She's Still The One: A Brother's Best Friend, Rockstar Romance

by Kaci Rose

  That would be my subtle hint to change the topic. So, I do and ask him about the label, and that's all he talks about for the rest of the drive. He talks about who they have gotten to come with them, employee wise. "Deanna will be over this weekend. She’s coming to see you, but we want to ask her to join us at the label. Our contract says no poaching clients but nothing about employees. We don't want to steal anyone, but many have been working with us for so long that they want to follow us over. Deanna coming is just as much for us as it is for you."

  "I like her, and it’s nice to have a normal friend, even if she gets a little star struck over you and Dallas every now and then. And I feel like I need to put this out there. She's off limits for now. Until we establish our friendship, give us a little time." I tell him.

  "She's sweet, but I have my eye on someone else," he says.

  "Oh, do tell."

  "Oh, look at that, here we are." He says.

  We enter and get a table in the back. Every head turns, and I know it's because of the bodyguard. Everyone knows they mean we have to be someone, and they don't want to miss out on who.

  "This is why I never wanted a bodyguard. I get why you want me to, but all this attention is not something I like." I tell him, once we’re seated.

  “I know, but thank you for humoring us."

  We place our order, before I turn to him.

  "So, why are we here?" I ask.

  "First, the not fun stuff. On advice from the private investigator, we had someone look over all the books. He stole upwards of fifty-million dollars from us by paying several people that didn't exist and using some other write offs. His accounts have been frozen, and it will be a bit of a battle, but our lawyer is certain we will get most, if not all that money back."

  "Well, that's good news then."

  "Yes, but here's the rest. Some of that money is yours, too. Dallas and I want to donate the money to charity, we haven't missed it, but we wanted to talk to you first."

  "Of course, I agree to that. I barely touch the money you have deposited into that account for me. I haven't missed what he stole. But fifty-million is life changing to some charities. Any idea where you want to donate them?"

  He pulls a list from his pocket and hands it to me.

  "We thought ten charities to get five million each." He says.

  I recognize several musical charities on here, but the last three I've never heard of.

  "What are the last three on here?" I ask him.

  "Oakside is a rehabilitation facility for veterans wounded in action. It's a place for them to heal and transition back to the civilian world. Mason was a patient and met his wife there, or they started the relationship there I’m not sure. He also has a friend whose brother was there. The other two are also military related. One helps with prosthetics, and one helps with reconstructive surgery."

  "These are all good choices. I agree to all of them."

  "Perfect. Now, for what this lunch is really about." He says, as the food gets here.

  Once the waitress leaves, he turns to me.

  "I was an asshole for the way I acted, when I found out about you and Dallas." He says in a serious tone.

  I feel like all the air has been let out of me. I know we have to talk about this, but I guess, I didn't think it would be today.

  "I was blindsided, though after thinking about it, I guess I always had an idea of how you two felt about each other back then, but I told myself it was a crush, and it would pass. You'd both grow up and move on. Then, seeing everything on tour, I was fighting it myself, which wasn't fair to either of you."

  "Landon."

  "No, Austin. This had nothing to do with you or him, this was me. I was being selfish, because I didn't want to lose what we have. I didn't want to lose my two best friends to each other, and I didn't want to be the third wheel. It didn’t help that I had just asked out the girl I want, and she turned me down, because of me being a musician and the tour. I was just in a weird place, and that wasn't your fault. If I had the pick of any man in the world for you, I'd pick Dallas."

  "Really? You wouldn’t pick some prince who would be king one day?" I joke.

  "Not a chance. Prince charming isn't good enough for you, but Dallas is. He's always been there for both of us; he's protected you and me more times than I can count."

  "He has, but we've been there for him, too. Don't forget that. You’ll always be his best friend no matter what happens with us, and that won't change."

  "I know it won't, he promised me that, too."

  We talk a bit about Dallas and some of our favorite childhood memories of the three of us, until we’re finished with dinner.

  On the way out, we get stopped by a table of three girls, who recognize Landon.

  "Oh my, gosh, it's Landon Anderson!" They squeal, and I just smile. "Can we get your autograph?" The tall blonde one asks.

  "Yeah." Then, he turns to me, "You got a pen, A?" He asks.

  That's when their eyes flash to me. I figure it will go one of two ways. Either they will recognize me, or they will turn back to Landon and ignore me.

  Boy, was I wrong. The shorter brunette turns to Landon.

  "Is this your girlfriend?" She asks.

  Landon's eyes go wide, as he looks at me, and I start laughing so hard my eyes tear up, and I stop to search in my purse for a pen.

  "How the hell is that funny?" He asks, and I shake my head, still laughing.

  I look up at the girls who are looking at me like I'm a bit crazy.

  "I'm sorry. After the conversation we just had over lunch, and then you asking that question." I laugh. "Yeah, no, I'm his sister."

  They relax after that and laugh a little, too. Finally, I pull out a pen and a small notebook I carry with me for situations just like this. Landon signs a few autographs, and I take some pictures of him with the girls.

  A few people stop us on our way out, until Mason leans in.

