Safe Inside – James Arthur
Dedication
For Iain.
Author’s note
Chased is book four in the Love like Yours Series.
A lot of people had a real soft spot for poor Colt, and they weren’t too happy when he got his heart broken in Hunted, I hope this helps!
“Settle your heart, child, your time will come. One of these days you will meet eyes with someone who makes you feel so at home in the world you will think to yourself, ah, there you are.”
- Beau Taplin
Prologue
Colt
I reached blindly for my ringing phone.
Jesus... make it stop.
The shrill ringtone was making my brain feel like it was going to explode out of my skull.
I reached around again and knocked over a glass of water; it fell from the table and smashed onto the ground.
Fuck.
I was way too hungover for this shit... but whoever the bastard on the other end of the line was, they weren’t giving up.
Where the fuck is that phone?
I lifted my head from the pillow and groaned, regretting the movement instantly.
That extra round of tequila shots was not my finest decision.
I rolled over and spotted the source of all the noise in the middle of the floor, next to my gigantic pile of dirty laundry.
I groaned again. This room needed cleaning something chronic.
When did I become such a slob?
I sat up slowly and tried to settle my pounding head. I swung my legs out of the bed and reached for the phone, only then realizing I was butt naked.
I am NEVER drinking again.
“Hello?” I answered with a grumble, not even bothering to check the screen to see who was calling.
“What’s up your ass?” Harrison, my oldest brother, chuckled. “You still drunk or something?”
Bastard.
Harrison never called me this early; so my guess was someone at the club had told him I’d been hitting the bottle again.
“You know me...” I deadpanned, feeling too close to death to even bother giving him a real response.
He wasn’t exactly wrong anyway. This was becoming somewhat of a habit for me lately. When the club closed for the night, I sat around with the staff getting shit-faced.
“You sober enough for a business chat?”
I glanced at my clock; it was eight in the morning on a Sunday.
What the hell?
“It’s Sunday morning, man, what do you want that couldn’t wait until tomorrow?” I crawled back into bed, feeling sicker than I could ever remember feeling.
“Yeah... sorry,” he replied, not sounding in the least bit sorry at all. “But I’m on limited time. Safe and Sound needs a venue for a black tie fundraiser. We’d booked a ballroom down town, but they’ve cancelled because of water damage... had a flood or some shit.”
Jesus.
“And you want the club,” I stated.
“You got it in one,” he replied.
“When?” I asked.
“Friday,” he answered.
Friday? Is he joking?
“As in Friday, in 5 days’ time, Friday?” I asked, certain that I must have been mistaken.
Surely he’s not that unreasonable...
“Yeah... it’s short notice I know...”
I rubbed my temples – this extra stress was not helping the situation going on inside my head at all.
“Can’t you postpone?” I all but begged.
“No can do, little bro, tickets are sold, the entertainment is flying in the day before... it’s definitely happening Friday.”
“You’re not actually asking me are you?” I attempted to roll my eyes and regretted it instantly.
“Not really,” he stated. “Let’s say I’m informing you.”
I knew I couldn’t say no to him. He owned as much of the club as I did.
“Fine.” I sighed. “But the club stays open. You can have the V.I.P. floor and your guests can use the west entrance. You bring caterers. I’ll get extra security.”
Now just leave me the hell alone.
I could almost feel his elation at having got his way. “I knew I could count on you. Quinn will get hold of you to get the place decorated later in the week.”
Shit.
Quinn...
The state I was in right now, I couldn’t even imagine having to deal with my ex-girlfriend – my brother’s current. Her choosing him still stung like a bitch, and that was from the comfort of my own home, not up close and personal.
“Yeah, yeah. I gotta go,” I mumbled.
“Thanks, I do appreciate it, Col—”
I hung up before he could finish his sentence.
Fuck.
Quinn.
I’ll have to talk to her... I’ll have to be around her and Harrison together...
I bolted for the bathroom and threw up loudly into the toilet.
“Eye contact and a heartbeat. That’s how it began.”
- Author unknown
1. Lexie
“This place is beautiful, Q.” I sighed as I looked out the window of Harrison’s truck. “I can see why you love it here.”
Harrison and Quinn had picked me up from the airport, and I had been beyond excited to see her. I couldn’t wait to see Ellerslie too; she was at some toddler music class with Stella and was going to bring her around to Harrison’s place after.
I smiled at the thought.
She’s all about being a mom now.
“You should see it covered in snow,” Quinn replied, her voice all dreamy sounding.
I grinned at her and Harrison, holding hands over the center console. They looked incredibly happy together. I knew they’d had some problems over the past few months, but whatever those problems were, they seemed to be nothing but ancient history now.
“So tell me about tomorrow night,” I instructed, excitement coursing through my body.
I was going to be singing at their fundraiser event tomorrow night. Quinn and Harrison, along with Ellerslie, Lawson, Logan, Reeve and his girlfriend, Lisa, had started a foundation called ‘Safe and Sound’. They used it to help victims who hadn’t been given justice inside the court room. They were hosting a black tie event, and I was the entertainment.
