The Bass (11 page)

Chapter Nineteen

“Three… Two… One… Happy New Year!” The entire band shouted along with
the crowd, all the roadies, and everyone else occupying the venue in Germany.
Immediately Victorious began to play
Auld
Lang Syne
with everyone joining in.

Jennifer hooked her arm through Cat’s, and they swayed while they loudly
sang along. Grinning at the other woman, Cat turned her attention to Shade.
When he looked her way, she blew him a kiss and got a wink in return. She knew
he’d be laying a real kiss on her the moment he got off the stage. Not a
shocker since he did it anyway, but she knew tonight’s would be extra special.
They were starting a brand new year together.

There were no expectations, no worries, and no concerns. Not that there
weren’t things on the horizon, but in that instant the unknown didn’t matter.
Only her, Shade, and what could be.

Exactly like she’d predicted, Shade came off stage, quickly passed his bass
off to a roadie, and scooped her up into a kiss. One hand on her ass pulled her
in close, and the other buried in her hair while he feasted on her mouth.

Equally hungry for him, a hunger that only seemed to grow the more they
were together, Cat rocked her hips forward to rub against the growing erection
she could feel. It was not the time or place for such things, but she couldn’t
resist. Sucking on his lip before breaking the kiss, she panted. “Hi,” she
whispered.

“Hi yourself.” Shade had a huge smile on his face. “Did you enjoy the
show?”

“Mm,” she hummed. “It was amazing like always. I don’t think I’ll ever
get over hearing you five playing live.”

He gave a laugh at her words. “It is a rush for sure. And you know that
you will always have a pass to see us wherever we are. My personal preference
would be to have you with us all the time, but I know that I can’t always get
what I want. A lesson I’ve had to learn.”

She knew what he was doing. With their time coming closer to an end she
was also having to face what might be. “Let’s not talk about this now. There’s
still time,” she said. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Cat hugged him tight.
“Go sign some autographs, babe. Then we will grab a bite, get you water by the
gallon, and we will talk after.”

“I can do that.”

Another quick kiss before he lowered her back to her feet, and she
watched him stride off to join the others. Moving to Jennifer’s side, she was
surprised when the other woman wound an arm around her shoulders.

“Whatever is going on you know that we’re all here for you, right?”

Blinking in surprise Cat could only nod, a hefty lump in her throat
preventing speech. She loved the family vibe the band had. While they all led
their own lives, even on the road, they were always there to help the others
should it be needed. It was something Cat wasn’t ready to let go of.

****

Curled up next to Shade after dinner, her head in his lap, Cat relaxed
while he played with her hair. The sensation his fingers elicited while
stroking slowly through the heavy length of her hair was incredibly soothing.

“Care to share what’s going through your gorgeous head?” he asked a few
strokes later.

Cat blew out a breath, and pried her heavy eyelids open. Pushing upright,
she snuggled into his side and pressed a kiss to his throat. “Thinking about
what I’m going to tell Simon when I return.”

“Heavy thinking, indeed.” He didn’t ask her what her thoughts were.

She loved that about Shade, he never let her stew in her own head, but
he also wouldn’t pressure her beyond a single question to talk to him. Not that
he wouldn’t ask questions once she did get talking, because he did. He liked to
ensure they were always on the same page, which mean he would ask a lot of
questions eventually.

“I’m going to tell him thanks, but no thanks.”

Shade’s body was stiff against hers. “What?”

“It’s a great opportunity, but it’s not for me,” she told him. She’d
thought about the offer a lot since arriving for the holidays. While she was
intrigued by the new challenges she’d face, Cat couldn’t get beyond the fact
there would be nearly two years where she’d have to put their still new
relationship on hold. She wasn’t the type who needed a man at her side, but she
did need Shade in her life. “I figure I’ll take some time off, travel with you,
and figure out what my next step will be. I’d prefer a job that would be mobile.
Then I could be with you all the time. But I haven’t quite figured out what it
might be. If you are all right with me sticking around.”

“Damn straight I want you to stick around,” he said. Then he shifted to
get a better look at her. “But I don’t like the idea that you’re giving up a
kick ass job promotion for me, kitten.”

Looking him dead on, Cat shook her head. “It is an unbelievable
opportunity. Not going to lie about that, but it’s not right for me. While I’m
intrigued by the potential, it doesn’t call to me. Ever since Simon offered it
to me I’ve had this sick feeling. At first I didn’t know what it was or what it
meant. Coming out to be with you, and the others has allowed me to relax and
figure it out for the most part. I’m happy when I’m with you. Sorry for how
needy that sounds, but we’ve wasted more than enough time already, Shade. I’m
not willing to waste another hour when what I want is to start a life with
you.”

She blew out a breath, and then lifted one of his hands into hers,
clasping it tightly between her palms. “My heart ached when you had to leave
the first time. Eventually that ache lessened, but it never truly went away.
Since we’ve reconnected, it’s gone completely. Thinking about going back,
accepting the offer, and maybe finding a day here or there for the next two
years, or more, to be together cuts deeper than back then. You are all I need
to be happy, Shade.” Cat shot him a grin and chuckled. “And maybe a side
project to keep me from going completely batty, but I have time to figure that
out. Maybe I’ll do some online courses, or maybe inspiration will eventually
strike. Whatever comes, I know that if we are together then we can figure it out
as a team.”

