Hate Me! That's the Game! - Book 1 E-Book

Adams Emilia

• Herausgeber: So Romance - INT
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: Hate me! That's the game!
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 305

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2026

Beschreibung

When she meets her idol, she falls under the spell of the man behind the music...

Aileen simply can't believe it: after answering an ad under the influence of a cheap beer, her dream is about to come true… Meeting Evan, the lead singer of Black Devils! A devoted fan, she's head over heels for him. But will she be able to charm the young man who, besides being handsome, sexy, and brooding, happens to be engaged? Although the odds are slim, Aileen is ready to do anything! Her secret: a good dose of provocation and a touch of madness, all sprinkled with rock 'n' roll!

Immerse yourself in this new romance with torrid, sensual, but above all, rock 'n' roll undertones!

EXCERPT

— Let's start all over again. Back where it all began.
What does he mean by “start over”?

Leseprobe

Cover

Title page

To Julian C.

Always believe in your dreams.

Thanks to you, I’m trying to make them come true.

A story inspired by the titles of his songs.

Chapter 1

“I can’t win”

The Strokes

Aileen

This is the best day of my life!

First, I endured a six-hour trip to New York, including an hour stuck in traffic.

Second, I got whistled at while crossing the street because my underwear was caught in my skirt.

Third, my lingerie escaped from my poorly closed suitcase.

But that’s not the worst part. No! The worst part is the box of condoms sliding right down to the feet of my two roommates. Another brilliant idea from my dad! Curse him!

I glare at him furiously.

“If you’re going to have sex, you need to use these. You know you have to be careful these days.”

“Dad! Stop it, enough!”

Laughter erupts in the living room. Humiliation accomplished! When will he understand that I’m a young adult and fully aware of the risks I shouldn’t take?

Probably… never!

“I’ve already told you; everything will be fine. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Sweetheart… I just want you to take care of yourself.”

He steps closer and hugs me tightly. I give in, defeated, despite my anger. It’s impossible to stay mad at him. My dad is the man I love most in the world. He’s always been there for me, through good times and bad, comforting and reassuring me. However, he tends to be overly protective, and it drives me crazy. I’m nineteen, almost twenty. I’m not a baby anymore.

He lifts his head, his eyes glistening:

“I know, you’re not a baby anymore.”

I pull away from his embrace, pursing my lips as I look at him suspiciously. I hate it when people read my thoughts.

“Promise me.”

I let out a heavy sigh.

“Aileen!”

“Yes, I’ll be careful.”

“Call me at least twice a week, and if someone attacks you, use your pepper spray.”

I cross my arms, exhaling dramatically.

“Aileen… Listen to me, for heaven’s sake! New York isn’t Seneca Falls. It’s a big city, and you’re not immune to danger. I want you to stay vigilant.”

He’s not joking. His face is red with anger.

“Trust me, Dad.”

I place a hand on his shoulder. Up close, I can see the pain in his eyes.

“You can’t keep me with you forever.”

“It’s my duty to protect you.”

He falls silent, takes a deep breath, and kisses my forehead. My heart tightens with anxiety.

“Relax, Dad. I’m a big girl.”

“I know. See you soon, my little star.”

“See you soon, Dad.”

He closes the door. My eyes brimming with tears, I pray my friends don’t see me like this. Did I really think they wouldn’t notice? Sometimes I’m so naive.

“Dry those crocodile tears and put on the sexiest dress you packed in your suitcase,” Mila exclaims, her face lit up with a big smile.

“Why?”

She kisses me briefly on the cheek before twirling off to her room like a ballerina. Her long platinum blonde hair sways from side to side. I turn my head to Emma, who seems just as excited. Am I dreaming, or do I need to pinch myself? Did she just do a cartwheel in front of me?

“We’re partying tonight!” Emma announces, her voice euphoric.

“But I just got here…”

“No arguments,” Mila cuts me off. “It’s Adam’s birthday, and we’re going to have fun… and drink.”

