Don't Break My Heart (Straight from the Heart #3) (4 page)

“Of course,” I waved her in, and she came over to sit next to me on the bed. “What’s up girly?”

“What happened between you and Pauly earlier?” She questioned me, raising an eyebrow.

“What do you mean… nothing ‘happened’ between us.”

“I don’t care what he says. Even if he told you the two of you could only be friends, he still gives you that doughy eyed look like he loves you.” I wanted to say of course he loves me; we’re best friends. That was it. I had apologized for how I acted and was slowly going to move on. Just friends.

Easier said than done.

“Em, trust me he has no feelings towards me,” I laughed.

“You lie so badly, Luce, but I give it by the 4
th
. He’ll finally admit his feelings. You’re too hot for him to pass up, friends or not.” Emily gave me a compliment, and I hugged her.

“What about you and Alex? You guys were getting pretty cozy during the card game.”

“Don’t get me going on that fine piece of rock star goodness. I would totally crawl into his bed right now and pull his boxers down if he even wears them to sleep…” Emily gave me a mischievous grin, and we started cracking up. “I’m serious, though! I had forgotten how good looking he’s gotten since the last time I saw him.”

“Trust me, I see him every day. They don’t change to me,” I groaned, leaning back against my pillow. “But I’ll tell him he better take you out somewhere nice and do something besides screw you because it’s about time they all settle down anyway.”

Emily patted my hair. “You’re like the mommy of the bunch.”

I let out a hearty laugh. “Far from it. You saw how I was when Cale and I were together. I wasn’t mommy- like at all.” The memories Cale and I shared stayed fresh in my mind. He had been the person that made me feel the most comfortable in my skin. When he met me at a show, I was still trying to lose a bunch of weight; he told me I could weigh 300 pounds and he would still think I was beautiful. And I remember telling him I’d stick by his side no matter what. 

See how that turned out?

“You’ve got a point there, Luce. But I think I’m going to take a shower and get some sleep. I’ll see ya in the morning.”

“All right, night Emily,” I replied, turning my attention to the book I was about to start. I don’t know what time I fell asleep, but I was awakened to loud music playing from downstairs. I shot straight up in the bed, realizing I still had the Kindle in my hand. Slipping out from under the covers, I changed into a pair of Bermuda jean shorts and a halter-top that tied behind my neck. Putting my hair into low pigtails, I headed downstairs to see what the hell was going on.

“Good morning, sleepy head!” Damon shouted from the kitchen, where he was starting a pot of coffee. “I would have made breakfast, too, but all we have is shit for the grill and nothing that sounded good.”

“Loving the pigtails, sis,” Mike joked with me as he came in the front door. He gave one of the pigtails a tug, and I slapped him on the chest.

“What are we doing today?” I asked, sitting on a stool at the island.

“Well, Mikey here had a few ideas for a guitar line for a new song. He wanted Pauly to test it out later, and we’ll fill in the rest,” Damon explained, pouring me a cup of coffee and handing it to me. I mouthed ‘thank you,’ and I took a sip.

“You forgot to mention the house party we’re having tonight, too, dude.” Alex butted in. Noticing my ‘what the hell’ expression, Alex clarified. “We just thought of it this morning. Kind of a ‘Let’s welcome Ignite the Flames to Alpena’ party. Mike was out putting flyers in front of all the bars and restaurants nearby.”

“Jeez it’s like eight in the morning and you’re out passing
flyers?
You’d be better off going when all the bars open later and kind of making an appearance. Girls see you and everyone else will follow,” I suggested. I didn’t understand how these guys worked sometimes. They weren’t like normal guys like the ones we went to school with, ones that actually slept in past sunrise.

“Well, I already met a few lady friends at the breakfast place nearby who said they’d stop over after their shift,” Mike gloated.

“Are they under the age of 30?” Damon teased Mike, shoving him playfully into the wall.

“Sure as hell looked like it to me, they had big tits, that’s what I cared about, dude,” Mike replied, and the guys started cackling and laughing while Emily and I stood there rolling our eyes. “Sorry, I forgot you ladies were in the room.”

