MicheleVillery
CoverDesignbyMelodySimmonsofeBookindiecovers
SmashwordsEdition
ALLRIGHTSRESERVED
NoPartofthisbook
canbereproduced,scannedordistributedinanyprintedorelectronicform
withouttheauthor’spermission.
Thesestoriesareaworkoffiction.
Names,characters,
placesandincidencesareoftheauthor’s
imaginationandusedfacetiously.Anyresemblancetoanyactualpersonslivingordead,eventsor
locales,iscoincidental.
ChapterOneThelongtimecouple
writhedwithpassionthroughtheirsatinsheets.
WhileChrisKnight’ssofthandsjourneyedtheirwaytowardthesmallofGabrielleTrent’sback,shegroanedwithpleasureatthefeelofhistouchagainstherdampenedskin.Theloveofhislifegave
intotheinevitableassheturnedherselftowardhim,lockingherblueeyesontohis.
Onthebrink,hisdescentbegan;hissteelgrayeyesneverwaveredfromtheirhungeredgaze.Whilehemouthedthewords,“Iloveyou,”hishandpartedhertonedthighs.
Chris’swollencockachedforher.“OhmyGod,Chris!”
shemoaned.Hismemberstrainedwith
desireatherentrance,itwassomethinghecouldnolongercontain.Inoneswiftmove,heplantedhimselfdeepinsideher.Thecouplerockedinunison.Theclosenessthetwosharedwastheonethingtheycherishedmostabouttheirrelationship.Witheachdaythatpassed,Chrisfoundhimselfmoreinlovewithhis
girlfriend.Theirpassionsconsumed
them,sendingthetwoofthemintoaviolentclimax
Desiregavewaytoexhaustion;exhaustiongavewaytobliss.
Severalminuteslater,Christookhimselfoutofherandfellnexttoherinasweatyheap.Asherakedhisshoulder-lengthbrownhairfromhisface,heglancedat
hisgirlfriendwithamischievousgrin.“WhooGabby,thatwas-”
Sheplayfullysmackedhimonhisshoulder.
“OhmyGod,Chris!ThatwasNOTsupposedtohappen!”
Chrislaughedaloudandwinkedather.“Baby,whynot?Wearecommittednow,aren’twe?Whatelsearewesupposedtodowhenwe
fight?”Gabriellelookedather
guywhocontinuedtolaugh.Theunapologeticsmirkhehadonhisfacewasenoughtomakeherwanttoslaphim.
“I’mstillpissedatyou!”Shequipped.
Turninghimselftofaceher,hecontinuedtolaughloudly.
“Overwhat?Whyareyoustillmadatthat?”
“Please,youknowwhy,Chris.”
“Gabby,myfansarewhatapartofwhatfuelsmyliving.”
Gabriellesighedasshepushedbackherlongblondecurls.Withherplumpbreastsfullyexposedsheleanedagainstthebedpost.
“Iknow.Tobehonest,it’snotthem.However,Idowonderifyouhavetogoas
farwithsomeofthemasyoudo.Iswearyouenjoytheattentiontheygiveyou.”
Smoothingouttheendofhercurls,heattemptedtoreassureherthattheflirtationswereapartofhisperformance.Nothingmore,nothingless.
“I’mnotgoingtolie.Itisflattering.Don’tyoulikeattention,babe?”Chrisaskedher
“Formystories?Sure.”“Okthen.Yougetting
acclaimforwritingaboutotherrockersbyreadersoryourpeersisnodifferentfrommeflirtingandsingingtoayoungfan.It’sajob.ThebandandIhavebeenblessedwithatremendousopportunitywithKnight’sArmorthatIwouldn’tchangefortheworld.”
Gabbylookeddownathis
slenderfingersastheycontinuedtoplaywiththeendsofhercurls.Withhisindexfinger,heliftedherchintowardhim,beforehecontinued.“Who’sherewithyounow,Gabby?”
“Youare.Igetit.Justtrynottoenjoyitsomuch,okay?”shetoldhimwithasmirk.
“I’malwaysgoingtobehereforyou.YouandIhavebeenthroughsomuchthatI
don’tunderstandwhyyou’dquestionthatafterallthistime.Iloveeverythingaboutyou.Fromthewayyousnore,tohowmynamesoundswhenitrollsoffyourtongue.YouwriteforRocklineMagazineforcryingoutloud.Thereisn’tanyonethatknowsmorethanyoudothatI’mdoingmyjob.Iwillsay,IdidthinkitwasfunseeingyousquirmabitwhileIwas
flirtingearlier,”heretortedwithanimpishgrin.
Shesmiled.“Asshole.”“Youarehometome.
There’sisn’tanyoneelseIwant.”
“No?”sheasked.“Nope,”Chrissaid.Gabriellechuckledasher
fingersbegantoplaywithhisfiveo’clockshadow.
“OkayRockstar,roundonewasyours.”
“Thatround?Baby,betweenthemandus,I’llwinthefuckingwar,”Christoldher.
Curious,Gabrielleputherhanddown.SheraisedhereyebrowsininterestoverChris’words.
“Yeah?Howareyougoingtodothat?”
Deepinthought,Chrispursedhislips.Gabriellehadnoideawhathewasthinking.
Momentslater,herboyfriend’strademarkgrin,spannedfromeartoear.
“I’llbetyouthatIcanseduceyou.”
Gabriellestartedlaughing.Shehadknownhimforyears.Theywerebestfriendsfirstbeforefinallybecomingacoupleoverayearago.Shehadobservedsomeofherboyfriend’spreviousattemptsatseductionwithothers,and
allhadfailedmiserably.Inheropinion,therewasn’talineChriscouldusethatwouldinstantlygetherintobed.Yet,it’dbeentertainingtoseehimtry.
“Yeahright.Whatanarrogantassyouare.Justbecausewe’retogetherandyou’reaninternationalrockstar,doesn’tmeanI’mgoingtodropeverythingandhavesexwithyouonthespot.
Keepdreaming!”“Betyoudo.Andwehave
todoitanywhere.”Gabrielleshookherhead
withaflatretort,“Idon’tthinkso.I’vebeenwithyouforawhilenow.I’mnothavingsexwithyouinthosevenues.Acoupleofthemaredisgusting.”
Chrisletoutanenormousbellylaugh.“Okay,someplaces,well,theyare,I
admit...Alittleinteresting.ButIguesswecankeepthistoourhotelroomorontheplane.”
“Hmm…joiningtheMileHighClubdoessoundintriguing,”shesaidtohimasshegotupandsatonthefootofthebed.Puttingononeofhisfootballjerseys,shecontinuedtotaunthimwhileshepulledherblondemassofcurlsoutofthejersey.“Okay
Knight,IbetyouthatIwon’tbackdown.Goaheadanddowhatyoudowithyourfans.It’llbefunseeingyoutrysomeofyourBSonme.”
“Waitaminute.WhatdoIwin?”Chrisasked.
Herblueeyessuddenlynarrowedwithaseriousgaze.Shelookedathimforseveralsecondsbeforeshetookinadeepbreath,herpetitebodyseemingtoinflatewiththe
weightofherproposal.“I’vegottagotoeachandeveryhomegamethattheNewYorkGiantshavethisfall.”
Chris’jawdroppedforamoment.Thiswasnewsindeed.Gabriellehatedanythingandeverythingthathadtodowithfootball.
“You’recatchingflieswithyourmouthopenlikethat,Chris,”Gabbyquipped.
“Holyshit!Youhate
football!”“Nokidding,”shesaid.“Evenwithabrotherwho
isaformerNFLprobowlplayer,Ineverunderstoodhowandwhyyouhatedthegamesomuch.”
Gabbysighed.“Maybe,it’sbecauseasakidit’sallI’dhearabout24/7.Areyougoingtomakemechangemymind?”sheasked.
Hisgrayeyeswerefullof
disbelief.Hehadtoaskheroncemore.“Allthehomegames?Everylastoneofthem?”
Shesaidwithasharpreply,“Youarenotdeaf.That’swhatIsaid.Helldidn’tfreezeover.”
Chriswaslaughingsohardthatheputhisheadfacedowninhispillow.Gabriellelookeduptowardtheceilingandrolledhereyesbeforeshe
continuedtopleadwiththealmighty.“Godhelpme,ifIdon’twin,thisfallwillbethelongestever.”
Lookingdownather,heleanedhisbackagainstthebedpostandtuckedhishairaroundhisears.
“Oh,thisisgoingtobesomuchfun!”hetoldher.
”OkayMr.Knight.You’resocreative.Tellme,whatdoIwin?”
Theendlessideasthatwouldappeaseherconsumedhim.Besidesfootball,shelikedthesamethingsashim.Buttherewasonethingthathehadneverdonebeforethatwouldtestthewatersofhisabilitiesifsheweretowin.
Hehadnevertakentimeoff.Notever.Writing,performing,cametohimlikebreathing.Histrademarksmileturnedsolemn.
“Hmmm.Letmesee.Ifyouwin,afterthistour,yougetmehomeforthenexttwoyears.”
Gabrielle’seyesnowwidened.Shehadneverknownhimnottobeperformingorrecordingsomething.“Really?”sheasked.
Chrisnodded.“I’lltakeacoupleofyearsoff.I’llbeChrisKnight,boyfriend,best
friend…hopefullyfuturehusband.Can’tyouseemedoingthelawnorfixingapipeinthebathroominthathugenewbeachhouseofours?”
“Nope,sorryIcan’t,”sheteased.“Doyouevenknowhowtouseahammer?”
Hecrawledtothefootofthebed.Hebegantoplaywithherpedicuredtoeswhileshetouchedthetopofhis
head.“Thehammerthatcounts?
Absolutely.”Hemovedclosertoherin
anattempttokissher.Shequicklyplacedherhandinfrontofhisface.
Sheyawned,crawlingpasthimtogetunderneaththecovers.“Oooh.I’mbeginningtogetsleepyafterallthatpoundingagainstyourhammer.Youknowhoney
thiswasabrilliantidea.Youshouldgetsomesleep.You’llneeditforallyourseductiontactics.Goodnight.”Sheturnedpromptlywithherbacktowardhissideofthebed.
Helookedatherwithablankstare.WhatinthehelldidIjustgetmyselfinto?
ChapterTwoAcoupleofnightslater,
ChrishadGabriellepickedupandflowntoVegas.Hisband,Knight’sArmor,waswrappinguptheWestCoastdatesoftheirtourattheMGMGrand.
Whilewaitingtolandattheairport,Gabriellebegantolookatanemeraldring
encircledwithdiamondsthatsheandChriscalled‘TheFriendshipRing’.Takingitoffherfinger,shereadtheinscription,‘Youaremyeverything.LoveChris.’
