Miles Apart (The Not So Bad Boys of Rock Book 2) (23 page)

"As
tempting as that sounds," I started, "I'm looking forward to a night
with the girls. Besides, Jade would kill me if I blew her off to spend the
evening making out with you." I gave his rear a light smack.

"You're
killing me," He groaned. "Come on, we des--"

Just
then the doorbell rang, cutting him off.

"Saved
by the bell. That's probably Travis. Hurry up and get dressed." I scooted
quickly toward the door and then turned around. "And sweetie, hold that thought
until later." I blew a kiss and he held a hand to the air, closing his
fist as he pretended to catch it.

"Definitely
later." He responded, before turning and dropping the towel to the floor.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

"Natalie, that guy was totally hitting on
you! No joke." We burst into a fit of giggles as we climbed into the back
of the limousine.

"There's
no way he was hitting on me. I'm old enough to be his sister." She
responded, laughing even harder this time. "He was cute though. Not as hot
as Travis, but still pretty cute."

"Totally
cute." Jade rolled her eyes dramatically. "But no one can compete
with our guys. Am I right ladies?"

"Where
to ladies?" The limo driver peered through the opening of the door.

"The
karaoke bar!" Natalie and Jade screamed in unison.

"No,
no, no. I do not do karaoke bars." I shook my head adamantly.

"Sure
you do sweetie. Once you've had another glass of wine you'll be singing a
different tune." Natalie wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "Get it?
Sing a different tune. Sometimes I crack myself up."

The karaoke bar was
located just off the
main strip and when we went inside the place was nearly packed. We made our way
through the crowd and came upon a large booth just as a group was leaving. The
waitress came over and cleared the table, taking our drink order before she
left.

"What
are you going to sing?" Jade asked, picking up one of the song selection
sheets located in the center of the table.

"I've
already told you, I'm not singing. I sing for fun and in the shower. I'm too
shy to sing in public."

"Oh
come on Brooke, have a little fun. Besides, we lived together for years. I've
heard you sing, and you have a great voice." Jade scowled.

"I
think I remember you singing one time when we were having dinner at Tracy's.
You were good. You totally have to sing." Natalie agreed.

"What
about you two? What are you singing?"

"I'm
thinking some Kelly Clarkson is on the menu for me tonight." Jade replied.

"Ohh,
she's good. I don't know." Natalie perused the list. "Got it! I'm
definitely singing something by Sara Bareilles. Now, you have to pick
something."

"Well,
I've always loved Ariana Grande." I conceded.

"If
your thinking of the one I think your thinking of then we are singing it
together.” I nodded, knowingly. “Ariana it is then!" Jade jumped up and
ran our requests to the DJ.

We
watched as, one by one, people of all ages took the stage to enjoy their three
minutes in the spotlight. I was feeling pretty nervous, especially because my
song choice had some really high notes. Natalie chose to sing "Brave"
and I could tell by the way she worked the stage that this wasn't her first time
in a karaoke bar. When it was Jade's turn she stepped up to the microphone with
all the flair and pizazz that one usually associates with Jade. Her rendition
of "Miss Independent" brought the crowd to their feet, cheering her
on. She ate up the attention. Two more singers took the stage before the DJ
called my name. I downed the last of my wine and rose from my seat.

"Wish
us luck." I saluted.

"You
got this girls!" Natalie yelled after us.

I
stepped up to the platform and scanned the crowd with my eyes. Everyone seemed
to be having a great time. They'd all been really supportive of the other
singers. Jade had already loosened up so I was the only one that was about to
faint. I looked over at Jade and she gave me a wink. We used to sing this song
when we lived together back in Michigan. We knew this one like the back of our
hand. I was fairly confident in my ability to nail it. I took a deep breath and
waited for the song to start, knowing I only had second after I heard the music
start. The opening note came through the speakers and I opened my mouth to
sing.

Sebastian~

The playoff game was awesome. The Kings ended up
winning it 3-2 in overtime. Chris has a connection on the team and ended up
getting us great seats. After the game, we headed over to a nightclub on Wilshire
Boulevard to listen to a local band perform. We'd heard them before and Dek had
the idea to do a collaboration with them for our next album.

"These
guys are great. I really think you're going to like their sound." Dek told
Travis as we settled around a table near the stage.

