had a blanket or something.”
“It’s just sand,” Dana said, kicking off her shoes and lowering herself to the ground. She curled her legs under her body. Cody sat down next to her. The night was slightly cool. The ocean crashed against the shore and let slip a nice breeze.
“Wild, isn’t it?” Cody said, motioning behind him to the club.
“Which part?”
“The whole thing...it seems like we were just college guys a few years ago and now...I don’t know what we are.”
College guys a few years ago? Okay not that young. “You’re rock stars.”
“No. The Stones, they’re rock stars. The Who, rock stars. Sting, rock star.”
“They were all just regular guys like you once too.”
“That’s hard to imagine,” Cody said.
“A lot of them still are,” Dana said. “I’ve met a lot of famous people and you know what? Most of them are average people with extraordinary luck.”
“And talent,” Cody added.
“Some yes, but a lot I’d say...luck.” She looked out at the ocean. “I’ve seen some bands come through with so much talent you think they’re gonna be huge. Then they crash and burn. Others have so little talent, but become superstars. I don’t know, no matter who they are they all started as regular people. You have to remember that,” she smiled at him, “Most rock stars weren’t born into it.”
“I never thought of it that way.”
“It’s my jaded view I guess,” she said.
“No, it makes the untouchables seem real. I think it makes you more grounded, not to be putting them on a pedestal I mean.”
The wind blew through Dana’s hair. “That’s a nice compliment.”
“It’s true.” Cody noticed how beautiful Dana’s face was with her hair flying behind her.
“I know it’s a wild life. I’ve seen it,” Dana pushed a wisp of hair behind her ear. “Before all the money hits it’s a lot of work.”
“Yeah,” Cody said wistfully.
“And it’s hard on the people around you.” She looked up at him, imagining his strong arms around her.
“Are you reading a page from my book?” he asked.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s like you know my life.”
“It’s my life,” Dana said, choosing her next words carefully. “I’m not a rock star, but I have a crazy life. Weird work hours, remotes on the weekend, attention from strangers...” her voice trailed. “It’s what ended my last relationship.” Now Cody knew she was single.
He got the message. “Same thing happened to me. My girlfriend couldn’t handle the lifestyle. Not that I blame her, it’s hard to be involved with someone when you never see them.” Cody omitted his indiscretion.
“It makes for a lonely life.” Dana dug her toes into the sand and shivered, not sure if it was the night air or him.
“True,” Cody said longing to touch her. “It’s nice to talk to someone who gets it. I’ve met so many people since this all started to happen. They all want something from me. No one really seems to care who I am.”
“...just what you can do for them,” Dana finished.
“Exactly.” Cody turned toward her, his voice husky. “I miss having a real connection with someone.”
She looked up into his eyes. “Me too.”
The heat between them was palpable. They were only inches apart. Dana’s breath quickened. He was so close now. She could smell his faint spice cologne mixed with the salty sea air. Intoxicating.
Time stood still.
Dana felt her heart racing in the silence.
Cody leaned in to kiss her. His lips were first soft, his tongue slowly exploring hers. He lifted his hands and gently moved them down the side of her neck, his fingertips stopping just above the collar of her low cut dress, slowly grazing across her neckline.
Dana felt the kiss down her entire body. She traced her hands up his arms, resting them on his broad shoulders, then ran them down his back. She could feel his hard muscles, his incredible body. She drew closer to him, pressing herself up against his powerful frame. Cody felt her every curve on his skin. His warm mouth became more insistent as if he needed to be one with her. He moved his hands back up her neck and into her hair, pulling her closer with desire. Dana heard herself moan with pleasure as she responded to his intensity.
In that moment, they were the only two people in the world. No one else existed, nothing else mattered.
Cody kissed her mouth softly again, then nuzzled her neck and held her in his arms trying to control himself. She wasn’t a one-night stand. She could be so