I loved singing, dancing too. Even though I got to perform nearly every day I still got a total thrill out of it every single time I got up on a stage in front of a crowd.
My friends all thought I was mad for working as much as I did, but they didn’t get it. Singing didn’t feel like work to me. It was my passion, and I was grateful each and every time people took the time to listen to me perform. That, and the fact that I got to cruise around on a luxury ship... there were zero complaints from me about how I spent my time.
“We had a last-minute venue change,” Quinn replied, before peeking at Harrison out the corner of her eye, a sheepish look on her face. “And Colt has agreed to let us have it at the club that he, Harrison and their other brother, Mitch, own.”
She added the bit about Colt in a rush, like she didn’t really want to be talking about him, but decided not mentioning him would be just as awkward.
I saw the corner of Harrison’s mouth twitch in amusement – he’d obviously noticed her reaction too.
I tried to hold back a giggle but it slipped out anyway.
Harrison chuckled loudly and squeezed Quinn’s hand. “You can say his name, Skippy.” He laughed again. “I’m not that unreasonable, am I?”
Quinn laughed. “Yeah that was weird. I don’t know why I did that, sorry.”
“So what’s this club like?” I asked.
“It’s the best club this city’s got,” Harrison bragged as he peeked at me in the rearview mirror. “It’s where all the kids are hanging out.” He chuckled.
I saw Quinn roll her eyes at him.
“We’ve got the whole V.I.P. floor; we’ll have a stage set up for you and that band
you recommended,” Quinn told me.
She had it all figured out.
“Sounds perfect. I’ve got a song list here if you want to check it.”
She shook her head. “That’s all good. I trust ya, Lex.” She turned around and winked at me. “So, tell me all about what’s been happening on the ship.”
***
I squeezed El tight when we reached the front door. I’d loved every minute of catching up with her and Lawson, and I’d been instantly smitten with Stella.
“I can’t wait for tomorrow night. After my set we’ll have a few drinks... and a few dances.” I nudged her elbow with mine.
“I bet we will.” El giggled.
“It’ll be just like old times.” Lawson’s eyes sparkled as he looked down at his wife.
“Had a few good nights at ‘The L’, huh?” I asked him with a grin.
“You wouldn’t believe,” he murmured back to me, still not taking his eyes off Ellerslie.
That’s a whole lot of heat...
“And you, Stella girl...” I crouched down to her level. “You have the best time with uncle Rome.”
Stella grinned at me.
“You keep him busy, alright?”
She nodded her head.
“Slap me some skin, baby girl.” I held up my hand for a high five, and she tapped her tiny hand against it daintily.
“Bye, Wexie.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed me tight.
“See you soon, beautiful,” I whispered into her blonde hair.
Lawson hoisted Stella up onto his shoulders, and she shrieked with glee.
The three of them stepped outside and started down the front steps towards Lawson’s truck.
They really are the perfect little family.
“See you tomorrow,” I called after them.
“See ya, Lex.” El waved.
“See ya, Wex,” Stella mimicked.
I giggled as I shut the door. That little girl was the cutest thing I’d ever seen.
***
“Do you want me to help with anything today?” I asked Quinn as I loaded the dishwasher.
The fundraiser event was tonight, and I had no idea how much work Quinn still had to get done before then.
Harrison had left for the office already. He had to meet a client this morning and I’d heard him tell Q that he’d probably be able to be at the club at about three this afternoon.
“I have to go into work and get Macie set up for the rest of the day, and then I’ll head down to start on the decorations. The company is waving the hire fee, but I have to set everything up myself,” she replied with a nervous expression.
“I’ll help,” I offered. “What time do you need me?”
She smiled gratefully. “They’re not arriving until midday. Could you meet me there about half twelve?”
I nodded. “Can you leave me the number for a cab?”
“It’s on the board by the phone.” She pointed as she sat her empty coffee cup in the sink.
“Perfect. I need to get a dress for tonight, so I can sort that out this morning, then I’m all yours.”
“Thank you! You are a lifesaver, Lexie Chase.” Quinn grabbed her bag and headed for the door. “Call me if you need me!” she yelled out before shutting the door behind her.
***
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I heard Quinn screech.
Oh shit.
At least that explains why she didn’t answer the phone.
I’d spent my morning shopping before taking a cab over to the club. I’d arrived just after half past, but I had no idea where to go once I was there. I’d tried to call Quinn three times, but it was engaged. One of the waitresses had eventually arrived and shown me where I needed to go.
“You realize it’s tonight, right?” she yelled.
Crap...
That didn’t sound good.
I reached the top of the landing and Quinn came into view. She had her phone to her ear as she paced the room, and she looked like she wanted to rip someone’s head off.
She caught sight of me as she spun around and shot me a grateful smile.
I waved and stayed where I was. An angry Quinn wasn’t something I wanted to get involved with.
“I’ve fucking had it with you,” she announced. “You can take your halfhearted apology and shove it up your ass!” She pulled the phone away from her ear and hung up.
I grimaced. That was definitely not good.
