Just an Illusion - The B Side Read online

“I wasn’t worried. I know you’ll take care of us however you need to. Thank you for this, it’s the most incredible thing anyone has ever done for me.”

  Noah trails kisses along my collarbone and works his way up to right below my ear. His hands are on my ass as he pulls me tightly against him. “This is our year, Amelia, and I wanted it to start off perfectly. The rest of our lives begins now.” Noah fumbles in his pocket for a second as soft music begins piping through the tent. “May I have this dance?”

  “Of course.” As I tuck myself into Noah’s arms, the beauty of this moment sinks in. The soft, jazzy music, the stars looking down on us from above, the ocean waves crashing against the shore—nothing could be more perfect.

  We spend some time dancing under the moonlit stars, enjoying each other’s company. Noah’s taste in music is exceptional and before I know it he’s leading me to the dinner table. When he uncovers shrimp scampi I moan in appreciation. Noah’s learned pasta is the way to my heart. After dinner, he leads us outside our tent where there is a bonfire and blankets ready for us. Once we’re snuggled together I lean my head against his shoulder.

  “What are you thinking?” he asks while we gaze at the stars above us. It’s a perfectly clear night; the view couldn’t be better.

  “A few things, actually.” Sitting here with him reminds me of the first night we met. The night I never even wanted to go to their concert in the first place.

  “Okay, so start with the biggest.”

  With a sigh, I continue to look up at the stars—letting all my emotions run wild—and give him exactly what he asks for. “I didn’t plan for this, and I never thought I would be this kind of girl.”

  He tightens his hold around my shoulder. “What kind of girl is that?”

  “That night when we met, I didn’t want to go. I was happy to stay home, curled up in my pajamas, and talk to some of my readers on social media. Did you know Belle and I actually got into a little tiff because I wouldn’t wear the BAD shirt she brought over for me?” I laugh at the memory. “I told her it was me or the shirt, and at the time I was wishing the shirt would win, but she picked me.”

  “Remind me to thank her,” he adds with a chuckle.

  “So we went to the show and it was a flashback of everything I’d been running from the past few years. As much as I didn’t want to enjoy it, especially since I’m not fond of the band’s music … sorry, I know, sensitive subject.”

  “It’s okay, Mel, you like our new stuff and you seem to enjoy my music, so I’ll forgive you.”

  Placing a light kiss on his cheek, my eyes meet his. “I adore your music. But back to the story. That night, I felt this anticipation.” He raises his brow, and I tuck myself back into his shoulder. “Yeah, I know, there’s that word again. I should have understood something bigger was at work. As we went from our seats to being led through the halls at The Greek …”

  “That’s where I first saw you. Did you notice me looking at you?” he interrupts.

  “No, I felt you, though. I felt eyes on me, but when I looked up, no one was looking at me. You must have turned away. Then I felt eyes on me again so I turned around, but it was Sawyer then, watching as we walked away.”

  “That’s not surprising at all. Sawyer has always had radar for good-looking women, he’s just lacking the necessary execution to do anything more than have them for a one-night stand.”

  Noah’s abrupt words surprise me, and I find myself quickly defending Sawyer. “He could if he wants to, Noah, but he doesn’t. This is what he wants for now. He seems perfectly content with that. But I do hope, for his sake, he finds someone after the tour who makes him reconsider keeping himself shut off.”

  “You two have talked about relationships?”

  “Don’t act so stunned. Sawyer and I have become friends, and I have interviewed each of you for the book, so of course we’ve talked. But we’re not talking about him right now, we’re talking about us.”

  Noah smiles and places a brief kiss on top of my head. “Of course we are. Please continue.”

  “From the moment we met you guys, I was intrigued. You just … weren’t what I was expecting. And after we got to your house, I just had this excited but uneasy feeling. When Warren hit me with your offer, I was stunned and came down here to think. The last thing on my mind that night was finding a man or going on tour. It was terrifying to think about getting on a tour bus again. The last couple tours I was on didn’t end so well, you know?”

