Relentless (Relentless Soul Book 1) (3 page)

Ava

That bike ride was intense; I can still feel his abs beneath my hands and his firm muscular thighs between mine. His smell is still lingering on my body, a sensual, woody, masculine scent. I hope he didn't feel me tremble; I couldn't help but imagine us being tangled between bed sheets. Shit! Grabbing my nose I feel pain radiating through my face and my eyes start watering, is it bleeding? I curse myself and my previous thoughts as I just literally walked into my office door. Rummaging through my handbag with one hand I find my compact mirror. Moving my hand away from my face I inspect my nose to discover there is no blood and a feeling of relief washes over me.

"Ava, are you ok?" Wiping the tears from my eyes I see Jennifer, my editor, standing at the door.

I laugh a little "Oh yeah I'm fine, I wasn't watching where I was going and hit the door with my face."

"As long as you're okay then, I just came by to see how you're going with the Relentless Soul article?

"I'm almost done. I can have it to you by the end of the day. So what other details do I need to know about the tour?"

"Their manager Travis rang me about an hour after the interview was finished and said they wanted to expand the coverage of the band. So they offered all expenses paid and all access to our journalist."

"Why me?"

"They've already met you. They will be more comfortable and most likely be more open with you. The tour starts in two weeks, you'll be on a bus with the makeup artist and stylist."

"What is their itinerary?"

"They haven't sent me the itinerary yet; I'll get it from them Monday and call you as soon as I get it."

"Thank you"

"I'm looking forward to seeing the article, get it to me as soon as you can. So it will be ready for the next issue."

"Sure thing, Jennifer."

Watching her walk out of the glass door, I stare at the empty chair across my desk that she was just occupying. Me living on a bus; it's going to be worse than the hotel. Eight weeks with two of the sexiest men I have ever laid eyes on. This is going to be hell. Reaching for my phone I make a call. "Hey Grandma it's me."

Ava

Stepping out of the taxi I head for the hotel doors. The lobby is busy at this time of day; people checking in for their stay. I ride the elevator up to my floor; the movement of the elevator pulling up is sickening. I let myself into my room with the door card then pull out my phone and send a text to Brody to let him know what time to pick me up tomorrow.

Hi
Brody, I am scheduled to meet the realtor at 10.30am at his office in Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach. If you could pick me up at 9.30, that would be great.

Thanks, Ava.

I have no idea what to have for dinner America's food is so different. While I'm looking at the room service menu I hear the message alert on my phone and I look over to see a short reply from Brody.

I'll be there, see you then.

I exit out of the messages and pick up the hotel room phone.

I order a burger and chips and while I wait for my dinner to arrive I smile at the thought of finding a place of my own. To top it off I get to spend the day with Brody.

Tomorrow is going to be a good day.

***

Please tell me that's not my alarm already. Just a few more minutes would be nice. I spent half the night thinking about Brody. Duty calls though. Stretching, I work my way over to the bathroom to shower which will hopefully wake me up. I turn on the water and undress while I wait for it to heat up. Stepping in I wet my hair and close my eyes as the water runs over my face and all down my body. Grabbing my bottle of shampoo I lather my hair and scrub, finding the pressure of my fingers on my scalp relaxing. The smell of papaya and coconut fills the room. I quickly rinse my hair then add conditioner and repeat the process. Turning the water off I grab a towel to wrap around my body, and another towel for my hair. After applying a small amount of makeup to keep a natural look and drying and styling my hair I hear a knock at the door. Stepping out of the towel I put the terry cloth robe on, walk to the door and look through the peephole. Panicking I open the door in a rush.

"Hey, Brody. You’re early."

Brody grins sheepishly and looks me up and down.

"I thought I would come by early and bring you some coffee." Looking down at myself I am reminded that I'm only wearing the robe and completely naked underneath it. Feeling my cheeks heat I look at the coffee.

"Come on in. Thanks for the coffee I need that this morning. I'll be right back I'm just going to put some clothes on." Walking over to the wardrobe I pull out a lacy, black bra and undies, black low cut shirt, light blue jeans, socks and my black and white high tops. Dressing quickly I try not to think about Brody sitting out there.

Walking out of the bathroom I take a coffee out of the tray and sit down next to Brody on the bed. "Thanks for this I really needed it."

