Ugh.
“If you think those cheesy pickup lines will work on me, think again.” I take a couple steps back, lifting my chin up and straightening my spine, hoping it hides how badly I’m shaking right now. I’ve faked bravado on more than one occasion, and I can do it again. Although I know it’s easier because Ryder’s not in the room.
“Can I get you anything to eat or drink, Ms. Williams,” Rod asks, holding out his hand for my jacket.
“A bottle of water would be great.” I remove my jacket and scarf and hand them to him. “And please call me Zeta.”
I put that out there as a test because I want to see how the other members of the band react to my name. It’s not that common, and I want to know if Ryder has told them about me too. But as I subtly peruse their reactions, I realize they have no clue who I am, and that relaxes me a little more. The only guy with a spark of recognition is the big guy standing in the corner of the room with his arms folded. Judging by the size of him, and his serious manner, I’m guessing he’s part of their security detail.
“Where is Ryder?” Rod asks as he steps into the kitchen.
“He had somebusinessto attend to,” Garrett says, waggling his brows and enunciating the word so it’s clear exactly what he means.
My face twists into a grimace. Really? He’s that desperate to blow his load he couldn’t wait till after our meeting concluded? A stab of pain slices through my heart, but I latch onto my anger instead, focusing on his lack of professionalism rather than the image of him fucking some random girl while keeping me waiting.
“Don’t sweat it, boss,” Micah says, smiling at me. “We’ll take great care of Zeta while we wait for the slut to show his face.” He pushes Garrett aside, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. “I’m Micah, and you’re beautiful.”
“Flattery won’t work either,” I deadpan, and he laughs.
“Worth a try,” he says, winking as he reclaims his seat.
Scott White is the last one to come forward. He shakes my hand firmly. “Take no notice of these d-bags. They still act like they’re in high school.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve been around enough rock stars to know the score. And I’d put it more at middle school level,” I joke, accepting a bottle of water from Rod with a smile.
“Mikayla isn’t available because she’s just had a baby,” Rod explains. “Zeta also works forRockOut,and she has excellent credentials.”
“That she does,” Garrett cuts in. His eyes hungrily roam my body, lingering on my chest.
“I don’t think Rod was talking about her tits, dude,” Micah teases.
“Sweetheart, you have the best rack I’ve seen in a long time,” Garrett blatantly says. “How about a little private show after we’re done talking?”
“Not a chance in hell.” I steel my eyes at him.
“You seem uptight,” he says, his hands automatically going to my shoulders. “I can help you loosen up.”
Shucking his hands off me, I give him a tight smile when I really want to knee the presumptuous prick in the balls and flip him the bird. “I’ll pass. Thanks.”
“C’mon, doll. I know you want to, and I’m horny as fuck.” He rubs a hand over his crotch while Rod shakes his head, muttering under his breath.
I take it back.
Garrett may look hot on the outside, but his asshole personality completely diminishes his attractiveness. It’s clear his rep has been well earned. “You’re not seeing my tits. Or any part of me for that matter. Might as well put that out there now.” I glare at him, struggling to maintain my professionalism.
“Famous last words, baby,” he says, instantly dragging me back to a different time and place.
20
Ryder
Gar’s words transport me back to juvie, and Lopez’s voice echoes in my head as I hear him say the exact same thing to Zeta all those years ago.
I’ve stood in the hallway of the suite these past few minutes trying to make my legs move, but they’re rooted to the marble floor, frozen in shock and disbelief. I thought I was hallucinating at first when I heard her sultry, seductive voice, and it wouldn’t surprise me because she’s been on my mind continuously since my visit to Orange County last week.
I’ve listened as Gar and Micah both hit on her, a proud smile ghosting over my lips as Zeta effortlessly deflected their piss-poor flirting attempts.
My heart is going crazy behind my rib cage, and I’m awash with emotions I’ve worked hard to bury. I’m torn between running in there and grabbing her into my arms or fleeing out the door.
