Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Rock star Damien Davenport has it all: brilliant talent, effortless charisma, and a life in the limelight. But while Damien has reached success beyond his wildest dreams—with fifteen years of sold-out shows around the world and songs that millions of fans are crazy for—everything that used to thrill him suddenly feels like it’s lost its glow. Right now, all he wants is to spend time with his family in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and to hang out with old friends who want nothing more from him than to have a laugh and hit some waves on their surfboards…especially his high school best friend, Crystal Lopez.
During the years when Damien was touring, Crystal turned her talent for organizing events into a successful party planning business, from A-List weddings to lavish beachfront parties. When Damien plays a multimillion-dollar gig at Pebble Beach—organized by Crystal—and she sees her superstar friend blowing the audience’s mind with his incredible songs, she finally has to admit to herself that she’s never recovered from her high school crush. Of course, she would never, ever let on that she wishes he was more than just a friend. Because even if the man who could have any woman in the world actually wanted her, she can’t imagine fitting into Damien’s rock star world.
But Crystal isn’t the only one who has been secretly wishing they could be something more. Way more. And when the sizzling attraction between them becomes utterly undeniable—and breathlessly delicious—after fifteen years of close friendship, can the world-traveling rock star and the home-town girl make true love last?
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Prologue
Monterey High School, fifteen years ago…
The ticking of the auditorium clock echoed like a metronome counting down to disaster. It was finally the night of Battle of the Bands—the event the whole school had been waiting for—especially Crystal Lopez, who was looking forward to watching one band above all the others.
Except there was a problem. A big one. The lead singer hadn’t shown up yet.
Principal Hargrove’s polished loafers squeaked on the linoleum as he paced, his gaze darting between his watch and the empty stage. The crowd’s murmurs swelled, punctuated by worried whispers. “Where’s Damien?”
Crystal’s clipboard trembled slightly in her hands as she scanned the set list for the hundredth time. She took a deep breath, inhaling the auditorium’s pervasive scent of floor polish and gym socks, and tried to rise above the infectious nervous energy onstage. Her voice remained steady as she addressed the fidgeting members of Steel and Shadow. They were the headliners and the crowd was getting restless.
The drummer tapped his sticks nervously. “What if he doesn’t show? We can’t go on without him.”
Crystal flashed her most reassuring smile, though her stomach churned. “He’ll be here. Damien always shows.”
The cold soda can grew warm in her sweating hand as she waited. She pictured Damien’s intense gray-green eyes, imagining the apology that would surely dance in them when he arrived. If he arrived.
Principal Hargrove’s clipped tone interrupted her reverie. Addressing the band, he said, “If Mr. Davenport doesn’t grace us with his presence in one minute, you will forfeit your spot. Punctuality is important. The rock ’n’ roll mentality has no place at school.”
Crystal’s diplomatic instincts kicked in. “I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation. Damien’s really excited about performing. I know he’ll be here.”
The members of Steel and Shadow huddled near the edge of the stage, their instruments clutched like lifelines. The bassist, Alex, cleared his throat. “Maybe we should work out a backup plan? I mean, I could try to sing. I know the words—”
“No way,” Jake cut in, shaking his head vehemently. “Damien’s our front man. Without him, we’re just… Shadow.”
Steel and Shadow, reduced to mere echoes without their charismatic and talented lead. The importance of their impending performance seemed to press down on them, a weight almost as tangible as their instruments.
And then the auditorium doors burst open with a thunderous bang. A hush fell over the crowd as a figure strode in, backlit by the hallway lights like some rock and roll messiah.
Damien Davenport had arrived.
He moved with a fluid grace, each step purposeful and charged with energy. His long, dark, curly hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, a few rebellious strands framing his face. The lights caught the silver glint of his earring and the subtle sheen of his black leather jacket. He gripped his guitar in one hand, holding it against the side of his body like armor.
As he strode down the aisle, all eyes were on him. Whispers erupted in his wake, a wave of excitement rippling through the crowd. Damien’s presence seemed to fill the entire auditorium, his charisma palpable. The mood shifted into one of exquisite anticipation.