All of Me (Rock Me Book 1) Read online

  All of Me

  Lee Piper

  Contents

  Also by Lee Piper

  About This Book

  Soundtrack

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Epilogue

  Lie to Me

  Connect with Lee

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Copyright 2019 by Lee Piper

  Kindle Edition

  All rights reserved.

  Editor: Amber Hodge

  Proofreader: Olivia Ventura

  Hot Tree Editing

  www.hottreeediting.com

  Cover Design: Clarise Tan

  CT Cover Creations

  www.ctcovercreations.com

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  To the reader brave enough to take a chance on my book.

  Also by Lee Piper

  Rock Me Series

  All of Me

  Lie to Me

  End of Me

  Sing to Me

  Song for Me

  Bad for Me

  Mondez Series

  Rock My World

  Rock My Body

  About This Book

  Tilly

  Famous rock stars don’t fall for girls like me. With a voice to die for, the perfect bad-boy swagger, and a dirty mouth—I never should’ve fallen for Kai Jenner. But I did… right before I left him.

  Kai

  She left. Screaming fans and willing groupies can’t get enough of me, and the one woman I want to stick around past the concert after-party fucking leaves. I never should’ve said those three words to her. But I did… and I’m going to fucking say them again—when I find her.

  Soundtrack

  “Simple Boy” –Karnivool

  “Goliath” –Karnivool

  “New Day” –Karnivool

  “Set Fire to the Hive” –Karnivool

  “Umbra” –Karnivool

  “All I Know” –Karnivool

  “The Medicine Wears Off” –Karnivool

  “The Caudal Lure” –Karnivool

  “Illumine” –Karnivool

  “Deadman” –Karnivool

  “Change” –Karnivool

  Chapter One

  The crowd’s getting impatient. There are murmurs and rumblings demanding the headline act get their asses on stage. With every mumble, the tension in my stomach intensifies, twisting me full of knots.

  Why did I let Steph talk me into this?

  Unlike the hard-core fans who’ve been counting down the hours until Heathen’s live show, the tension I’m feeling isn’t from excitement.

  I’m going to be sick.

  I step back. The person behind me tries to push forward, desperate for my spot. Can’t say I blame them. I’m directly in front of the stage.

  “Here, let me help.” My friend grabs my arm and shoves me back in place. “Asshole,” she mutters at the opportunist.

  “Thanks.” I try to appear genuine, but I’m pretty sure my expression comes off as manic.

  Blessedly, Steph’s too distracted by what’s happening on stage to notice. “You’re welcome.”

  I don’t want to hurt her feelings by saying I’d rather be anywhere else, but it’s getting harder and harder to remain quiet. What she doesn’t understand is in a matter of minutes, he is going to be in front of me. Kai Jenner is going to walk on stage, pick up his guitar, and sing.

  I need to get out of here.

  But before I can move, Steph throws an arm over my shoulder. She flashes her trademark megawatt grin. Her dimples show and everything. “Are you enjoying your birthday present?”

  I swallow and nod. “Uh-huh. Sure am. It’s great.”

  Jumping up and down like a cheerleader on crack, she shrieks. “I knew you would! As soon as I heard that Heathen was playing in Seattle, I had to get you a ticket. You might like hiding behind your librarian outfits, but I know better.” Leaning in, she whispers, “You’re a rock-music-loving deviant at heart.”

  I try to laugh.

  “I know we don’t usually hang in the same circles,” she continues, oblivious to my internal freak-out, “but it’s time we change that.”

  “You’re assuming I have a circle.”

  Steph grins. “It’s small, but there.” She nudges me. “We’ve been roomies for a year. I love spending time with you at home. So I figured, why not? You know?”

  I’m guessing now isn’t the time to tell her this is a bad idea. The worst in the history of ever. In less than five minutes, there’s going to be carnage and ugly tears. All because she’s a kind person who wanted to do something special for my birthday.

  “Besides,” Steph winks, “Kai’s delicious and talented. Who wouldn’t want to ogle the fuck out of him?”

  Me. That’s who.

  Even the name spoken aloud is enough to quadruple the mayhem in my stomach. My head is screaming to abort mission. My feet are on board with the idea, but whenever I take the tiniest of steps, Steph pushes me back in place.

  “I’ve got you, Tilly.” She gives me a tight hug.

  I love the girl, I do. After a year of friendship, we had the perfect system. We coexisted in the same apartment without being an active participant in each other’s lives. Now all hell is about to break loose. Namely, I’m moments away from living out my worst nightmare.

  It’s my own fault. I never told her the secret behind my move to Seattle. I also didn’t burn the concert ticket she gave me. I stupidly smiled like I meant it and gave her a massive hug in thanks. My conscience is biting me in the ass.

  Big time.