The
waitress came over and we ordered a round of drinks, beers for the guys and
water for me. The place was packed solid and the energy in the room was
palpable. This band definitely had a large following. Collaborating with them
would be an excellent way to tap back into our local roots and bring broader
exposure to their music.

"Guys."
Travis silenced our conversation. "I think it's time to drink a toast to
my little brother. After all, he is the reason we're all here tonight." He
raised his glass and we all followed suit. "Sebastian, I sincerely hope
that your marriage to Brooke will bring you all the happiness in the world.
Your relationship has had a few setbacks, but you both were willing to work it
out. The love you hold for one another is obvious to everyone around you. She's
a beautiful woman, and you are a lucky man. I wish you all the best, and know
that I'm always here if you need advice, or a friend. I love you buddy. To
Sebastian!"

"Sebastian!"
Dek and Chris echoed. We all clinked glasses and took a swig.

Suddenly,
the lights dimmed and the band took the stage.

Later, when their set
was over, we were
standing by the stage with the guys from the band. Dek and their lead singer
were discussing a few song ideas when my phone rang.

"What
are you guys up to right now?" Natalie's voice sounded over the phone. I
could hear music and singing in the background.

"Where
are you guys?" I asked her.

"Are
you anywhere near The Denim Factory?" She questioned.

"What,
you mean the karaoke bar?" I snorted in disgust.

"Yes!
Are you close by?" I could hear the frustration in her voice.

"Is
everything okay? Did something happen to Brooke?" I asked, already heading
for the door. Chris followed closely behind, sensing something may be wrong.

"Is
Brooke okay?" He asked, panicked.

"Brooke
is fine." Natalie reassured. "But you've got to get over here and see
this. You're not going to believe it. Brooke is singing karaoke, and she’s
killing it. I mean, she is
really
good, Sebastian."

"We're
just a few doors down, be there in less than five." I stepped out onto the
sidewalk and heard the guys on my heels.

"What's
going on?" Travis questioned.

"Brooke's
singing karaoke." I called over my shoulder. It was all the explanation
they needed to pick up the pace.

When we walked in
I immediately saw a
large crowd and heard the voice of an angel coming through the speakers. My
eyes found the stage and I saw her up on stage with Jade, singing the latest
single by Ariana Grande. We made our way over to where Natalie was frantically
waving just as the music ended. Jade stepped down but Brooke continued to hold
the microphone as another song came on. It was obvious that she was going to be
singing an Elle Goulding song. It was a beautifully written piece that was performed
perfectly by the artist. But, nothing in the world could have prepared me for
what I was about to hear.

I
stood rooted to my spot on the hardwood floor. I couldn't take my eyes off her.
She hit the notes with such precision. As the seconds passed she clearly became
more and more comfortable. The way she rolled her shoulders and swayed her hips
to the music made my heart clench deep inside my chest. I raised my hand,
grinding the heel of my hand against my sternum. I was so in love with the
goddess that had taken over that stage. Everything about her called out to me,
drawing me closer. She was mine. She was going to marry me in five days and I
was standing there feeling like the luckiest man alive. Before I knew it, I was
standing in front of the DJ booth putting in a request for the next song.

"Do
you have this one?" I asked, handing over the slip.

He
glanced at it. "Yeah, anything by Lifehouse is always popular, especially
this one."

"Great.
I want to sing it with her." I jutted my chin in Brooke's direction.

"You've
got six people in front of you."

"They
can wait." I replied, sliding over a hundred dollar bill.

"Okay
buddy, you're next." He indicated. I nodded my thanks and turned back to
the goddess on the stage.

It
was obvious that she hadn’t seen me. She was so caught up in the music that she
barely made eye contact with the crowd. Her eyes closed as she approached the
high notes, nailing them every time. As the song reached the end, I angled my
body so that I could access the stage easier, but still remain hidden in the
shadows.

“Alright,
let’s hear it for the lovely Brooke.” The DJ called out. The crowd roared with
applause and I beamed with pride at my beautiful bride-to-be. “Now get ready
for our next performer.” Brooke made to exit the stage but he interrupted her
mid-step. “You stay right there pretty lady. This next one’s a duet and the
gentleman has asked to sing it with you.” Her mouth gaped open in surprise as
she turned to find me standing behind her.

