"I'm sorry, I've got no coordination today." Libby smiled up at him and met his gaze. Her lips parted and she seemed to realize she was pressed against him. She took a step back as Kate finished the song.
"I think you might have won that one, Kate," Libby said.
Kate looked over and grinned. "You two finished laughing yet? It wasn't that funny."
"You didn't see Libby dance," Adrian commented and earned a glare and playful swipe from Libby. His heart was still beating hard after having her so close to him. He grinned back at her and then held his hand out to Kate. "Pass me the controller. I think I might finally win one." He laughed.
***
The lights went out and Adrian strode off stage, the screams thundering in his ears. Tonight had been one of his best performances ever and he was on a high. He high-fived Frank as he walked by and called out thanks to the other guys, who were already preparing for the next show.
What a night. Everything had clicked and the crowd had been wild. This was why he wanted to sing. This was why he'd spent years trying to break out. The buzz was incredible and singing brought him such joy and freedom.
He caught up with George outside his dressing-room and together they made their way toward the back entrance.
"Hell of a show," George commented.
"Sure was." Adrian bounced up and down, releasing some of the energy flooding his body.
Outside the venue the cool air hit him like a refreshing wave. There were fans already there, screaming his name. Adrian waved and ducked inside the car waiting for him. He didn't want to chat tonight. The concert had been so great he wanted to get back to the hotel and tell Libby all about it.
Libby.
He paused.
How had she entered his thoughts, become part of his life, with barely a ripple?
Their afternoon together had been so much fun. He'd actually won a couple of dances until Libby got the hang of the game and started beating him. He hadn't laughed so much in a long time.
He shouldn't be thinking about her like this. No good could come of it.
"What's bothering you?" George's voice brought him back to the present.
They had been friends for almost twenty years and George knew him better than anyone else alive. "Libby."
George looked at him briefly, then back at the road. "Didn't you say your conversation with Kate went well?"
"Yeah. Libby was a real help."
"Then what's the problem?"
Adrian hesitated. "I'm looking forward to seeing her tonight."
George was silent a moment. "We're only here another couple of weeks."
"I know."
"You should do what I do," George said. "Make sure she knows it's a temporary thing. Just for while we're in Australia – that way there're no expectations. It's been a while since you've had some fun."
Adrian pondered it while the car pulled into the hotel drive. Would Libby do casual? Her face floated before him and he reached for the door handle.
And what about Kate? Would she be hurt when they went home?
He really didn't know.
But he wanted this for himself. Surely he could find a way to make it work.
Kate was old enough to understand about relationships. But she was fragile as well. He'd have to be careful. He sighed.
Libby might not even be interested and he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. If she quit, Kate would be devastated.
He'd have to think about it some more.
There was too much at stake.
***
Libby checked the clock for what had to be the tenth time. She'd given up telling herself it was because she was tired and wanted to go to sleep. The truth was she was looking forward to Adrian returning. Finally the clock showed her what she wanted to see. Adrian would be home soon. She put the kettle on.
It had been a fun afternoon with Kate and Adrian. It reminded her of the afternoons when she'd escaped to her best friend Piper's place and played games with Piper's family. There had been a lot of teasing and laughter then as well. Then Piper had returned to the US and Libby had to face high school alone. Books had become her companion.
This afternoon when Adrian had reluctantly left, she and Kate had cooked dinner and watched a movie.
Now Kate was tucked up in bed asleep and Libby was flitting about the suite in anticipation of her employer getting home. She had to get a grip on herself.
In a couple of weeks the tour would end and Adrian and Kate would go back to America. Nothing was going to happen.
The kettle boiled as the door to the suite opened. After it closed, the sound of running water came through as Adrian washed off Kent. Libby poured him a decaffeinated coffee and took the mug over to the coffee table.
It suddenly struck her that she was waiting on Adrian, preparing him food like a good little woman.
Her mood deflated with a hiss.
They weren't in a relationship and she wasn't his wife. Besides, the one time she'd attempted to play the good woman with Clint, he'd ended up going home early with a headache.
This wasn't entirely the same. Preparing Adrian a drink was a nice thing to do and could be considered part of her nanny duties.
Her excuses didn't sound convincing, even to her ears. She sighed. She would leave as soon as Adrian had showered.
***
Ten minutes later Adrian walked into the room, all traces of Kent gone. His smile was genuine, as if he was happy to see her.
"How was your night?" she asked, holding on to the back of one of the dining chairs.
"The crowd was amazing." His tone was one of awe. "They knew the words to all my songs and the noise was incredible."
"It must be fabulous to know you've had an influence on so many people." She should be making a move, not making conversation.
He nodded and then sobered. She knew he was thinking about the attempted suicide. "I made you a drink," she said, gesturing to the dining table, and then, embarrassed by her need to be thanked, she turned to pack up her bag.
"Why don't you join me?" He picked up the book she'd been reading and brought it over to her. "I wanted to thank you for talking to Kate with me today." He held out the book and she took it, shoving it into her bag.
"It's fine. I'm glad she's okay." Fine. Okay. Great use of adjectives, Libby. Really creative. He got her so flustered, being so close. She turned to put some distance between them but stopped as he took her hand.
Heat rushed up her arms.
Adrian drew her closer to him.
Her heart slowed and beat heavily in her chest.
"You've helped me a lot in these few short days." He took her other hand so she was facing him directly.
What was he doing? She had to stop this.
"You saved my reputation on the talk show, you've become Kate's nanny at short notice and you helped me broach a difficult subject with her today." His voice was soft and he pulled her ever so slightly closer to him. Libby stared at him like a kangaroo caught in a car's headlights.
He brought his hand up and brushed her cheek. "Thank you."
Libby couldn't answer. Every coherent thought in her head vanished with the sweep of his hand over her cheek. She had to say something, even if it was just a murmur in acknowledgement. She parted her lips to respond and suddenly his mouth was on hers.
His lips were warm and gentle and stole her breath away with their tenderness. Heat curled in her belly and moved outward, suffusing her with longing as she wrapped her arms around Adrian's neck and drew him closer. He groaned, deepening the kiss, taking her further until her whole body felt on fire.
All her doubts and fears vanished in the moment. She couldn't think. Every nerve in her body was concentrated on the sensation as his hands slid around her body, cupping her bottom and pulling her closer still.
She held on, meeting his tongue with hers, pouring her passion into the kiss.
"Uncle Ade?" Kate's voice calling from the bedroom stopped Libby cold, as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water over her. They sprang apart and turned to the door.
Kate wasn't there but her voice came again. "Uncle Ade, are you home?"
Adrian cleared his throat and stepped further away from Libby, not looking at her. "Sure am, kiddo. I'll be right there."
Libby blinked. What had she been thinking? She'd kissed her boss. She had to get out of there. Gathering up the rest of her things, she avoided Adrian's gaze. "I should go."
Adrian nodded, but didn't say anything. He followed her to the entrance, and when she opened the door, he put his hand over hers.
"Libby, I – " He stopped, his eyes full of confusion, and she waited for him to continue.
"Uncle Ade," Kate called.
He glanced toward Kate's door. "I've got to go."