, I should go say hello, let her know I’m here.” And I might not be Einstein but if she wasn’t suggesting we have sex then I’d had no fucking idea. Short of her offering me a hand job, I was doubtful this conversation could get worse, her eyes flicking down to the fly of my jeans not leaving any doubt.

“Well, if that’s what you want to do.” Her disappointment spelled out by her pouty frown. “But don’t be too long. I
really
want to get to know you better.”

I’m fairly confident I knew which part too, and it wasn’t my stellar personality.

“Okay, talk soon.” I gave her a wave as my feet and I did a bail out. Me and her not happening. Not in this lifetime. I moved through the crowd of people as I looked for Beth.

One thing Rita had reinforced was I was no longer interested in other women. Sure, I hadn’t so much as looked at another girl since our reconnection but it was more than that. Like I was legit not interested. A girl could strip naked, get on her knees in front of me and my dick would still have a case of the snooze.

Beth was it for me. I mean really
it
. And I sure as hell couldn’t replace her. She was a once in a lifetime, and no amount of time or other women would tell me different.

It was while I was giving thanks to the universe that I finally saw her. In the mix with all the noise and she made time stand still. You just couldn’t help but stare. Dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt, she was beautiful, and I had to wait a minute just to take it in.

I loved times like this, watching her when she didn’t know I was looking, just to see her like that in all her pure perfection.

Someone around her said something that made her laugh, her head tilting back as her face lit up as she giggled. The unrestrained happiness was intoxicating, could make me feel good even on my worst days and that smile of hers—the kind a man would go to war for.

It was hard not to march my ass right up to where she was and claim her mouth right there. Not because I gave a shit her boss was watching, or there were kids around—I wasn’t altruistic enough to give a fuck. The reason I didn’t was because I knew that once I started I wasn’t going to be able to stop. One kiss with her would never be enough. Not tonight, not ever.

“Heard you might be short a partner.” I snuck up behind her, my hands finding their home on her hips. “I’m here to lend my services.”

I didn’t need to say anymore, her body turning between my fingers so she turned to face me, my appearance unexpected if the look on her face was anything to go by.

“Jules.” She smiled, my girl smart enough to put the pieces of the puzzle together really quickly. “I should have known when she called earlier and said she would probably be late.”

“Yeah, take it from me. She isn’t coming.” And whether this had been her grand scheme or not, I didn’t give a shit. The reasons for me being there were no longer relevant.

“So not a surprise.” She grabbed my hand, ignoring the audience who either had no idea of who I was or why I was there. “I can’t say I’m disappointed.”

Well, at least that made two of us.

“Come out here for a second.” Her smile wide as she led me to the courtyard. Interesting choice of venue considering it’s what her friend had suggested earlier, but I guess there weren’t a lot of options that didn’t include a crowd. It seemed I was destined to end up there one way or another. Which brought up another interesting point.

“I have a question for you.” I stopped the minute the air hit our skin. “Your friend Rita, is she interested in everyone’s cock or just mine?”

“
Oh shit, you met
Rita?”

News of Jules and her bogus excuses were sidelined by the latest development. The annoyingly bubbly blonde somehow secured her own meeting without my assistance, like a freaking ninja. Did she repel down the wall the minute he walked in? Although
how
was irrelevant right now, judging by his reaction she hadn’t been subtle.

“Yep, we met.” He smirked, the raised eyebrow hinting that there was more. “Although I don’t think it was as memorable as she would have liked. Anything you want to tell me?”

Ummmmmmmm. Yeah. There was that.

I’d never expected their paths to cross so mentioning Rita and her quest to dirty up her dating history seemed unnecessary. There was also the fact that I didn’t want to ever see them together, so I swept that under the rug for
a cold day in hell.
It wasn’t even a possibility as far as I was concerned; no need to even mention it.

Of course, it wasn’t so hypothetical now.

Fuuuuuuuuucccck.

Seriously, the chances were zero. I swear I was going to kill Jules when I saw her next. I didn’t care whether or not it was actually her fault; I was totally laying responsibility at her feet.

“Rita
may
have asked me to introduce you to her.” I winced, wondering how much I was going to have to admit.

“Seemed like there was a little more than that. Keep going.” The smile got wider as he waved his hand urging me to continue.

“She has a thing for you, wanted you to be her bad boy,” I blurted out, his eyes searing me. “I think she wanted to sleep with you.” Please, God, don’t let him consider it. Not her. I mean, I didn’t want him with anyone, but especially not her.

“And considering I’m dating
you,
that makes sense how?” He tilted his head to the side and let his words settle.