“What?
Did you think I could hear that and let you out of here without singing one
with me?” I cocked my head, flashing her the dimples that she always seemed to
love.

“Okay
rock star, show me what you got.” She winked, reach once more for the
microphone.

Man,
this girl can sing, was the only thought running through my brain. Well, that
and I couldn’t help thinking how much I wanted to get her home. When the song
ended, and we stepped off the stage, we were bombarded by fans. Apparently, my
performance hadn’t gone unnoticed and it took a phone call to Michael, my head
of security, to get us all out of there.

When
we jumped in the SUV I pulled her in close, tucking her small frame under my
arm. Her golden hair smelled of warm almonds and I lowered my head to inhale
deeply. I gave her body a light squeeze.

“You
were amazing out there tonight. Is there anything you can’t do?”

“Umm,
let’s see… I can’t play the drums. And I can’t drive a stick shift.” She tilted
her head back and I leaned in to kiss her.

“Well,
lucky for you I can do both of those, so if you ever need a lesson or two, I’m
your man.”

“I’ve
got news for you baby, you’re already my man. You’re my man for everything I
need to learn.” She giggled, softly.

“Damn
straight I am.” I gave a low growl. “And you’re my girl.”

“You
bet your ass I am.” She moaned, leaning further into me.

“I
can’t wait to marry you this weekend.” I wrapped my other arm around her,
completely enveloping her with my body.

She
sighed contentedly and whispered. “Mmm, me too.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Brooke~

It was hard to believe that I was getting
married tomorrow. When I woke this morning I slipped quietly out of bed to use
the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and my hair. I switched off the light and
walked back to the bedroom. Sebastian was still asleep. It had been a late
night for us. We'd stayed up talking about the future, and what we hoped would
be in store for us as a newly married couple. I would be going back to work in
a few weeks time. The band would be on a break for the next two months, but
then they would be back in the studio to begin working on a new album. We both
wanted kids, but agreed to wait a few years so that we would have time to
travel and just enjoy being married. Even though we had been together for
almost a year, most of that time had been spent apart. We'd never really had
the opportunity to establish a routine. I was looking forward to making
breakfast together, and then taking long walks on the beach that would
inevitably turn into a sandy make out session. He had laughed and said that I
could be in charge of breakfast and he would reward me by carrying me down the
beach to our favorite secluded area and kissing me senseless. We both agreed
that should be a daily goal.

I
leaned against the doorframe, pausing to admire the beautiful man sleeping
before me. He was on his stomach, with his head turned toward me and one arm
thrown over my vacant pillow. He'd gotten some sun during our time on the boat
yesterday, and his skin was now bronzed to perfection. The muscles on his back
were arched just a touch, and the large bird on his back appeared to be taking
off. Two days worth of stubble covered his strong jaw, and I found myself
wondering if I should ask him to leave it for the ceremony. His hair had grown
out and was sticking up in all directions, make him appear sexier than ever. I
sighed heavily, knowing how close I'd come to actually losing him. I made a
silent vow to never let anything, or anyone, come between us ever again. His
happiness would be the most important thing to me from now on.

He
stirred, as if sensing me watching him. He rolled over and stretched, opening
an eye and smiling sleepily.

"Hey."
He rasped.

"Hey."
My heart melted at the look he'd given me.

"What
are you doing way over there? Come back to bed." He patted the empty space
beside him.

I
moved away from the door, and approached the bed slowly. My gaze never left his
as I placed one knee on the bed and leaned forward to kiss him, my hair
blanketing around our faces. His lips were soft and warm, and I melted into
them. His tongue grazed mine, then danced along the edges of my teeth, before
returning to waltz with mine in a dance that I never wanted to end.

"Hmm,
Happy Birthday sunshine." He smiled against my mouth.

"Thank
you." I crinkled my nose and brushed it with his.

"You
look awfully pretty this morning. I love it when all you wear is my
T-shirt." His hand stroked the back of my bare thigh. "What were you
thinking about over there?"

"You."
I ran my hand up and over his shoulder. "I was thinking about how sexy you
are, and how lucky I am to be marrying you tomorrow."

"I'm
the lucky one." He left a trail of light kisses up my neck. "I've
been waiting for this moment for a long time."

