Teacher: Act Two (A Hollywood Rock n' Romance Trilogy Book 2) (13 page)

I smiled at him and snuggled closer. "I don't want you to stop talking like that." He pulled back suddenly, looking down at me as if to be sure he'd heard what he thought he heard. "I love it that that's where your head is at, baby. It's scary for me, but it's not because I don't want the same thing. Just give me a little more time to get used to the idea. Today was pretty heavy, and honestly, it’s a little intimidating knowing that there are still some folks who have been hoping you and Brooke would get back together."

He jerked back like he'd been slapped. "Are you joking? Who?"

I hoped I wasn't opening a can of worms here. "Apparently Mrs. Manning has quite the Brooke fan club going. I tried to get Jane away from her before she really started digging, and then Bronson mentioned it as well. He doesn't agree with her, by the way, and had some colorful words for Brooke."

Danny shook his head and mumbled, "You think she'd have figured out that after four years it wasn't going to happen. Yeah, Bronson is not a huge Brooke fan. They've traded words on a few occasions."

Ugh, I hated all this ugliness seeping into our world and I told him as much. He took me in his arms and held me against his chest.

"Then let's go shower and let me get back to those thoughts I was having when I first saw you in this suit earlier. You can show me just what an effect I had on you this morning. I'll sing for you if necessary." He waggled his eyebrows at me and I was just so damn happy to be with him in this moment that I vowed to let the other shit go for a while and just enjoy our time together.

Our shower was heavenly and he didn’t need to sing to have an effect on me. He took his time untying my strings, kissing his way around the seams of my bottoms. But his patience was short-lived. We made love frantically against the wall. Then we slowed down, washing each other, kissing each other and just enjoying each other’s bodies. When we finally made it to his bed, we collapsed in a heap and just held on. We talked about everything and nothing. It was one of the most peaceful times we’d ever spent together. Around three a.m. he pulled me close again and we made love reverently. My heart was spilling over with love for this man. I thought I could never be happier than I was at that moment.

“Danny,” I whispered. He snuggled close to me and was starting to breathe evenly. “Danny, I’m going to go to the other room.”

He opened an eye and pouted. “Please, Jesse? I just want to hold you tonight. It’s been a nearly perfect day, let it end that way, too?” I felt the same but was still worried. I climbed out of bed and he cried out, “Don’t go!"

I snickered. “I’m just grabbing a t-shirt. That way,if we get caught, at least one of us has clothes on.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “You’re killing me, honey. Get your fine ass back in my bed before I spank it.”

I slid in next to him and he pulled said-ass tight up against him. “Mmmm, now it’s a perfect day. I love you, Jesse. Now get some rest. You’ve got a big weekend ahead. And you better get some naps in because I’m going to want you in my bed when I get home.”

“Yes, Mr. Bossypants,” I murmured against his arm and I swear his last words were, “Damn right.”

Danny didn’t leave for the studio until around noon. He said it was pointless because Julian and Bronson never woke up early for any reason. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Jane wandered in after ten, and she asked him about inviting her friends over.

“Of course, baby. Who were you thinking about?”

She mentioned three girlfriends from school, and Danny said it was fine.

“Let their parents know that I will be away, but that you will be in capable hands with Jesse and Nora.”

Jane kissed him and thanked him. She ate quickly and then made her phone calls. All three girls said they would be over that afternoon for pizza and swimming. Nora told her they should go out to the ranch for a bit, so she dressed and the two of them ran off.

Danny wanted some fresh air so we took Legs for a walk. She pranced around on her leash and he could not get enough of her cuteness. He held my hand in his and we enjoyed the warm day. I was sad I wouldn’t see him much over the next few days, but knowing I’d spend nights with him made it worth it. I told him how excited I was to spend this time with Jane.

“It really means a lot to me that the two of you have hit it off. I was worried about her coming to live with me and whether I could be enough for her. With you and Nora there for her, too, I don’t worry.”

“Danny, she adores you and you are a wonderful father! Her next few years are going to be tumultuous, though, so just be prepared that your sweet little girl might grow a second head for a bit.”

He laughed and said, “And that is yet another reason why I’m so glad you’re here.”

We wandered back to the house and Legs plopped down for a nap. I watched Danny pack up two of his guitars he claimed were his favorites. They were both black. Duh. He grabbed a couple of notebooks and kissed me goodbye.

Then I was alone at Danny’s. It felt a little strange at first, but then I realized I had some things I needed to do. He’d left his laptop for me, so I checked my email and there was one from Gloria saying that she’d have a firm answer for me on Monday. It looked like she’d definitely be able to bring me back part-time. She hoped that would be enough to keep me, but understood if I had to look for something else. It was news, at least. Not really what I was hoping for. I sighed and answered her back that I’d look forward to hearing from her and we’d work it out. I called my parents next and updated them on me.

“Wow! So you are bringing this man to meet us? Must be serious,” Mom said.

“It is, Mom. And his daughter is coming with us. We’re going to see his parents in Los Gatos and then we’ll be to your house on Thursday. I’m sorry it can’t be longer, but we have a wedding to return for on the weekend.”