Shade was watching her closely, his expression unreadable. “You know I’m
behind you and will support whatever your decision. From a purely selfish
standpoint I’m doing joyous backflips. If this is what you want, I’m on board.
And I know the others would love to have you with us all the time, too.”

Lifting his hand, Cat pressed a kiss to his palm. “This is what I want.
You are what I’ve always wanted, Shade.”

His cheeks creased when he finally let the smile loose. Hauling her into
his lap, Shade kissed her hard. Cat threw her arms around his neck to hold him
close to her. She opened up at the soft, wet demand his tongue made against her
lips.

Cat moaned into the kiss, shifting until she could wrap her legs fully
around his waist. Tightening her legs, she rocked against the hard length ridge
behind his zipper. “Shade,” she muttered into the kiss. “I need you.”

Her man didn’t disappoint. Showing off a little, he got them both up,
his hands on her ass to keep her close, and moved them to the bedroom. They
parted for only long enough to shed their clothing before coming back together
in a tangle. Kissing him back, Cat let Shade tumble them to the bed. When his
hand wrapped firmly around her throat, it allowed him to take the kiss deeper
by merely pushing her chin up.

Instantly she went from merely damp to drenched with need. Cat loved
when he showed who was boss. Not that she’d let him get away with that anywhere
else, but in the bedroom she was more than fine with his dominant displays.

Locking her legs around his waist again, Cat rubbed her aching clit to
his hard cock. It was a silent demand for more from him. In her periphery she
saw him reach out, and then he broke her hold on his waist. Knowing he was
rolling on a condom, Cateline gave a shudder for what was to come.

One hand curled around her shoulder to hold her in place and his other
hand guided his cock into her pussy. Breaking the kiss to let out a throaty,
incoherent plea for more, Cat clutched tightly at his shoulders. His cock
stretched her deliciously, and his hand settled back around her throat.

She allowed her eyelids to close, absorbing all the sensations created
by his touch. Then when he began to move, Cat locked gazes with him and held on
for the ride. It was, as always, wild and perfect.

Chapter Twenty

“Hey you.” Shade greeted Cat’s image on the computer when it popped up
with a smile he couldn’t stop. “How’s L.A.?”

“Same old,” she told him. Her hair was piled up on her head in a messy
top knot, and behind her he could make out some boxes. “How’s the tour going?”

“We’re rocking it,” he said. At her laugh, he gave a wink. “What are you
up to today, kitten?”

Her lip curled in a sneer before she shifted in her chair to show him
the room at her back. “Packing, packing, and that would be right, more packing.
It is un-fucking-believable the amount of crap one person can accumulate in
only a couple years living in the same place.”

Not entirely sure what comment might be appropriate after that, Shade went
with the safe route. “When a person settles into a place they tend to surround
themselves with the comforts that turns a place from merely shelter into a
home. It makes it more relaxing after a long day to return to something all
your own.”

“Nice way to tell me I’ve become a hoarder, Shade.”

“I never said such a thing.” He may have thought it, but he wasn’t dumb
enough to say it.

“Uh-huh.” Settling back before the camera, she shoved a stray chunk of
hair behind her ear. “You will be happy to know for the most part I have
greatly thinned out everything. Including my wardrobe since I won’t need my
business clothing. I’m donating the majority of it, along with some casual
items, and shoes. I actually have my wardrobe down to two large suitcases for
the first time in forever. Bad news though, all my books are coming with me. I
couldn’t bear to part with any. I’m hoping you have some room you can spare for
them.”

“I’ll get you more shelving if there isn’t enough at the house, kitten.
What did your landlord say about the apartment and your lease?”

“He’s fine with me getting out early. Apparently there’s been some major
interest from a company to buy the building, and revamp it all for a mix living
situation. He told me that he’s taking it to be a sign to retire early. It
would allow him more time with the grandkids, and to travel like he’s always
talked about.”

“So he’s not going to nail you with a penalty then?” Shade wanted to be
clear on this point.

“No. The sale, if he proceeds, won’t go through immediately. But he has
someone who needs a place for only a few months while they renovate their
house. Looks like the universe is covering all the bases.” She looked away for
a moment when her doorbell sounded, and frowned. “Hold on, babe. Someone’s at
the door.”

“I’ll be here,” he assured her.

Shade changed position on the bed, and got more comfortable while he
listened to the mildly distorted voices in the background. A knock at his door
had him looking up. “Yeah?” he called out.

Chase appeared around the door. “Food will be up here in ten,” he said.
Then he looked to the laptop Shade had balanced on his lap. “Talking to your
girl?”

“I was, she’s answering the door. I’ll be out when I’m done.”

“Right,” Chase drawled with a smirk, and wiggled his eyebrows
suggestively. “Say hi to her from the gang.”

