Under My Thumb (Serenade Series #1) (3 page)

“It was lovely meeting all of you. Good luck with the career.”

“Thank you,” she said quietly. When she gave her signature smile, my knees became weak. I really wanted to devour those lips with mine. And I hoped I’d get my chance.

After I left, her gorgeous face was ingrained in my mind. I knew it would be there until I saw her again.

Chapter Five

♬

Prudence Clearwater

“We totally rocked it!” Gavin strut
ted into the apartment then jumped on the couch. Mason did the same thing, head-banging to music that wasn’t playing. Desi started dancing in the middle of the living room. I smiled at them as I watched their enthusiasm. It was a pretty great night.

Gavin jumped a few more times before he bounced off the cushions. He moved into the kitchen and started pulling out the booze. “I think rounds are in order.”

“Shots!” Desi shouted.

I wasn’t a drinker, but I was a chameleon. I would blend in.

Gavin poured the drinks then passed them around. “To an amazing night for The Quakes!” They clanked their glasses together then downed them. I sipped mine then pretended I just took a strong gulp

Sitting
on the couches, we discussed the night in detail. Gavin moved closer to me as he consumed more liquor. I noticed it but didn’t react. It probably didn’t mean anything and I was being totally paranoid. Gavin was just elated about the night we had.

I was usually nervous during shows, but after the first song played, I lost my anxiety. Then I lost myself in the music, forgetting about the audience entirely. I was in my childhood bedroom, strumming on my guitar.

When they brought up the guy who came backstage, I felt my heart accelerate. LA was known for models, beautiful actresses, and fit bodies, but he was truly exceptional. Through his t-shirt, the muscles were prevalent. His shoulders were strong and broad, and he towered over me with his height. But his face was the best.

He had bright blue eyes, the color of the ocean. When I first looked at him,
I was startled by the amazing shade. The mysteries of the deep came to me, dark and uncertain. But I still liked it. An innate attraction formed in my heart. His natural confidence and grace captured me immediately. I wanted to look away when he was staring at me, but I was unable to. I was gawking and he probably knew it. My cheeks tinted the longer I looked at him.

“That guy was hot,” Desi blurted.

I glared at her, feeling jealous for no legitimate reason.

“Was
he a model?” she continued. “Maybe we should put him on the cover of our CD.”

“Or not,” Gavin said quickly. “I was hoping he was an executive or something. Unfortu
nately, he was just an average Joe.”

“He had
the confidence of someone who wasn’t average.” The words formed in my brain then left my lips quicker than I could stop them.

Desi winked at me. “Someone thought he was hot too.”

My cheeks blushed.

“And I think he had a thing for you. Who shakes someone’s hand that long?” Desi asked.

Gavin stared at me, watching the slight lift of my lips.

“I think you’re reading too much
into it,” I said. “If he was interested, he would have asked me out.”

That seemed to
placate Gavin.

“Who says he won’t?” Desi asked.

“Well, he missed his chance,” Mason said. “He’s not always going to get backstage.”

The idea of not seeing him again made me sad. But it was a stupid feeling to have. Our interaction lasted five minutes, if that. I think being in a new country was going to my head. And I think his beauty was going between my legs.

After we finished celebrating, we decided to retire for the night. Gavin stayed on the couch when Mason walked into the bedroom. I had a feeling he was waiting for me. “Ready for bed?” I asked Desi.

“Umm…sure.” Desi eyed me suspiciously.

Gavin looked disappointed.

We walked into the bedroom together then shut the door. After we changed into our pajamas, we lay in our separate twin beds.

Desi stared at the ceiling. I couldn’t see her in the darkness, but I saw her shadow every time she tossed and turned. “You did great tonight, Pru.”

I smiled. “You did too.”

“Not like you. If any one of us is going to hit it big, it’s you.”

“We’re a team,” I whispered. “If one of us makes it, we all make it.”

