Page 36 of Lucas

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Lucas

I've tried callingAbby several times and she hasn't answered or texted me back. I don't know why but I’m sure she has a good reason. I just hope everything’s alright. I can’t wait to tell her the good news. How we won the contest and now have a deal with Morris Music. It’s everything we dreamed of and everything we hoped for, so why do I feel so empty? Why do I feel so alone? I can answer both of those questions since Abby’s the only person I wanted to share my good news with. Not my family, not my friends. Not one single person. Only my favorite barista. Dammit, Abby, why aren’t you answering your phone? I really don't blame her; I get it since I've ignored hers for the last few days. All I can hope for is that she’ll be willing to talk when I get home.

When Caleb’s secretary informed us that we’d be flying to LA to record the album, Trevor flipped his shit. There’s no way he wants to leave his mom for a month or more and I don’t blame him. After she explained the situation to Caleb, he assured us that if we decided to sign the contract, he’d let us record and mix in NY. But he also reminded us that we’d be going on tour and would be gone for several months at a time once the album was complete. It’s all good since I promised Trevor we’d hire a nurse who would be with his mom day and night while we were gone. And, he can call anytime to get updates.

It feels surreal when Quinn is appointed as our PR and booking agent. Now all we need to do is find someone to take care of the business end of things. I knew there was going to be tons of things we needed to do, but I think we’re all a bit overwhelmed with it all. For now, I’ll take control since I’ve been doing it all along, but we’ll need to find someone since I’ll have enough to keep me busy on any given day. And I’m having my lawyer look at the contract before we physically sign it. We were granted seventy-two hours and I’ve already made an appointment with him for tomorrow. So much to do and so little time.

Quinn’s a spitfire and I know she’s good at her job, but the boys are bristling. Willow, not so much since she seemed to find an ally to our newest addition. Hey, I’m not sexist by any means and Caleb assured us she’s brilliant. So, I’m not going to rock the boat. And, if I’m being honest, she’s easy on the eyes compared to a middle-aged, overweight man smoking a cigar. I know that’s stereotypical, but I’m bad like that. So sue me.

After the formalities, we headed back to Manhattan with Quinn in tow. She insisted on coming with us to plot and plan even before signing the contract. No way were we going to change her mind. All five feet three inches of attitude is kinda scary on a female, and if she has our best interests in mind, I won’t bitch.The Sinful Sevenmight have been around for years, but as far as the business side of things, we’re clueless. I always handled the bookings, money gigs, and expenses, but not on a large scale like this. For now, she’s in charge.

By the time we wrap everything up, it’s after eleven at night. I’m a man on a mission so I decide to skip the celebratory dinner to find Abby. She’s the only one I can think about. I’m desperate to explain why I didn’t respond back because I was focused on the task at hand. I hope she understands, since she’s anchored so deep down into my soul. I really hope it’s not too late. If she won’t see me, then I’ll go to the venue and meet up with everyone. I’m really hoping she’ll come with me so she can celebrate with us. Other than the band, she’s the only one I want with me.

Willow was kind enough to let me borrow her car, so I didn’t have to walk. I’m nervous as fuck as I drive to Abby’s house. It only takes me twenty minutes and I’m excited when I notice her Subaru parked out front. I know it’s a dick move showing up this late at night, but I won’t rest until I resolve this misunderstanding between us. After all this time, I’m finally going to be able to share this extraordinary news with my favorite girl. Don’t ask, since I have no clue when this revelation hit me, but deep down I know there’s no one else I want to be in a relationship with.

Ever again.

***

Abby

Joel is just gettingready to leave when there’s a sudden knock on the door. My heart rate kicks up a notch since its crazy late and I certainly am not expecting anyone. Now I’m kinda glad he stayed, so I’m not alone. Imagine my surprise after unlocking the door to see the guy whose name I shall not mention, Lucas, standing on the other side.

Sweeping me off of my feet, he spins me around and around. Making me dizzy as he shrieks, “We did it, baby! We won the contest! And in a few days we’ll be signing the contract with Morris Music.”

What?

“Lucas, put me down. I have company.” He slowly slides me down his body, and once I’m firmly on my feet, his smile vanishes as he glances over my shoulder. His possessiveness dissipates immediately. I’m sad when I watch his features change from euphoric to rage. I’d say he’s not too thrilled that I have another man in my apartment. Well, too bad.

“I stopped by so I could explain why I went off-grid, why I didn’t answer your texts. But it looks like you have company, so I’ll see myself out.” Dammit, I should let him walk out that door, but the pull is too powerful and I’m not strong enough to let him go. Not yet, anyway.

