Free Rock Star's Ballad (White Mist Series Book 3) by A. P. Jensen Page A

asked and gave her a quick hug.  
    “Did you forget to tell me that Johnny was catching the same flight?” Demi asked.  
    “No,” Gwen said without a trace of remorse.  
    Trey gave her a big grin and went out back. Johnny came into the house with Paula, Chase and an older man smoking a cigar. Paula introduced her husband as Uncle Al who immediately followed the sound of masculine voices outside. Paula and Valerie supervised the food while Missy tried to find out why Chase would be jumping on Kerry’s bed. The women were chattering all at once and Demi was beginning to feel the first strains of panic when she felt a firm hand on her arm. She was relieved until she saw that the hand belonged to Johnny. She tried to pull away, but he didn’t let up. He dragged her out of the kitchen to the living room, which was deserted at the moment.  
    “What do you want?” she asked. She was so over everyone referring to that stupid video and assuming they were in a relationship.
    “You need to give me your number,” he said.  
    She twisted her arm out of his hold, which was becoming a habit she didn’t like. “Why?”
    “So I can stop calling Regan.”
    “You don’t need my number.”  
    Demi wasn’t fast enough to stop him from snatching her purse. He rifled through it and found her phone. She tried to take it back, but he was bigger than her and she didn’t think jumping on his back would do much good. Johnny called his phone with hers, saved the number and handed it back to her.  
    “I can see why you settled here. I think there’s something wrong with this town,” Demi muttered.  
    He grinned. For a moment, he was the Johnny she remembered, full of life and laughter and her heart yearned for that simpler time.  
    “It’s your own fault Regan likes you. I hear you’re going to work with her,” he said. “Sounds like you’re staying despite the fact that I live here.”
    “Well,” she fumbled and tilted her chin up when he grinned. “I’m sure we can both live in the same town without bothering one another.”
    Johnny shrugged and his casual attitude pissed her off.  
    “I’m sick of everyone thinking we’re together. You need to release a statement to the press or something,” she snapped.
    “And say what?”
    “I don’t know. That last night was a publicity stunt or I was playing along. It was a joke… Something! ”
    Johnny’s eyes moved over her face. “I’ve never seen anyone with eyes that shade of green.”
    “Johnny,” she said in a warning voice, “Stop.”
    Johnny was gorgeous and knew it. Having the genes from a supermodel and rock star father, it was no wonder that Johnny’s natural charm drew women in droves. Right now, Johnny’s complete focus was on her and it was enough to make her nightmares of him fade into nothing. She shook herself and eased back. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but I want no part in it. ”
    He eased closer to her and noted the fractional widening of her eyes. “You want to play, Demi. You just won’t admit it.”
    “No, I don’t,” Demi said emphatically. She didn’t want to play . She was done with taking risks, following instincts, etc. It only led to more heartache.
    “Let’s eat!” Valerie shouted.  

Chapter Four
    The women filed out of the kitchen, still talking nonstop. Regan came over and hooked her arm through Demi’s.  
    “Behave!” Regan said to Johnny before she led Demi outside.  
    Valerie’s backyard was filled with people and laughter. There were tables with plastic chairs set up and everything was awash in orange light as the sun began its decent. The kids were making plates of food and sat at one table while the adults congregated at another. Most of the men gathered around the grill, drinking beers. Regan led Demi over to the food table.  
    “Load up,” Regan said.  
    The food smelled great and Demi made herself a plate and paused, wondering where to sit. Regan grabbed her arm again and