Gabrielle’sthoughtsspunaroundChrisandthatbet.Theloveofherlifewasbeautifulnotonlyontheoutside,butalsoontheinside.Asshereminiscedabouttheirpast,she
wonderedifshecouldactuallywinafterall.
ThetwoofthemmetyearsagoinasleepylittletowntheybothlivedincalledBedford,NewYork.Chriswasatalocalclubtryingoutforhisrecorddeal,andshewasafresh-out-of-collegeinternatthenation’shottestmusicmagazine,Rockline.Whenanotherreporteratthelastminuteoptedoutof
writingafeaturewiththeband,Gabriellesteppedinandwentontourwiththem.Herweeklyfeature,‘DiaryStories’ontheband’sdebuttour,notonlybecameacriticalsuccessforher,butalsosecuredKnight’sArmorasoneofthetopbandsintheworld.
Withmoresuccesscamebetrayals.FirstwithChrisfiringofhisoneofbest
friendsandmanagerwhostoleacoupleofmilliondollarsfromhim,followedbyGabrielle’sviolentrelationshipwithanex-boyfriend.TheclosefriendshipthatcultivatedbetweenChrisandherfromthesesharedincidentsturnedintomorethanshecouldhaveimaginedoverthelastyear.
Shediscoveredalotaboutherselffrombeingwithhim.
Strongintheworldofjournalism,whereyouneedatoughskin,Chrisshowedherthatitwasokaytobevulnerablewhensheneededtobe.Whenherexboyfriend,attemptedtore-enterherlife,itwasChristhatsheleanedonforsupportandsecurityduringahardemotionaljourney.
Asshecontinuedtolookatherring,herwishtoChris’
fanswasthattheycouldseethemansheloved.Oneofthesweetest,caringandmostgenerousmenthatwalkedtheearth,however,thepoormancouldn’tcookifhetried.
Shelookedoutthewindowandwatchedherplanelandandtaxitowarditsdebarkingspot.Waitingforhereagerlywastheband’sengineerandclosefriend,SamMarino.
Aportlymaninhislate40s,Sam,wasshortwithblackhairandbrowneyes.Pleasedtoseehisfriend,hisfacebeamedwithjoywhileholdingherhandasshegotofftheplane.
“Gabby,I’msogladyoumadeit!”
Knownforhisquickwitandmusicalear,Chrisandthebandreliedonhimimmenselywhenthey
recordednewmaterial.Constantlyaskedbyothergroupstohelpcrafttheirsound,SammadethedecisionyearsagoworkexclusivelywithKnight’sArmor.
Withherhairfeelingasifithadalifeonitsown,shesmiledatSamwarmlyassheletgoofhishandandbegantopullherlongmaneintoaponytail.“Thankyou,Sam.
Howareyou?”“Good.Realgood.Did
youhaveaniceflight?”“Suredid.It’sprettycool
notbuyingaticket,”shequipped.“GuessI’mstillgettingusedtoallofthis.”
”MydearGabby,you’llnevergetusedtoit.We’veallbeendoingthisnowforyearsandsometimes,youjusthavetowonder.”
“Aboutfans?”sheasked.
”Allofit.Thefans.Thetours,theCDsales.Thebloggersonsocialmediagivingtheiropinionsonthingstheyhaven’ttheslightestclueabout.Thekidswiththeircellphonecameraswhowanttobepaparazzisobadthey’rewillingtoinsultyoutoplacethousandsofdollarsintheirpocket.Don’tgetmewrong,thankGodChrisandthebandare
performingtogiveusthelifestylewehave,buttherearedayswhereIwonderaboutpeople.”
“Can’tchangepeopleortheiractions,butyoucanchangehowyoudealwiththem.WhatIloveaboutthebandishowtheywon’tplaytotrends.Theyarewhotheyareanddon’tapologizeforit.Aftercoveringalotbandsforseveralyearsnow,Ican
honestlysaythatKnight’sArmoristhemostauthenticbandoutthere.PeoplewillalwayswonderwhatmakesChrisandthebandtick.”
“He’samazingisn’the?”Samasked.
“Indeedheis.Iamthankfulforhimeveryday,”shesaid.
“Idotoo.Forhissheercompanyalone,”Samjoked.
Gabriellebegantolaugh
asthetwoofthemwalkedovertoablackSUVandgotin.
“Canyoukeepasecret,Sam?”sheaskedastheSUVspedawayfromtheairport.
“HemaytotrytokillmeifheknewIknewsomething,butIthinkIcantakehim,”Samquipped.
“Chrisisbettingmethathecanuseoneofhispatentedlinesthatheusesonfansto
getmeintobed,”Gabriellesaid.
Samlaughed.“Whatifhewins?”
Gabriellerolledhereyesatthethoughtofherpunishment.
“Igottagotoeveryfreakin’Giantshomegamethisfall.”
Samlaughedevenharder.“Itakeityoustillhatefootball?”
“Yep!”Shesmirked.“Whatifyouwin?”Sam
asked.“Hesaidthathe’dstop
touringforawhileandbeastay-at-homeboyfriend.Heevenmentionedthewords‘futurehusband.’”
Samlookedstunned.“Gabby,I’veneverknown
himtonotwrite,singorplay.Notforalongperiodoftime.Chris,atalltimes,isspilling
outhissoulwithabeer,notebookandaGibsonguitar.Areyousurehereallythoughtthisthrough?Idon’tknowifIcanseehimsittingidleathome.Rememberwhenhetriedtocookforyouthatonetime?”
Gabriellelaughed.“DearGod!Ithoughtourwholeblockwasgoingtogoupinsmoke.”
“Andthatwasonlyan
omelet,”Samadded.“Couldyouimagineifhemadeyouspaghettiorroastbeef?”
Gabriellethoughtaboutitbrieflyandlaughed.“I’mtooscaredtofindout.”
SamlookedoutthewindowandsawtheMGMGrandsignoutfrontofthecasino.TheSUVstopped.
“We’rehere,babe.”Thetwogotoutofthe
SUVandwalkedbackstage.
Friendsandlong-timeemployeesofthebandgreetedGabriellewithhugsandhandshakes.
Sambroughthertotheband’sdressingroomdoor.Openingit,GabriellesawChris’leadguitaristTateMastersonwhoappearedtobetalkingonthephone.SittingacrossfromhimwaskeyboardistEricRychert,drummerDaveOsborn,and
bassistRedmondCage,allskimmingthroughtrademagazines.
“Heygirlswe’rehere!”Samsaid.
Tateslammedthephonereceiverdownonthephone.Hetuckedhislongblond[A1]hairaroundhisears,hisblueeyesdancedwithjoywhenhesawGabrielle.“MySister!”heyelledashewalkedoverandgaveherahug.
Headingtowardthedoor,Samsaidtotheothers,”Gabby’shere!”
Withsurprisedexpressions,Dave,Redmond,andEricallgreetedandhuggedheraffectionately.Theywerelikebrotherstoher.Theyadoredher;sheadoredthem.Minuteslater,ChriswalkedoutofthebathroomwearingawhitetanktopwiththeNewYork
Giantslogofrontandcenteralongwithapairofbluejeansandsneakers.
Beforewalkingout,Sambeganlaughing.Gabrielleeyesnarrowed.
Chrisgrinnedfromeartoear.“What’supeverybody?ReadytogiveVegasashow?”
Samcontinuedtolaugh.Notknowingthatheknew,Chrislookedathislongtime
friendwithaconfusedlookonhisface.
“OhChris,thisislow,”Samsaid.
Chrisraisedhiseyebrows,feigninginnocenceashelookedaroundhimandbackatGabby..
“What’slow?”heaskedGabriellerolledhereyes.
Shewalkedovertoherpartnerandplantedakissfirmlyonhislips.Abruptly,
shebrokefreefromhim.ShelookedoveratSam.
“Sam,itsokay.”Samsmirked.“Yeah?”Chriswaswipinghis
mouthashecontinuedtolistentohisgoodfriendandgirlfriend.Hepretendedtohavenoideaofwhatwasgoingon.
Gabriellecontinued.“Definitely.Lethimplayallthelittlegameshewants.It’s
goingtobefuntosay‘no’toRocklineMagazine’sSexiestRockStar.”
Chris’eyesnarrowedwithconfusionatherandSam.Hetookadeepbreathandshruggedhisshoulders.
“WhatareyoutalkingaboutGabby?”heasked
Headingtowardthedoor,sheturnedandsmiledsarcasticallyatherbeau.
“That’saniceshirthoney.
Guys,haveagreatshow!”Chrislookeddownathis
shirtandflashedawidegrin.“Ohthisthing?”Chris
continued.“Youlikemyshirt,Gab?We’regoingtohavesomuchfunatallthosehomegamesthisfall.Justyouandme.”
Shecouldn’thelpbutletoutachucklebeforeshereplied,“I’mdyingtoseeyouwithahammerandnails
aroundthehouse.Letmeaskyou,doyouevenknowwhatapowertoolis?“
Hewalkedovertoherandwhisperedinherear.“Ifyoulike,I’llbemorethanhappytoshowyouwhatmydrillandhammercando…aftertheshow.”
Chriskissedhisgirlfriendontheforehead.Gabriellemumbledaninaudibleandwalkedoutthedoor.Chris
ChapterThreeThesell-outcrowdloved
Knight’sArmorasmuchasthebandlovedperformingforthem.Theywereanenthusiasticandspiritedcrowdtosaytheleast.
Intheband’seyeline,theynoticedthatthisevening,thewomenwerelookingespeciallybeautiful.The
audiencehungonChris’everywordashewalkedalongacustom-builtcircularrampwithitssteelpathweavedaroundthecircumferenceofthetheatre.
Gabrielleadmiredherboyfriend’sperformanceasChrismadememoriesforhisfansbyholdinghandsanddancingwiththegirls..
DuringonefaninteractionoftheKnight’sArmorclassic
ballad‘NightMoves’,ChrismadehiswayovertotheleftsideofthestagerampwhereleadguitaristTateMastersonplayed.Henoticedoutofthecornerofhiseye,ayoungwomaninherearlytwentiestakingphotosofhimashewentpasthisbandmateandaroundtheramp.Slappingthehandsoffansalongwithway,hedecidedtoshocktheyoungwomanbystopping
rightinfrontofher.Paralyzed,theyounglady
stoppedtakingphotosandstaredattheleadsinger.
“Waitaminute!Waitaminute!”Hetoldthecrowdasthebandwentintoaninstrumentalversionofthesong.Thecrowderuptedathearinghimspeak.
Chrissmiledwithkindnessatthepetiteyoungwomaninfrontofhim.Stillmotionless,
hepulledheruponstageandtheaudienceroared.Nervous,theyoungphotographertoyedwithherlong,brownhair.HeroliveskincomplimentedthegoldKnight’sArmortanktopandbluejeansshewore.Tosubdueheruneasiness,heplacedonearmaroundherandpointedatthecamerashehadinherhand.
