Rockin' Rhythm: Velocity Book 1

PREFACE

Rockin’ Rhythm is my first book as an indie author. I’m excited to have full control over what books are published now. This also means I can put books out at my pace, not someone else’s. I plan to bring you all the books you have come to adore and more that I’m sure you will love even more!

This series is set near where I live now, so you’ll get to know some of my favorite haunts throughout the four book series. Velocity started with an idea about a musician and then blossomed into a book for each member of the band. That is a different concept than my other rock band books. However, that is how it came to me. Within days, each member had given me their backstory and then their future flowed. I have never had a had a story quite like this come to me.

You’ll find that Velocity is tamer than some of my other series in some ways. No worries. The heat is still there! It’s almost impossible for me to leave that out. I hope you enjoy getting to know this quartet as much as I have. These bad boys have started to grow up some, so they are ready to settle down at least a little. They are still as close as brothers, which comes in handy when shit hits the fan.

In book one, you’ll meet Ash Taylor. He is a sexy, heavily tatted blonde bassist who feels love is not for him. His love nest has a revolving door of hot women who serve only one purpose, pleasure. That ended when he realized the one woman he was interested for more than sex felt the same way.

DEDICATION

This year we had a larger group at 98Rockfest and Earthday Birthday in April. My sisters and brother-in-law even came down to party with us. Made it even more fun! No surprise, gave me lots of ideas, too! Good thing the boys of Velocity are from the Tampa Bay area.

As always, music dominated my life while this series formed. These guys play hard rock, so the music that inspired me was more sedate than my usual. My biggest influence was Papa Roach. The emotion in their songs spoke to me in volumes. Thanks, Jacoby for showing us your heart. They weren’t the only band to fuel my fire. These guys all had a hand in some part of this book: Avenged Sevenfold, Unearth, Ozzy, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Trivium, Nonpoint, Slipknot, Sum 41, The Offspring and Blink 182.

Ya know I gotta thank my awesome team! Patricia, Traci, Kathy, Anita, Jacqui, Donna, Paula, Sonia, LaDonna and Tricia… All of you have been there with me through so much. I am forever grateful to you. Geri, Christa, Margo, Melissa, Stephanie, Sarah, Naiana, Lisa and Courtney… Thanks for sticking around and helping me where you can. It’s not easy to mention everyone who is part of my writing world. Just hope I didn’t forget anyone. If I did, thank you!

MEET THE BAND

Ash Taylor - Bass

Ian Tate - Lead Guitar

Bryce Cooper - Vocals/Rhythm Guitar

Leo Danger – Drums

CHAPTER ONE

Ash Taylor looked down at the chick on her knees before him. He had already forgotten her name. They had met a few days prior at a bar. She hadn’t realized who he was right away. Then of course, she had sobered up a bit and went nuts. He just wanted to get laid. His conscience wouldn’t allow him to fuck her while she was inebriated. He got her number and said he would call. That was one promise he regretted.

Are you a virgin? He was sure of the answer, but that would explain a lot.

She shook her head. No. Why?

Never mind. He groaned when she moved in the opposite direction that he did. Wow! Can this get any worse? Did you cum yet? There was no way he could tell. Her nod assured him that it didn’t suck for her at least.

He pulled back and slammed into her as deep as he could. Nothing. Not a sound, no movement. This is like fucking a dead fish. What’s the point of this? He closed his eyes and tried to imagine she was his last girlfriend. That woman knew how to please a man. She had no limits and was wild as hell in bed. He didn’t want her drama but wished he could find someone like her. So far, it seemed impossible.

With thoughts of a more aggressive woman, his body finally felt pleasure. Unfortunately, it dissolved immediately. He pumped harder. An idea came to mind, then was quickly dismissed. She probably won’t like anal anyway. Why bother? He started to grasp at straws. Fuck this.

He pulled out and laid down next to her. Blow me. Do a good job, and I’ll call again. His number was blocked, so he didn’t need to worry about her bothering him. Leave the condom on. Eyes closed, he felt the bed move then it dipped between his open legs.

Why do we need the condom now? She was reluctant.

He sighed. Because I said so. He always played it safe.

Can I put a new one on you?

With a sigh, Ash got to his feet and grabbed his jeans. He always carried several. The trailer they were in was only for sex. Since they were abundant in his area, he thought it was more convenient than driving to the next town every time he had a hook up. It also allowed him the privacy and anonymity he needed.