I sigh. OK! After all, they’re right. I need to relax. There’s nothing wrong with having a drink!

*

Two hours later, after trying on several dresses and hairstyles, we take a cab to Adam’s place. The driver drops us off in front of a massive golden gate. The house’s facade takes my breath away. It’s two stories high, with a mix of wood and white plaster finishes. I’ve never been here before, and I didn’t think he lived in such luxury.

Emma knocks on the door. A woman in her forties answers. She’s dressed in an ivory-colored suit, and her auburn hair is styled in a high bun. The resemblance to her son is striking. She has slightly almond-shaped green eyes and freckles on her nose.

“Good evening.”

“Good evening,” we all reply in unison.

“The boys weren’t lying when they said three pretty girls were coming over.”

We giggle. We’ve all chosen similar outfits, but I’m the only one wearing high heels. Not my smartest decision! I’m struggling to walk in them.

“Come in! They’re waiting for you outside.”

We follow her down a long hallway and step onto the terrace. It’s adorned with large beige stone tiles and a glass wall pergola. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful and opulent. My house in Seneca Falls doesn’t even come close to this villa. It’s more like Laura Ingalls’ little farmhouse lost on the prairie. And of course, a chic and sumptuous residence always comes with a pool. I don’t need to look far; my eyes light up as I admire the rectangular aquatic space, embellished with faux rocks and heart-shaped topiary shrubs.

“You’ve got drool dripping down your chin,” Mila exclaims, nudging me with her elbow. “Stop drooling like that!”

I shoot her a dirty look, bringing my fingers to my lips.

Nonsense! I wasn’t drooling!

“Hey! We were waiting for you!” Logan shouts.

He walks toward us with a beer in hand. Emma snatches it from him and takes a sip.

“Ugh! It’s awful!”

She grimaces as she hands it back to him.

“Serves you right for stealing other people’s stuff.”

She flips him off, sticking out her tongue before joining Adam and Alec. Mila follows her. I’m left alone with this Adonis, shirtless, his skin kissed by the summer sun, glowing with a stunning golden hue.

“You look lovely tonight. Did you dress like that for me?”

I blush furiously.

“Not in your dreams, Logan!”

He runs a hand through his brown hair, his rebellious gaze fixed on me.

“Too bad. I could help you take it off… gently.”

“Yeah, right.”

I shove past him, but he grabs my wrist.

“Why?”

“Why what?”

My eyes shoot daggers at him.

“You’ve changed, Aileen. Can’t we start over on a better note?”

“If you stop bringing up… you know what.”

He exhales slowly.

“So, should we forget about it?” he asks, his gaze filled with frustration.

“I think that’s the best solution.”

Our first meeting was a year ago. I had just met my roommates, and on our second day, we went for a drink at a pub. It was packed with young students. A band of three musicians was heating up the room with Nirvana covers. Mila had managed to get close to them, probably thanks to her ample chest. We hit it off with the guys, and since then, we’ve been inseparable.

First, there’s Alec, the bass guitarist. He’s not very talkative, but once he’s had a drink, he won’t stop talking. He livens up our evenings with his terrible singing. A real disaster!

Then there’s Adam, the youngest. He’s a professional drummer. He’s so intense he could make his audience deaf with his wild drumming. He’s crazy about Emma, but I think she’s the only one who hasn’t noticed yet.

Finally, there’s the ladies’ man: Logan, the singer and guitarist who makes women swoon with his intoxicating voice and heartthrob looks. He also teaches guitar lessons and is notorious for sleeping with all his students.

Unfortunately, one night, I slipped up with Logan. A stupid game of truth or dare! Anyway, I don’t want to think about what happened. I’m putting that story far behind me. I think it’s better that way. It was a mistake. Yes, the biggest mistake of my life!

“Come on, let’s go. They’re waiting for us.”

As we walk toward our group of friends, he drapes his arm around my shoulders. I watch him drink his beer and snatch the can from him. I take a sip. I grimace. Emma was right; it’s disgusting. No way am I drinking this cat piss all night.

