Love Rock'ollection: The Brutal Strength Rock Star Trilogy, books 1-3 (65 page)

“Dad, you hurting?” Justin asked.

Arthur closed his eyes and nodded.

“I’ll go get a nurse.” He patted his father’s hand. “I’ll be right back.”

Avery watched Justin go before turning back to her dad. Their eyes met and held.

“I’m sorry to be such a bother, Kat. Justin told me you had a big sponsor dinner tonight.”

She nodded.

“I hope I didn’t ruin it.”

“No.” She took a deep breath. “It was winding down.” She fiddled with the cuff on her blouse. She didn’t know who to be when she was around him. An awkward silence filled the room.

“You’ve grown into a beautiful woman. Just like your mom.”

Avery’s eyes watered with emotion. She looked away. “Thanks,” she muttered.

“I bet you’re excited about going out on this tour,” he offered.

She shrugged. She wasn’t buying it. “You don’t want to hear about my stuff. You’re sick, Arthur. You need to rest.”

“I care about everything that’s going on with you, Kat.” His eyes glistened. “I’ve missed out on so much already.”

“Well, that was your choice, wasn’t it?” she accused, peeling the lid back on her anger. “What do you really want from me?”

“I just want a chance.”

“A chance,” she scoffed. “A chance for what?”

“A chance to show you that I’ve changed. A chance to get to know you again. A chance to prove to you how sorry I am that I failed you as a father.”

“Did you really expect me to just say yes, to forget everything, and take you back with open arms just because you’re sick?”

“No. I didn’t expect that. Forgetting the past is something I don’t think either one of us can ever do. And no, I didn’t expect you to let me back into your life because I’m sick. I wasn’t even going to tell you. But I have to admit that if it’s pity that gets you to let me back into your life. I’ll take it. I’m desperate.”

“I’m sorry.” She stared at the floor. “I just can’t do that.”

He didn’t say anything. When she looked back up she saw that he was crying. “I understand,” he whispered. “Really I do.”

Shit.
Her gaze fell to the floor. Twisting her hands together, her eyes filled, too.

“REST YOUR EYES.” Marcus tucked Avery’s head into his chest, holding her close.

She sighed and he felt her shoulders relax as she snuggled into his side.

He ran his long fingers through the silky coppery strands of her hair. He glanced in the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of the Vancouver skyline as they crossed the Granville Bridge and left downtown behind. His muscles ached from all the tension. Unease trickled down his spine.

Ray met his gaze in the mirror. “Is she ok?” he whispered.

“Yeah,” Marcus replied, kissing the top of her head. “You know Avery. Life keeps throwing her curveballs, but she keeps on swinging.”

Ray nodded soberly.

By the time they crossed Thirty-Third Street, her breathing had evened out. Marcus’ flattened lips turned down into a frown. The entire evening had been an emotional drain. The downtime he had anticipated at the apartment had been spent at the hospital. They’d barely had time to pick up their bags on the way to the airport.

Worry gnawed at his insides and his hand tightened possessively on her hip. Their idyllic interlude in Vancouver was over. He’d been dreading this for weeks. Soon they would be out on the road. Exposed. Any mistakes or missteps were sure to be magnified. The pressure on their relationship would be immense. Avery would have tons of guys throwing themselves at her. Better guys. He was forced to confront the very real possibility that he might lose her.

He took in a deep breath. The familiar scent of her coconut shampoo flooded his senses and helped to ease his anxiety.

“My mom made the two of you some of Avery’s favorite oatmeal cookies,” Ray said interrupting his troubled thoughts.

“That’s very kind of her. I’m sure we’ll enjoy them. Give her our thanks, would you?”

“Sure, Boss.” Ray turned his attention back to the road. “Mom also wanted me to mention that she’s praying for you both.”

“Thanks,” he replied.
We’re definitely gonna need it.

Ray pulled the Mercedes into a restricted area of the airport next to a large metal hanger for Sunset Air. His gaze flicked back at Marcus. “I’ll get your bags unloaded and up to the plane.”

Marcus nodded, and shifted his body to wake Avery. “We’re here,” he said softly and kissed the side of her mouth.

“Hmmm,” she replied sleepily, snuggling closer.

“Ace,” he said more firmly.

“What?” she grumbled, opening her eyes.

“It’s time to board the plane,” Marcus informed her gently. Avery was always a little grouchy when she first woke up.

“Ok.” She rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms over her head.

Marcus’ gaze dropped to her chest as her shirt stretched tightly across her breasts. He groaned as his body inconveniently hardened in a rush.

Avery looked at him, the sides of her mouth curving up seductively. She threw a knee over his lap and gathered the front of his blue t-shirt into her hands before molding her soft lips to his.

Heat spread out in every direction of his body.
Forget convenience
. This was how it was gonna be the whole damn tour. He was gonna have to take it where he could get it. He subtly increased the pressure between their lips to open her mouth so he could taste her. Greedily, he traced the contours of her mouth, feeling her shortened breath against his lips. He moved his hands up and under her shirt. Suddenly, there was a knock on the back window, startling them both. They broke apart, chests heaving.

“Dammit!” Marcus cursed, tugging her shirt back into place.

“Save it for the honeymoon, guys,” Dwight said chuckling. “The pilot’s ready to take off.”

Marcus opened the door and reached back for Avery’s hand. Her cheeks were flushed as he helped her get out of the car.

“Holy crap!” she exclaimed, eyes wide. “Is that our plane?”

“Yeah,” Dwight answered, glancing sidelong at Marcus. “You didn’t tell her Mary leased us a plane for the duration of the tour?”

