Star Struck(BBW Rocker Romance)(38)

“You’ll always be welcome, Ethan,” Georgia said with a pretty blush on her cheeks. Mandy’s eyes widened; her mother never blushed. And her father wasn’t immune to the rocker’s charms, either. They discussed financial issues in the country and Ethan was quite informed about that as well, which meant that Kirk had a willing ear to sound off on his ideas about policy. He was still chatting with Ethan as the table was cleared.

“He’s a way better a catch than Marcus,” Tiffany crowed once the three girls escaped to the kitchen. “Tell me you aren’t going back to the stuffy banker.”

“That’s unfair,” Mandy said mildly. “I thought you liked Marcus.”

“He’s cool, but let’s face it, Ethan is, to put it simply, too freaking tasty. From any angle. Not sure how you did it, sis, but you’ve risen a few – no, make that several, rungs up the ‘cool big sister’ scale.”

“Gee, thanks,” murmured Mandy, unable to hold back a smile. “So all I had to do to gain some points around here was date a rock star.”

“Not just a rock star. You’re dating the Ethan Tyler,” Melanie said with deep awe. “The Strum is more than a band whose audience consists of students who like listening to loud music while they get wasted. They’re really good and Ethan is mega talented. Definitely more than a pretty face and totally cool as a person. Still can’t believe he’s seated at our dining table.”

“Well, I’d better go save him from dad’s shop talk or they’ll be at it all night,” Mandy said ruefully, leaving the kitchen to find Ethan in the living room nursing an after-dinner drink and talking easily with her parents.

“Mandy hasn’t been to London before, though we’ve taken her and the girls on holiday to France and Spain,” Georgia said. “I’m glad you’ll be there to watch out for her.”

Mandy rolled her eyes inwardly, hearing Ethan’s ready reply that Mandy would love it in London and that he’d definitely not let her out of his sight. He sneaked a glance her way at that point and Mandy’s stomach flipped. All evening she’d been secretly on edge; watching him and fantasizing about how hot and thrilling he would look like once all those clothes were off, with his sexy tattoos in full view. She could just imagine what it would entail to have his full attention on her during their London trip. On the surface, she’d have a lot of work to do when it came to handling his wardrobe and changes for the live shows, but when all that was over and they were alone, she was thrilled deep inside just thinking about what was in store for them.

It was very late before she was able to see him off. His sleek car was parked outside their front door. Once again he’d come alone and she questioned the safety of that. He assured her he was very careful about keeping a low profile when he wasn’t with his handlers and bodyguards. “Besides, sometimes I need to feel like I’m living a normal life, just like everybody else. Having two or three bodyguards in tow each time I go out isn’t going to give me that. I really want your family to like me,” he said seriously, cupping her face.

Mandy’s eyes were downcast. “Why? Does it really matter? I mean we haven’t exactly defined to ourselves what it is we have now. Are we an item? A real couple? Or are we just two people having a good time?”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “You’re my woman. The only one I want to keep around. I haven’t been in a relationship of any kind in a long time, Mandy. All I had were one-night stands or booty calls. What I feel for you is real. That’s all that matters to me right now.”

Mandy nodded. She didn’t need promises and was glad he wasn’t making any undying declarations. She wasn’t a kid. She just wanted to make sure she wasn’t being played; that she wouldn’t have to worry about competing with his crowd of female admirers.

“Thank you for the flowers. They were lovely – all of the bouquets,” Mandy said with a wry smile.

“Glad you liked them,” said Ethan, grinning. “I had no clue which ones you liked so I bought one of everything they had in the shop.” He bent to pluck at her readily parted lips. “I wish I could whisk you away with me somewhere – but the band will be rehearsing for our last concert before we leave for London. You’ll be at the show, of course. It’s tomorrow night and I want you to be there.”

Mandy hesitated. She’d never been to a rock concert before. It would be a good idea to go as it would prepare her for the upcoming gig. She still needed to make some last-minute preparations to the outfits Ethan was going to use for the three-hour a night performances.