Bad Beats: A Rock-Star Step-Brother Romance (17 page)

“Looks like you had quite the night,” he adds, taking me by surprise. He stares at the bed.

I can’t deny it does look like my night involved more than sleeping. My clothes are scattered all over the floor. The bed is rumpled, sheets all tangled and tumbling off. It’s a good thing I hid the jacket, though from the cold-as-ice vibes emanating from him, I’m not sure why he cares what I was or wasn’t doing.

My annoyance has shifted to anger, and I decide if he wants to play this bizarre game, I’ll play too. “It was a good night. I couldn’t sleep so I checked out our map and found the bar on the beach. Met some interesting people who couldn’t sleep either and had a few drinks.”

He makes no effort to hide his disapproval, his lip curling.

“As your employee, is socializing off limits?” I ask sweetly.

“You can do whatever and whoever you want, as long as it doesn’t affect your job. I’m not your babysitter.”

Ouch. Whoever I want? Are we over for real/real this time?

From Shag’s behavior this morning, it would seem so.

Swallowing the slice of pain, I force a smile that falters. “Just let me know your expectations, and I’ll make sure I adhere to them,
Mr. Steal
.”

“Better get in the shower, the clock is ticking.”

I give him a salute and practically jog to the bathroom, desperate to get away from the new,
not
-improved Shag. I want to leave the island and quit the job, but how will I explain my actions to our parents, to Robin and Josh? Furthermore, I want this position on my resume. I need the money. Without Robin for a roommate, I’ll be paying the bills alone.

I have to get over Shag Steal. There is no other option.

I guess I’ll take Lila’s advice and get to know Jagger Hewitt. Considering Shag will be
getting to know
his contestants while becoming reacquainted with his first love, there is nothing stopping me from spending time with the sexy billionaire.

Our linking door slams, shaking the walls. The sound is downright ominous, and the implication is impossible to ignore.

Whatever feelings Shag had or has for me are now locked away behind a symbolic door, the same door I closed yesterday. In my case, the way I’d shut the door was far less forceful or final.

I understand his action is necessary, but damn it hurts.

Shag

“We’re the acceptable edge of the unacceptable stuff.”

-Peter Buck

I struggle to keep my eyes off Cadie. It’s not easy, and I’m not the only one having difficulty paying attention to our show’s director, Calvin Masters.

Even with ten, exceedingly attractive women in the room, several who are showing off enough skin to make the most conservative priest question his vows, Cadie stands out from the rest.

For our impromptu meeting before this meeting, she was dressed in baggy sweats, hiding her generous curves. And for thirty minutes, we managed to keep our conversation on topic, without any reference to our ruined relationship or future family status.

I can’t deny I was impressed. She shared her contestant ratings, and we even enjoyed a few laughs at the expense of Honey Partridge, both of us having been exposed at some point in the past to The Seventies musical sitcom,
The Partridge Family
. On a serious note, we were able to explore the potential challenges associated with Lila and her suspected plotting. With Cadie’s organizational skills and quick thinking on display, it was apparent she’ll make a superior personal assistant. She shows far more promise than Misty ever did.

Looking back, I realize I hired Misty more for her appearance and sexy accent than her professional qualifications. She caught on quickly, but she was a huge contributor toward my bad habits, especially with her love for my cock and the white powder. There is no way I could work with her now, even if things hadn’t turned bitter. Cadie is perfect in that regard. I will never have to worry about her shoving a straw under my nose and ordering me to snort.

Speaking of snorting, Lila, never one to be undermined, has not failed to notice my appreciative glances Cadie’s direction and omits a little snort that could easily be misinterpreted as her clearing her sinuses. I know better. She made the same disapproving sound too many times to count when we were growing up, and the expression she wears is one I remember well — determination. She will do whatever it takes to bring Cadie down and elevate herself in the process, but knowing what I know about my girl’s…

Not. My. Girl.
I remind myself.

What I know about
Cadie’s
Irish temper assures me she will have no difficulty dealing with my ex. Stupid me, I was in such a hurry to protect her and send her home that I forgot her innate toughness. I’m glad I didn’t listen to Slyder’s advice, even if my motives are less than pure.

I am however, listening to my gut’s reaction as I try to figure out who might have done
the deed
with Cadie.

