Rock Hard Love(19)

James sang with more power and more feeling that he had all night. Even though the acoustic version of “Destroyed” was softer and mellower than its amped up counterpart, this version packed more punch. The emotion was more insistent and it took all I had not to breakdown and cry. I looked around to see more than a few women sobbing openly and even a few of the men in the crowd appeared misty. When James finished, he bid the crowd goodnight and just before walking off stage, he turned back and nodded at me inviting me to join him backstage.

I fought through the cheering crowd as a roadie met me and helped me on stage. Then I followed the band into a small room in the back of the club. I didn’t even acknowledge the other band members, walking right up to James and hugging him. His strong, tattoo covered arms held me tight and he kissed the top of my head as I buried my face into his chest. “That was beautiful, James,” I whispered.

“I’m glad you liked it. We threw the arrangement together back here before we went on stage once I found out you were coming,” he admitted.

“How did you know?” I asked.

“I couldn’t track you down so I called Peter to find out what you were up to,” James explained. I hadn’t told Peter exactly what I was doing but he must have guessed. I’m glad he did. The surprise I’d planned for James turned into a surprise for me. I looked up at James and stared into his golden brown eyes.

“I am so going to beg you later,” I told him, sure now of what I wanted. I wanted James. I didn’t understand why he was so interested in me or why I was so attracted to him but right then, I didn’t care. I only wanted him to follow through on the torrid promise he made me as we dined at his restaurant. I wanted him inside me making me come as I screamed his name. James laughed at me and smiled warmly but in his eyes, I saw the naked desire. However, we had pleasantries to engage in. James pulled away and draped an arm over my shoulders as he faced his band mates, all of them relaxing on the two sofas in the room.

“Battery, meet your new agent,” was all he said and I wondered why he hadn’t said more but as the thought coalesced in my head he added, “and so much more to me.”





~9~



“Simone Navarro, meet Tommy Sullivan, boyhood friend and lead guitar,” James introduced me and Tommy came up and gave me a big hug.

“Nice to meet you, agent lady,” he said. Tommy was tall and lanky with a head of spiky black hair.

“And that’s Chad Reynolds, bass player extraordinaire,” James said pointing to the shortest member of the band, but still almost six feet tall, with the thick black glasses and a shaven head.

“Hello, Simone,” was all he said before taking my hand and kissing it. He looked up, smiling playfully, and then winked at James before the last member of the band pushed him out of the way.

“Why is the drummer always last?” he asked of nobody in particular before taking my hand in his two strong hands and saying, “I’m Benjamin Ford. Glad to meet you, Simone Navarro.” I giggled at his formal introduction. Benny was tall and broad, with powerful arms and wavy blonde hair.

“Nice to meet all of you,” I said as they dispersed. Chad was teasing Benny about trained monkeys easily replacing drummers and Tommy wondered aloud why it was always Benjamin instead of Benny around the ladies. They all seemed nice enough and it was fun to watch them interact. James and I sat for a while as I got to know the rest of my clients but it wasn’t long before I turned to James and said quietly, “Don’t make me beg in front of the band, James.”

“Well, we’ve got to go boys,” James announced as he stood and took my hand. I found his sudden enthusiasm amusing and rather exciting. My tummy was suddenly full of butterflies. The band all hugged me and told me not to be a stranger. James’ hand was on the small of my back again as he lead me from the room and out the back of the club. There was a car waiting, driver and all, and as we climbed into the back seat, no steps needed, James asked, “You’re place or mine?”

“Mine,” I said and leaned forward and told the driver where I was staying. He started the engine and in moments, we were on our way.

“Why your room?” James asked curiously.

“All my stuff is there. Besides, I want you in my bed, or at least the bed I’ve rented for a few nights,” I teased. James gave me a low moan and his hand went between my knees.

“What about my stuff?” he asked playfully.

“What stuff do you need?” I wondered.

“Do you know how long it takes to get this beard looking like it does?” James asked in all seriousness.