Surrender (13 page)

Ava

“So how did you pull up this morning?”

Crossing my legs underneath me, I listen to Emma’s soft voice.

“Horrible, I woke up in Brody’s bed with the biggest headache. I was so embarrassed”

“What? You were in Brody’s bed?”

“It’s a long story. I was going to sleep on the couch, but I was really sick and he just said we could share. I was so drunk I couldn’t be bothered to argue. I miss him so much Em. I actually woke up for the first time in weeks feeling happy, for five seconds anyway.”

“Ava, I don’t know what to say.”

“I was snuggled up to him and everything, thank god he was asleep or he would have freaked if he was awake. It was as if nothing had changed and we were just us. It felt really nice. But then we woke up and it was back to reality.”

“Give it time, Ava. I’m sure he will remember you. A love like yours doesn’t just go away, it can overcome anything. You two are meant to be. And you will, he just needs time, I know that’s not what you want to hear but it’s the truth.”

“I know.” Sighing I lean my head back and close my eyes, memories of Brody and I fill my head. What if this is it for us? At least I can be glad I got to spend some time with him.

“Ava.”

“Sorry, what?”

“I said I think Jo is planning another girl’s night soon.”

“As long as I don’t get that drunk again I’m in, I don’t have anything to do.”

“Good, we need to get you back to being the fun and carefree girl you are.”

“I know I’m getting there, look I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”

My mind drifts back to this morning when I woke up tucked into Brody’s chest. At first I was a little worried that I had crossed a line and he would be upset with me, but then I realized he was still asleep and I couldn’t help but touch him. Thank God he didn’t wake up or I would have looked like the biggest creep, running my hands over his stomach and his face. I just couldn’t help myself. Once I had realized I was cuddled up to him, I just wanted to get closer to him. I wanted to curl up in his arms and stay there forever. I just want everything to go back to the way it was. I miss him so much.

When Brody had woken up I thanked him for letting me stay the night and I hightailed it out of there pretty quick. I would have given anything to just stay in bed with him all day, but, that side of our relationship is gone. I need to face the reality that all we can be now is friends.

Jeremy

“Jeremy, can you pull this end up a little higher? It still looks crooked to me. What do you think, Tori?”

Jo is standing in the middle of the dance floor directing Hunter and I while we try to hang a banner over the top of the small stage.

Tori wanders over from the table area where she was pumping up balloons and stares up at the banner. She touches a finger to her chin as if deep in thought and then nods.

“Yeah, it needs to be a bit higher on Stone’s end.”

I lift my corner up half an inch and both girls hold up their hands.

“Stop! Right there. That’s perfect.”

Hunter and I glance at each other and I roll my eyes at the girls’ need for perfection.

“It’s only a banner. What does it matter if it’s crooked?”

Jo plants her hands on her hips and frowns at me. God she looks cute standing there in her shorts and tank, pouting her deep red lips.

“How can you say that? You know this party has to be perfect.”

I jump down off the ladder and make my way to her.

“I just don’t understand who is going to be measuring how straight the banner is?”

Jo folds her slender, tanned arms across her chest, pushing her breasts up in the process. Fuck, how am I supposed to focus on this decorating shit when all I can think about is leaning her over one of the tables and…

“Stone! This night has to be perfect for them. They need this.”

Her concern for Brody and Ava is really sweet and admirable, and I decide then and there that I will help in any way I can to make tonight run as smoothly as possible.

***

Later that night I am standing on Brody’s doorstep. I told him that Travis had called a meeting and that I would pick him up as he has no way of getting there. He was completely oblivious to the fact that we are throwing this surprise party. Jo will be pleased with my efforts.

I open the door and step into the apartment, just as Brody exits his room. He grabs his phone and keys off the table in the living room and tucks them into his jeans pocket before grabbing the black leather jacket off the back of the sofa.

“Hey, man. You ready?”

He has a quick glance around the room and looks back at me.

“Sure, let’s go.”

