Wonderlust (Steel Roses #1) (21 page)

Weeks turned into months. Alex was working really hard on his album. After going to New York for a few weeks, Kingsley came to LA to finish up the tracks.

Alex spent so much time humming or singing the new songs to himself that I knew most of them off by heart now. The album was, without a doubt, the best work he’d done since Steel Roses. The record label was excited about the release and had pushed it forward. It would be out just before Christmas, which was four months away. The first single from the album was due out in just eight weeks. It was safe to say, my job was going to get a lot busier.

Alex and I were still somehow managing to hide our fling from everyone except Diego. It was easy living upstairs. As soon as those doors were closed, it was our time to talk, watch TV, and just be together. I cherished every single second of it.

I still hadn’t gotten around to talking to David. Honestly, I wasn’t really sure what he thought we had left to say to each other. He’d be marrying Sarah within a matter of weeks. He needed to let go like I had.

“You want me to come to a music award show with you?” I gasped, clutching Alex’s arms as he thrust inside me. “If I went as your date, wouldn’t people talk?”

“You’re my PA. They wouldn’t think anything of it.” I knew he asked me these kinds of things during sex so that I’d say yes. “I want you there by my side, not organizing everything for me behind the scenes.” He was thrusting slowly and lovingly inside me. I’d give him anything in that moment.

“Okay,” I panted, digging my nails into his shoulders. He picked up the pace as a response, and we soon climaxed almost as one.

If I was going to an award show, I’d need a new dress. Diego jumped at the chance to head down to Rodeo Drive with me for the afternoon.

“This is like your first official
date
!” He clapped his hands excitedly, holding the door open to Dior for me.

“I’m only keeping his bed warm. You told me not to over think it, remember?” I laughed.

“We need to find you the perfect dress” He ignored my comment completely. ”You’ll be on the red carpet, after all.” Fuck! I hadn’t thought of that.
Damn you, Alex!

“You look beautiful. Stop worrying,” Alex soothed, stroking my knuckles with his fingertips. We were currently sat in the back of the limo, waiting for our cue to get out and walk down the red carpet together.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Are you worried about what the press will say?” Looking out the window, I scanned the huge crowd of paparazzi. I couldn’t stand in front of them with Alex. This was crazy. “Nat, it’s just an award ceremony. No one believes half the shit they write in the papers, anyway. You’re too beautiful to be behind the scenes. I want you center stage, with me.” He had such a calming effect on me. The car door opened. “Are you ready?” Alex asked, getting out first and then turning to offer his hand to help me out. With a deep breath, I took it. The screams were deafening as we made our way down the red carpet. Alex kept me close to his side the entire time.

I was so grateful for Diego’s help getting me ‘red carpet ready’, as he’d called it. I was wearing a fairly new designer that he knew, but the black lace dress fit like it was made just for me. The neckline plunged low, but it held my cleavage in perfectly. He’d gone all out with my hair and makeup, too. My hair was partly up, with loose curls that fell down my shoulders. My makeup was natural, but he’d gone for a deep red lipstick. I felt confident next to Alex thanks to Diego.

“Who is your date tonight, Alex?” one of the reporters asked as we continued to make our way down the carpet. I recognized his face. I was sure he worked for one of the gossip magazines.

“You don’t recognize her?” Alex frowned with a chuckle. “Oh well. You can just make up a name for the morning paper. You usually do anyway.” I was giggling as Alex led me away.

“I can’t believe you said that to him,” I murmured in his ear.

We were quickly ushered to our table near the front of the stage. I was grateful we were seated with a few people that I knew. Alex’s producer, Kingsley Womack, was at the table with his wife, and Adam Slayer, a representative from Rock Records, was there as well. Alex was presenting an award tonight for best breakthrough rock band. It had been rumored that Central Demon had won the award.

Gazing over at Alex, I admired him in his suit. The stubble on his chin gave him that edgy appearance he always went for. He looked divine, as always.

“There are some good acts playing tonight. You’re in for a treat,” he whispered in my ear, draping his arm over the back of my chair.

