Eternal Flame (Eternal Flame #1) (6 page)

Kristen rubbed her neck. “It’s okay.”

She looked at him to ask another question; then almost moaned out loud when she saw him staring at her legs. She was so glad she hadn’t pulled her dress back down. It was sitting up around her upper thighs, exposing part of her pantied hipbone. His eyes held for a moment before he looked away, loudly clearing his throat.

The light turned green and he took off, driving slower this time. Kristen’s thighs tightly rubbed together, trying in vain to suppress the heat gathered there.

Roman’s hands nervously tapped the steering wheel to the beat of a song that was playing on the radio. “How old are you?”

“18.”

For some reason that made him cough loud and long. “18?” He looked over at her like she’d just told him she liked to boil baby kittens alive for sport. “You still in high-school?”

“No. I graduated two weeks ago.”

He paused. “Oh.”

“I went to a private school. We get out a month earlier than everyone else.”

“Oh.”

Kristen’s hands subconsciously rubbed her legs. She imagined they were Roman’s hands.

He surreptitiously looked over at her again. “You seeing someone?”

Hope danced and turned cartwheels in Kristen’s chest. “I was. We broke up. He moved away.”

“Oh. That’s too bad.”

She couldn’t tell if he sounded relieved or didn’t give a shit one way or another. His tone had been mostly flat since she’d met him.

“You mind if we make a stop first?’

“No.”

“I have to stop at the studio. I was supposed to have a session today and I forgot. It won’t take long.”

“No problem.”

They rode in silence the rest of the way. When they finally pulled up to the simple, one-story brick building, Kristen’s heart jumped in her throat and she sat straight up. Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

Three immediately recognizable motorcycles were sitting in the driveway. Nick’s. Alex’s. And Diego’s.

Roman cut the truck off and got out of the car. He walked towards the studio and looked back over his shoulder at Kristen. His face scrunched up in annoyance. “Umm…. What’s your name?”

Kristen’s fists clenched at her seat. “Kristen!” she yelled through the thick windshield glass.

“Right. You getting out or what?”

Kristen raised her eyebrow at him. Well, shit. He hadn’t helped her in the car; he wasn’t helping her out the car. Chivalry was most certainly dead.

She warily eyed the motorcycles again and inwardly groaned. This was going to be fun. Unfastening her seatbelt, Kristen opened the door and carefully got out. Roman chirped the alarm and went on inside, leaving her outside. He didn’t even hold the door open for her.

“Asshole,” she grumbled as she stomped to the door, yanking it open.

She was immediately in a simply decorated lobby. Two couches, two chairs, a wooden table. No one was there. She looked around, wondering where the fuck Roman had gone. She gradually looked over at the receptionist’s desk and found it vacant. She crossed her arms and frowned, irritated. What was she supposed to do? Just stand there? Sit down and wait?

Refusing to do either, Kristen set off in search of Roman. She walked to her left and found a long, dark hallway. She could make out music coming from a room in the back and walked towards the sound. The door was closed when she reached it. She turned the knob and peeked inside. There was another lobby on the other side, this one decorated more richly with gold and platinum records on the earth-toned walls, spotless rustic-colored carpet, and over-stuffed leather chairs and sofas.

Ahead of her was another room, separated from the lobby with see-through glass. On the other side of it was Diego, sitting studiously at a fancy-looking control station as he touched several buttons. Kristen guessed it was the engineering or mixing room. In the medium-sized cubby behind him was what she presumed was the vocal booth. It was covered with foam and had a see-through window as well. Nick was inside, singing passionately with his eyes closed. Kristen’s heart beat fast in anticipation of seeing both of them.

She turned to her side and looked in surprise when she saw Alex lying on one of the sofas. He was lying on his back asleep with his mouth open, a Playboy magazine opened face down on his chest. Kristen chuckled to herself and looked back over to the engineering booth. Roman was now standing beside Diego talking to him.

Kristen was shocked to see him standing there. Where had he come from that fast? Her immediate response was to be pissed off at him for deserting her outside but she couldn’t help feeling that mad, hungry desire for him as she looked at him. What was it about this man that had her emotions so schizophrenic? He was a complete, inexcusable, intolerable asshole.

