Love Desired

by Kelli McCracken

  They gazed around the dome as if they were visualizing everything I was explaining. It was hard for a lot of people to picture until they saw it in person.

  “How long does it take to fully extend?” Bentley gazed up the concrete wall, waiting for me to answer.

  “For everything to be secured in place, it’s about half an hour. That includes connecting to the staircase on the left side of the bar. It forms a private stairwell for staff and guests to use to access the backstage during a concert. You can also get to the main floor once you reach the bottom.”

  “This place is insane,” Ayden mumbled.

  I wasn’t sure if he was complementing Music Haven or insulting it until Bentley laughed. “Hell, yeah. Who designed this place?”

  “My grandfather was the mastermind behind it. He had the right connections to make it happen, but the hydraulic system wasn’t built until fifteen years ago.”

  “Your grandfather was Brandon Brooks, correct?”

  Ayden didn’t look at me when he asked the question. He was too busy gawking at his surroundings.

  “That’s right. He and my father taught me everything about the business. When my grandfather passed, he left Music Haven to me.”

  The memories made my chest feel heavy. A dull ache lingered, one I doubted would go away anytime soon. I missed my grandfather.

  “How come your father didn’t inherit it?”

  I glanced at Bentley this time as I rubbed my hands together. “My father never had intentions of running Music Haven once I was conceived. He and my grandparents built this place with one goal—to be my legacy. That legacy includes helping others.”

  “So you don’t know what it’s like to struggle, to live paycheck to paycheck, hoping you will have enough money to pay bills and have food.”

  There was a noticeable amount of frustration in Ayden’s response. I wasn’t sure if he was asking a question or making a statement. Maybe it was both.

  “No, Ayden, I’ve never lived in poverty. I was lucky in that aspect, but I’ve done my best to make sure other people escape it.”

  Whether he believed me, I wasn’t sure, but I could tell by the folded brows of his friends that they were surprised by his comments as much as they were embarrassed.

  Doing my best to dispel the tension, I pivoted on my heel and faced the main entrance. “I’m sure you guys are tired after your journey here. Why I don’t show you to your suites.”

  Everyone seemed on board with the idea, even Ayden. He nodded his approval, but he wouldn’t make eye contact. Was I reading too much into his silence? Maybe he was exhausted. Tired musicians were often cranky.

  It didn’t take us long to move back through the bar, as well as the entrance to the arena. Once we were outside, I pointed to the doors on either side of the opening.

  “When we use the hydraulic system, guests can use the elevator inside or either of these stairwells to reach the top. There is another set of steps on the backside of the arena where the tour buses park, as well as the set on the left side of the bar near the stairs that lead backstage.”

  The more I revealed to them, the more I felt as though Ayden was judging me. Perhaps I was paranoid. Everything about this situation had me on edge. I didn’t want to repeat my past mistakes, which meant I couldn’t give in to the pull. I didn’t want him to think the only reason I was helping his band was so he’d sleep with me. I wasn’t that type of woman.

  Andi waited in the extended golf cart we used to get around the grounds. It was yet another luxury we had and another reason for Ayden to feel no connection to anything I was offering him. He didn’t say anything as he and his bandmates filled up a few of the seats.

  As we rounded the paved road, I took note of some of the public buildings to show them once they were settled in. Maybe Andi would be gracious enough to give them a better tour at another time. Now that I’d thought about it, I realized I wasn’t the best person to do it. For whatever reason, Ayden treated me as if I was being boastful.

  All I wanted to do was help them.

  “How many suites are in this place?” Bentley asked. He was sitting behind Andi, staring a hole through her. He glanced at me briefly until I answered him.

  “There are five-hundred suites total. Some of the suites are for my staff, the rest are for guests. Most of the staff stay further back while guests suites are closer.”

  “You said most of the staff.” Bentley looked my way once again. “Are there exceptions?”

  We rolled up to the first building before Andi pressed the break and locked the cart in Park. “Andi and I stay here, which is technically the beginning of the condos. Each unit has six suites per floor, two-floor maximum. This unit is the only one that’s different. There are four suites per floor, and they’re larger than the other suites.”

  “How come?” Ayden’s questions didn’t surprise me. I was waiting for him to chime in at some point.

  Exiting the cart, I observed the building in front of us. “This was my family’s unit, but they kept a few of the suites reserved for special guests. I do the same now that my father travels for the business. Since he isn’t here often, he gave up his suite. Whenever he comes for a visit, he stays wherever there is an opening.”

  “What about your mom?”

  There was nothing cynical about Ayden’s question, but it hurt me just the same. My mother was a sensitive topic. After dealing with the cold attitude he’d given me, I didn’t want to share that information with him. Instead, I cleared my throat and told him the same answer I’d given many people before him.

  “I am the only Brooks on the property. I have a sister that occasionally shows up, but she keeps a suite in the last row of condos.”

  Half-expecting him to grill me for a better answer, I was relieved when Andi motioned them toward the door. Had she sensed my anxiety?

