Three | ~ Serenity ~
Three
~ Serenity ~
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I twisted to gaze up at Teak, amazed at the transformation from intense rock star to a fierce and over protective body guard. After knowing me for less than twenty four hours, how in the hell could he be that invested in me?
“When has this happened before?” He demanded.
I refused to reveal the location of the previous incident. I didn’t want him to feel bad. And staring at his expression at the moment, he would take full responsibility. And I couldn’t allow that. Unfortunately, I wasn’t all that sure that information was going to remain hidden.
Ivy and Ascher strolled down the street toward us. Ivy swinging their clasped hands between them, huge grin on her face until she took in our expressions.
“What’s going on? I know you didn’t mistreat my bestie.” Ivy glared at Teak for a moment before her gaze swung to the object that had claimed our attention. “What the actual fuck!? This after last night? I don’t think I want to get in a car with you anymore, Serenity.”
“What happened last night?” Teak’s fury ramped up as he balled his fists at his side. “After my concert? Were you still at the arena?” His face grimaced into a mix of fury and concern. “Were either of you hurt?”
“No. It was probably some drunk being stupid. No big deal.” Even though the memory of the splatter that deep down I feared was meant to give the illusion of blood made me shiver.
“It was a big deal.” Ivy shot Teak an apologetic smile. “And I didn’t think you did anything wrong. First impressions; I really like you. I just couldn’t understand why she looked so pissed and there was so much tension. But last night was not your fault. It was the asshole who threw the bag that had been filled with ketchup at our windshield, causing it to splatter all over it. We had to get maintenance to clean it up for us so that Serenity could see through it to drive us home.”
Since we were attracting some minor attention out on the sidewalk, Teak slipped back into his commonplace disguise of hat and sunglasses before pulling his phone from his pocket. After he held up his finger to us, he tapped on his phone and put it up to his ear.
In that instant, realization dawned on me. “I can’t let you take care of this.”
Ignoring my refusal, he pulled me to his side and kissed the top of my head. “You’re my girlfriend now and I’m taking care of you.”
“Just because . . . that’s not . . . I don’t expect – ” Wow, that was eloquent and intelligent. Did I even possess brain cells anymore?
He gave me a quick kiss to stop my protests. “I know you don’t expect and that makes me even more eager to help you out. Hey, Simon, it’s Teak. Good. How are you? I need a little favor this afternoon. Can you tow a car to your garage and get two new tires for a Chevy Malibu replaced? Awesome. Not ready until this evening. No problem. I appreciate the help on one of your busiest days. Thanks, Man.” Teak rattled off the location of my vehicle and then tucked his phone back into his pocket.
While I just blinked up at him mutely. Brain cells; where are you hiding?
Jasper walked over to Teak. “I phoned for the police to come take a look and get some information. I hope that was okay.”
“I really appreciate that. I want them to look into last night’s incident as well.” Teak gave me a small smile. “Did maintenance report the incident to the security at the arena?”
“No. We did. And they did take down some information. And one of the guys searched the lot for anything suspicious, but the person must have taken off right after.” After being pulled out of bed this morning before I was ready; the rollercoaster of emotions from the abrupt change of who I was having coffee with; this unsettling incident; and the fact I was still reeling a bit over last night’s episode, I was exhausted. So drained in fact, I didn’t realize I had sagged into Teak’s side until his arm wrapped tighter around my waist.
“Well, we’ll have them talk to those guys from last night after they are finished here with you. And once someone tows your car off to Simon, I’m taking you to my place to relax.”
“I can’t impose on you like that. You have writing to do. And . . . ” I trailed off and gave him my own small smile. “I’m your girlfriend so why wouldn’t that be something normal to do. I just wasn’t ready for all of this today.” First, I didn’t think I’d ever see him again and second, I was trying to forget about what had happened in the parking lot last night. But I couldn’t help relating it to this incident, which made my stomach sick.
Ivy pulled me over to the side and surprisingly lowered her voice. “I see the little bit of uncertainty on your face. He’s not another Mick. And if it turns out I’m wrong, but it’s one hundred percent unlikely, I’ll mess him up good.” She gave me a goofy grin. “I see that breakfast went as perfect as I had hoped and knew it would. Just roll with it. You know I never liked Mick. But I really think Teak is pretty awesome. The little bit I talked with him last night and just from talking with Ascher, I’m really sure that what you see is what you get with him.”
