Page 53 of Falling for the Rockstar

I enter the suite and head straight to the bedroom, removing my clothes and throwing on my PJ’s. After cleansing my face and putting my hair up, I settle on the bed, take out my tablet, and catch up on my emails. Amber has sent me pictures of the pop-up for Heartthrob along with the signed contract for the performance at Daddy’s House on Friday when we end the press tour. I’m so engrossed in my work I don’t notice Simon standing in the doorway.

“Hey, Myka,”.

I dart my glance toward his voice and look him over. He has already prepared for bed, wearing nothing but his sleep shorts. I think of a clever thing to say so I don’t appear to be ogling him, which I am. “Did you have a drink or two?”

“Only a pint with my mates, that’s all. I think the jetlag is catching up with me finally, so I’m going to turn in. Just wanted to say goodnight.”

“Goodnight. I really enjoyed meeting your family.”

He smiles and turns away walking to the made-up pull-out.

“We’ll discuss the sneaky and conniving things you did to get me here and to prepare my favorite meal tomorrow on the plane ride to Florida,” I proclaim loudly.

He lets out a hearty laugh and I smile. A yawn comes on and I close my tablet, making sure to shut off the light and lie in bed, waiting for sleep to arrive.

* * *

2 AM

I lie here, staring at the ceiling wondering why I’m so tired yet unable to fall asleep. I think I may have had thirty minutes of rest in total but was awoken by the couple next door and their amorous romp. I’ve slept next door to people having sex before, but this time it feels different. Maybe because I am not having sex. Not with Simon, but because I am single for the first time in four years. It just hits hard when you have no one to have your own loud hotel sex with.

Seeing how it is near improbable for me to sleep now, I go over to the kitchenette to get a glass of water and search for something to snack on. Careful not to make any noise to stir Simon, I tip toe across the floor and slowly open the fridge, removing a bottle of water and a cookie. I flip off the light and walk back to the room.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Simon asks, his eyes still closed, and his arm draped across his face.

“Um, yeah. Sorry didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t. I’ve been up since those two next door got in from wherever they were. Sounds like he’s having a bit o’ fun.” He stands up and saunters off to the kitchenette.

“Mum never allowed us to have sweets when we couldn’t sleep. She would always say you'll crash and not want to wake up when you have to.”

I look at the half-bitten cookie and toss it into the trash. “Moms sure have a way of ruining your fun even when you are away,” I comment.

Simon takes a drink of his water and I’m entranced watching his Adam's apple move with each gulp until he finishes.

“They mean no harm. Only looking out for their little ones. At least that’s what my mum would say. What about yours?” he asks. Taking a seat at the adjoining sofa side of the sectional, he beckons me to join him, tapping on the soft, cushioned seat.

I shrug seeing how there is nothing left to lose. I sit down and tuck one foot up under my bottom. “My mom was a figure-watcher throughout my teens. I couldn’t indulge in things like cakes, or cookies, or pies. Nothing sweet. She always wanted me to be thin and poised and polished. Remember she was all about society, while I didn’t care for it.”

“What was her goal for you with all the restrictions?”

“I really don't know. She wanted me on the catwalk one minute and business owner the next. Like a corporate business owner. I do know she only wanted the best for me, and still does to this day. She was relieved when I told her me and Cornelius broke up. She never liked him, neither did my dad. So much that he refused to meet him when I went home for a visit.”

“Where is home?”

“Kansas.”

“Like the Wizard of Oz, Kansas?”

“Yes, one in the same.”

“That’s great. Perhaps you can take me there one day.”

I don’t reply. Instead, I simply smile. “Your mom told me about your first heartbreak.”

“I knew she was spilling the beans. When I saw Jenny walking out of there and you weren’t with her, there was something going on.”

“It wasn’t a gabfest, Simon. She was just painting you in a sweet light, that’s all. I am your PR manager, after all.”

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