Page 7 of The Rocker

walker

2 Weeks Later

Opening my eyes,my gaze was instantly drawn to Pen, who sat off to the side on our old couch. She had a dreamy look on her face. While we had fans, I was only used to the support of my bandmates and Merrick, who’d been my best friend since elementary school. Having a new person believe in Crimson Heat the way she did was a powerful feeling. Every time she sat in this garage, I poured my heart and soul into my words, knowing it could be my last chance to impress her boss.

Pen tapped on her phone, turning off the recording. “That was… that was it, I know it.” She jumped to her feet with a wide smile on her face. “If this doesn’t convince Cristiano, I don’t know what will. Don’t be surprised if I have a contract for you the next time you see me.”

The guys hooted and hollered in the background, but I couldn’t stop staring at Pen. She’d been here almost every day for the last week, pushing us to be better. She was beautiful as always. Each time she came, she was dressed more casually than the time before. I was sure her jeans were still designer, but her heels turned into Chucks, and her silk shirts turned into worn t-shirts. I felt as if she was getting comfortable around us, and I liked that.

She tucked her phone into her back pocket and smiled around the room at each of us. “I’ll get out of here and let you guys celebrate.”

“I’ll walk you out to your car.” I held out my arm for her to go first. I hated that she had to leave so soon, but I knew she had a long drive ahead of her. I was surprised she didn’t get a hotel room instead of driving back and forth between LA and Willow Bay, but it wasn’t my place to ask why she was driving so much. Maybe she did have a boyfriend now. The thought of her driving home to some guy sent a shot of red hot jealousy through me. I didn’t like to think of her with any other men but me.

“Oh, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Pen spun around and then shot daggers at her car.

It wasn’t until then that I noticed both tires on the driver’s side of her car were flat.

“I thought I was going to get to go home and celebrate with some takeout,” she pouted. “It’s going to be hours before AAA can get out here.”

Pen turned to me with her whiskey eyes filled with tears. I was desperate to make her happy like she’d just made us minutes ago. It took all of my strength not to wrap my hand around the side of her neck and pull her mouth to mine.

“I know Willow Bay doesn’t have much to offer, but I’ll happily take you out to dinner while you wait for AAA.”

“That’s sweet of you, but it should be me taking all of you out to dinner. Seriously, how do you live here? There’s not even a Chinese restaurant.”

I shrugged because I didn’t have an answer. “I guess because I’m used to it since I grew up here. There are more places in the outlying towns, and they’re only a twenty-minute drive. If you hop onto the back of my Harley, I’ll take you.”

She looked toward the garage and then back at me. “What about the rest of the guys?”

“They can join, but they’ll have to provide their own transportation.” I started walking over to my motorcycle that sat in front of the garage. “Who wants to go get some dinner with us?” I asked as I grabbed my other helmet for Pen.

“Who’s us? I thought Pen was leaving.” Cross said, already heading for his car.

“So did I,” she sighed. “But I’ve got two flat tires on my car. I’m calling AAA right now to see when they can get out here to fix them.”

“That’s some shit luck,” Kenton observed. “You didn’t do it, did you, Greer?”

Greer rolled his eyes as he packed up his shit. He was the only one who didn’t live in the house. “Why the hell would I do that? Count me out. I’ve got other plans that don’t involve you guys.”

“Well, fuck you too,” Cross shouted as Greer walked down the driveway to his truck. Greer’s only response was to flip him off.

“Where are we going?” Cross and Kenton asked at the same time.

“Well, I think Pen was wanting some Chinese food, so I think we’re headed to Loganville.”

“I don’t have to have Chinese,” Pen spoke up from beside me. “I was merely pointing out that you don’t have a Chinese restaurant here. If everyone else wants something different, I’m fine with that.”

“Well, we rarely go out of town to eat, so I’m tired of the few places we have here. I’m down for whatever.” Kenton’s eyes widened. “Is this our celebratory dinner?”

“Why don’t you guys hold off on the celebration until after I bring you a contract. Once I have one in hand, I’ll have you all come to LA to sign, and then I’ll take you out.”

“Hitting LA would be pretty sweet,” Cross chimed in. “We can all ride in my car,” he suggested.

Kenton and I both backed away. “That’s okay. I don’t think Pen wants to have to get a tetanus shot from riding in your car. You can ride with me,” Cross said. “It’s only a two-seater, though. Sorry.” Although, he didn’t look sorry at all. “Unless you want us all to ride together.”

“No, that’s okay,” Pen grimaced. She had no idea what she was getting out of. Kenton’s car was disgusting with a capital D. “It’s a nice night, so I’ll ride with Walker.”

Fuck, yeah, she wanted to ride with me.

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