Read Online Love Rock'ollection: The Brutal Strength Rock Star Trilogy, books 1-3 by Michelle Mankin - Free Book Online Page B

kidding? At least if she wore herself out, she might be able to sleep. If she dreamed of him, well then she really couldn’t be held responsible for her subconscious, now could she?
     

     
    BACK AT HIS apartment, Marcus exited the elevator deep in thought. It had just felt so right when he and Avery worked together today, everything clicking into place without any effort. Musically, they seemed to know without speaking where the other wanted to go. Usually after he put down a track, he had doubts. Not tonight. He knew what they had done was perfect. The song had integrity, something he could take pride in, hit or not, the label be damned.
    Marcus was a loner by nature. His mom would say antisocial, that he preferred the company of his guitars over people from an early age. That’s why he was so surprised by how much he enjoyed being around Avery. Sure, there was a part of him that felt sorry for the guitarist, what with all he had been through. But mostly he admired Avery’s resilience. Somehow, instead of becoming bitter, Avery remained a warm, enthusiastic, and encouraging individual.
    In just an astonishingly brief period of time, the newest member of Brutal Strength had inexplicably managed to tunnel under the impregnable wall Marcus had erected around himself.

 

     
     
    MARCUS ARRIVED AT the studio the next morning late and in a cranky mood. Awful traffic on the drive over had set him on edge. But somehow all that tension seemed to dissolve the minute he saw Avery, smiling at him as if he were the world’s most important person. His confusing reaction to Avery’s greeting was something he had just about managed to brush aside when instead of saying hello, Avery walked right past him and stopping in front of Ray instead.
    “Hey Ray, how are you today?” Avery asked, tone revealing concern.
    Ray set down the gear he had carried in. “Fine, and you?”
    “Good, good. But how’s your mom? Have they let her out of the hospital yet?”
    Marcus watched them both, completely perplexed. Why hadn’t he known Ray’s mom was in the hospital?
    “Not yet. But they think she might get to go home tomorrow if she keeps improving.”
    “Great! I’m so glad. Pneumonia is serious business.”
    “Also.” Raysmiled. “I followed your advice.”
    “You’re a good guy, Ray.” Avery beamed. “Your mom’s lucky to have you.” Avery turned back to Marcus and motioned him over. “Dwight and I were working a little bit with ‘Brothers’ while we waited for you.”
    “Dude, I love this song!” Dwight exclaimed, pulling him in for a hug and whispering in his ear, “I’ve missed seeing this side of you bro. Love you, man.”
    Marcus cleared his throat, touched and a little choked up by his brother’s approval. “Where’s the Stepchild?”
    JR walked in the door swaggering as if on cue. “Chill. I’m here.”
    “Let’s get started then,” Marcus declared.
    After they all got settled, they spent a couple of hours layering in some additional background vocals, drum and bass tracks.
    Finally, Dalton announced over the mic, “That’s it guys. We’ve got it.” He gave them a thumbs up from the booth. “Mary’s going to freak. I think this one’s ready to release as a single already!” After a brief round of congratulations, the session broke up.
    Avery was just putting up her guitar when she sensed Marcus behind her. Her nostrils filled with the piney scent of his cologne, and his body was so close, she could feel the heat radiating off it. She wanted to lean back and melt into him…and that was just for starters.
    “Hey, wanna go get something to eat, before that monster living in your stomach wakes up and gets hungry again?” his melodic voice rumbled.
    “Sure.” Avery swallowed then grinned. “Sounds like a plan.” She called over to Dwight, who was talking with Stephen, “Hey man, wanna go get something to eat with us?”
    “No, thanks. My wife, Lisa and I have plans to eat and see a movie this