  The house lights dim, casting the venue in almost complete darkness. The soft red wash from the overhead lighting does little to combat the sweltering haze caused by thousands of perspiring bodies.

  With her eyes trained on the stage, Steph lets go of me. Her voice combines with others as they holler in anticipation. “We love you, Heathen!”

  I pull on the neck of my daffodil-yellow button-up sweater. Sadly, rather than cool me down, the movement attracts more heat. It sticks to my skin, reiterating the fact that an escape through the closest window is in order. “I need some fresh air,” I tell her. “Won’t be long.”

  She fervently shakes her head. “That’s a hard no. You won’t make it back in time. We’ve already stood out front, bought some drinks, gone to the toilet, bought more drinks. Girl, we’ve spent more time outside than we have inside. You’re staying.”

  And here I thought I was so subtle in my avoidance.

  “We’ve got prime real estate, you can’t give it up. Kai motherfucking Jenner is going to be s
tanding within spitting distance of us.” She grips my shoulders, expression grave. “Spitting distance, Tilly.”

  “You say it like it’s a good thing.”

  Rolling her eyes, she lets go of my shoulders and hip checks me. “Trust me, it’s a good thing. Who knows? Maybe his spit has unicorn qualities and impregnates me? I’d have his babies in a heartbeat.”

  “My previous comment still stands.”

  Throwing her head back, Steph laughs. She grabs my hand, pulling me closer to the raised stage.

  Damn, I thought she wouldn’t notice I’d shifted away again.

  Quirking an eyebrow, she looks to our hands. “Why are you shaking?”

  I aim for a nonchalant shrug. “Excited.” It’s difficult to swallow. “You know how it is.”

  Despite the darkness, I can sense Steph’s gaze still on me. Or, more specifically, on my outfit. She’d never be a bitch about what I’m wearing but there’s a definite girl-have-I-taught-you-nothing-about-how-to-appeal-to-the-opposite-sex? sigh that escapes her glossy lips.

  Steph shakes her head at my patent leather pumps, black pencil skirt, and wool-knit sweater. “Tilly, that outfit has no place at a gig.”

  Feigning nonchalance, I shrug. “I came straight from work.”

  “The Coffee Bean’s uniform policy doesn’t include pearls, Grandma.”

  Okay, so the pearls were overkill.

  “Or matching earrings.”

  Yep, definitely overkill. But in my defense, I was desperate. Not that I can explain any of this to Steph.

  With a trembling hand, I push some wayward curls behind one ear. At least, I try to. Seems I forgot I put my hair up in a bun earlier. Not the messy kind, the OCD kind. The kind where each strand is tamed into submission.

  I want to leave.

  I need to leave.

  To hell with my roommate and her birthday gift, I’m getting out of here. I turn to go.

  But before I can escape, the background music quietens, everyone presses forward, and we’re crammed against the stage.

  I panic.

  “I can’t breathe.” My choked cry dies in the roar of the crowd as their first glimpse of him sends fans into a screaming frenzy.

  Sauntering.

  Cocky.

  Smiling.

  Kai Jenner.

  He steals my breath.

  Steph’s mouth drops open. “Oh. My. God.” She grips my hand painfully. “Omigodomigodomigod.”

  My heart stops.

  Chapter Two

  “How’s it going, Seattle?”

  That voice. It’s exactly the same yet completely different. It’s deeper than I remember, but the husky edge is still there. The gravelly lilt shoots desire, sharp and painful, directly to my core.

  It’s been a year. I’ve done everything right. I distanced myself, found a new job. I grieved his loss and convinced myself I’d done the right thing. It should’ve been enough.

  But it wasn’t.

  With Kai Jenner, it’s never enough.

  Beside me, Steph goes crazy. She lets go of my hand and screams, jumping up and down with a frenzied smile plastered on her face. Around us, the crowd joins in on the communal freak-out. There are hollers, stomping feet, and half-filled beer cups waving precariously in the air.

  The guy next to me puts his fingers to his mouth and whistles. The drink he’s holding tips and soaks the front of my sweater.

  “Goddammit.” Grimacing, I wipe it. Pointless, really. The lukewarm beverage stains my top, seeping into the fibers. The material sticks to my skin. The heat, mixed with sweat and alcohol, is a disastrous cocktail.

  “Are you ready to rock?” Kai bellows into the microphone.

  The crowd screams.

  Memories flash through my mind. The first time we met, our blissful months together, forever being ripped from my hands. My throat tightens, and tears prick my eyes. Before I can do anything to stop them, they cascade down my cheeks. I wipe my face with the back of my hand.

  “I can’t hear you, Seattle.” Kai pauses. He holds one hand to his ear. “I said, are you ready to rock?”

  People lose their ever-loving minds as they shriek in agreement.

