Rocked All Night (BBW New Adult Rock Star Romance) (6 page)

Becca even let me help her choose something to wear. She sported a mini skirt and tank top complete with push-up miracle inside, giving her curves for days, balancing out her pear shape. A pair of killer heels and her blond hair in loose waves and she looked really freaking hot, if I say so myself. Good enough that Dex might get some competition from me after enough drinks.

While we went as wild as her limited wardrobe and somewhat conservative taste would allow for Becca, I had a lot more choices and went with what I knew would get me tons of attention. I put on a blood red mini dress with tiny straps, a plunging neckline and a hem short enough that it should have, but didn’t, make me blush. And of course, my signature five inch stiletto boots. Call it practice. I was hoping to get good enough at dancing in them to wear onstage at some point.

Tonight the look, heavy makeup, tons of jewelry and riot of crimson curls was all about making me feel like I could take on the world. Or, at least a stupid step and repeat outside the club that no one had warned us about. But, in my sexy warrior-woman gear I shrugged off the annoyance, checked my reflection in a mirror, plastered a big smile across my face and went to work.

Club staff ushered Becca and some of the others inside quickly, and I was only a tiny bit jealous. Once the lights from cameras hit my face and voices started peppering me with questions, I was in the zone.

“Julia, Julia! Over here,” someone shouted above the fray. I peered out at a young man in a jacket and tie. “Are you nervous about the tour?”

“Not at all. I’m excited.”

“Really? You’ve been out of the limelight for a long time.”

“I have, and I’m so blessed to be here. It’s the fans who made it possible and they’re the ones I’ll be singing to and
for
every night.”

“What about working with Dream Defiled and Playology? Are you worried you’ll get lost between them?”

“Of course not. Both are fantastic groups. I’ve loved listening to them in rehearsals and have learned so much from them. Hopefully they feel the same way about me.”

Someone slung an arm over my shoulder. “We absolutely do.” It was Joe. “Julia is an amazing talent. We’re honored to share a stage with her.”

I grinned at him genuinely and then turned my face back to the cameras.

“I guess that means everyone is getting along,” a different reporter chimed in.

“We’re all having a great time. Working and hanging out.”

“Is that true, Julia?”

“Of course. I’ve spent weeks surrounded by gorgeous talented men. What more could a girl want?”

“Drinks!” Dex yelled from further down the line.

“Yeah,” Joe agreed. “Let’s get out of here.”

I laughed as he took my hand and dragged me away. Then I was surrounded by them – Joe, Dex, Matthew and Rick, pulled into the middle of Dream Defiled and I felt great. In the eye of the storm we were together and it felt so right. And, the mercenary part of me thought, it would make for a really great photograph.

Once we made it inside there were more photographers, but also drinks. And music. The club was packed and a lot more fun than I expected. And really freaking huge. The ceiling was at least five or six stories up and I couldn’t even see the far end of the building from the raised seating area they’d corralled us into. A small army of publicity minions surrounded us, providing rapid-fire information and instructions that I mostly ignored.

Instead, I looked around. The water feature that gave the club its name was amazing. Rather than the kitschy rock waterfall I’d imagined, it was a piece of artwork. A shining, shimmering tower of glass and crystals from floor to ceiling, with sheets of water sliding constantly. Lights that constantly shifted colors added to the magical effect and I found myself mesmerized.

At the bottom there was a shallow pool, where people danced on a glass platform. The water flowed under them, giving the impression they moved within the falls. Amazing.

“Pretty great, huh?” Joe asked from next to me.

“Yeah. The waterfall is incredible.”

“We should get one for the stage.”

I smiled. “Oh yeah, I’m sure that would only cost a couple million to build and move from city to city.”

He waved a hand dismissively. “Worth every penny. As long as you pay.”

We shared a laugh at that, and then got pulled back into the conversation with everyone else. A waitress in a gauzy bikini brought drinks in tall glasses that looked more like test tubes. And, like I’d figured, the club’s signature cocktail was revolting. But we all choked them down slowly, smiling for the cameras when the owner came by for a photo op. Then it was time to meet some fans, which went quickly because it was impossible to hear anyone speak in the club. Our on-duty time passed quickly and before I knew it we were free.