"That's ok. How many places are you going to be looking at today?"

"Four, unless I find something I like straight away."

"And if you don't like any?"

"Unfortunately, I don't really have an option. I have to find a place and get settled before we leave in two weeks."

"Where are the places you will be looking at?"

"They are all in the Manhattan Beach area one is on Seventh Street; there are two in Seventeenth Street and one in High View Avenue.”

"I'm sure you'll find something you like, shall we get going?"

"Hopefully. Yeah let's go."

We walk side by side down to his bike, neither of us speaking but we don't have to. Reaching his bike he opens up the compartment and hands me a helmet. I watch him climb astride the bike and smile at the way his body moves. Sitting there he holds out his hand for me. I place my hand in his, my stomach flips and I can't help but gasp. There's that spark again. I look into his grey eyes searching to see if he felt it too. His eyes search mine and I quickly glance down to his mouth then back up at his eyes. Eventually he breaks the connection and nods his head to the right indicating for me to get on. I wrap my hands around his waist.
Do not stroke his abs, Ava
. I tap my fingers on his abs to stop myself from running them up and down his body. Inhaling his woody scent I close my eyes.

"Ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." I feel as if the words have a double meaning behind them.

The ride to the real estate office was about twenty minutes long. It was the longest trip of my life. Being so close to him had me thinking unprofessional thoughts the entire time. I have never felt this kind of connection before. Relieved for the space that is now between us I step into the office. Walking up to the man at the counter I introduce myself.

"Hi I'm Ava Flores and I'm here to inspect a few houses today with Mr. Smith." He looks me up and down and smirks.

"Mrs. Flores, I'm David Smith and I'll be showing you the apartments today. I think you and your husband will be most impressed."

He looks towards Brody. What? He thinks I'm married to Brody. I only just met him about forty eight hours ago. Just as I’m about to correct him and tell him Brody and I are just friends, Brody holds out his hand and introduces himself.

"Brody Cooper. So, which apartment are we going to first?"

Mr. Smith looks between Brody and I, his face holding a slight frown as he responds to Brody's question.

"I was thinking we could head to Seventh Street first."

Walking up the stairs to the first apartment I stand behind Brody. I gently tug on his shirt and he turns slightly to look at me. Ushering him closer I whisper "Can you do all the talking please I feel uncomfortable around him." Brody smiles at me, his grey eyes softening. I can just imagine the feeling of his arms around me, telling me everything is going to be okay.

"Sure." Walking into the apartment I listen to Mr. Smith speak as I look around.

"This is a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment. The kitchen is cosy and has a beautiful window facing outside."

Looking at the kitchen I see that the window is facing the neighboring apartment. All I see is bricks. There are two cupboards, nowhere to put pots and pans and the tap is leaking.

"And what about parking spaces?" Brody questions.

"Unfortunately there are none. Only off street, however the bedroom has a built in wardrobe."

I walk towards the bedroom leaving Brody to look around the morbid, tiny lounge room. The bedroom is a dirty looking beige; the wardrobe would only just fit me in there. Walking out I look at Brody and shake my head, I don't need to see anymore. Brody nods and turns to Mr. Smith.

"Mr. Smith, let's see the next house."

Walking out of the last house I feel so disappointed. I plaster on a fake smile and look at Mr. Smith "I'll let you know by next week if I want any of the apartments."

His eyes drift slowly down my body.

"Here's my card, I look forward to hearing from you."

I just stare at him but I have no words. What a sleaze ball. Turning my back on him I walk over to Brody who is standing by his bike.

"And which one did you take."

Shaking my head I looked at Brody "None, I hated them all but I told him I would let him know next week and I think you were right about Mr Creepy."

"No shit Ava, I don't think you should take any of these, just give me a second I'm just going to make a call."

Brody walks away and leaves me with the bike. Watching his fine backside walk away, he digs his hand into his pocket. Bringing the phone to his ear I admire his body. He is tall I think about six foot, on his upper left arm the bottom of his guitar tattoo is exposed and on his right forearm he has words written across it. I think its lyrics. Just then Brody turns and looks at me he has a smile on his face I wonder what he's doing. Walking over to me his smile gets bigger.

"I may have found you a place."

"What? How?"

