Sex, Desires & Rock N Roll Page 7

  “So, what did you really think about our set?”

  I gather my thoughts and think carefully. I don’t want to sound like the idiot I did earlier when I said it was fantastically interesting. I write for a living. I should be able to come up with something better. “Honestly?”

  “Honestly.” Dash pins me with his stare.

  Just because he’s looking at you like that doesn’t mean you can’t sound intelligent, Jules. “Honestly, I really liked it. I was quite surprised, really. I expected to hate it, but you pulled me in. It’s like nothing I’ve experienced before—the way you command the stage and your lyrics. Your lyrics were raw, and they felt personal. It’s as if they weren’t meant for anyone but you. But you were sharing them with all of us, it was like you were giving us a piece of yourself with each word. You have real emotion behind them, and the audience felt that—I felt that.”

  I can see Dash taking in everything I just said. His eyes are thoughtful. “The words I write and sing hold my truth, and my truth is dark, Sunshine.”

  My heart breaks a little, believing what he just said. His lyrics were dark at times. He sang of being alone, of despair, of being broken and bruised. Maybe Dash and I have something in common now that I think of his words.

  Before either one of us can continue, Helen comes back over to our table with an older gentleman in tow. He’s tall and lean with an apron wrapped around his waist. He pulls a baseball cap from his head, revealing that grandpa ring of hair.

  “Dash, it’s good to see you, son.” Dash stands and gives the man a hug.

  “It’s good to see you too, Marty. Sorry I haven’t been…”

  Marty cuts him off. “Nonsense. You’re doing big things with your life. Helen and I understand. You boys have been soaring. Always knew your talent would have you reaching for the stars. And who is this lovely young lady? Has Dash been caught and finally settled down?”

  “Marty.” Helen swats him with a towel.

  “What? Our boy has never brought a girl in here before. I’ve got questions that need answering, woman.” Marty rubs his arm. I doubt Helen hit him too hard.

  I reach my hand out to Marty. “Hi, I’m Jules. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Polite besides beautiful. This one’s a keeper, Dash. Hold on to her, or someone else might come and snatch her up.”

  “Like you, you old coot. Please, you can barely snatch up your pants after using the toilet. Ignore him, dear. My husband thinks he’s still twenty-something. Anyway, if you guys don’t need anything else, we’ll leave you two be.”

  “Don’t be a stranger, Dash, and say hi to Vic and Lance.”

  “I’ll try not to, Marty, and I will.”

  Helen and Marty walk away hand in hand. It’s very sweet and reminds me of… I take a deep breath and shake my head.

  “What? Everything good, Sunshine?” Dash takes a huge-ass bite of his burger, and his eyes slowly close as he savors the bite. I swear the look on his face is pure pleasure and what I imagine his face somewhat looks like when he has an orgasm.

  Where did that come from? My body flashes white hot, and I cross my legs trying to dull the ache that’s presented itself. I clear my throat. “Yep, everything’s good. Good.” With shaky hands, I pick up my burger and take a bite. The most savory flavor hits my taste buds, and I can’t help the small moan that escapes.

  Dash’s eyes flash to mine, and desire swirls in his blue depths. I clench my legs tighter. I swallow. “Best burger… ever.” No matter how much I want to, I can’t turn my eyes away from his. Just like at the concert, Dash’s gaze holds me captive.

  He leans forward, and his arm stretches out between us, his hand reaching for me. His long index finger reaches out and swipes the corner of my mouth. I shiver. He pulls his hand back, his eyes never leaving mine, and brings his finger to his mouth, sucking it in. The temperature in the diner feels like I’m sitting on the sun. “You had a little ketchup.” Another shudder rips through me, and I am rendered speechless. What is this man doing to me? He goes back to eating his burger while all this sexual energy swirls around us. Is it just me? Does he feel it too? I go back to eating my burger, and a comfortable silence settles over us.

  With our burgers gone, I am starting to feel better, not as dizzy and just beyond full. “Better?” Dash asks, wiping his napkin across his lips. Lips I focus in on and wonder what they would feel like against mine.