Brian Seacrest, our series’ host, has had his eyes on her since she first walked into the meeting room. I wonder if he’s the guilty culprit. He is rich enough to own the jacket, and he is famous as fuck, hosting a variety of reality television programs, mostly singing competitions. Not to mention, he’s also a successful radio announcer with his own national programming. I always believed he preferred men, but by the way he’s devouring Cadie with his hooded gaze, I must have been mistaken.
Fucker.

He takes advantage of a pause in Calvin’s speech and turns to Cadie. “Miss O’Shea, can you explain what your role will be with Shag on the set and during his dates?” He adds a part two before she can answer. “I guess my real question is why such an attractive and accomplished woman isn’t competing for the position of Mrs. Steal? We could always add a wildcard,” he laughs and few heads, all male, nod.

Cadie rises to her feet, something most of the speakers have done throughout the meeting.

Once again, I soak in her stylish business attire. The sweats she wore for our earlier meeting have been replaced by pure professionalism with a feminine twist. She’s left her hair down, and it spirals in smooth waves over her shoulders and down her back, the way I like it. Her makeup is applied in such a way it accentuates her gorgeous green eyes, making them stand out from behind her new glasses. Her lips are glossed and seem plumper than usual. I’d like nothing more than to kiss her in front of the leering men and jealous women, but that would be a clear violation of our newest rules, not to mention, it wouldn’t bode well for my career. So I continue my appraisal instead as she begins her introduction.

Her dress is the same color as her eyes and hits just above the knees, hugging her body in all the right places without being overstated. It has a square neck and capped sleeves, and is simple, professional and perfect, showcasing her pale skin and fiery hair. The biggest surprise is the matching jade pumps, with four inch heels. I’ve always loved her calves, and in this dress and those heels...

Great.
Sure enough, my cock has taken notice as well. I shift uncomfortably and try to tune in to what she’s saying, though it’s difficult to stay focused.

“That’s a little background about me and how I met Mr. Steal.” She glances my way, offering a friendly smile that I return automatically. “As for Mr. Seacrest’s questions, I will make every effort to be unobtrusive during the scheduled dates. Should Mr. Steal ask me not to participate, I will find something else to occupy my time. On this lovely island that shouldn’t be too difficult.”

She earns a handful of knowing chuckles with that comment. I’m impressed by how she’s working the room but don’t appreciate her insinuation about how she’ll be spending her time away from her job. I guess I’ll have to keep her working around the clock.

“I will keep notes during the dates and provide feedback to Mr. Steal. He can use me as a sounding board of sorts. After all, dating ten women at once is no easy feat, even for someone as experienced as Shag Steal.” She winks at the contestants, who giggle and titter; all except Lila, who glowers.

“And Mr. Seacrest, in answer to your other question, I have no intention of becoming the eleventh wildcard. From my understanding of the contest rules, ten is the max.”

She earns a hearty applause for her brief introduction and looks relieved to take her seat.

The director resumes control of the meeting, highlighting the contest rules even though we’ve all been provided a detailed summary.

Overall, it’s not too complicated. I pick who I want to spend time with and when, but I am required to ‘date’ each woman at least once, more is preferred.

Tomorrow, the competitors start off the season, performing in a talent competition. I’m the head judge and will help eliminate three women after the ridiculous event to get things moving with the remaining seven contestants. As we continue, different celebrities will make guest appearances and choose what we do on our dates. They’ll be given a lot of leeway when it comes to creativity. In addition, each rendezvous consists of a truth or dare portion for the challengers.

As for the voting process, the judges will garner one quarter of the vote, I collect the other quarter, and the TV audience owns half, giving them the most power over my future. Judges can dock scores for failed dare attempts, and I get the impression there will be added surprises along the way. Every episode will include a musical performance, maintaining the rock-star theme, and Crude Element will take the stage twice. At least I’ll get to see the gang.

As Calvin Masters finishes up his rule-rundown, Jagger Hewitt and his ever-present bodyguard stride into the room. Like me, he’s got the whole swagger thing down, and the women take notice, including Cadie. He pays no attention to the contestants, but gives
my girl
(not my girl) a sly smile that says more than any words. He might as well announce he shagged her last night; desire is written all over his face. Her cheeks flush the way they used to when she looked at me. She definitely didn’t respond to Brian Seacrest like this. The jacket belongs to Hewitt. It has to.

My fists clench under the table, and I fight the urge to use them on Hewitt. He seems to sense my fury and shoots me cool glance filled with warning. Omar shifts in his chair, and I assume he’s sizing up Hewitt’s muscle. If I had to say, I believe the bodyguards are equally matched.

