Star Struck(BBW Rocker Romance)(49)
Ethan sighed deeply and shoved his fingers back through his hair. He was grateful for all he’d achieved so far, and the last thing he’d want is to jeopardize his career.
The fact was, ever since Mandy he’d avoided drugs, alcohol, clubbing, and those smarmy red-carpet events. The last thing Ethan wanted to do again was get into dating a celebrity, even if it was just make-believe for publicity sake. And he felt bad that his band brothers thought he wasn’t ‘bringing it’ like he used to with his playing. He wished they’d come straight to him about it instead of talking to Davey first. Well, if they thought being with Mandy detracted his focus from his music, they were dead wrong.
Mandy had the power to change his values. She motivated him as a person with just her outlook on life, and even her smile brightened his world. She was definitely a breath of fresh air after the women in his past; females who’d wanted to live off his fame and fat bank account. They’d all wanted something from him, but not Mandy - she had no motives, no demands. And that’s why he’d never do anything to hurt her.
He just had to figure out how to do what was right for the band and his career without sacrificing the one thing that meant the whole world to him.
Chapter Twelve
Mandy thought she had to be dreaming when she saw Zuriel walk into her office.
That was right; Mandy had her own office now, with a fantastic view of downtown. Plus enough space for a proper desk and some furniture for the living room area. Needless to say, Jessica was very generous with interns who brought results. Ever since The Strum had signed on as clients to the stylist of the stars, Jessica had seen to it that Mandy was well compensated. She now had an in on all the big projects. Mandy’s career had virtually soared – on a larger scale. And when the news got around that she’d be accompanying The Strum on their world tour in less than 3 months, her client list had grown considerably. Jessica was glad for all the publicity. Since Mandy’s relationship with Ethan had increased Mandy’s tabloid exposure, it also rubbed off on Jessica’s firm.
Being the woman in Ethan Tyler’s life had its ups and downs. Mandy would be the first to admit that. But even with all the unwanted media attention, the photos and the gossip stories, Mandy didn’t regret one second of taking the bold step with Ethan. There would always be hordes of female fans flinging themselves and their underwear at Ethan, and there’d always be paparazzi following them around, hiding in spots to surprise Mandy or Ethan with some juicy picture taken when neither of them expected it. They were all hoping for a scoop, something to help sell their little rumor sheets. Mandy was glad for the support of her friends and family and Ethan’s as well, who all helped her stay grounded despite how her life had become steeped in rock star drama.
Mandy could have foreseen a lot of outcomes from her career rise and her new public recognition, but the last thing she thought she’d see was Zuriel coming to seek her out.
Not sure what to expect, Mandy offered the beautiful rock musician a seat even as she retook hers. What now?
“Hmm, how divine,” Zuriel said with a small, telling smile as she looked around the office. “I heard you’ve gone big time, but this is really cushy.”
Mandy kept her demeanor cordial even though inside, she was ready to bare her fangs. If Zuriel came here to bring her down…
Zuriel turned her bright gray eyes to the silent Mandy, the smile on her face knowing. “Looks like the perks of dating a rock star are really paying off for you. Not that I blame you. We girls have to make the best of every situation. One never knows when the fairy tale will reach its logical conclusion.”
“I’m sure you’re getting to the point of why you’re here,” Mandy said calmly.
Zuriel’s smile thinned, her sense of humor disappearing. “You’re right. It’s just that this is the first time I’ve been in this situation. Usually I have more…hands-on methods of handling competition.”
Mandy wasn’t sure she wanted to know what Zuriel meant by the term ‘hands-on’. “You came to warn me off Ethan,” Mandy said slowly, realization dawning.
“No. It’s more of a woman-to-woman advisory notice,” Zuriel said with a humorless curve to her smiling lips. “I know you must have such high hopes for you and Ethan. I’ll admit, he surprised me with how much he’s changed. He’s always been a wild one – thanks to me mostly. After all, I took his virginity and encouraged him to indulge his freaky side.” She leaned forward on the desk as Mandy stiffened at her crass words.