  "Boss, we’re going to be late." He says.

  This is the phrase used to get us out of what will turn into a never ending line of autographs and photos.

  There are lots of sighs and a few people snapping photos, as we walk out of the door, before we’re back in the car.

  Landon looks over at me, and I start laughing again, and he just shakes his head and starts the car.

  "One of these days, I'm going to say yes and let them post it, and then the people who know better can tear them apart just for entertainment. Because your real fans will at least recognize me, even if they don't care about me." I tell him. That’s why I laughed so hard. I pictured doing that but couldn't stop laughing long enough to pull it off.

  I pull down the visor and check my eye makeup, which isn't as bad as I thought.

  "Okay, where to next?" I ask.

  "One more stop, it's a surprise."

  We drive back towards the house but keep driving further outside of town. We pull up to a dirt driveway with an old iron fence that is propped open. There’s a for sale sign near the street, but you can't see the house from here.

  "Let's go take a look?" He says.

  I nod. I love historic homes and getting to peek in them, while they’re for sale is one of the benefits of having a famous brother. This used to be one of our favorite pastimes, when I lived with him. He has the bank account to pay for any of them, so we'd set up appointments to go look, and then he'd tip the real estate agent, because we started to feel bad about not buying them. Yet, it didn't stop us.

  It's been a while, since we did this, so I'm excited to check it out. It's not too far from our place and downtown. Who knows? Maybe, I will fall in love with it and buy it for myself with that money I never touch. I've always thought of buying an old southern home, and then fixing it up. Someday.

  As the house comes into view, I gasp. It's beautiful and like one of those old southern homes used in the movies. White with green shutters and two-story columns, along the front porch. It looks like it's been kept up pretty well, and there are som
e really old trees in the yard. It's breathtaking.

  Parking, I can't take my eyes off the house.

  "I thought you’d like it. Let's go check out the inside." He says, and then his phone rings.

  "Shoot, I need to answer this. Go on in the front door. It should be open, and I'll be right in."

  I don't even argue and just make my way up the path to the front door. It's beautiful. The front porch has plenty of room for several seating areas, and I can see the three of us out here just talking. Maybe Ivy, Dom, and Deanna joining us.

  The front door is open like he said, but the inside is the last thing I was expecting. The lights are dim, and there’s a trail of rose petals from the entryway, leading into the house.

  What the heck is going on? Curiosity wins over, and I slowly follow the rose petals to the back of the house, where there’s a wide-open room with views over the back of the property.

  The room is surrounded by hundreds of tea light candles all glowing, and in the middle of the room, is Dallas.

  Chapter 40

  Dallas

  I have never been so nervous in my life. Today, is the day that can change my whole life, one way or another. Things will never be the same. Knowing I have Landon's support, means everything.

  As soon as Landon and Austin left the house, it was time to get my plan into action. Landon helped me load up the car last night, and Mason wanted to help too, so he sent some of his guys ahead to help get started.

  Mason has been texting me updates on where they are this whole time, and now that they are almost here, I take one last walk through the house. I make sure the front door is unlocked and get ready to call Landon for his cover story.

  I stand back in the shadows and watch Austin take in the house, as she steps out of the car. I knew she'd love this house the moment I saw it. It's everything she's always wanted.

  Shooting off the dummy call to Landon, I watch, as she takes a step towards the front walkway. Then, I head back to my spot in what I think will make an amazing family room. Everything is in order, and my security team is standing out of the way in the kitchen. They didn't want to miss this either.

  The front door creaks open, and a moment later, it clicks shut. I wait anxiously for her to appear in the doorway to the room, all she has to do is follow the flower petals. When she does, she freezes.

  Her eyes take it all in, the hundreds of lighted candles, the rose petals, and me in the center of the room. The surprise is written all over her face, as she tries to figure out what is going on. Though, I don’t think she has any idea just yet. She looks so beautiful lit by the candlelight. The house's dark curtains give a feel of sunset, even in the middle of the day.

  "What is all this?" Austin whispers.

  I hold my hand out to her, "Come here, and I'll tell you." I just need to touch her to ground myself again.

  She comes willingly to me and takes my hand with no hesitation. Though, there’s a slight shake in her hand from nerves most likely.

  "Do you like the house?" I ask her.

  "Oh, Dallas, I love this place. It's so beautiful." She runs her eyes over the details of the room. The original woodwork, hardwood floors, and original moldings.

  "The house sits on fifty acres. The property is fenced in and has good security, won't be hard to add to it, and tighten it up. It was remodeled about twenty years ago, and they kept as many of the original details as possible, but it needs updating again, and I know you’ll love doing it." I tell her.

  "Dallas, what do you mean?" She asks, her eyes making their way back to mine.

  "I bought this house for us," I admit.

  "What?" She says, as it all sinks in. Though, she’s shocked, this isn't all I have up my sleeve for her.

  My heart racing, I hold both her hands in mine and take a deep breath.

  I drop down to one knee and look up at her. Her eyes go even wider, as she looks down at me, but otherwise, there’s no hint on her face on which way this will go.

