Page 5 of The Roadie
Kira rolled her eyes, accustomed to the outlandish demands of musicians. “Rock stars are such divas.”
“It’s not that. You need to see some of the roadies Bulletproof brought with them. They’re really hot.”
Audra was always trying to fix Kira up with someone, which was sometimes appreciated since Kira’s career kept her constantly on the move, and she had zero free time to meet anyone. Music came first though, and, right now, she was working on the production of a mega-star union. “Thanks, but I’m a little busy. And why are you checking out guys?”
“I’m married. Not dead. Besides, I’m only looking out for my little sister.”
“I’m fine, Audra.”
“When was the last time you were on a date?”
Kira thought about it and was embarrassed to admit that it had been well over two months. Luckily, her life was full, and she was an independent woman. She didn’t need a steady man in her life. Her heart didn’t always agree, though, and she turned a little melancholy. It would be nice to have someone to come home to at the end of the day sometimes. Or not always being the single one at gatherings. “I’m concentrating on my career. I don’t have time to date.”
“There’s no harm in looking. It’s fun. Like old times.” Audra looped her arm through Kira’s, and they turned so they faced the doorway. “Look,” Audra urged. “One of them is coming in now.”
The large amp blocked the view of the person pushing the noisy dolly across the room, but a tattooed hand hugging the amp caught Kira’s attention. She studied the artwork as he approached. It looked familiar, and then she recognized it. Her fingers flew to her mouth, and she gasped when she spotted the skull tattoo on the back of his hand – the same hand that had caressed her naked breasts the day before. “Oh my God. It’s him.”
“Him who?”
“The guy from Starbucks,” she whispered, under her cupped hand.
Audra grabbed Kira’s arm, eyes wide as saucers. “You’re joking, right?”
Kira shook her head, the memory making her cheeks flush.
“Holy shit. Here’s your chance.” Audra gave Kira a small push forward. “Go.”
“My chance for what?” He still hadn’t seen her, and she didn’t want him to. Embarrassed because she knew he had the wrong idea about her ethics, she wanted to run out of the studio before he saw her, but she couldn’t. She had a job to do, and above all, she was a professional. She stood tall, shoulders back, head held high, both hands now resting on her hips, and waited.
Seconds later, those piercing black eyes came into view. His full beard reminded her of the erotic scrape against her cheeks and breasts, and it robbed her of her breath.
When his head moved to the side to look ahead and make sure the path in front of him was clear, he spotted her. Recognition made him stop dead. His eyes opened a little wider and his mouth drew back into an illuminating smile. He hurried over to her, pushing the amp at a quickened pace. “What are you doing here? I thought I’d never see you again.”
That was the plan. She leaned closer and whispered against his ear, emphatically. “Donotsay anything to anyone.”
“What’s your name?”
“What’syourname?” she countered, raising an eyebrow.
“Brett.”
A sexy name for a sexy man. She held out her hand in a formal introduction, as if she just met him for the first time. “Kira. Abelman.” He brought the tips of her fingers to his lips, shattering that charade, and she held her breath as a trail of fire traveled up her arm.
“Kira. That’s a beautiful name.” He tilted his head slightly, still holding onto her hand, as the connection clicked. “Abelman? Kira Abelman? As in heir to the Falcon Records empire?”
“Yes,” Kira said, proudly. “Ron Abelman is my father.”
“Fuck. I didn’t know.”
She realized that he might be in trouble if the band he worked for knew he had slept with a record mogul’s daughter, the label attached to the artists they were working with. Then again, knowing rock stars, they’d probably raise his arm in victory for nailing the only single Abelman daughter. “How could you know? I never even told you my name.” Casual sex, without exchanging names, made her feel like such a naughty girl, causing a row of goosebumps to rise on her arms, and she had to fight to control the smile blossoming on her lips.
“Do you want to get some coffee or something when we’re done here?”
She scowled at him. Did he think she was a quick lay because they had spur-of-the-moment sex? The excitement of feeling like a naughty girl disappeared, and now she just felt immoral.
He quickly realized he offended her and clarified his statement. “I didn’t mean it like that. I want to get to know you better. That’s all.”
“I thought Bulletproof was only passing through Chicago on tour. I’m heading back to New York tomorrow. Why would you want to get to know me if we’re both leaving?”