He looked up and saw the frown on the blonde’s face. Then another idea came to him. The dresser across the room held many supplies, one of which was a box of flavored condoms. I have strawberry. That should taste better.

OK. She hoped it did.

After he was comfortable, Ash closed his eyes and put his hands behind his head. Now get sucking. I need to cum. She closed her mouth over the head of his cock. He waited a while before she took him a bit deeper. Harder. I can barely feel your mouth. It took a few more minutes for her to get a good rhythm going. Wait. Just stay still, right there. He pumped his hips up a few times and watched her fake breasts jiggle slightly. Much better.

It didn’t take even a minute for her to ruin that as well. He shook his head and gently pushed her away. Then he laid back again, yanked off the condom and stroked himself. Why’d I bother with this chick?

She stood at the foot of the bed with her hands on her hips. What about me?

Although it wasn’t easy, he ignored her so he could get off. His mind drifted as his eyes closed. An image of a woman he knew was out of his league came to mind. If only she was available and I was her type. His hand moved faster. Thoughts of her always made his body respond. Before he knew it, he panted and his back arched.

You like your hand better than me?

Ash’s eyes snapped open just as he spewed semen all over the blanket beneath him. Droplets wound up on his abdomen as well and some on his hand. Then he heard a door slam. Shit! He rushed to clean up and get pants on.

The front door of the trailer was wide open. He rarely went there during the day. His eyes moved around the area because he didn’t want the neighbors to see them. He curiously glanced at one trailer in particular. That was the only neighbor he had not met. He heard it was a single woman who kept to herself.

I’m insulted that you chose your hand over me. The annoying chick glared at him as she threw open her car door. How could you not want this amazing body? She ran her own hands down her sides. I’m a catch, Ash Taylor! You’ll be sorry you passed this up!

He gritted his teeth. Yeah, some catch, more like dead fish. Shut up! I have neighbors, ya know.

I don’t care. They can all hear about how much you suck… um… at sex. Obviously, she didn’t have a way with words. Everyone should know that Ash Taylor can’t get the deed done.

He scowled. Oh, I got it done all right. No thanks to you. He groaned when a door opened. Go home already.

You need some help with this one?

Ash shook his head at the nosy man. I think I got it. He hated when anyone in the small trailer park approached him. It worried him that someone would discover his love nest.

*** ♫♪♫♪ ***

Less than an hour later, Ash walked into Safe Haven in the hope it would lift his mood. Usually, he called it The Center. He had developed the habit of visiting when he was down or bored. It was a place he wished had existed when he was a kid.

The band had created it to help single parents and low income families. They did free daycare, and also had an after school program, summer camps, and weekend events. It was open seven days a week, and even major holidays with limited staff. They knew some parents had to work all the time.

He and most of his bandmates had grown up in south Riverview, only a few miles from The Center. Most people thought of Florida as just a vacation destination. It was much more, and not all of it pretty.

Tampa was only 30 minutes away. Unless you had a car, that could be across the ocean. This isn’t helping. He knew he had to forget the past to change his mood.

With a grin, he greeted several teachers and the receptionist, Afternoon ladies. Quiet day?

His eyes settled on Michelle Reynolds, so he didn’t hear if anyone had replied. If only it had been you for real, instead of only in my head. Her happy face lit up his dreary day. She always made him smile. He felt better already. She was his only female friend who was not related to his band.

He directed all his attention to her. I thought Tuesdays were busy here.

It’s early. Most of the kids are still at school. Michelle was a teacher for the five to seven-year-old range. She adored Ash from afar. His shoulder length, dirty blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and model good looks intimidated most normal women, which included her.

He took a deep breath. Any kids here today? He had hoped to distract himself with a basketball game or something.

Michelle nodded. Mostly young ones. She knew he related to the teenagers best.

Do you have to work Saturday? He wasn’t sure why he had asked that.

Her head snapped up. He had never showed interest in her personal life. Not this week, since from what some parents told me, there’s a church sponsored trip Saturday to Siesta Key. I love the beach there.

Me too. His smile was automatic.

He liked Michelle but had never thought about asking her out. Normal women usually didn’t react the same to his come-ons. They had never so much as shared an innuendo. He had assumed she was married with kids, although she wore no ring. Maybe I was wrong. If she had been, she would have mentioned something about going with them to Siesta Key or something. Wouldn’t she?