  “I’m sorry, Mel, we didn’t know.” His soft words are comforting, and he squeezes my hand in support.

  “I know, Noah, it’s okay. I’m happy I came so I could put those things behind me once and for all. But I was still reveling in the fact I was an independent woman. I didn’t want nor need a man. I had BOB for the times when he was needed, and for the first time in my life I was making real money and could see a future beyond being someone’s assistant. Then you happened.”

  “And is that a bad thing?”

  When I look at Noah, his brown hair is blowing in the breeze, the moonlight shimmers off his eyebrow ring, and there’s a grin poking up from the corner of his mouth. I wish I had a picture of him like this because he’s never looked more handsome.

  “No, it’s a good thing. From the moment you sat down on the sand next to me, I never stood a chance. I was this independent, kickass woman, who didn’t need a man in her life, and then you came along and kind of blew my world apart.”

  “I’m pretty sure you blew my world apart,” he replies, letting his lips caress mine for the briefest of moments.

  “But here’s the thing … I don’t feel like we rushed things. Isn’t that strange? It’s like the whole time we were friends and getting to know each other, but my heart kind of raced ahead to the finish line while the rest of me caught up. I’m sure there are things I don’t know about you, probably more things I don’t know than things I do know. But every time I find out something new, my heart beats faster and I get excited to know more. That night I didn’t want this, but now I can’t imagine not having it. So now, my question for you is this … You could have any woman in the world, Noah. Why me?”

  Noah moves his arm down to my waist and flips me so we’re face to face with me straddling him. “I wasn’t looking for you, either, Mel. Not exactly, anyway. I knew I wanted the tour over so I could work on settling down. Because that’s where I’m at right now. I want what Anna and Wyatt have, but I want kids in that equation. Dating on tour is next to impossible, so I knew once it was over I’d finally have a shot at finding more. Then you came along with your sassy mouth, pouty lips, sexy mind, and beautiful body and soul and I realized … Why not you?”

  Noah’s lips find my collarbone, and he blazes a trail of kisses up along my neck and works his way slowly and seductively to my mouth. After a sensual kiss, he continues his story. “When you came down to think, I followed because Darren wanted Belle, and because I was hoping to get to know you better. I didn’t have any clue my heart was going to be stolen by yours right here on this beach. Once that happened, I was a goner. Every day from the night we met until the tour started, I waited in anticipation of seeing you again. Yet I knew if we got involved it could be problematic, to say the least. When you got on the bus and I offered you my bed and you turned me down because you thought I was a manwhore, it really bothered me. I didn’t want you to have that opinion of me, and I was damn well going to prove to you I was a man worth taking seriously.”

  “Yeah, I could tell from the expression on your face I really hurt you when I said that. I’m sorry for ever assuming the worst about you.”

  “I forgive you,” he says solemnly. “The bottom line is you make me happy, Amelia. Happier than I’ve ever been. When I wake up in the morning, I’m excited to have a whole new day with you. And when I fall asleep at night with you by my side, I sleep easier knowing you’re tucked safely in my arms. I wasn’t looking for you, either, but fate knew it was our t
ime and she brought you to me.”

  The sounds of fireworks popping pulls my attention from Noah. Looking over my shoulder, I witness a gorgeous display. He turns my face back toward his. “Happy New Year, Amelia.”

  “Happy New Year, Noah,” I reply before he takes my mouth and kisses me sensuously under the moonlit sky. Once he releases me, he turns me around and tucks me between his legs so we can watch the fireworks.

  “This is amazing. Do they do this every year?”

  He murmurs against my ear. “Do you want me to have them do this every year?”

  Oh my God. He did this for me.

  “Noah, you didn’t?”

  “Enjoy the show, Mel.” His whispered words wrap around me like a cocoon. And as the grand finale begins, with me still tucked between Noah’s legs, he reaches into his pocket and presents a box in front of me. With his mouth still pressed against my ear, his husky words wrap around me and fill me with fear and a simultaneous comfort the likes of which I’ve never experienced.

