MARRYING THE ROCKSTAR (#3 ROCKSTAR SERIES)

♪ seventeen ♪🔥

When I got home later that day, Leo greeted me with a smile. A tight one that showed some restraint, some hesitance, but a smile, nonetheless.

"Got the pictures," he said, after embracing me, gesturing at his phone. "You really did have plans to go wedding dress shopping, huh?"

I pinched my lips and feigned a glare at him. "And you really didn't believe me, did you?"

I'd never admit to him it was a last-minute plan put together in haste by a very skillful Sapphire who happened to have contacts in every industry. He didn't need to know his instincts were right, that I was full of shit and in over my head with all the wedding stuff.

"I did, but...this was a nice confirmation. Though I have to ask..." He guided me to the kitchen, where I smelled our favorite pizza growing cold on the counter. "Why were only Sapphire and Daphne with you? Did your other bridesmaids have to bail?"

I bit the insides of my cheeks, thinking of the list I'd made in my phone. The women to consider as bridesmaids, highly recommended by Sapphire and Daphne, and who'd be briefed on the situation and who'd know to pretend to have been a part of my bridal party since the start.

It was a flimsy plan, at best, but I had no choice.

"They were there," I said, turning away from him so he wouldn't catch a hint of doubt on my face. I reached for a stray pepperoni in the pizza box. "But they got to the place first, and since they're not famous, no one photographed them."

"Ah, well," he wrapped his arms around me from behind, setting his head on my shoulder, "in that case, that's great. But there's no garment bag," he said, the frown apparent in his voice.

"It needs some alterations," I said, and this time, it wasn't a lie. I had bought it—well, Leo had, technically—and it did need a few weeks for some adjustments. "But I did find the dress."

"I can't wait to see you in it," he said, grabbing us plates from the cupboard. He passed by me, his mouth near my ear. "And to rip it off you on our wedding night."

I cringed as I swallowed the lump in my throat, and we sat together for dinner.

***

The next day, I wanted to move full speed ahead on the interview with Leo. He happened to have some free time, and Leo's habitual photographer ended up being available that day, too.

We met with him at the studio bright and early. He knew Leo and how long it took for him to pose and approve pictures, the perfectionist that he was.

I'd chosen the outfits I wanted Leo to wear, and of course he bickered about some of them, but I had to remind him it was my article, and I was the boss, here.

"And she's right, in any case," said the photographer, nudging me as he dared to speak his mind. He wasn't intimidated by Leo as some other staff-members were and had no trouble telling Leo when his posture sucked, or if he needed to smile bigger or to not smile at all. "If it were up to you, you'd pose naked with your guitar."

"Which is something I'd considered," I said, smirking at the thought, my cheeks flushing. "But ultimately, this is about clothing and fashion. Not your super-hot naked body."

Leo winked at me and licked his lips exaggeratedly. He'd been horny all night last night, and more so this morning, but I was too distracted and in-my-head to give him what he wanted. I had to admit, watching him beg turned me on; but seeing him so frustrated and forced to wait turned me on even more.

"Ew," whispered the photographer. "Get a room."

"We will," said Leo pointedly, looking right at me.

The shoot went, for the most part, without a hitch. Leo argued a few times over something I'd picked out for him, or fussed over a pose he didn't think was flattering before seeing the result in the camera and conceding without much more of a fight.