*

“Yes! I wanted that one!” Adam exclaims, thrilled with his victory.

“You’re going to regret it, but you’re lucky it’s your birthday. Otherwise, I’d ruin your night,” I say, giving him a frosty glare.

He pulls a pack of cigarettes from his shorts pocket, lights one, and blows the smoke in my face.

You little brat! You’ll pay for this!

He’s playing with fire. He doesn’t know my inner demon or what I’m capable of. That Black Devils T-shirt should have been mine. I’ve always said I don’t share my favorite singer, and this idiot is deliberately trying to rile me up. OK, he’s a fan of the band too, but he didn’t have to rush to order it before me when I was just about to check out.

“You won’t even fit into it.”

“Are you implying I’m fat?”

My glare is lethal, and he finds it amusing. He chuckles and stretches out on his lounge chair. I hate him!

I pout, tilting my face toward my smartphone. The item is sold out. Only one option comes to mind: sending an email to ask when it will be back in stock.

As I browse the site, a bold message catches my eye:

URGENT!!!

WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN INTERN TO JOIN US ON TOUR.

YOUR MISSION: WRITE ARTICLES ABOUT OUR PERFORMANCES AND SHARE THEM ON OUR BLOG.

POSITION AVAILABLE FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE YEAR.

CLICK THIS LINK TO CONTACT US:

[email protected]

I reread the message. It feels like a dream, but Alec’s awful singing brings me back to reality. He’s crooning by the pool, a beer in hand. Thankfully, Logan is singing along, softening the disaster he’s inflicting on the neighborhood.

“Pinch me, girls, and tell me this is real.”

“Why? What are you talking about?”

Mila lunges at me, tipping my lounge chair. Luckily, it doesn’t topple over.

“Damn it! Be careful! And get your hand off my thigh!”

I frown, but she doesn’t seem bothered. She grabs my phone and reads the message aloud.

“Wow! What are you waiting for? Apply!”

“Well… I mean… I don’t think they’d pick me.”

“If you don’t try, you’ll never know,” Emma cuts in.

“Yeah… and if you don’t, I will.”

Adam chuckles.

“Dream on! You already stole the T-shirt. You’re not getting this job.”

Don’t push your luck, buddy!

Fueled by a sudden rage, I grab my phone and type out an email:

My name is Aileen, and I’m a totally hysterical fan who dreams of meeting you one day. Even if there’s only a 1% chance my application will be accepted, I’m taking my shot just so my idiot friend doesn’t get the job. He already beat me to buying the last T-shirt in stock on your site, so if he thinks he’s going to win this time, he’s dead wrong. And since I know my email will probably go straight to the trash, I just wanted to say I’m in love with you. Evan, your sexy voice makes me swoon. I love you. I adore you. I love you and adore you again.

Message sent under the influence of three cat piss beers. And I’m sure it’ll never be read. It’s a lost cause. I comment on all their social media posts and have never gotten a reply.

I stick my tongue out at Adam, get up, and place my phone on the glass table in the garden lounge.

“Hey guys! I think Aileen deserves some punishment,” Adam shouts, glaring at me.

My cheeks flush.

“And why’s that? What did I do?”

“What do you think, you little troublemaker…”

“You started it. You shouldn’t have… Hey!”

I don’t have time to finish my sentence before two massive hands lift me off the ground.

“Put me down, Alec!”

I thrash and scream as loudly as I can, but Logan grabs my legs to stop me from escaping.

“Help me, girls!”

They laugh. Damn it! They’ll pay for this!

The two boys throw me into the pool. The water is freezing. Completely drunk, Logan takes off his shorts. My heart pounds in my chest as his naked form appears before my eyes. He dives into the pool, swims over to me, and wraps me in his strong arms. I’m about to hurl a scathing remark at him, but Alec and Adam jump in too. They dunk him under. I take the opportunity to climb out.

One word to describe my day: catastrophic! Let’s hope the days ahead are better.