“Hi,howareyou.Whatdowehavehere?”heasked
Thewomanwasspeechless.Heronlyactionsweretonodinacknowledgement,wave,smile,andgivehimthecamera.
Thecrowdthunderedwithlaughter.“Mmmm.Okay?Itakeittherearesomepicsofmeinhere?”Chrisaskedher.
Feelingherfacegrowhotfromembarrassment,shetoldhim.“Yes.AndofTate.”
ThecrowdscreamedloudlyforTate,whosalutedtheyoungwomanandrestofthecrowdwithawave.
Chrislookedupathisgoodfriendandleadguitarist,thenpointedathim.“LookatMastersonwiththefans!Isupposethere’ssomepicturesinhereofRychert,OsbornandCagetoo?”heasked
Thefansnickeredandreplied,“No.”
“No?There’snopicsoftheminhere,baby?”Thewoman’sbreathbecameshallowasshelistenedtotheleadsinger’shuskyvoice.HerlargebrowneyeswereaswideassaucerswhensheglancedintoChris’eyes.Ittookeverythinginhertoopenhermouthtoanswerhisquestion.“No,youandTatearemyfavorites.”Shelookedoverattheotherguysand
flashedaweaksmileatthethree.“Sorryguys.”
Thescreamscontinuedfollowedbyalone,butaudiblemarriageproposalforRedmondCage.
Chrislaughedatthemarriageproposalwhilehetriedtofigureouthowtoworkthecamera.“WhileCagemullsoverhisweddingproposal,areyoutakingatleastgoodpicturesofme?”
Stillspeechless,thewomannoddedyes.
Despitethescreams,Chriskepttryingtofigureouthowtoadvancethecameraframes.
“Letmeseenow...Howdoyouadvancethisthing?”heasked
Withplayfulinterest,Chriswatchedherinstructhimonusingtheadvancebuttononthecamera’s
playbackmenu.Chriswasdefinitely
havingfunwithhisyoungfan.Thefactthatshewaseasyontheeyesdidn’thurteither.Outofthecornerofhiseye,hecouldn’thelpbuttoadmirethewoman’sslenderbodyandvoluptuousbreaststhatseemedasiftheyweregoingtospilloutandoverhertanktop.
Althoughhewasvery
muchinlovewithGabrielle,thesingerhadtoremindmyselfforasecondthathewasnolongerabletoactasifhewereakidinacandystore.
EnjoyingthepicturesofbothheandTate,heleanedoverandgaveherpeckonthecheek.“Thanks.babe.Iwishtherewereawaytoshowthesetoeveryone.Thesearegood.Hey,doyoumindifI
takeacoupleofpics?”“No,goahead,”she
replied.Whenhepointedthe
cameraattheaudience,thecrowdwentwild.“Saycheese!”hesaidashepressedtheshootbutton.Astheflashwentoff,helookedbackatthephoto,whichdidn’tturnoutsowell.“Whoa,shouldIhaveusedthatflash?”heaskedher.
“NoChris.Withthelightsonfromthisvantagepoint,it’llmakethepicturesdarker,”shesaid.
“Well,now.Let’strythisagain.”Pressingthenon-flashbuttonasthecrowderupted,Chrispointedthecameraattheaudienceandbandmembers,snappingframeafterframeforseveralseconds.
Whilethebandcontinued
toplayinstrumentally,Chriscontinuedhisflirtationswiththegirl.
“Okay.Let’sseeifitworkedthistime,”hetoldher.
Onthejumboscreen,thecrowdfollowedasChrisadvancedthecameraintothenextframe.Hesmiledinapproval.“Allright.Ididokaywiththisthing.HowdoyouthinkIdid?”
“YourpicsaregreatChris,”shesaidindisbeliefoverwhatwasoccurring.
Chrisgavethecamerabacktoher.“Yourpicsaregood.Verygood.Thanksforshowingthemtome.”
Heslowlybegantowalkbackuptowardthestagebutthenunexpectedly,heturnedandwalkedovertoheragain.“Waitaminute,youknowwhat?Canyoudomea
favor?”heasked.“Sure,”shesaid.“Canyoutakeapictureof
meandmygirlfriend?She’sneverbeenupherebeforeandshelovesthisshirtI’mwearing.So,Ithoughtthatsinceshewasbackstagetonight,it’dbenicetogetapictureofustogetherdoingwhatIdobest.”Heproppedanotherkissonthewoman’sforeheadandwinkedather.
Thegirlnoddedinapproval.
“Okay.”Thecrowderuptedwith
thunderousapplause.Fromthecornerofthestage,GabriellelookedatChrisinhorror.Chrissnickered.HemotionedforGabrielletocomeout.“C’mon,babe.”Standingonthesideofthestage,Gabriellefoldedherarmsandyelled,“No!”
“Ohc’mon,they’renotgonnabite.Everyone,thisismygirlGabrielle.C’mon,”hesaidwithawinkofhiseye.
Shemouthedthewords,“Ass!”
Chrislaughed.“Hereshecomes.”
Petrified,shewalkedonstage.Thethoughtofsomanyeyesonher,scaredhersenseless.Meetingherhalfwayupthestage,Chris
metherwithsecurityintowasfanswerebeginningtotugathiseverybodypartwhilehewalkedtheramp.
“Unreal!”Gabrielletoldhiminhisearasthetwoofthembothmadetheirwaybackdownthestepsandtowardthewoman
“Baby,sayhitoeveryone,”Hetoldher.
AllGabriellecoulddowaswavetotheaudience.She
alsowavedtothebandthatcontinuedtoplaydespitetheirleadsinger’sshenanigans.
“Okay,nowthatwegotthatallouttheway.Thisyoungwomanisniceenoughtotakeourpicture.”
Gabriellenoddedandsmiledattheyoungwoman.
“Great!Okay,ready?”Chrisaskedthegirl.
Thegirlenthusiastically
noddedyes.Chrisputhisarmaround
Gabrielleandproppedaquickkissontopofherhead.Thecoupleflashedasmileasthegirltookonephotoafteranotherofthetwoofthem.Whenthegirlfinished,Chriswalkedovertoher.“Okay.Howdotheylook?”heasked.
HenoticedthatGabriellehadquicklyfollowedhimandwaslookingoverhis
shoulder.Theaudienceandthebandbegantolaughhysterically.ChristurnedtoGabrielleandsmiled.“Youknowforsomeonewhodidn’twanttocomeouthere,yousuddenlyareallinterestedinwhat’sgoingonouthere,”hesnickered.
Gabriellenodded.“Yep.MayIseethose,hon?”sheaskedthewoman.
GivingGabriellethe
camera,thewomanletherandChrisseethephotos.“Nice”Hetoldthephotographerashelookedthroughthecameraimageswithpride.ShowingGabriellethephotoshetook,sheappearedimpressed.“Seebabe.Itookthese,”hetoldher.
“Thesearenice,Chris.Youknow,photographyisagoodhobbytolookintowhen
yougoonbreak.”Gabriellesaidwithawink.Chrisrolledhiseyesatherstatement.“Thinkofallthesightsyoucantakephotosofwhilewe’reonvacation.”Sheteasedasshecontinuedtolookthroughthephotos.
“Yourphotosaregreattoo,hon,”Gabrielletoldtheyoungwoman.
Chrissmiledatthephotographer.“We’lltakeall
ofthem.”Theyoungwoman
squealedwithjoy.“SureChris,I’llgivethem
toyou!”“Thanks!”Chrissaid.“Thankyou.They’re
great,”Gabrielletoldhergivingthewomanakisssmackdeadonthelips.
Chrisraisedhiseyebrowswithsurprise.
Gabriellewalkedupthe
stageandwavedgoodbyetotheaudience.Thecrowdapplaudedenthusiasticallyandsecuritybroughttheyoungwomanbacktoherseat.Chrisshookhisheadinamusement.HeturnedtoTate.“Man,didmywomanjustupstageme?”
Hisleadguitaristlaughed.“Shesureashelldid!”
“Tate,ifthishadbeenonTV,I’dbeoutofafreakin’
ChapterFourAfteracoupleofnightsof
realizingthathiseffortsthusfarhadbeenfruitless,ChriswasimpressedwithGabby’sabilitytosayno.
Hewassopassionatewhenitcametoher.Helovedeverypartofher.Hersmell,hertaste,andthewayshemovedbeneathhim.Tomake
love,allitwouldusuallytakewouldbeawink,nodortheslightesttouch.InthemiddleofoneoftheirVegasshows,Chriswenttochangehisshirtbackstagewhenashort-of-breathSamranovertohim.
“HeySam,what’sup?ChangingquicklywhileTate’sdoingasolo,”Chrissaiddryinghimselfoffwithatowelandgulpingthroughhalfabottleofwater.
Winded,Samasked,“Heyyourememberthatgirlfromtheothernight,theonethatyouweretakingpictureswith?“
Puttingonanewtanktop,Chrisnodded.“Yeah.”
“Wellshe’shere.ShehasthosephotosthatyouwantedofyouandGabby.”
Chrisgrinnedashesprintedtowardthestage.
“Ohcool.Whydon’tyou
justgetthemfromherandletherwatchtheshowbackstage?I’llbebacktotalktoheraftertheshow.”
“WantmetocallGabby?”AsChriswentbythe
woman,henotonlyrememberedhowGabriellekissedheronthelips,buthecouldnothelpbuttostillnoticehowbeautiful,theyoungwomanwas.Wearinganoutfitsimilartowhatshe
hadonacoupleofnightsprior,histhoughtsturnedtothewoman,thentoGabby...andsuddenlybacktohimself.Gabrielle’skisswiththeyoungphotographerbegantoplayoutinhisquickdaydreamwitharesultthathewasgratefulforwearingalongtankcoveringhisswellingmember.WouldGabbybeintoathreesome?Wouldshedoitforme?
Chrisacknowledgedthewomanbynoddinghisheadandsmiling.Shegrinnedbackfromeartoear.
“No.Don’tcallher.I’lltakecareofthismyself.Makesurethisgirlstaysbackstageok?”ChristoldSamashesprintedtothestage.Hecouldn’thelpbutwonderfortherestofthenighthowGabbywouldreacttoathreesome.
***Asthebandcontinued
theirshowattheMGMGrand,Gabrielledecidedskiptheevening’sshowtotalkwithherolderbrother,Tyler,viaphone.
Tyler,whowasalsooneofChris’bestfriends,askedhissisterontheotherendofthephone,“YouonlysawChrisplayoncesinceyou’vebeenthere?”
Lookingatthecalendar,sherealizedthathertimewasrunningoutquickly.