We get in my car and I head toward the Red Tavern. Jo told us to arrive by seven and then she would bring Ava in around quarter past. Hunter was supposed to be getting Luke here around the same time as Ava.

We pull up in the back parking area and I switch off the engine. Brody looks questioningly at me.

“I told Hunter and Luke I’d pick them up from here. Come on, we definitely have time for one drink before we go and meet Travis.”

Brody shakes his head but opens his door anyway.

As we head across the road to the entry, Brody reminds me he isn’t supposed to be drinking yet and I tell him I’ll buy him a soda.

I push open the door and signal for Brody to enter first. As he does there is a massive chorus of ‘surprise’ causing him to jump a little in fright. I can’t keep the guilty grin off my face as he turns back briefly to look at me.

I pat him on his good shoulder.

“Sorry, bro. We were sworn to secrecy. This is all on Jo.”

We enter the room and our friends all rush forward to hug Brody and express how glad they are that he is recovering well from his accident. He makes his way around the room chatting to the guests and I can see him searching the faces in the crowd. I wonder who he is looking for.

Suddenly, Emma whistles to get everyone’s attention and tells us the birthday boy is here, just before Hunter and Luke walk through the same door we just did to the same chorus of ‘surprise’. Hunter makes his way toward me and we watch Luke circle the group of guests as they all wish him a happy birthday.

About five minutes later Emma tells us all to be quiet again for the birthday girl. I see Brody turn to look straight at the door and I smile as I realize that she is who he was looking for earlier. The front door opens again and Ava walks through looking as gorgeous as ever in a short, tight, black dress that hugs her curves and high black heels that make her legs look long and slender.

The crowd erupts in a shout of ‘surprise’ again and Ava’s hands fly straight up to cover her mouth. She looks like she is in shock as she turns to look at Jo, who is standing beside her with the biggest grin on her face.

I feel like someone has knocked the wind right out of me as I take in the sexy sight of Jo. She is wearing a short, red dress that dips low in the front and has thin black straps looping over her shoulders. She has sexy red heels that elongate her already long legs. I’m frozen as she saunters toward me with Ava in tow. She gives me a little wink as she reaches my side and pulls Ava up beside her.

Ava looks around at all of us, still in shock, before her eyes rest on Brody. He is staring straight at her and they seem to forget about the rest of us. I pull Jo away from them and motion for the other guys to follow.

***

A couple of hours later I have had my share of mingling with the guests and I need some fresh air. I walk past the bathrooms out the back and exit through a door leading out to an alley way. It’s quite dark out here and as I glance around trying to get my bearings, a hand touches my shoulder, making me jump.

Turning around I see Jo leaning up against the wall beside the door. She has a drink in her hand and a smile on her face.

“What are you doing out here?”

“I could ask you the same thing. Have you had enough of the party already?” She’s teasing as she steps closer to me.

Shaking my head I glance down at her long legs.

“No. I just don’t like big crowds. You shouldn’t be out here by yourself Jo. It’s not safe.”

She giggles and takes a sip of her drink, before looking up into my eyes.

“Why wouldn’t it be safe for me out here, Stone?”

The slight breeze carries the scent of her perfume and I inhale deeply as she gazes up at me.

“Anyone could be out here. It’s dark…”

“Are you afraid of the dark, Jeremy?”

“No.” Glancing down at her mouth, I notice her lips part as she watches me. “I just don’t like the thought of you out here by yourself, Jo.”

“Are you worried someone could take advantage of me? I’m drunk, but not that drunk.”

“I’m worried that you could get into trouble. What if a serial killer came along? There’s no way anyone would hear you scream out here.”

She leans forward and whispers in my ear.

“Should we test your theory?”

What the fuck? That sounds like an invitation if ever I heard one.

She’s watching me closely to gauge my reaction. Fuck it! I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her long lean body up against mine. She stares up into my eyes with so much longing as I lean forward and capture her lips with mine. She tastes of melon liquor and I can’t get enough of her sweet taste. She sighs as I run my hand through her blond hair and explore her sweet mouth with my tongue.

