Loving Dallas(32)

“Yes,” I practically yell at him. “Of course it is. What the hell is wrong with you? You can’t just go around requesting women like you are King Pimp of the universe. Just because your shameless groupies fall at your feet doesn’t mean all women are fair game. I am a professional, damn it. I work really hard at my job and I wanted to be on this tour because I was excited. I was a fan of your music and I hoped partnering with Midnight Bay would be the kind of opportunity that—”

“Whoa, darlin’. Rein it in a sec,” he says, throwing his hands up. I didn’t even realize I was charging toward him.

“What?” I demand, wondering what in the hell he could possibly say to justify his behavior.

His smile widens but his hazel eyes cloud over with a troubled expression. Like I hurt his feelings. Like that’s even possible.

“I did request you, Robyn. But not for the reasons you’ve obviously assumed.”

I take a deep breath and fold my arms across my chest. “Then why?”

“Because you’re young and smart and driven. Because you were the only one at Midnight Bay to mention social media integration in your presentation. Those were the words I was waiting to hear. You said them. So I thought you’d be the right person for the job. You also happen to be beautiful and I wouldn’t kick you out of bed if you were interested, but that had absolutely nothing to do with my requesting you for this tour. Scout’s honor.”

“So the comment earlier about what you’d prefer?”

“If my teasing you made you uncomfortable, I apologize. It’s a habit I just sort of fall into when I don’t know what else to say. I’ll make an effort to cut that out where you’re concerned. It’s unprofessional and uncalled for.”

“Well . . . thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

I feel two inches tall and if I had one wish right now, it would be for the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

“So . . . we good?” He nods toward his bus. “ ’Cause I got—”

“Go. Sorry. In the future I’ll ask any questions I have without taking your head off first.”

Jase laughs good-naturedly. “It’s fine. You’re a woman in a mostly male-dominated business. I can imagine the shit you have to put up with. My hat’s off to you.” With that, he tips his hat. “And for the record, my groupies are pretty shameless. God bless ’em.” He turns and gets onto his tour bus, leaving me shaking my head and contemplating the many ways in which I could murder Dallas Lark.





19 | Dallas

THE KNOCK ON THE THIN DOOR TO MY ROOM ON THE BUS IS SHARP and angry sounding. So naturally I assume it’s Mandy here to make some lewd suggestion about how I owe her my dick or something.

I sigh and open it, pleasantly surprised to find Robyn on the other side instead. My guitarist, Tyler, is standing behind her looking concerned for my well-being. I give him an I’ve-got-this nod and move aside for Robyn to come in. She blows past me without a word.

“You okay?”

“No. I’m not.” She shakes her head and looks off into the distance, paying more attention to the modest furnishings in the room than to me. “I confronted him. Because of what you said. And guess what?”

Now her eyes do meet mine and I’m nervous about what I see in them. Matching glinting emeralds of hatred is what they most resemble at the moment.

“I can’t even begin to guess.”

“No?” Her voice rises an octave or two. “You can’t? That’s funny considering a few hours ago you were an expert on the subject.”

“Clearly you’re upset with me.” I state the obvious because I know her well enough to know that when she’s in this mood everything I say will be fuel to her fire.

“You think?” She purses her sexy little mouth and shakes her head at me. “I was ranting on and on about being a professional and the whole time I was acting like some stupid teenager freaking out over gossip. Because guess what, Dallas? Whoever your source is got it wrong. Jase Wade didn’t request me on this tour because he wanted to get into my panties. He requested me because of the social media pitch I gave in my presentation.”

“Okay. Well, then I’m glad I was wrong.”

“You’re glad you were wrong? Since when? Since when are you ever wrong, Dallas? You just decide how things are and that’s how it is, right?” She runs her hands through her tangled hair, then gapes at me. “Dead God. I said he thought he was King Pimp of the universe.”

I fold my lips inward to keep from laughing. Laughing would be so bad right now.

“Do not dare laugh at me, Dallas. I cannot believe you said that stuff to me. But you know what’s worse? I believed it. And do you know why?”

Do not speak.

In lieu of a verbal answer I shake my head.

“I believed it because that’s how you make me feel. Like all I’m good for is getting you off when you need it. Right? Bang out a few orgasms and hey, maybe a song, too, for good measure. Good old Robyn. She’ll just take what she can get. That’s all you want me for, so of course, that must be all any other guy can see as well.” She takes these gaspy little breaths that make me hate myself.

The urge to laugh has passed.

“Baby, I—”