Christi Barth - The Other Side of Wrong

The Other Side of Wrong

Jake McQuinns lived and loved the rock-star lifestyle. But a scandal ripped him away from his band and back home for damage control. His family company could crumble without him. His bands epic comeback wont happen without him. Hows he supposed to choose which one to save?

Cassidy--just one name as befits one of the biggest pop stars on the planet--has discovered the downside to fame. Finding a decent guy to date who understands her demanding career and crazy schedule? Impossible. Until she remembers the rocker who almost rocked her world a few years ago

Jake thought he walked away from her for all the right reasons. Cassidy, however, intends to get him back. And shes going to use his bands shot at redemption and rock legend status as leverage. If she convinces him to date her again and re-embrace his inner rock star, itll be good for both of them? Even better. Doing the right thing for everyone else feels so wrong for Jake. And making a bad decision about hooking up with Cassidy could be the best thing yet

THE OTHER SIDE OF WRONG

by

Christi Barth

For Tom, who rocks my world.

Thank you to Erica Monroe for her mad editing skills that come with a side of encouragement. Im so grateful to everyone who has followed Riptides journey! Im tempted to keep going and give Jones his own story.

CHAPTER ONE

Cassidy glanced over her shoulder at her human wall of a bodyguard. The one standing so close shed literally elbow him if she so much as scratched her cheek.

Matt. Back off. Lets institute the Catholic school dance rules. Gotta be enough space between us for the Holy Spirit to pass.

Matt gave her an exaggerated once-over, taking in her above-the-knee leather boots, red leather miniskirt and low-cut white tank. Miss Cassidy, I have a feeling the Holy Spirit would take one look at you and keep right on going.

Awww. You do say the sweetest things. Because shed escaped the rigidity of her ultra-religious background and gonea different way. Successfully. And it felt damn good.

Cassidy relished knowing that she looked like a sex goddess. More to the point, she relished knowing that other people saw her that way. Not just because it helped every album she released go platinum. Not just because it helped sell-out the biggest arenas on every year-long concert tour.

But becauseif her plan workedher carefully chosen outfit would knock Jake McQuinn on his ass.

Theres no crowds, Matt. Nobody knows Im even in Tennessee, let alone in this hotel that looks like were actually at the North Pole. She rolled her eyes for the fourth time at the garland draped along the balcony railings. The giant Christmas trees filling the lobby. The enormous wreath over the fireplace. Even though it was only the week after Labor Day, for crying out loud!

Your fans are everywhere, he said simply. Youre walking, gasoline-soaked tinder. One screaming fan could be the spark that lights this whole lobby into a riot.

Your compliments are downgrading drastically. Will you at least go get yourself some lunch when Im with the band? The Riptide guys have their own security. Ill be fine.

Nope. You cant shake me. Thats why you pay me the big bucks. To be the closest man to you at all times.

Nope . Cassidy wanted Jake McQuinn to be the closest man to her. Skin-to-skin close. But that little secret was one she decidedly would not share with her bodyguard.

As soon as he opened the glass door to the pool area, she scanned for Jakes familiar build. Familiar because shed spent the last six years since the incident following his career. Watching his bands videos.

Not in a stalker way. Justum, aspirationally? The way other women made Pinterest boards of shoes, or nurseries, or possible vacation locations.

Cassidy had more Jimmy Choos and Loubitins than she could wear. Babies werent on her radar at all. And she didnt have time for a vacationor the inclination. If there was a foreign city that looked intriguing, it was because they had a big arena and fans hungry to buy high-priced tickets for her concerts. Everything Cassidy did was with an eye to building her brand bigger, her music better.

It wasnt just a job. It wasnt just a passion.

Music was her life .

But a life that needed the icing on the cupcake, the double strand of diamonds on the chain, and that was Jake McQuinn.

Cassidy was tired of being alone. She wanted someone to talk to at night, even it if was via text from seven states away. She wanted a man who understood, and could handle, this crazy business and the insane schedule demands. She wanted the hottest sex of her life.

Jake McQuinn ticked off all those boxes.

It was easy to spot the guys from Riptide lounging around the pool. First of all, because Joness entire wiry body was one big canvas of tattoos. He had one full sleeve, half on the other arm, a bunch peeking out from his swim trunks and a massive headstone surrounded by roses on his taut abdomen. Cassidy had always wondered what the story was behind it.

Cam Watson, the lead singer, looked every inch the world famous rock star. A body that deserved to be on ninety foot billboards in only boxer briefs. Sunglasses only making his razor-sharp cheekbones stand out in contrast to full lips that made a girl instantly wonder how theyd feel on her own.

Even though Cassidy was laser-focused on Jake, itd be a crime against humanity not to appreciate Cams hotness. He was as worthy of appreciation as Michelangelos sculpture of David. Or Daniel Craig stalking out of the ocean mostly naked in his first Bond film.

A screech from the pretty redhead lying next to Cam had Matt crowding in front of her.

Omigod, youre Cassidy. The Cassidy. The girl in the yellow string bikini thwacked Cam on the belly. Why didnt you tell me you were friends with Cassidy ?

If Id know she was going to pop up out of nowhere, Id have mentioned it. Cam stood up with his eyebrows raised in surprise. This is a random surprise, Cassidy.

A good one, I hope.

Looking like that, you bet it is. Jonesthe biggest and most unapologetic horndog in the music worldgave her what hed probably call an appreciative leer. How about you strip down and let me rub sunscreen all over that luscious body?

Pretty sure Id need you to bathe in hand sanitizer first, Jones. How many women did you have your hands on last night?

He looked down at his hands, started ticking off fingers, and then gave up. If I can keep track, then it wasnt enough, thats for damn sure.

Cassidy laughed. The flirting was harmless and amusing. Deep down, Jones was nothing but respectful to womenunless you gave him a micro-nod of interest.

Cam gave her a hug, his heat-baked skin so warm against her own. And it was interesting to see the hero-worship in the eyes of the redhead instantly morph to an assessing squint. Clearly Cams situation as a bad-boy bachelor of rock had changed.

Its good to see you. Lemme introduce you to Kylie, our intern on this tour. And my girlfriend, whichll hopefully outlast the tour.

Very funny. You know you cant survive without me, Kylie said, with a sassy glance his way.

Very true, Sunshine. Which is why I gave Cassidy here a much shorter hug than normal, and am now stepping away and pulling on a tee shirt. I dont want to make any waves.

Smart man, Cassidy said. She shook Kylies hand. Nice to meet you. Even nicer to know Cams found someone to make him happy.

Well, hes gonna get extra happy tonight when I reward him for introducing me to you. Im a huge fan, Kylie gushed. I cant decide if youre a better writer or performer, because both aspects are off the hook.

Thats really special. I dont often get thanked for writing my own songs, so I appreciate it. Normally Cassidy would spend longer getting to know Cams girlfriend, but she was too focused on her goal. With another quick scan of the line of lounge chairs, she asked, And speaking of writing musicwheres Jake?