  Chest tight, I try to take a deep breath. It doesn’t help. My head pounds, my eyes burn, and my heart is in agony.

  “We’ve got something extra-special planned for tonight.”

  “Breathe, Tilly,” I murmur, eyes clenched shut. “Come on, you’ve got this. Breathe.”

  “We’re gonna announce the winner of the Rock with Me competition.” I imagine his mouth quirking in the corner. “Ready?”

  No.

  The crowd screams.

  “One lucky fan is about to get the chance of a lifetime.”

  Dread like I’ve never experienced forms in the base of my stomach. It curdles with the simmering torment and pain.

  “She’s gonna come on stage,” he continues.

  Oh God.

  “I’m gonna sing a song especially for her.”

  Beside me, Steph squeals.

  Please, God. No.

  “And it’s her birthday too.”

  I want to die.

  “So before my boys and I shred like motherfucking gods, I’m gonna give her a performance she’ll never forget.” He pauses. “What do you think?”

  The crowd cheers.

  Waves of nausea scorch my throat.

  Steph throws her arm around me and squeezes. She leans in, speaking a mile a minute. “Open your eyes, Tilly. Open your fucking eyes. I’ve got one last surprise and I don’t want you to miss it.”

  I want to miss it. I’ve never wanted to miss anything more in my life.

  “Can we have a spotlight on the audience?” Kai calls out. “I need it right in front of me.”

  Before I have a chance to spin on my heel and run for the fucking hills, I’m bathed in light.

  Blinded.

  Turning my head to the side, I want it gone. I want this whole situation gone.

  “Don’t hide, sugar,” Kai croons. “Security will help you. You’re coming on stage with me.”

  Kai must be blinded by the lights too. It’s the only explanation for why he’s not telling security to haul my ass out of here.

  Hands are placed under my sweaty armpits and, as though I weigh nothing, I’m lifted in the air and placed on stage.

  Terrified, my eyes pop open.

  The light, the movement, and the audience staring at me is too much.

  My knees buckle, and my center of gravity disappears. Disorientated, desperate, I reach for the closest anchor. My fingers grip muscular biceps.

  Oh.

  My God.

  I never thought I’d touch him again. His body, his presence, his scent, his voice. Everything about him is bigger than I remember.

  Let go of him, Tilly. Let go of Kai fucking Jenner.

  Hands trembling, body shaking, I take an unsteady step back.

  With my gaze trained on the ground, my chest rises and falls on ragged breaths. The beer-drenched sweater clings to my skin, and every mistake I’ve ever made is illuminated in the mocking spotlight that ruined my life.

  I tell myself not to look at him.

  I don’t want to meet his gaze.

  But my traitorous eyes and heart have other ideas.

  Chapter Three

  One year without a proper fix and my eyes are desperate to drink him in. Knowing this opportunity will never happen again, swearing to myself I won’t allow it, I give in.

  I blink them open.

  Scuffed black combat boots, the laces undone and the leather worn. Fitted black jeans, the knees ripped and the waistband hanging low. Narrow hips with a dragon tattoo poking from beneath his belt. Defined V. Washboard abs. Pronounced pecs. Wide shoulders. Strong neck. Long, straight brown hair.

  Oh. My. Fucking. God.

  Kai Jenner is staring at me.

  I can’t move.

  I can’t swallow.

  I can’t draw breath.

/>   I can only stare as my heart shatters a thousand times over.

  Ice-blue eyes pin me in place as his expression twists with shock and anger. He holds the microphone away. “Tilly? The fuck?”

  Every second of our last time together, every gut-wrenching, hurtful word I said, I regret. I knew it was for the best. For him. For me. For everyone. But it still doesn’t ease the hurt.

  The image of a groupie, her breasts barely contained in a halter top as she writhed on Kai’s lap, assaults me with familiar ferocity. His hands were on her waist, his fingers digging into the slinky material of her outfit. Nearby, his band members were laughing. Everyone was so caught up in the woman’s antics, no one noticed my heart being ripped from my chest.

  Naivety at its finest.

  I won’t make the same mistake again. But seeing his painfully beautiful features forces me to relive every excruciating second of the past year. Despite wanting to run, I remain where I am. And, a glutton for punishment, I take in Kai’s face.

  His chiseled cheekbones, straight nose, and strong jawline are as perfectly symmetrical as I remember. Though, he’s broader, more defined than before. He’s no longer the twenty-four-year-old aspiring musician with stars in his eyes. He’s all man.

  If a sculptor envisaged the most beautiful male specimen and then crafted it from marble, Kai would be the result. He’s so flawless, it hurts to look at him.

  The crowd waits with barely contained excitement, my world is crushed into a million pieces, and time stops, unaware. All I can do is stare at the person I never stopped loving.