His eyes moved over her conservative dress. It was loose enough that he couldn’t be sure what her body was like, but he could tell she wasn’t beyond his range of preference. She wasn’t short like most women, which always made him look twice.

Her head almost came up to his eyes in flats. That put her at about 5’ 7, since he was 5’ 10. Movement started in his pants as he admired her natural beauty.

She didn’t wear makeup, and her dark brown hair was always up. That made his imagination churn. What’s she like outside of this place?

He always went after hot, wild girls. It had gotten old. Maybe I need someone down to earth for a change. She could be the one I’m looking for.

He almost groaned aloud. Sometimes his head came up with outrageous ideas. Ones he didn’t think were necessary, like finding the one which was not a real thing. He didn’t believe in that bullshit.

Another look at her made his heart beat faster, though. Maybe she’s not as untouchable as I thought.

To test his theory, he said, I’ll let you know the next time I’m going.

Her breath caught. I have to be hearing things, or he’s just being nice. She led him to her classroom as she imagined them alone on the beach. That’d be cool.

She couldn’t believe she was able to respond to that. However, he wasn’t like most rich guys she had met. The same went for rock stars. Not that she had met any wealthy people other than his bandmates. They were nothing like him. He made her feel like she was the most important girl in the room when they spoke. His slight New York accent made her laugh at times.

Ash’s smile never faltered. She might be into me after all. The blush on her cheeks told him she had at least thought about him in an inappropriate way. Perfect!

When they entered her classroom, her assistant led the group in a scavenger hunt. Quietly, she asked, Are you giving lessons today?

Nope. Ash gave guitar lessons to the older kids when he was in town. Although he was Velocity’s bassist, he played guitar just as well. Just bored. Thought I could help out.

With a grin, she pointed across the hall. The preschool room is pretty full. They might need some help. She didn’t know how to quell his boredom. From what she had seen, he was a bit hyperactive at times.

He was slightly disappointed. He had hoped to help out in her classroom. She was always nice to him, and he liked to talk to her. Most of the people who worked or volunteered there treated him like an idiot, or like he was untouchable.

Michelle never did that to him. To her, he was just another volunteer. That made him feel normal. It was hard to come by since his band had hit it big five years prior.

After a few seconds of hesitation, he knocked on the preschool door and walked in. Hey, Beth, thought I’d help out today.

Two young girls ran to him and hugged his legs. Hi, Uncle Ash! That was something most of the younger kids called him. He had no idea who had started it. When they let his legs go, they grabbed his hands and pulled him to a small table. Play tea party, please! The girls were there almost every day, so he knew them well.

As always, Ash sat down and let the girls dress him up somewhat. He smiled as they poured him a cup of pretend tea. The younger ones usually lifted any of his moods, though not the babies. That room was quite noisy, and he had no clue what to do with them.

Preschoolers could be fun. He sipped his empty tea cup and acted as if it was the best thing in the world. The girls giggled and had a great time

Michelle peeked into the preschool room and smiled. Ash was a great sport. He did almost anything the kids wanted. She admired him for it.

He was great with kids of all ages. Even the day he had been in the infant room. He had looked terrified, but the babies had loved him. He had a knack for calming a frightened or upset child. She was sure he didn’t even realize it.

Thanks for the tea, sweethearts. Ash smiled as the girls were called for story time. I’ll be back again.

As quietly as possible, he left the room and walked down the hall to the gym. The older kids weren’t out of school yet. That was the age group he usually hung out with. He grabbed a basketball and dribbled it for a while. Then he shot a few at the hoop.

It made him think about his teen years. The band’s vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Bryce, had lived in the Summerfield subdivision. They’d had indoor and outdoor basketball courts.

A long time ago, they had all teased Bryce that he was rich, first because of his name. Then, because of where he lived. Compared to the rest of the group, he and their friend Reggie were rich. Technically, their families were just financially stable.

His phone vibrated and stopped the latest trip down memory lane. He yanked out his phone and frowned at the message. Since they had been home for more than a year, he had started to get antsy. Their next tour was not until the next month. He couldn’t wait.

With another glance at his phone, he replied to Leo that he was busy. Leo Danger was their drummer and the other playboy of the group. Bryce and Ian, their lead guitarist, had families.

He knew that Leo wanted to pick up women. Leo’s type was usually like the girl from that morning. In the middle of the afternoon, it made no sense to find companionship. They could go to a beach, but Ash had no desire to fuck another useless fake chick. He wanted something more. Unfortunately, he had no clue what that was.

