Rockstar Romeo - Abbie Zanders Page 0,48

all the arrangements.”

“I think our husbands are going to be thanking you too,” Lydia added, waving her hand in front of her face like a fan. “I’m still worked up after that show last night.”

I laughed, pleased. “You’re very welcome.”

“How about you, Eva?” Jen asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Are you going to give Jace a booty call when we get back?”

“Maybe.” I totally was. Those dancers were pretty impressive, but they had nothing on Jace.

Lydia cleared her throat and shared a look with Jen before turning to me. “You know, maybe I’m overstepping here, but after spending time with you this weekend, I need to say something.”

I braced myself, uncertain I wanted to hear what followed a lead-in like that. “Okay.”

“You’re pretty awesome.”

I waited several long moments for her to say something else. She didn’t. “Thanks?”

Jen shook her head. “What Lydia is trying to say is, we like you, Eva.”

Something clicked in my brain. “This was a test?”

“We’ve known Jace a long time. He’s a good guy. One of the best. But some women, well, they want him for the wrong reasons.”

“But you’re not like that,” Lydia was quick to add.

Rather than be offended, I smiled. “I’m glad you have his back.”

They both looked relieved.

“Jace told us he asked you to go with him to his sister’s wedding.”

“He did,” I confirmed.

“Are you going to go?”

“I haven’t decided.”

“We get it,” Lydia said. “You’re not ready for a meet-the-parents moment.”

I nodded.

“But here’s the thing: Jace obviously is. He really likes you, Eva. Going to the wedding would mean the world to him. Just think about it, okay?”

Chapter 14

Dear Ida,

The woman I’m seeing finally gave in and agreed to fly home with me to meet my family. I know they’re going to love her, but I can tell she’s nervous. This is a first for me. What can I do to alleviate her fears? – Sensitive Guy Rocker

* * *

Dear Sensitive Guy,

Meeting someone’s family can be a daunting experience and let’s be honest—you’re not exactly objective. Accept that she’s going to be anxious and try to ease her fears without dismissing her concerns. Most importantly, don’t abandon her once you get there. Remember, she’s stepping out of her comfort zone for you.

~ * ~

Eva

“You look beautiful. Stop fidgeting,” Jace chided gently when he caught me pressing imaginary wrinkles from my clothing.

I’d chosen slimming dark jeans, an untucked pinstriped button-down, and a black vest. I was going for casual, confident, and chic, which was the exact opposite of what I felt.

We’d flown from LA to LaGuardia and then taken a charter flight to a regional airport around the Finger Lakes. By the time we arrived, I was feeling a little worse for wear.

Jace, of course, looked jumpably hot in his faded, butt-hugging Levi’s and flannel. The cowboy hat, dark glasses, and facial hair he’d grown for public travel drew lots of appreciative female attention, even with the disguise.

Yes, ladies, I thought with a touch of smugness, he really is as delicious as he looks.

Heaven knew I’d certainly gorged myself on him over the past two months. The trouble was, Jace was addicting. The more I had, the more I wanted.

Unfortunately, he hadn’t been able to use any of his special brand of persuasion over the last eight hours. When I’d finally agreed to accompany him to his sister’s wedding, I hadn’t realized that meant flying out to the other side of the country and spending an entire week with his family.

An attractive woman waved to us from the far end of the baggage claim. Judging by Jace’s smile and the way he excitedly tugged me in that direction, that woman was his sister, Jackie. The closer we got, the more apparent that became. Jackie sported the same silky waves of dark chocolate and familiar golden eyes that sparkled when she smiled. She wrapped herself around Jace, closing her eyes in bliss.

I understood completely. I felt the same way when I hugged Jace.

“You must be Eva,” the woman said, turning to me with a friendly grin. “I’m Jackie. I’m so glad you could come.” She flashed a knowing smile at Jace. “Now, let’s get out of here before someone recognizes you. Eric’s got the motor running for a quick getaway.”

Jace put his arm around me and guided me toward the exit. We made it out to Jackie’s SUV without issue, moving quickly and saying little. They’d probably run this drill a hundred times over. Rock stars, especially those like Jace, didn’t