“No, you didn’t, jackass,” I smiled. “You treat me like I’m one of the guys so I get stuck with hearing that shit.”

They all put their hands up, giving me their cheesiest grins. “It won’t happen again, tommy girl.” Pauly gave me a wink and turned on the TV. The rest of the morning Damon and Mike made up a list of things to get for the big party tonight along with some things we would need for our stay.

By mid-afternoon, Emily and I were sent off to the local store.

“Did you see all the shit on this list, Luce?” Emily eye’s bugged out as she surveyed the shopping list in front of us. “I mean these employees are going to think we’re opening up our own bar with all of this alcohol.”

“That’s why they sent us,” I explained to Emily. “Because they would live on that if they absolutely had to. We’ll have to get some steaks and burgers, though. The grill at the cabin works wonders.”

“Now we’re talking!” Emily high-fived me as we each grabbed a shopping cart and, as quickly as we could, found everything on our list.

“I’m going to start lugging this cart to the checkout.” Emily said, pushing her heaping shopping cart away from me.

“Sounds good; I’ll grab the rest of this stuff in this aisle and meet you up there,” I told her. As I was reaching for the last item on our list, which was of course on the top shelf, I heard a loud crashing sound. I had accidentally knocked down a few bottles of wine, and they spilled all over the floor around me.

Shit,
I cursed under my breath as I looked down at the mess I’d just created.

“Need some help?”

I spun around and saw a gorgeous man standing in front of me. He looked like he was an inch of two shorter than Pauly, probably 6’2”, with curly blond hair that stopped a few inches above his shoulders. However, my gaze was immediately drawn to his piercing green eyes. They were so light, almost like a mint green, and I found myself staring for a little too long.

“Sorry,” I managed to get out. “I should probably find someone to clean this…”

“Don’t worry about it,” Mystery man said, almost like an order. And from the look on his face, he really meant that.

“Yes I should, I have to pay for this since there’s a few broken bottles.” I spat back, and he chuckled.

“So insistent, huh? Like I said, don’t worry. This happens more than you think.”

“What are you, like the frickin store manager or something?” I questioned him. He surely didn’t look like it to me. He was wearing a loose fitting navy T-shirt and tan cargo shorts with all white tennis shoes. Yup, definitely not a manager.

“If I was I probably would stand here and laugh at.” His eyes trailed to my chest where a crashing bottle had stained my shirt. Then he glanced over at my shopping cart. “ Just kidding. Are you buying enough alcohol and food for an army or something?”

I shook my head. “My friends and I have a cabin on the lake and we’re having a party tonight.”

He let out an ‘ahhh’ as if my explanation made complete sense. “Well, from the looks of it, you and your friends have good taste.” I really wanted to say ‘I’d love to taste you’.
NO, stop thinking that way
,
Lucy
and find someone to tell them about the mess
.

“I suppose; why don’t you come by?” I offered before I realized I hadn’t even asked him his name. Now I was inviting a complete stranger to the house? Even though Mike had invited random people over, telling them about the party all morning.

“Damn, it’s hard to pass up an offer from such a beautiful girl.” I couldn’t stop grinning. “But I don’t even know your name, so how am I supposed to find the place?”

Very true.

“I’m Lucy,” I replied, offering him my hand. I didn’t want to tell him my last name because I was sure he’d put two and two together, and realize who I was, if he hadn’t yet. Maybe not.

Mystery man took my hand and firmly shook it, sending electricity through my bones. Before I could react, he leaned down and whispered “My name’s Liam.”

“Well, Lucy. Are you sure you don’t need any help pushing that cart at all?” Liam asked me again.

“I’ve pushed heavier things before; I can handle it, but thank you.” I smiled at him.

“Anytime. That’s what a guy’s supposed to do.” He winked at me. “Let me get your number and you can text me the address to the place.”

He handed me his phone, and I typed in my number under ‘The only Lucy you know’ and when he saw it, we both started laughing.