The award ceremony was an amazing experience. I'd watched so many over the years on the TV, but watching all the behind the scenes action was mind blowing. The live acts were amazing. They left me wanting to go to a full concert. I'd forgotten how good it felt to have the music pumping through your chest.

Watching Alex on stage handing out the award to Central Demon gave me a sense of pride, too. He might not be mine, but I was the woman that had been sharing his bed for the last three months. That had to mean something. Then I thought back to David. I’d been sleeping with him for almost
four years
and it meant nothing. I’d put myself right back in the same position that I’d been running from. I was in love with Alex—I’d known that for a few months now—but once again, I’d fallen for someone I couldn’t have. Looking up at Alex on stage, hearing the screams from his fans, reality sunk in. It was more ridiculous than my dream relationship with David. Being
Alex Harbour’s
girlfriend…I should have been a comedian.

The after party was more informal. Alex had taken his bowtie and jacket off, and was talking to a few friends while I sat with Kingsley’s wife. We’d been mingling through the crowd for a few hours, and he could see that I needed to sit down and rest.

“My husband is very excited about Alex’s new material,” she smiled, taking a sip of champagne.

“They’ve both done an amazing job. I think it’s some of Alex’s best work.”

“Kingsley said Alex seems more focused these days.” I was going to reply when someone in the crowd caught my attention. I should have gathered that David would be here tonight. Flavour records had a few artists attending. He was making his way toward me. Alex was deep in conversation with a group of people, so he hadn’t noticed. I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t really want a confrontation right now.

“Nat,” David glared at me. “Why haven’t you returned
any
of my calls?”

“I couldn’t see that we had anything else to say to each other. Now if you’ll excuse me, you’re interrupting my conversation!” Turning back to Kingsley’s wife, I tried to ignore him, but David wasn’t having that.

“I have fucking plenty!” he fumed, moving to get my attention again. “Didn’t the rock star tell you that I’ve been calling?”

“We’ve both been busy, David! The world doesn’t stop because you want to talk to me.” Taking me by surprise, he took my hand, pulling me into his chest.

“The world
has
stopped for me, Nat. I’ve finished with Sarah. I…”

“Is there a problem here?” Alex was almost growling as he interrupted David.

“No, I just wanted a
quiet
word with Nat.” David turned, taking my hand in his. Alex’s eyes narrowed. He looked anxious as David led me away from him. I didn’t know what to do, but let him lead me outside where he found a secluded spot for us to talk.

“What is all of this about?” I glared, folding my arms. He looked around, then taking me by surprise, pinned me against the wall and started kissing me passionately. Shit, I didn’t want this, did I? Why was I kissing him back? When my brain eventually caught up with what was happening, I pushed him away. “What the hell was
that
?”

“I’ve finished with Sarah.”
What?
“I want you back, Nat, and I don’t mean as my PA.”
Holy fuck!
“Say something, please.”

“David, I…I…” I didn’t know what to say.

“I was a fool. I’ve been so stupid. All this time you were right under my nose. These months without you, watching you with Alex…it’s been killing me. Please don’t tell me I’m too late. Come back to me. Please?” I shivered, looking around to find an escape route. I didn’t want to hear this at the moment. “Nat?”

“I can’t do this right now. I’m here with Alex.”

“Are the two of you…?” He swallowed hard, trying to finish, but I knew what he was trying to ask.

“No, but I’m
working
. You can’t keep doing this. You had
four years
to work out your feelings for me!”

“I didn’t know what you meant to me until you were gone.”

“I need to go, David. I can’t do this.”

“Please, don’t run, Nat. Think about what we could have together back in London.” He tried to grab my hand, but I pulled away and raced back into the party.

My eyes searched for Alex the moment I was back in the room. He was by the bar. As soon as his eyes found mine, he walked over to me.

“Is everything okay?” he asked in concern, touching my arm.

“Yes.” I forced a smile, but he knew I was lying.

“Come and dance with me.” I was so numb that I followed him without protesting. All I wanted was to be wrapped in his arms right now. That was the only place that made sense to me. “If you want him, Straight Lace, I’d understand,” he whispered in my ear, pulling me close. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I didn’t respond; I simply rested my head against his chest.