“I sure hope so.” She turned again. “That guy was dreamy, wasn’t he?”

I released the air I was holding in my lungs. “He was.”

“I could eat him with a spoon. I’m jealous you got to hold his hand. He touches himself with that.”

I laughed loudly. “You’re so gross, Desi.”

“I’m just honest.”

“We should just forget about him. In a city as big as th
is, we won’t run into him again.”

“And what if you do?”

“What are you asking?”

“Would you go out wit
h him?” Desi turned toward me and leaned up on her elbow.

I rested my hands on my chest and felt my sporadic heartbeat. Of course I’d go out with him. I’d never seen a guy so gorgeous in my life. When he touched me, I practically exploded. Chemistry like that isn’t normal for me.  “Duh.”

“I’d fuck him so hard.”

“Desi!” I threw a pillow at her head.

“What? Like you wouldn’t.”

“I wouldn’t!”

“Yeah…okay,” she said sarcastically.

My cheeks blushed. “Okay. I would.”

“Now look who’s a tramp.”

I chuckled. “Give me back my pillow.”

She tossed it across the room. “Throw it again and you won’t get it back.”

I snuggled into my pillow and sighed. A smile formed on my lips when I replayed the night in my mind. I knew we would never make it big. We were just small fish in an ocean of sharks. But the journey was still worth experiencing. And meeting that man back
stage was a part of that experience. Lives were meant to connect then disappear, not last forever. That short interaction was a moment to remember, but never relive. The knowledge made me sad, but I accepted it. And I decided to write a song about it.

Chapter Six

♬

Cash Matthews

I arrived at the Pantages
Theatre early.

Because I was a crazy stalker and had to see this damn girl again.

I knew the director of the theatre so I met him before the show began. I was able to make special arrangements for the tickets Prudence and her friends bought. She wouldn’t be sitting with them. I’ll say that much.

When people started to file in, I moved to the balcony and the private box I purchased. It was blocked off from everyone else, giving me plenty of time and space to make my move. I waited for Prudence, my musician, to join me. There would obviously be confusion at the box office, but I made it very clear that Prudence had to sit with me—no one else. If Gavin showed up, I’d push him over the balcony. I wasn’t sure why I hated the guy so much. I just did.

The door opened and I knew I wasn’t alone. Not moving from my seat, I waited for her to approach me. I wanted to appear cool and confident.

I saw the dark green dress out of the corner of my eye. Even in my peripher
y, I saw the contours of her body. And boy, was she smoking. There was a steep curve around her hips, giving her an hourglass figure. Her breasts were noticeable in the plunging neckline. I saw their shape and perkiness. And her legs. They went on for days. I absorbed all this information discreetly then felt myself get hard. Rock hard.

She sat beside me then looked around the box, unsure if she was in the right place. Then she looked at the ticket.

“It’s nice to see you again.”

She turned to me, her eyes wide.
Recognition flashed across the surface of her face, and her cheeks started to tint slightly. I loved the effect I had on her. She was just as smitten as I was. Excellent.

“Hi…” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The golden earrings in her earlobes shined bright, catching the lights overhead. When I studied her profile, I
noticed her prominent cheekbones and the curve of her face. Up close, I could see the softness of her lips. If only I could feel them against mine…

“How are you?” I asked.

“Confused, actually.” After the initial shock of my presence passed, she regained her confidence. “Why am I here?”

I shrugged. “You tell me.”

“When I picked up my ticket, all my friends were placed in a different row. I was directed here.”

“It’s a better view anyway.”

She eyed me suspiciously. “I didn’t catch your name the other day.”

“Because I didn’t give it.”

Her eyes narrowed. “And what would it be?”

“Cash.”

“Cash?”

I nodded.

“Like Johnny Cash?”

I smiled. Only a musician would identify my namesake. “Prudence from the Beatles song?”

A grin stretched her face. She had perfect teeth. I loved perfect teeth. “Touché.”