Chapter 2

“Instant Crush”

Daft Punk ft. Julian Casablancas

Beneath a sunny sky, I climb the steps leading to my university, flanked by my two friends. The new students look disoriented and completely lost. Unlike them, I stride forward confidently, a big smile on my face. It’s my second year here, and I’ve memorized the campus map by heart.

We enter our classroom, passing by the French professor fiddling with the overhead projector. We sit down next to each other. I pull a binder and pen from my bag.

“He’s charming, that hottie,” Mila says, adjusting her hair. “Do you think he’s single?”

“Mila! Enough! Keep your voice down! I’m sure he heard you,” I grumble, shooting her a dark look. “And stop ogling him like that!”

I blush as the professor lifts his head toward us.

“Doesn’t he look a bit like Ashton Kutcher?”

I elbow her.

“Kudos to the administration for hiring such an Adonis. I have a feeling these classes are going to be very interesting,” she continues.

Emma bursts into laughter, which catches Ashton Kutcher’s attention. He clears his throat, glaring at us. Total humiliation! I want to disappear under my seat.

“A little quiet, please!”

I jump at the sharp tone of the teacher’s voice echoing through the room.

“Good morning… Let me introduce myself. I’m Ashton Greene, and we’ll be spending the year together studying French.”

“Ashton! I knew he looked like an Ashton,” Mila whispers in my ear. “Did you see his ass? Damn! He’s so sexy! Hmm… I could use a French lesson or two.”

She licks her lower lip. This girl is obsessed!

“You’re impossible! Here’s some advice… forget about him.”

“Oh, no way! I’m thinking he’d make a great dessert.”

“Do you have something to share?” Mr. Greene interrupts, stepping toward us.

Help! Can I fake a fainting spell?

He stops right in front of me, and my heart races. Mila’s right, this guy is seriously gorgeous. And his eyes! Oh my God! They’re as blue as the ocean. You could get lost in his gaze. His haircut and hair color are just like Ashton Kutcher’s. He’s dressed in a light gray suit and a white shirt. His slightly loosened purple tie gives him a rebellious edge.

“I’m listening.”

I glance at Mila, who’s as red as a lobster.

“Your conversation seemed quite engaging. Next time, share it with the rest of the class, ladies.”

Snickers ripple through the room. What a disaster!

He smiles mischievously before handing out the syllabus for the semester. Each student introduces themselves. When it’s Mila’s turn, she can’t resist turning on the charm, flashing her best smile and subtly hiking up her skirt. Unbelievable! She’s going to get herself into serious trouble. Well, I warned her. She’s old enough to make her own decisions, though a little voice in my head tells me she’s heading for danger.

*

At the end of the day, after reviewing the year’s syllabus, we decide to grab a drink at the Starbucks just a stone’s throw from campus.

We share our impressions of the classes, and unsurprisingly, Mila launches into a monologue praising our French professor’s attributes.

I pull my phone from the pocket of my red leather jacket and notice I have about ten unread emails. Most are annoying ads that I immediately delete until I stumble upon a message from the Black Devils!

I swallow hard and click on it. My heart skips a beat. Am I dreaming?

Dear Aileen,

When I opened my inbox this morning, I found it overflowing, and I never expected to read such a bold declaration from a fan.

What stood out to me was your original approach, so different from all the others I’ve seen. Your sincerity touched me.

I’d like to invite you to our studio tonight between 5 and 6 PM. We’ll discuss the details of the position.

If you miss this window, I’ll have to choose someone else (maybe your idiot friend), but if you want that T-shirt you’ve been longing for, I suggest you go for it.

See you soon,

Evan from the Black Devils.

“Are you okay, Aileen? You look like someone just told you bad news! What’s going on?” Emma asks, sipping her strawberry soda.

“I… uh… Oh my God! I got a message from the Black Devils.”

“What? Let me see!” Mila shrieks, hysterical, snatching my phone from my hands.

Is this really happening? I never thought he’d reply. He wants to meet me. I think I’m going to faint.