“I better get going,” I told him, remembering Emily was waiting for me up front. “But if you have any trouble finding the place, call me. It’s hard to miss, though.”

“Yeah, it won’t be a problem. Born and raised around here, so I pretty much know every road in town,” Liam teased. “It was nice meeting you, Lucy.”

“You, too,” I smiled a little too brightly. I was actually looking forward to tonight and getting to know this guy.

Watch out, Pauly.

By the time the party was in full swing, there had to have been at least a hundred people in and outside of the house. If not more. Some girls were dressed more sensibly in shorts and a T-shirt, but a few had come in tiny bikinis. I changed into a pair of my jean shorts and halter- top, braiding my hair to the side.

I was watching the guys in their element. The majority of this crowd was girls. Yeah, there were some guys in the mix, too, none of whom I even knew, and they surely weren’t Liam. I had no idea if he was coming or not, but a part of me wished he would. I couldn’t get past his minty green eyes and that smile. Emily noticed the same thing too after he passed us in the store parking lot. She’d started to say that she’d fight me for him, but I told her Alex might get jealous and that shut her up.

“Look at him,” Emily groaned, pointing over to Pauly who was sitting on one of the couches with at least three women around him. They were listening intently to whatever story he was telling. “Fucking schmoozer.”

It wasn’t anything that I hadn’t seen before. Girls flocked to the guys because they were rock stars. In addition, they had the good looks to go with that, and the two together made for a lethal combination. Me, on the other hand, I’d had girls come up to me one too many times telling me there were going to steal my boyfriend away because I was too ugly for Cale Pelton. But guys always came up to me and wanted my autograph, saying it was hot that a girl could play bass guitar and rock the different hair color.

“He can have those girls,” I lied. “We’re just friends anyway…”

Emily raised an eyebrow. “For now! He’ll come to his senses at some point.”

“Wishful thinking, Em. But let’s not worry about that and actually have fun tonight,” I said, changing the subject as we started dancing to the music blaring from the speakers outside. We started mingling with a few people who had asked for my autograph after finding out who I was. I was talking to one girl who had come with her boyfriend when I felt a shiver run through my body.

Turning around, I saw Liam walk through the front door with a few friends behind him. He looked as gorgeous as he had earlier, except now he was wearing a striped polo shirt and blue jeans. He locked eyes with me and I waved him and his friends over to where Emily and I were standing.

“Good to see you again.” Liam outstretched his hand, and I shook it, hardly containing my smile now. Then he pointed to his two friends. “This is Evan and Zach. Guys, this is the girl I was telling you about earlier.”

“Nice to meet you guys.” I gave a small wave to Evan and Zach and they grinned. “This is my best friend from back home Emily.” Emily shook hands with them all, and we stood around the entrance to the back, making friendly conversation.

“You look really familiar.” Evan, the shortest of the three, pointed at me after they had gotten something to drink.

“Yeah, do you play in a band or something? I know I’ve seen you before…” Zach tagged in, both studying me now. I shrugged, noticing Liam didn’t seem to know what either guy was talking about.

“Now I know where she’s from! She plays in Ignite the Flames! You didn’t see the other guys in the band over there scoring some chicks?” Evan nudged Zach. Liam didn’t bother to look over, his eyes on mine. “You’re an amazing bass player. And for a girl. Damn, I can’t believe I met you…”

“That’s enough being star struck, you dicks,” Liam scolded them. “Leave it alone or I’ll call you two a cab.”

I giggled, not offended by them recognizing me. It happened more often than not. “Thank you,” was all I managed to say.

Eric and Zach maneuvered their way through the rest of the crowd to talk to some girls that were standing alone, and Emily made up an excuse that she had to check on Alex, leaving Liam and I standing alone.

“So you play bass, huh?” Liam gave me a quizzical look, and I nodded. “How long have you been playing with the band?”

“Ever since we were teenagers not that long ago,” I explained. “We met our lead singer while we were at a summer music camp and the rest is history, I guess you could say. Alex, Mike, Pauly and I grew up on the west side of the state while Damon was from up north here.”

