Love Rock'ollection: The Brutal Strength Rock Star Trilogy, books 1-3 Page 13

  At the chorus, he inclined his head in her direction. Their gazes locked and held. She took her cue and melded her voice with his. A hush came over the mesmerized crowd. JR crashed in next, like a mad man, with an avalanche of drum beats, and then the entire group ended the song on a triple down beat. When the last note died out, the audience roared their approval.

  After they quieted down, Marcus steepled his hands together, half bowed, and addressed the crowd. “We are so grateful for you guys. You,” he flashed his bright smile and extended both arms out to the crowd, “are what it’s all about.” He glanced over his shoulder at Avery and Dwight, who were huddled together behind him.

  Avery nodded to let him know she was ready, adjusting her wireless hookup on her guitar.

  “Let’s hear it for our new lead guitarist, Avery Jones!” The crowd erupted again. Over the din, he shouted, “Avery and I wrote this next song, ‘Brothers’, together. We hope you like it.”

  Dwight and Avery faced each other on opposite sides of the stage. Avery started the song, playing the opening riff on her black Ibanez. Dwight smiled at her, and they played the same riff again, this time echoed by Dwight’s bass line. While she reveled in the pounding rhythm reverberating through her body, Marcus began to sing.

  Oh lil’ bro, why did you come along?

  My life was as perfect as a song

  You drive me crazy day and night

  Oh tell me now, will our parents be right

  Will I ever be precious in your sight?

  When he finished, Avery in character as the pesky younger brother, made a face at him, kicked Marcus’ foot, and began to sing the response…

  Big brother you are always playing it cool

  Great one who always makes every rule

  Deep down I want to be just like you

  But can’t express this in things I do

  Life’s not ready for there to be two

  Marcus circled her while she sang, even shaking his finger in her face like he was bossing her. They came together on the same microphone at each chorus, staring into each other’s eyes, moving their heads in time with the rhythm. The fans fed on their obvious chemistry. Avery ended the song with a trilling, high pitched solo which she played with incredible speed.

  This time the applause included even the jaded technical crew. Mary, who was at the control board in the back, stood up and gave Marcus a double thumbs up. He had never seen her smile so wide. Marcus called the rest of the band forward. They threw their arms around one another’s shoulders and took a group bow. Afterward, a security detail surrounded them and led them back to the house.

  “That’s a wrap, people,” Beth said coming up on stage, speaking into the microphone. She directed the fans and crew to meet at the front gate where buses were lined up and waiting to shuttle them back to the Vancouver ferry.

  Several chaotic hours later, Beth dragged herself into the kitchen where Marcus’ parents, the band, and Mary had all gathered to eat leftovers. She flopped wearily down into a chair next to Mary. Rheta brought her a plate of food, which she accepted gratefully.

  “Whew. Just saw off the last of them. Everyone accounted for and checked off the list.” She rested her chin on her hands. “What’s next, Mary?”

  Mary gazed around the table, her light brown eyes bright with obvious admiration. “You guys killed it tonight. We have tons of usable raw footage. It’s just going to be a matter of picking out the best. I should have something ready by the time you get back to Vancouver on Monday.”

  Sitting back down beside her husband and younger son, Rheta listened to the discussion about the upcoming plans for the band. She looked up when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

  “We’ll see you tomorrow, Mom.” Dwight kissed her softly on the cheek. “Lisa and I are heading to bed.”

  “Goodnight, son. Goodnight, Lisa. See you in the morning.”

  As the couple left, Rheta caught Marcus staring at Avery, whose head was bowed down over his plate of uneaten food. It wasn’t the first time, either, she noted mentally.

  Marcus, seeming to sense his mother’s scrutiny, averted his gaze.

  Avery stood up with her plate and crossed to the kitchen counter. She scraped off her food, rinsed her dish in the sink, and loaded it in the dishwasher. When she turned around Marcus was busy talking to Mary. She rubbed her pounding forehead and closed her eyes.