"I
have so much to do today. I have to pick up my parents at the airport. I need
to make sure that a gift basket is placed in each guest hotel room." I
went over the checklist in my head.

"You
should be able to sit back and enjoy your special day. Aren't Natalie and Jade
helping you with those tasks?"

"Yes,
but you know me, I micro-manage everything." I rolled my eyes at my own
compulsive behavior.

"I
know you do," he laughed into my neck. "You can micro-manage me
anytime. I won't complain."

"Oh
you wouldn't would you?" I giggled as his lips tickled over the sensitive
flesh behind my ear. "Let's just see how you feel after fifty years of
marriage."

"Challenge
accepted baby. I can't wait to spend the next fifty years with you." I
closed my eyes and sighed as his lips roamed. I couldn't say with absolute
certainty how the next fifty years would be, but the twenty minutes that
followed had been absolute bliss.

I parked in a
loading zone at the
airport, knowing that my parents were on their way to meet me. I spotted my
Dad's tall frame and threw on my hazards before jumping out to greet them.

"Brooke!"
Mom waved at me frantically, as if I hadn't already been alerted to their
presence. I ran over and gave them each a warm hug. "Happy Birthday
darling!"

"I'm
so glad you made it." I sighed into my Dad's chest.

"We
wouldn't have missed this for the world. We told you, things are going to be
different." He lifted my chin to look him in the eye. "Happy
Birthday. We love you baby girl. We're so happy for you."

"Come
on," I said, wiping a tear from my cheek. "I'm in a loading zone and
we'd better hurry." We loaded their suitcases in the trunk and pulled into
traffic.

"Honey,
you didn't need to come out here to pick us up. We could have rented a
car." Mom announced, fussing with the hem of her skirt.

"Nonsense,
it's no big deal." I waved my hand dismissively.

"I'm
sure you have a laundry list of things to do before your wedding day. I know
what a planner you are."

"Well,
you're right, I do have a lot to accomplish. I'm not doing it alone though, I
have a great team helping me out." I smiled, knowing that at this minute
Jade and Natalie were probably running up and down the halls of the hotel,
leaving presents for the out of town guests. We only had twenty people that
were either driving or flying in for the ceremony. The rest lived nearby.

"How
are you holding up? You look radiant, so I'm assuming that Sebastian's treating
you well." Mom smiled.

"Yes,
Mother." I bit back a grin, remembering our morning together.
"Sebastian is very good to me. I can't wait for you to meet him. He would
have been here but he and the guys had to go pick up their tuxes."

"It's
okay sweetie, we can meet him tonight at the rehearsal dinner. We have a
lifetime to get to know him." She reassured me.

"What
hotel are we staying in?" Dad asked from the back seat.

"The
Westin Bonaventure." I met his gaze in the rearview mirror. He nodded in
approval. "I stayed there when I first came to L.A. It was only for one
night, but I remember it was lovely." I glanced at the clock and pressed
more firmly on the gas pedal, racing against traffic to get everything on my
list accomplished.

Thomas and Tracy were
the first to arrive.
Sebastian ran out to meet them and help his Dad lift out the beautiful arbor
that he had constructed for our ceremony. It had been painted white and Tracy
had decorated the base with greenery and small hand-painted pink calla lily's.
They carried it around to the back of the house, stopping near the edge of the
patio.

"Babe,
I'm thinking we'll leave it here overnight and move it in place tomorrow. Does
that sound good?" Sebastian tilted his head and waited for my reply.

"Anything
you say sweetheart." I crooned, in my mushiest voice.

"Now
Brooke, don't go letting him think he can get away with any old thing just
because he uses that sweet voice and his dimples." Tracy teased, coming up
to give me her very best bone-crushing hug. "Happy Birthday sweet
girl."

"I
figure I'll fool him into thinking he's in charge, at least for the first few
weeks of marriage." I whispered in her ear, trying my best to hold back a
fit of giggles. "Thank you. I can't think of a better way to
celebrate."

"Smart
girl." Tracy winked, then turned to her son. "Sebastian, you've
gotten lucky with this one."

He
wrapped his strong arms around his mother's waist and pulled her in close,
locking his hands at the wrist like she'd taught him.