“Hey! Stay with us,” Emma says, noticing my state. “This is good news!”

While Mila reads the email, I glance at my watch. Crap! It’s already 5:15 PM.

“Go!” Mila shouts. “What are you waiting for?”

“But I can’t go dressed like this…”

“What’s wrong with your outfit? Jeans and a floral blouse… Okay, it’s not sexy, but you’re not going to miss your meeting just because you didn’t highlight your boobs! Unbutton it a bit, and you’re good to go.”

I smack her arm.

“Thanks, Mila! Now everyone’s staring at us!”

“Who cares! Go! Don’t miss this chance! And if you don’t, Adam…”

“Fine! I’m going!”

No need for her to say another word. I stand up, grab my bag, and wave goodbye before dashing out of the café. Adam can make my life miserable all he wants, but he’ll never take MY spot!

*

After taking a cab and deciding to let my long hair down instead of keeping it in a bun, I find myself standing like a wax statue in front of the Black Devils’ studio for five minutes.

5:35 PM. I’m really late! What an idiot!

I take a timid step forward and push open the glass door. There’s no one in sight. I take the opportunity to inspect the room. Concert posters cover the walls. In front of me is a desk and a display case filled with vinyl records and cassettes. Do those still exist?

I can’t believe I’m here, and in a few minutes, I’ll be talking to my favorite singer. But what will he think of me after that email I sent? My heart races faster and faster. I’m terrified I won’t measure up. What if he changes his mind?

I close my eyes for a moment, trying to calm myself, but the creak of a door startles me. A short, round woman with very short blonde hair and glasses perched on her nose approaches me. She’s dressed in a bizarre outfit: an orange polka-dot dress with green spots and yellow sneakers. What a disaster!

“Hello, can I help you?”

“Uh… hello… I… uh…”

“What do you need, miss?”

“I have an appointment with Evan about the position…”

“Ah! You’re Aileen?”

“Uh… yes…”

“Very well! Follow me.”

How does she know my name? Am I the only one he’s meeting? I’m starting to think I should drink more often to be more outgoing. Without the influence of alcohol, I’d never have dared to send such a message, but apparently, that’s what Evan liked, and I’d better live up to it.

Stay calm! Everything will be fine!

She opens a door and gestures for me to enter.

“Have a seat here. Evan should be here in five minutes.”

I nod and step into the room. I thought Evan would be a perfectionist based on what I’ve read about him on social media, but that’s completely false. It’s worse than a mess. The desk is a chaotic pile of papers. Still, I manage to navigate through the clutter of boxes and cables. I sit down on a chair and take off my jacket.

Five minutes… This whole situation feels surreal, yet here I am in the Black Devils’ studio. I’ve seen the band perform live twice, but I’ve never gotten an autograph or had the chance to talk to them.

I undo two buttons on my overly prim blouse and pull out a small mirror from my bag. I check my neckline. Perfect! Mila would be proud of me. I also inspect my teeth, running my tongue over them. I need to maximize my chances.

I jump when I hear a throat clearing. I bite my cheek. Crap! It’s him! Oh my God! My heart pounds in my chest. Damn! He looks so good in those jeans hanging low on his hips. And that half-open black shirt revealing his tanned, muscular neck… I’m going to faint.

Stop, Aileen! Get a grip! You’re embarrassing yourself!

“Hi!”

“H-hi,” I stammer.

He approaches slowly, a teasing smile on his lips. An amused glint lights up his eyes. Is he mocking me? I must be blushing to my ears. I knew my shyness would take over, but I thought I’d at least manage to speak properly. Sometimes I just want to slap myself!

He sits across from me, pushes the papers off his desk onto the floor, and pulls a pack of cigarettes from his jeans pocket. He lights one, crossing one leg over the other. His bad-boy vibe is driving me crazy.

Up close, I can study every detail of his sun-kissed face. There’s a beauty mark near his left eye. His irises are dark brown, and a tiny scar marks the corner of his lip. I love his faint stubble. Damn! He really is the man of my dreams.

