BlackJack (A Standish Bay Romance Book 1) Read online

  “Mom, you’re staring,” Cameron whispered.

  “Huh, what?” she said, coming out of her daze. “Oh God, I was. I was staring.”

  AJ chuckled. “Cole has that affect on women. Come, let me introduce ye.”

  Shannon stepped back and shook her head. “No, I can’t.”

  AJ’s easy going expression turned to confusion. “Why not, ’tis not because...?”

  Shannon placed her hands on her scalding cheeks. “Oh God, no, it’s just, well, like he’s been my fantasy man since I was sixteen. I wouldn’t know what to say. Just listen to me now. I sound like a moron.” Where was the person who wrote so eloquently? Cole had been her fantasy man. Having married her ex-husband John McKenzie at seventeen because she was pregnant with Cameron had her growing up fast. Times were tough. She coped by either submersing herself fully into being Cameron’s mother, putting her stories to paper or engrossing in BlackJack music and dreaming about Cole.

  AJ curled his large, warm hand around her elbow and tugged her along with him. “Aye, he’s every woman’s fantasy. But let me tell ye.” He lowered his voice several octaves. “Cole’s extremely shy. He’ll be as nervous as ye.” He wiggled his brows at her and his eyes sparkled with mischief. “If ye tell him ah said that luv, I’ll deny it.”

  They waited off to the side until Cole finished his song. So tuned into his music, Shannon figured he probably didn’t even know anyone else breathed in the room with him. Watching him now brought back memories of his trial and how she never believed he was guilty. Her eyes had been glued to the television set, since it was broadcast live, and nothing anyone said could persuade her Cole was capable of killing his wife. Something had seemed wrong. The jury had blinders on because the quiet, grieving young man on trial screamed innocence out of every pore in his dejected body.

  ***

  Cole spotted the beautiful, tall brunette the minute she stepped into the suite, causing his pulse to kick up several notches. He had a way of playing his music and being aware of every minute detail that went on around him without anyone knowing it. There was something vaguely familiar about her, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. It would come to him in due time. He had a great memory and he never forgot a face. At least he didn’t think he’d forget one as gorgeous as hers.

  She arrived with a tall, gangly teenager carrying a guitar. As AJ led them over, he pretended to be engrossed in his music and fought to control the rampart beat of his heart. AJ would never interrupt him in the middle of a song, which was good. It enabled him to study the woman more closely. She seemed fairly young. Maybe late twenties or early-thirties, and clearly her son, or younger brother, accompanied her, as the resemblance was uncanny.

  His body sizzled as he drank in her appearance. A tight black sweater molded perfectly shaped breasts, faded jeans enhanced her mile long legs causing him to groan and think about them wrapped around his waist. Where did that thought come from? Black boots poked out from the frayed bottoms of her jeans. He snorted. They were dressed alike, he and this beautiful stranger.

  When he strummed his last chord, he looked straight at her and was bombarded with the most incredible blue eyes ever. She smiled at him and blushed. It warmed his insides, and he couldn’t help but smile back.

  “Cole.” AJ came forward. “Ah’d like ye to meet Shannon Gallagher and her son, Cameron.”

  Chapter Two

  Cole’s brain instantly screamed out, back up, back up, back up. Did he just say Shannon Gallagher? That’s why she looked so familiar. Her picture appeared on the back of all her books. A picture he spent countless hours staring at and imagining all sorts of what ifs? A one-dimensional picture showed her attractiveness, but nothing prepared him for meeting her in person. He became hyper-aware of her. His body stirred and burned for her in a way he’d never known before. And shit, introductions were not even completed yet. Something he’d rectify at once.

  He casually—at least he hoped he pulled off casual—unfolded his lean frame from the arm of the sofa. He held out his hand to her, willing it not to quiver, giving away his nervousness. “Nice to meet you, Shannon,” he said. When their hands connected it was electric. The megawatt current transferred from her warm delicate hand into his and shot straight throughout his entire body. He let go quickly, least he get fried. He turned to Cameron and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Cameron.”