  When she reopened them, Rheta was watching her with obvious concern. Avery pressed her trembling lips together, but was unable to hide the emotion that brimmed in her eyes. She just needed to get to bed already. Tomorrow would be whatever it would be.

  Avery waved at Rheta and mouthed, “goodnight,” before sliding silently out of the room.

  Shortly afterward, Marcus headed up the stairs and down the hall to Avery’s room. Reaching the door, he heard the sound of her acoustic being strummed and recognized the melody for “Love Evolution.” He knocked softly, and the music stopped. “It’s me, Avery. Can I come in?”

  Avery glanced over at her reflection in the dresser mirror. Her eyes were red-rimmed and her face was streaked with tears. Desperate to enjoy her last day with Marcus, she had been successful holding it together, until now. She swallowed several times to clear her throat before answering. “Sorry Marcus. I’m beat. See you tomorrow, ok?”

  “Ok, Ace.” Marcus rested his open palm on the closed door and hesitated. He knew something was wrong. Watching Avery throughout the evening, he’d noticed how withdrawn his guitarist had been. And since the concert, Avery hadn’t really spoken with anyone and hadn’t eaten anything at dinner, either.

  Marcus had just made up his mind to press the issue when JR passed him in the hall and gave him a funny look.

  “Night, dude,” JR said.

  “Night,” Marcus replied, turning slowly away from Avery’s door.

  “THEY’RE AT IT awfully early,” Don commented to Dwight over his cup of coffee. From their position at the farmhouse table, they could hear Avery and Marcus down in the basement playing their guitars and singing.

  “Those two are peas in a pod,” Dwight commented. “They both live and breathe music. I’d really thought we were finished as a band when Marcus went into rehab and Keith left. But with Avery, I’m beginning to think we might be better than we were before. He and Marcus are cranking out song after song like it’s easy for them. I don’t think either of them knows how to shut it off. We probably have enough material now for two albums.”

  “Son, I’ve gotta ask you.” Don set his coffee cup down and rubbed his neck. “Do you think there’s something going on between the two of them? I mean, the way they are together, it’s almost like they’re flirting…”

  Dwight sputtered, almost choking on his coffee. “You’re kidding me, right?” His dad continued to stare at him without saying a word. Dwight shook his head, covering his dad’s hand with his own. “This is Marcus we’re talking about Dad.”

  Don persisted, “Has he dated anyone-anyone at all, since Veronica?”

  “No, but…” Dwight hesitated thinking it over for a moment. Marcus hadn’t dated at all. And his dad was right about Marcus and Avery. They did spend a lot of time together. If he didn’t know his brother so well, he might speculate, too. “No, Dad,” he told him, voice firm. “It’s not like that. They are really close I’ll admit. I just think Marcus sees him as a younger brother, someone to take under his wing and take care of, you know?”

  “I hope you’re right, son. Marcus’ life has been complicated enough up to this point.”

  The sounds of a heated discussion drifted up from downstairs. A short moment later they heard the sound of hurried footsteps clattering up the stairs.

  “Avery, get back here! This isn’t finished!” Marcus shouted just as Avery suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs, looking frazzled. She dashed wordlessly through the kitchen and out the screen door. Marcus barreled after, his expression dark. Taken aback, Dwight mutely pointed in the direction Avery had gone.r />
  Hearing the screen door slam behind her, Avery took off in a sprint. The morning hadn’t gone at all the way she’d envisioned to say the least. As she bolted across the front lawn her mind raced backward.

  FULLY PREPARED TO tell Marcus the truth, Avery was framing her thoughts when her cell phone rang with an unfamiliar number. Glancing uncertainly at Marcus she answered it.

  “Avery Jones,” Vito Rat Face announced ominously from the other end.

  All the blood drained from her face at the sound of that terrible voice. “How’d you get this number?” Avery whispered.

  “Never you mind that. We saw your little interview on TV. Don’t think you can just cut your hair, dress up like a guy, and shirk your responsibilities up there in Canada.”

  She gasped.

  “Oh yeah, we know where you are. It’s our business to know. Your little charade won’t fool anybody. The boss still wants his money.”

