Rock It To the Moon: Love and Chaos Series, #3

CHAPTER ONE

Dex

Band members were dropping like flies, but I would outlast them all. Sure, love was fine for Zane and Rafe, but I was pretty sure Jericho would be single forever, and I knew for damn sure I would be. I fell for a girl once, and I wasn’t going to make that mistake again.

Or so I thought.

But that night changed everything.

It was unusual for me to be the only one heading to the dressing rooms, but the guys ran into some friend of theirs backstage and started talking about the good old days—which I wasn’t part of—so I made some lame excuse of needing a shower in order to sneak off. While they were always dripping with sweat under the lights, I was only mildly sweaty, having the luxury of an electric fan aimed at me, which the audience couldn’t see because of my drums. Anyway, it must have been fate that I was alone, because when I turned the corner and saw her, my heart stopped.

She had one hand on the cinderblock wall and with the other she was messing with her shoe strap. The shoes themselves were sexy as hell, but as my gaze rose up her legs to the black dress she wore, farther along a shapely body all the way to her golden hair twisted neatly behind her, glowing in the fluorescent lights...she simply stole my breath away. Like I couldn’t breathe. She looked like she was dressed more for a municipal orchestra pit somewhere, not like someone attending one of our concerts, and that alone made her stand out. Then the way she rocked that prim little dress of hers.... It wasn’t low-cut or revealing in any way, but the soft sway of the fabric against her curves was magical. Then she laid those big baby blues on me, and I was a goner.

It dawned on me suddenly that she was standing outside of Zane’s dressing room, waiting for him. My heart dropped.

Damn it.

The lead singer always scored the hottest women. It didn’t even seem to matter that Zane was getting married soon. He’d never cheat on Grace, but this angel was waiting for him, not for me. Normally this would have me cursing under my breath, slinking off like a dog with its tail between its legs. But I was just so struck. I couldn’t walk away. I had to have her.

Admittedly, I was pretty floored by that fact. I’d never felt anything close to that for a woman before. It was like this instant, driving urge to make her mine. The kind of thing they wrote about in those romance novels Grace read.

Our gazes connected and she froze for an instant. Oh, hi. I...umm...don’t have a pass but I’m— She hopped around, still trying to adjust her shoe strap and losing her balance, a little purse that dangled from a gold chain falling off her shoulder.

Her obvious nervousness and bumbling made me feel like she was more attainable, more on my level, and my confidence surged. I took her arms to stabilize her. I’m not here to bust you. Relax. I flashed her a smile. You seem to be having difficulty with your shoe. May I...?

Not waiting for an answer, I crouched, placing one knee on the floor and reaching for her foot.

Oh, that’s not nec-ess-sary... She trailed off, watching me, her mouth hanging open a little. I think she was surprised by my actions. I know I was.

This girl’s out of your league, man. You better start channeling Jericho or something because your usual stuff ain’t gonna cut it with her.

I cupped her shoe. Her feet were so tiny. Three of them would fit into my size thirteens. I took the dainty strap in my massive fingers and prayed for even a hint of dexterity. I could bang a drum to hell, but fine motor skills I lacked. Luckily, the backstage gods were listening to my plea and the strap slipped into the buckle easily, another indication something was special about our meeting. But that meant our brief interaction was coming to an end unless I could come up with something to say to her.

W.W.J.D. What would Jericho do? The women always fell for his charm.

Inspiration struck, and I ran my hand along the back of her calf as I rose, looking at her with what I hoped was suaveness. There. All better.

Her forehead creased. Excuse me? What the hell do you think you’re—? Those blue eyes were shooting fire now.

Shit. Wrong move.

I decided to bulldoze through my mistake. I was in this far. You know, Zane is getting married. I brushed the back of my hand over her honey-smooth cheek, advancing within inches of her. Her fragrance swirled around me. Soft, sexy, sophisticated. Like her. You don’t want to mess with that.

She shook her head. Oh, no. It’s not like that. I’m his—

You’re a call girl.

Her pliable body became stiff. Do I look like a call girl to you?

I shrugged. A very expensive call girl. It’s a compliment.

So a call girl would be a step up for me then?

No, no, no. I’m not saying that. You’re just...not like our normal concert goer.

I’m not normal.

I was a fucking moron. The more I talked, the angrier she got. I scrambled. Anyway, Zane won’t be looking to hook up with anyone tonight.

She studied me without saying anything at first. Is that what you’re doing? Looking to hook up with someone? She lifted her chin, biting off her words. Would have seemed tough if she weren’t trembling against me, which was a huge turn-on and a source of encouragement. I placed my forearm on the wall above her head, leaning in even closer.

Jericho. Jericho.

