Nigel leaned forward, all business. “There are a few key meetings and a special performance lined up. Keep in contact, Len, because there are some big announcements just around the corner.”
Len’s eyes gleamed. “I’d love an exclusive.”
Nigel sat back and folded his arms. “We can chat later.”
Len nodded at Nigel, then glanced around the group again. “And one final question. Our readers—your fans—love the personal info. I believe you’re all single?”
“Bloody oath.” RG grinned. “Single and loving it.”
Len honed in, that gleam back again. He was a goddamned shark, scenting something juicy. “So there might be some broken hearts left here when you head back Down Under?”
“Sure. They’ll be spoiled for anyone else.” RG winked.
“Okay.” Nigel stood and brought his hands together, and Parker breathed a sigh of relief that he was wrapping things up. “Let’s get the photos taken, Len, and we’re done for the day. The guys have some sightseeing to do.”
Once out on the pool terrace, Annie got to work, directing the band like the professional she was. She took some group shots, arranging them in a number of different poses. Parker attempted to look cool and relaxed but was certain he was stiff as a board. He smiled so much, his cheeks hurt with the effort.
Finally it was over—that was, until Annie said she wanted some individual photos. She picked Parker first, and he thanked his lucky stars. He didn’t think he’d be able to pose after watching the other guys, who were goddamned pros at this kind of thing. He followed her direction to the best of his ability but didn't think he took a proper breath until he’d escaped to the far end of the terrace. He leaned against a palm tree and willed his breathing to slow.
“Hey, you did great.”
He turned to Rafe’s reassuring face. “You think? I’m sure I looked like I had a stick up my butt.”
“I was watching the whole thing. You looked amazing.” Rafe raised a hand to Parker’s biceps. “I like the tank. It’s a good look on you, but you’d better be careful out here or else you’ll burn.”
Parker shivered under his touch. “I… ah….” He couldn’t tear his gaze away from Rafe’s dark eyes.
Rafe dragged his hand down Parker’s arm, giving his hand a quick squeeze before letting go. He leaned in close. “Get out of the sun, Parker. I’ll see you back upstairs.”
There was so much promise in those words.
20
After a ride that seemed to take forever due to the horrible LA traffic, they finally arrived at their destination. Not that Rafe was particularly looking forward to it, but it was work and it had to be done. He snorted at his own thoughts. Not too many people would be reluctant to attend a party with many of the A-list of the music industry. The limo pulled in under the covered entrance of the high-rise hotel and came to a stop. Rafe undid his seat belt as his door was opened by a hotel doorman. He slipped from the limo, straightening his clothing as he did so. As usual he was decked out head to toe in black, from the tips of his shiny Saint Laurent boots to the tailor-perfect shoulders of his custom leather jacket. Shouts from the crowd greeted him, and he turned to see a sea of people, three or four rows deep, calling out to them but held back by velvet ropes and security personnel. The other guys piled from the limo, standing beside him and looking around, probably in as much awe as he was, judging by their expressions. His gaze was automatically drawn to Parker. He looked hot but a little dazed. Rafe scanned the surroundings again.
“Holy shit,” he said under his breath. “Look at all these people. I wasn't expecting this kind of reception.”
“I wonder if they even know who we are,” Gibbo said as he glanced around.
“Who cares?” RG grinned and gave a wave to the crowd of fans. A cheer went up, and Rafe couldn't help but raise his hand in greeting too.
Light bulbs flashed from where paparazzi were being held back by security, and most of the people trying to get a good look at them were holding smartphones in front of themselves. It was a necessary evil.
“Look smart, boys,” Nigel said. “We're going to be all over social media soon.”
“Nigel.”
Rafe looked across to see a woman approaching from the direction of the hotel. She wore a tight green dress and impossibly high heels, but that didn't stop her powering across the driveway. Rafe had no doubt she’d be a force to be reckoned with and was glad they had her on their side, navigating this US trip.
Nigel stepped up and leaned close to the woman, kissing her firstly on one cheek, and then the other. “Sheila, you're looking gorgeous as usual.”
Sheila stepped back with a broad smile on her face. “In this little old thing?” She gestured up and down her torso, elegant hands flashing with a glitter of rings, and multiple bracelets jingling. “You don't look so bad yourself, although I must say most people look better in person than over video call.” She turned to the group. “Let's get you guys inside and then we can do some introductions. Follow me.”
They trailed behind her up some broad steps and through the double doors of the hotel. It immediately quietened as they stepped into the immense foyer and the doors closed behind them, shutting out the sounds of the fans. Sheila hustled them across the marble floors in the direction of the private elevators, judging by the sign on the wall. They arrived at the lift lobby, where a few people were milling around waiting for the elevator and obviously intrigued by who they were, but an elevator came and whisked them away.
Nigel spoke as soon as they were alone in the lobby. “Boys, I'd like you to meet Sheila Kouros. Sheila, as you know, is my counterpart here in LA. She's helped with a lot of planning for this trip, including arranging this get-together tonight.”
“Nice to meet you all.” After a round of handshakes and air kisses, she stood back and surveyed them all. “Aren't you boys just gorgeous? I can see why all the girls and boys love you. Along with your music, of course. I'm sure Nigel has told you what to expect tonight, but I'll run through a few things just in case. We're heading up to the nightclub on the top floor of the hotel. It’s only a small gathering—about one hundred people, and a few press. The idea is to drum up a bit of publicity before the gig I’ve with arranged with the Bad Boys. We've also scheduled a couple of interviews with some local music magazines, including another one withWorld of Music. I'll be meeting you for breakfast tomorrow—”
