3. Mac
3 MAC
Kayla had no idea how much her compliment meant to me. People often praised my looks, which was flattering but had very little to do with who I was or my talent. My body? Sure, it came from hard work and was part of my rock star image, but the guitar was different. I had to earn the title of guitarist after mastering the piano and drums first. “Thank you, Kayla. Seriously.”
She blushed at the intensity of my words and looked away. I couldn't remember the last time I saw a grown woman blush, and instead of finding it irritating, I found it incredibly intriguing. I wanted to see it again and again. “You know you’re talented, Mac.”
“I do, but it’s nice to be appreciated for more than just my face.”
Her smile came slowly, but it was stunning. Her bottom lip was slightly fuller than the top, forming a perfect half-moon shape as she smiled. “Rest easy, Mac. I appreciate more than just your face.” And your body , her gaze seemed to convey as it swept over me.
I laughed. “Thank you, Kayla. I think I might appreciate more than just your face too.” My eyes roamed over her figure until I noticed her nipples beading beneath her pale blue t-shirt. “Thanks for having dinner with me, but I think it’s time I let you get back to your evening.” A yawn escaped me before I could finish speaking.
She nodded and hid her own yawn. “You’re welcome. It was really nice to meet you, Mac. Sweet dreams.” She stood on her doorstep and watched me cross the yard that separated our homes, unaware that my dreams would be all about her.
Exhausted, I put the leftover food in the fridge and stripped down to my boxer briefs on my way to bed. Thankfully, the rental was fully furnished, stocked with everything from food to toiletries.
My mind went straight to my sexy new neighbor in those unintentionally sexy pajamas that showed off every curve she possessed. She was slightly self-conscious, but she didn’t need to be, not with that body. Fleshy hips, a tiny waist, and a perfect, fully C-cup? That was a body that should be celebrated. Worshipped.
And she was a fan, but not the fan-girl, groupie type that I steered clear of outside of signings. She was the kind of fan you wrote songs for, who could break down lyrics and even knew the acoustic versions of your songs. And holy shit, she was so fucking hot. Beautiful, curvy, and smart, she was miles out of my league.
That thought had my fingers itching for the strings of my guitar. It was clear sleep wouldn’t come, so I reached for my favorite guitar, grabbed a notepad, and started strumming. The songwriting process was peaceful and relaxing, and after tinkering with a few chords, I fell asleep with my guitar on the bed right beside me.
I woke up wearing a smile, the sun streaking across my body, and actual birds chirping outside my window. It wasn’t quite spring yet, but the weather was showing the first signs of the season. I reached for my phone to check the time and found a few messages from my bandmates, mostly photos and check-ins that everyone had made it home safely. Those guys were as much my brothers as Lee. The clock said it was after ten, which meant I was way past due for my first coffee of the day.
I rushed through my morning routine and made my way to Mt. Holiday Bakery to see my friend Torey and my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Nix. The bell above chimed when I stepped inside, drawing the attention of the few customers and a familiar face. “Mornin’.”
Torey stopped what she was doing and ran around the counter to wrap me in a welcoming hug. “Hey, superstar! It’s so good to see your ridiculously handsome face.” She pulled back with a big smile.
I loved Torey in a way I couldn’t explain. I’d never had a real friendship with a woman and she was one of the few people on this planet who was happy to see me just for me. I hugged her back just as tightly. “Torey. It’s so good to see you with your freshly fucked glow.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Right? Is this why you always look so good—nonstop sex?”
I shrugged. “Can’t reveal all my beauty secrets, can I?”
“Whatever,” she smacked my belly. “I hope you get to meet him this year.”
“Considering where things are headed with Lee and Nix, I think it’s safe to say it’ll happen eventually.” I was sure there would be at least two weddings this year based on the loved-up state of both my brother and my best friend.
“Have a seat, and I’ll bring you something to eat while I talk your ear off.”
“Aw, sounds like you missed me.”