“I kinda agree with you. It’s just going to take a little bit for the effects of that shitty relationship to completely go away.” But I couldn’t deny she made a lot of sense.
We walked back over to the guys.
Teak gave me a brief puzzled look, but then smiled and tucked me into his side again. “You work from home and many times I work from home. Just think of it like that. And I don’t mind knowing you’re hanging out at my place while I’m writing. It might even spark my creativity and help me come up with lyrics.” He nodded at Ascher. “Are you guys going to hang out at your place or something?”
“I’m sure we can come up with something.” Ivy winked up at him.
And he growled.
“Oh dear God.” I rolled my eyes. But not surprised in the least.
“What? You need some ideas there, Serenity?” She shot me an impish grin.
“No. You keep your suggestions to yourself. Although I’m sure I’ll hear all the sordid details unless I can find a way to shut you up.”
“Good idea. I can then let you know which one is best.”
“You’ve got a great friend right there.” He kissed the top of my head again as a laugh rumbled in his chest.
“You just wait. You’ve just met her.”
After the police came and asked questions and gathered some information; I handed the guy from the garage my key; and the tow truck pulled away with my car. Ivy and Ascher walked down the sidewalk toward his ride and Teak led me over to his SUV. The drive to his place was quiet, but not uncomfortable. On the contrary, I was getting way too comfortable too quickly, but deep down I truly believed that Ivy was right and he wasn’t going to turn into another Mick. Keeping that in mind, I had to find a way to allow myself to feel what I was going to feel and stop sabotaging myself.
About thirty minutes later, we pulled up to a gate and Jasper reached out the front window to tap in a code. Then he pulled up the driveway and parked beside another SUV.
After the three of us hopped out, Teak thanked Jasper and the guy climbed into his own vehicle and headed down to the gate.
Teak grabbed my hand in his as we walked up to his porch.
“I would have pictured you living in a secluded area away from everyone. Although this seems like an area that wouldn’t get too much other traffic. And I’m sure the fence and tall bushes deter most.” I glanced around his quaint little home.
“It does a pretty good job.” A strange expression flitted across his face, but was gone before I could read too much into it. Yet the glimpse validated what my gut was screaming at me about the two supposedly unrelated incidents with my car. I shoved it aside for now. My curiosity about his home captivated my attention at the moment. It didn’t look like he lived like a mega star. He didn’t even own an outrageous sports car, at least that I could tell.
Once he unlocked his door and the two of us stepped inside, he tapped a code into the keypad. “Is it what you expected?”
“Not really. I would think big time stars would have homes that are ostentatious, but the more I think about it, you aren’t at all what I expected.” I dropped my purse on a small table right inside.
“Is that good or bad?” He shot me a boyish grin. He knew my answer.
“Definitely a good thing.” His kitchen was updated and had nice stainless steel appliances, dark cupboards, white counter tops, and a light wood bar that separated it from his living room. But it wasn’t over the top. A black leather couch and matching love seat and recliner occupied his living room along with a coffee table and an end table with a lamp. An enormous flat screen hung on the opposite wall. But he was a guy. If he didn’t have one of those, I would have definitely revoked his man card.
“I’ll show you the rest of the place.” My hand still in his, he tugged me down the hallway and pointed inside the first room on the left. “My spare bedroom is used for storage and my office. I don’t really use my desk. Most of the time, I lounge on that overstuffed chair to write my lyrics.”
I smiled up at him. Yeah, he was not at all like I had expected. Although after listening to his music over the last five years, maybe I really wasn’t all that surprised. Then I spied a guitar propped in the corner of the room. “I should have suspected you played some sort of instrument.”
“I play guitar and keyboard.”
“You don’t have a keyboardist in your band.”
“No. We couldn’t find one we all liked and who meshed well with us. You met Ascher, our drummer. Jackson is our lead guitarist, Ryan our bass, and Nolan is our rhythm. I have another bodyguard as well, Ryker. But he only comes with me to big events.”
“You don’t have a bodyguard all of the time?”
