Across the Miles (The Not So Bad Boys of Rock #1) by Rhonda James Page B

with a goofy grin plastered on my face. Chris Gunn was the bassist, he had shoulder-length blonde hair that he usually kept back in a ponytail, but tonight it was down. He was really funny and seemed to like keeping the mood light. Chris and I hit it offimmediately, acting almost as if we had been long lost brother and sister. James Dekklan, or Dek as everyone called him, played lead guitar and was covered in tattoos and had short, spiky hair. He was the strong and silent type, no wonder Jade had a thing for him. Travis played the drums and was Sebastian’s older brother. He was the complete opposite of Sebastian, having short blonde hair and green eyes. He was married to Natalie; she was tall with short black hair and chocolate brown eyes. When she smiled it was kind and accepting, all of them were very accepting. I honestly couldn’t remember feeling this happy around a group of people.
    We snacked on appetizers and just hung out in the man cave. A few of the guys drank beer, and I couldn’t help but notice that Sebastian only drank water. At one point, Natalie and I got up and carried the dishes into the kitchen while the guys played video games and yelled at each other, playfully, of course.
    “Ah, the life of a rock star’s wife,” Natalie muttered, rinsing a dish and placing it in the dishwasher. “These are not exactly the images that flash through your mind when you think of living in mansions and making millions,” she cackled, and what should have come out as harsh and wicked ended up sounding more like a sing-song. I found myself wondering if she ever performed back-up for the band, her voice had such a distinct tone.
    “This is second nature to me; I live in a kitchen, so there are always pots and pans that need cleaning, although I don’t usually have to do them unless I am at home. Oh well, I made the mess therefore I should clean it up.”
    “The food was great, by the way, I would love the recipe for that hot spinach dip. What did you say those little bites of puff pastry were again?”
    “Chicken in Puff pastry, totally easy to make and not at all my recipe, I stole it from someone on Food Network, but it is always a huge hit. Something about the way the Fontina cheese mixes with the fig preserves, it makes my eyes roll back in my head just thinking about it,” I mock swooned, making Natalie crack up.
    “Wait, your eyes are already rolling back in your head? I haven’t even touched you yet,” Chris teased, coming up behind me.
    “You’re a lunatic,” I laughed, swatting at him.
    “Yeah, but you love me already, I can tell,” he winked and grabbed me playfully around the waist, planting a loud kiss next to my lips, my eyes nearly bugged out of my head. “Brooke what do you say you come stay at my house and cook for me the rest of the week, I promise to behave.” He kept one arm draped around me, acting as if we were the new couple. This one was quite the flirt.
    “I think that if I’m going to stay at your place I will have to be paid a hefty salary. You know, I get paid pretty well for what I create with these hands,” I teased. Chris put a finger to his chin and pretended to ponder that offer.
    “We could make it work,” he quipped playfully.
    “Don’t go making any plans to steal her away, I just got her used to being here with me you knucklehead,” laughed Sebastian as he came up behind him, grabbing him and taking him to the floor in a playful wrestling move. They tussled around for a bit on the floor before Chris rolled away, dodging one final mocking blow.
    “Feeling a bit possessive are we hipster king? And after only a few days, this can’t be good,” Chris tut-tutted as he stood up and snatched a remaining morsel of food from one of the platters. “Maybe you two lovebirds would like to be alone.”
    “You’re one to talk dude, you’ve known her for four hours and have already asked her to move in with you.”
    “Yeah well, I know a good thing when I see it. No