Pointing to the door, Shade waited with his arm out until the other man
left with a laugh before he returned his attention to the screen. Some days he
truly wondered about that guy.

Cateline returned to view a minute later with a large bouquet in hand.
“Why are you sending me flowers, you goof?”

Since she couldn’t hide her pleasure in the flowers, Shade didn’t take
her question seriously. “I knew you were holed up in your place packing, and I
wanted you to have something pretty to look at. I figured the blossoms’ lovely
scent might make the act less dreary for you.”

“You’re lucky I love you, Shade Benson, or I’d have to lecture you
severely for this ridiculous expense.”

“It’s a pittance to show my girl I’m thinking about her while we’re
apart. Dinner is about to arrive which means I’m going to have to let you go.
We’ll talk tomorrow. And remember, call Dennis when you’re ready to start
moving more than a few things over. They have a vehicle to handle it all.”

“I know, I know. His number is in my phone, and I’ve already conversed with
him once about this. He’s mostly aware about what’s to come.”

Shade had talked to the man as well. The band had flown Dennis back home
specifically to help with Cateline’s move, not that she needed to know that.
She had been told he’d gone home for some family time, not a lie, but not the
entire truth. Shade knew she’d flip out on him if she realized they were all
looking out for her well-being while half a world away.

“I love you, kitten.”

“I love you too, babe. Go, eat, and get some rest. You look exhausted,”
she said reaching out like she could touch him.

Lifting his own hand he smiled. “All in the name of rock and roll, Cat.”
He made some noisy kissing sounds, and when she broke out in laughter, he
closed down the program. Holding tight to the sound he set the laptop aside,
and let his head fall to rest against the headboard.

He couldn’t wait to see her again, and hold her in his arms. The calls
were great, but only up to a point. Then the frustration with the distance set
in. He only needed to be patient a little longer. She had another couple weeks
at the office to finish the training the new hire, and then she’d be flying out
to meet the band.

Then would come the real test of their commitment to one another. In a
high stress environment, no less. Shade had faith in them both. Neither he nor
Cat were the type to bottle shit up, and let it explode unexpectedly. They
talked about practically everything.

Although he was pretty sure there was something Cat had on her mind
she’d yet to share. What it might be, Shade couldn’t begin to try guessing at.
When she came out he’d give her a couple days to settle in, and then try and
get her to talk to him. He didn’t want anything between them that could cause
problems. Who knew, maybe it had nothing to do with him.

Snorting he pushed off the bed, and made his way out to join the other
guys for dinner. Cat was never hesitant to tell him things unless it had to do
with him. Then she was always a bit hesitant, and occasionally needed a little
encouragement to share with him. Not that he minded the task to tempt Cat to
talk with him. It was always an endeavour he quite enjoyed.

He accepted the plate Lance held out to him, and settled into a chair at
the large dining table they had in the suite. Mark handed out beers before
taking his own spot, and while they all dug in to the first bites there was
blessed quiet. Not that it would last long, he knew.

“How’s Cateline?” Jeremy asked when they were all finishing up.

“Good, busy,” he supplied. “She’s packing currently. Apparently she’s
discovered how many useless items she’d collected over the years in L.A.”

“Happens to most people at some point,” Jennifer put in. Lance’s girl
grinned at him when Shade looked her way. “I think I threw out half my
apartment when I packed up to move in with Lance. The longer you are in the
place the more crap you accumulate. Between gifts, and things you buy because
they look cool, and then random shit that mysteriously moves in with you
without your notice. It was unreal what I had go into the garbage bins by the
time I managed to get everything split out for the keep, and toss piles. Then I
went back through my keep piles once more to whittle it down further.”

“It was still a good amount,” Lance said from the seat next to her.

“Yeah, it was. Between clothing, books, shoes, and mementos you can’t
seem to part with, it all adds up. I also lived in my place for sixteen years.
Cateline’s only been at her place for what, two or three years?”

Shade nodded in answer since him mouth was currently full.

“She’ll still have some things to ditch, but that’s barely a blip in
time for collecting,” Jen said.

“You’re not worried about her moving in with you are you?” Jeremy asked.

Wiping his mouth Shade frowned over at him. “Hell no. I’m happy she’s
moving in, and happier still that she’ll be joining up with us in a couple weeks.
I suppose I’m mainly worried about the stress that comes with being on the
road. She plans on taking some time off, and enjoying the whole thing before
looking at finding herself something to keep herself busy. But this isn’t
exactly what I’d call a great atmosphere for relationships.” He looked to
Lance, and Jen. “No offence.”

“None taken,” Jen said.

“No secrets,” Lance told him. “I think that’s the biggest thing to
surviving in the fishbowl lifestyle we have. There will always be lies, or
fabrications in the media. Christine can do a lot, but she can’t stop them no
matter how well she pulls off the cape and tights look. But if you are
completely open with her, you’ll get over the hurdles and bumps life throws
your way.”

Sound advice from the drummer, Shade had to admit. And something he, and
Cat were already practicing. Now if he could get her to reveal whatever had
been on her mind recently they would be going into their new life together with
a clean slate.