Play Hard

By L.P. Maxa

SWEETER THAN HONEY

From the time he first met her, Luke Matthews knew Lexi Grant was the girl for him. He joined a band to impress her. He became a famous drummer to win her heart...only to have his bandmate win it instead. Watching the two together was torture, so Luke fled. Spent months in Costa Rica surfing and perfecting the art of becoming a manwhore. But on the dreaded flight home, forced to reunite with his band and begin a whirlwind promo tour for their new album, Luke knows what he must do. Lie.

Her childhood taught Harlow Davis two important lessons: Love can’t be bought, and don't date guys in bands. Then, on a flight to Nashville, a gorgeous rock star offers her money to pretend to be his girlfriend. Wrong. Stupid. Irresistible. And the best bad decision she’ll ever make. Her one-day promise to Luke is about to deliver endless nights of ecstasy. And if she can learn to trust—and if he can give up a love that never was—reality will be better than fantasy. And it’ll last forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
• Release date: Sep 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781944262426

L.P. Maxa

L.P. lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, daughter, three rescue dogs, and one adopted cat. The first group of chickens met with a sad and unexpected death. They have been replaced. The dwarf goats are a story for another day. And now there are ducks. Writer, business owner and office manager, L.P. says she loves to read as much as she loves to write. Reading a good book is her reward after writing one. In her spare time—ha!—she fosters puppies for a rescue organization based in Austin. Connect with L.P. – lpmaxa.wordpress.com facebook.com/pages/LP-Maxa/1442560722667127 twitter.com/lpmaxa instagram.com/lpmaxa

Book preview

Chapter One

Lexi

I’m calling him this morning. I pulled the tab on Halen’s fresh diaper and then scooped her up in my arms.

Dylan tossed me the onesie I had laying out on her dresser. You sure that’s a good idea? Smith said the guys planned on just meeting up with him on the promo tour. Didn’t want to try to force his hand at anything.

I haven’t called. I haven’t texted. I haven’t emailed. I’ve given him the space he needed. I’ve left him alone. But it’s been three months, Dilly. Enough is enough. Once Halen was all dressed in clean clothes after her massive blowout, I handed her to Dylan.

Now? Dylan followed me out of the nursery and down the long hallway into the kitchen. You’re going to call him now? It’s six o’clock in the morning there.

We were in our new house in Texas, which was well worth the hours upon hours I’d spent with the GC. Our master bedroom was downstairs and we’d added a smaller room right across the hall to use as Halen’s bedroom until she was old enough to move all the way upstairs. Like when she was sixteen. I almost cried every time I thought about her moving out of her nursery one day.

Yeah, so either he’s just gone to bed or he’s still screwing whatever whore he picked up the night before. I never asked Dash about Luke, I never asked if he’d talked to him. My amazing fiancé was the most kind and understanding man on the planet. He’d let me have my time, let me say good-bye to my best friend without complaint. Now this was our time; Dash, Halen, and I. But whenever the guys started talking about Luke, my ears sure as hell perked up. I hung on every scrap of information that came my way. And all of it pointed to Luke acting like a playboy down in Central America.

Dylan shot me a look and put Halen in her swing. Here, you need to eat something after that workout. She handed me a banana.

Waking up at the ass crack of dawn so that you girls can kick my booty all over the gym is really starting to pay off. Have you seen these abs? I lifted my shirt.

Once we’d all started building it’d become clear that being apart, living totally separate from one another, would never work. For any of us. So in the middle of the compound we built some common spaces, one of those being a well-equipped gym. We’d added on an outdoor kitchen, a bar, a studio, and a larger dining area as well. Where did B go? I thought she was coming here for tea?

She went to see if Landry wanted to come too. Halen cooed at the sound of Landry’s name. Those two weren’t blood related, but they were sisters through and through.

I pointed at Dilly. There you go. Another reason it’s time for Luke to come the fudge home. Luke had been giving Landry drum lessons before he adios’d to Costa Rica. He left names for Jacks and Bryan, guys he thought would be able to pick up where he left off in teaching her. But Landry refused. She wouldn’t take lessons from anyone but her Uncle Luke. Not to mention his goddaughter. Halen is starting to recognize faces and he’s a stranger to her.

