Changing the Key: A Detrimental Rock Star Romance (Book 1) Read online

  “Yesterday. And after listening to your interview with Spanky, I want to cover my ass. He’s a vile human being and deserves what he got. However, it’s apparent to me that you’re not interested in talking about any of this crap. Frankly, neither am I, and I’m not bound by anything Bianca sent over. That’s between you and her to iron out. If you’re willing, I’d love the chance to talk about music with you, and I’d love to do a feature article on Detrimental sometime.”

  With a promise to line up a future interview with the whole band, I gave an in-depth, personal interview detailing my musical influences, how I got into music, advice for upcoming artists, and long-term goals. It was the best interview I’d given in months, and I couldn’t wait to read the finished article.

  Before we left, Indigo made it a point to pull up the food bank’s website. The fundraiser had far exceeded its goal, prompting high-fives all around. I made sure Anna posted the links to my social media accounts, and Indigo immediately shared them, starting the path for the news to go viral. Before leaving, Anna exchanged contact information with a promise to stay in touch. Indigo was definitely one of the good ones.

  On our way back to the venue, the sleepless night caught up with us. Anna lazily leaned against me as we watched the city pass by.

  “Was all of that true? Or do you plug in stuff to make it sound better?”

  “Everything I told Indigo was the truth. I grew up listening to ‘80s hair bands with my parents, along with a variety of other artists. My dad is a middle school music teacher, so there was always music in our house. He knows how to play a lot of different instruments and my mom plays piano. I had an instrument in my hand before I could even talk.”

  “Did your mom work?”

  “Yeah, she teaches high school math.”

  “Wow, both teachers. Did that put a lot of pressure on you?”

  “Sometimes. There was a higher expectation from my teachers to be a model student and set an example for other kids. But my parents always supported me and taught me not to worry about what other people thought. That’s actually how the band got its name.”

  She straightened in her seat. “Really? That sounds like an interesting story.”

  I laughed. “First, you have to understand that the guys each had a reputation at school for various reasons. Eli’s grades were usually low because of his home life, so it was easy for teachers to assume he was just lazy and unmotivated. Shawn struggled more with his ADHD back then and was always getting kicked out of class for being disruptive. Derek and Lance’s mom was a stripper, so there were a lot of assumptions about her character and theirs. Derek got in a lot of fights when kids would bring it up. Lance opted to redirect their attention to himself by acting out.”

  “And you were friends with all of them anyway.” She rubbed a hand over my heart, something I noticed she did frequently.

  “They were great friends, and we all had a common love of music. Anyway, I was running for class president my sophomore year when the student council advisor suggested that hanging out with them could be detrimental to my political career. She thought distancing myself from them would project a better image. It ate at me, not that I considered it but because she just wrote them off without knowing any of them. My mom was fired up when I told her about it and was ready to go have a word with her.”

  “She sounds fierce.”

  Thinking of my mom, that was just one of her many qualities. “Only when her protective side comes out.”

  “Must run in the family,” Anna muttered sarcastically.

  “Brat,” I teased, reaching to playfully smack her ass while kissing her.

  “Finish the story,” she prompted when I would have gone on kissing her for the rest of the ride.

  “Okay. There was a talent show the week before the election. It was during school hours so everyone could attend, making it a big deal. I told the guys about my advisor and the plan I had. I didn’t care at that point if I won the election. It was more important to take a stand. There’s nothing more rock ‘n’ roll than rebellion. So we picked a song and rehearsed it until we could play it in our sleep. As we took the stage together for the first time, I introduced myself, telling everyone about the advice I’d gotten from an anonymous adult. I made it clear that I didn’t want votes from anyone who was influenced by anything other than my own merit and that I refused to ever turn away from my brothers. I introduced each one of them and said ‘We are Detrimental.’ Once we started playing, the crowd went nuts. The principal wanted to discipline us for causing such a ruckus.”

  “That story needs to go in Indigo’s article!” Anna was practically bouncing in the seat. “What song did you play?”