  Didn’t she always?

  One by one they filed into the building as I brought up the rear. Ryan and Jason blocked the space between Ayden and me. For the first time since we were introduced, I could breathe.

  By the time Andi stopped, we were standing in the middle of the building and in front of two doors. She handed keycards to all four men before pointing up the stairs. “Jason and Ryan are on the second floor. Bentley and Ayden, you guys are right here.”

  Bentley studied his card and the door to his suite. “How come we’re not staying on the same floor?”

  “We had to split you guys up for a couple of weeks. Two of our female choreographers are staying upstairs while their unit gets a water leak repaired. Once it is, you’re more than welcome to move. Mia and I apologize for the inconvenience.”

  I held my breath when Ayden looked at the two suites at the opposite ends of the hall. “I’m assuming the other two suites belong to you and Miss Brooks?”

  The way he addressed me formally made my face burn. Something about the tone was cold and callous. I didn’t understand.

  Andi took the liberty of answering him. “Mine is at the end of the hall. Mia’s is the one behind us.”

  Before the silence grew too awkward, Jason fanned his keycard in front of his face and retreated a few steps. “Is there anything else we need to know, ‘cause if not, I’m dying for a shower.”

  “That’s pretty much it for now. Go get settled in.” Andi answered him in her usual cheerful voice. I managed to smile at him and Ryan as they took off toward the staircase behind us. As soon as their footsteps sounded on the stairs, I turned back toward Andi.

  Ayden caught my attention. His cheeks blew out as he released a sigh. “This is more than anyone could ask for. As much as I appreciate it, I’m not sure I can accept it.”

  “Why?” It surprised me that my voice didn’t crack when I asked the question. It felt as though I had something stuck in my throat. Guess it was just my anxiety over what Ayden said.

  He struggled to look me in the eye when he answered, “You’re taking a big risk with us. What if it doesn’t work out? There’s no
way we can repay you.”

  “No one who’s invited here is expected to repay anything. My grandfather created this place because of bands like yours.”

  He played with his keycard. “I don’t see how you’ve made money if that’s the case.”

  I didn’t miss the sideways glance Bentley gave him or the frown he flashed his friend. “We have affiliates and investors who donate money and offer scholarships. The bands that perform pay to stay here. Others pay to use this place as a getaway or a place to work on new projects.”

  His nostrils flared as he pressed his lips together and took a deep breath. When he released it, he looked into my eyes. “I don’t want to be a charity case.”

  “You’re not a charity case. I may be footing the bill, but you’re going to work your ass off for what you get. I can get your band in the spotlight. The rest will depend on you.”

  The seconds passed as he continued to play with his key. I wasn’t sure he was going to say anything else or if he would stay at Music Haven. Guess this was the payment I got for trying to help. Maybe it was harder for him to accept a woman’s guidance. My grandfather never ran into issues like this. Why was I being punished for being a woman?

  His hands stilled a moment later. When I glanced at Ayden once more, he was staring at me. The hardness disappeared from his face, reminding me of the man who caught my attention at the concert. What would it take to convince him that I was genuine in my efforts? Would I have to bare my soul?

  “I’m sorry if I sound like a prick. It’s just that agents and labels have passed us up in the past. I guess I feel out of place.”

  “You shouldn’t.”

  I found the courage to speak again. This was my last chance to convince him to stay. If this didn’t work, nothing would. I only hoped that I wouldn’t regret my confession.

  “You have a right to be here as much as anyone else, Ayden. Your band has what it takes. Talent. Besides, I want you here.”

  Chapter 3

  ~Ayden~

  I finished dressing in the bedroom as I stared into the rest of suite. The shower helped ease some of the tension flowing through me, but now that the hot water wasn’t running over my body, I felt my neck and shoulders getting tight.

  A drink would make things right. It’s what Bentley and I agreed to do. Unpack, shower, and meet for beers. Once we had our evening planned, we parted ways and stepped into our new living arrangements.

  It was hard to relax when I was fighting to keep myself in check. The trip here began the tension I was feeling. Our conversation with Randy added to the stress of a long flight and drive. In the end, I understood why he was so cryptic about the woman in charge of Music Haven. She wasn’t like anyone I’d met. The few minutes I spent around Mia Brooks didn’t just add to my tension. It tripled it.

  While I didn’t know what lay ahead for us, if I had to work with her at any point during our stay, it wouldn’t be easy. It wasn’t the fact that she had a killer body or beautiful face. There was something in her energy, something that had a hold of me. I wasn’t sure what it was or why I was feeling it.

  Even if we didn’t work together, there was no way I could avoid her. Our suites were in the same damn unit as hers.

  My cell buzzed against the bed as I picked it up. Bentley was on schedule. Guess that meant I was running behind as usual. He always loved giving me shit about it.

  Where the hell are you? Jason and Ryan bailed. Just you and me. Get your ass to the bar.

