Rough Around The Edges

by Jen Talty

  She tapped the arrow key again. There were eight images and near the end, an envelope had been exchanged.

  “Do you know him?” Jaden asked.

  “Never seen him before.”

  “Okay. I’ll send them to our IT girl. She’ll find out who he is.”

  “Do you think that was some kind of payoff?”

  “Could be.” Now came the hard part. “I need to ask you a question about your will.”

  “What about it?” she asked, shifting on the sofa.

  “What happens to CC Music if something were to happen to you?”

  “If my dad were still alive, obviously, he’d get it. But now that he’s gone, you… Jesus, you think this is all about gaining control of the record label?”

  “Did Derek ever talk to you about getting married?” He gagged on the words tripping out of his mouth. The idea that Derek had ever touched Piper in any sexual way made Jaden want to punch a wall.

  “That’s part of why I broke up with him. He came on too strong and like I said, I didn’t love him.”

  “So, if he couldn’t get control by marrying you, he kills Cal, thinking he’d get more or maybe you’ll fall into his arms.”

  “Then why would he demand I call you and ask for your protection?”

  “He could be trying to kill two birds with one stone?” Jaden wrapped his arm around her, drawing her trembling body close. “Or maybe I’m the target. He knows that I’d leave my portion to you, and he’d go about trying to get you back with him.”

  “But Toby thinks he’s having an affair with my mom.” Her lips turned down, and her nose crinkled as if she might be sick.

  “Your mother would love to get her hands-on CC Music.”

  “Do you know how crazy that sounds? It’s like a bad movie you want to turn off but can’t because you have to see what happens.”

  He kissed her temple. “What I don’t understand is what happened that turned Derek against your father? Cal wouldn’t have approved of most men when it came to his little girl, so I can see him going off on Derek. Even firing him.”

  “You really think Derek is behind all this?”

  Jaden cupped her face, fanning his thumbs across her cheeks. He’d do anything to keep her safe.

  And anything included dusting off his guitar and doing the one thing he swore he’d never do again. “I do and I’m pretty sure your mother is part of it. Now all I have to do is prove it, and I think I have figured out a way to bring all the players in place where I can control certain elements.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I do a small live performance in Nashville at the river stage in honor of your father.”

  “As much as I’d love to see that, it’s a crazy idea if you really think you’re also a target. You’d be a sitting duck on that stage. And if they only want me, then what good would that do?”

  He swallowed his pounding heart. “I was thinking more along the lines of a duet.”

  Piper collected her belongings, putting them haphazardly in her suitcase, trying not to stare too much at the bedroom wall, where hours ago, she had her legs wrapped around Jaden’s waist, doing things she’d fantasized about for years, but never thought would ever happen.

  She also tried to push the thought of possibly being pregnant to the back part of her brain. They’d deal with that issue after they put Derek behind bars. Thick bile smacked the back of her throat, making her gag. Hindsight was perfect vision and looking back, she could see the signs that Derek had changed. Her ego made her believe it had been because she didn’t return his love. However, he might not have ever loved her to begin with, using her to get a bigger piece of the pie.

  After zipping her suitcase, she tossed it to the floor and flopped back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

  No matter how much Derek might have been hurt over any number of things, she still couldn’t wrap her brain around him hiring someone to kill her father.

  Or her.

  Jaden, maybe. But still? Was having control over CC Music that big of a deal?

  Footsteps echoed in the hallway. She didn’t need to glance toward the door to know it was Jaden. All she had to do was take a deep breath and catch a whiff of his musky pine scent that could wrap her like a blanket in front of a warm fire.

  “It’s all set up,” Jaden said. The mattress shifted as he sat down next to her. “We’re set to perform for a small, invitation-only event riverside tomorrow night.”

  “That doesn’t give us much practice time.” She breathed slowly and deeply. “Do you remember the first time we sang on stage together?”

  He laughed. “Your father called us up in a sold-out show at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and had us perform ‘Fallen Angels’ and we’d only sang that song together a handful of times in the studio or at the bar. We were totally unprepared, and you looked like you were either going to kick your father in the shin or be the stubborn little tyke you could be and march yourself right off, leaving me there alone, looking like an idiot.”

  “I was only eleven and totally freaked out when he made us do that.” She closed her eyes, remembering how magical it had felt to sing with Jaden. He was a natural performer. It took no effort at all and when they had finished, the crowd went wild, begging for more. Over the course of the next few years, they recorded eight songs together, but they both had solo careers that her father demanded they focus on.

  The duets, or even trios, were for fun and a crowd pleaser when the three were together. But the bigger Jaden got, the more the fans demanded he be the featured artist, not the opening act.

  Even though she didn’t want to be a singer, she did what she had to until she turned eighteen and then she put her foot down. Her father saw it coming but ignored it.

  Jaden, on the other hand, encouraged her to be true to herself and always told her dad to back off pushing her to tour on her own, something she had never done.

  Now she understood why.