He studies me, then lets his gaze linger on the top of my chest. I blush even more than I did a minute ago. Oh my God! How embarrassing! Why did I do that? And I wasn’t even drunk! Nervously, I squirm in my chair, searching for the first words to say. He chuckles, running a hand through his messy brown hair. My attention shifts to his arm. His tattoo makes me smile: a musical staff with a treble clef. Nothing extraordinary, but I got the same one during a drunken night out.

“You’re Aileen, right?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

He stands and perches on the edge of his desk, his expression unreadable. The silence in the room makes me uneasy. I can’t tell what he’s thinking. Is he disappointed? Was he expecting someone more eccentric?

He stubs out his cigarette in the ashtray, leans his head toward mine, and murmurs:

“Fifteen minutes. That’s how long you have to convince me to hire you.”

The sound of his voice sends a shiver down my spine. I knew I was head over heels for this guy, but seeing him in person, I’m on cloud nine. Evan is my crush, but it will never be mutual. First, he’s a world-famous rock star, and second, he’s about to get married.

Chapter 3

“15 Minutes”

The Strokes

Aileen

“Fifteen minutes,” he repeats, his mouth close to my ear.

My breathing becomes erratic. Goosebumps rise on my skin just from feeling his breath against my cheek. Fifteen minutes! That’s so little time. What on earth am I going to say? I didn’t have time to prepare for this interview. It all happened so fast.

He sits back down. His gaze is dark but incredibly sexy. Why is he looking at me like that? What does he really expect from me? To see the bold girl behind the email? Is he testing me?

“So, what are your motivations, Aileen? Why did you apply?”

“I… uh…”

I’m going to slap myself! Why can’t I get the words out?

He glances at his watch.

“Fourteen minutes. The countdown has begun.”

Is he serious? Fifteen minutes and not a second more? He’s throwing me off even more. My heart is racing. Come on, Aileen! Don’t let this chance slip away!

“Thirteen…”

Initially, I applied just for fun, never expecting a response from him. So why am I here? I can’t tell him it’s because I want to kiss him. No, that would be wildly inappropriate.

“Twelve… time’s running out.”

Damn it! He’s so infuriating! What do I need to do to stand out?

I stew, but the way he’s watching me is unsettling. Why is he licking his lips like that?

“Eleven minutes, Aileen! Am I making you uncomfortable?” he asks with a mischievous grin. “If you don’t talk, I might have to call your idiot friend.”

He chuckles. Adam won’t win. No, no, no, and no! I’m going to prove to him that I came here to get this job. No one else but me will get it. I’m going to unleash the hysterical fangirl inside me. He shouldn’t have mentioned my friend’s name. Too bad if I look ridiculous, but I’m going all in!

I stand up and, taking a deep breath, I unbutton my blouse completely. I hesitate to take it off.

Go on, Aileen! Think of Adam!

I toss it to the floor. My heart is pounding faster. I’m standing in front of Evan Swain in my bra! Who would believe this? And I never imagined my interview would go this way, but I don’t see any other way to secure this job.

I walk around the desk and stand in front of him. He looks surprised. Through his long brown lashes, he’s staring at my 34B. And luckily, I’m wearing my best set, the red and black lace one that can be undone by pulling the satin ribbon in the middle of the cups. I’m determined to get what I’ve wanted from the start. Even without alcohol, I can awaken my inner devil.

“That’s a very bold way to show me how much you want this job, but…”

“Correction, I was browsing the site to buy a T-shirt. Let’s start from the beginning. What do you have to offer me?”

He stares at me for a moment. His pupils dilate. My body shivers, but I’m proud of myself because I didn’t stutter, and I dared to do something crazy. All it took was hearing Adam’s name. If I get the job, I’ll thank him.

“Okay, so the T-shirt is more interesting than spending time with me?” he asks, standing up from his chair.