“Nope. Just huge events and if there might be the chance of a huge mob issue. However, when I go out to eat or to a movie or something by myself, I don’t take one. I chat up the fans beforehand and there usually isn’t an issue. And when I hang out with the guys, it’s normally fine. When I head down to the beach, I don’t worry about it either.”
“But you had Jasper go with us today.”
“In case I had to chase you.”
My eyes widened at his admission.
“Just kidding.” His lips curled into a teasing smirk. “Although I told you I was prepared to chase if you fled. But I wanted you to be more comfortable. But he won’t go with us on our other dates.”
“You’re pretty close to the beach living here, huh?”
“You can see it from my back windows and it’s a less than ten minute walk to the sand.” He stepped back out into the hallway and led me to the back of his house.
The two of us peered out the window at the beautiful blue and sand not far away.
“While I’m working on some lyrics, you can sit out on my deck and watch the beach. And maybe we can take a walk down there later on. Or you can hang out in my living room and curl up on the couch and watch some television.”
“Is that the last of the tour of your house?” I shot him a saucy grin. Being so comfortable with him, I wasn’t concerned at all when I made suggestive comments like that.
“I’ll save the best for last. When you’re ready to stay overnight with me, I’ll reveal that room. I’m hoping your curiosity entices you.”
Would I be considered a hussy spending the night with him when we just started dating? I didn’t know who to ask. Ivy would tell me ‘hell fucking no! Jump on that invitation!’ And the girls at work would never believe me. I couldn’t deny I was tempted. However, at the moment, I needed his attention on his music. “You have new songs to write right now. I don’t want to be the reason a new album doesn’t come out and then your fans really hate me.”
That strange look passed over his face again. So quickly most would have missed it, but because I had a troublesome feeling it was almost as if I expected it.
“Okay. You make yourself comfortable. If you want anything to eat or drink before I take a break, help yourself. I don’t mind you snooping in my cupboards. I’ll take a break for lunch in a couple of hours and make us something to eat.” Pulling me into his arms, he dipped his mouth to mine and slid his lips along mine. When he licked his tongue along my seam, I opened on a breathy sigh and he invaded. His tongue curled around mine and he tasted every bit of my mouth. Just as eager, I pushed my tongue into his mouth. He tasted like sweet bakery treats, caramel, and something I was sure was uniquely him.
When he pulled away, he touched his forehead to mine. “Thank you for coming home with me. You might think you’re a distraction, but you’re getting my creative juices flowing. As well as some other things.” He pressed a kiss to my warm cheek and shot me a wink before he strolled down to his office.
Loving fresh air – and needing it to cool the blush staining my cheeks – sunshine, and the smell of the ocean, I pulled open his sliding glass doors and stepped out onto his deck. In addition to the amazing view of the beach, he had a decent amount of yard space in the back and on the two sides of his house. Plopping down onto one of his loungers, I lay back and closed my eyes, my thoughts whirling through my brain on auto replay. Catching Teak’s eye was undeniably a dream come true, once I was able to force down my uncertainties, so that I could admit to myself and others that I was immensely attracted to him. Mick had done a number on me, so I was sure those doubts were bound to creep back in again. Although Teak was steadily proving to me that my heart wasn’t in any danger. However, I wasn’t quite so certain about the rest of me. A shiver raced down my spine. But I didn’t want to dwell on those two incidents. It would only serve to drive me insane.
Needing a drink of water, I rolled off of the chair and headed back inside, quietly. I didn’t want to disturb him. While I rummaged through his refrigerator for a bottle of water, his sexy voice crooned from behind his closed office door. Between his sensual tenor and the alluring words about finding that special someone in an unexpected way, I had to turn and lean against the bar. My legs grew wobbly and my panties dampened. I wasn’t being conceited, but I was certain I was the girl he was thinking about when he sang those lyrics.
Feeling like I was intruding, I forced my legs to drag me back outside. I’d wait for when he wanted to share this new song with me. I lounged outside for over an hour before I headed inside to see what was on television. I needed something else to occupy my thoughts and figured the television would also help prevent me from hearing a lot of what he was working on. However, as I passed the office door, it wasn’t lyrics coming through the wood. His frustrated voice was expressing his irritation with whoever was on the other end of his phone – I assumed since I didn’t think anyone else had entered his house.
