Starstruck (17 page)

“Ha! She can try.” Rick tossed another pancake onto his
plate and scarfed it down quickly.

“That’s my point. She doesn’t
have
to try. You should
see her in action. She’s unbelievable, man. I’ve never met anyone like her.”
The grin had overtaken his entire face, he was sure of it. Rick laughed, but
Jesse didn’t care.

“Seriously though, man, I really like her. And I’m bettin’
you will too, so I’m warnin’ you now. Hands off. This one might be special so
go easy on her, eh? I don’t want you guys scarin’ her off. I
mean
it.”

“Ah, Maurello’s gone soft…finally. Fuck, Jess, you’ve really
fallen, haven’t ya? It’s written all over your face. Oh
shit
!You
have
!”

Rick tossed his head back and roared a laugh, slapping his
thigh, but horror froze his features when he lost his balance and flailed his
arms and legs, ending flat on his ass on the kitchen floor. He groaned. “Fuck
that hurt.”

Jesse leaned across the counter and Rick smiled up at him.
“I never thought I’d see the day you’d be smitten again, Jess. Not like this.
It’s little Lily Ryan from our old neighborhood all over again.”

He stood and rubbed his ass before righting his stool and
sitting back down.

“And would you believe it’s only been four days since I met
her? I’m trying to take it slow, Ricky, I really am, but I just can’t seem to
help myself when I’m with her. I don’t want her to leave. I’m already arranging
for her to do all the artwork we’ll need for this album, but I can’t keep her
here forever. I know that much.” His sigh was much deeper this time, going from
elation to misery within seconds.

“I was hopin’ we could all meet up and discuss it with her
to start the ball rollin’. You got any plans outside the band this week?”

“Only J’s party Friday night. You’re going, aren’t ya?”

“Yeah, was hopin’ Sam could join me, but I think she’s
already got plans. So it looks like it’s just you and me, kid. You takin’
anyone?” Jesse raised a curious eyebrow.

“Nope, I’m gonna leave myself open for the ladies. Don’t
want to disappoint anyone, you know. Hey, who knows? I might even find some
twins to play with if I’m lucky.” Rick laughed wickedly as he rubbed his hands
together. “But for now, let me hear the tracks you brought from London.”

* * * * *

She’d been sitting outside Ricky Bradshaw’s house for
hours…waiting…in the rental car she’d gotten with her fake ID. A cab was no
longer convenient, nor smart.

The voice inside her head had lain dormant since London. She
wasn’t crazy. She didn’t hear voices…there was only the one. He didn’t come to
her often, but when he did, she listened.

The first time he’d made himself known was during her
preliminary days at boarding school. He’d whispered in her ear when the other
girls wouldn’t stop teasing her, and given her the real education she needed to
make them pay. He’d taught her to harness her temper and bide her time.

Lesson number one—knowledge is power.

When Jesse finally emerged from Bradshaw’s Swiss-inspired
estate, she almost pulled out directly behind him, but Ricky followed in his
own car.

She’d have to be careful tagging Jesse in the future.

* * * * *

Sam was pleasantly surprised to find the people of Johnson
& Nichols loved every piece of artwork she’d produced for them. She’d made
a slideshow presentation on her laptop of various stills, the images now
hovering above her head on the huge white projector screen at the front of the
boardroom.

Before lunch, she’d given a detailed profile of the
characters and the planet on which they’d live. Afterward, she spoke until her
voice threatened to give out. She’d been tense throughout. She’d expected a
much cooler reception after arriving two days late for their meeting.

“Samantha! These sketches are
fantastic
. It’s exactly
how I pictured the game, especially the home planet. I can’t believe the amount
of detail you’ve illustrated,” Mr. Johnson announced to the table of
technicians and executives. “If I had any doubts about your punctuality, it was
well worth the wait. I approve the entire line.
All
of it. If I could
draw, I couldn’t have done better myself.”

He turned to one of his lackeys. “Joe, get this one moving
straight away. I want it out by Christmas.”

“Thank you, Mr. Johnson. It’s truly been a pleasure. If
there are any alterations you think of later, just let me know. I’ll be in New
York for the rest of the week so you can contact me on my direct number. Mr.
Murphy will be
very
pleased with the outcome.” She shook the tycoon’s
hand.