  “Amelia Greyson, I know people will say it’s fast, but sometimes you just know. I’ve known since the first night on this beach with you that what we had was vastly different than anything I’ve ever experienced. Last month, when I almost lost you, it brought my whole life into perspective. Every moment we have is a gift and I don’t want to miss any moments with you. Marry me, Mel. We can move as fast or as slowly as you like. I want to know that one day you’ll be my forever, no matter how long it takes to get there.”

  Any rational thought is gone from my mind. “I don’t understand. When did you … Noah!”

  He chuckles against my skin as if he already knew he was going to throw me off guard. “The day Wyatt and I were shopping. I lied. I found exactly what I was looking for. If you don’t like it we can get something else, I won’t be hurt.”

  “Before the tattoo?”

  “Yeah, baby. Before the tattoo.”

  He wanted me before he knew. He wants me forever. God help me, I want him, too. I flip back around and straddle him again, pulling his face to mine. He fumbles with the ring box for a second before finally getting a grasp on it again.

  “Yes, Noah Weston. I will absolutely, with my entire heart and soul, marry you.” And before he can even slip the ring onto my finger, I seal my promise with a kiss I’ll remember my entire life. I’ll never be able to watch a fireworks display again without remembering this night and this kiss.

  After I’ve kissed him breathless, he pulls the ring from the box and holds it up in front of me. “Did you even look at the ring?”

  “I didn’t before, but I see it now and it’s gorgeous. Thank you.”

  It’s perfect. A single, solitary round-cut diamond on a band made of smaller diamonds all the way around. It’s a little flashy for everyday Mel, but considering I’m going to be a rock star’s wife, it’s extremely understated.

  As he slides the ring on my finger, I’m amazed it fits perfectly. “Did Belle know?”

  He shakes his head. “Why do you ask?”

  “The ring fits like it was made for me. I figured she gave you my size.”

  “Darren told me what size he got Belle and I got two sizes up from that. I was going to just get one but Darren reminded me how tiny Belle really is, so I went up one more.”

  “Good call. So do all the guys know?”

  A sheepish looks crosses his face. “Well … yeah. I needed their help, and they were happy to give it once they figured out why. Even Sawyer went out of his way to make sure all of this went off without a hitch. I owe him a lot for tonight.”

  “He loves you. Just remember that when you have to return the favor for him one day.”

  Noah holds my hand up and lets his fingers caress the ring, then he brings it to his mouth and kisses my hand.

  “Can I make love to the future Mrs. Weston now?”

  “Yes, please” I murmur, allowing him to help me up from the sand.

  Amelia

  Present Day

  That night was hands down one of the best nights of my life. It was also the calm before the storm. Even now, looking back, there would have been no way to pinpoint all the changes to come. The first of many started a mere few hours before we left to go back on the road. I’d love to write about that night; maybe someday I’ll come back and add to this part of the book. Right now, it’s a private memory between the two of us. What I will say is our lovemaking hit a higher plane of existence that night. One of which our relationship continued to thrive upon.

  It seems like everything after that night was in fast forward. The new year brought new challenges, but Noah’s and my love never faltered, but I’ll get to that.

  Moving back over to the window, I look out at the dreary day. The waves crash furiously against the shore, lashing back at mother nature in anger for disrupting their calm, lazy approach. It’s even been thundering and lightning, which is rare for Southern California. Normally, I’d be worried about the boys since they’re camping, but they’re really glamping. Their idea of camping is a three-bedroom luxury cabin up in Big Bear where they can play in the snow, talk shit with each other, and drink. They need this time away, too. Since the tour ended, it’s only the second time they’ve had a boys’ weekend and the first one didn’t go too well, but I’ll eventually get to that, too.

  The chime of my inbox reminds me there’s still lots of work to do if I’m going to finish this book in less than forty hours. Speaking of … it’s a message from him.