Dylan filled my stainless steel teakettle with water and then sat it on my large Viking Range stove, which I was painfully learning to use with her and B’s help. No one is arguing the fact that he’s missing things here. That he’s been gone for a long time. It’s just…We all know why he left, Lex.

Her words caused my chest to hurt.

I was the reason Luke left.

I thought as time went by, as he got older, that his crush would just fade away. I never in a million years thought it would develop into stronger feelings. I would never apologize for falling in love with Dash, but it was time I owned up to the fact that Luke had had a crush on me since he was a kid. Wishing it away obviously hadn’t worked. I took a deep breath. But that’s on me. I should have come right out and set him straight years ago.

She reached into the pantry and grabbed a box of green mint tea. Why didn’t you?

I was afraid to lose him, admitting my selfishness. Halen started to fuss when her swing stopped so I went and picked her up, kissing her chubby baby cheeks. Luke’s been my best friend forever, and I was scared if I told him I didn’t want him the way he wanted me that he would leave. I laughed quietly, feeling sad. But, he left anyway, huh?

Dylan sent me a small smile. He’ll come home, eventually.

He’ll come home, right fudging now.

Chapter Two

Luke

The ringing in my ears wouldn’t stop. I’d been drunk before. Hell, I’d been drunk a few hours ago. But I’d never experienced this insistent ringing as a side effect. Maybe my liver had finally had enough. Lord knows I’d put it through the paces these last three months. I grabbed my pillow and placed it over my head, squeezing as hard as I could to try and get the noise to stop. My mouth was dry and my brain felt like it was a shriveled up wasteland.

"Papi, su telefono."

I cracked one eye. Was that chick from last night still here? Didn’t I tell her to get out? Had I said it in English or in Spanish? Usually I did it in both so there wouldn’t be any confusion. That was the second phrase I learned upon arriving here in Costa Rica, right behind vamos a salir de aqui. I lifted my head slightly; too much movement would most likely cause an aneurism at this point. "Que?"

"Su telefono." The Latina bombshell I’d grabbed before I’d left the club a mere four hours ago was holding my phone, an annoyed look on her face.

I took it and instantly hit decline. My dark cave-like room (courtesy of blackout curtains and massive window unit) was peaceful once again so I let my head collapse back down on to my mattress. It was barely six a.m. Definitely not time to start my day of beaches and booze. I was just about to kindly ask the chick to either leave or blow me, when my phone started up again. I didn’t need to look at it to know who was calling. I didn’t need to see that adorable contact picture of my best friend holding my goddaughter. Nope.

Only Lexi would call me over and over no matter the time. Lexi. Picking up the call, I said her name reverently, inadvertently reverent. I hardened my heart and added, It’s early as fuck.

Well, good morning to you too, Luke.

Hearing her voice for the first time in twelve weeks made my throat constrict; it felt like I was trying to swallow razor blades. Everyone had given me my space when I’d left Florida. The guys only really called when it had to do with the band and my input was needed in order to get our new album launched. Landry and I sent emails and postcards back and forth every few days. I got videos of her playing the drums and of Halen’s adorable little smiles. But I hadn’t talked to Lexi. She knew why I’d left, and mercifully, she’d given me the time I needed. Up until now apparently.

Why are you calling? I was being short with her, something I never did.

It’s time to come home, Lukey.

If she’d demanded it with her bossy snarky tone, it would have been easy to brush her off. But she hadn’t. Her words sounded heavy, weighted with sadness. I sat up, suddenly on alert, Is everyone okay? What happened?

Everyone is fine. She sighed into the phone. You’ve been gone for over three months. Y’all’s promo tour starts in a few days and—

I’m going on the tour. I already told the guys that I would fly out and meet them in Nashville. I just had no plans to go home until after promo for the new album.

My house on the Texas compound was sitting empty and unused, just waiting for me to come claim it. But I wasn’t ready. I liked being here in Costa Rica. I liked the beach, I liked surfing, I liked the laid-back way of life, and I liked the chicks. Hell. I fucking loved the chicks. They never got clingy, they never asked for an autograph, they were uncomplicated and sexy. I didn’t even need security here. They didn’t give two fucks that I was currently the drummer for one of the most popular bands in the world. And the cherry on top? None of them had fallen in love with one of my bandmates.