“I want you to question every one of the security guards who was at my concert last night. And I want the security feeds checked for anything looking even slightly suspicious.” He barked. “I don’t believe in coincidences.”
I felt bad listening in, but what he was discussing affected my life too.
“You can call me back directly or get in touch with Ryker.” He rattled off another number.
I scampered into his living room, and dropped onto his couch before clicking on the television and lowering the volume. Then I surfed the channels until I found one rerunning episodes of Friends. Another two hours passed, but I didn’t interrupt Teak even though my stomach had been growling for the past half hour. I wasn’t sure how long he had been on the phone before I had come inside and if he had finally been able to get back into a groove with his music; I was not disturbing him.
About fifteen minutes later, Teak strolled into the living room. “Why didn’t you knock and tell me to come feed you?”
“You sounded like you were on a roll so I wasn’t going to interrupt.”
“Well, I’m glad my stomach protested otherwise you might have starved to death out here.” Reaching out his hand, I put mine into his larger one and he tugged me up. “I have some snacks we can chomp on and then I’ll make us dinner at a normal time.”
In the kitchen, he grabbed two bananas, a bag of pistachios, and a bag of Nutter Butters. “They have peanut butter in them so they’re healthy.” Chuckling, he held up the cookies before gesturing to the refrigerator. “Grab two waters for us.” Then I followed him out onto his deck.
When I sat down in the lounger I had been in earlier, he placed the food onto the glass table before swinging his leg over the back of my chair to straddle it and sit behind me. Then he wrapped one arm around my waist and pulled me against his chest, while he held out his free hand. “Hook me up with some food.”
I handed him a banana before grabbing one for myself.
“I want you to spend the night with me tonight. No expectations.”
That came out of nowhere. But I couldn’t say I was completely surprised. We had flirted earlier and I had overheard his earlier phone call. Twisting my body slightly, I turned my head so I could see his expression. “Is this because of last night and today?”
“Some, but you have to know I would love to have you stay with me because I love being with you. And I’ve come to care a lot about you in the last day. I’m waiting to hear back from the arena if they discover anything. I may be way off base here, and I hope I am, but I’m not chancing it. These two incidents raised my hackles.”
I expected honesty from him, so I wasn’t going to be deceitful either. “When I came inside to watch television, I overheard a little bit of that conversation so I gathered as much.” I ducked my head, embarrassed I had eavesdropped.
The hand at my stomach came up to my chin and lifted my head to meet his gaze. “Hey, if I didn’t want you to overhear, I wouldn’t have been so loud. I was practically yelling at the guy on the phone so you were bound to hear if you were anywhere nearby. And besides, it has to do with you. I’m not offended.” He gave me a quick kiss before taking a bite of his banana. “But would you consider spending tonight with me? I can run you home if you need some things. I don’t care how far away you live. It would make me feel better, for a lot of reasons. I want hard proof you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time . . . twice.” His lips twisted into a brief scowl.
And I couldn’t deny the fact I would feel safer here with him if this was something we had to be concerned about. “I think I’m only about twenty minutes from here. And yeah, that would be good to grab some clothes and things, especially if you’re planning on taking me to dinner tomorrow night from here. I don’t want to go in today’s outfit.” I wrinkled my nose.
“You’ll stay the night then?”
“Yes. I trust you.” I pulled off a piece of my banana and popped it into my mouth.
“Those words are music to my ears. That you’ll stay and that you trust me.”
“I need to text Ivy to let her know I won’t be home tonight.” I pulled my phone from my pocket.
Me: staying the night at Teak’s
Ivy: woo hoo! You jump on that. Awesome I wanted to stay at Ascher’s but would’ve come home so you wouldn’t be alone. Now I don’t have to: double woo hoo!
I rolled my eyes at her.
Ivy: But I bet you’re going home for an overnight bag, not me! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
Me: I’ll text you when I’ll be home
Ivy: no hurry on my end
Shaking my head, I slipped my phone back into my pocket. “Do you really think that girl is responsible for either of those incidents?”
“I really don’t know. I’ve only known of her for a couple of years and I hardly speak to her. She only comes to my concerts here in California and usually needs escorted out.” His lips pulled down into a frown. “But I’ve never run into her anywhere else. I really don’t want to talk about her and ruin our time together. And I don’t want you worrying about it. I’ll take care of you.”