“IguesssoTyler.I’vebeenhereforaweeknowandhadnoclue.I’vebeenhangingoutwithmyoldfriendsatRocklineandordoingotherstuff.We’rehereforanothershowsoI’llprobablygotothat.I’llmakesuretohaveChrisandTatecallyou.You’remissing
somegreatgambling.thistimeout.”
“Areyoubreakingeven?Ihavetogoanyway.Ihaveadate.ItisValentine’sDay,youknow.”
“Shit!Itis?“Gabrielle’seyesopenedwide.“OhGod.ItotallyforgotitwasValentine’sDay.Andthisbetthing?Idon’tknow.Well,I’mactuallyaheadmoneywiseatthetables.Iwona
fewhandsofBlackjack,”shesaidassheplacedherhandoverhermouth.
“Bet?Whatbet?”Tylerasked.
“IthoughtI’dtoldyou.Trustme,it’sprobablybetterthatyoudon’tknow.You’dlaugh,”shetoldhimasshebegantoplaywithherhair.
Shecouldhearlaughterontheotherendofthephone.“Oh,thismustbegood…
spill,sis,”herbrotherpleaded.
“Chrisbetmethathecouldgetmeintobedwithoneofhistrademarkmaneuvers.”
Tylerlaughedhystericallyontheotherend.“OhmyGod.Hemustbehornierthanagoat.Hesucksathittingonwomen.Nodisrespect,sis.”
Gabbylookedatthephonereceiverandrolledhereyesat
herbrother.“He’ssweetwhenhe’shimself,notwhenhe’stherockpersonaeveryoneelseknows.Maybeit’sfunnybecauseyouandIbothknowhim.Ican’tbelieveIforgotitwasValentine’sDay.Ihavenoideawhatwe’regoingtodo.I’mgoingtolosethisbet.Iknowit,ifhehassomethingplannedfortonight.”
“Whathappenswhenyou
lose?”Tylerasked.“Ihavetogotoevery
Giantshomegamewhenfootballisbackonthisfall.”
SeveralsecondsofsilencewentbybeforeTylersimplysaid,“Wow.”
“Wow?That’sallyouhavetosay,Tyler?”
“Youhatefootball.Thisisgoingtoberoughforyou,”Tylersaidwithagiggle.
“You’renotevengoingto
supportme?I’myourlittlesister.WhatamIgoingtodo?Ican’tsaynotohimonValentine’sDay!”
“Ok,whathappensifheloses?”herbrotheraskedontheotherend.
“Hestayshomeforawhile.Notouring,nomusic,nothing.HebecomesMr.Stay-at-homeboyfriend.Heevensaidhehopedtobe…afuturehusband.”She
revealed.“What?He’saworkaholic.
Howdidyoumanagetogethimtodothat?”Tylerasked
“Ididn’t.Heofferedto,”shesaid.
“Gabby,helovesyou.Maybethisishiswayofsayingthatheisreadyforthatnextstep.Hereallysaidfuturehusband?”
Gabbypausedbeforesheanswered.“Yes.Hedid.”
“Idon’tknow,hon.Hethrewdownaheavycommitmentthere.”
“Hedidthatbecausehewasconfidenthe’dwinTyler,that’swhy.He’dneverstopworkingforthatlong.”
“Thenwhydidhecomeupwiththat?Outofallofthecrazythingshecouldhavepicked,hechosetheonethingthatpartofhimmostlikelywantedtodo.
Somethingtothinkabout,sis.Igottagetgoing.Ihavetopickupmydate.Talktoyoutomorrow?”Tyleraskedher.
Gabbytookadeepbreath,inhalingallthatherbrotherthattoldher.MaybeChrisdidwanttostopforabitandtakeabreak.MaybeTylerwasright.“Ok.Loveyou,bro.Havefun,”shesaid.
“Loveyoutoo.HappyValentine’sDay,”hesaidand
endedthecall.Puttingdownthereceiver,
shedecidedtounwindabitbeforeChriscameinaftertheshow.
Pouringsomewineinaglassthatwasonhernightstand,GabrielleleafedthroughsomeoldphotographsofherandChristhatthetwoofthemtooklongbeforehebecamefamous.Sprawledontopof
thebedindisorganizedchaos,GabriellepickedupanoldperformancephotoofChrisfromhistimeplayingattheBoweryClubintheirhometownofBedford,NewYork.
Gabrielle’sheartfilledwithjoyatthesightofthepicture.Thattimeseemedsolongagonow.Sheturnedthephotographoverandrecognizedherownscribbled
handwriting.Itread,‘Chris-2001,BoweryClubVIPshowcase,MeteorRecords.’
Itwasfromthefirstnightshesawhimperform.Greatinalotofways,butinfactforChrisitwasahorriblenight.Chris’oldgirlfriendandbackupsingershoweduptosingstonedoutofhermindandmesseduptheirshowcaseperformance.Gabrielle,justanintern,waslate;Chriswas
horribletonotonlyherbuttoeveryonethatnight.
Sherememberedthat,althoughhewasupsetandangryabouthowthenightwent,hewoundupapologizingthenextdayandeventuallybeingoneofthemostcharismaticandlovingpeopleshehadevermet.
Hislooksweresmoldering,thosegrayeyes,thelongbrownhair,the
athleticbuild.Hismovesweresocatlikeandintoxicatinglysensualthatfewmencouldreplicatethem.
Theirrelationshiphadalwaysbeensuchaphysicalonefromthetimetheytoldoneanothertheylovedeachother.Shewasimpressedshehadfoughtitforaslongasshehad.
Shechuckledatthe
thoughtoftheyoungwomanintheaudienceafewnightsago.She’dforgottenwhatitwasliketoseehimupclose.Hewasbreathtaking.
Likehepromised,eachnight,Christriedtoseduceherwithoutresult.Atleastthat’swhatshewantedhimtothink.
Walkingintothebathroomtotakeashower,shetookoffhersweatertorevealher
roundcurvesandporcelainskin.
Asshewalkedtothemirror,Gabriellebegantofreeherlongmassofblondecurlsfromtheponytail.Chrislovedhowherhaircascadeddownthesmallofherbackindifferentshadesofblonde.Thecurls,asshebrushedthem,theytransformedintoaseaofwaves.
Gabriellesetthebrush
down.Shelookedatherselfinthemirroroncemore.Turningtowardherside,shenoticedthathertummywasbecomingalittleround.
Surprised,sheraisedaneyebrow.ShehadbeeneatingalotlatelyandnotexercisingasmuchassheshouldduetoworkandmovingintoChris’newhome.Shetoldherselfthattripstothegymweredefinitelyinorderwhenshe
gothome.Assheundressed,her
mindcouldn’thelpbutthinkofherChrisoncemoreandthefactthatitwasValentine’sDay.Assheunzippedherjeans,hermindracedwiththoughtsofhimhelpingheroutofthem.
Theheatslowlycreptupherthighsasthoughtsofherboyfriend’sprotectivehandsaroundhersmallwaist
consumedher.Withherclothesalready
off,shewentovertothewaterrunningwarmintheshower,andjumpedrightin.
Littlebylittle,Gabrielle’smusclesrelaxedunderthewater’sveil.Shereachedforthebodywashthatwasintheshowercaddynexttoher.Pouringitontoherwashcloth,itslatherwasrich,relaxingandfulloflushscent.She
smoothedthewashclothalloverher,continuingtoinhaleitsessence.
Suddenly,shefelttwolargehandswrapthemselvesaroundherwaist…Forrealthistime.
“MindifIhelp?”Chriswhispered.Gabriellerolledhereyesatyetanotherattemptofseduction.
“Yes.But,I’msurethatyou’regoingtowhetherI
wantyoutoornot,”shesaidwithawink.
Givinghimthewashcloth,Chriscontinuedtomassagethelatherintoherbackandshoulders.“Mmmm.Feelsnice,”Gabriellemoaned.
Walkinginfrontofher,heputhisheadunderneaththerunningwaterrakinghishandsthroughhislongbrownlocks.
Heaskedher,“Doesn’tit,
babe?”Gabriellecouldn’thelpbut
watchthewaterrunoverhim.Dropletsglistenedoverhistonedmusclesanddownhisperfectlytannedsix-packabs.Witheveryfiberofherbeing,shebeggedherselfnottogiveintohim.Shehadbeenholdingupperfectly.Shehadtostaystrong.
Chrisslowlyturnedaroundtorevealhiscorded
backside.Withimpishintent,heseductivelytookthebodywashandpoureditalloverhisbody.Thesudsoutlinedeverymuscletoprecision.
Shewassoamusedattheattempt,shebegantoclapwildly.
Christurnedtowardher,lookingsurprised.
“Welldone,”shesaid.“Huh?”Chrissaid.“Agoodtrydear.
Especiallywhenyouturnedaroundjustnow,”Gabrielleadded.
“Gabrielle,IcameinherebecauseIknewyou’vebeenstressedoutlately.We’vehaven’tbeenspendingalotoftimetogethereither…I’mjusttrying-”Gabrielleinterruptedhim.
“Towinthislittlebet,”shecontinued.“Chris,I’mallset.Theshowerisallyours.
HappyValentine’sDay,babe.”
Takingthetowelfromtherackbehindher,,shedrapeditoverher,waltzingoutofthebathroom.
***Christurnedhisback
againtotheshower.Heletthewaterrinsehisthoughtsaway.Hehadnowbecomeafraidoflosing.Hewasn’treadytostayhomeanddo
nothing.Knight’sArmorhadjust
gottenbacktogetherafterabriefhiatusbeforethistour.HeandTate,bothassongwritersandasfriends,hadneverbeencloser.Infact,thewholebandwasnevertighterasaunit.Themorehethoughtaboutthefutureoftheband,themorehewashavingsecondthoughtsonthisbet.
Whentheybecameacouple,Chrismadeapromisetoherthateveryoneimportanttohimwouldcomefirst.Sincethebandlovedhim,theyhadindulgedhiminthoselongsongwritingsessionsandtheoccasionalafternoonwakeupcall.Woulditkillhimtostayhomeabitmore?Inseveralyears,hehadneverbeenhomeformorethanamonth
atastretch.Maybealongbreakwouldn’tbebad.But,therewas‘thepull.’Itwasalwaysdrivinghim,wantinghimtowritesomething,playsomething,andfixsomething.Lately,itwasstrongerthaneverbefore.Afraidthathewouldlosethemostcreativepartofhimbecausehewouldbeathome,thebetnowbotheredhim.
Hedidhaveonelastthing
thathecouldtryandthatwasinthelobby.Rinsingoffonelasttime,hecouldn’thelpbutwonderhowallofthiswouldgoover.
Itcouldmakethingsbetter,orhisrelationshipcouldbeover.Gabriellewasopen-mindedaboutmanythings;maybethislast-minuteValentine’sDaygiftwoulddothetrick.