“Jesus, Quinn, what the hell are you yelling about?” a male voice spoke before I could.
Quinn spun around with a murderous look in her eye, and I didn’t envy whoever it was that had just poked the beast.
Surprisingly though, she didn’t tear strips off whoever had spoken. Instead, she took a deep, calming breath and muttered something to herself. I saw a guy walking towards her, he looked older than me, but still young. He had blond hair, with a slim build and was slightly taller than Quinn.
This guy has to be Colt.
I shook my head in amusement. Quinn had managed to get herself into quite the predicament here.
“The goddamn band cancelled,” she told him by way of an excuse for her outburst.
Crap.
She looked back over to me. “I’m so sorry, Lex.”
The guy, who I was going to assume was Colt until I was told otherwise, noticed me for the first time. His eyes gave me a lazy head to toe; appraising my tight black jeans, fitted white top and black Nikes. My long, dark hair was loose down my back and I had thrown a small amount of makeup on.
I made my way over to the two of them and reached my hand out to him. “Hey, I’m Lexie.”
He took my hand and regarded me curiously. “Colt,” he replied.
I was right.
I stared hard at him, trying to figure out the gorgeous man in front of me – there was no point in denying he was gorgeous. His eyes were a mix of hazel and gold, and were framed with thick lashes. His body looked tight and toned underneath his fitted t-shirt.
I can see the family resemblance.
He looked a lot like his brother, but there was something in his eyes. He looked... lost... like he didn’t really belong here... or maybe it was that he simply didn’t want to be here.
Maybe he’s not over Quinn.
He still hadn’t released my hand.
I tugged on it slightly and he looked down and frowned. “Sorry,” he muttered, letting go of me.
I felt unnerved for some reason; I couldn’t put my finger on what it was exactly that was causing the sensation.
The obvious awkwardness between Colt and Q maybe?
Whatever it was, it had me feeling incredibly off balance.
I looked back at Quinn. “Don’t worry about the band. It’s no biggie. I can sing acapella, or we can use backing tracks,” I suggested.
“Wait, you’re the singer?” Colt asked in disbelief before Quinn could reply.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why do you sound so surprised?” I demanded, my voice showing just how unappreciated his tone was.
His shocked expression softened at my obvious annoyance. “No... it’s just because I heard you had a huge voice. And you’re so tiny. I just...” He trailed off. “Never mind.” He shook his head, presumably at his own stupidity.
I ignored him.
“Honestly, Q, it’ll be fine. I don’t need a band. Even just a guitarist would have been helpful, but we’ll manage.”
It’ll be fine. This is what I do.
2. Colt
“I’ll do it,” I found myself saying before I’d even thought it through.
I was still looking at the petite, beautiful, little woman in front of me.
Lexie.
For some reason I just felt the need to make it up to her, after I’d clearly offended her with my last comment.
Idiot.
“Wait...” Quinn looked back and forth between the two of us. “You’ll do what?”
“Play the guitar for her,” I clarif
ied, pointing at Lexie.
“You play?” Quinn asked, shock evident in her voice. “Since when?” she demanded.
I looked back at her and smirked. “Since I was about six years old.”
Guess she never knew me that well after all.
Her mouth made an ‘o’ shape. “Are you sure? I can ask Lawson, he plays pretty well.”
“Nah, it’s cool. I’ll do it. Lawson can enjoy his night off.”
I glanced at both the women in front of me, Quinn looked surprised, and Lexie looked curious. They also both looked incredibly grateful.
Maybe even a little impressed.
I wasn’t sure why I gave a shit about impressing either of them, but I realized that I did.
Old habits die hard I guess.
“Well alright then,” Quinn agreed. “Ah... thanks, Colt...”
The air between us was tense and awkward.
Her phone rang again and she groaned. “Excuse me.” She shot Lexie an apologetic glance before taking her call.
I turned to Lexie. “So... have you got a song list planned out?”
She nodded enthusiastically. “I sure do.” She rummaged through the bag she had slung over her shoulder.
I couldn’t help but notice how pretty she was as I watched her – I was a man after all, and beauty like that was pretty hard to miss.
She grinned triumphantly as she found what she was looking for. “Here.” She passed me a sheet of paper.
I quickly scanned the list.
Adele, Ed Sheeran, Sam Hunt, Zara Larsson, John Legend...
Good songs.
“You sure know how to pick them,” I told her with a smile.
“Ah... thanks?” she said it like a question.
I sat down at one of the nearby tables and gestured for her to do the same.
“Did you have any arrangements in mind?” I asked.
“I was basically going to stick to the originals,” she replied as she sat down next to me.
“We might have to go unplugged for a few...” I tapped my pen on the table, getting a feel for the beat of a few of the songs.
“These ones...” She leaned over and pointed to a few on the list. “They’ll be perfect for a more acoustic performance.”
Her arm brushed mine as she reached for the sheet of paper, and my skin prickled. She was right in close, and I couldn’t help but breathe in the scent of her shampoo. Her hair smelled like a bunch of flowers.
Love like Yours Series Box Set: Books 1 - 4 Page 68