  Cameron didn’t let go right away. He babbled. “Nice to meet you...Cole...I mean...Mr. Jackson...nice to meet you, sir.”

  Cole pulled his hand away, smiled and pointed to Cameron’s guitar case. “I take it you play?”

  “Huh?”

  “The guitar, you play?”

  “Oh, yeah,” Cameron replied.

  “Let’s sit. We can play something together,” he said, gesturing to the sofa.

  Cameron hesitated. “It’s okay, Mr. Jackson. You don’t have to.”

  “Come on, it’s why you brought it. And call me Cole, everybody does.”

  ***

  Shannon stood mesmerized watching Cole with her son. She was unable to drag her eyes off his long graceful fingers as they strummed his guitar. The thought of those fingers had her body tingling in all the right places. They played a song or two she recognized from one of BlackJack’s older albums. Cole’s voice sounded different from what she remembered. It sounded deeper, raspier, but still beautiful to her ears.

  The song he played now brought back startling memories of her life with John. He’d always tried to convince her he loved her and married her for that reason, not because of their son they’d created in the backseat of his father’s Buick. But she never quite believed him. Oh, she knew he loved her as she loved him, but it wasn’t head-over-heels in love. The song, Will You Ever Love Me, reminded her so much of that time in her life.

  Then to her surprise, Cameron played and sang one of his own songs. Shannon’s favorite, and it never ceased to bring tears to her eyes. It was a love ballad with just enough of a beat to keep your foot tapping. Cole caught on quickly and joined in with his guitar.

  A hand settled on her arm, startling her for a second, until she realized it belonged to AJ. He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Cameron’s extremely talented. Did he write that?”

  Shannon smiled at her son, and her heart soared with pride. “Yes, he did.”

  “He is good, aye, very good,” AJ said with strong conviction.

  AJ and Shannon applauded after they finished. Cole and Cameron exchanged silent looks then stood together and bowed dramatically, causing Shannon to laugh. Then they continued to play and AJ led Shannon over to a small serving table and invited her to fix a plate.

  “Where are the rest of the band members?” Shannon inquired as she put a small amount of fruit and pasta on her plate. She had no idea if she would be able to consume any of it. Since having found out she was meeting Cole Jackson, her insides hurt from the nervous shutters vibrating there.

  “With their wives,” he replied as he fixed a plate as well. “They should be here shortly. We’ve another hour or so tae go before we leave for the Garden. Aye, speaking of which, here they are.”

  Two men and two women walked in. Shannon recognized Ted Pierce, the bands drummer and Brad Nolan, keyboard and guitar player immediately. Brad was average height with a slight build, his dark hair buzzed short and he wore wire rimmed glasses and large diamond studs in both ears that sparkled against the light. Shannon didn’t think of him as classically handsome but not bad looking either. Linked to his arm stood a petite, voluptuous blonde, clearly his wife. At least Shannon thought so.

  Ted was tall, largely built, but not heavy. To his side stood a woman of average height even in spiked heels, Shannon thought she was quite attractive in a dark, exotic way.

  AJ made introductions. The men had British accents, which didn’t surprise her, their wives were American. They seemed nice and receptive to her, which helped calm her down some, but not much.

  After the introductions,
her attention was drawn back to Cole and Cameron who played Cameron’s song once again. She watched Cole with complete and utter fascination. He seemed like a genuinely nice person and he treated Cameron like a peer. Always complimenting him on his music and giving him suggestions without hurting his feelings or offending him. Occasionally, he would glance up and smile at her, turning her insides to mush. A terribly intriguing spider web tattoo flanked nearly his entire left arm. Before she knew it, her legs ate up the distance between them giving her a better peek at the tattoo and her breath vanished. Tangled in the spider web were many interesting things. The one thing, however, that caught her eye instantly was a nearly naked, beautiful woman. The details astounded her. Most of her tattoo experience, well, basically none, was limited to small three leaf clovers, roses, sharks or Celtic crosses. But Cole’s tattoo amazed her. It was a true work of art. He glanced up, locked eyes with hers, tilted his head and stared intently for what seemed like an eternity to Shannon. All the while she couldn’t manage a single breath. Then he finally broke contact, put his guitar down, said something to Cameron and stood up to approach her.