  “I wish I knew what was going on in that pretty little head of yours. You get this look in your eyes, and your cheeks flush with a soft pink every once in a while. I’ve never been too fond of the color pink, but you are changing my feelings toward it. I’m starting to really love that color.” His voice is low and husky. It travels right through me to my core, igniting a flame that slowly smolders within.

  Before I can respond, like I even had a clue how to, Helen comes to my rescue. “You kids need anything else?”

  “Nah, Helen, we’re good.” Dash is talking to Helen, but his eyes are on me.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Helen look between Dash and myself. Her smile widens, and she shakes her head in amusement. “I’m sure you are. Dash, honey, don’t let too much time go between visits, you hear me? And next time, bring my other two boys. I miss them too.”

  Dash’s gaze turns to Helen, and this brilliant smile overtakes his lips. “I’ll try, Helen. Promise.” He does a cross-your-heart kind of thing, then he gets up and gives her a hug. It’s sweet and makes me melt a little more, if that’s even possible.

  “And bring this beautiful girl with you too. She brightens up the place.”

  “That she does.” Dash eases back into the booth, his eyes focused solely on me.

  I find the ability deep down to break our connection and turn to Helen. “Helen, it was a pleasure meeting you. Now that I know about this place, I will so be back.” A yawn escapes me. “Sorry.” The combination of my earlier craziness and the fullness of my belly thanks to that delicious burger has me suddenly very tired. Part of me just wants to ball up on the seat right here and take a little rest.

  “Dash, get this sweet girl home. It’s late.” Helen’s voice is stern like a mother.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Dash gets up and lays some money down on the table.

  “Dash, honey, your money is no good here.” Dash picks up the money and gives Helen another big hug. “Thanks, Helen.” I notice he slips the money into her apron, unbeknownst to her. She whispers something to him that I can’t make out, and when she pulls away, they are both looking at me.

  “Jules, please come back anytime, even if this guy doesn’t.”

  “I will.” I get up from the booth, and Helen hugs me like she’s known me forever. It’s very comforting. I haven’t been hugged like this in so long. I don’t want to let go. Reluctantly I do, and I can feel Dash staring at me. When I turn to look at him, his blue eyes are full of concern. It’s almost as if he can see all of me and my secrets.

  I can’t help the yawn that escapes. “You two go, get her home.”

  “I will.” Dash gives Helen a kiss on the cheek. His hand finds the small of my back and leads me through the diner. As we pass the counter, Marty calls out, “Don’t be a stranger, son. And Jules, you either.”

  “Thanks, Marty.” Dash waves as we make our way to the door.

  “Goodnight, you two,” Helen says just before we exit.

  Dash and I both call out goodnight as the cool Seattle air hits us. The limo is waiting right where we left it. The driver get out, but Dash motions he’s got it. He opens the door for me and I slide in, him following right behind me. “Where to, Dash?” the driver asks. Dash looks to me. I don’t want to give my address. I don’t want this night to end just yet. Yes, I’m tired, but I can fight through it. I will fight through it just to spend a little more time with him. I don’t know if and when I’ll get to see him again.

  “Ummm… I don’t… I don’t want to go home just yet.” I yawn after I get the words out.

&nbs
p; Dash chuckles. “Okay, Sunshine.” Dash scoots forward and tells the driver something I can’t make out.

  “You got it.” The limo pulls out onto the street.

  Dash leans back and reaches his arm around me, pulling me into him. I can’t help but snuggle against him. He hums against the top of my head a tune I’ve never heard before. He pulls me closer—tighter—as he continues to hum. Another yawn from me, and Dash chortles. It vibrates in his chest. “It’s okay, Sunshine, get some rest. I’ll wake you up when we get there.”

  “Mmmkay.” The last thing I realize before darkness claims me is how right this feels, and it should scare me, but it doesn’t.

  THE MORNING LIGHT is barely breaking through the dark room, and I wake up a little confused, not really sure where I am. I realize I am in my own bed, but I have no idea how I ended up here. Last thing I remember is being in the limo nuzzling Dash and then… He was taking me somewhere else because I didn’t want to go home. I didn’t want the night to end. I wanted and needed more time with him. The last moments I had with him I apparently spent sleeping.