“It’s awesome that you guys have played together for that much time and haven’t broken up or anything.” Liam said, sounding amazed. “I know I’ve heard of you guys, I just never saw you before.”

I laughed, gently touching the free hand that was dangling at his side. It was refreshing to talk to someone that didn’t follow the band constantly. He was just a normal guy.

“Why don’t we go outside?” I suggested, pointing to the open door to the enormous back patio. “There’s also a walkway that leads you down toward the lake.”

“That sounds perfect. I’m going to get another drink first. Do you want anything?”

“Just water,” I said, opting for the good choice. “Thank you.”

His hand cupped my shoulder before he walked over to the drinks in the kitchen.

“So you are going to ignore my advice?” I heard a husky voice whisper form behind me. “He seems like a winner…”

I turned around and Pauly was standing with his arms crossed, a crooked grin across his face.

“What are you talking about Pauly?” I asked.

“I’m saying are you going to fuck this guy …”

“You don’t even know him, Pauly, so leave me be. I’m trying to enjoy myself and make some new friends. I saw you sure as hell did,” I spat back, trying to walk away, but he grabbed ahold of my arm. “Let me go.”

“I’m teasing with you, you know that right Luce?” Pauly joked. “You know how protective I am of you; you’re like my sister.”

When you’re romantically interested in someone, the last word you want to hear is sister.

“Yeah… sister…” I whispered. “When he comes back over here please don’t be a dick, Pauly.”

He put a hand up to his heart. “Me, act like a dick?”

“Hey, sorry that took so long.” Liam walked back over to me, handing me my cup of water and he noticed Pauly standing so close to me. “I’m Liam, by the way.”

Pauly stared at Liam’s hand for a split moment, contemplating if he wanted to shake it, but then he did. “Paul Donovan. How’d you meet this gem?”

Liam looked from me over at Pauly. “I actually met her at the store earlier when she knocked over a couple of bottles of wine…”

My face flushed at reliving the moment. I was completely embarrassed knowing I’d made a huge mess and Liam could actually laugh about it. I know I couldn’t.

Pauly gave me a look that said ‘How the hell did you pull that off?’

“That’s my girl for you, sometimes she can be a klutz, but ya gotta love her for it.” Pauly chuckled, patting me hard on the back. “I’m going to get back to some people over there. Enjoy yourself tonight,” he said to Liam and they shook hands again. When he strolled past us, I looked back for a split second and so did he; I saw a hint of jealousy in his eyes. I hoped he didn’t see it in mine.

Liam and I stepped onto the porch and made the trek down to the lake.

“So Lucy, tell me something about you. I mean besides that you play in an obviously well known band.” Liam asked me as he reached for my free hand. I took it and squeezed his hand.

I exhaled.  “Well, I grew up on the west side of the state, over in Muskegon, and I still live there now when I get a break in the touring schedule,” I paused and turned the tables on him. “Tell me something about you?”

Liam followed suit, exhaling and said “Not much to tell. I went to college up here on a hockey scholarship. I’ve lived in Alpena my whole life, and I played a year in pro hockey but broke my leg so badly I couldn’t skate again. Instead, I own one of the restaurants in town.” He shrugged his shoulders as if that wasn’t a big deal. “My parents live nearby, but it’s a very strained relationship because they hate that I can’t skate anymore.”

I was flabbergasted. “Why would they blame you for that? That seems stupid for parents to blame their son.”

“Well when they paid for me to take every hockey lesson there was available and pushed me to practice at home on our own rink, it’s a big deal. I was all my parents had; they put all of their time and frustration into me and grooming me to be an NHL star.” Liam explained. “After the NHL, I took the money I had and put it into the restaurant, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.”

“Do you still speak to them?”

Liam nodded. “Once a week or so. They ask how business is going, and I give them the same generic answer I do every time. They don’t care about my business. They want to know when I’m going to hang it up and try to play again.”