Baby, I haven’t had a clue what I was doing since I laid eyes on you. It would have been slick if it weren’t for the tightness in my voice.

She swallowed. Is that so?

God, she was beautiful. That feistiness fighting through her fear. Because I could tell her nervousness had escalated to something closer to panic. I didn’t sense that she was scared of me, because she made no attempt to stop me. But the things I was doing were throwing her. Good. Maybe that’s what I needed her to be. Off-kilter. I pinched her chin lightly, tilting her head a little more. Even her neck drove me crazy, the skin there begging to be kissed. I ran the pad of my thumb along her lips. I had no idea what I was doing. Or what she was doing to me. I looked back and forth between her eyes. That’s so. I slowly moved my lips toward hers, giving her ample opportunity to pull away, reject me, but if anything she came closer. Her quick, heated breaths warmed my skin and made my mouth twitch.

Wha-what are you doing?

My eyelids lowered as I focused on her lips. Kissing you, I think.

Our lips met softly. Not full of urgency yet. It was like I was taking a long drink of something sweet and soothing. She placed her hand on the back of my neck. Her fingernails scraped my skin as she played with my hair, initiating the next kiss.

She broke our liplock and took a breath. We shouldn’t be doing this.

I put some distance between us, feeling the edges of disappointment seeping in.

Anyone could see us here.

Hope glimmered but I tried to keep it at bay. She wasn’t saying we shouldn’t do it at all; she was saying we shouldn’t do it here.

Do you want to go to my dressing room? I fought to keep the pleading out of my voice.

She hesitated, but only for a moment. A smile slid across her face and she nodded rapidly. Yes. Yes I do.

Holy shit.

It’s not like I hadn’t taken anyone to my dressing room before, or even like I hadn’t asked someone to join me as quickly as I had her. But this was different. I may have pretended with the guys that I was all about the women, but I was actually pretty shy. Usually, that is. I couldn’t believe my luck. I stole a few more kisses. Okay. I took her hand and led her down the hall to my dressing room.

Once inside, she dropped her purse on the floor, and I pressed her body against the door to close it. You are so fucking hot.

I am?

She seemed surprised. She didn’t know it? Oh, hell yeah. I trailed my lips and tongue along her neck, and she tilted her head to give me more access. Mmm. Her fingers were buried in my hair now, clutching me. I dropped my hand to her thigh and brought it up, pushing her dress with it. Our actions became more feverish as I reached her ass. I lifted and she got the hint, wrapping her legs around me as we writhed against each other.

Oh, my God. She arched her back, her breasts pushing against my chest. Oh.

Her moans made me hard. Or harder, I’m not sure which. I swung away from the door with her in my arms and took her to the couch. It crossed my mind that maybe I should have locked the door, then I thought, fuck it. I put one knee on the couch, laying her onto the cushions, keeping my body elevated a little to prevent smashing her, but still hold her against me. I soaked the image of her in, beneath me, her lips wet and swollen. Her hair askew. I like your hair messy.

It was like I had no control over my mouth. Things just kept coming out, and I was terrified I would blow this. She lifted her head and I moved away, thinking she was having second thoughts and I was finished. Supported by one elbow, she unclipped something from her hair, then removed pins from it in rapid succession. She shook her hair and gave me a smile. Leaning in, she bit my lower lip lightly before returning to her former position. Her hair fanned out, so silky smooth even though it was up moments before. She stretched behind her and found the table, dropping her hair stuff on it, then brought her hand forward to place it on my shoulder. She drummed her fingers. Now. Where were we?

Holy fuck, I said aloud, my mouth again forming words before I even thought them through. We went at it again, hard, hot, and dirty. Her tongue teased and tempted, coaxing a response where no coaxing was necessary. Our bodies surged against each other, rolling in waves of need.

At first my hand was clamped onto her hip, but I slid it up gradually to cup her breast. She filled it perfectly. I rubbed my thumb across her pert little nipple, my jeans tightening more. I drew back and looked at her for an instant, then dropped my lips to her breast and sucked on her through her dress.

Oh, God, she said again.

I needed her flesh. Needed to taste her. I extended my arms to observe her, both of us panting. Making a decision, I sat, taking her hand and inviting her to rise with me. She watched me again, letting me take the initiative, but eagerly accepting whatever I did. It was massively arousing.

Stand up.

She did what she was told. I still held her hand. I stared into her eyes.

Take your dress off for me. It was somewhere between a plea and a command. The command was in my voice, but I was certain the plea could be read in my eyes.

She hesitated only a second before dropping my hand and lifting her hand to the back of her neck to fight with the zipper. After a few seconds she lowered her gaze, jerking at the dress in frustration.

You need help?

She looked at me and nodded, her cheeks coloring.