All this transpires so fast that no one but the people involved notice, except, perhaps, Lila. I catch her glancing from me to our island’s owner and then at Cadie. She always was hyperaware. A curse and a blessing back in the day. Today it’s just another reason to be wary.

Jagger Hewit moves to the front of the room, shaking Calvin’s hand before giving him a pat on the shoulder.

“Greetings, everyone. Welcome to my corner of the Caribbean. I hope your accommodations are to your satisfaction. For those of you who have not yet met me, I’m your host, Jagger Hewitt.”

The room goes silent, soaking in the billionaire’s undeniable charisma. It’s easy to see he’s used to the attention and thrives on his audiences’ respect the same way I flourish from the admiration my music generates, during a live performance.

We’re really not so different, I hate to admit. Rich. Controlling. Arrogant. Good looking.

Giving him another once over, I decide I’m better looking. I’m taller and have a larger build, where he’s leaner, built more like runner, and I see no evidence of tattoos or piercings, though that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. He senses my scrutiny and sends me a look meant to be a challenge.

I snicker softly, but I’m loud enough everyone hears. Shit, they could have heard a pin drop, considering they’re all holding their breath in the presence of the ‘mighty one.’ I clear my throat, in a failed attempt to cover my fiendish chuckle.

Why don’t they just set up an altar and worship the prick?

“It’s good to see our
star
is in such a good mood this morning. Ladies…” He turns his attention to the row of women waiting to weasel into my life. “How does it feel to be in such close proximity to a music legend?”

Unsurprising, they all chatter at once, fighting to be heard.

Before Hewitt can regain control of the mayhem he unleashed, Lila stands, forcing the meeting’s attendees to acknowledge her.

“I can tell you exactly how being near Shag feels. It’s like being on the brink of an orgasm.” She pauses, waiting until all eyes are on her before dropping the bomb. “Shag, as I’m sure you know, has an orgasmic effect. And I promise you, the rumors are true. Shag and sex are one in the same. I should know. I was his first.”

Her bold statement sucks the air right out of the meeting room. The contestants have gone from smiling to sneering at Lila, who has just earned the title of Most Hated Woman in the competition.

Taking advantage of the uncomfortable moment, I clap, nice and slow, the action calculated to show my disapproval and disrespect. “Bravo, Lila. Do you feel better now? We might have a past, but baby, I promise you, there’s no future.”

“Take that, bitch!” Honey snips with obvious glee, opening the floor for the others to unleash their venom.

I lean back and watch as the drama unfolds. A cameraman has raised his handheld, the red light blinking.

Calvin Masters, known for catching people at their worst, gives the cameraman a thumbs up, clearly pleased by this latest development and his crewmember’s fast thinking. My guess is that our legendary director is already pondering how he’ll introduce the unplanned footage.

One of the producers makes a halfhearted effort to stop the women from hurling insults at Lila, but Masters shakes his head and points at the camera. Everyone except the contestants now realize they’re being recorded.

I don’t hear Lila’s last barb, but it must have been a doozy.

There is a flash of blue hair, and one contestant leaps onto the conference table and summersaults through the air, pinning Lila. I remember Cadie’s list. The blue-haired beauty must be the professional wrestler. Lila might be feisty, but she doesn’t stand a chance against a pro.

The two scuffle on the floor, and when it becomes apparent Lila is about to get pummeled, Omar and Hewitt’s guy get involved, separating them as they continue to kick, claw, and scream. Lila wiggles free from Omar’s grasp and lunges. She doesn’t get far before he hauls her back against his chest, restraining her. I don’t need to look to confirm the camera is still rolling and capturing footage that will make ratings skyrocket.

Shaking my head, I admit the obvious.
Roping a Rock-Star’s
casting process didn’t even bother to consider which woman might actually be right for me; rather, the casting team had done everything to find the craziest, most unstable, yet attractive group of women, women willing to behave like desperate horny lunatics.

I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised by the realization.

Per Hollywood’s sullied standards, it’s always about increasing bank account balances, not about doing what’s best or right. If these first few moments of anarchy are any indication of what’s to come, by the time the last episode airs, we’ll all be richer than we are now, thanks to a viewership bonus system.

Curious how Cadie is handling the bedlam, I glance her way. Jagger Hewitt is crouched by her chair, and she laughs at something he says. With the noise level still high, I can’t begin to make out what he said that’s so fucking funny.

I need to take a walk, or Lila won’t be the only one tackled today.