Another text made him sigh. He quickly sent a reply:

Fine. How’s pizza sound?

Leo responded fast:

Sounds good.

Ash sent another text to Bryce and Reggie:

Meet us at East Coast.

That was their favorite pizzeria. It was locally owned, not a chain. When they opened about ten years ago, the area had not been fully developed. That was the first strip mall near their homes.

As he thought back, the neighborhood had been quite rural for most of his life. The northern end of town was the closest place to get anything you needed. Since the housing market had exploded, they could get almost anything within a few miles. That was some serious progress. He liked the semi-urban atmosphere much better.

Uh, hey. Michelle knew he had caught her watching him.

Ash smiled. He had walked out of the gym and found her right behind the door. Hey. The fact that she had been watching him made him feel good. He wanted to hang out with her but wasn’t sure what to do. Uh… Do you play basketball?

I’m not very good. She bit her lip, and her eyes drifted down. I could try if you like.

He shrugged. That’s up to you. He wished he could invite her to dinner, but it would be too weird for both of them. Maybe I could come by tomorrow and teach you how to play?

I’d like that. She had to look at him again. The smiled was involuntary. She was sure her cheeks were red. I’ll see you tomorrow.

CHAPTER TWO

Once in his car, Ash’s mind worked overtime. The Center was just south of Big Bend Road, so he drove north on US 301. When he passed Reggie’s block, he smiled. They had spent a lot of time there, since the property his family owned was huge.

Unlike the others, Reggie lived in the house he grew up in. His parents had moved into a retirement community in the next town south.

That made Ash think of his mother. She had meant well, but she had never been around when he’d needed her.

Between her two jobs and the exhaustion, she hadn’t had time to watch him grow up, never mind spend more than a few moments together. He regretted that he hadn’t had that time with her.

When he saw Bryce with his mother, it always hurt for a few seconds. Unlike Ash, Bryce’d had the attention of his mother almost any time he’d needed it when they were younger.

Just before he turned into the lot that held the pizzeria, he glanced at the car repair shop to the left. Andrew, a friend from high school, ran the shop. Most of their friends had stayed local. They rarely got together, but when they were in town, there was at least one party.

That month, it would be a family party, though. More than half of the ones still around had children, so it made sense. It wasn’t fair to force the guys to leave their kids behind. Damn, we’re getting old. He laughed at himself as he parked.

Since he didn’t see the other’s cars, he headed inside to grab a table and order. Can I get a large pie with extra cheese and a large supreme for here? Then a large pepperoni and a large cheese to go. He often ordered extra food to bring somewhere. That time, he planned to feed the garage across the street. He didn’t have a family to spoil, so he tended to give where he could.

While he sat at the table alone, Ash’s mind wandered back about eight years. They had met Ian at Raccoon’s in Valrico, northeast of Riverview. Velocity had played the bar that night. He had spotted Ian at a table and was sure he had been wrong.

As far as Ash had known, Ian was retired from the music business because his last band had broken up after the singer had a meltdown on stage. Ash had introduced himself, and Ian had offered to play with them for the night. After that, Velocity had come to be known as Ian Tate’s new band.

Leo walked into the pizzeria and waved at Aaron, the owner. He and his bandmates only ordered pizza from there, so they knew everyone quite well. He spotted Ash right away. Hey! Did you order yet?

Yep. Ash waved at a seat. Gonna bring Andrew and the boys some food, too.

That made Leo laugh. No wonder they hook you up every time you bring your car in. I gotta start bribing people.

It’s not a bribe. Ash shook his head. We grew up together. It’s just a nice thing to do. Not like I have kids to spoil.

Leo couldn’t believe his ears. Ya know, if you just stop using condoms, you’ll have a kid in no time. If you don’t mind a psycho baby momma. He chuckled, unable to contain himself.

Fuck you, man. Ash hated that Leo was never serious. I’d make a shitty father. No point in me having kids. In his heart though, he actually wanted them.

Bryce Cooper had just come up to the table. Don’t say that. You’d make a great father.

Whatever. Ash didn’t have an example as a kid, so he felt he didn’t know what a father really did. Although, over the past 10 years, he had watched his friends and their kids. In his mind, that wasn’t the same. Truthfully, he didn’t see himself as father material.