No problem, I reassured her. I got to my feet and circled her. She stilled. I pushed her hair over her shoulder then inched the zipper lower, kissing her neck, then her back when it was low enough. I reached the bottom, slipping my hands under the fabric and around her waist, bringing my mouth to her ear. Now... I took her earlobe lightly in my teeth for an instant. ...take it off. Slowly. I released her, telling her as I moved away, I’m getting off on it.

I returned to my seat and she slid it down her arms, shimmying until it was pooled at her feet. What she wore underneath was not as tame as the dress was, which was both surprising yet somehow seemed to fit her actions of the evening. Black underwear, a matching, lacy bra, those garter things and hose. It was amazing. She was amazing. Other girls could have worn the same thing and they would have seemed raunchy, but she was elegant. Classy. Scorchingly sexy. I froze for a second.

She blinked. What? Am I not...? Oh, my God. She bent and frantically gathered her dress around her again.

I jumped off the couch immediately. No. No. Don’t. She became motionless. I cleared my throat. I’m just.... You’re so beautiful, I...I’m kind of stunned.

She surveyed me through narrow eyes. She exhaled and again pulled her dress up. You don’t have to say that. I...understand. It’s okay.

The tears I saw said otherwise. Hey, hey, hey. I softened my voice. Put that down. Please.

After a second of hesitation she dropped it. She crossed her arms over herself and wouldn’t look me in the eye. I hurt for her.

Come here. I took her hips and rocked her into me, caressing the backs of her thighs as I spoke. We don’t have to do this. We can...sit and talk, without doing anything else. Get to know each other. She probably had no interest in that. But now I did for some reason.

You don’t...want me anymore?

I chuckled. Don’t want you? I think you can tell that’s not true. I referenced my straining zipper. But I want this on your terms. I want you to be comfortable with it.

Slowly the corners of her lips lifted. So... She put a knee on the couch next to me and brought the other one up in quick succession. You, she kissed me between each word, do...want...me. Each kiss was priming my engine, and her next words ignited it. My turn to be bossy.

I grinned. Okay.

Her heels hit the floor again. I started to stand with her, and she pushed me down with a frown. No. You. Sit. She waved a hand along her side. It seems I have very little clothing on... She gestured to me. ...while you are still fully clothed. Hardly seems fair. Lose the T-shirt.

I worked my T-shirt off and threw it in the direction of the door.

She ran her hands across my shoulders. Ooh. Better. I jumped when she grabbed the end of my belt. I’ll take care of the belt myself. She undid the buckle and I had to sit forward a bit so she could slide it through the loops. She held the ends together in one hand, the middle in the other, and snapped it. For a moment I thought things were gonna get kinky, but she laughed and tossed it aside. Now... Looking me in the eyes, she unbuttoned and unzipped me, much to my relief. Lift your ass. She worked my jeans over my hips, but left them at the top of my thighs. I about lost it when she slipped her hand into my waist band, took hold of me, and stroked. She made a noise that was part purr, part hum, but definitely a sign of her pleasure.

I sucked in my teeth. Oh. I closed my eyes and threw my head on top of the back of the couch. Ooh, baby. That feels so good.

Her hot little mouth found its way to my neck and rose until she reached below my ear, while she continued her movements between my legs.

Oh, man. She worked me into a stronger and stronger urgency until I sensed, with alarm, that I was on the verge of releasing. Oh, shit. Stop. I scrambled to still her hands.

What? You don’t like it?

No. I do. Too much.

I tried to prevent what was inevitable, but it was too late.

Holy crap. I can’t believe I fucking lost it. What am I? Some kind of amateur, pre-teen pubescent...?

I am so sorry. This never happens.

What? Her brow was furrowed. What doesn’t happen?

I don’t know why she hadn’t caught on. It wasn’t like I was able to be quiet about it. I didn’t look her in the eye. Shit. I usually like to perform for my women before I...get off.

Oh. Oh. Her face drained. I...oh.

Apparently she wasn’t used to it either. It wasn’t like we were in high school anymore. Why couldn’t I control myself? Uhh...I should go...uhh... She wasn’t moving so I had to kind of slide around her. I’ll be right back. I shuffled to the bathroom, berating myself the entire way. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Idiot. I hurried to clean up, and when I opened the door to leave she was reaching for the dressing room door knob. Her dress was on and zippered most of the way. She was cutting out? Where the hell are you going?

Now it was she not making eye contact with me. I thought...I thought I was supposed to leave.

With any other girl, yes. But I don’t want you going anywhere.

I crossed to her, holding her gaze when she finally lifted her head. I’m not done with you, I said distinctly.

She lowered her voice. But I thought you...you know....