Just then, Nick looked up and saw Kristen standing in the lobby. His face brightened and his voice grew stronger. He smiled and stared at her as he continued to sing. Kristen widely grinned back at him, waving. Diego and Roman’s eyes followed Nick’s and looked in her direction. She saw Diego inhale and exhale, his broad chest expanding, his eyes lighting up at her presence. Roman looked back and forth between her and Diego, his eyes scrupulously narrowed as he watched them. Then he looked over at Nick and watched him watching Kristen. A look of acknowledgment crossed over his face. He looked back over at her and her eyes immediately met his, abandoning Diego’s. Kristen detected a hard defiance in them and it made her nervous. She avoided eye contact with him and ran her hand down her hair, biting her lip.

“You said to be here at a quarter ‘til 3, I’m here. Why is he still in the fucking booth? I have shit to do and I don’t have long. Nick, can you come out of there for a minute so I can record this shit? We don’t have a lot of time left.”

Kristen astoundingly looked over at Roman. Diego clenched and worked his jaw as he stared at him. He cut the song, still looking at Roman with hard eyes. Nick stopped mid-song and opened his hands in a “what gives” gesture.

“Is there a problem?” Roman bitingly continued. “If there is I can come back. Or I don’t have to come back at all and I can just skip this song altogether. I don’t like this shit anyway. I told you guys the other song sounded better but majority rules so whatever…“ He knocked his knuckles against the control panel and roughly ran his fingers over his beard.

Diego glanced over at Kristen and worked his mouth. Kristen could tell he was trying to be professional and remain calm. He looked like he wanted to knock the shit out of Roman. She couldn’t blame him.

“I can come out of here so they can leave Braxton,” Nick said, taking his earphones off. “It’s no damn problem. Ro, the booth is yours.”

Diego looked back at Roman and shrugged his shoulders. Roman turned on his heel and stalked to the booth, bumping into Nick as he went. He didn’t offer an excuse me. Nick looked at him in annoyance and shook his head. He held his finger up to Diego and mouthed, “One more time.” Then he left the engineering room and walked over to Kristen.

Diego and Roman watched as Nick and Kristen warmly greeted one another and hugged.

“Start the fuckin’ song please,” Roman grumbled.

Diego looked up at the ceiling and shook his head. He pressed a few buttons and the song started playing again. Roman immediately began singing, his voice clear and perfect, giving no indication to his intolerance and impatience moments before. Nick and Kristen watched him in joined silence. Kristen couldn’t take her eyes off of him. She was lost in the vision of his flawless beauty and strong voice. Roman looked over at her, his eyes holding unflinching contact with hers as he strongly sang the words to the song.

Kristen liked it. It was a song about love and lust and she thought the lyrics were perfect. The melody was catchy and nostalgic. She didn’t know what Roman’s problem was with it.

“So,” Nick started, disrupting her moment with Roman, “how’s the “date” going?”

Kristen broke eye contact with Roman and looked at Nick. “It’s… different. Not really what I expected.”

Nick’s eyes shone hopefulness. “Oh? Why’s that?”

“He’s not much of a talker.” She paused for effect. “He’s not much of a gentleman either, for that matter.”

“Yeah,” Nick sardonically replied. “No one can ever confuse him with a smooth talker.”

Kristen reflectively looked over at Roman. He wasn’t looking at her anymore. His eyes were closed. He was using his fist for effect to drive out the falsetto notes he was singing. Kristen hugged her arms. My God. He really did have one of the most beautiful voices in the world. But damn he was an asshole.

Thinking of that, Kristen looked over at Nick who was also watching Roman again. “Why do you guys let him get away with that?” she asked him. “I don’t get it. There are four of you to one of him. He shouldn’t be allowed to talk to you guys like that.”

Nick held his hands up to her. His voice was no-nonsense as he spoke. “Because we get it. We get it.” He looked at her.  “None of us like it but we can’t blame him and we don’t. We’ve all mutually agreed to cut him some slack, at least for a while. It’s a mother-fucker what he’s going through. I mean, it happened a long time ago but with this chick coming back around again it’s just stirring up all kinds of bullshit.”

Kristen’s eyes widened as she looked over at him. “Chick? What chick?”

Nick shook his head and turned away from her, watching Roman again. He was watching them like a hawk but still singing. “I’ve said too much already. I really can’t say anything else. Just be patient with him. I can’t believe I’m saying it, knowing how I feel about you, but-“

“And how do you feel about me Nick?” she teased, giving him a pretty smile.

He humorously cut his eyes at her and chuckled. “You already know boo. You already know.” He was quiet for a minute. “Umm… I know you’re with him today…” He gestured towards Roman. “And Diego says you and he are hanging out tonight… Do you think you can squeeze in some time for me maybe tomorrow or Sunday?

“We’re leaving Sunday.”

Disappoint dulled his blue eyes. “Oh.”