  Oh God. Shannon’s hand fumbled for the back of the nearest chair as the room tilted. Cole came and stood right beside her, and she breathed in his potent male scent sending her reeling even more. Their shoulders brushed, causing a tingling sensation to travel from her shoulder and beyond. Way beyond. They stood almost the same height, thanks to the one inch heels on her boots. Why had she always hated being five-ten?

  “Your son’s talented,” he said with a British accent that melted her bones. “What would you say if I invited him on stage tonight to perform his song?”

  It took a moment for her to comprehend what he said and for her brain to compute an answer. Not many people threw her off guard. This man beside her did and big time. She was blown away from the physical attraction that slammed into her at first sight to his genuine interest in Cameron. As she continued to watch her son play his guitar, she pretended Cole’s closeness did not set her body ablaze and her mind spinning.

  “I would say that’s kind of you. It’s fine by me if Cameron agrees.”

  “Would you like to ask him or should I?” he said with his eyebrows slightly raised and his eyes sparkling with excitement.

  Shannon unconsciously touched her hand to his arm and pulled it back immediately because of the jolt she received. And it was one hell of a jolt. Exactly like the one she’d felt when they shook hands earlier. Startled by the bodily contact once again, she struggled for words, then finally managed to reply, “I think it would mean a lot coming from you.”

  She watched her son’s face as Cole spoke to him. His expression one of shock, then it turned to ecstasy. He jumped up, did a little dance then came running toward her. He exuded such exuberance his face lit up like a Christmas tree strung with a million tiny twinkling lights. “Did you hear? Cole invited me.” He pointed to himself. “Me, on stage to sing my song. Oh man.” He clutched his stomach. “I think I’m gonna puke.”

  “Where’s he going?” Cole queried as he watched Cameron sprint from the room.

  Shannon shook her head. “He’s going to be sick. I think he’s a little nervous.”

  Cole snorted. “Yeah, well, I know the feeling.”

  With his comment, Shannon studied Cole closer, more intently than before, and to her amazement she found he did appear nervous. Could it be true what AJ had said? That he was shy?

  “Would you and Cameron like to ride with us in the limo to the Garden?”

  “I don’t want to impose,” she replied.

  He looked disappointed. “You won’t. Say you’ll come.”

  How could she refuse? Cameron would never forgive her if he found out, which he probably would. Also, she wouldn’t mind spending more time with this sexy, interesting man standing beside her, causing her body to take on a life of its own. “Okay.”

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to my room. Have AJ walk you down to the lobby in fifteen minutes. And oh,” he paused, glanced at the sofa where two guitars rested. “Don’t let Cameron forget his guitar.”

  “I won’t,” she replied, knowing she had an, I can’t believe this is happening, expression etched on her face.

  There was no way she could not watch him as he stopped and spoke briefly with each band member, then left through an adjoining door. She breathed deeply, and freely, finally able to take her first true breath in over an hour. Cameron came back in, looking white as a sheet. He placed his guitar in the case, and before he closed it, Shannon went up to him and placed a comforting hand on his arm.

  “Cameron, are you okay? If you’re not ready for this, I’m sure Cole will understand.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Yeah right, Mom. I’m fine. Just a little panic attack, but hey, Cole says he gets them all the time too, can you believe it? Cole Jackson scared shit-less before a concert?”

  Shannon sighed and shook her head. Reminding Cameron about his language these days wasted good air. There was something about teenagers and swearing. She knew it was normal. She’d been the same way. Well maybe not her, but John had if her memory served her correctly.

  “Just because he’s famous doesn’t mean he’s not human,” she said.

  Cameron’s color slowly returned. “You’re right. He’s really cool inviting me to play with him on stage. Who would have thought?”