  Hey,

  This storm has wreaked some havoc up here. The roads are all closed and they don’t anticipate them being open until Monday morning. Looks like you’ve got yourself an extra day to make a decision. I know this isn’t easy, but nothing worth having ever is. All you really need to know is I love you, and I always have. Everything else is just details.

  I’ve been considering sending him the pages I wrote yesterday. I thought maybe I’d let him read them when he came home, if he was still interested after hearing my answer. But now that he’s going to be gone an extra day, and I’m still no closer to an answer than I was when they left, maybe it’s the perfect time to let him into my thoughts. If anything, maybe he’ll empathize with me and understand my hesitation if he knows what’s going on in my heart and in my mind. Before I second guess myself to death, I reply.

  Hi,

  Thank you for the update, please stay safe up there. I know how you guys can be at times and since you’re snowed in, please don’t go snowboard off a cliff and break a leg or anything. I’m thinking about your question, but I’m never really not thinking about it. I know you feel like I blow you off a lot, but this situation is so much bigger than us. Actually, I’ve been writing. I know you thought I might and you were right. It’s the only way to find my way through to the answers I need. I’m going to send you what I’ve written so far. If you want more, I can send you the rest as I continue to write. Don’t worry about me; one way or another I’ll have an answer for you when you come home. I love you.

  A little while later, he replies.

  Thank you for trusting me with your words. I’ll take good care of them. Now, all you need to do is trust me with your heart. I won’t let you down, not this time. I love you, too. Always.

  His words resonate with me long after his email. I’ve never feared him letting me down. My fear is losing him forever.

  Belle’s New York Announcement

  Slammers!

  Happy New Year! Yes, I fully realize that was yesterday, but today is our first BAD announcement for the year and it seemed appropriate. Alright, let’s get down to business. After spending the holidays home with their family and loved ones, our BAD boys are once again on the move. Under the cover of night, BAD will arrive in New York for a week filled with interviews and shows. Hopefully, you’re one of the lucky ones who get to see them. But if not, or if you’re not in the New York area, please see the list of interviews below and where you can watch them.<
br />
  This year is going to be one for the records, folks! Our BAD boys are on their way out, but who’s coming in? Check out the list of emerging new artists on our homepage and see if you can pick the next up-and-coming legacy. Who knows, maybe once our boys retire they’ll start mentoring some of these new groups and won’t be completely lost to us. It’s all wishful thinking and speculation, but a girl can dream!

  On another note, meet and greets. BAD and their security teams have decided meet and greets will remain modified to autographs only. In light of recent occurrences, I’m sure you can all understand why this is the new rule. Anyone in the meet and greet will now receive a group photo of BAD which you can have autographed while you’re there to help make up for the inconvenience. Isn’t that sweet of them? I swear they are always considering their fans’ feelings, which is why BAD is truly one of a kind.

  That’s all for now!

  Don’t forget - Live today like there’s no tomorrow.

  Xs and Os

  Belle

  One big façade

  “Earth to Mel, where are you?” Noah’s teasing tone pulls me from my frantic thoughts. Our plane is taking off and even though it’s a private plane, I still don’t want to tell him what’s really on my mind.

  “I’m right here, sorry. I get a little nervous on planes. I’m more of a bus girl.”

  He laces his fingers in mine and nods in understanding. “You’ve been off since you got back from the doctor. Did the procedure go okay? Do you need some pain meds or to lie down or something? I read,” he takes note of the people surrounding us and whispers, “that getting an IUD can be uncomfortable.”

  Leave it to Noah to research IUD placements. I’d kiss him if I weren’t so nervous. “I’m okay. A few days and I’ll be good as new. I’ve just got a lot on my mind, especially with the signing tomorrow and everything.”

  “I’m sorry I can’t be there. I’m still trying to get out of my interview, though. I really want to be there to support you. I’m so proud of you, Mel. All your dreams are coming true.”