“Sam, you’re a breath of fresh air. I’m so glad I went
abroad for this project. You will join us on Friday night, won’t you? I’m
having a little dinner party on my private yacht and you simply must come. I
won’t take no for an answer.” He patted her hand before finally letting go.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Mr. Johnson. I’d be
honored, sir, thank you.”

“Perfect. But I guess now you have a bit of free time on
your hands, don’t you? Give me a call if you find yourself with nothing to do.”
He winked.

She cringed inside. Mr. Johnson had to be in his early
sixties and reminded her of Clint Eastwood, funnily enough. She was flattered
by his flirtatiousness but hoped she effectively portrayed her disinterest
without offending the rich gentleman. She didn’t want to piss him off. This
contract was very important to Daniel.

* * * * *

Jesse drove to Chinatown and the favorite little restaurant
he and the band shared. They’d often meet here for discussions, preferring the
atmosphere and the food over a stuffy office or hotel. Drew Buchanan—keyboard
and pianist, Ronan O’Sullivan—bass, and Jackson Reid—lead guitarist, all lived
scattered across the region. Jesse and Rick were the only two who lived within a
short distance of each other so meeting in a central location made it easier
for everyone.

When he and Rick waltzed through the front door, their small
clan of friends were already talking up a storm. Jesse strolled to their
regular table and threw his hands in front of him, surrendering to his fate.
“All right, children, feed me first and then I’ll answer your twenty
questions.”

The whole table roared with laughter and called the familiar
waitress over, eager to order and get down to the dirt of recent gossip.

Bellies full and official business out of the way, questions
flew about the mystery woman Jesse had met in London. He told them as little as
possible, finishing with how she was an Australian artist and he wanted them
all to meet to discuss details for the album cover contract.

He’d never heard so many “down under” jokes as he did from
those boys. He hoped Sam could withstand his band. They were a huge part of his
life and it was important to him they all get along. After Becky, they were
bound to be on guard. Even though they were a crude bunch, they were also the
most loyal sons-a-bitches he could’ve asked for. He could always count on them,
no matter what.

His phone vibrated in his hip pocket with the message he’d
been waiting for. Sam was finished for the day and now her time was his. He
glanced at the clock on his cell, surprised to discover it was already after
four.

“As much as I’d love to stay and chat with you dickheads,
I’ve got somethin’ better to do,” he announced with a grin. He rose from his
seat, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

“Just hand her my card, Jess. When she’s ready for a
real
man, tell her to give me a call.” Rick patted him on the shoulder as they shook
hands.

“Yeah right, Bradshaw. I’ll do that when you get your hand
off your cock.” He turned his attention to their manager, Vince Clarke. “I’ll
email the details I want in the Murphy Graphics deal. Just let me know when the
contract’s drawn up, okay? And make sure it’s soon so I can get this thing
movin’. If she’s free, I’ll try to hook up the meeting for Thursday.”

As he walked out the door, the jokes resumed behind his
back. Shaking his head and quietly chuckling, he crossed the parking lot to his
car, the happiest he had been in a long time.

* * * * *

Sam waited outside The Waldorf, very pleased with herself.
The meeting had gone much better than she’d anticipated and she had most of the
week free to spend with Jesse.

“Ahem, Samantha?” She turned when Mr. Johnson touched her
shoulder. “Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you were free for dinner
tonight? I gather you don’t know many people in the city and I’d love to show
you around if you’re not too busy.”

She stammered before finally gathering her thoughts. “Um,
it’s lovely of you to ask, but I’m terribly sorry. I already have plans for my
stay here. Maybe next time?”

Jesse pulled up in front, his car like a convertible silver
bullet.
Perfect timing.
He winked through the open window, waiting for
her to join him.

Mr. Johnson raised his eyebrow in Jesse’s direction with a fleeting,
disapproving glance. The casual smile on Jesse’s lips never wavered, but she
could have sworn he mumbled, “On your bike, old man.” She could only hope Mr.
Johnson’s ears weren’t as sharp as hers.

