Gravity: A Friends-to-Lovers Rockstar Romance [COMPLETED]

1 - The strange behavior of metropolitans during mating season

There was something remarkable yet utterly bizarre about physical attraction, Al noticed as she swept her gaze across the dimly lit pub in search of her best friend Lily.

Seated at a table across from her, like a pair of preening peacocks, a well-groomed man puffed out his chest while his equally dashing companion chuckled.

Beside them, a stunning woman in her forties stole glances at a silver fox who sat among his friends. And then there was the adorable couple at the bar, their shoulders brushing as they indulged in a bowl of nachos. Definitely South African penguins—they're mates for life.

Al's phone buzzed with a message from Lily.

So sorry, Al. Can't make it tonight. Spent the past hour getting cozy with my toilet. Should've known better than to eat the tteok-bokki you brought over last week. 

Shaking her head, Al replied: Don't blame my ancestors' cuisine, Lil. LAST WEEK should've given you pause. Feel better. xx

Great. Now what? 

After the week she had, she was tempted to order another glass of wine but she had an early morning meeting, so she decided to call it a night.

Just as Al motioned for the waitress to bring her the check for her glass of Chardonnay, a young woman at the bar caught her attention. Or more precisely, the woman's reaction to the tall, tattooed White guy standing next to her. He was typing on his phone.

The woman's eyes widened and her face split into an incredulous smile, as if she'd been presented with the most delicious birthday cake. Her hands flew up to cup her face, forming the words "Oh my god!"

Al craned her neck to see what made the guy so special. He seemed ordinary at first glance. Nice hair, slightly curled on top, neither too long nor too short, and dressed in a plain T-shirt. His build was average. No bulging muscles but no dad bod either.

Pretty much an average Joe. 

As far as Al could tell, the intricate tattoo covering his entire arm was the most interesting thing about him.

Tall Guy pocketed his phone and finally turned his attention to the young woman who was running her hand through her hair for the fifth time in a minute. She beamed at him with the most radiant smile Al had ever seen, and she felt her own smile spreading too. How intense attraction could make grown women act like giddy puppies never ceased to amaze her.

Al took a sip from her nearly empty wine glass and watched the woman's lips move rapidly, her words punctuated by giggles. She wondered what the man's face looked like. His profile was barely discernible in the blue glow of the bar lights.

Her phone buzzed again. Of course, it was Lily. Three barf emojis followed by three poop emojis. Al nearly choked on her drink in a fit of laughter.

Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she almost knocked over the glass when Tall Guy tapped his fingers on her table.

Without waiting for an invitation, he settled in the chair across from her.

OH. MY. GOD. 

It wasn't that he was extraordinarily good-looking, though he was arguably handsome. It was Jacob Maier, the man who practically lived on the glossy pages of People magazine. Award-winning musician, host of his own popular Instagram show, and, above all, bad news.

Al couldn't tell if Jacob recognized her. About a month ago, he'd casually invited Lily and her to appear on his show after they spoofed one of his songs and posted the video on Lily's wildly successful YouTube channel. Al was a holistic health and fitness YouTuber, but music was another passion of hers and for the past year, she'd been juggling both.

Jacob handed her a napkin, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

She took the brown paper square from him and coughed before meeting his gaze.

"Hi, I'm Jacob." 

Bonus points for not assuming she knew who he was.

"I saw your lips twitching from all the way over there." He gestured toward the bar. "Mind letting me in on the joke?" His voice, known for its singing prowess, was sexy in conversation too.

"Alexis Hunter." She extended her hand and he shook it.

A jolt shot up her arm, nearly making her squirm.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he rubbed his chin.

"We haven't met, but you've heard my name before," she explained, tracing her brow. "My friend and I spoofed one of your songs."

Amusement flickered in his eyes as he leaned back and crossed his arms. "You did an impressive job."

"Thanks." She bit her lip, then noticed the stares from nearby tables. This was bad. The last thing she needed was to end up in a photo with him. Fanny would have her head. The woman was already dragon-breathing because the Melba Organics deal had fallen through.

"Wanna get out of here?" he asked as if he could read her mind. Or more likely, her tense body language.

Al quickly grabbed her jacket and marched out of the pub without a backward glance.

Once outside, she unlocked her phone to call an Uber but felt a hand on her elbow.

"Join me for a bit," Jacob offered, pointing to a car at the curb. "I'm curious what made you smile earlier."

Wolf in sheep's clothing, Fanny's voice echoed in her head.

Jacob held the car door open, waiting.

This better be worth it.

She didn't know why she chose that moment to be reckless, but with a final glance to ensure no prying eyes, Al climbed into the car.