  I pull the comforter back and notice I am still dressed in my clothes. I play last night’s events over and over in my head; my smile grows bigger with each new vision. He’s unlike any man I’ve ever met. On stage, he’s larger than life and sexy as hell, commanding everyone’s attention. But then in the diner he was still sexy as hell, but was sweet and endearing the way he interacted with Helen and Marty. And the way he was with me, so concerned, so attentive, so real. I thought after what had happened, I thought after my bout of crazy he would have run for the hills. But Dash stayed and took care of me. His concern was evident; I just wish it wasn’t just for the one night. Although back in my mind I do have a feeling I will see him again one way or another. After all, Val does work for him now. I push the foolish thoughts from my head and trudge out of bed to take a much needed shower and start a very normal day.

  I SIT AT the breakfast bar sipping my cup of coffee when I notice my clutch on it. Dash must have left it there. When I go to grab it, there’s a piece of paper on top of it. How in the hell did I miss that? I pick up the paper and notice it’s from the pad on the fridge. I open the folded piece of paper—it’s a note from Dash. My heart flutters in my chest and my pulse quickens.

  Sunshine,

  I hope you slept well. You sure did in the limo, and after the night you had, I figured it was best to let you sleep. As much as I hated bringing you home, it was what you truly needed. I got your address from your license; I didn’t have the heart to wake you. And as tempted as I was when I brought you to your room and to bed, I behaved like a perfect gentleman. It was a true test, believe me. You are truly beyond beautiful when you’re sleeping. I would love the chance to see you again. Somehow let me know you’re okay. I won’t stop thinking about you, Sunshine, until I know you’re okay, and I doubt even after that.

  ~Dash

  My heart swells and my lips turn up into what is probably a huge, ridiculous smile. I hold the note against my chest, practically hugging it. Damn, I am turning into Tracy after one night. I fold the note and tuck in my pocket. I’ll figure out where to put it later. I notice my phone and grab it. Shit! I have a ton of missed text messages from Tracy and Val. Some phone calls too. This is not going to be pretty. I ignore the older ones and click the newest.

  Where in the hell r u?

  If u r hurt or dead I will kill u!

  Text me call me email me smoke signals

  Just hope ur ok I’m worried J

  Text me as soon as you can

  Luv U

  Before I can click on Val’s text messages, my phone vibrates in my hands with a text alert and brace myself. She won’t be as timid as Tracy.

  BENNETT!!!

  WHAT THE FUCK?

  U BETTER CALL OR SO HELP ME!

  Val, shit. And she’s yelling too. Not a good sign; she sounds pissed. I quickly text her and Tracy back saying I am sorry and that we should meet up later for lunch or something. I fearfully wait for Val to respond. Tracy I’m not so worried about.

  Ur lucky missy! Lunch @ The Bistro 12:30

  As I text back my reply, my phone vibrates again.

  I Luv u & hope ur ok. C u soon.

  I remember hearing Dash telling someone to call my friends, but I neglected to do so myself after everything calmed down. I got so wrapped up in Dash and our time together I never once thought about them. I begin to feel guilty but quickly push it away. I know my friends, and they know me. They will understand. I hope they understand. I finish my coffee, and even though it is Saturday, I decide to go to the office. I’ve been out on assignment the past week, and I am more than sure there are things that need my attention. Plus it will distract me. I check myself over one last time and head to the office, but not before grabbing The Redemption CD—just in case I want to listen to it in the car.

  MY VOICEMAIL IS flooded with messages from Hank. Apparently I have a new assignment, and he is anxious to let me know, although he’s being very cryptic with his messages, not telling me exactly what my assignment is. I wonder if he’s in his office. I know it’s Saturday, but Hank is a workaholic; comes with the territory of being senior editor of the magazine. He gave me this job after I did my internship here. He’s been my mentor from the beginning, and at times he’s like a father to me. Before my fingers can even dial his extension, there is someone in my office doorway.