“That’s ok, sweetheart. I’m just glad I’ll get to see you. I can’t wait to meet this man of yours. Is he good to you? Does he understand about your health?”

I exhaled. “Yes, he does, Mom. I had a bad flare-up a week or so ago and he took care of me. His personal assistant is also a nurse, so between the two of them, I’m in really good hands.”

“A personal assistant? What does he do for a living?”

I laughed. “Well, Mom, he's a singer in a rock band. He also acts as a producer for other bands.”

Mom did not sound pleased. “A musician? Sweetie, that doesn’t sound like a very stable lifestyle. Are you sure he will be good to you?”

“Just wait until you meet him, Mom. You won’t be able to resist him either.” She didn’t sound reassured by that, but said she would keep an open mind. “I’ll call you when we are on our way over, ok? Tell Dad, I love him and I’d love to have some of his BBQ if he’s up for cooking.” She said of course he would be. He loved to cook for me when I came home.

After those activities it was time to sit down with my litany of medications and start sorting things out. I’d picked up a pill tray at the pharmacy and started the process of laying out my drugs and supplements. I did some more reading, too, and prepared myself for the possibility of side effects. Part of me wanted to put off starting the meds until after our trip, but there would always be something coming up that I’d want to wait for, and that wasn’t going to fix the problem. I gave myself one last day and vowed to start taking them in the morning.

Jane and Nora came back around 2:00, and her friends were due over at 3:00. We got snacks ready and turned on some music. The girls all arrived at the same time and I introduced myself to their mothers. Danielle, Rhia and Sasha were all classmates of Jane’s at her private school. Their mothers were friendly and only slightly intimidating. Jane took the girls to her room to change and show them around her horsey haven.

I offered the ladies something to drink and we sat in the living room with glasses of iced tea. Immediately I felt like a spotlight had turned on me. I became the complete focus of their attention. The women were all insanely beautiful, casually well dressed, and obviously curious about me.

“So Jane tells us you are a teacher,” Raven’s mom, Sarah asked.

“Yes, I teach at the Hollywood Independent Study program. I’ve been there for five years.”

Danielle’s mom, Lisa, asked, “And how did you meet Danny?”

I swallowed hard, trying to come up with the right words. “We met through his manager, Patricia.” The women looked at each other and I found myself wondering if they were friends with Brooke and were going to report everything back to her. That thought was tossed out when Sasha’s mother spoke.

“Well, I think it’s great Jane will be staying with her father. Her mother has definitely not provided the best parenting,” she said.

I raised an eyebrow, but before I could ask what she meant, Lisa spoke. “That’s putting it mildly. She never showed up for anything, always sent the nanny, what was her name?”

“Elizabeth,” said Ivana, Sasha’s mother. “She should never have hired that girl. She was only interested in Brooke’s fame and the possibility of getting herself in front of the camera. At least Jane’s father came to a few of the events we put on.” She gave me a pointed look with a wicked smile and said, “It’s very nice to meet you, Jesse, but I have to confess that I was hoping he’d be here.”

The other women giggled like their schoolgirl daughters and I braced myself.

“He is one attractive man,” Lisa said with a wink, letting me know that she was only making an observation, not moving in for the kill. “We never thought he’d settle down with anyone. He didn’t even seem interested in women. In fact, several of the other mothers have tried to catch his eye for years to no avail. What’s your secret, I mean, besides the fact that you are stunning?”

I could feel myself blushing. “I guess I just didn’t put up with any of his crap?” They laughed and I shrugged. “I don’t know. It just kind of happened.”

Ivana sighed heavily and said, “At least he seems to have found a good woman. I hope you two are happy.”

I smiled. “Thank you.” Nora came in then and I introduced her. “She takes great care of Danny and Jane,” I explained, and the ladies shook her hand and smiled graciously.

Nora offered us some snacks and the ladies accepted. She brought in a platter with some fruit, cheeses and crackers. The ladies thanked her and she left us, but not before giving me a look that said, “If you need saving, just call.”

The girls came bounding out and attacked the snack trays. They were already in their suits, and after stuffing their faces, they asked if they could go in the pool.

“Sure. Would you ladies like to come outside?” Lisa and Sarah both said they needed to leave for appointments, but Ivana wanted to stay and offered to drive the other girls home. I wondered if they had prearranged that. It seemed like the three of them were tight.

We continued to chat and snack while the girls swam. Ivana finally pushed the tray away and said, "I must stop. I can't afford to keep eating." I raised an eyebrow and looked her over. She was thin, like me, but very muscular. She noticed me looking and said, "It is not as easy to keep this figure up any longer."

I laughed. "What's your secret," I asked, thinking I already knew.

"Ballet. Years and years of it. I am too old to perform now, but I continue to teach. It is in my blood," she said in her Russian accent.

"You are more disciplined than I. Ballet was too constricting for me."

She smiled and clapped her hands together. "I knew you were a dancer! What do you prefer?"

"Broadway. Tap and Jazz. I teach downtown."

