Page 34 of How to Love a Rockstar

His wife working reflected poorly on him? What a jerk.

“Mom never did find him. She divorced him in absentia.”

“But you’re his children? Didn’t he ever contact you?”

“Once.” He runs a hand through his hair. “We were on tour after our first album took off. He showed up backstage at our concert in LA. He barely greeted me before asking for money.” He growls. “As if I would give money to the asshole who left my mom to fend for five kids on her own.”

I grasp his hand and pull him down on the sofa. “Did you tell your mom about his visit?”

He shakes his head. “Tell her the man she still loves lives less than two hours away? No way.”

“Your mom still loves him?”

He frowns. “She fell apart when he left. She couldn’t believe he left her for another woman. Don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t a surprise he wanted another woman. He wasn’t faithful. He paraded his infidelity in front of her and she allowed it. She thought if she didn’t yell or threaten him, he’d stay.”

“I’m sorry,” I murmur.

I hesitate. His story is sad and I feel bad for what he had to endure, but why is he confessing this to me now?

“You’re wondering why I’m telling you my pathetic story.”

“You’re not pathetic.” I bump his shoulder. “But I am curious why you’re telling me your story now.”

“I’m trying to explain why I was an asshole to you in high school.”

“You were going through a lot. I understand.”

He grasps my chin. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” How can I possibly remember what when he’s touching me? When his calloused fingers are caressing my cheek? Making my body tremble and warmth spread throughout me?

“Don’t let me off the hook.”

“Don’t you want me to let you off the hook?”

“I do.”

His eyes heat and a shiver runs through my body. I want to drown in his warmth. He leans down and I sway toward him. My gaze drops to his mouth. What will his lips feel like on mine? Will they be soft? Will they be hard?

Is he a good kisser? I bet he is. After all, he’s had tons of practice.

Good reminder. Dylan isn’t merely some old friend from high school. He’s a rockstar. A rockstar who would never be interested in me. The mouse.

I clear my throat and pull away.

He drops his hand from my chin. “Sorry.”

“You were saying…”

I have no idea what he was saying. What were we discussing again? Why didn’t I let him kiss me?

“When Dad left, I got a job – two actually – to help Mom pay the bills. It was hard for Mom to secure a good-paying job since she had no prior experience. Plus, she had my sisters to care for. I took over as much as I could – driving Stevie, Linda, and Joni to school and their after-school activities.”

“Hold on. You had two jobs and helped care for your sisters while you were in high school?” He nods. “How did I not know this?”

His cheeks darken. “Nobody did. Except Cash. I didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me.”

“Feel sorry for you? Not a chance. You’re amazing.”

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