  “Yeah, who would have thought?” Shannon agreed. Cole was a smart man. He knew raw talent when he saw it, or in Cameron’s case, when he heard it.

  AJ approached. “The limo awaits.”

  Cameron’s eyes lit up. “No shit, are we riding with the band?”

  Shannon rolled her eyes. “Sorry about his language.” She smacked Cameron’s arm in jest.

  “No problem luv, part of being a teenager and an adult too.” He winked at Cameron. “Ah’ve gotta serious trash mouth.”

  Chapter Three

  Parked under the canopy of the main hotel entrance gleamed not one limousine, but two. Shannon, Cameron, AJ and Cole climbed in one and the other band members and their wives in the other. Shannon, all too aware of Cole’s presence sitting opposite her, found herself once again flustered by him. She did not like this new experience whatsoever. She didn’t know where to look or what to do with her hands as Cole looked at her. It excited her and petrified her at the same time. He suddenly seemed more relaxed. His arms were loosely folded across his chest and his bedroom brown eyes penetrated to her soul. AJ and Cameron carried on a boisterous conversation. For the life of her she had no idea what they were talking about. She finally resigned herself to looking out the window and clasping her hands together on her lap, holding her favorite purse in a death grip.

  She watched the stop and go traffic as they drove to the Garden almost in a daze. She loved busy Saturdays in Boston and she imagined all the concert attendees were scrambling for the various parking garages in the area. The limo pulled down a narrow street to a side door. Shannon’s eyes widened and her heart accelerated at seeing the mob of fans. Fortunately, concert security held them at bay long enough for everyone to get in the door safely.

  Cole led Shannon and Cameron to a large room heavy with the aroma of Italian food. He introduced them to a number of people. Shannon would never remember their names, but their faces she would remember. She considered herself a visual person. Most of the people present were the equipment and road crew, scrambling in and out, juggling food and work. She also met the members of the opening band. She’d never heard of them, but Cameron had, and he was off engrossed in an animated conversation with their lead singer.

  Cole turned to Shannon, looking quite serious. “Would you be fine for a bit? I’m going to my dressing room.”

  “I will, but thanks for asking,” she said, touched by his concern. Although she’d much rather he stayed with her, she was perfectly capable of mingling alone. And God, as her eyes drank him in again, he was nothing like she expected, and everything she thought he would be. He
was incredibly handsome, dynamic and sexy. Not at all aware of the affect he had on people, especially her. Or was he? He appeared shy and unsure of himself, and she wondered if he had always been that way, or had it been caused by his years in prison?

  After he left, she shivered, and it had nothing to do with the air-conditioning blasting in the room. She missed the heat radiating from his body. Shrugging it off, she made a beeline to the drinks, opened a bottle of lemon flavored water and took a seat on a loveseat tucked in a corner. While sitting there sipping her drink she watched as her son, in all his glory, talked about music. This was his life’s dream. And seeing him here, he fit. Music came naturally to him. She and John joked all the time about where he got his musical ability and singing voice from. It hadn’t come from either of them. Maybe the creative writing of lyrics came from her, but his musical talent did not. She couldn’t sing on key to save her life or play an instrument. Neither could John. Buried somewhere deep in their family tree was a musically talented genius, and she silently thanked whoever hung on that particular branch for passing such incredible genes onto Cameron.

  Her eyes followed the members of the opening band as they left for their time on stage. Cameron grabbed a root beer and joined her, looking ecstatic. “Mom, this is so awesome. Did you know, Adam, he’s the singer for Road Trip. Did you know he’s only twenty-one? And God,” Cameron paused from his rambling, and his eyes took on a look of awe. “How lucky is he to be traveling with BlackJack.” He took a gulp of soda. “Can you imagine what that would be like? Anyway, I can’t believe we’re here.”

  “It is quite amazing.” Shannon laughed nervously. “I can’t believe we’re here either, and I can’t wait to hear you play tonight.”