Hold. The. Fucking. Phone.

What did he say?

No seriously, what the hell did he just say, because I think the floor wax from the lanes must have wafted up my nose and fried my brain.

“We’re dating?” I said a little louder than I’d intended, my voice rising a couple of octaves in the confusion. It sounded just as bad coming out of my mouth as it had rattling around in my head, my hope not to sound like a moron well and truly dashed.

“Are you serious?” Max looked on amused, like it hadn’t occurred to him that we’d been doing anything but, the laugh that followed hopefully meaning he wasn’t pissed. “I assumed you got the vibe when we kept seeing each other. What did you think we were doing?”

“I don’t know, I guess . . .”

Nope, no words.

Deep down I hadn’t wanted to explore the possibilities, because if we weren’t then I was worried I’d be disappointed. If I was honest with myself, really honest with myself—I wanted to be with him. Not just for sex but to actually
be with him
. And I didn’t want it to stop. Which is what would’ve had to happen if one of us felt more than the other.

Oh, shit. I still hadn’t said anything. Max looked on with an amused grin while he waited for me to continue the sentence I had no hope of finishing.

“Well, for future reference, we’re dating.” He moved his hand to my jaw, his eyes meeting mine. “Exclusively. So, no more trying to set me up with your crazy-ass friends. Oh and by the way, even if I wasn’t dating you—and I am—she is so not even my type.”

“That is so the right thing to say right now.” The words rushed out of my mouth so fast they almost hadn’t made sense. It was what I wanted to hear but had been too scared to ask. “You need to kiss me too.” My lips needed to feel him, to make this more real.

“I think it’s adorable that you thought this was going any other way.” He chuckled as he brought my head in closer, his mouth inches from mine. “You weren’t getting a choice this time.”

It felt as though the air was sucked right out of my body, his lips on mine as he wrapped his arms around me. His tongue explored every corner of my mouth as I gave up complete control. His hands on me made me feel like my skin was on fire, my body arching against him seeking more contact.

I wanted him.

I wanted to tear the clothes from his body and have him inside of me, and still it wouldn’t have been close enough. My mind completely disengaged as my body pressed harder against his, my tongue delving deeper as my fingers gripped his shirt so tight I was surprised it didn’t tear.

“I like you, like this.” Max smiled against my mouth, pulling back slightly so he could look at me. “I don’t remember you so possessive.”

“I was inspired.” I smiled back, my mind choosing that moment to remind me we were still in public. “I always had control issues with you.”

“Beth. Is everything all right?” Patricia and her ozone layer threatening hairdo stepped out into the courtyard, my absence obviously missed. “You disappeared and—” She stopped midsentence, her eyes focusing on Max as her hand fluttered at her throat awkwardly. “Oh, you have company.”

“Hi, I’m Beth’s boyfriend, Max.” He held out his hand politely like I hadn’t been dry humping him two minutes ago. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Hello.” She blinked, her eyes widening as her mouth dropped open. “I-I see.” She fumbled slightly as she accepted his handshake, her mouth opening and closing a couple of times unable to find words. Not that I blamed her, he was a lot to take in all at once, especially the first time.

It was hard not to be slightly awed. Max had the ability to render women speechless, almost as if he had a force field that once you got close you were no longer able to think straight. It’s what had gotten me initially. And every single time after. No amount of time built up immunity to it, and if there was an antidote I wasn’t sure I wanted it.

“I hope it’s not a problem that I take Jules’ place.” He moved his arm lower to my hip and brought me in close to his side. “It meant a lot for Beth to be here and I didn’t want her to be without a partner.” The beaming smile blinding us both.

God, he was good.

Just oozing confidence like it was no big deal. I had no doubt he could have probably convinced Patricia of anything, letting him bowl as my partner the least of it.

“No, no that’s totally fine. We’d love to have you.” She shamelessly giggled, the blush creeping up her face. “To have you bowl with us.” She corrected quickly, her cheeks getting even pinker. Poor Patricia, that force field was a bitch.

“Great.” Max grinned, unaware that he was reducing my vice principal to a puddle. “And it really is a pleasure to be able to meet the wonderful educators Beth works with. It’s such an important job.” The grin got wider.

“Beth, you didn’t mention what a charming boyfriend you have.” Patricia’s hand flew to her mouth, her face about to spontaneously combust. “He’s just wonderful.”

“He really is.” I nodded wondering if perhaps the
charming
boyfriend I’d recently acquired could bring it down a notch. It would be super cool if we could make it through the evening without every woman in a ten-mile radius wanting to bear his children. Pretty sure Patricia would be the first volunteer if her current display was anything to go by.