  “‘Youth Gone Wild’ by Skid Row.”

  She burst out laughing. “Perfect choice! And what happened with the election?”

  “I won and went unopposed the next two years.”

  “Naturally. Who wants to run against a rock star?”

  Dribbling the ball, I lined up my shot and sank the three-pointer. Derek caught the ball and sent it to Shawn. Basketball was one of our favorite ways to burn some energy during our downtime, so we traveled with a portable net. Playing two on two, the fifth man rotated in to relieve someone, keeping the teams fluid. We weren’t competitive, just happy for some time to hang out before a show.

  Since it was Saturday afternoon, Anna was determined to get ahead on her schoolwork so the next two days off would be free from responsibilities. She had been working so hard between school and the band that she deserved a few days to relax. Of course, we wouldn’t be getting too relaxed since I had insisted that she share my hotel room.

  Just thinking about all of the ways I wanted to have her made my dick start to swell. I’d never met a woman who made my body react so instinctively or consume my thoughts so completely. Even knowing I couldn’t see her, my gaze shifted to the side of the bus.

  Missing the ball that Eli had attempted to pass to me, I tapped out so Lance could take my spot.

  “While we’re all here, there’s something I want to discuss,” Shawn announced, pausing the game. Once he had everyone’s attention, he continued. “It’s almost time to renew our recording contract, so our lawyer reached out to see what changes we want to negotiate.”

  Everyone stilled, knowing the importance of this next deal. Not only would it impact the direction of our music and careers in general, but a lot of people depended on our success.

  “We don’t have to make a decision today, but we need to give this careful consideration to determine what our demands will be and what we’re willing to compromise.” It became apparent that Shawn had already thought over the matter and was the first to give his opinion. “I’m going to come right out and say it. I think we should consider a new record label or go indie for our next album if LGR doesn’t give us what we want.”

  The shock I felt was mirrored on everyone else’s faces. It was something I had only dreamed about doing but was hesitant to bring it up since I was unsure how everyone else felt about the idea.

  When no one responded, Shawn continued. “Look, we’ll always appreciate everything that LGR has done for us. When Roger signed us, things were great and he agreed with the vision we had for our music. Then he left, and things haven’t been the same since Gordon took over. Now that our contract has been fulfilled, it might be time to look elsewhere.”

  “It’s a big risk.” I spoke the words that weighed the heaviest on my mind. “A lot is riding on this.”

  “Yes. The most important being us. This band isn’t just a job. It’s our life, our family. We’re all miserable with the way things are right now, though none as much as you. Things need to change.”

  My throat tightened with emotion. I could have not asked for better brothers.

  Derek nodded in agreement. “Bianca and Gordon just don’t get us. We’re a team, and if they can’t appreciate that, someone else will. Or we go indie. We already have a loyal fan base and the most dedicated crew
on the planet.”

  “The payout could be huge and not just in terms of money,” Shawn said. “I’ve run the numbers. We can afford to take the risk, though nothing is guaranteed. What I can promise is that we would have control over our music again, along with whatever direction the band wants to take.”

  “It could be fucking awesome.” Lance smiled, making the rest of us grin in return as we each envisioned regaining control of the band that we had worked so hard for.

  “It seems like a win-win.” Eli turned to me, knowing how much I hated our current relationship with the record label. “Band rule is that we vote.”

  They were all in agreement that we needed to make a change as four sets of eyes looked to me to weigh in.

  “Fuck, yeah,” I sighed, sagging as relief flooded me.

  We spent the next few minutes hugging and back-slapping each other with more enthusiasm than any of us had shown about the band in months. That in itself was very telling.

  As if sensing our joy and wanting to spoil it, a group text from Bianca came through. Everyone reached for their phones to read the message. There had been a last-minute opening for a musical act at one of the late-night talk shows, so she’d taken the opportunity to book the band. Our hotel reservations had already been changed, and LGR’s private plane would be ready to fly us to Los Angeles following tonight’s performance. An itinerary for the trip was attached.