"I might be done, I glided my hand along her hip. But I’m not done with you."

She blinked and her purse hit the floor with a thud. Our mouths crashed together.

Voices sounded on the other side of the door and we jumped apart. Zane and Rafe, our bassist, were laughing with Al about something. I’m not sure what Al’s official title is, but he’s our everything man. Kind of like a personal assistant, although I’m pretty sure he would hate that term. Jericho’s voice was closer. He was one of the best damned guitarists I’d ever seen, but right now he was sweet-talking some groupie.

Yeah, I saw you in the crowd and wanted to meet you. That halter top really made you stand out.

She giggled and said something to him, which I didn’t catch, but I could tell the beautiful angel with me was listening to her too. Suddenly I didn’t want to be there with her anymore. I wanted to set her apart from all the shit that happens backstage.

Do you want to go to my hotel room and talk for a little while?

She peered at me for a second, then cast a look at the door, as if she could see through it with laser vision. I don’t know. Maybe I should—

I rolled a shoulder. It’s just that things can get pretty rowdy back here. The guys will probably come in and interrupt us...I want to get to know you.

She hesitated. Maybe she was like all the other groupies, simply wanting to get laid by a rock star. But something told me she wasn’t. The dress, for one. And her nervousness. Although she had moments of sheer confidence, like when she snapped my belt.

I’m not sure Zane would be okay with that.

I didn’t want to hear about Zane. I released her and took a step away. I didn’t realize you needed to ask Zane for permission. My voice held an ugly edge.

She stared at me with her mouth hanging open for a second then glanced at the door again before returning her gaze to me. Her jaw stiffened. You know what, I don’t. I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions. Let’s go.

Did I hear her right? Did she agree to come to my hotel room with me?

You’ll go with me?

She smiled. Yeah. Let’s go.

I exhaled and tension left my body. You don’t have to ask me twice.

I helped her get zipped the rest of the way, threw my T-shirt on, and opened the door. Moving into the hall, I spotted Zane and Rafe talking to that friend again. She was right on my heels, so I nearly bowled her over when I backed up. Whatever the girl’s relationship was with Zane, I didn’t want a jealous Zane on my hands. When he was in a mood, he could be downright scary.

Is Zane out there? she whispered, as I shut the door. I don’t want him to see me.

That makes two of us.

I don’t want any of them to see us. I’ll have to answer questions, and what we do isn’t any of their business. Jericho wasn’t shy when it came to discussing his sexual exploits. It wasn’t like he bragged about them, but interesting things always seemed to happen to him, and they made for good stories. I, on the other hand, was more private. Or maybe I hadn’t learned to trust them with certain parts of my life yet. But this is the only way out. Voices still permeated the door, but I wasn’t picking up on any of my band members’ anymore. I cracked the door again and peered through the opening. People were milling around, but I didn’t see my boys. Wait. I’ll make sure the coast is clear. I casually stepped into the hall and checked to my left and to my right. I leaned back in. Come on. I took her hand and led her forward. She hunched her shoulders and stayed close to me. We tiptoed past Rafe’s dressing room, and Jericho’s. Noises were coming from it that could only be him and the girl who was with him going at it. The exit door was only sixty or so feet away. I chanced a peek behind us. No one was looking our direction. I grinned at her. Come on. Let’s go.

CHAPTER TWO

Tatum

We burst out of the exit door, and Dex whooped like a lone coyote on a hilltop, the sound echoing off the building. We’d run the rest of the way down the hall like two truant school kids and our departure escaped detection from all.

Yes! We made it. Dex held his arm up for me to twirl under.

I gasped for air, still laughing, feeling lighter than I had in...forever. He had this ease about him that I found attractive. Not to mention one hell of a body, great hair, and these blue eyes that reflected light in an intensely sexy way. His eyes were what made me fall from grace. When he looked at me a certain way, I went into what I called automatic yes mode.

He pushed his hair from his face. He wore it long on top and I knew sometimes, like tonight, he simply let if fall in straight, sleek lines. Sometimes he would use product to flip it back and tousle it, as I saw in an interview in Rolling Stone magazine. The picture covered an entire page, and it was what first stirred the lust in my blood.

"This is your new drummer?"

Zane and I were seated at the kitchen table. He leaned forward to take a peek at the photo. Yeah.

Holy cow.

What? He was visiting with Whitney at the other end of the table but now turned his attention fully to me. You think he’s hot or something?

Hot? Hot doesn’t even come close. Flaming, scorching, sizzling...

Smoking, Whitney added.

Smoking, blazing—

Zane waved a hand. All right already. I get the picture.

Whit, come over here. You’ve got to see this.

She got up and meandered my way. You forget, I’ve seen him in person.

"Oh,