  “We sounded good together, even without much practice,” he said, resting his hand on her middle. “I’m really rusty, so you’ll have to carry me.”

  “Other than that, one Christmas album, the only singing I do is in the shower or working with an artist who is singing one of my songs. Besides, you were always a better performer than me. You had so much confidence on that stage, but I always thought I was going to vomit.”

  “It was survival instinct for me. I didn’t want to go back to wondering if I was going to eat that day or not.” He ran a finger along her jawbone, tilting her head. “If we don’t have the shooter before we go on stage, you’re going to become suddenly ill, and I’ll go on alone. I can’t put you in danger like that.”

  “I want to go on stage either way. I’m honestly a little excited about it. I think it would make my dad really happy to look down from heaven and see us perform together one last time.”

  “While I have to agree, if the shooter isn’t in custody, then it’s a no-go for you.”

  “Then it should be a no-go for you as well.” She snuggled into his side, wrapping her arm around his strong stomach, resting her head on his protective chest. As scared as she was, being next to him made her feel safe. As if, together, they could do anything.

  Overcome everything.

  “It doesn’t work that way.”

  “But if you go on stage before the bad guy is caught, he could kill you.”

  “I could die walking across the street tomorrow. My job is filled with risks. It’s who I am, and for the record, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you and not just because it’s my job.” He pressed his lips against hers.

  She let out an audible sigh, caving to his tender touch. Their tongues danced to a sweet romantic tune as their bodies blended together like fingers molding wet clay. “What are we doing?” she whispered, forcing herself to put some distance between their mouths. “Your life is here. Mine is in Nashville.”

  “I know, but we can’t undo this morning, and I don’t want to. I’ve n
ever been able to let you go.” He leaned closer, but she pressed her hand against his chest.

  “What are we going to do if I’m pregnant?” Her stomach tightened as she stumbled over the words.

  “I want the same thing either way.”

  “What?” She bolted upright, staring down at him.

  “I want you. I don’t know how to make it work, yet. But I’ve spent ten years pretending I’m happy when all I am is content, and that doesn’t make for a life.”

  Her pulse pounded in her ears. She opened her mouth and slammed it shut a few times. “What are you saying? Because yesterday you told me you were happier here than you were in Nashville with me and my dad.”

  He tugged at her arms, pulling her to his chest. “I’m happier in this career than I was singing, but I’m miserable without you.”

  “Have you gotten into the scotch, because once again, you’re talking crazy.”

  “Am I? Because something tells me you’re trying to figure how to make us work too.”

  The front door slammed shut.

  “Jaden? You ready?” Hank called. “The chopper is fired up.”

  She dropped her head to his chest. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this out loud, but could you do this job and live in Nashville?”

  “It’s possible,” he murmured against her cheek. “I wish we could curl up in this bed right now, but we have to go.”

  “I know.” As gracefully as she could, she pushed off the bed. “Did you mean what you said about potentially moving?” She blinked.

  He stood, holding her hands in his. “We have men and women who work for the Brotherhood Protectors in other states. I walked away without even giving us a chance. I won’t do that again. I hope you won’t either.”

  Chapter 8

  Piper didn’t pretend to understand all the nuances of Jaden’s job, but flying to Cincinnati, then driving almost five hours to Nashville to avoid detection seemed a little over the top when people knew she would be heading back for this single performance.

  It also seemed odd that fifteen people flew with her on the small private jet, but only Jaden and some girl by the name of Trisha entered the hotel room off the strip in Nashville.

  Jaden pushed open the door. Trisha went right to the desk and started setting up equipment. Piper figured her to be in her early thirties. She had high cheekbones and bright-blue eyes. She wore not a stitch of makeup, and her dark hair had been buzzed on the sides, leaving only a couple of inches on the top, which she flipped over to the right. She didn’t talk much, but when she did, Piper didn’t understand a single word of it.

  “We’re in the adjoining room.” Jaden handed her the keycard.

  All she wanted to do was take a short nap and a hot shower. They only had a few hours before they’d have to head over to the riverside stage to do a sound check.

  Had she lost her mind?

  “I’ll bring in your suitcase.” Jaden followed her into the next room, where he put out the do not disturb sign, and pulled the chain across the door before unlocking the one that joined their room to Trisha’s. “I need to go do a few things with Trisha. Are you going to be okay in here alone?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  He cupped her cheeks. “I’m going to make sure you’re safe. I promise.”

  “I know.” She raised up on tiptoe and kissed him as if it were an everyday occurrence.

  Well, she wanted it to be and the more she thought about it, the more she wanted to find a way to make sure neither one of them had to compromise who they were as they explored what they could be together. While she had never confided in her father about her feelings, he knew she had a crush on Jaden. Her dad did his best to make Jaden leaving a positive, by telling her that it was what he had to do, just like she had chosen to leave the stage and focus on the business and writing songs.

  He wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing her chest against his. She couldn’t contain a small smile if she tried.

  “You’re killing me here,” he whispered, patting her ass with his firm hand. “I’ve got to help Trisha. Why don’t you rest.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  Letting out a sigh, she stepped back, and Jaden disappeared into the other room.