Kristen glanced over at the still sleeping Alex. She was thankful he was still asleep. Juggling three men was hard; four would be damn near impossible. “But not until late night. Before coming up here, Joy and I talked about staying an extra day if we can talk her mom into it. Away from her hopefully.”

Nick laughed joyfully. “Yeah she’s a trip.” He paused again. “I really want to spend some time with you. If you wouldn’t mind. If it’s okay.”

“I don’t mind. And it’s okay. Maybe tomorrow evening sometime?”

He pleasantly nodded. “Awesome.”

“Not that I’m complaining that I’ve only met four of you guys so far, but where’s Will? Is he around?”

Nick stretched his eyes dramatically. “Damn! Do I have to compete with Will too?” Kristen laughed loud and he chuckled, shaking his head. “He was actually here before you guys came but he had to leave. You’ll probably see him later at the party.”

“Okay cool.”

The session with Roman was over. He all but slammed the headphones back in place and walked out of the recording booth. He stopped to talk to Diego. They whispered conspiratorially with one another before Diego got up and left the room. He was headed to Kristen. Roman became distracted by his cell-phone ringing and looked at it, frowning deeply. He chewed on his lip; then answered it and turned away, speaking softly.

Diego’s eyes locked with Kristen as he walked up to her and Nick. Nick rubbed Kristen’s shoulder. “See you later tonight?”

Kristen nodded, her eyes still on Diego. Nick loudly sighed and walked away, going back into the engineering room. He glanced back at them then looked over at Roman, who was still on the phone. Deciding to give him privacy, he went into the recording booth and shut the door, taking out his own phone and dialing.

“So, how are things?” Diego asked Kristen.

She shrugged slightly. “Awkward.”

“Has he told you anything?”

She slowly shook her head. “Nope.”

“Don’t let it get to you. Least, try not to. I know it’s not easy but don’t take it personal. It’s not about you.”

“I don’t know how you guys are doing it. There’s a difference between wanting to be left alone and bringing other people into your shit.”

“He can’t help it. Trust me, it’s bad. It’s really bad Kristen.”

Kristen worriedly looked over at Roman. He was no longer on the phone. He was watching her and Diego. His hands were in his front pockets with his thumbs sticking out the tops. He was rocked back on one leg, his back erect; his head slightly lowered, intensely watching them.

Lord, why he got to stand like that?

She couldn’t help but ponder in broken English when she thought about him or looked at him. He was the sexiest man on the fucking planet. She could spend the rest of her life waking up to that face. Realizing she was staring, Kristen looked back at Diego. She could still feel the heat of Roman’s gaze on her face and her body tingled in awareness. She had a feeling he was looking her up and down from head to toe but she didn’t dare check to see if she was right.

“I’m really looking forward to tonight,” Diego tenderly replied running his finger over her cheek. His hand was so soft.

Kristen shyly looked down at the floor and beamed. “Me too.”

“You ready to go?”

Kristen’s head shot up to see Roman standing alongside her and Diego. What the fuck was he? A vampire? She swallowed hard. “Y-Yes.”

“You good man?” Diego addressed Roman.

“I’m fine. Why?”

“Just asking. Want to make sure you’re okay.”

Roman dully looked at him for a moment; then turned back in Kristen’s direction. “Ready uh… Uh…”

“Kristen,” she softly said.

“Right. Let’s go.” He headed towards the front of the building.

Diego and Kristen looked at one another; then followed him. Diego lengthily hugged her when they reached the front lobby, gently running his hand up and down her back. Kristen felt awkward as hell with him doing that in front of Roman. She had a sinking feeling he was trying to prove a point. She was lucky he didn’t pee on her.

Diego pulled back and looked at her, his eyes saying so much at once, scaring the shit out of her.

“You coming? Or what?”

They looked at Roman standing in the doorway, his eyes intently looking back and forth between them.

Kristen blinked. “Yes.” She bashfully grinned at Diego. “See you tonight.”

She hurriedly walked to the door and went out.

“See you later man,” Diego said to Roman.

Roman didn’t answer him. He just turned and walked out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

In the car, Roman kept glancing over at Kristen, his fingers once again tapping to the beat of a song on the radio. “What’s going on with you and Diego?”

Kristen’s eyes scanned his face. Did she detect a slight twinge of jealousy? “Huh?”

“I noticed in the studio there was this weird back and forth with you guys. And he gave you that long, inappropriate hug before you left. You like him or something?”

Inappropriate
? “Yes. I mean, no. I mean, not like that. He’s a nice guy.”