True to form, she flipped me off, which made me laugh as I took a seat that gave me a good view of the sidewalk outside the window. I wondered if I’d see Kayla. Did she stop in the bakery on her way to work? Was she up already? Thinking about me?
“Okay, superstar. Double espresso and a breakfast sandwich with the works.” Torey smiled and pushed the tray across the table as she sat. “Heard you played white knight to Edith last night.”
I groaned, and my head fell forward. “Small-town living.”
“That’s right,” she laughed. “You know she’s gonna love you forever now, right?”
I laughed with her. “That old lady is a trip. She says what she wants and isn’t afraid to cop a feel.” And if it hadn’t been for my act of kindness, I wouldn’t have met the gorgeous doctor. “Do you know Kayla Stevens?”
“Of course. We grew up together. She just came back a few months ago.” She wore a knowing expression, but instead of teasing, she waited me out.
“She’s my neighbor.” I refused to squirm under the weight of her big blue gaze and instead focused on the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with vibrant pesto. “Delicious.”
“I would’ve guessed you’d go for Rob,” she said out of nowhere. “She used to be a model.”
“Don’t know anyone named Rob, and I gave up models years ago.” They didn’t eat, and they were, to put it mildly, boring as hell.
“Interesting.”
“What’s interesting?” I asked in as bland a voice as I could muster.
“This,” she pointed at me. “You, trying to act nonchalant while asking me about a woman. A hot-as-hell woman, at that.”
She was hot as hell, in her doctor’s clothes and out of them. I dreamed about her in nothing but a smile last night, and I just knew she’d be just as gorgeous in real life.
“So, what are your plans while you’re in town?”
“Don’t know,” I shrugged and sipped my coffee. “Unwind and enjoy small-town life while I work on some songs. Is your All-American hero going to freak out if we hang?”
“Of course not,” she rolled her eyes. “What kind of man would be jealous of his woman hanging out with a beautiful rock star?” She laughed, but it turned into a groan when the bell above the door chimed again.
“What?”
“The troublemakers, also known as the Matchmaking Brigade, are here.”
“And you’re already matched,” I reminded her.
“You’re not,” she shot back with a gleam in her eyes.
“True, but I’m also under no obligation to play nice.” It was nice that her fake romance turned real, but I wouldn’t be so easily roped into anything.
“Mac Lancaster.” A woman in a colorful dress smiled at me. “Jane Moon.” She held out her hand and introduced the other women as Krista, Molly, and Sara. “Rumor has it you’ll be in town for a while?”
I shrugged. “That’s true.”
“I hope you’ll participate in our upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.”
Of course.
“Don’t do it,” Torey whispered.
I smiled as I met the gazes of each woman. “I’m not sure what my schedule will be, but as soon as I do, I’ll let you know.”
“I heard you were on a break,” the one called Krista insisted with a bit of attitude.
“Check your sources. The tour is over, but that’s not the only part of my work. I have songs to write and other obligations.”
“Well,” another began, but I held up a hand to stop her.
“I will let you ladies know, or better yet, I’ll just show up when I feel like it.” These women were aggressive as hell, and I didn’t understand why. The minute they were gone, I looked to Torey. “Were they looking for a donation?” Usually, people outright asked me for money.
“No, they wanted to see how much of a pushover you are. Good job.”
“Thanks, I think.” This town was weird as hell, and I must be crazy because I liked it.
“You should consider sticking around for the St. Paddy’s activities; they’re fun.”
I smiled. “Yeah, I saw your karaoke video, remember?”
Torey’s cheeks blushed a bright shade of pink. “I was terrible.”
“You were, but you gave a good performance. That counts for a lot.”
“Thanks, Mac.”
“Anytime.” She couldn’t carry a tune, but she had stage presence, which was more than I could say about plenty of my fellow artists. “Anyway, I should get going.” The bakery was starting to fill up, and I knew she’d have to go help Nix.
“Catch ya later, Superstar!”