“Sorry, Mr. Johnson, that’s my ride. Thanks again for today.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciated your comments.” She shook his hand once
again.

“Don’t mention it, Samantha. You deserve the credit. I look
forward to speaking with you on Friday night. ’Til then.” He kissed the back of
her hand.

Jesse revved the engine a bit as Mr. Johnson let go of Sam’s
hand and walked back into the hotel.

The drive out of the city was much quieter than their drive
in, Jesse focused more than usual on the traffic ahead. He’d welcomed her
warmly enough with a quick kiss but had been silent since. She didn’t mind. She
dropped her head back to the headrest and closed her eyes, letting the wind
blow over her, sweeping her hair behind her.

Ten minutes into the drive, she sensed Jesse’s eyes on her.
All the tension in the air melted away and she smiled seductively. She opened
one eyelid at a loud honk behind them, his intense gaze singeing her lips. He
shook his head before turning the corner they’d been idly sitting at for too
long, mumbling profanities under his breath at the impatient driver nudging his
personal space.

“Looks like your day went well.” He changed gears as he hit
open road.

“Yep, I had a
great
day, and the best part is I’m
done and I’ve got some more time off. Everything went so well. I’m all yours
until Friday night, if you still want me.” She slid her hand onto his thigh,
loving the flex of muscle each time he shifted gears.

“Who was that guy you were with? He looked a bit too
friendly, if you ask me.”

“Jesse! You aren’t jealous of Dirty Harry, are you?” She couldn’t
hold back the gale of laughter that overtook her, the remorse on his face
confirming her suspicions.

He stared at her in mock shock before laughing along with
her. “I was tryin’ to figure out who he reminded me of. Damn, that’s funny. Did
he ask you out?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact he did. And I politely declined,
thank you very much. I do have to go to his party on Friday night though. I
can’t get out of it. My attendance is expected.”

“Oh well, you’ll miss out on the party I’m goin’ to then.
It’s a shame really. You would have had fun. So I’ve got you to myself for the
next few days, huh? I’ll have to shuffle a few things, but I think I can swing
it. Anything you want to do while you’re in New York? I’ll take you anywhere
you want to go,” he said, his voice much more chipper.

“I’ve already seen the main attraction. Anything else would
just pale in comparison.”

“Ha! Baby, The Waldorf is not the main attraction in NYC.
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

“Who said anything about The Waldorf? I was referring to
your bed, rock star. I’m happy to just hang out at your place for a few days.
Don’t change your schedule for me. I’m sure I’ll be able to amuse myself. Whose
party is it, anyway?”

“I’m the boss, beautiful. I can do whatever I like so don’t
you worry about that.” He pulled into his driveway. “Whose party? Wouldn’t you
like to know.”

* * * * *

Sarah eased up on the gas pedal so she wouldn’t appear
suspicious. She’d followed Jesse all day and didn’t want to chance him
recognizing her car.

She pitied Samantha Raven. The woman had no idea what was
coming. She dared to
touch
him. He wasn’t hers. She had no right. She
was living on borrowed time. All Sarah needed to do was be patient and wait for
the puzzle pieces to fall into place.

Jesse would see the light soon enough.

* * * * *

Sam walked through Jesse’s front door and immediately
climbed the stairs to the second floor.

“Where are you going?” he called.

“I need a shower and some comfortable clothes. If we’re
meeting your family later, you’d better pour me a glass of wine. I won’t be
long,” she said, reaching the landing.

“Do you want some company?”

“Maybe later. Right now I’m too nervous.”

“Don’t be nervous,
bella
. I told you, they’re gonna
love you. You’ve got nothing to worry about, I promise. I’m the freak of the
family, remember? They’re the normal ones.”

Sam locked herself inside the bathroom and ran a bath,
adding some frangipani bath salts.

What am I going to wear? What will they expect me to
wear? Shit! What if they hate me?

She soaked until the skin on her fingers began to prune.
She’d solved her fashion dilemma by the time she left the bathroom, her body
glowing bright pink. She would wear what she normally would if she were having
a casual dinner with her own family. She would just be herself. If that wasn’t
good enough, bad luck. She was sick of pretending for the sake of others. Tom’s
reign was over.