I’m fortunate I still have my mom around, despite our periodic differences; we were still close. I couldn’t imagine her hating me. I don’t even know how Liam deals with it. In the time I’ve spent with him, he’s been such a gentleman and a sweetheart.

“So you spend most of your time up here with friends?”

“Sometimes. I spend just about every waking second I have at the restaurant, adding on to the business, making my own wooden tables, things like that. I’m actually in the process of constructing the bar right now. But I still have my friends from high school I hang out with. Like Evan and Zach. They were my college hockey buddies, and we’ve been friends ever since.”

“It’s hard for me to keep friends anymore.” I said honestly. “Because as the years go on and the band’s popularity grows, gossip and rumors spread. I only have one or two friends outside of the music business because of that.”

Liam smiled. “Well, three now including me.” Seeing that smile warmed my heart. He had such a positive energy around him, and I was hoping I’d be able to see him more often now. “I know that’s kind of crazy considering we met just hours ago.”

“I like crazy.”

We slipped off our shoes and dipped our feet into the water. The water felt warm between my toes as I watched other people swim out past the point I usually did.

“It’s nice out here.” Liam smiled, gripping my hand tighter. “I’ve seen the lake up close and swam, fished, just about everything, but being down here having your own private section just seems so surreal.”

“I know, right? That’s why I love to come up here. There’s something so peaceful about watching the water and how the sun light hits the lake at the right time.” I sighed, inhaling deeply. “If I wasn’t into the band stuff, I’d kill to live up here year round.”

“You wouldn’t say that when the snow is piled up to your roof!” Liam teased, and I laughed.

“True. But it gets just as bad over where we’re at. That’s why I’m thankful most of the winters we’re on the tour bus so we don’t have to worry about that.” I explained. We spent the next couple of minutes just staring at the water around us and enjoying each other’s company. I had just met Liam, but I felt so comfortable around him, I didn’t want him to go.

On our way back up to the cabin, I decided to show Liam the pavilion, which the guys had thoroughly cleaned up during the day, except for the various pieces of music lying around, and my acoustic guitar, which was kept at the cabin.

“This is one of my favorite places to write.” I told Liam, plopping down onto the seat in front of us. “I love to come out here and just listen to music peacefully while the guys do their own thing.”

Liam was perusing through the music, and his eyes settled on an old Deep Purple CD I’d had since I was at least 12.

“Do you mind if I put this in?” he asked, showing me the cd.

“Nah, go ahead. I love Deep Purple,” I told him, and he put the cd in the music player before sitting down next to me.

“So what else should I know about you, since we’re all alone…” Liam asked me, scooting closer to me so that our legs were almost touching. “Not that it means anything, because I’m not one of those guys that will just out right try to kiss you when I barely know you.”

He seemed nervous. I only knew that from the way he’d started. “Well, I have never dated any of my bandmates.”

His eyebrows rose in response. “You mean you’ve never dated any of them, even before you guys were a group?” It was the truth! The only one I had ever been involved as far as anything to do with sex was Pauly, and that was only once.

I shook my head in response. “Does that surprise you?”

“No. But I don’t know them, either,” Liam joked. He positioned his arm so it was now draped around my shoulders. I snuggled closer so my head lay on his shoulder, and we made small talk, taking about our childhood, what we’d wanted to be when we grew up, and our first kisses oddly enough.

Then I heard a loud thud outside of the pavilion, which caused me to stand straight up, and out of Liam’s hold. “The fuck was that…” I murmured, peeking around the corner to see Damon lying against the outside of the pavilion, looking pretty passed out.

“What the hell, Charming…” I groaned, running toward him, trying to get him to stand up without falling back on his ass.

“Hey Luce, I’m perfectly fine… no trouble here. Pauly was trying to get me to come out and get you…” Damon slurred, and I rolled my eyes. I looked behind me and Liam came to my side to help lift Damon up. “And who’s your new boyfriend, Lucy?”

“He’s not my boyfriend, asshole; his name’s Liam, and I just met him today. You need to go to bed,” I scolded him. “Did you kick everyone else out?”