Takingacoupleoftowels
fromthecaddy,hedecidedtogiveitago.
Wrappingonetowelaroundhimanddryinghishairwiththeother,hespedoutofthebathroomandquicklyputonjeansandat-shirt.
Puzzled,Gabbysatontheirbed,nowdressedinalarge,pinkterrybathrobe.
“Chris,it’slate.Iseverythingallright?”
“I’llberightback.Iforgotsomethinginthelobby.It’lltakeaminute.”
“Okay,hon,”Gabriellesaidsmiling.
Minuteslater,Chrisopenedthedoorwiththeyoungwomanwhodaysearlierhadtakentheirpicture.Gabriellecouldn’tbelievethatChriswouldbringastrangertotheirsuitesolate.
“Gabby,doyouremember
Nina?She’stheonethattookourpicstheothernightattheshow.Sambroughtherbackstagetonight.Shehasourphotosallprintedout.”
Stillsurprisedthathebroughthertothehotelsuite,shenoticedthatshedidhavethephotos.Shelookedupatherandsmiled.
“HiNina,howareyou?MayIseethem?”
Stillsilent,Nina’ssoft
handsoverlappedwithGabrielle’sasshegaveherthephotos.Gabrielleleafedthroughthemandsmiled.Theywerequitegood.Shedidn’tknowwhyChrisbroughttheyoungwomanuptotheroom,butshewashappythatboththepicsChristookandthepicsthatNinatookofthemcameoutsowell.
“Turnedoutgreat,Nina.”
Ninabeamedwithjoy.“ThanksGabrielle.Gladyoulikethem.”
GabbytouchedNina’sarmlightlyasshelookedupattheyoungwoman.
“Ohhon,callmeGabby,honestlywhenpeoplecallmeGabrielle,IfeellikeI’mabouttobescoldedbymylatemother.”
Ninachuckled.“Gladyoulikethephotographs,Gabby.”
“I’llputtheminmyscrapbookassoonasIgethome.ThesearebetterthananythingIwouldtake.”
“Waitaminute.WhataboutthephotosItook,Gabby?”Chrisasked.
“They’reokay,”Gabrielleteaseddryly.
Chrisrolledhiseyesathisgirlfriend“HeyNina,wouldyouliketostayforadrinkbeforeyouheadout?”
Nina’seyeswidened.“Sure!”
“Great,I’llberightback.I’mgoingtogetanotherglass,”Chrissaidleavingthetwowomenalone.
“Nina,areyouoldenoughtodrink?”Gabrielleasked.
Ninanodded.“Ohyeah,I’m22.It’sallgood.”Shesmiled.
Gabriellenodded.“Oh,okay.Callitthemotherin
me,Iguess.Youlookyoung.Can’tbetoocarefulnowadays.”
NinachuckledasshegotevenclosertoGabrielle.Sheheldherhand.“OhIknow.Peopletellmethatallthetime.Iunderstand.”
GabriellelookedatNinaholdingherhandandreleaseditnervously.“Dothey?Youareverypretty.”
“Thankyou.Soareyou.”
Gabriellesmilednervouslyasshewentbacktothebedandsatdown.Leafingthroughthephotographsthatwerestillonthebed,shereplied,“Thanks.SoNina,whatdoyouforaliving?”
Ninawenttothebedandsatdown.“RightnowI’mastudent.I’mstudyingphotography.”
“Areyou?You’llhavenoproblemfindingajobwith
picturesliketheonesyoutook.Haveyouthoughtaboutfreelance?ThemagazineIworkforisalwayslookingforgreatconcertpictures.”
Ninagrinned.“YouworkatRockline,right?YouwritetheUpandOutcolumnnow?”
Gabriellenodded.“YesIdo.Butbefore,Itravelledwithbandsanddidtourdiaryfeatures.Youshould
definitelysendaportfoliotomyboss.Vegashasalotofcoolclubswithsomerisingstars.Youcoulddoprettywellifyousetyourmindtoit.”
“ThankyousomuchGabby!I’lldefinitelydoit,”Ninasaidgivingherabearhug.Shecontinued.“YoureallythinkIcouldmakealivingatthis?”
Gabriellepulledaway
fromNinagently.Shenodded.“Oneday?Absolutely.Freelancefirst.Getyourfeetwet.”
Gabriellesawsomestrayhairsaroundtheyoungwoman’sface.Actingmotherly,sheusedbothofherhandsandsmoothedthemback,thenheldNina’sfaceinherhands.NinasuddenlyplantedakissonGabrielle’slips.
Kissingforseveralseconds,Gabriellecametohersensesandpulledback,leapingoffthebed.
“Um…ohmyGod!Idon’tknowwhatgotintome,”Gabriellesaid.
NinafollowedherasGabriellebegantopacethroughtheroom.“Gabrielle,it’sallright.It’sokay.”
“No.It’snot.Iapologize.Ijust…Idon’tknowwhatI
thought.Mymindisspinning.”
Stoppingherdeadinhertracks,NinacaughtuptoGabrielleandtwirledheraround.Sheheldherhand.“It’sokay.Iknewit.Iknewitfromwhenyoukissedmeafewnightsago.”
Gabriellearchedhereyebrow.“Knewwhat?”
“Thatyouwereintome.Christhoughtsotoo.”
Nina’sblueeyesflaredassheplayedwiththetieonGabrielle’sbathrobe.
“Idon’tunderstand.Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
Ninauntiedtherobeandopenedit.ShesmiledassheadmiredGabrielle’snakedframe.
”You’resobeautiful.Hethoughtit’dbegreatifweweretospendsometimetogether.Helikedhowyou
kissedmetheothernightattheshow.Hesaiditturnedhimon.Hethoughtit’dbegreatifwe-”
Gabrielleinterrupted.“Ifwewhat?”
“Okay,I’mback!God,I’msorry.IwenttotheotherroomtograbsomeglassesandrealizedthatIneededtocallSamandgooverafewthingsbeforeourlastshowtomorrow.Missmemuch?”
Heaskedashewaltzedintotheroomasifnothinghappened.
Gabriellewasfuriousassheclosedherbathrobe.
“Chris,mayIhaveawordwithyou?”
Chrisnodded.“Yeahsurebabe.Nina,hereisaglassforyou.Whydon’tyoustartwithoutus?We’llbebackinaminute.”
Ninatooktheglassfrom
himasheandGabrielleheadedintothebathroomandshutthedoor.
“What’sup?”heasked“Whatdoyoumean
what’sup?Whyisshehere?”sheasked
“Itoldyou,she’sbroughtusthephotos.Youhaven’tbeenattheshowsinafewdayssoItoldheritwasokaytocomeandtalktoyou.”
“Didyoureallyhaveto
bringherbacktothehotelroom?Icouldhavemetherbackstage.Couldn’tSamhavecalledme?Oreventakenthephotosfromher?”Gabrielleasked
“Itoldhimnotto.Thatwasmyfault.Sheseemslikeanicegirl.IthoughtthephotoswereaniceValentine’sgift.”
“Nicegirl?Thegirlplantedakissonmeandtold
methatyoulovedhowsheandIkissedtheothernight!”
“Idid.Ithoughtitwashot.Ifiguredthatsinceyouwouldn’tsleepwithme.Thenmaybeyouwould-”
Gabrielleplacedherhandsonherhipsassheinterrupted.“Wouldwhat?”
Hesitantly,Chrisreplied,“Sleepwithherandifyouwanted…metoo.”
“Iknewit!No!”she
shriekedasshehithimonthearm.Shecontinuedtoyell.“HolyshitChris!She’sachild!”
“She’snotachild,she’s22,”heretorted.
TearsbegantowellupinGabrielle’seyes.
“Andthatmakesitsomuchbetter?Howcouldyou!Howcouldyouwantmetosleepwithher?Howcouldyouwanttosleepwithher?
Aren’tIenoughforyou?”“Ofcourseyouare.Ijust
knowhowpassionateandphysicalyouareandsincewe’redoingthisbet,Iknowit’sbeenhardforyou.Withthewayyoukissedher,Ithoughtthatit’dbeokayforyoutosatisfyyourneedsinawaywebothcouldenjoytogether.”
“Youthoughtwrong!Ionlywanttobewithyou!”
Gabriellecried.“Someoftheguyshung
outwithheraftertheshowafewnightsago.TheysaidNina’salotoffun.Sheonlywantedyouandmetosharethisexperiencetogether.”
“LikeIsaid,Iloveyou!IonlywantyouChris.Ionlywanttomakelovetoyou.SomeValentine’sDaythishasturnedouttobe.Iwasallreadytogiveupthisbeta
littleawhileago.”“I’msosorry.Iloveyou.I
shouldhaveknown,”hetoldher.
“Damnstraight!Youshouldhave!”
Wipinghereyes,sheunderstoodwhyheproposedtheidea,butcouldn’tbelievethathe’dtakethisbetasfarashehad.
Walkingtowardthedoor,sheturnedtohim.“I’mgoing
toshowNinaoutandthenI’mgoingtobed.Idon’twanttoEVERhearaboutthisagainaftertonight.”
“I’msorryGab-”“GoodnightChris!”
Gabriellesaidslammingthedoorbehindher.
Withafakesmile,shewalkedtowardNina,andpolitelywalkedherout.SheaskedNinanottospeakofwhatChrishadproposedto
anyone.Ninareluctantlyagreedandleft.
Gabriellestayedintheotherbedroomthatnight,shecriedherselftosleep.Thisbethadgonetoofarforher.
ChapterFiveChrisandGabrielle
arrivedbackinLosAngelesafewdayslater.Thedriverhadtakentheirthingsintotheirsprawlingbeachsidehome.Waitingtogreetthemwithopenarmswasthefamily’sexecutivehousekeeper,Adele.
Outstretchingherarms,
Adelegreetedwithjoyfulglee,“WelcomehomeGabrielle.”AdelehadknownChrishisentirelife.Shewasashortbutstockywomaninherearlysixtieswithjet-blackhairandbrowneyes.BestfriendswithChris’latemotherSandy,Adelehadliterallybecomehissecondmother,raisinghimandhisyoungerbrotherRyanalongwithherownkids.
Adelewasecstatictoseebothofthem.Gabriellerantoherandhuggedthehousekeeperastightasshecould.AdeleletgooftheyoungreporterandgaveherakissonthecheekwhileChrisstoodsilentlybehindGabrielle.Hislipscurvedintoaweaksmile.Thehousekeeperknewimmediatelyfromhisexpressionthatsomething
wasn’tright.Sheslowlywalkedovertohim,wrappingherlongarmsaroundhischiseledtorso.
Liftingherselftohisear,sheaskedwithawhisper,“What’swrong,baby?”Chrisnoddedandmouthedthewords,“Tellyoulater.”
Adelenoddedandwinkedathim.Shewatchedhimwithsadness.
