The Complete Rockstar Series

“Oh tosh, Gavin. I want to meet him. Any man that’s important enough for you to finally be yourself,” I hear my mom sniff over the phone. “Well, I’d like to meet him and say thank you, that’s all.”

Now I’m dumfounded. “You want…” I choke on the words. “You want to come here?”

“Of course, love. Now, I know you’ve never invited me before. I figured it was because you’re such a jet setter, with your band and all that. A young thing like you doesn’t need an old lady hanging around. But if you’re settling down, I’d love to come out for a visit if you’d not mind putting up with me,” she chuckles.

“You…you didn’t think you were invited?”

“Oh Gavin, I know how young people are, all independent and what not. Now you’re almost thirty years old and well, it’s time to find a nice bloke and make a home. I can’t wait to see you, dear.”

“Mom,” I hesitate.

I can’t tell her the truth about Mitch and me. It would break her heart. Plus, just the idea of me having a boyfriend has her ready to pack a bag and fly ten thousand miles to meet him. But, even if I don’t have a boyfriend, I do have a stalker. I refuse to have my mother anywhere near him.

“Mom, I’m still having trouble with the notes. I’ve got a professional looking into them. Why don’t we talk after it’s taken care of and arrange for you to fly out then?”

“Oh love, that would be brilliant.”

Right after that call, my dad left a furious, ranting message about flaunting my ‘faggot ass’ in front of the whole world. How he even knows my phone number is beyond me. I haven’t spoken to the man in years.

A good set of waves rolls in. I paddle with the tide, getting enough speed to catch one of the larger ones. Bracing my hands under my chest, I pull my legs into a crouch and stand. As the wave grows larger, I’m able to expertly twist the board with my feet, skimming along the surface of the water as it curls behind me.

After an hour or so, I’m chilled and exhausted, but my mood is improved. Surfing always manages to help me cleanse my mind. I haul my board up the beach and drop onto the warm sand.

A shadow falls over my eyes. When I look up, I see a cute brunet in a pair of way too bright, floral-print, board shorts.

“Hi.” He smiles down at me. “You’re Gavin Walker.”

I grin back, running a hand through my stiff, salty hair. “Yes. Who are you?”

Before the guy can answer, Marcus plants himself next to me, crossing his arms and glaring at my admirer.

“Ummmm, I uh…” The guy stammers, tripping over his words. I don’t blame him. Marcus can make some pretty scary expressions.

“Ignore Marcus.”

He flicks his eyes to Marcus then back over to me. “Uh, I’m Sean. Sean O’Conner.”

“Irish, huh?” My gaze travels over his lightly freckled cheeks and bright hazel eyes. Then down his thin but very toned body. “Want to sit?”

Sean’s eyes widen in surprise. “Are you serious?”

He’s cute. Too young, maybe twenty-three, but cute. “Sure,” I shrug. “Why not?”

Sean grins and drops to the sand next to me. Marcus is unamused. The large man grunts, but says nothing. I shoot him an annoyed look to which he doesn’t respond. No privacy. He’s not going to leave me alone to have a conversation.

“So, uh, where’s your boyfriend?” Sean glances around as if Mitch is ready to spring out and punch him for talking to me.

Oh how I wish.

I laugh and Sean’s cheeks turn red.

He smiles. “Sorry, can’t blame a guy for trying.”

I lean in close so Marcus can’t hear me. “If I didn’t have company,” my eyes flick over to my grumpy bodyguard, “I’d take you home in a heartbeat.”

Sean’s smile grows larger. “Seriously? What about the boyfriend?”

“Meh, he wanted space.” It’s the truth, sort of.