I glance at his lips. Once again, he moistens them, and my hormones go wild. The room’s temperature seems to have hit 104 degrees. His closeness is driving me insane, and if I had a bit more courage, I’d pull him close and claim his mouth savagely. Then I’d ask him to take me on his desk and make me feel things I’ve never felt before. But this is Evan Swain, and I doubt he’s having the same naughty thoughts as me.

Alert! I need a cold shower!

“If you’re not answering, it means you’re confirming what I just said, Aileen,” he says in a seductive voice, his hand brushing my cheek.

My body ignites, and my mind loses all control. His hand on my cheek! I can’t believe it, yet I can feel his fingers gently moving against my skin.

Our faces are just inches apart, and his thumb glides over my lips. My breath quickens. Is he reading my mind? Does he want to kiss me? Unfortunately, he lets out a long sigh, closing his eyes. He steps back, much to my disappointment. Damn it!

From his jeans pocket, he pulls out his phone. He sits back in his chair and makes a call.

“Kathy, can you bring a couple of T-shirts from the ­stockroom?”

He looks me over, then adds:

“Size M, thanks.”

He hangs up and gestures for me to sit back down. I comply, though I don’t bother putting my blouse back on.

“Aileen, what do you do for a living?”

He lights another cigarette and props his legs up on the desk.

“I’m a second-year journalism student.”

“Why journalism? What do you like about it?”

“Well, I love writing, and I’m very curious.”

He takes a drag from his cigarette and offers it to me.

“I don’t smoke.”

“Okay. So, you say you’re curious… Ask me anything you want, and I’ll answer.”

“I… I don’t know.”

I thought he was supposed to be the one asking questions, getting to know me, and deciding if I’d meet his expectations. This role reversal has me completely confused.

“Ask me, for example, what kind of girls I’m into… brunettes, blondes, eye color, short or curvy.”

“Uh…”

I shrug.

“But isn’t that exactly what fans want to know?”

Of course, I’ve wondered about it many times, but it’s a topic I’ve discussed with my friends. My God! Not with him! It’s totally awkward.

“A journalist is confident and has great interpersonal skills. They’ll try to uncover all the information they want to know, by any means. Curiosity is one of their greatest assets. They must adapt to all kinds of situations.”

He checks his watch before continuing:

“Five minutes, Aileen. Surprise me.”

No way! There can’t only be five minutes left! He’s lying! And why surprise him? I feel like I’m auditioning to be his girlfriend rather than interviewing for a job.

Suddenly, my phone rings, breaking the silence that had settled. I must be as red as a tomato. In My Dreams is the ringtone announcing a call, one of my favorite Black Devils songs. Evan smiles. I pull it out of my bag. This is really not the right time to be interrupted. I only have five minutes left to convince the gorgeous man in front of me. Adam’s name flashes on the screen. I already felt like I was in a room without air conditioning, but now it feels like I’m in a sauna. I nervously turn off my phone. Adrenaline courses through my veins. Adam won’t take MY spot, and I’m going to show Evan that I can be surprising.

I stand up from my chair, spin around, and place my hands on my hips. Giving him a playful look, I ask:

“What do you think of me?”

His lips part, but someone knocks on the door. Panicked, I grab my blouse. I don’t have time to put it on before Kathy enters with several T-shirts in her arms. Okay, Kathy is the woman who greeted me when I arrived. She gives me a strange look, and I can understand why. The situation is… unusual. I don’t know where to hide. The only thing I can do is stare at the floor.

“Here’s what you asked for,” she says, approaching Evan.

“Thanks, Kathy.”

She glances at me again before turning on her heel. My God! What an embarrassing situation!

Evan places the three T-shirts on the desk. They’re all black. The first has the band’s logo, the second features a photo of the five stars, and the last one looks a lot like the one I wanted to order—just Evan leaning against a wall, wearing sunglasses.

“Pick the one you like best.”

Without hesitation, I choose the one with Evan alone. He approaches me, smiling, and just as I’m about to put the T-shirt on, he snatches it from my hands. My heart skips a beat. Our eyes lock, and I can’t make sense of what’s happening around us. He brushes my lips with his thumb and grabs my wrist to pull me closer. He chuckles. The tattoo! I wonder what he’s thinking because he remains silent. He must think I’m crazy.