Then it was a good possibility she was last night’s culprit, but it was more likely this morning’s act was some delinquent. But I agreed. I didn’t want to discuss her either. And hoped we didn’t need to be concerned about her. “Okay instead, let’s finish our snack so you can get back to work and then we have the rest of the night for us. Although I am not going to get in your way of working. When you need to write, you let me know and I’ll find something to keep myself occupied. I can even pack a book to read tomorrow. Do you ever write at night? Like when others are sleeping?”
“I have on occasion. If I can’t fall asleep because some lyrics are on my mind or if I’m awakened by some.” While he glided his fingers along my skin, he ate his cookie in one huge bite.
“Well, you do what you would normally do with your writing, even if I’m here.” I finished eating my banana and tossed the peel up onto the table to grab when we went back inside.
“Boy, you’re bossy.” He scratched his chin like he was thinking. “But I like it.” Smirking, he kissed my cheek before stuffing another cookie into his mouth. “I promise I’ll work on my music while you’re here. I don’t want to give you an excuse to leave.”
After we put a huge dent in the bag of pistachios and cookies, we headed back inside. Teak ducked into his office to write while I curled up on his couch and watched a romantic comedy from a few years back.
Over two hours later, he emerged with a huge smile on his face. “I got lyrics written for two songs that just need some tweaking done. And ideas for a third one jotted down.” He plopped down on the couch beside me and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, tugging me into his side. “Unless more words or ideas start invading my brain before tomorrow, you have me for the rest of the night.” He kissed the top of my head. “Simon texted me that your car was ready. Let’s go pick it up and head to your house so you can pack some things. That way you can drop off your car at your place. Then when we get back, I’ll make us some dinner. And when the sun goes down, we can go walk along the beach.”
“I love listening to the waves, especially at night when there isn’t a lot of people around.” Crawling up onto my knees, I placed my hands on Teak’s shoulders and leaned in, this time initiating the kiss. Our tongues tangled and curled around one another’s and I tasted the peanut butter and banana from his earlier snack.
When we parted, he stared at me with a hint of surprise etching his features. Then his lips curled into a sexy grin. “I was a little worried you were going to end up changing your mind and having me drop you off at your house with your car. But I think you’re really going to stay with me tonight.”
“I think what you have planned is really romantic, minus the having to pick up my car.” I pursed my lips before pulling them into an animated smile. “I’ve had a great time hanging out with you and don’t want it to end yet.” We were spending time together and I completely trusted that he had no expectations. I liked the idea of continuing to get to know one another and having a good time. “By the way, what do I owe you for my car?”
Eyes narrowing, he growled.
“Did you just growl at me?” And not in a sexy way. Well, okay he always sounded sexy, but his growl was irritated not playful.
“Yes. I told you I was taking care of you. You’re my girlfriend and it happened while you were having coffee with me.”
We stared at each other for a few moments before I released a deep sigh. “Fine. Something tells me I won’t win this argument anyway.” But I wasn’t really happy about caving.
“Nope, you won’t.” He stood up before settling his hands on my waist and hoisting me up to stand in front of him. “Are you ready then?”
He led me out to his car and helped me into the passenger’s seat. After sliding into the driver’s side, he drove us down the driveway and out through the gate. He grabbed my hand during the ride and entwined our fingers. At the garage, Teak thanked Simon again and paid my bill. “Type your address into my phone in case I lose you.”
Once I had him set up with directions to my house, he followed me.
About fifteen minutes later, we pulled in front of the little two bedroom I shared with Ivy. It was a cute light blue house with a small porch and back yard, but no close access to the beach. However, the two of us could afford it and it worked for us.
I met Teak back at his SUV and led him up the short sidewalk to my porch. However, when I got to the top step my eyes were drawn to the picture on the ground right in front of my door. It was an eight by ten photo of Teak and me at the café, but my head was cut out of the picture and something red dripped down the glossy paper and onto my porch. A switchblade stuck in the top of the photo, holding it in place.
Slapping a hand to my mouth, I barely suppressed a shriek as I stared at the image in horror, our earlier snack curdling in my stomach, making the threat of vomiting a real possibility.