The Rock Star and the Girl From the Coffee Shop 2: Under Pressure (15 page)

clucked his tongue off of the roof of his mouth and continued, “Hanna told me everything last night. I know.”

Her expression went from sweet and seductive to twist into something else: anger, disappointment, surprise. He saw all those emotions in her expression and flashing in her eyes.

“That little bitch,” she hissed, stepping away from him and walking over to the window.

“Why, Nadine?”

She spun back around, glaring at him. “She’s going to ruin your career. She’s no good for you. She’s a fucking alcoholic nutcase! You’re too blind to see it.”

“Oh, I see clearly, Nadine. And this is what’s going to happen. You’re going to resign as manager.”

She shook her head and smirked at him. “Nope.”

“Yes. You. Are.” He growled the words out, accenting each one.

“I have a two-year contract and unless you want two lawsuits on your hands you’d do best to recognize that.”

“Well, I think attempting to sabotage the band by threatening to leak questionable photos would be a just reason to terminate a contract.”

“You have no proof, you have the word of your little crazy groupie. Her word against mine. It wouldn’t stand in court unless you have proof, which means I would have had to actually leak them. Either way I win.”

Dammit, she had a point. He’d need some time to figure a way to get rid of her once and for all, and truth was he couldn’t do a damned thing without the others' consent anyhow.

Bo closed the distance between them and cupped her chin in his hand; she looked up at him defiantly. “If I can’t get rid of you, fine. But I’d watch my step if I were you from here on in and pray to God none of the people you had gathering the information for you sells it to the highest bidder.”

Releasing her chin, he turned and left the room, not waiting or caring to hear a reply from her. She knew where he stood and he had more pressing matters to attend to.

~*~*~*~*~

“If we’re going to live here, then we’re going to have to buy some more furniture,”

Jackie announced, unpacking one of the many grocery bags they had brought home

earlier that day. “It’s not that I’m complaining about sharing the futon with you or anything, but our own beds would be nice.”

Hanna wasn’t sure how she got bamboozled into having Jackie for a roommate but

somehow over the past few days it came to be. In truth, she welcomed the distraction; it helped keep her from running back to Bo.

Jackie had asked several times about the breakup and she’d brushed the questions off.

Jackie had learned after the first day not to ask, and switched gears, attempting to make her feel better instead.

“I think I hear a car pulling into the driveway.”

Hanna placed the jug of milk she was holding into the fridge and froze. No one knew she was living there, not that there was really anyone to tell anyhow. There was only one person it could possibly be. Her heart began to beat rapidly within her chest and she fought the urge to run into the bedroom, close the door and beg Jackie to send him away.

But it was only a matter of time before she’d have to face him. She just prayed she’d be strong enough to keep from falling into his arms and opening the can of worms she wanted to remain tightly sealed. She’d convinced herself that her leaving was for the best.

Bo was better off without her in his life.

“It’s Bo.”

“Want to me to tell him you’re not here?” Jackie paused what she was doing and

waited for a response.

“No. I need to make this official.”

Closing the fridge, she sighed. Might as well get it over with. Trying to gather the little bit of willpower she had left, she made her way into the living room. She was halfway to the door when he knocked. She paused in her steps, took another deep breath, released it and continued to the door.

While her mind was telling her that her decision was for the best, her heart was screaming for her to reconsider. Gripping the door handle, she pulled the door open and came face to face with Bo. His hair was dishevelled, it was apparent he hadn’t shaved in days and it looked as though he’d slept in his clothing. And dammit, he was as sexy as ever.

“Hanna, we need to talk.” Not waiting for a response, Bo brushed past her and into the house.

“Look, Bo. I’m not sure what to say. I’ve been giving it some thought and I think it’s for the best.”

Bo surveyed the room a moment, not seeming to pay attention to what she had to say.

“You haven’t bought furniture yet?”

“Ummm. Well -”

He turned to face her. “Well, if you’re planning on living here I would think you’d buy some furniture.”

“I haven’t really gotten around to it.”