I nodded to my private waiter in the corner. He stepped out and waited for my direction. “Prudence, what would you like to drink?”

She eyed the waiter apprehensively. “Umm…water is fine.”

“I’ll have a bottle of Vosne Romanee with two glasses. And a water
, please.”

“Yes, sir.” He disappeared from the private balcony.

“Is that your servant?” she asked.

“No, just a waiter I hired for the evening.”

“Oh.” A strand of hair fell from her clip and grazed her face. She didn’t pull it away and I was glad. It was a classy touch. “Is that normal for you?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Do you always have someone serve you?”

“Not at all.”

She took her phone then sent a quick message, probably telling her friends she was fine. She rested her hands in her lap then looked straight ahead. “Did you arrange for me to sit here?”

“Would you think I was crazy if I said yes?”

A slight smile upturned her lips. “I’m not sure yet.”

“Take your time.”

The waiter returned with a tray. He placed the open wine bottle with the glasses beside me. I uncorked it and filled both glasses. After I handed one to her, I sipped mine. “Do you like wine?”

“I do.”

I waited for her to sip it.

She smelled it before she brought it to her lips. She savored the taste like a professional wine drinker. I knew there was more to her humble appearance. She was educated and refined. Her rock band was just a cover for that.

“Do you like it?”

“I love it.” She eyed the bottle. “And if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t dare admit it.”

“Why?”

“Because I know that bottle cost a fortune.”

She must come from money. “You appreciate good wine?”

“My father does. He has a wine cellar where he stores it.”

I nodded. “And you’re close with him?”

“Not in the least.”

I wasn’t expecting that reaction. Was I supposed to question her about it? Was that too personal? Her unusual personality caught me off guard. I wasn’t on my game.

“How do you know so much about wine?” she asked.

“Just through time. I’ve done a lot of wine tastings.”

“Have you lived
in California your whole life?” She leaned back in her chair but kept her back straight. Her posture was elegant and graceful. You would never expect her to play the bass like a rock star.

“Yes, but I travel frequently.”

“What do you do for a living?”

I always lie about this. I didn’t want to lie to her. It felt wrong, cold. But I didn’t have a choice. She might
try to use me for my connections. It wouldn’t be a good idea. It never was.  And I wanted to hold onto her as long as possible. In order to do that, I had to get her first. “I’m a business investor.” It was the most vague thing I could think of that wasn’t an outright lie. Most girls had no idea what that was.

“What firm do you work for? My brother works for Mitchell and J in London. He loves it.”

Damn…now I had to make something up. The women I dated didn’t usually ask for details. “I’m a private sector for Hillberg.”

She nodded. “Respectable place.”

Did this girl know everything? I decided to take the offense. “Do you love living in London?”

“Umm…yeah. I’ve lived there my whole life
so I have nothing to compare it to.”

Her hesitance announced the presence of a backstory. It didn’t seem like she cared for her homeland. “Do you like it here?”

“I’ve been here for less than a week,” she said with a laugh. “I really couldn’t say.”

“I know I said this already, but you were amazing the other night.”

The usual tint came into her cheeks. “Thank you.”

I was obsessed with the color. I loved seeing her blush with embarrassment. It was cute. “How long have you been playing?”

“My whole life.”

“When did you pick up your first instrument?”

She didn’t answer. Instead, she stared at the banister ahead of us. The curtain was still closed and people were taking their seats before the show began. “I don’t think you’re crazy.”

Did I miss something? “Sorry?”

“You asked if I thought you were crazy. I don’t.”

Well, that was a relief. “I’m glad you don’t think so.”

“So, did you arrange this, Cash?”

The familiar tingle of my arms returned. Hearing her say my name ignited a desire deep within my body. Images of making love to her came into my mind. It always ended with her screaming my name, digging her nails into my back, and coming hard. I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I did.”

“Why?”

I sipped my wine and re
gained my confidence. “I wanted to have a conversation with you.”