After a couple of intense minutes, she pulls away from me and licks her lips as her eyes search mine. The longing and desire I see in her eyes goes straight to my groin and I have to stop myself from grabbing her and taking her up against the wall in the back alley.

“Come on, stud. Let’s get out of here.”

She turns and walks further down the alley, toward the parking area, waiting for me to follow.

“Jo, where are you going?”

“Your car is parked out here right?”

What the hell does she want my car for? Surely she isn’t ready to leave the party already, after putting so much time and effort into planning it. When I get to my car she is standing beside it with a grin on her face.

“Jo, I’ve had too much to drink. I can call you a cab if you’re ready to leave.”

“I’m not leaving, Stone. The night is just getting started.”

I pull my keys out of my pocket and hit the unlock button, just before she snatches them out of my hand and pulls open the back door. Oh…

***

Spotting Brody leaning up against the wall, I walk in his direction. As I get closer I realize he is staring intently at the dance floor. My eyes follow the direction of his and I smile when I see Ava dancing with Tori. Once again he seems to be having trouble hiding his attraction to her. Just like old times.

As I reach his side he quickly looks away from the dance floor and scans the room as if he wasn’t just completely focused on Ava. Trying to hide my grin I ask him how he’s enjoying the party.

“It’s good to see everyone, although some faces I am having some trouble remembering.”

“Don’t worry, man. It will eventually all come back to you.”

His eyes drift back to Ava.

“I hope you’re right.”

Suddenly, Tori dances her way over to us and takes our hands, slowly pulling us toward the dance floor and Ava.

Brody

My heart speeds up a little as Tori drags us toward Ava. She glances over at me and her smile is so genuine and warm, it makes me feel dizzy.

Tori grabs me gently around the waist and starts swaying her hips from side to side. I’ve never been much of a dancer, but she manages to get my hips moving to the beat. As she spins me around slightly, I notice Ava enveloped in Jeremy’s arms and I feel a slight pang of jealousy that I really wasn’t expecting. I can’t take my eyes off Ava as she moves along with Jeremy. She looks so beautiful tonight, and my mind drifts back to the night we spent together in my bed. Waking up to her that morning felt completely natural to me and the feeling of her hands running over my body when she thought I was sleeping was just so damn good. I don’t remember being intimate with her, but I’m assuming we were at some stage over the last couple of months. The thought of it sends a jolt of excitement through my whole body and I gently pull away from Tori.

I wink down at her and then turn and place a hand on Jeremy’s shoulder.

“Do you mind if I cut in?”

A wide grin spreads across Jeremy’s face and he places Ava’s hand in mine.

“She’s all yours.”

Jeremy dances his way over to Tori as I pull Ava closer to me. Her scent tickles my nose as I lean down and whisper in her ear.

“Happy Birthday, Ava.”

She smiles up at me and the love I see in her eyes sends me reeling. She really is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen and the way she looks at me warms my heart to the core. No one has ever looked at me with that much love in their eyes before.

We sway together on the dance floor for a long time and she eventually wraps her arms around my waist and leans her head on my chest. We fit together so well and I just don’t want to let her go.

Resting my chin on the top of her head I can’t stop myself from running my hand through the soft hair falling down her back. Suddenly, I get this overwhelming feeling of déjà vu. Swaying together on the dance floor suddenly feels familiar to me and I don’t know if it’s because Ava told me we have danced together before or because I am beginning to remember it. I hope to God I am beginning to gain back at least one memory of our time together and I hope over time they will all come back to me. I really want to remember everything about this girl.

Later that night after all of the guests have left and we have loaded the gifts into the back room with the promise of picking those and everyone’s cars up first thing tomorrow morning, Jeremy, Jo and Ava all walk back to my place with me. We set up a table and chairs out on the balcony and grab some drinks and snacks. Over the next couple of hours I listen to them reminisce about events that happened on tour and I smile as I think about how great it would have felt to be up on stage nearly every night performing the songs that I have put so much effort into writing. They talk about the different venues and the numerous photo shoots and interviews with the magazines and radio stations. But, none of it seems to jog my memory at all.