  “There you are, my favorite writer,” the voice swirls into my office.

  “Hank, I was just about to call you.”

  He enters my office, giddy as a schoolgirl; he is practically vibrating with excitement. “Oh, I have some fabulous news.” He starts making his way to the front of my desk, still vibrating, maybe even more. And it’s catching. I feel myself vibrate because of his proximity.

  “What news?” I inquire, a smile pulling at the corners of my mouth. I have never ever seen Hank like this.

  “He wants to do the interview,” he blurts out. I don’t have to question who he is.

  “Hank, if you’re toying with my emotions, I will…”

  “Oh, my talented Jules, I am not toying with your emotions. Enzo Venuti has finally agreed to do a piece, and you, my lovely, are interviewing him.” Hank is beaming from ear to ear as he tells me.

  Like a kid on Christmas morning, I leap out of my chair and lunge into Hank—it would be the first time—embracing him. Enzo Venuti is a recluse of a vineyard that produces the most delectable wines, and he has agreed to meet with me.

  “Hank, this is just… wow… I can’t believe, how did you, when did he?” I pepper him with my questions, my mind going a hundred plus miles per hour, and now I am definitely vibrating as well.

  “Apparently he saw your last interview, and he loved it. And he said, and I quote, ‘I will grant your magazine this only if Julia Bennett interviews me.’ He is quite taken with you. Anyway, it’s all set. You can leave tonight if you like. Jane has already made the arrangements, if that’s okay with you?” Hank looks anxious, as if I could or would say no. I’ve been waiting to tour this vineyard and meet with Enzo since I first tasted his wines.

  “Okay with me? Okay with me? Hank, I’ll leave right this minute if I have to.” I will forgo packing a bag with all the necessities and leave this instant.

  Hank chuckles, “Oh, my Jules, that won’t be necessary. This evening will be just fine. You can stop by Jane’s desk on your way out and will find everything you need, okay? I know you’ll do me proud.” And with a wink and a huge smile, Hank leaves me.

  I slump back in my chair, my head spinning. I can’t believe I am going to interview Enzo Venuti. No one has, and I get to. I give myself an invisible pat on the back, gather my things, and head out. I have some packing to do, but first I must meet with my girls. I leave work, literally on cloud nine.

  I ARRIVE AT The Bistro right on time, still floating. “I’m here to meet some friends, but I’m not sure they have arrived yet. A blond and a girl w
ith bright pink hair?”

  “Yes, they are already here seated on the patio. Follow me please.”

  I follow her through the restaurant and out to the back terrace. I catch the distinct sound of a giggle, knowing we are headed in the right direction. Tracy. I see Val and Tracy sitting at a table in the corner, Tracy animated as usual, and Val just taking everything in, like a trooper.

  I turn to the hostess. “Thank you, I see them.”

  “Enjoy your meal,” she responds and walks her way back to her station.

  Tracy finally looks up and sees me approaching. “There you are.”

  “Yep, here I am,” I respond, taking my seat across from the two of them.

  “So,” Tracy begins while Val nibbles on a breadstick, eyeing me.

  “So,” I play back.

  Tracy and Val glance at each other. I know they are deciding who’s going to take the lead in questioning me.

  Val clears her throat. “Are you okay? I mean, really okay? After what happened last night at the club, I’ve been second guessing letting Dash take off with you. We should have been the ones to take you home. It was stupid of me, of us… I’m… we’re sorry, Jules.” Both of my friends look guilty, and they have no reason to be. I’m a grown woman, and I am responsible for myself and my actions—not them.

  “I’m sorry,” I shyly admit, feeling guilty myself.

  Val reaches across the table, seeking out my hand, and I easily give it to her. “Honey, you have nothing to be sorry about. Nothing at all. When we realized you weren’t on the dance floor anymore, we figured you either went to get a drink or had enough. When Lance found us and told us that Dash had called and said you had a panic attack and took you away, we became so worried. We didn’t know if Dash was who you should be with, but Lance explained a couple of things, and well… regardless, we should have been there for you no matter what. You have no reason to be sorry. We do.” She points between herself and Tracy.