Themiddle-aged
womanwalkedthembothinsidetheirhome.SheputherarmsaroundGabrielletellingheraboutallthestuffshedidwhilethetwoofthemweregone.
“ThegardenerwreckedtherosebushesIplanted,Chris.”Adeleexplained.Chrislookedshocked.
“Allofthem?”heasked.
“Everylastoneof
them.IthoughtIwasgoingtocommitmurderonthatman,thankGodforGabby’sbrother,Tyler.Hefoundoutthatthemanapparentlyfedthemtoomuch.”
Chrisshruggedhisshoulders.
“IhavenoideaAdele.Ifyousayso.IletyouandGabrielledealwiththosebushes.You’veputalotofworkintothem,ifItouch
them,I’mafraidI’dkillthemtoo.”
“Well,Adele,ifIhavemyway,maybeChriswillbehomealotmoretolearnabouttherosebushes,”Gabriellesaid.
Chrisshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkso.Youwanttheremainderofthesebushesandflowerstolive?Don’thavemenearthem,”Hequipped.
“Ain’tthatthetruth!Themancanplaymusic,buthe’ssureashellnogreenthumb,”Adelesaidasshefollowedthemintothekitchen.ChrissmiledatAdele.“See…sheknows.Don’tyaDel?
“IthinkIknowyoubetterthanyouknowyourselfsometimes,”Shejoked.
“Yousuredo,”hesaid.“Ihadthedrivertake
yourthingsdirectlytothelaundry.Gotagreatmealplannedforthetwoofyou.Allyourfavorites!Meatloaf,mashedpotatoes,corn,applepie,”AdeleexplainedassheglancedoveratChris.“Howlongareyouonbreak?”
“Acoupleofweeks,maybelonger.Why?”
“Youmanywanttoworkoutwhileyou’reonbreak.Madecookies,candy.
Younameit,”shetoldhim.“IloveyouDel,”he
saidsmilingfromeartoear.Gabrielleturnedto
Adele.“Anyonecall?”sheasked.
“Justyourbrother,honey.Hesaidhe’dstopbytomorrowwithSam.”
“Wow,wehavethehousetoourselves?BetterenjoythiswhileIcan,”Gabriellequipped.Chris
laughed.“OhGabby,Iforgot,
youreditorcalled.HewantedtorunsomeideasbyyouforthenexteditionofRockline.”
Checkingherwatch,shebegantowalkoutofthekitchen.“Ohokay,bettercallhimnow.It’snearlyfiveontheeastcoast.I’llcalldadtoowhileI’matit.“
Withthetwoofthemalone,Chrisproppedhimself
uponthebarstoolthatwasnexttothecounter.Adelepulledupaseatacrossfromhim.Lookingtired,heplacedhishandunderneathhischin.
Tryingtoreadhim,AdelehadneverseentheexpressionthatwasonChris’sfacebefore.
“Okayspill,”shesaid.“WhatdidIdo?”Chris
asked.“Dowhatbaby?”Adele
saidsmoothingbackhishair.“IthinkImadea
horriblemistake,”headmitted
“Withwhat?”Adeleasked.
Hiseyeslookedsolemnasheexplained.“Gabby.Ican’tgiveherwhatsheneeds.”
“Ohstop,sheisperfectforyou.”Adelesaid.
“Youthinkso?”
“Iknowso.Chris,whereisallthiscomingfrom?”
“Abet.Afuckingbet,”hetoldher.
“Huh?”Adeleasked.“Okay.Now,I’mtotallyclueless.”
“Acoupleofweeksago,Gabriellehadcometoseetheshowaftershefinishedoneofherstories.I’monstagedoingmything
withacoupleoffemalefansandallofsuddenshemadatmeforflirtingalongthecenterstageramp.WearguedforawhileafterIgotoffstage.
“Didyoureassureherthatit’syourjobtoentertainthosefans?”Adeleasked
“Yeah.IdidofcourseIdid.Butit’snotlikeshe’sneverbeenaroundthisbefore.She’sarockwriter.
Sheknowshowweare.Weflirt,wehug,andwekissourfans.She’soneofthebestjournalistsinthecountry.Idon’tgetwhysheactedlikethat.”
“Howbadwasyourflirtingthatnight?It’sbeenacoupleofyearssinceI’veseenyouonstage.IhavetoadmitthatIevenblushedthenightIsawyouinPhillythatonetime.”Adelesmiled.
“Ohthatthingwiththebras?Hellthatwasnothing,”hetoldher.
Adele’seyesperkedup.Shelaughedasshebegantoremindhim.
“Youwrappedabraaroundyoureyesandwentintothefanpitwhereitwasnearlyamiraclethatyoudidn’tgetmolestedbyadozenofthosecrazyfansofyours.”
Chrislaughed.“Thatwasfun.”
“DoesGabrielleknowthatallofitisinfun?YouknowaswellasIdothatshehadanabusiveex-boyfriend.”
“We’vebeentogetherforoverayear,andbeforethat,friends.Howmanytimeshassheseenmeonstage?Idon’tthinkmyflirtingwastheproblem,”hetoldher.
“Thanwhatis?”askedAdele.
“Ithinkshewantsatraditionalboyfriend.Onethatcanleaveateightinthemorningandcomehomeby5pm.”
“Consideringthatshehadthatwiththeexanditfailedrathermiserably,Isincerelydoubtit.Giveitsometime;thetwoofyouwillworkthisout.Iknow
whenyouandtheguysfirstleftontour,shewasupcryingforhalfofthenight.”
Chris’eyessoftenedwithsadness.Hehadnoclueaboutthisuntilnow.
“Thenwemadethatfreakinassbet.Ishouldn’thavedoneit.Ijusthadtoone-upher.Then,tomakemattersworse,therewasthisgirlinVegaswhotooksomehotphotosofus.SowhatI
diddo?IproposedGabbyandthegirltohaveathreesomewithmesothatIcouldbewithGabbyandwatchGabbywiththiswoman.”
“Whatthehelldidyougoanddothatfor?”Adeleyelled
“IknowI’msuchanasshole!Iwantedtowinthebet.And,totrysomethingdifferent,”hesaidputtinghisheaddown.
“Abet?Whatbetdidyoutwomake?”Adeleasked.
“IbetherthatIcouldseduceherinthesamewayIflirtedwithfansonstage.Shebetthatshecouldholdmeoffforaslongaspossible.IfIwin,shewouldhavetogotoeveryGiantshomegame.Ifshewon,thenshegotmehomeafterthistour-whichisnow.Forawhile.”
Adelelaughed.“She’s
winning!Nowyou’rescared.Thatiswhat’swrongwithyou.Sheisbeatingyou.Wow!Chris,thatlastmovewasdesperate!”hissurrogatemothersaidasshecontinuedtoletoutahugebellylaugh.
“She’spissedandbarelytalkingtome.WhatamIgoingtodo?YouknowthatbandandIjustaregettingourfeetwet.Writing-wise,TateandIcouldn’tbe
tighter.”Christoldher“Sheletallofyougo
throughyourstuffwithyourexmanager.Andwriteandworkforallthosemonthsuntiltheweehoursofthemorningandneversaidaword.”
“Doyouthinksheshouldhave?”heasked.
“Consideringwhatanemotionalwhirlwindshe’sbeenthrough?Isureashell
wouldhave.Butthenagain,becauseIknowhowhardyouallworktoallowusalltohavewhatwehave.Iwouldhaveprobablyletyougoneon,too.Themusicisapartofyou.Shewouldn’thavewantedtotakethataway”
“ButDel,Istilldon’tgetwhyshewassoangrytobeginwith.She’sbeenaroundthisbefore.Sheknowsthereisonlyher.I
loveher.WhatdoIhavetodotoproveit?Tattooitonmyforehead?Smokeletters.IhavetoldheruntilI’vebeenblueintheface.”
“Maybeit’snotaboutthegirls.WhatcanyoudobesidesmusicChris?Whathaveyoudonebesidesmusicinthelast11or12years?Youwereinsuchabadplacebeforeyoumether.You’readifferentChristhanwhatwe
wereallarefamiliarwith.Iknowasyourfriend,Iamselfish,butIwouldn’tmindifyouhungoutandlearnedanewthingfromGabby’sbrotherorevenhungoutwithherdadfromtimetotime.Yousmilealotmorenowthanyoudidbackthen.It’stimetoenjoyyoursuccess,”Adeletoldhim
“Whataboutthemusic?Thesongsarejustflowing.
TheCDisdoingwell.Thistourissoldout.Ithinkweshoulddomoredates.”
“Keepwritinganddoacoupleofshowshereandthere.Createnewmaterialandexperiencelife.Themusicwillbetherewhenyoucomeback.It’snoteverything.Gabriellewon’ttellyou.SamandTatewon’t,either.ButIwill.It’stimeforChristianKnighttocomeout.
ChrisKnight,therockstarcanwatchonthesidelinesandmaybelearnathingfromusnormalpeople.ButChris,youwouldnotbegrapplingwithallofthisunlesstherewasapartofyouthatwantedtostayhomeandlearnaboutwhoyouareandwhatyouwantyourlifewithGabrielletobe.”
Chrislookedupatherandsmiled.Hekissedheron
theforehead.Asthetwoofthem
continuedtalking,neitheronerealizedthatGabriellehadbeenlisteningthewholetime.Shetriedtofightbackthesobsassheleanedagainstthewall.Hermindfilledwithregret.Shedidn’trealizehowmuchhewasstrugglingwiththisbet.Shecouldn’thavehimgivehiscareeruptemporarily.Besidesher,it
ChapterSixGabrielledecidedatthe
lastminutetoinviteTylerandSamoverfordinner.BeingalonewithChrisandhavingapotentialargumentwassomethingshewantedtoavoid.Herolderbrotherwas,arecentlyretiredNFLquarterbackwithblondehairandblueeyes.Hesatatthe
dinnertablefillinginhissisterandChrisonallthelatestnewstheyhadmissedsincebeinggone.
“HowdidyourtryoutwithESPNgo?”Gabrielleaskedherbrotherwhilesheplayedwithherfood.
Adelehadputonafeast.Meatloaf,mashedpotatoeswithmushroomgravy,cornonthecob.Inbetweenbitesoffood,Tylerreplied.“Good.
I’llknowtomorrow.”Chrispiledaforkfulof
potatoesonhisforkbeforeheplaceditinhismouth;henoticedthatGabriellehadn’ttouchedherfood.Inanattempttobepolite,helookedoveratTylerandsaid,“Goodluck,man.Youknowyou’vegotthis.”
Tylersmiledathisfriendandreplied,“Thanks,Chris.I’llcallyouguystheminuteI
hearsomenews.”Gabriellecontinuedto
playwithherfood.Noticingtheuncomfortablesilencethatlastedforseveralminutes,ChrisattemptedtocontinuesmalltalkwithhisguestsandcomplimentAdeleoncookingagreatmeal.