“I don’t think we can slow dance anymore, Nat. The songs are a little too upbeat.” I had no idea how long we’d been dancing. My head had been racing with thoughts. “Do you want to get out of here?”

“Is that okay?”

“Of course it is,” he sighed. I followed him outside to the limo. He handed me his jacket. I was putting it on when I heard my name being called. Ugh, could this night get any worse?

“You’re leaving with
him?”
David slurred. He was drunk. This was going to end in disaster.
“
Nat, didn’t you listen to me earlier?” He grabbed me by the shoulders. “Don’t go with him. Please.”

“Hey, fucker! Give her some damn space!” Alex yelled, pushing him back. David lost his balance and fell to the floor. Flashing lights came from behind me. Great, of course the paparazzi would be capturing all of this.

“You fucking asshole!” David seethed, standing back up and making a lunge for Alex. The two of them began to scrap, pushing and shoving each other. I did the only thing I could think of and called for help. Steve was close by and rushed over to defuse the situation. When they started to throw punches at each other, I stupidly tried to break it up and ended up being pushed to the ground by David. It stopped the fight, though. Alex rushed to my side, checking me over, while David crouched down, telling me how sorry he was over and over again.

“Just leave, fucker,” Alex yelled at David. “I’ve got her. I’ll take care of her!” Embarrassed at what he’d done, David walked away without another word.

“Can you stand?” Alex soothed, touching the side of my face.

“Yeah. I landed on my butt, though. It might be bruised.”

“I’ll give your butt a thorough inspection when we get home,” he joked, helping me to my feet.

“That’s very kind of you,” I giggled, getting into the limo. “At least we know what story will make the papers in the morning.” I was trying to be light-hearted after everything that had just happened.

“Now I know why you don’t do parties, Straight Lace. Chaos follows you everywhere.”

“I did warn you not to bring me as your date.”

“It was worth it.” Running his finger down my arm, his smile dropped. “What did David say to you outside? What does he want?”

“The usual. He wants me to go back and work for him.” I couldn’t face the truth right now. I needed to sleep on it.

“That’s it?” he frowned. “It looked like more to me.”

“You know how you don’t like talking about Steel Roses?” His eyes widened with understanding. “David isn’t an easy subject for me.”

“Okay, I get it. I’ll drop it.”

“I’m sorry you got into a fight because of me.”

“Don’t worry about it. That was hardly a fight. David punches like a girl.” He always made me giggle when I needed it.

We went to bed as soon as we got back. It looked like I didn’t have any marks from when I fell, which I was thankful for. Alex held me close that night. Part of me hoped it was because he was afraid of losing me. David had offered me everything I’d ever wanted six months ago, but all I wanted now was the beautiful, damaged rock star sleeping peacefully beside me. Would I ever catch a break and get what I wanted?

“Fuck, Nat,” Alex groaned, palming my breasts while I rode him. I had a
rock star
between my legs, and I was fucking him senseless. It had been a week since the award ceremony. I'd chosen to put the events to the back of my mind. It was easy to get distracted when Alex was around. “That’s it. Roll that sexy ass of yours.” Grabbing my butt, he began to meet me thrust for thrust. I cried out, feeling my orgasm approach. “Wait for me. I’m almost there.” With a few more thrusts, we both came, groaning out in pleasure.

“You need to think about getting up. Gina will be here in a few hours,” I sighed, moving off of him.

“I don’t get why she needs to fly out here to go over the media schedule for the album launch.”

“She wants to get everything right. It’s good to have a meeting with her and your publicists in the same room.”

“We need to talk about your birthday, too.” Ugh! I didn’t want to talk about that. I was turning
thirty
.

“That’s months away. Yours is first anyway. Two weeks, to be exact.” I stuck my tongue out at him.

“I’m not the one turning thirty. Mine is already planned anyway. Diego’s done it all.”

“Did you know it’s rude to talk about a woman’s age?”

“You have to celebrate it, Nat. Let me throw you a party. You can invite your friends from London.”

“I’ll think about it. You know I don’t do parties.”

“You’ve gotten better. I’m actually starting to think you enjoy them now.” Alex did make the parties more enjoyable. He was great company, and I wasn't just talking about the sex.