She raised an eyebrow. "Have you done any shows?"

I exhaled, figuring the jig was up. "When I was a teenager. I don't perform anymore. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 18, so I had to stop. Teaching is all my body can handle."

Her face fell with sincere sympathy. "You poor girl. I have seen what that disease can do. You must take care of yourself! You are how old?" I told her I was 26 and she shook her head. "So unfair. But we women go on, don't we?"

I laughed, nodding. "There's always something else to pour that energy into." We both looked out at the girls and smiled.

"Sasha is the love of my life. She loves ballet, too, so we have it in common, but these girls are much to handle at this age." The girls were playing so carefree, but I think Ivana and I were on the same page, thinking their innocence may not last much longer.

"Sasha has really missed Jane. Thank you for inviting her today. It is nice to get out myself."

I smiled at her. "It is completely my pleasure. I am having so much fun getting to know Jane. I wanted her to have a good time while her father is working."

"Is he away?"

I shook my head. "They started recording their new album today. He’ll be spending long hours at the studio."

She nodded gravely. "With her mother away, I'm glad she has you. I know Jane had some troubles this year. She is better?"

"I think so. She and Danny have been spending a lot of time together and it has been wonderful for both of them."

She smiled. "I am glad. Please let him know that Sasha and I are here for her however he may need, especially with Brooke gone."

I frowned. "Are you friends with Brooke?"

She shook her head. "Not really. I tried, for the girls' sake, but she is very self-absorbed. Jane spent a lot of time at our house. She did call me after she left for New York and let me know she wasn't coming back. I was trying to get a hold of her to get the girls together. She finally returned my call. I guess she's moving in with someone?"

"We just found out. Jane is handling it pretty well, but I think that has everything to do with how close she and Danny are."

She nodded and said, "He is very attentive. I wish Sasha's father was like that. He is in finance and spends all of his time working. He provides for us, but they are not close." She shook it off. "Anyway, I am just glad that I had the chance to meet you today, and I hope the girls can spend more time together like they used to. Do you live here, too?"

I shook my head, blushing again. “Not officially. It’s complicated.”

She laughed. “I see. These things are complicated when we have children involved. I’m sure things will work out as they are meant.”

I told her I hoped she was right.

I liked Ivana and appreciated what she was doing here today. It was obvious that she cared about Jane. Nora called out that the pizza was here and the girls got out and dried off, Legs barking at them the whole time. Nora ordered salads for Ivana and I, so we ate with the girls, and were entertained by their banter.

"Jesse, do you think sometime Daddy would let my friends spend the night? I want to have a movie marathon!"

I laughed. "I'm sure that would be fine. Let's get through our trip and the wedding next weekend and then we'll ask, ok?"

She smiled broadly, thanked me, and then went back to talking animatedly to her girls.

They all stayed another hour or so and then Ivana packed them into her car. She gave me her number and a hug before she left, letting me know how much she enjoyed our visit. It seemed she didn't get to spend much time with other women. To be honest, neither did I. It had been nice for me, too.

Jane went to bed soon after. I sat in the kitchen chatting with Nora, who wanted to hear the whole scoop.

"I knew things were bad with Brooke. Thank the Lord she finally realized she wasn't cut out to be a mom and left the parenting to Danny."

I was inclined to agree. I told her Ivana seemed nice and genuine, but that I was cautious around parents. I knew they could get chatty and I didn’t want any gossip being spread about Danny’s family.

Around 10:00 I went into Danny's room and decided to take a bath. I lit some candles and found some lemon bath salts in the cupboard. I turned some music on low, some bluesy collection I hadn't heard before, and slipped into the welcoming water. I had just gotten comfortable when I heard Danny calling from the bedroom.

"In here," I called back and then he was standing in the doorway, his arms crossed.

"If this isn't the perfect welcome home, I don't know what the fuck is!"

I giggled and took a sip of water. "Care to join me?"

He disrobed where he stood and slid into the tub, pulling me onto his lap. "Heaven," he whispered against my neck. "I missed you, honey. How was the girlie party?"

I turned him around so I could rub his neck and shoulders. "Excellent. The moms were sorry you weren't here. I think they find you quite fetching."

He scoffed. "Not me," he said and I disagreed.

"You know what they find attractive? Your attentiveness to your daughter. I'm sure your ass has something to do with it as well, but we didn't get specific. They were really nice, especially Ivana, Sasha's mom?"

He nodded with a chuckle. "I remember Sasha. Blonde, right? Mom is Russian?" I told him yes and he sighed. "This feels amazing."

"You feel amazing. How did it go? How’s your throat?" He closed his eyes and laid his head against my shoulder. I wrapped my arms and legs around him to keep him close.

"Feels fine. It was productive once we got everything set up. We were mostly learning songs. It's going to be a long process, I think, just because we've got so much good stuff. We actually have to cull this time. Usually we have our ten songs, or whatever, ready before we go in. This time we've got at least twice that plus a bunch of fragments that could be really fucking special. It's good to be there, but I'm pretty tired."