I try not to blush again and close my eyes, savoring this moment for as long as I can. Without warning, he buries his nose in the crook of my neck, inhaling my scent. How is this even possible?

“You smell like a carnival, like candy apples,” he murmurs, lifting his head.

The small smile he gives me sends shivers down my spine. My heart races faster and faster. I wish so badly for him to press his lips to mine, and I feel like he wants the same thing. I’ve dreamed of this moment countless times. But suddenly, his eyes darken. He releases my wrist and checks his watch.

“Time’s up, Aileen. I have to go.”

But why? No! Is this really how it’s going to end? Breaking this moment of happiness we just shared?

“But…” I stammer. “Our interview?”

He lets out a long sigh.

“It’s over. I’m sorry.”

Sorry? Is he kidding me?

I stand frozen, glaring at him with furrowed brows. His gaze locks onto mine. Damn! His eyes are mesmerizing. I’m head over heels for him, but he just ruined everything. He shakes his head and rushes out of the room. I feel like crying.

I angrily put on the T-shirt, grab my bag and jacket, and leave as well. What was I thinking? That he’d be interested in a girl like me? I’ve been daydreaming too much. It’s time to wake up.

As I exit the studio, my anger intensifies when I cross paths with his fiancée. A blonde perched on fifteen-centimeter heels, wearing a tight skirt that barely covers her butt. Compared to her, I feel pathetic. This doll is way hotter than me, and it’s clear my handsome rock star lost his mind for fifteen minutes. It was too good to be true.

Chapter 4

“Heart in a Cage”

The Strokes

Evan

A week… Seven days she’s been on my mind. She stood there in front of me in a red and black bra. I pulled her close, touched her lips that were waiting for me. Her mismatched eyes fascinated me. Her slightly wavy brown hair smelled like candy apples. In that moment, I was both aroused and terrified. Afraid of crossing the line. I wanted to devour her, and to be honest, I wanted to make her mine.

But my heart already belongs to someone else. I can’t give her the key. My past has been tumultuous, but I promised to grow up. I’m thirty years old; this has to stop! I’ve hurt Kristen enough. I need to quit my nonsense.

This week has been rough. Aileen has been haunting my thoughts. An unhealthy image of that tempting little apple appeared while I was making love to my fiancée. Her scent still lingers in my memory. I was so close to returning her blouse, but I stuffed it into a bag I carry with me during rehearsals.

I promise, I’ll give it back! In a few days…

Since meeting the young student, Kristen has been bombarding me with questions:

“Who was she?”

“What was she doing there?”

“Why did she leave angry? She gave me a threatening look.”

“You’re not going to hire her, are you? I’m sure she can’t string a single coherent sentence together in her articles.”

Kristen is jealous, and I get it. Aileen is stunning; she must make all the guys at her university drool.

I’ve tried to forget her. I’ve looked at other candidates, but none were very original. Unfortunately, I’m back to square one, and I absolutely need to find someone within five days.

Fifteen minutes! That’s the time I gave her to convince me, and without knowing it, she succeeded. And I let her walk away…

Chapter 5

“Between Love and Hate”

(The Strokes)

Aileen

The week flew by, and I hadn’t heard a word from my singer. However, the photos of him and his princess plastered all over social media managed to turn me into a grumpy little monster. No matter how much I tried to distract myself with my friends, Evan occupied my thoughts from morning till night. I woke up several nights drenched in sweat, my legs trembling. I’ll admit, the erotic dreams weren’t unpleasant, but as soon as I came to my senses, a mix of love and hate boiled inside me.

Ever since I found myself in his office, I’ve fallen for him a thousand times harder. How could I not be charmed by him? I adore everything about the man: his bad-boy edge, the way he speaks—sometimes commanding, sometimes gentle—and the way he provokes me to be more confident. But why did it have to end like that?