Page 27 of Don't Bang a Bandmate

But first, I’m having lunch with Melanie Rose, international bestselling author of steamy romance novels.

Chrissy’s right. My life is… different from other people’s.

Today’s life perk is compliments of our opening act, Harvey Moon. One of his frat brothers is Drew Rose, Melanie’s little brother. When Harvey found out Addison was reading one of Melanie’s books, he offered to set up a lunch in Chicago.

And boy, he delivered.

Just before noon, myself along with Harvey, Addison, Chrissy, and a positively giddy Katrina travel to a little spot in Chicago called Moira’s Cafe. When we arrive, Melanie is already here with Drew and his adorable girlfriend, Heidi. Among their group is a trio of Melanie’s friends: Nora, Trix, and young Haley, who are all eager to meet us as well — or eager to meet Addison and Katrina, that is.

I’m used to that. Truthfully, If I’m doing my job right, most people should have no idea I exist at all.

Melanie herself is far from what I expected a prestige author to be like. She’s in her thirties with brunette hair and bright,youthful eyes. She’s laid back and witty, full of dirty jokes that would even make Knox blush if he were here. Poor Katrina does more blushing than anyone else, her eyes filled with stars.

About halfway through lunch, a man approaches the table, heading straight for the back of Melanie’s chair. He’s tall with dark hair, sporting a leather jacket and dirt-stained jeans. As Nora and Trix grin and say, “Hey, Robbie!” Melanie turns her head back, unexpectedly receiving a deep kiss from him.

Melanie grimaces as she pulls back, breaking the kiss.“Ew,”she says. “What is that smell?”

“What smell?” Robbie tugs at his T-shirt beneath his jacket, bringing it to his nose and taking a whiff. “Oh. Right. Yeah. Sorry. Septic day on the construction site.”

“Please don’t touch me again until you’ve showered,” Melanie says.

“Yeah, yeah.” He scans the table with a smile handsome enough to weaken even the steadiest knees. “So, this is the new book club?”

“Go away. No boys allowed.”

“Drew’s here.” Robbie points at him and Heidi. “And Harvey Moon! Nice to see you again, dude.”

“You, too, man,” Harvey says.

“They don’t count,” Melanie insists.

Robbie sighs, but keeps smiling. “I’m out the door. Just stopped in for a muffin and some coffee, but I wanted to swing by and assure you ladies thatyes,”he rests his hands on his torso, “all your favorite book boyfriends are based entirely on me. So, you’re welcome.”

We laugh as Melanie leers at him, but there’s a subtle smile on the edge of her eyes.

“Please leave,” she says.

“I’m going,” he says, regarding her with the same loving eyes, the same cherished smile. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Freshly showered?”

“Freshly showered.”

Robbie takes a bow and walks off, but not before blowing the table a kiss.

“Was that your husband?” Katrina asks Melanie.

“Yes. Well,ex-husband, technically,” she replies. “We separated and then... got back together. But then we separated again. And now we’re back together again! It’s a really long and bumpy story.”

“Well, he’s hot,” Chrissy says as she sips her coffee. “So, I don’t blame you one bit.”

We all agree with her. Harvey nods, too.

“I’m sure he’d love to hear it,” Melanie quips.

“Are all your heroes really based on him?” I ask.

“Yes,” Nora answers first. I can’t help but sit up a little taller every time she speaks. Her entire vibe positively screams elegance from the top of her blonde head to the bottom of her shoes, which easily costs about three months of my rent back home.

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