You haven’t seen Landry or Halen. The kids miss you, we all miss you, Luke. Please come home. It’s time.

The chick in my bed finally got irritated enough with my early morning phone conversation that she got up and started getting dressed. I watched as she walked naked around my room collecting her clothes. I miss the girls, you know I do.

So come home, come see them before the tour. Spend some time here, unpack, and get your new house organized. A couple weeks of normalcy before the chaos of the promo tour.

Why was one conversation with my best friend making me want to sack my plans? I did miss Landry and Halen; I would love to see them. And it would be nice to have my house all set and ready to come back to after the promo.

I gave myself a mental headshake. No. I’d made a plan and I was going to stick to it. I reached out and grabbed the chick’s arm as she turned to head out the door of my little beach house. I covered the phone with my hand, "Quedate. I was suddenly itching for a good hard fuck. She smiled and walked back toward me, climbing onto my lap. I gotta go, I’ll—"

Who are you talking to? Me or the prostitute in your bed?

I pulled back and looked at the girl currently grinding on my dick; she wasn’t a prostitute. Was she? Nah. She isn’t a prostitute. You know what else was great about being in Costa Rica? I never had to defend my choice in bed partners to anyone. I can’t come home early because I, uh, I’m seeing someone. What? Holy freaking shit.

There was a brief moment of silence, neither of us really knowing how to handle the bomb I just dropped. Then Lexi started in, Since when?

I ran my free hand through my hair. Uh, a couple of weeks.

I talked to Amy yesterday and she didn’t mention that. I know you’ve been talking to her every few days. Why didn’t you tell her?

She had her detective hat on, trying to sniff out a rat, figuring I’d at least tell my sister if I’d met someone. Lexi knew me better than I knew myself, and she knew that I wouldn’t start an actual relationship in another country while I was on a bender. It was, um, new. But it’s gotten a little more serious. So. Yeah. Nice, Luke. Real smooth, bro.

"You’re on an extended vacay in Central America, two weeks from needing to head home, and it just turned serious?"

There was loads of skepticism in her voice, but I powered through. Uh-huh.

You bringing her on the press tour?

Might as well own this clusterfuck. Um, yeah, for part of it anyway. She has work and stuff.

I could hear the evil smile in Lexi’s voice. I loved that girl, with my whole heart, but she was slightly off her rocker. Great. Can’t wait to meet her.

Oh well, I’m sure she’ll be back home by the time the promo hits Texas. The chick rose up on her knees, shoving her perky tits in my face. I couldn’t help myself, I reached out and roughly palmed a handful. She threw her head back and slammed her body back down onto mine. I was more than ready for this conversation to be over.

"That’s okay, I’m coming on the whole tour."

No. Nope. No, that was not the plan. Was she fucking with me? Did she know I was lying? Since when? Dash said you and Halen were staying home. He emailed me two days ago.

She chuckled. Yeah, well, you won’t come home? Home’s coming to you, bud.

She hung up before I could protest any further.

Shit. Shitdamncocksucker. That went fucking terrible. Why did I lie about having a girlfriend? Just to save face? That was insane. Who cared if I was nailing some stranger I picked up at a beachside club? I never thought there was any way Lexi would come out on the promo tour. I figured she would want to stay in one place with the baby, soak up the comfort of being in the new house. I was planning on reacclimating slowly. Get back to the States, spend some time with the band, and then go home. Later. After. As in, not right now. I closed my eyes and fell back on my bed. The girl still in my lap grabbed my dick, stroking me. The phone dinged in my hand signaling I’d gotten a text.

It’s settled! We’re all coming on tour. Dash, Jacks, Smith, Dylan, Bryan, Landry, Halen, and I will see you next week! Can’t wait to meet your new girl!

Fuck me. I groaned as the non-prostitute, whose name I didn’t think that I’d even asked, slid a condom down my shaft and climbed on.

