Rock Reclaimed (Rock Revenge Trilogy 2)

I truly enjoyed the entire show. I got amazing shots and even a video or two, but the opening song was the one that gripped me and didn’t let go.

I wandered the venue and took some shots of the fans freaking out at the merchandise tables, as well as the special fan lines that were part of some winery package. The band had gone to mingle with the winery party in full swing.

Ripper had a team set up for the meet and greet to take pictures, but I was so amused by how people reacted to Ian that I couldn’t help myself. That, and he was extra cute with the fans. He never made them feel like it was a burden to speak to them.

Considering the last time I’d seen him in a concert environment it had been more of the Ian show with a side of badass ego, this side of him was a lot to take in.

“Excuse me?”

I turned toward a trim blond woman in an apron over the stark black and white, universal server uniform. “Yes?”

“Are you with Mr. Kagan?”

I pressed my lips together and let my camera rest against my chest. “How exactly do you mean?”

“His team.”

My eyebrow winged up. “Yes, I suppose I am. I’m the photographer with his band.”

She gave a relieved sigh and pulled a cart around from behind a long banquet table. “I was instructed to give these food platters to the band, but they seemed to have disappeared.”

“Oh. They’re out mingling in the winery.” I glanced down at the wine and cheese spread. One platter held meats and cheeses and there was fruit arranged on the other. I nibbled on the corner of my thumbnail. We hadn’t actually had many…well, dates. “Do you have a basket, maybe? You know, like picnic style?”

The woman smiled. “I actually do.”

“And maybe a place to, you know…” I swallowed. I felt like a jerk asking, but I’d been all over the winery taking pictures this evening and there weren’t all that many private areas. I had a feeling Ian’s fans would be eagle-eyed looking for him after the show tonight. Especially considering the line he was taking care of at the moment.

“Someplace romantic?”

I blew out a breath. “That obvious?”

“Only because I wish it were me.” She gave me a wry smile. “Lucky girl. I’ve got just the place. Follow me.”

I glanced at where Ian was. He was deep in conversation with a female fan who looked like she was about to keel over with nerves. At the end of the line was a man in a black suit. He was on his phone, but he kept eyeing Ian.

I didn’t recognize him, but I assumed he was security for the evening. They should stay off their phones while working, but it had to be pretty boring to watch fans fawn over Ian all night. I was just glad he was there to watch over him. Even as well-meaning as the fans were, they could get a touch overzealous.

I knew that firsthand with the mail I kept getting.

I hurried after the waitress and we made up a perfect basket with two bottles of wine and a mix of the two platters.

I slipped her a fifty from my emergency money in my camera case. “You did me a solid.”

“Oh, you don’t need to—”

I gave her a bland look. “I’ve worked catering. Believe me, you earned this times three.”

She took the bill and tucked it into the pocket of her shirt with a wink.

“Time to go get my guy.” I looped the soft-sided bag over my shoulder.

“I put a blanket at the bottom of the bag.”

“You’re the best.”

“Have fun.” She waved and hurried back out into the crush of people.

I took a left and made my way back to Ian. I ducked under the red ropes around him and caught him around the waist as he was guzzling water.