“Lucas, wait.” I grab his arm so he doesn’t leave. “Did I misunderstand, or did you just tell me you landed a deal with Morris Music?” If so, I’m thrilled for all of them.

A smile worthy of a thousand suns lights up his handsome face. “We sure did! That’s the reason I didn’t answer your texts since the band and I were in Brooklyn for the last few days. We auditioned with eighty something other bands. It was intense. You have no idea how much I wanted to call you, baby, but I was afraid you’d be disappointed if we didn’t win.”

Seriously?

For a moment I’d forgotten all about Joel, until his hand snakes around my waist. “Hey, I’m heading out, so you two can catch up. Sounds like you have some celebrating to do. Congrats, by the way. That’s fantastic news.” My heart bleeds when he’s being so nice to Lucas, but that’s the kind of guy he is.

Bending down, Joel brushes his lips against mine. Unlike Lucas, it’s not possessive but still gives off a territorial vibe. “Have fun. I’ll call you later.” I’m so ashamed, I stare at my feet so I don’t have to face either of them. All of my insecurities come crashing down around me and the weight is just too much to bear.

I hold the door open and storm inside, without a word. Lucas takes that as an invitation and follows me. Is that what I want? I guess, but just because he came here with wonderful news doesn’t mean I forgive him for his silence. Is this what love is supposed to feel like? Empty and used because it feels like the bullies are breathing down my neck again. My fear turns into anger and it’s strangling me.

“Look, I’m sorry I interrupted your date,” he says. “Yeah, I had great news to share but we could have gotten together some other time.” When I spin around, he looks—what’s the damn word I’m looking for? Cocky? No, that’s not it. Arrogant? Hell, no. Insecure? Oh, my god! Could Lucas Knight be as insecure as I am? Could this be the reason we gravitate to one another? I study him for a beat while he shuffles his feet and stuffs his hands inside his jeans pockets. He looks worried that I’m going to reject him. But why? Then it hits me like a ton of bricks. Does he try covering up his self-doubt with sex and indifference? If this is true, then it could be why we have such an intense connection. Great minds think alike and all.

Without thinking, I give him a shove and he stumbles back. “What do you want from me, Lucas? Am I supposed to wait around until you decide who you want to hook up with on any given night? Look, I know we’re just fuck buddies and I should be thrilled thattheLucas Knight wants more than a one-nighter, but I need to know if what I feel is worth my time and effort. If not, then I need to move on.”

My heart’s pounding when he takes a few tentative steps towards me. I’m mesmerized as I watch his throat bob with a hard swallow. Is he just as nervous as I feel? His large hands glide up my arms and when he frames my face, I can feel his rough fingertips. Too many sensations assault me all at once, and I’m breathless when he leans in and kisses me with a ferocity that screams “Mine.” I kiss him back with enough conviction so no words need to be spoken. He groans as his tongue parts my lips and I allow him full access. His hunger matches my own when his hands slide into my hair, holding me in place.

Both of us are gasping for air when he finally breaks the kiss. It felt like he was staking his claim, but it’s suddenly ripped away as I think of him leaving for months at a time. Is this the kind of relationship I want? Always wondering if he’s cheating on me while he’s on the road? Especially after I’ve given him my heart just for him to tear it right out?

Lucas looks so serious when his forehead touches mine. “There’s so much we need to talk about that has nothing to do with music or the record deal, and I’m sorry I waited so long. I hope it’s not too late. If it’s not, pick me. Please, choose me like I’m choosing you. I want you and me to be exclusive. A real relationship where I can call you mine. I know it’s a lot to ask since things will get crazier from here on out, but there’s no one else I want by my side other than you. Only you. If you’ll have me, I want to be your man.”

A chuckle against my lips pulls me out of my stupor. His laughing eyes meet my furrowed brow and he claims, “Your wheels are turning, baby. Whatever you’ve got going on in that pretty brain of yours, shut it down. You’re all the woman I can handle and I’m hoping you feel the same. I get it must be hard to understand why I did a three-sixty. Hell, sometimes I wonder myself, but you’re the only one I think about when I’m roaming around my empty loft. My nights are cold, Abby, and you’re the only one I want warming my bed. God knows you’re the only one thawing my heart.”

Well, damn if I don’t burst out into a full-on sob. I didn’t expect those three little words, that’s not his style, and I’m okay with that. For now. Just the fact that he’s willing to be exclusive is enough right now. I want to pinch myself to see if this is a dream. “Lucas…”

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