“Adele,thismealisfantastic.Ican’tbelievehowmuchImissedyourcooking.Thankyou,hon,”Christold
herasAdeletookhisnowemptyplatefromhimandplacedapieceofpieinfrontofhim.
“You’rewelcomeChris.SohappythatyouandGabbyarehome.Thehouseissoemptywhenthetwoofyouaren’there.”
“Wemissedyou,too,Adele,”Gabriellesaidasshetookalongswigofherwine.
Chrishelduphishandsin
protestashelookedatthepie.“Pie?Oh,Ican’t.Notnow.”
“C’mon,youknowyouwantit,Chris.”Adeletoldhim.
“Yeah,youknowyouwantit,bro,”Tylerchimedin.
Chrisleanedbackandsmiled.Hepattedhisstomachproudly.“Honestly,Iamfull.Ican’t.I’vehadtwohelpings
ofeverything.Idon’tevenhaveenoughroomrightnowforwine.”
Gabrielleemptiedherglassasquicklyasshegrabbedhisdrink.“Well,I’llhavesomeforyouifyoudon’twantyours.”
Despitethesilence,Gabriellehadbeendrinkingheavilythroughoutthenight,drinkingthewineonthetableasifitwerewater.
Concerned,hegentlytouchedherarmunderneaththetableandwhispered,“Youokaybaby?”
Gabrielletoastedhim.Shenoddedyesandtookalongsipofwine.“Aaah,”shesaidasshecontinuedtosavorthetaste.“That’sgoodwine.Adele,whatkindisthisagain?”
“PinotGrigo.It’syourboyfriend’sfavorite.”
GabrielletippedherglasstoChrisandhiccupped.Alittleembarrassed,sheputherhandoverhermouth.“Oops.Excuseme,Chris,thisissomegoodshit,”shesaidwithasnicker.
Chriswasstunned.AswereTylerandSam.
Gabriellenearlypolishedoffthewholebottleofwinebyherself.ShelookedoveratAdelewhopickedupthe
bottlefromthetable.WhensheattemptedtotakeGabrielle’swinegoblet,Gabrielleslappedherhandaway.
“Ohno,Adele.Youcanputmyglassandthebottleback.It’sfine.”
Adelenodded.Shetriedtotaketheglassagain.Gabriellestoppedheronceagain.
AdelelookedatChris.Hediscreetlyputhishandup.
“Del,I’mfine.Don’tpayanyattentiontohim.”
Placingthebottlebackonthetable,Adelestood,lookingstraightatTylerandSam.
“Sis,I’mgoingtobringSamhome.Chris,I’llstopbytomorrow?”Tylertoldthem.
“Seeyoutomorrow,”Christoldbothmenastheyexited.
Finishingherremaining
glass,Gabriellereachedovertothebottleandpouredthelastofthewineintothegoblet.
Chrisglaredather.ForGabrielletodothiswasoutofcharacter.ShealsohadneverspokentoAdelethatwaybeforeeither.
“What’swithyouallofasudden?”sheaskedhim.
“Whydon’tyouputtheglassdownGabrielle,andeat
something?”Chrissaid.“Notveryhungry.Gota
lotonmymindtonight,”shesaidinsharptoneasAdelebegantoclearthetable.AsChrisbegantohelpthehousekeeper,Adelestoppedhim.“Talktoher,something’stroublingher,son,”thehousekeeperwhisperedtohim.
“DamnrightDel!”Gabrielleyelledasshe
overheardthetwotalking.Standingup,Gabrielle
bracedherhandsonthetable.“Youknow.I’mhis
girlfriend!Andforsomereasonhe’stellingyoumoreshitthanhecouldEVERtellsme.IthoughtyouandIwerebestfriends,Chris.GuessI’mnotoneofthetrustedonesafterall,”shecried.
Withthehelpofanothermaid,Adelefinishedclearing
thetableandwalkedintothekitchen.Chriswalkedovertohisgirlfriend.Hetooktheglassfromherandhurleditacrosstheroom.
“Whatthefuck!”Gabrielleyelled.
“Don’tyouevertreatAdele,likeyoujustdid!WhatthehellareyouthinkingactinglikethatinfrontofyourbrotherandSam?Whateverproblemyou
havewithme,youtakeitupwithme!”Chrisyelled.
“Well,well.NowthatI’vegotyourattention!”sheyelled.
“You’vealwayshaditGabby.Whatisgoingonwithyou?”heasked
“Youandme…maybeweshouldjustendthis.It’sobviousthatyoudon’twanttothisanymore.”
“Youmeanthisbet?”
Chrisasked.Gabriellebegantocry.
“No.Allofit!Youknowit’sbeenhardwatchingyouthesepastfewmonths.SayingnothingbecauseIknowhowmuchthemusicmeanstoyou.Iknowpeoplehavehurtyou.Istoodbyyoursidewhenyoufiredyourmanagerbeforethistourandthendealtwithallofmybaggage.Whatyoudidformeissomething
thatI’llbeforevergratefulfor.IloveyousomuchthatIcouldn’ttellyoutonotworkonanewCDorgoontourforalittlebit.Ididn’tknowwhattosay…”
ChrisrealizedthatAdelewasright.Hewalkedovertohertograbherhand.Gabriellepushedhimaway.“Andthisbet?Whatbullshit!Youweretheonetosaythatifyoulostyou’dstayhome
andnotdoanything.”“IknowIdid,”hetoldher.“Areyougoingtobeable
toit?You’refreakingoutoverstayinghomeismakingmewonderandthelengthsyouwenttotrytowin?Isourlovenotenoughforyou?”
“Ofcourseitwas.Itwasastupid,stupidthingtodo.ShewasprettyandIthoughtit’dbesomethingdifferentforustoshareandexperience.Iam
sosorry.Ineverhavedonejustnothing.Idon’tknowhowtositathome.Idon’tknowwhathitshowsareonTVorwhatmoviewonthebestpictureOscar.Mymindisalwaysbusy.Ialwaysneedtobedoingsomethingwhetherit’swritingorplayingmusic.Ihaven’tbeenjusthomeorhadnothingtodoforalongtime.WhatifthefansforgetwhoIam
whenI’mgone?WhatamIgoingtodo?Idon’tknowwhatI’ddoiftheyforgotme.”
Gabriellewipedthetearsfromherface.“You’rewritingandcreatingmusiciswhatmakesyou.Thatissomething,Chris,thatIwouldneverwanttotakeawayfromyou.I’dneverforgivemyselfforthat,”shetoldhim.
“Youshouldn’t.ThesearefearsthatIhavetoface.Ididn’twantto,butmaybeitwouldn’tbesobadtotakeabreak,”hetoldherstillappearingunsure.“I’vehadfourbacktobackhitCDs.Maybeit’sgoodformetowalkawayforabitandenjoymyself.I’msomuchbettersincewegottogether.Maybealittlelivingandspendingtimewithyouandyour
familywouldaddsomethingtomywritingandgivemesomemuch-neededtimetogettoknowyouandmyselfbetter.Allofyouneedmemorenowthanmyfansneedme.”
Gabrielleranintohisarms.Hepulledherawayandwipedhertears.Shecoveredhermouth.“I’msosorryChris,”shetoldhimsoftlyasshekissedhisforehead.
“Gabrielle,Iloveyou.Onlyyou.Thosefansmeannothingtome.Notinthatway.Youknowifyoueverwanttospendtimewithme,allyouhavetodoisask.”
“I’maskingyounow.I’dlikeavacationwithmyboyfriendandhopefullyfuturehusband.ImissChristianKnight.IsawglimpsesofhiminVegasandIrealizedjusthowImissed
him.”Chrissmiled.“Ijustdidn’t
knowhowtoloseatanythingeither.Losingisn’tsomethingthathappensnaturallytome,”hesaid.
“You’lllearnandfindthingstodolikeusnormalpeople,”shequippedbeforecontinuing.“It’llbedifferent,butit’llbegreattoseeyougotogameswithmyfatherandbrother.Iwanttobethat
friendthatyoucanstillconfidein.LikeyoudidwithDel.I’mhereforyou,goodandbadChris.Richerforpoorer….sicknessandinhealth.Iwouldliketobeeverythingtoyouifyouletme.
Chrisbegantosmile.“I’msorry.Ineverknewhowmuchallofthishasbeenbotheringyouorbotheringme.I’msorryIruined
Valentine’sDay,”hetoldher.“Thereneedstobea
balance.Whenwe’rehere,you’reChristian.Outthere,ChrisKnight.”
Chrisnodded,“Okay.”“BecauseIdidn’ttellyou
that,alotofthiswasbotheringme.Iamsorry.Ishouldn'thaveletyougoonthinkingeverythingwasokay.Ifsomethingisbotheringmefromnowon,
I’lljustcomeoutandtellyousothatwecanworkthroughit.I’llapologizetoDel,Samandmybrothertomorrow,”Gabrielleadded.
“IguessnowIgottagofindahobby.Maybebuyanengagementring,”Chrisquipped.
“You?Ihadbetterstartlearningfootballfundamentals.Wait;didyoujustsayanengagementring?”
Gabrielleasked.Chrislookedstunned.
“Yep.Gabrielle,willyoumarrymeafterthistourisover?Showmewhat’sit'sliketobeapartofcivilizationagainandawayfromtheTMZ’softheworld?”
Gabbynoddedthroughtears.“Yes!Yes,ofcourseIwill.Onlyifyoushowmefootball101.”
Chrislaughed.“Ipromise
thatIwill.Youknow,Icanrebuildcars,maybeI’llrestorethatoldCamarojunkerSamhasathishousecollectingdust.”
“You’llbeamazing.YoushoulddothatforSam.”
“IcanalsohaveDelshowmearoundthekitchen.”
“Ahhh…no.”Gabrielleshookherhead.
“No?Didn’tyoulikemyomelets?”
“Notifitnearlyburnsdownthishouseandhalfthestreet,”Gabrielletoldhim.Thetwoofthemheldhandsandwalkedupthestairs.
Stillalittledrunk,Gabriellestumbledasshewentupthestairs,startlingAdele.Thehousekeeperopenedupthedooracrackandpeeredouttomakesurethatallwaswellbeforesheclosedthedoor.
Stillonthesteps,ChrisandGabrielleleanedagainstthewall.Christriedunsuccessfullytopickherup,buttheirpassioncouldnolongercontainitself.
Chrisbentoverandbrushedhislipsgentlyoverhisgirlfriend’s.Gabrielle’smouthrespondedinkind.Shemissedthewarmtasteofhismouth,thefeelofhisskin.Shekissedthetipofhischin.