A couple of times I notice Jeremy and Jo giving each other strange looks, or one staring at the other when they think they’re not looking. I wonder what’s going on there.

Just as the night sky starts to lighten a little, Jo stands up.

“I need to get to bed. Good night all. I hope you enjoyed the party and see you all in the morning.” She staggers a little on her heels and Jeremy gets up to help her inside as we all thank her for a wonderful party.

The door closes behind them and I look over at Ava to find her watching me with a closed lipped smile.

I grin back at her.

“What are you smiling at?”

“I don’t know…I just feel…happy.”

I gaze into her golden eyes and nod my head.

“Yeah…me too.”

We sit and chat for a while longer and then fall into a comfortable silence as we watch the sunrise. She’s staring out at the horizon, her hair swaying gently in the breeze and I find myself watching her.

“It’s so pretty.”

“It sure is.”

She glances at me and I see a slight blush creeping up her cheeks, which makes her look even prettier.

She suddenly stands and looks down at me.

“I guess I should be getting home.”

I stand up and follow her as she enters the living room and we chuckle when we see Jeremy passed out and snoring, the couch obviously too small for him as his legs are hanging over one end.

Ava quickly calls a cab on her phone and then we make our way outside to wait for it. The street is quiet as we walk down the path to the road, Ava’s high heels clicking on the concrete, making my eyes drift to her slender legs.

While we wait for the cab to arrive, I ask Ava to tell me about the first time we met.

Her face lights up in a wide smile as she recounts the elevator ride at the hotel.

“As soon as the doors opened and I saw your eyes, I knew there was something there. They are the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.”

She glances down at the sidewalk before slowly lifting her face to look at me. She blushes again and my heart melts. I take a step toward her and just as I’m about to return the compliment the cab pulls up beside us.

I step back and reach out to open the door for her. Once she is settled in the cab I lean down to ask her a question.

“Can we maybe get together sometime this week? You know…to look through some photos of the tour. They might help jog some kind of memory.”

She nods her head and grins.

“I have some photos on my phone, but the rest are on my computer at work. Maybe you could come in on Monday and have a look at them.”

“That would be great. I’ll see you on Monday morning?”

“That sounds good. Do you know where the office is?”

“I’ll find it.”

“Okay, see you then.”

I give her one last smile and her eyes stay on me as I close the door. The cab pulls away and I watch it until it becomes a speck.

***

Monday morning arrives and I’m so freaking anxious I wake at the butt crack of dawn and can’t get back to sleep, so I potter around the house trying to find things to do to make the time pass quicker. I feel nervous every time I check the time and see that I am a little closer to seeing Ava again. She really has made quite an impression and I don’t think I have ever felt this excited at the thought of spending time with someone. There’s something about her that I am just drawn to. After cleaning up the kitchen and living room, I have a quick shower and pick out some clothes. I call a cab and wait anxiously again.

Sliding into the cab, I instruct the driver to take me to the Treble Magazine office in downtown L.A. The ride only takes ten minutes but it feels life fifty. I pay the fare and make my way through the front door of Ava’s office building. I spot her straight away standing at the reception desk. She has her back to me but I can tell it’s her from her shapely curves and her long dark hair that is flowing in gentle waves down her back. I stop still for a minute and admire the view of her in her work clothes. The black, knee length pencil skirt flatters her curves and her black heels make her legs look long and slender. I overhear a little of her conversation with the receptionist.

“My b…friend will be arriving soon, he doesn’t have an official appointment, but just let him up to my office.”

She suddenly tenses and slowly turns to look at the door. Her eyes meet mine and she smiles. Fuck she is gorgeous. I stand rooted to the spot, just admiring her beauty a little longer before I finally snap out of my daze.

Taking a few more steps toward her, I grin back at her.

“Hi, Ava.”