“Right.” He looked at the futon placed against the wall and walked over to it, sitting down. “So why don’t you tell me why you really left?”

Planting her hands on her hips she stared at him, not sure what to make of him. “I told you. I just don’t think…” God, she wanted to run to him and throw herself into his arms.

The agony of not being with him would all go away, but she knew she had to be strong.

She had to deny herself.

“Yeah. Yeah. Can’t handle the pressure.” He waved a dismissive hand at her. “That’s the story, but how about we try the truth this time?”

She stared blankly at him a moment.
What in the hell?

“Okay. This is how it’s going to be, I get it. Then what would you say if I said I know the
real
reason you split?”

“I don’t…”

He held up a finger, silencing her as he reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a rolled-up brown envelope. Hanna gasped; she knew immediately it was the envelope Nadine had given her.

“I found it under the bed. Must have fallen out of your purse.”

Hanna slowly closed the distance between them and sat down next to him on the sofa.

“I had no choice, Bo.” Her body trembled as regret and shame washed over her. He’d seen the pictures, he knew, or at least had a good idea of what she’d been through.

“Why didn’t you tell me, Hanna?” He placed the envelope between them and leaned into her, caressing her cheek with the back of his hand. His touch was so tender she shuddered, closing her eyes and savouring the contact.

“Nadine told me she’d leak the pictures to the press.” She opened her eyes and caught his gaze. “I’ve caused enough trouble for you and the guys. And I was scared.”

“Of people seeing the ones from your past.”

She nodded.

“What happened, Hanna? You need to be honest with me, I deserve as much. I’ve

been nothing but open and honest with you, despite feeling you’ve been hiding

something. It’s time you told me everything.”

Hanna looked down at her hands, her fingers laced in her lap.

“Hanna?” Bo inched closer to her, captured her chin in his hand and forced her to look at him. “You can tell me anything.”

“I have issues with people. Groups. Anxiety. I was always a shy child, but as I grew older it got worse. I dealt with my anxiety by eating. Of course, the more I ate, the chubbier I’d get and school became a nightmare. The girls were so mean, but I got through. It was hard. So hard.”

Bo frowned, concern filling his grey eyes. “Anxiety. Like social anxiety?”

She nodded. “Exactly. Once high school ended, I got a bit better. I started losing weight since I didn’t have the stress of dealing with the teasing every day. Just when I thought I was better my parents died.”

Bo remained quiet, urging her on with a soft smile and nod of the head.

“It all seemed to come crashing down after their death. But this time instead of food it was alcohol. It went on for a little while until I got arrested and thrown into the drunk tank. I was so embarrassed and miserable. That’s when I decided to check myself into a clinic that helps people with my... disorder... I was hoping they’d be able to help get things straightened out.”

She smiled weakly at him. “Make me better, you know.”

Bo caressed her cheek and she briefly closed her eyes relishing his touch, praying once she was finished saying all she needed to say that it wouldn’t be the last time. “And it did. Sort of. I got the job at the coffee shop and I was dealing with people. Still shy, but I could do it. I no longer had eyes on me, beating me down and…”

“Then I came along and you were put back in the situation where there were eyes on you.”

She lowered her eyes and nodded. “But, I’ve been coping.” She glanced back up at him. “For you.”

He nodded. “I know.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “So Nadine found out about the clinic and blackmailed you.” It was said as more of a statement than a question.

“Yes.”

“And she warned you not to tell me.”

“Yes. And I was embarrassed. And I've caused so much trouble for you guys already.

I didn’t want you to think I was crazy or…”

“Shhhh. Stop. I don’t. I understand, Hanna.”

Hanna smiled, timidly at first, but seeing the love glistening in his eyes, her smile widened. “I’m sorry, Bo. I fucked this up.”

He shook his head. “No, you didn’t. You just became a pawn in a little game Nadine was playing. The only error you made was not trusting me with this.”