"That's
what I've been telling everyone from the very moment I met her." He
grinned, broadly.

"You
most certainly have, son. I, for one, have known it from the start. It takes a
special kind of girl to come into your kitchen and help a struggling old
man." Thomas joked, recalling the first time we'd met. "Come here
gorgeous girl. Happy Birthday!" He pulled me into his arms and held me
close. "I'm a very lucky man. Now I have three beautiful daughters."

"Now
Dad, you're going to make me cry." I slapped him playfully on the arm,
loving the protective hold he kept on me.

"Brooke,
what time are your parents getting here?" Tracy asked.

"Sebastian
arranged to have them picked up at the hotel around five-thirty. The rehearsal
should start at six and then dinner will be served right after."

"I'm
looking forward to finally meeting them. It warms my heart that your family is
back together. I'm sure we will all be fast friends." Tracy gushed. I had
no doubt in that. I'd never met another soul like Tracy Miles. That woman stole
the heart of every person she met. My own heart warmed just being around her.

Everyone
moved to the patio and sat down to wait for the other guests to join us. I
excused myself and went inside to change into my dress for the evening. It was
strapless, and white with a pink ribbon that sat at my waist. The hemline
stopped just above my knees. I slipped on earrings, and Sebastian came up
behind me as I was about to fasten the necklace he had given me that morning
for my birthday. It was a gorgeous pink teardrop diamond that hung on a delicate
silver chain. He placed his hands over mine and brought the elegant piece of
jewelry up to my neck. I lifted my hair in order for him to fasten it properly.
Before I could let go of my hair, he placed a tender kiss at the base of my
neck.

"What
do you say we skip all this and get married right now. I don't think I can wait
another night." He nibbled on my earlobe.

"Sounds
heavenly. But who's going to tell your Mother that all of her hard work was for
nothing." I asked, breathlessly.

He
sighed deeply, his warm breath sent a shiver over my body. "Then I guess
we have to wait. But I want it going on record that I'm not happy about
it." He pretended to pout. "I can't wait to call you my wife."

"I'm
willing to bet there are thousands of women who are mourning that very thought
right about now. They probably dreamed they would be the lucky one to land you."
I turned and circled my arms around his waist. "I'm just glad you picked
me."

"I'll
always pick you. You know that." We stood there in the quiet of the room,
swaying back and forth in a slow dance, with no sounds other than the beating
of our hearts.

Sebastian~

Everyone was here, and the rehearsal went about
as quickly as Brooke had predicted. I'd met her parents, and they seemed like
really nice people. I had to keep reminding myself that, even though they had
practically deserted Brooke during the most important years of her life, they
were trying really hard to be there for her now. Mom and Dad took to them
instantly. I could honestly say that I wasn't surprised. My parents were the
most friendly people I had ever come across, other than Brooke. Ben and Nikki
had flown in last night from overseas and Brooke was over at their table
catching up.

Dek
came over with Jade and sat across from me. He looked happy. They both looked
happy. Seeing my best friend with that look on his face, a look that I knew all
too well, put a smile on my face.

"What
are you grinning about?" He asked, nudging my foot under the table.

"You
just look happy, that's all. Jade, how have you been enjoying your stay?"
I turned my attention to the quiet beauty sitting next to him.

"I
can't complain. This guy's been keeping me busy, taking me to see all that L.A.
has to offer. If I didn't know any better, I would say he's trying to tempt me
to move out here." She smiled, warmly. The affection in her eyes shone
brightly as she gazed up at my best friend of seventeen years.

"I
don't blame him. When the woman of my dreams lived a thousand miles away I
couldn't wait to get her here with me." I shifted my gaze to Dek, and his
eyes met mine. In that moment, I knew without a doubt that he had fallen in
love. Oh, I had suspected it before, but it wasn't until I saw that look in his
eyes that I could confirm it.

"I've
done all I can do, maybe Brooke can put in a good word." Dek chuckled.

"I'm
sure she wou--" Just then my phone rang, interrupting my response. I
pulled it out of my pocket and saw that it was Rachel calling. I answered and
immediately knew that something was wrong by the sheer panic in her voice.

"Sebastian?
Is that you? Oh my God, Sebastian, I need your help. I didn't know where else
to turn." Her words came out in short bursts and she was breathing
rapidly.