  “Damn it!” I tossed my phone aside in frustration.

  “Aw, did someone’s big plans get ruined?” Lance asked with a dramatic pout of his lips.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact,” I complained, flicking Lance off. As I sat on a nearby instrument case, the guys all joined me. “Look, I’m thrilled to finally be doing some publicity shit with you guys again, but I was also looking forward to having Anna to myself for two full days and nights.”

  “And I was looking forward to not hearing the two of you going at it in her bunk for a few nights.” Lance just shrugged his shoulders when I shot daggers at him.

  The thought of Anna’s sexy little sounds being heard by anyone else had me rethinking ways to drown her out. And that train of thought had me growing hard again.

  “I thought the rule was no sex on the bus,” Derek stated, just to try to rile me up further.

  “Ha! Loophole, motherfucker. The rule is no groupies on the bus.” I couldn’t help the smug smile that covered my face. I knew it wasn’t cool to rub it in their faces, but knowing that what I had was a million times better than a quickie backstage, I couldn’t help it.

  “She’s coming to L.A., right?” Eli asked, redirecting the conversation.

  “Hell yeah, she’s coming.”

  “Then what’s the problem? You’ll still have plenty of time with her.”

  “The problem is that I wanted to show her New York and take her to the Bronx Zoo. Now, we have a midnight flight that’s going to cause some serious jet lag, a photoshoot, a fucking industry party to attend, and a show to tape all before we fly back again on Monday.”

  “And Anna with still be with you. Just make the best of it, man,” Derek said, nudging my shoulder.

  “I know, it’s just that we don’t get a lot of time together. Plus, we all agreed that our days off were sacred on this tour.”

  “Just another reason to make sure we’re calling the shots from now on,” Shane justified.

  “You’re really falling for her, aren’t you?” Derek asked.

  “Yeah, I am. I know it’s fast, and I can’t explain it. But she’s amazing.”

  “Based on the way she looks at you, I’d say the feeling is very mutual.” Eli’s observation made my heart race.

  “Damn, I hope so. I can’t even think about her going home in four weeks.”

  “Nah,” Lance argued. “She’s one of us now.”

  It was the first time I admitted to myself that our temporary, casual relationship might not be enough for me. And I had no idea what to do about that.

  Mid-flight, Anna’s death grip had finally eased enough for the blood flow to return to my hand. As expected, it was her first time flying and she was understandably nervous. Eager to distract her, I’d given her a tour of the private plane, providing a little mile high club action in the restroom. Finally feeling more relaxed, we reclined back in our seats to get some rest.

  “Will you tell me more about Bianca so I know what to expect?” Anna asked, turning her face towards mine.

  I spread a blanket over her and reached up to turn off the overhead light. Everyone else was settled in, either sleeping or watching a movie, leaving a soft glow of light filling the cabin.

  “She works for LGR and was assigned to us when we released our first album. Thanks to her efforts to promote our music, she helped get us a lot of exposure.”

  “Then what happened?”

  I took her hand in mine and laced our fingers. “If I had to pinpoint one thing, I would say it was the breakup with Krissy. From then on, everything went to shit.” Anna chewed her lip, hesitating to ask anything further. I wondered if she was jealous of Krissy or felt intimidated by her fame. “You are everything she could never be,” I whispered, leaning in to press my lips to hers.The words had their intended effect, easing the tension from Anna’s features. “Was dating her Bianca’s idea?”

  “Yes. Krissy is also signed with LGR, and the publicity department went nuts over our duet. Naturally, we spent a lot of time together recording and promoting the song, so when the media started speculating about a relationship, Bianca pushed me to go along with it. We went out a few times, but it wasn’t long before we got pulled in different directions. Krissy lives in Nashville, and I was going back home to Lupine.”

  “Where the heck is Lupine?” Anna interrupted.