“I did.”

“I just assumed it would be a small one like the one we took to LA.” Avery shook her head. “This one’s as big as a commercial plane.”

“It’s a 727,” Dwight said proudly. “We’re going in style. Tempest, the rest of the gear, and the roadies will go on tour buses.” He glanced over Avery’s shoulder. “Hey Marcus.”

“What?” Marcus asked from behind them, a guitar case in each hand.

“Hurry up. I wanna show Avery around this big ol’ jet airliner.”

Marcus nodded, following behind as they clanged up the metal stairs to the plane.

“Welcome aboard,” a uniformed flight attendant greeted them as they stepped into the cabin. She immediately went back to stocking the fridge in the small galley kitchen.

Turning the corner, they walked into a large lounge decorated in neutral tones and blond wood accents. Mary and Beth were waiting on a cream colored leather sectional.

“How’s your dad?” Beth asked, concern knitting her brow.

“He’s stable now,” Avery answered evasively, pulling on her wristband.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Noticing Avery’s uneasiness, Marcus laid his hands on her shoulders and squeezed. “I’m gonna take Avery to the back. Get her to lie down for a while.” He glanced back over his shoulder at Dwight. “Full tour will have to wait, Bro. She’s beat.”

“No worries,” Dwight replied.

“Have a great tour.” Beth stood and embraced Avery. “We’ll miss having you around the studio.”

“Thanks,” Avery offered with a weary smile.

Marcus slung an arm around her shoulder and guided her to the rear of the plane. He opened a narrow door and gestured for her to precede him inside.

“Whoa,” Avery exclaimed.

Marcus smiled, closed the door and drew her backward against his chest. “You like it?”

“Yes.” She swiveled her head to look into his eyes. “That’s our comforter from home, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” His chest twisted tight. It pleased him that she referred to his apartment as their home now. That was the way he thought of it, too. Squeezing her shoulder once, he moved to turn back the comforter on the queen bed that dominated the tiny space. “Come on, get in.”

Avery shuffled forward, sat down on the edge of the bed, and bent over to pull off her suede ankle boots.

“Let me,” he offered, putting his hand over hers. He knelt down and slid off one boot and sock and then the other. He softly traced her ankle before straightening. Using all the willpower he could muster, he stepped back from her. “Get some rest, Ace, while you still can. It’s only a short flight to Seattle. I’ve got some stuff I need to go over with Mary before she leaves.”

“Ok,” she mumbled, pulling the covers up to her chest and rolling immediately over.

He watched her for a moment before stepping out and closing the door softly behind him. In the main lounge, JR and Sam were deep in conversation with Mary and Beth. They all turned in his direction with matching questioning expressions.

“Where’d Dwight go?” he asked.

“He said he was going to lie down for a bit,” Beth replied.

Translation: He wanted some private time to talk to Lisa
, Marcus thought. He could certainly relate to that. Marcus sat down in one of the captain’s chairs that faced Mary. “Fill me in. I know we’re late. We missed the thing you had planned out in Seattle, didn’t we?”

“I was just telling Sam that I’ve rescheduled that VIP meet and greet till tomorrow night.” Mary glanced down at her watch. “I mean tonight. You guys need to get going. Everything else is still on schedule.” She glanced over Marcus’ shoulder toward the bedroom. “Do you think she’s up to this?”

“I think so.” Marcus ran a hand through his hair. “It’s not like we have any choice at this point. My parents have volunteered to take care of her dad as soon as he’s discharged. They’ve got room at the farm and are going to bring in a home health nurse to help with him.”

“That’s really nice of them,” Sam observed. “Isn’t Avery’s brother going to be out there with them also?”

“Yeah,” Marcus said with a sigh. “I’m sure the conversations are going to be
real
interesting around the dinner table out on the Anthony farm.”

MARCUS LEANED BACK against the penthouse door, propping it open as he talked with Trevor.

“You sure she’s gonna be alright?” Trevor asked, brow furrowing. “The last time I saw her like this was after we thought Justin had been murdered.”

Marcus cast a worried glance back over his shoulder. Avery stood in front of the floor to ceiling glass windows, arms tightly wrapped around her body. He’d picked this suite because he thought it would remind her of the apartment. What she really needed right now was to feel grounded, but that was nearly impossible when on the road. “I’ll make sure of it,” he said, turning back to Trevor.

“Ok. I’ll leave her in your hands then.” Trevor eyes narrowed. “How are
you
holding up?”

“I’m ok,” Marcus replied offhandedly. He wasn’t used to anyone checking up on him. Stephen usually deferred everything band related to him. Trevor definitely took a more hands on approach to management.

“I noticed you didn’t sleep any on the plane.”

“No, but I’ll try to get in a couple of hours before sound check.”

“Good. It’d be better if you did. This is only our first stop. We’ve got a lot of miles to log before the end,” Trevor said, adjusting his glasses. “Do you guys need a wakeup call or anything?”

“No.” Marcus glanced at his watch. “There’s no way I’ll sleep very long and I want to get in a run on the treadmill before then.”

“Ok. I’ll see you both at two,” Trevor said with a wave over his shoulder. “Call me if you need anything.”

Marcus stepped inside the suite, letting the weight of the door pull it closed. Avery still hadn’t moved. He toed out of his Vans and crossed the cool marble floors on his bare feet. He wrapped his arms around her, and buried his face in the side of her neck. He kissed her lightly before turning her around to face him.

She let out a long sigh.

“Why don’t you go and get a shower?”