Page 7 of I Love Rock n Wine

Why that came out, I wasn’t sure. It was a story no one knew, but it felt good to share it with this woman, who captivated me like no other had in the past. I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing, but I was determined to keep on this path.

“Now that’s funny. I can picture you, a little baby, horns up.” She laughed as she threw the sign and I chuckled, taking another pull of my beer.“Can you tell me the difference between Jameson and Heath?’

“Heavy hitter question,” I teased her, peeling at the label. “Somedays, I wonder if there is a difference. I’ve lost a lot of myself over the years. Not quite a good thing. Early on, I fought the company, wanting to be me, to stay true.But fame, that shit has a way of ruining you. It’s ugly, nasty, and before you know it, you’ve morphed into someone that’s sorta like you but isn’t.”

Shit, who wasthis?

Who was she to have me saying stuff I hadn’t before?

“Here you go,” the waitress said, putting the plate down. I smiled my thanks and then cut the burger, holding a piece out to her. She took a breath before grabbing it and taking a bite.Which, I was glad to see, wasn’t some dainty bite. She paused in her chewing, her eyes wide open, and stared at me.

“Oh my god,” she muttered, covering her mouth full of food.

“Told you,” I replied, taking my own bite, the flavors exploding on my tongue, and I damn near groaned. I could finally taste how awesome it was. I slid my eyes over her, taking in her small frame, those big brown eyes, and her long ponytail. Was this really what real looked like?

Chapter 5

~ Tiffany ~

Idon’t know what came over me. To talk to a person all night was insane. To blow off my friends was even worse. But I couldn’t help myself. Heath called to me on a level that I knew was dangerous but didn’t want to avoid. I mean, I knew Jameson, and he was a dick, but I didn’t know this man.

And I liked this man a whole lot more.

Not that I should be thinking of him this way. I mean, hello, I still can’t date the man. I can’t kill him, can’t date him. No matter how I could get lost in his chocolate eyes. Or how I dream about what that stubble on his face would feel like between my thighs.

Don’t even get me started on the silver hoop she has in his ears and how that makes me a little gooey inside. Or the hand tattoothat he has. A simple rosary that wraps around his wrist and works down his middle finger. I forgot how many times I have fantasized about that wrapped around my neck, or how naughty that cross would look dipping in and out of my wet center.

Not good, Tiff!

“I need to run to the bathroom real fast. And make a pit stop to my group of friends so they don’t think I was kidnapped or something?”He leaned back, wiping his face, and cocked a brow.

“You mean the same friends that have either shot daggers over here or stared with awe in their eyes?” I licked my lips and nodded.

“Those would be them.”

“Please, let them know. I don’t need them killing me.”

“Right.I’ll be right back.” I set my hand on his arm, feeling the zap of energy that worked its way up over my body. Sure, I’ve touched Jameson, and have to on occasion with the work I do. But normally, the zap isn’t that strong.

I made a beeline to the bathroom, taking a steadying breath and checking the time.I never saw my night going this way, but then again, I wouldn’t have changed one bit of it either. It was nice to see a side I was sure no one else saw these days. I washed my hands, dabbing at my face, then walked out, clutching my chest at who stood before me.

“Goddamn it, Ricky, you gave me a heart attack.”

“Sorry. Was just figuring out if you were going to come back to the table or if I needed to corner you. I went for the last option.”

“I can see this. Look, I didn’t mean to ditch you. I just got to talking to Heath and it’s been great.”

“I don’t tell you what to do Tiff, you know this. I care about you, you’re one of my best friends. But working for the devil, and talking to the devil, is only going to lead to heartache, on your part. You always bitch about Jameson.”

“I know, Ricky, I know. But Jameson is the stage act. Heath has been great. He’s made me laugh, made me talk about myself, made me think. He’s not the same person.”

I watched as Ricky shook his head and then pulled me into a hug.

“He’s one and the same, stage name or not. It’s a matter of finding which one he truly is. I just don’t want you getting hurt. I won’t leave till you tell me to, though.” I squeezed the man, grateful for his friendship.

“You’re amazing Ricky, thank you. I promise I’ll be careful.” I knew I had to be. I was already toeing a line here. But, then again, he introduced himself as Heath, not Jameson. He wanted to be just the man, not the star. Therefore, I could be just the woman, not the backup dancer.

I waved to Ricky, then went back to the table, smiling at Heath as I took the seat again.

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