Page 15 of Hard Rock Sin

"No. I'm sorry," I said through a shaky breath. "I shouldn't have freaked out like that."

My heartbeat was still racing. I inhaled slowly, trying to calm down.

"You okay?" Cameron's brows drew down into a frown as he examined me. It was a different look from the previous ones he'd thrown my way. No signs of heat or lust. There was concern and perhaps a little uncertainty.

"I'm fine," I said, waving my hand dismissively. I realized I still held the knife in my hands. I hastened to put it down on the counter. "I've always been jumpy." That was a good enough excuse.

"Still. I'm sorry."

"Maybe you should wear a bell so I can hear you coming."

"You really want to hear me coming, Angel?"

I flushed, both at the words and at the term of endearment. It was the same pet name he'd called me before. "I didn't mean it that way. I just meant, so you can't sneak up on me again. That's all."

"I believe you." Cameron gave me a teasing grin. "I'll try to make some noise next time."

That tilt of his lips was vaguely familiar. Not smug or cocky. It was almost boyish. Without all that eyeliner and rock star fashion, Cameron Thorne looked just like the young man I'd known as a girl, before his fame and fortune. Although considering this mansion, maybe Cameron always had fortune.

I was about to reply, to tell him again that it wasn't his fault I'd been startled, when my brain finally kicked in.

Cameron's tight t-shirt was nearly soaked through, clinging to every muscled ab. His inked arms gleamed with beads of sweat, tattoos glistening. Damp strands of bright red hair stuck to his cheeks. He'd thrown a towel around his neck and carried a water bottle in his hand.

A distant part of my mind thought this must be why Cameron was so built, if he regularly exercised at home.

Every single other part of my mind was stuck on a single fact.

Good god this man was gorgeous.

My breathing went shallow.

"Lily?"

"Yeah?" I replied weakly.

"My eyes are up here."

I shot my head up, embarrassed at having been caught staring. I met Cameron's gaze. There was that smug look. His boyish grin was nowhere to be found.

"See something you like?" There was a wicked glint in his eyes.

My nipples had peaked under my thin tank top. I'd begun to think of this place as home. I hadn't thought to throw on anything more than a tank and a pair of yoga pants. I hoped to the high heavens he hadn't noticed.

"Sorry." My face felt hot. Other parts of me felt hot, too. "I didn't mean to stare. Maybe I've just been at an all-girls boarding school for too long." That would a good enough excuse for having my tongue hanging out.

"It's cool," he said breezily. "I have that affect on women."

"I know." I tried to play it cool, as if drooling all over yourself was just something one did when confronted by a gorgeous, half-naked rock star. Although, if Cameron's reaction was any indication, it apparently was. "I was sort of surprised, really."

"At what?"

I leaned against the counter, feigning a casual stance. "That Noah let me stay with you, considering your reputation."

"Yeah, this place is pretty much party central."

"No, I meant…" I faltered, but powered on, "your reputation with women. I thought for sure he would have much more to say about his baby sister staying with someone so—"

"Slutty?" Cameron supplied with a raised eyebrow.