"I just rang my manager and he's looking for an apartment for you in Santa Monica."

I frown slightly but he jumps in before I can argue.

"It'll be nice I promise, I told him it has to be up to my standard."

I am speechless he really didn't have to do that for me. "Thanks, you didn't have to do that."

"I know but you didn't like any of the horrible apartments today and besides I didn't like the idea of the realtor knowing where you live, he's a creep. By the way I asked Travis to find you a furnished place so you didn't have to find all that in two weeks as well."

Now I really have nothing to say how can someone I just met do all of that for me.

Stepping closer to him his eyes deepen. I do the only thing I know what to do at a time like this. Hug him. I wrap my small arms around his body; he responds and places his arms around me. "Thank you." His body is so hard against mine but yet I fit perfectly against him.

Brody

I know that I should let her go. I need to, for my own sanity. But she feels so damn good. Plus, our bodies just fit together so well. I gently inhale the fresh, intoxicating scent of coconut coming from her soft waves of shiny, dark hair and I'm so tempted to touch it. Just as I give in to the temptation and raise my hand, she slowly pulls away and takes a step back.

"I'm sorry, that was a little forward. I just really appreciate all your help today."

Shrugging I look into her gorgeous eyes. "It's my pleasure. I enjoy spending time with you. Plus, I know how hard it is to be all alone in a new place."

Sensing a shift in the mood and that sad look in her eyes again, I know she is probably wondering why and how I know all about being alone. I quickly change the topic before she questions my comment. "So, Travis will let me know as soon as he finds something and I'll call you with the details."

"Okay… Cool. Thanks again, Brody."

Nodding as I climb onto my bike, I gesture for her to follow and when she's settled I take her back to the hotel.

*****

Later that night as I'm just about to pop the top off another beer, I hear a loud banging on my front door. Glancing down at my watch I see it's ten o'clock. Who the fuck would be coming to see me at this time of night? I stroll toward the door, losing my balance slightly a couple of times. Surely I'm not drunk? After only five…six maybe…or was it seven beers? Fuck, I can't remember. The door swings open before I can get to it and Jeremy walks in, chucking his jacket on the back of an armchair. "Hey, dude! What's happening? I've tried calling a few times. I was getting worried when I didn't hear from you."

It takes a few seconds for my response "Nothin' much. Just having a few quiet beers."

Jeremy glances over my shoulder toward the kitchen counter and frowns slightly. I follow where his eyes are looking at the empty bottles lined up. Shit! Maybe it was eight.

"A few? What's up with you man? I haven't seen you this wasted in a long time."

My silence is the only response he's going to get.

"You should have called me, bro. I would have come over and had a few." He plonks down on the couch and props his large feet on the small black coffee table. "So…have you heard about the new addition to our tour?"

I flop down onto an armchair and look up at his cocky grin. Even in my slightly intoxicated state it doesn't take long for me to realize that Ava's invitation to tour with us was his doing. "Ah, so it was your idea?"

Jeremy's cocky grin widens as he nods proudly. "Fucking genius isn't it. I tried to find a way to see her again, and now I'll be seeing her every fucking day. Perfect! So, how did you hear? Travis?"

Shaking my head I stare down at my beer. "No, Ava told me."

Jeremy drops his feet to the floor and his body stiffens as he sits up straighter. "When did you speak to Ava?"

As I ponder over how much I should tell him about my chance meeting with Ava and our apartment hunting this morning, he says again with a little more urgency "Did you see her after the interview yesterday?"

"I bumped into her at the Pier in the afternoon. She was there doing the whole tourist thing and while we were talking she got a call from her Editor." I stop there remembering how cute she looked yesterday, strolling along the pier. My thoughts are interrupted by twenty fucking questions.

"What did you two talk about? Was she excited about going on tour with us? What did she say about me?"

He's leaning forward on the couch waiting for my answers.

"I don't really remember. She was a little surprised about the tour and a little freaked out because she hasn't found a place of her own yet. We had a look at some places today but she didn't seem to like any of them." Jeremy's jaw drops. Fuck! I said too much. I wasn't planning on telling him about that. Me and my fucking drunk big mouth! Glancing up at Jeremy I see he has composed himself a little. He is now grinding his jaw instead of letting it hang open.