“I was scared you’d fire her and then she’d leak the photos and she had some of us and Anthony and…”

He silenced her as his lips came crashing down, claiming hers. Tears of relief trickled down her cheeks as she gripped the lapels of his leather jacket and clung tight to him. Her heart began beating rapidly within her chest as a tidal wave of emotions swept through her; love, relief, regret and a hundred other feelings came rushing forth, increasing the intensity of their kiss.

When he ended the kiss she leaned forward, slipped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his neck. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Bo. I didn’t…”

“I know, honey. I know.”

He stroked her hair as she took solace in his strong embrace. She remained clinging to him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her for a long time, not wanting to end the moment. However, the issue of Nadine needed to be addressed.

Pulling away, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and sniffed. “So what about Nadine? About the pictures, once she finds out you know she’ll release them.”

“No, she won’t.” He said it with such certainty that it immediately calmed her

frazzled nerves over the matter.

“How can you know for sure?”

“I already spoke with her.”

“And?” she prompted.

Bo slumped back into the futon and thrust a hand into his hair. “For now, we’re stuck with her. However, the first chance I get she’s gone. But for now we have to endure her. I do anyhow, you’ll never have to see her again if you don’t want to.”

Good
, she thought,
if I never see that woman again it will be too soon.

“I went against my better judgment with her and I regret it, but what’s done is done.

The main thing is that she’ll never, ever pull a stunt like that again, I promise you that.

And once we figure a way to get rid of her and not have those photos showing up in all the papers we’ll jump on it.”

“What is the news on Victor’s lawsuit?” She’d been curious about how things were going with that and had been checking the news, but hadn’t been able to come up with any word on it.

Bo shrugged and waved a dismissive hand. “It’s a non-issue. Nothing to worry about.

The lawyers will battle it out and it’ll be over.”

He turned to her and smiled, that sweet, sexy smile she loved so much. “That leaves us with one question.”

Snuggling next to him, she laid her head on his shoulder and glanced up, meeting his grey eyes. “And what might that be?”

“Are you coming back home with me?”

Hanna grinned. “If you’ll have me.”

“Oh, that’s not even a question. I love you, Hanna.” He lowered his lips to hers before she could return the sentiment. Their moment was interrupted by someone clearing her throat.

Hanna jerked away from Bo, having totally forgotten about Jackie, who’d been hiding out in the kitchen.

Bo was the first to react. “Jackie? That’s your car in the driveway?”

“Hey Bo,” she gave him a half-hearted greeting, clearly unsure of how to proceed.

“What are you doing here?” Turning back to Hanna he mimicked the question, in a lower voice, “What is she doing here?”

“Apparently, there’s more to the story than she was simply bought off by Victor,”

Hanna whispered back, while knowing whispering was pointless considering Jackie stood only a few feet away.

“I tried calling Jeremy, but he won’t accept my phone calls.”

Bo heaved a loud sigh and shook his head. “I don’t know anything about it, Jackie.

I’ve been dealing with my own love life crisis.” He looked down at Hanna and they shared a moment, before they both directed their attention back to Jackie.

Jackie shifted uneasily from foot to foot; it was apparent she was debating something with herself. “I don’t suppose you could…”

Bo’s jaw clenched. “I… Ummm. I can’t force Jeremy to talk to you.” He looked

down at Hanna, her eyes pleading with him to help her friend if he could. “But, if you were at our place for say dinner and we invite him over at the same time...,” Bo shrugged.

“Maybe.”

A smile formed on Jackie’s lips. “That’s all I want, Bo. A moment to explain.

Apologize.”

Thank you
, Hanna mouthed up to him. Bo’s arm tightened around her as if to say,

"you’re welcome."

Bo redirected his attention to Hanna as he stood and extended his hand to her. “So, Miss Ambrose, are you coming home with me?”

His eyes were filled with such love that it made her pulse race. There were no more secrets between them and he accepted who she was, all that she was. It felt good and she felt at peace with all that transpired. She knew at that moment that no matter what, Bo would be there for her. The media could release all the pictures they wanted and it wouldn’t change a damned thing. He was hers, now and forever.

She took his hand and slowly stood. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”