Chrisarchedhisneckasherkisseswentslowlydownhischest.Onebyone,thebuttonswentrollingdownthestairsassheunbuttonedhisshirt.Hisswollenmemberbrushedagainstherthigh.Unfazed,sheunzippedhispantsandpulledthemdown.Theonlythingtheysawwaseachother,histouchsentwavesofdesirethroughher.Hishungeredgazelocked
intoherasheunbuttonedandpulleddownherjeans.Liftingheruptoreachhim,herbodypleadedforhistoenterher.“Please”shebeggedasherlegswrappedthemselvesaroundhiswaist.Histipthrobbedatherswollenentrance.“Fuckme,fuckmenow.”Shebeggedthroughsobs.Hehadnevergivenupsomuchcontrolbefore.Hewasherscompletely.Inone
swiftmove,heliftedherupandglidedeveryinchofhimselfinsideher.“OhmyGod,Gabby!”hemoaned.Thetwomovedtogetherasone.OvercomebyTheBet.
TheEnd
OtherStoriesinTheRedHotValentine’s
DayCollection
QuarterbackSneakbyDesireeHolt
StacyHalliganhas
spentheradultlifefocusingonhercareer,choosingmenwithfarlesscarethanshe
doesherprofessionalpath.That’sprobablythereasonallofherrelationshipsendindisaster.Nowshe’ssenior
editorofthemagazinewheresheworksandshewasso
surethislatesthunkwouldbetheone.Whenhedumpsher,justbeforeValentine’sDay,whodoesshecomplainto,asalways,buthernextdoor
neighborandfriend,backupquarterbackMaxSullivan.
SheseesMaxasherbestfriend.Comfortable.Easyto
bewith.
Maxdoesn’tmindhangingoutwithStacybutinthethreeyearsthey’velivednextdoortoeachotherhe’shopedforalotmore.Nowheseeshisopening.Whenhe
offerstoputonablitzleadinguptoValentine’sDayto
maketheguyjealous,hehas
anulteriormotive.Hewantstoshowherhe’stheonesheshouldpick,becausehewants
Stacyforhimself.Hiscampaignincludes,chocolate,
flowers,littlegiftsandhopefully,reallyhotsex.Becausehe’dbeendying
forevertogetherintohisbedandkeepherthere.
Willthiswork?Heonly
hasuntilValentine’sDayto
findout.
http://www.desireeholt.com/
***IfYouDarebyAliyah
Burke
Whentwopeoplelostintheircareersarethrown
together,canpassionkindlelostsoulsandignitethe
flamesoflove?
JustinKappisonan
Alaskancruisewhenhemeetsawomanthatgivesthevacationanentirelynewoutlook.Fromthevery
beginningheknewshewassomethingspecial.Something
more.
KathrynMaynard,atopdivorceattorneyinVirginiaBeach,acceptsadarethat
putsheronanAlaskancruiseandrailpackage.Shewouldratherbeanywherebuthere,howeverthearrivalofanintenseman,changesthat.
Changesher.
WhenreunitedinVirginiaandJustinwantsmorethanshe'swillingtoallowherselftogive.Afterheleaves,sherealizeswhatisthemost
important.Willshetakethe
chanceanddareherhearttolove?
http://www.aliyah-burke.com/books/index.htm
***
RedneckRomeobyRandiAlexander
WhenGenevieveRiley
sneaksontotheO’Bannon
Ranchtoreturnastolenheirloom,theboyshe’dfalleninlovewithasateenager,NickO’Bannon,catchesherbeforeshecanslipaway.Theproblemis,he’snowabig,ruggedcowboy,andthosefeelingsfromadecadeago
resurface.Shecan’tconcentrateonanythingbutpickingupwheretheyleft
off.
Nickcan’tbelievewhathisdogscornered.Beautiful‘Jellybean’Riley,allgrownupandsexierthansin.Heneverknewwhattoreher
fromhislifewhentheywereteens,justastheir
relationshipwasstarting.Withtheheatradiating
betweenthem,heknowshecanseduceher,butcanhemakeherstaythistime?
http://randialexander.com/preview/red-hot-valentine-redneck-romeo/
***
TastesLikeChocolatebyGraylinRane
Viviana'sheartbreakand
betrayalbyherex-fiance'ispouredintohersculpting.
Whileworkingonastatueofpuremilkchocolate,shefindsherselftalkingtotheman
emergingaboutherhopes,dreams,anddesires.
Sprinklinggolddustoverhisstunningfinishedformmakeshisbodyglitterashecomestolifetakingherintohis
arms.Theirpassionignitesasideofhershe'dgivenupon,cantheysurvivethejealousyofherformerflametofind
love?
http://www.graylinfox.com/rhv-
tastes-like-chocolate/
***SweetIndulgenceby
ShylaColt
ThissexyshortwillhelpmakeyourValentine’sday
sizzle.
BornonFebruary14th,ChastityRobertshasnevertakenstockintheholidayfor
lovers.ButthisyearCupidhasalittlesomethingspecialuphissleeve.Outonthe
townwithherbestfriend,sherunsintothegreen-eyedmalewhokeepsherpantieswetandherthoughtsdirtyat
work.
EliColeisamanwhoturnsheads.Buttheonlywomanhehaseyesforis
Chastity.Aftersixmonthsof
hidinghisaffectiontoallowhertosettleintohernewrole,he’sreadytoindulgeinthesweetnessonlyherbodycan
offer.
http://www.shylacolt.com/books/
***
SweetSizzlebyJodiRedford
Valentine’sDay—thebane
ofRorySinclair’sexistence.Hardtoforgivetheone
holidayresponsibleforthesinglemostmoronicdecisionofherlife.Ifitwasuptoher,she’dskipanythingtodowithcupid,butwithher
businesspartnerhomesickwiththeflu,she’sstuck
deliveringabunchofcookiebouquetstoalocalfirehouse.Whoknows,maybeshe’llcureherValentine’sDay
neurosisandheatupthemattresswithahunkyfirefighter.Herplanof
donningsomeedibleundiesandgettingherfreakongoesupinflamesthoughthe
instantshestepsthroughthedoorsofStation5andspotsBennetJackson—themanresponsibleforherdecade
longValentine’sDayboycott.
Nomatterhowhardhe’s
tried,Benhasnevergottenovertheinnocentgirlhe
foolishlyletslipbetweenhisfingers.WhenRory
unexpectedlycrashesbackintohisworld,hefiguresit’shisonlyshotatrightingthewrongsofhispastandgettingherbackinhisbedandhis
life.Forgood.Unfortunately,shehasotherplans.Onesthatdon’tincludehim.He’swellawarethatshehasevery
reasontodespisehim,butifthere’sonethinghe’supfor,it’sachallenge.Becausethere’snowayinhellhe’slosingthewomanofhis
dreamsagain.Andthistimehe’spreparedtopullout
everydirty,sexy,andhotter-than-sintricktoconvinceher
tostay.
http://www.jodiredford.com/More_Books.html
***TurnaroundbyCassandra
Carr
BeccaandJamesdon'tdate.Bothareintheirthirtiesandneitherhasfoundanyonetheyfeelispotentialspousematerial.Beccaattendsa"WeHateValentine'sDay"partyatalocalbarwhereJamesisbartending.Heknowsfromthefirstdaytheymeetthat
Beccaissomeonespecial,butBecca'smorecautious.JamessetsouttoprovetoBeccatherereallyarehappy-ever-
afters.
http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
***TheBetbyTyLangston
MeetChrisKnight,lead
singeroftheinternational
RockBand,Knight’sArmor.He’ssuccessful,richandisin
deeplyinlovewithhisgirlfriend,Gabrielle.Gabrielleisamusic
columnistforRocklineMagazine.Herloveof
everythingmusicpalesincomparsiontotheloveshehasforherboyfriend,ChrisKnight.Whathappenswhentwopeopleloveeachothersomuch,butdecidetochange
therules?Thediceiscast,abetismade,howmuchwillthingschangebetweenthem?
Orwillitendthingsforgood?
http://www.tylangston.com
AKissFromaRosebyMichelPrince
JennaTurnerwasn’t
lookingforanythingbuta
quickbitetoeatwhenshemetthesexypeaceofficerMarcusPeterson.WhileJennahasalwaysbeensingularlyfocusedonhernextbigpromotionatwork,suddenlyshe’sdistractedbyalluringtextsfromMarcus.
Hisevocativewordsand
hernaughtyresponsesinvokeemotionsneitherseemreadyfor,andluckily,neitherhave
roomintheirbusylivestofollowthroughonalltheir
sexting.
Cantwocareerdrivenpeoplefindthetimetotaketheirrelationshiptothenextlevel?Orwillcareersandthepressuretoachievegoalscausetheendtoabudding
love?
http://www.michelprincebooks.com/
FallingforCupidbyChristinLovell
CupidValentine,a.k.a.
Coop,istheworstdivorceattorneyintheentire
Northeast.Ninety-eightpercentofhisclients
reconcilebeforethegavelhitstheblock.He'sdedicatedhislifetolove;yethe'snever
experienceditfor
himself...untilDaisy.
PlussizeDaisyandherbestfriend,Brad,madeapactwhentheywereyounger:iftheyweren'tmarriedbythirty,they'dmarryeachother.Twoyearslater,
they'velearnedthatlovehasmanyforms,andapassionate
loveisneededtohaveafulfillingrelationship.
ThepairconfoundsCoop.Hisjobhasalwaysbeentorepairrelationships,butwhathappenswhenhesuddenlyfindshimselfrootingfortheoppositeofallhestandsfor?Hedoeswhatanysmartcupidwoulddoandfliesaway.ButyoucanonlyescapeCupid'sarrowforsolong,evenifyou
happentobeCupid.
http://christinlovell.com/
TrueLove’sFirebySable
Hunter
WhilevacationingatacabinintheOzarks,Scott
Walker-Austinneurobiologist,getssnowed-inandhastoberescuedbylocal,LiaHouston.She
bringshimfood,helpshimfixhisheatandtriestogethiscarontheroad.Amonster
stormhasparalyzedthemountainandasshe’stryingtochainhiscartohertruck,ahugeice-coveredlimbfalls,crushingthefrontofherpick-
upandalmostflatteningScott.Ifshehadn’tmovedfast,he’dbeamemory–butthebraveactiononherpartcomeswithaprice,she’sinjuredandstuckwithMr.
Know-It-Alluntiltheweatherabates.Scottdoesn’tbelieve
inlove,muchlessloveatFirstSight.Sowhenhemeets
Lia,hewelcomestheattraction,butfightsthe
tendernesswitheverybreathinhisbody.JoinSable
Hunterasshechroniclestheirjourneyfromlusttolovewithalotoffireworksinbetween.Theymeetatthedawnofthe
NewYear,andbyValentine’sDaythefiresofTrueLoveareburningbright.