“A conversation about what?”

“Anything. Everything.”

She finished her glass of wine then put it on the table. I automatically refilled it while I held her gaze. When I returned the bottle to the surface, I leaned back.

“Are you seeing anyone?” I asked.

“Just my
guitar.”

Good answer. “You play the guitar as well?”

“Along with the drums.”

I raised an eyebrow, realizing the insane amount of skill she had. “You can play the guitar, the
bass, the piano, and the drums?”

“And the bassoon,” she added. “But I’ll never use it in the band.” She laughed lightly at her own words.

I loved hearing the sound. It was pure music in my ears. “You’re a very accomplished woman.” I waited for her cheeks to redden. On cue, they did.

“Thank you.”

She was always gracious when it came to compliments, which I liked. She was very polite.

The orchestra warmed up their instruments, indicating the show was about to start. Our conversation fell silent as the lights dimmed. Illumination from the stage still sparkled in her eyes. I glanced at it discreetly, loving the glow on her face.

The play began. Normally, I would have enjoyed the show, being a fan of the arts, but I couldn’t concentrate on the stage. I was more interested in staring at my new muse, my new obsession. She was smart—wicked smart—beautiful, talented, and just a pleasure to be with. I hit the fucking jackpot.

When the play ended, the light returned to the theatre.
Neither one of us moved, which I took as a good sign. If she wanted to get away from me, she would have bolted by now.

She looked at me, her stare unreadable.

“Did you enjoy it?” I asked.

“It was wonderful.”

You’re wonderful.
“I liked it as well.”

People filed out of the auditorium, discussing the outstanding pl
ay. Their voices drifted to us, reminding me we needed to leave.

“Are you busy tomorrow night?”

Her body didn’t react, but a small explosion formed behind her eyes. “No.”

“Will you have dinner with me? I’d like to continue our conversation.”

She smiled. “A girl’s gotta eat.”

I chuckled. “I’ll feed you all you want.”

Damn, I shouldn’t have said that.

I was normally suave and confident, but she was cutting me off at every turn.

She didn’t react overtly, which I was thankful for.

I rose from my seat then extended my arm. She took it then left her seat. I was pleased when she didn’t pull her arm away. I escorted her down to the lobby, noting the faint smell of her perfume and the
feel of her petite arm. When we reached the entrance, I led her outside, away from the crowd.

My limo
was waiting and my driver opened the back door. “Can I take you home?”

She eyed the limo
behind me. “My brother is an investor and he makes good money. But not that good.”

I smiled. “I have high profile clients.”

She still seemed suspicious.

“I would love to take you home.”

She looked over her shoulder. “I should wait for my friends. They’ll worry.”

“I could give them a ride as well.”

“No, thank you.” She dropped her arm, making me feel suddenly cold.

“I’ll pick you
up tomorrow at seven.”

“You don’t know where I live.”

“Then tell me.” I put my hands in my pockets.

She tucked the loose strand of hair behind her ear
then told me the address. I watched her intently, not bothering to be discreet at that point. I wanted this woman and I wanted that to be perfectly clear. I wanted her to come to my place tonight, but I could tell she would reject my offer. She was too classy for that. But I could be patient—for her.

“Thank you for the seat—I guess.”

“You’re welcome. Believe me, you had the better vantage point.”

“Well, good
night, Cash.”

My hand moved to her waist and touched her just for a moment. I wanted some intimacy with her, something to make sure she wouldn’t forget me. Her muscles spasmed under my fingers, and I knew I accomplished my goal. I leaned
toward her ear and my lips pressed against her earlobe. When she didn’t move away, it was another good sign. She took a deep breath, betraying her tension.

“A more beautiful woman I’ve never seen.” I pulled away and entered my limo. I didn’t look at her before my driver closed the door. But as soon as I
was hidden behind the dark window, I stared at her blatantly, watching the redness burn her cheeks. I had this girl. And I wasn’t going to let go.