  “It’s already on the way,” Avery stammered.

  “It’d better be,” Vito threatened, “because if it ain’t you won’t like what happens next.”

  Avery’s heart was pounding as the line went dead.

  “What was that all about?” Marcus demanded to know. “What’s already on its way?”

  Avery was completely fried now. “Nothing you need to worry about,” she rasped.

  “What the hell does that mean?” Marcus shouted. “Of course I’m worried. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  “Don’t push me on this, Marcus.” No way was she going to let him get involved with Campanella. She’d screwed up his life enough already.

  “Listen Avery. You’re the lead guitarist for my band. Anything that involves you affects me.”

  Avery sighed. It was pointless arguing with him.

  “Well, go on, spit it out!” Marcus demand rang in her ears. “Just in case you weren’t aware, that wasn’t a request.”

  “Not everything is about you and the band, Marcus!” Avery shouted back at him, throwing up her hands, and running from the basement.

  AVERY WAS NO match for Marcus’ long strides. She could hear him closing in on her.

  Spinning around intending to confront him, she stumbled in the process. His momentum carried him into her, and they both tumbled to the ground together. Avery went completely still, beneath him, her breathing short and shallow, her eyes wide.

  Their bodies were pressed seamlessly together, flush from chest to hip, her body soft and pliant, his deliciously hard in all the right places. Her mind went totally blank. All her focus honed in on this moment, on the two of them, on how good and right it felt.

  Marcus’ dark eyes held hers hostage for a heartbeat. She dropped her gaze to his sculpted sensual lips. Lips she’d fantasized about on more than one occasion. Fervently she wished he would touch them to hers. She longed to feel their warmth. Would they be soft and persuasive or firm and demanding?

  Avery licked her lips, and then unbelievably, as if she had willed it to be so, Marcus tilted his head slightly to the side and brought his face closer toward hers. Holy wish fulfillment! She gasped, eyes flashing back to his which were half closed now.

  Marcus suddenly froze, closing his eyes that had been so full of promise and so intently focused on hers.

  The spell holding them both enthralled suddenly broken.

  “Shit!” Marcus cursed, rolling off Avery and pushing to his feet. He had thought for a minute, he had felt, he had wanted… He took in a deep shuddering breath.

  Closing her eyes, Avery sighed her disappointment before sitting up. She drew her legs to her chest shivering as she felt the rush of cold outside air over her heated skin. The perfect chance to tell him had been wasted. But would he have gone ahead and kissed her or would he have ended up being just as furious as he obviously was now?

  She opened her eyes and scrambled to her feet, realizing that he was already halfway back to the house, running like the hounds of hell pursued him. Way to go Avery! How mortifying. Just the kind of response a girl always hopes to have when the man she loves almost kisses her.

  She hugged her arms around her middle, forcing her feet up the road. When she reached the gate, she heard the front door slam. Marcus reappeared, keys in hand, his features an unreadable mask.

  “Marcus!” Rheta shouted from the porch. Marcus ignored her, threw himself into the car, and pulled out, spinning the tires of the minivan on the gravel.

  Avery could only watch helplessly as he sped past her. He’d been staring straight ahead. He hadn’t even glanced her way. Tears of frustration filled her eyes as the van disappeared around the corner out of sight.

  “Avery, come into this house right now!” Rheta demanded.

  Avery obediently followed her into the house. Rheta led her into the office, closing the pocket doors behind them. Avery’s lip trembled. She was unable to meet the other woman’s gaze. “I am really sorry, Mrs. Anthony…”

  “Mom,” Rheta corrected.

  “Mom.” Avery’s frozen emotions thawed a little hearing the unexpected warmth of her tone. “I made a mess of everything. I was going to tell him…”

  “What? That you love him? How could he not know that, the blind fool? Is that why he’s so upset?”

  Desperate and overwhelmed, unable to keep her secret any longer, Avery confided, “Yes… Mom, you’re right. I do love him, but he’s never going to forgive me.”

  “Never is a long time, Avery. I always tell my boys, make your words sweet today because tomorrow you may have to eat them.”

