Page 48 of Rock Me

Memories of our earlier time upstairs flash through my mind, him making love to me—and I refuse to think we shared anything less—his big body filling mine, causing me to tremble.

He meets my gaze, a knowing grin on his handsome face.“No, princess.Not for that.You need to rest this time.”

I pretend to pout, and he laughs.

“Come on.”Ben escorts me upstairs and literally tucks me into bed.

I set my phone alarm just in case I fall asleep and place it on the nightstand.

“All set?”he asks.

I nod.

“Good.”He braces a hand above my head, leans down, and kisses me softly on the lips, lingering… and I think maybe he’ll crawl in beside me, but his phone rings.

He pulls his cell out and answers.“Hollander.”He listens and nods.“I’ll be right there.”He disconnects the call.“That was someone on Jade’s security detail.They want to give me a quick recon of the area Jade requested for her press conference.Since I’ve been all over them about details, I guess they’re being proactive.Can’t say I’m complaining.Though I’ve been pleased with how they’ve handled things so far.”

I smile at his professional tone.“Jade’s not going to take her own safety for granted.”

“And I’m not going to take yours,” he says, dead serious.

I hook my arms around his neck.“I always feel safe when you’re around.”

“Good.I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Okay.”I close my eyes and hear the hotel room door slam shut behind him.

I sigh, allowing my body to relax and meld into the mattress.I refuse to think ahead to tonight’s decision.Jade, in calling for the special gathering after the junket, obviously decided to announce her choice in opening act.Despite my flipping stomach, nerves, and anticipation, for now, all I want to do is justbe.

I am so relaxed beneath the covers that I almost don’t hear the knock on my room door until it becomes a persistent banging that interrupts my tranquility.Ben has a key card, so I keep my eyes closed, hoping whoever it is will go away.

When the noise doesn’t stop, I shove the heavenly covers off myself and pad in my bare feet to the door, glancing into the peephole, finding Michael there.

I frown.Anna, I know, will be here tonight, now that the decision is imminent, but until she arrives, Michael might have information I need.

Still annoyed at the interruption of my rest, I open the door and lean on the frame, not letting him into my private space.

“Summer!What took you so long?”he asks, sounding frantic.

“I was resting.What’s wrong?”

“Jade.Jade wants to meet with you and Tawny before her announcement tonight.I’m assuming she’s going to tell you her choice before the rest of the world.I need you to come with me.”

My stomach flips in excitement.“Where is Tawny?”

“She’s already downstairs.Come on.Let’s go!”He moves in closer, but I don’t open my door for him to step through.

“Ben’s not back yet,” I say.“I can’t just leave.”

“Do you want to blow your possible chances?The bodyguard will understand.You’re with your agent.Well, closest thing to your agent until Anna shows up later.Now move it!”

I jump into action.“Let me grab my shoes.”I shut the door in his face and slip back into my high heels, rushing back to meet Michael in the hallway, where he continues to pace back and forth, his nerves worse than my own.“I’m ready.”

“It’s about time,” he mutters, grasping my elbow and turning the opposite direction from the bank of elevators.

“Where are you going?”I tug my arm out of his grasp.

“The paparazzi are all over downstairs, waiting for a glimpse of Jade or you and Tawny.I’ve been using the service elevator.It’s safer.”