  She picked up the remote, hitting the power button for the television, looking for something that would put her to sleep. As she flipped through the channels, she kicked off her shoes and got comfortable. “What the hell?” she mumbled, staring at an image of her parents and Robert, her father’s ex-business partner.

  Quickly, she slid to the edge of the bed and turned up the volume.

  “The company that performed the paternity test has not verified the authenticity and while we have reached out to Rebecca Forester and Robert Gula, neither have responded. If Piper Morgan is not Cowboy Cal’s daughter, what does that mean for the future of CC Music. Derek Goldwell sent us a short statement a few minutes ago. He has not made any more since the announcement of a reunion of sorts between Jaden Sawyer and Piper tonight at the riverside stage.”

  The screen changed to an image of Derek sitting at her father’s desk.

  “Jaden!”

  “What is it?”

  She pointed to the television. Her mouth grew dry, and rage filled her gut like erupting lava.

  “Piper is aware of the allegation, however, until the validity of this test can be either proven or disproven, things will continue to run as they are. While Piper is gone, I’ll be handling all matters regarding CC Music, with her blessing. And, regardless of the outcome, Cowboy Cal wouldn’t want anyone but the young woman he raised as his own, to be at the helm.”

  “That fucking little prick.” She tossed the remote on the bed. “He all but just said my father isn’t my dad, and he doesn’t have the right to speak on my behalf. Give me your phone.” She held out her hand, shocked it didn’t shake, though it wouldn’t be out of fear. The second she laid eyes on Derek, she’d fire him then take him by the balls and show him the damn door.

  “You need to calm down first and let me find out what the hell happened and why we just found out about this now.”

  “I can answer that,” Trisha said, peeking her head in. “That’s the first reporting of it. The statement by Derek was sent over via text message to the reporter.” She held a tablet in her hands while she tapped away at the screen. “The reporter was given a set of paternity papers a couple of hours ago. I’m trying to log into the company that supposedly performed the test to see what I can find. In the meantime, we might want to deal with Derek a little differently.”

  “I can’t believe he videotaped that in my father’s office. Who the fuck does he think he is? And no one, I mean no one, ever speaks for me.” She squeezed her hands into fists.

  “Trisha. Find out who gave the reporter the test,” Jaden said with a calm voice and that only enraged Piper more.

  “Already on it.” Trisha slipped her earphones back over her ears and slipped into the other room.

  “I’m going to kill him,” she said behind a clenched jaw. “He’s fucking with the wrong woman.”

  “I know you’re upset.” Jaden ran his loving hands up and down her biceps. If he didn’t actually ease her wrath, she’d push him away.

  Her blood ran way hotter than the sun. “Are you sure you don’t have any idea what my father was worried about?”

  “I told you, Cal only said he wasn’t sure he could trust Derek anymore. I thought it might have to do with money or maybe you. He didn’t have a sense of urgency.”

  “My father never did. Laid-back Cowboy Cal. I rarely saw him lose his cool.”

  “He was a great man, and I’m going to make sure Derek pays for whatever part he has in this.”

  “If I don’t get to him first,” she mumbled.

  “He’s called me eight times since we made the announcement about the concert. I’m sure he’s steaming.”

  “Maybe it’s time we should call him back.” She sucked in a deep breath, draw
ing on Jaden’s strength.

  “That’s my girl.”

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  “Well, hello to you, too.” Jaden held the phone a few inches from his ear while Derek screamed like a girl about to be killed in a horror flick.

  “How is putting Piper front and center protecting her? You’re going to get her killed, and I won’t allow it. I’m cancelling the performance.”

  “You can’t, so stop wasting your breath. I know what I’m doing. You on the—”

  “Seriously? Someone killed Cal and tried to kill her. Not to mention her mother is missing. Having an impromptu concert doesn’t sound like you care about anything but yourself.”

  “Derek. You need to trust me and my team.” To set up your sorry ass for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and whatever else they could find. “But I can’t have you giving statements.”

  Jaden glanced across the hotel room at Trisha. She’d graduated from the Air Force Academy and spent eight years in a special cyber unit, hacking into enemy systems. It had come to a surprise even to her, that Derek seemed to be more tech savvy than he appeared, considering he used a traceable email address in his correspondence with both Toby and Jaden. However, Trisha had yet to crack his password.

  Trisha pushed back her noise-cancelling headphones, shaking her head.

  “I had to do something. The press was all over me about that test, and you’ve been keeping Piper from communicating with me.”

  “I have not. She’s pretty pissed at what you did.”

  “Where is Piper? I want to talk to her.” Derek asked.

  “She’s right here.” He tapped the speaker button, resting his phone on the coffee table.

  Her face flushed, and she picked at her thumbnail, a nervous habit she had before going on stage.

  “You shouldn’t have made that statement,” Piper said, leaning closer to the phone.

  “I did what I had to for the sake of this company. I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but Cal knew this could be a possibility.”