I’m serious. Bryce hated that Ash belittled himself sometimes. You’re great with my kids and Ian’s. I’m the one who won’t get the father of the year award. Who wants a junkie for a dad? He and Ash had been best friends since they were 12. After 19 years, they knew everything about each other. Leo had come into the mix a few years later.

Leo growled, Don’t you start that. You got clean. You’re not a junkie.

I was, Bryce admitted. How many days was I sober on our last tour? No one responded. None. Even when you guys thought I was clean, I wasn’t.

Ash waited for Bryce to sit. Then he laid a hand on his best friend’s arm. What matters is that you did it. A lotta things take time. It’s been a year, and you haven’t gone back this time. Right?

No. Bryce knew his friends were trying to help. My kids need me sober.

Reggie Wilson approached the group. He was part of the band’s crew. What’s wrong? He could see the serious tone of the conversation in their faces.

Nothing. Bryce forced a smile. Just wallowing in my lonely life.

After he had taken a seat, Reggie sighed. They had all tried to help Bryce through the aftermath of his addiction. You talk to the kids today? He knew Bryce missed his children.

Bryce nodded. Yeah, this morning. Vanessa lets me talk to them whenever I want, but I can’t have them on school nights. I don’t see why. I found a house for sale right in Summerfield, down the road from her. She balked at that idea.

You still staying at the beach house? Reggie had been busy with his family that month, so he was a bit out of the loop. He had three children of his own.

With a look of pure sadness, Bryce nodded again. He’d moved into the band’s custom built house in Apollo Beach when his wife had kicked him out. It was right on the water and had a beautiful view.

He rarely enjoyed it, though. Unlike the others, he was born in Florida. When he was young, he had lived in Apollo Beach. The only time he had visited since, was to get drugs or go to the beach house. None of his dealers would sell him anything at that point, which was a good thing.

I don’t know where to go. Bryce felt lost sometimes. If I can’t live near the kids, then what’s the point? She knows this is killing me.

She wants to make sure you’ll stay clean. Ash talked to Vanessa more than Bryce did. Maybe when you come back clean after this tour, she’ll change her mind.

Reggie put a hand on Bryce’s shoulder. And if she doesn’t, we’ll figure something out. You can always stay with me. That guest house I built is almost always empty.

The kids like the beach house. Bryce did as well, but it didn’t feel like home. I’ll be fine for a while there.

Seconds later, their pizza arrived. Ash quickly delivered the to-go pizzas to the garage and sat back down with his friends. He lifted a slice to his mouth and took a huge bite. It’s not New York pizza, but close enough. He had searched far and wide for something better, but no one knew how to do it right.

I got everything set for Nicky’s birthday. Reggie sucked down a gulp of soda. We got the whole crew back together again. Almost everyone RSVP’d already. This is gonna be huge.

Leo’s face screwed up. I thought it’s a party for Bryce’s kid. Why’d you invite everyone?

You’re gonna tell me you wouldn’t have fun with a waterslide and a bounce house? Reggie was glad to see Leo’s eyes light up. Thought so. I’ll have alcohol, but we just have to be careful around the kids, or my wife will shoot me.

Bryce looked around. Where’s Ian?

He’s waiting for the kids to come home so he can take them to the gun range. Leo shrugged. Said he wants them to know how to handle a gun right.

Ian Tate’s younger children were in high school. Unlike his bandmates, Ian had moved to Florida as an adult and brought his family. He was 16 years older than Ash, Bryce, and Reggie, who were 31, but they barely noticed it unless the children’s ages came up.

How about we celebrate my 30th birthday again? Leo smirked. The last party was too tame. Maybe we can go to a strip club tonight.

Hold up. Hold up. Sometimes Ash’s Brooklyn roots showed through. You want another party? We had like three already. You kept telling everyone it was your birthday every time we went out.

Leo shrugged. You only turn 30 once.

Yeah, I remember. Ash exhaled loudly. None of us wanted a party. You should be happy we gave you one. The night of his own 30th birthday played in his mind like a movie.

*** ♫♪♫♪ ***

Tonight we party like rock stars! Leo shouted at the huge glass windows of their Las Vegas penthouse suite.

Ash rolled his eyes. "We are rock stars."

OK. We get to party like we’re… uh… Metallica. Leo was so drunk, he had no idea what city they were in. Those guys must party hard. Obviously, he had forgotten that James Hetfield was sober.

Bryce pulled Leo