  I laughed at her reaction, which was common for anyone who wasn’t from the area. “It’s about an hour northeast of Charlotte. Anyway, it became obvious that Krissy was more interested in being seen and photographed together than an actual relationship. She thrived on attention, and having the paparazzi around was a game for her. We were polar opposites in that.”

  Looking back, it was easy to see just how different we were. Even during our brief relationship, I had wanted to end things sooner but held off out of obligation.

  Mistaking my silence for discomfort, Anna squeezed my hand. “We can talk about something else.”

  “Talking about her doesn’t make me feel anything except regret,” I admitted, needing her to understand that. “I never loved Krissy. Hell, I didn’t even like her most of the time. When I walked in on her and a producer having sex in a sound booth, I was relieved. For me, that ended things right then and there. Krissy seemed to think I was overreacting. She continued texting me and asking me to join her for events. The next time I knew I was going to be back in Nashville, I boxed up the random items I had accumulated of hers so I could return them. She told me exactly when and where to meet her. It had been two months since I’d seen her and had no idea that it was her birthday. Of course, Krissy took full advantage of the situation and arranged for the paparazzi to photograph the whole thing. She played the heartbroken victim while I was portrayed as the heartless bastard. The media ate it up.”

  “Why the hell didn’t Bianca do better damage control?”

  Leaning in to kiss the crease in her brow, I couldn’t help the warmth that spread across my chest as she got angry on my behalf. “Bianca and LGR management agreed that the best course of action was to play up the bad boy image. They were worried about sales of the new album, and having my name in the headlines was free publicity. They believed in the theory that no press was bad press. To make matters worse, they forced us to change our songs on the second album so that they fit the darker image. They even named the album Dark for crying out loud. Not long after that, I was being singled out for publicity shit and our first song was released. It was like a runaway train that we couldn’t stop.”

  “The album would have done better if they had just let you guys b
e yourselves.”

  “Thanks for saying that, baby. Too bad we can’t prove it.” Seeing her eyes getting heavy, I was thankful that there was no divider between the seats so I could wrap an arm around her and pull her close.

  “I’ll prove it,” she mumbled as her hand settled over my heart.

  Pulling back the sheet, I stood and admired Anna’s naked backside. Facedown and sound asleep, one arm and leg were stretched to my side of the bed as if she was seeking my touch. Or my body heat, if nothing else. Last night’s late arrival had left us both too tired for anything more than stripping off our clothes and falling onto the bed.

  Waking before her, I had ordered breakfast, luckily beating the cutoff time to order the hotel’s famous lemon blueberry pancakes. Despite their allure, I was willing to postpone food so I could feast on the banquet spread out on the mattress.

  Shucking the pants that I had put on to prevent shocking the room service waiter, I was already hard for her. As my eyes roved her body, I leisurely stroked my dick a few times before prowling up the bed. I knew the party tonight had her nervous, so part of me wanted to let her sleep as late as possible. However, there was a lot to do to get ready and I didn’t want her to feel rushed. I opted for a sultry wake-up call.

  Kissing a path up the back of her leg, she started to squirm. Reaching the magical place where her thigh met her luscious ass cheek, I traced the crease with the tip of my tongue. A low moan sounded from Anna as her hips shifted. Grabbing her ass in both hands, I gently bit one cheek.

  “Did you just bite my ass?” Anna asked, her voice muffled by the pillow but laced with amusement.

  “Yes, ma’am.” I bit the other cheek since it was right in front of me and I didn’t want that side feeling left out. “I’ve wanted to take a bite out of your ass ever since I saw you in that little bikini in Daytona.”

  Anna hummed and lifted her hips, bringing her ass up higher for me. Slipping a finger into her already drenched pussy, I continued to suck and bite her cheeks. When she began to lift onto her knees, I traded my finger for my thumb so I could rub her sweet spot, just the way she liked it. With her breathing increased and her riding my hand, I pressed my fingers into her clit and pumped my thumb in and out of her. She was so damn responsive that her walls were soon clamping down on my thumb and I felt her body quake from her climax.