  “Never might be too short of a time when the deception is as big as this.” Avery reached down to pull up the hem of her hooded sweatshirt, figuring it would be easier to show than tell. Glancing up, face flushed, she expected Rheta to be angry and disappointed with her.

  Instead, surprisingly, Rheta gave a confirmatory nod. “When I first kissed your cheek, I had my suspicions. And then when we washed dishes last night and I got a close look at your hands, I was sure.”

  Avery shook her head in disbelief as Rheta patted her clasped hands.

  “A mom knows these things. Why the rest of them haven’t figured it out already, I have no idea. I guess sometimes it’s hardest to see the things that are right there in front of us.”

  A soft knock sounded at the office door.

  “Mom, it’s me,” Dwight said.

  “Avery and I are having a private conversation,” Rheta replied sternly.

  “Does it have anything to do with why Marcus peeled out of here a minute ago?” he asked, voice barely audible through the closed doors.

  Rheta slid open the doors a crack, and hissed, “We will talk about it later, Dwight Christopher Anthony. You and your dad go outside and attend to the livestock.”

  “Sure, Mom.” He backed away, evidently knowing better than to press his mom whenever she used his middle name.

  After they heard the front door close, Rheta returned her attention to Avery. “Well now,” she declared. “Let’s go to the kitchen. I’ll make us some tea. I’m sure there’s quite a lot more that you probably need to get off your chest.”

  THE DRIVE TO Nanaimo was a total blur for Marcus. At the seaplane terminal, he parked the minivan in the garage and left the keys with the attendant. Once airborne en route back to Vancouver, he scrubbed his fists over his eyes, wishing he could erase what had almost just happened from his memory.

  Mental snapshots of every single time he’d touched Avery ran though his head like a slide show. He’d deliberately been avoiding thoughts just like these, telling himself any feelings he had for Avery were strictly fraternal.

  Ha! When had he ever thought about kissing Dwight?

  And he had just about sealed the deal, too. Good thing Avery had gasped. He hadn’t been able to get his ass out of there fast enough.

  Ray picked him up at the terminal. As he drove, he kept glancing at Marcus in the rearview mirror, concern etched on his features. “What?” Marcus finally asked, exasperated.


  “Is everything alright?” Ray asked.

  “No,” Marcus muttered, closing his eyes. What he needed was to forget that this day ever happened. He ran his hands through his hair. “Take me to Afterglow.” He avoided the censure in Ray’s gaze. “I need a drink.”

  Hours later, Marcus was slumped in the velvet lined booth in the back of the trendy Yaletown bar. The place was dimly lit, and no one had bothered him as he knocked back shot after shot of tequila. What the hell was going on with him and Avery? He had never been attracted to a man. True, he had grown out of the sad girlfriend in every city game. He wanted something real, like his parents had. Not with a guy, though. He liked women.

  The heavily made up platinum blonde was eyeing him again. She’d been watching him all night. Maybe he’d just been spending too much time with Avery. He suddenly felt this overwhelming need to prove something to himself.

  Crooking his finger at the blonde, he felt confident she would be more than willing to help him. They had a couple of drinks together while she gushed on and on about how much she loved his music. She pressed her body closer and closer to his.

  Somehow they ended up back at his apartment on his sectional, him shirtless and her on his lap. He didn’t even remember her name. She’d probably come along with him so she could brag to her friends that she’d hooked up with a rock star. Not that he cared, he just wanted to forget. They were both just using each other. It was pathetic. His mother would be appalled.

  AFTER THEIR HEART to heart talk, Rheta drove Avery to the seaplane terminal in her car. As they parted, she gave Avery an affectionate hug. “The sooner you tell him the better.”

  Luckily, she was able to catch the last plane of the day back to the mainland. Downtown Vancouver was busy when she arrived, and she had to wait in line to get a taxi to Marcus’ apartment. Her stomach was in knots by the time she got there. She keyed in the code to enter the private elevator, and straightened her shoulders as the elevator doors closed.