Someone escorted us up to the third floor, through the regular VIP section to the super-VIP area. It was sumptuously decorated and separated from the main area by a glass wall that opened and closed, allowing us to be a part or separate from the rest of the club’s noise. There was even a small DJ booth in the corner for, I guess, snooty guests who need separate music.

The club’s owner came out of a side door that he said led to his office and gave us a tour of the amenities. We had a private bartender, two televisions, a stereo, and speakers that could play output from those or the club’s sound system. He also showed us the balcony that provided a gorgeous view of Vegas, the Strip glowing bright in the distance. There was, as promised, a hot tub in one corner, partially hidden behind a privacy screen.

I laughed. “Who wants to get in a hot tub at a club and then what, walk around all sodden for the rest of the night?”

Waterfall’s owner, Damien, smiled. “We offer complete restroom facilities, including showers, robes and hairdryers. The club also sells swimsuits which I’d be happy to give any of you, if you do wish to relax in the hot tub. There’s a television back there so you can watch the action on the main dance floor, as well.”

“Oh…um, okay,” was all I managed before wandering back inside.

Blaze, the lead singer for Playology was right behind me as I walked over to the bar and ordered a drink. “Thanks for taking one for the team. I wondered the same thing.”

“You can always count on me to be rude and stick my foot in my mouth,” I replied, smiling.

“Good to know.” He nodded at the waiting bartender. “Whatever you’ve got on tap is fine for me.”

I looked at Blaze for a moment, wondering. “Have we met before?” He looked really familiar, but I couldn’t place it. I’d thought the same thing when I saw pictures of the band, but in person it was even stronger. Tall and skinnier than Joe even, he had long wavy black hair that hung in his eyes. His face was thin, with dark eyes and pale, almost gleaming skin. Years ago he would have made a good Goth boy, but now his look was more dark emo than anything else. Which matched well with the band’s sound. A great match for the tour, really. Dream Defiled brought the raucous party sound bordering on updated cock rock. Playology were more sensitive and thoughtful, but could still wail. And then there was me. The girl power. Tough and sexy, hopefully.

“Maybe,” Blaze said. “You spend much time in New York?”

I shrugged. “I’ve spent a little time almost everywhere, it seems.”

“Ever work with Langston King?”

“Nope. But I’ve heard he’s a nightmare.”

“God, yes. Total.” He shuddered dramatically. “Avoid the man at all costs.”

I laughed and took a sip of my drink.

We were still trying to figure out if and when we’d met before when the others returned. Most of the crowd settled in around the room on sofas, but Becca came over to me.

“We’re gonna go downstairs and dance. Wanna come?”

My gaze shifted automatically to Rick. He was standing in a corner with Matthew. I opened my mouth to speak but then remembered myself. I couldn’t dance with him, or even ask him to join us. It would look too weird.

“Sure,” I said instead. “Let’s do it before I’m too drunk to stand.”

Becca laughed but then looked at me strangely before turning to Blaze. “What about you?”

“Dance with two beautiful ladies? I’d have to be an idiot to refuse.” With his slight Southern drawl it was silly and adorable. Becca snagged Dex and a few others followed us into the elevator to go back downstairs.

At the bottom, there was a security guard waiting. He explained that someone would be stationed near us on the dance floor to make sure no one bothered us excessively, and reminded us that no one who wasn’t on his list would be allowed back upstairs with us without providing picture ID and signing a waiver. Kind of nuts if you ask me, but it was nice to know we’d be protected.

We made our way out into the crowd of undulating bodies on the main dance floor and joined in. I let the rhythm of the song playing take me away and just danced like no one else was watching. It felt nice to cut loose, just go for it. Lost in a sea of people, drowned out by the music and yelling, I was invisible in a wonderful way. Just one of the masses having a great time.

As the song ended and another began, I glanced up to the private section and caught a glimpse of Rick looking down. It was almost impossible that he could pick me out in the crowd, but it seemed he did, his steely gaze locked on my face, and I blushed and looked away. The new song was a little slower, a driving sensuous beat that made my hips move.