  "After all this time, you’re still the one I see a future with. The one I want a family with. I want kids, dogs, grandkids, all of it with you, in this house. I already talked to your brother, in fact, he helped me plan this today. Now, I'm asking you. Will you marry me and be my wife? Live this life in this house with me?"

  Her eyes have watered over, and she opens her mouth to say something, but closes it and clears her throat.

  "Yes, of course, I will." She says, as the tears start to fall down her face.

  I open the ring box, and she gasps, when she sees her mom’s ring and falls to her knees in front of me.

  "Where did you get this?" She asks.

  "From me," Landon says behind her. "I knew how much you loved the ring, so I made sure to save it for you."

  "I don't remember you doing that." She whispers, as she runs her finger over the ring.

  "I almost didn't. At first, I was going to bury them with their rings, but then, I had a flash to a moment just like this, and I knew this was the best way they could be here with us. I saved Dad's ring for me someday, too."

  Picking up the ring with shaky hands, I place it on her finger, and it's a perfect fit. Austin is now full on crying, and I don't care. Then, I lean in and kiss her.

  My fiancé. My life just agreed to marry me. I hold her close and bury my head in her neck.

  "Let's fix your makeup, so we can take some pictures!" Ivy says.

  "Ivy!"

  "Dallas asked us here to get photos. Your face was perfect, and you’re going to love these!" Ivy gushes.

  "I got it on video, too," Landon says.

  Austin turns back to me. "You thought of everything!"

  "I tried. Now, go get ready for some pictures. Then, I'll give you a proper house tour." I tell her.

  She shakes her head. "I can't believe you bought this place!"

  "Anything for you, baby girl. Always."

  Ivy whisks her off to do her hair and makeup, and Landon walks over and gives me a hug.

  "You really will be family now, even though, you have been for years. Congrats. That house won't be the same without you two."

  "Well, I've been thinking about that," I tell him and turn to walk over towards the back window. He follows me, but I know he doesn't see it.

  "How do you feel about the guest house? It's got three bedrooms, you’ll have your own privacy, and we can remodel it any way you want. But you can still be here often or as little as you want, and we can carpool to work."

  He just looks at me, almost in shock.

  "It's just an idea. I know Austin will want you close. This way we can eat dinner as a family almost every night, but you still get your space." I tell him.

  He nods. "I’ll talk to Austin, and if she's on board, then I think it would work. I don't want to be too far from you guys either. You’re family."

  We spend an hour taking photos, and I give them all a house tour. The best part is it has a library for Austin. Not quite as big as The Biltmore one, but still one that’s bigger than we have back at the house.

  We talk to Austin about Landon moving into the guest house, and she practically begs him to, so he couldn't say no. Though, we agree to stay at the big house, while renovations happen.

  As the day winds down, Ivy and Dom bring in the dinner they snuck away to pick up for me and I kick everyone out, even the security guards, who go hang outside.

  "Now, for our first meal in our new home," I say, as I spread the food out on the kitchen counter.

  "The first meal with my fiancé." She says, and my heart skips a beat.

  As we eat, we make plans for the house. What she wants to do, things to change, and things to add. She even gets on her phone and looks up the history of the property. I think she's just as excited about the history that comes with it, as she is about the house.

  After we finish dinner, I take her phone from her and set it on the counter behind me.

  "Hey, I was reading about the crops they used to grow here!" She pouts.


  I nip at her lower lip that she was sticking out just before I grab her hips and set her on the kitchen island.

  "And I want to make love to my fiancé in our new home right here in the kitchen," I tell her, as I start kissing her neck.

  She moans but still looks around for the security guys.

  "They’re all outside. I kicked them out. They won't be coming inside." I reassure her.

  I slowly push her dress up to her waist, before pulling her to the edge of the counter and dropping to my knees. I can see from here that her panties are already soaked.

  "It's so sexy how you’re always wet and ready for me, baby girl." I moan, as I pull her panties to the side.

  I waste no time, running my fingers through her folds. She gasps, as I slide two fingers into her. She’s so wet they just glide right in.

  "I love you," I tell her right before I suck on her clit.

  "Oh, God. I love you too, Dallas." She says, as she falls back on the counter and wraps her legs over my shoulders.

  I love the sounds she makes, as I drive her closer and closer to climax. When I hook my fingers on her G-spot on the next thrust and suck hard on her clit, she cums hard, arching her back with my name and a curse on her lips.

  As her body relaxes, I stand up and undo my pants, pulling a condom from my pocket.

  "Mmm, you don't have to use that if you don't want, too." She says, and I freeze.

  "It's just… I've been on the pill for years, and you had that test. I just thought..."

  I lean over and kiss her to stop her rambling.

  "I would love nothing more than to take you bare, baby girl. Never done that before." I whisper.

  "Me either." She says.

  I nod and toss the condom on the floor, along with my pants and boxers, before I step back between her legs.

  "Come here and sit up. I want you to watch the first time we’re together with you, as my future wife." I tell her, as I help her sit up.

  With a quick kiss, I watch, as I slowly enter my fiancé for the first time. The sensations of taking her bare almost overwhelm me.