“We should get started,” she said suddenly in a wave of lucidity. “Yes, please join us inside.” Her hands waved erratically as she gestured to the door.

“After you.” Max moved to the side and allowed me to go ahead, his hand glued to my side as he followed close behind. “She seems nice.” The raised eyebrows a clue he knew exactly what he was doing.

“You are terrible.” I laughed shaking my head as we reentered the crowded bowling alley. “You could have gone a little easier on her.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” He laughed, each step taking us closer to the rest of the teachers, students and parents.

“Well everyone, we have a last minute substitution.” Patricia announced, all eyes moving towards us. “Beth’s boyfriend Max has very generously offered to take Julie’s place, who unfortunately can’t make it this evening.” She turned around and beamed. “Thank you, Max.”

“Boyfriend?” Rita’s eyes widened as she looked between us; her plans for the evening obviously foiled as they locked onto his arm around my waist. “You said you weren’t dating.” The words fired out of her mouth with little regard to who was around to hear them.

“Beth was just trying to be considerate of my private life,” Max answered Rita, not seeming to care that the next things out of his mouth would probably be tweeted and posted on the internet by the incidental other ears who were listening. “We are very much together.”

And there was tomorrow’s headline. Max Reynolds, Black Addiction’s bassist officially off the market. The couple’s happy announcement made at Pin’s Bowling Alley where he celebrated his newfound status with watered-down soda and tattered rented shoes.

Seriously, it didn’t get more glamorous.

“Wow, Miss Hart is dating a rock star?” Kyle, one of my students looked up at Max with awe. “You’re super famous.”

“Sweetheart, that’s not polite.” His mother, Brooke, tapped him on the shoulder, a whispered sorry directed at Max.

“Hey, little dude.” Max smiled and sunk to his hunches, meeting Kyle at eye level. “We don’t really call ourselves rock stars but you can call me whatever you like. You’re a little young to be a fan.”

“Nah, my mom loves you.” Kyle shrugged ignoring the mortification on his mother’s face. “We listen to you all the time in the car; she says Rusty is her favorite, though.”

“Kyle!” Brooke shook her head, not sure what would be coming out of her son’s mouth next.

“Yeah, Rusty usually gets most of the attention.” Max laughed before winking at Kyle’s mom. “Guitarists are such sensitive souls.”

And judging by the look on her face, she might have been evaluating who was her new favorite; another victim of the famous Reynolds’ charm claimed.

“I’m going to be a guitarist when I grow up too and play in a band.” Kyle continued oblivious to his mother’s inability to tear her eyes away from Max’s chest. Not that I blame her, it was pretty impressive, even with the shirt still on.

“That’s awesome, but make sure you finish school first.” Max gave Kyle a pointed look, no doubt raising him to Jesus-status as he held out his hand and waited for him to shake.

“Deal.” Kyle slapped him a high five before curling his hand into a handshake and yanked his arm up and down a few times, thrilled beyond measure.

“I think you’re really great too.” Brooke shyly smiled, her eyes struggling to meet his gaze as her son ran off to choose his ball.

“Thanks, you’ve got a great kid.” Max grinned, watching Kyle informing all the other kids of who
the tall guy
was. “And I applaud your taste in music.”

“Thanks.” Brooke bumbled again. “I should go get a ball too.” She put her head down and almost sprinted to where her son was animatedly explaining how big a deal Max was.

“Okay, you can stop now.” I playfully jabbed Max in the ribs, rolling my eyes.

“Stop what? I’m not doing a thing.” He shrugged his shoulders acting like he had no idea what I was talking about.

“Don’t pretend you don’t know the effect you have on women; I’m surprised I haven’t been deafened by the sound of exploding ovaries.” I shook my head. The threat was real, my own struggling to stay whole.

“Is that what the noise was?” Max threw his head back and laughed, thoroughly amused. “Huh, learning something new every day, thanks Miss Hart.”

And lord help me, I was going to have to change my name, the timber of his voice sending a shiver right through my core.

“You’re killing me.” I bit my lip, thankful no one could read my thoughts—all of them involving the two of us naked.

Max was gracious, saying hello and answering questions from both students and parents. Everything from “do you have your own private plane?” to “do you need assistance on your investment portfolio?” The latter asked by a father who was doing his best to ignore his wife’s swooning by his side.

We also bowled eventually too. No surprises, I still sucked at it. Max however fared a lot better, knocking all the pins down a couple of times, the kids cheering on his efforts.

I’d assumed my two worlds colliding would have made more of a mess. My past and present melting into each other as the common denominator Max moved seamlessly through it.