Hands rested on them and I looked over my shoulder to see Blaze.

“Hope you don’t mind,” he said.

“Of course not.” I covered his hands with mine and shimmied back closer to him. He was a fantastic dancer. Nimble and smooth, he managed to match the sexy tone of the song while still being respectful to me. He danced close, but there was no grinding.

I dimly noticed more familiar faces surrounding us. It looked like almost everyone in our group was joining in now. Dex and Becca were right in front of me, making out, and the other members of Playology were pairing off with other clubgoers or each other. I even spotted the members of my backing band getting in on the action.

All the while, Blaze and I kept moving together. He spoke into my ear, “Your boyfriend would be jealous if he saw us like this.”

I laughed. “Don’t have one.”

“Pity. My boyfriend wouldn’t be jealous, but that’s because he likes to watch.” He spun me around and then wrapped an arm around my waist from behind, keeping us in perfect sync. I raised my arms over my head and twisted rhythmically. Someone slapped a shot of something in my hand and I downed it quickly, without stopping. Even though I was dancing with one rock star, surrounded by others, I felt like such a normal girl. Partying and dancing with friends. No work, no photographers or reporters, no nagging manager or momager. Just fun.

I don’t even know how long I stayed there, dancing and having a great time. But eventually my bladder protested and I kissed Blaze on the cheek and told him I’d be back. My calves were sore as I glided over to our security guy to find out where the closest restroom was. He recommended that if it wasn’t an emergency, that I should use the one upstairs, so I did.

When I was done, I checked my makeup and fluffed my hair before leaving the bathroom. It was down a short hallway from the private section of the club and I’d made it about halfway back before I saw Rick coming towards me.

“I was looking for you,” he said, frowning.

“Mission accomplished. What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.”

“Uh-huh. Try saying that again without the stormcloud over your head.”

He glared at me and crossed his arms. “What are you so fucking cheerful about? Having a great time with your new boyfriend?”

“I…my…what?” I leaned back against the wall, baffled.

“For someone who wants to keep personal things personal you’re sure putting on a show down there with Blaze.”

“I…Oh, god.” A guffaw exploded from me before I could stop it. “I can’t believe it.”

“What?”

“You’re jealous? Seriously?”

Rick glowered. “Bullshit. I just think it’s a little sad.”

Giggles overtook me. “No. You’re actually jealous. This is insane. For multiple reasons.”

“Stop laughing at me.”

I cleared my throat and ran my hand through my hair. “I’m sorry. And I’m not laughing at you, not really. Just the situation. And…honestly, my reaction.” I should have been annoyed or at least incredulous, but I wasn’t. I was…pleased. And not a little turned on it.

“Huh?”

I stepped closer to him, pressing myself against his crossed arms. “It’s kind of sexy that you’re being possessive. Don’t like another man playing with your toys, eh?”

The corners of his lips twitched. “It’s not like that.”

“I think it is,” I purred, casting a glance over my shoulder to make sure no one else was around before I twined my fingers around the back of his neck. “You don’t want anyone else touching me, do you?”

“No, I don’t,” he said softly, arms falling to his sides. “Not in this club and not at all, actually.”

“Interesting. But I like being touched. I like hands on my body.”

He splayed the fingers of one hand over my back. “I have hands.”

“Mmm, yes. Why don’t you use them to convince me I don’t need anyone else’s.”

Rick growled and pulled me in for a kiss. “Be careful what you wish for, Julia. You just might get it.”

Rick’s mouth crashed against mine, his kiss fierce and hard. He wasted no time, driving his tongue between my lips and swirling it around. I hooked a leg behind his knees, drawing us closer together.

Our hands roamed each other’s bodies quickly and desperately. I hadn’t realized how much I wanted – no, needed – him, until he touched me. Underneath my tiny dress I was shaking with desire almost immediately. My nipples tightened to pebbles and I pressed them against him, arching my back. My core, already slick, clenched with need.

He was hard, pressing the length barely contained behind his pants against my body. Rick broke off the kiss and groaned. “There’s no way I can wait to get back to the hotel.”

“Agreed,” I panted. “There must be somewhere. The bus?”