Chapter Three

Lexi

What was all that? Luke has a girlfriend? Dylan was standing in the kitchen, feeding Halen a bottle. She’d walked away when I picked up the phone to call him, but had inched closer with every passing word. My little grasshopper was learning well.

I shook my head. Nope. I knew Luke like the back of my hand. Who did he think he was talking to? All that sun must have fried his beautiful blond brain.

She looked confused, But you just said—

My best friend just fudging lied to me.

Chapter Four

Luke

I’d sent my one-night stand home after a couple more rounds in bed. Then I’d showered, a few times, and grabbed my board and headed to the beach. I’d learned to surf as soon as I arrived in Costa Rica. It was something I’d always wanted to try. Bucket list type shit if you will. I was addicted. After riding the waves all day, I’d exhausted myself, surfing for hours on end. Now I was posted up on the sand, watching the sun set over the ocean.

The thought of seeing Lexi again had me all mixed up. I’d known her for ten years now; I’d loved her for just as long. Of course I missed her, but being here, living this easy life on the water… It was peaceful. I didn’t have to watch her love Dash. I didn’t have to see her eye fuck him side stage. I didn’t have to watch them start a family. I wasn’t the odd man out. Here, I was just me. And for the last three months, that had been more than enough. When the sun finally disappeared, I lay back on the sand and closed my eyes.

Seventeen. Driving one state over to visit my older sister while she was away at college. My first taste of total freedom and I freaking loved it. I drove with the windows down and the radio blasting the entire way. I drank enough Red Bull to kill a coke addict. Some guys thought it was lame, but I loved my sister, we were close. And I missed her so much this last year. When she’d called two weeks ago and told me to come see her, I’d almost cried tears of joy. But I didn’t. Because, you know, I’m a dude. I parked outside of the apartment she shared with some girl named Lexi, grabbed my duffel then hiked up three flights of stairs to get to her door.

"Luke! Amy threw the door open and wrapped her arms around my neck. I missed you so much, little brother."

I winced as I hugged her back. She was only two years older than me and I hated when she called me little. I missed you too, Ams.

"Get in here, come meet my roommate Lexi."

She dragged me inside. Amy had met Lexi while they were living in the dorms. As soon as freshman year was over, they moved into an apartment near campus. Neither one of them willing to return home for the summer. Which was why I’d driven six hours for a visit. When Lexi walked into the room, my jaw hit the floor. I’d never seen anyone as beautiful as her.

"Hey, I’m Lexi. It’s so nice to meet you. Amy talks about you all the time, Luke." She held her hand out.

Luke and Lexi. Had a nice ring to it. Hey, what’s up? Nice to meet you too. I put my hand in hers, squeezed enough to show her I was a man and not a little brother.

"Amy tells me you’re a really talented drummer and that you’re in a band. That’s badass." She took her hand from mine, because I still hadn’t released it.

"Yeah, I’m okay I guess." It made me uncomfortable when Amy bragged on me. It was great that she was so supportive, but the limelight wasn’t my favorite place to be. My band was full of kids I grew up with, but we were pretty good. When I could get them to put their dicks in their pants long enough to practice.

"Well, girls love musicians, so keep it up." She winked.

"Do you like musicians?"

She smiled and my heart stopped. If being a musician was what it took to get this gorgeous girl to give me the time of day, I’d play until my hands bled.

Chapter Five

Luke

Two weeks later I was on the second leg of my flight to meet up with the band in Nashville. By no means was I ready for this tour. Not because I didn’t love the new album, not because I didn’t want to promote it. No, it was because, once again, I was going to be surrounded by my family. Surrounded by couples so in love it sort of made you want to puke. I was going to have to spend day in and day out watching my best friend get mauled by my bandmate. I was going to see Lexi’s adoration for Dash in every glance and every touch they shared. And it was going to fucking suck. Not to mention the fact that I’d have to make up some stupid-ass lie about what happened between me and my girlfriend. I leaned my head back against the seat and let out an irritated groan. Maybe I could hire an escort or something? Just pay someone to act like my girl during the tour and then stage a big breakup. Although lies like that never seemed to work in any of those romantic comedy movies my sister liked.

Sir? Can I get you something to drink? I rolled