  Tucking the phone into my jeans, I made my way through the suite, grabbed the keycard off the bar between the living room and kitchen, and closed the door.

  As I ambled toward the main entrance, I gazed toward the suite at the end of the hall, the one I now knew was Mia’s. Was she inside or was she somewhere on the grounds? If it were the latter, I took a chance of running into her again. At this point, it probably wouldn’t be the best thing. I had definitely given her a terrible first impression.

  I regretted it. At the same time, I knew it was necessary. I had to keep Mia at a distance. My heart wasn’t ready for anything. Not that she was interested in me. She was professional in her approach and everything she said to us after that.

  It was me. I didn’t trust what I felt when I was close to her.

  Refocusing on the main doors, I stepped into the night air, surprised at how cool it had grown. It wasn’t cold by any means, not like Tennessee, but it wasn’t as warm as it had been when we arrived. The sun had long made its descent into the horizon. No moon lit up the sky.

  There was plenty of lighting around the grounds. I took a moment to study the large water fountain we passed on our way to the condos. It stood around twelve feet tall and had multicolored lights that changed every few seconds.

  The coolest part about it was the structure itself. Instead of tiers, cherubs, flowers, or any of the other usual styles, this fountain was made of music notes and symbols. Around the base were the cardinal directions, and in between were metal plaques. Most had Music Haven written on them, except two.

  One was an establishment plaque, dating back fifty years prior. Brandon Brooks’ name was on it, along with another. Amelia Brooks. If my memory served me right, it was the name of his wife, which was Mia’s grandmother.

  The other plaque was a dedication. Morgan Brooks. I wasn’t sure who she was, but to have the same last name meant she was one of Mia’s relatives. Perhaps I would find out at some point, unless Mia thought I was just an asshole who didn’t deserve her time.

  Trudging away from the fountain, I slowly made my way through the community of Music Haven, noting the general store and other buildings. As I approached the enormous wall separating the village from the arena, I stewed over my assumptions.

  I was so lost in my own thoughts that I barely remember the walk. A million scenarios played in my head as I plodded inside the building, passing the elevators and restrooms. Once I entered the bar, I noticed Bentley. He was sitting on the corner of the right-hand bar where it curved. It was the same spot where we ran into Randy earlier.

  At least Randy wasn’t anywhere in sight this time. Relief filled me at the thought. He’d messed with my head earlier. I let it bother me enough that I was rude to the one person who had the power to make or break our band. I was a fucking idiot.

  “Dude,” Bentley grumbled while shaking his head. “What the hell took so long?”

  “The shower felt too good. I didn’t want to get out.”

  It was a partial truth. I couldn’t tell him that I was dreading the thought of coming in here. It meant taking a chance on seeing Mia. I didn’t want to be the asshole I was earlier, but I didn’t know how to separate what I was feeling and what was happening.

  “You’re full of shit man,” Bentley chuckled. He waved at the bartender, Max, motioning for him to come our way.

  “Hey, guys. What can I get ya?”

  “Two beers and two shots of Hell’s Fury,” Bentley answered. He glared at me when I tried to object. Not that it would have mattered. Max didn’t waste any time filling our order. He grabbed two beers from a case, picked up two shot glasses and filled them with the four different liquors that made up the shot.

  Max brought the beers and shots to us and grinned. “Looks like someone is trying to unwind or cut loose.”

  “Maybe a little bit of both,” Bentley joked. “Traveling sucks.”

  Max agreed. “If you guys need anything else, let me know”

  “Hang on,” Bentley motioned him not to leave yet. “What do we owe you for the drinks?”

  “Nothing. Everything is inclusive.”

  The news put a smile on Bentley’s face. He loved everything Mia was providing for us. I wanted to be as excited as him about everything we were getting in this deal, but part of me was just waiting for everything to crash down around us. Guess I was used to it. I found it hard to believe that we could finally be on our way to getting our band out there.

  Mia was confident she could make it happen. I
didn’t doubt her. I knew the history of this place, how her grandfather was one of the reasons why so many bands got their break. Now his granddaughter was willing to offer the same thing to us.

  Bentley slid a beer and shot glass in my direction. “Drink up, bro.”

  I shook my head. “You trying to kill me on our first day here?”

  My old friend brought his shot to his lips as he answered, “Not like you don’t deserve it.”

  Touché.

  The shot passed over my lips as I swallowed hard. Between the liquor and the bitter truth, a rock formed in my gut. I knew what was coming next.

  Bentley pushed his glass forward then took a drink of his beer. As I did the same, I waited for him to speak.

  “What the hell was all that shit earlier?”

  I grunted. “You’ll have to be more specific.”

  My sarcasm wasn’t appreciated. Bentley’s half-smile fell from his face as his eyes hardened. “Are you trying to set a record for the shortest stay at this place or the musician who’s been the biggest prick?”

  “Ben, stop. I know, and I’m—”

  “I’m not going to stop until you hear what I have to say. I don’t know what’s going through that lame brain of yours, but you almost cost us everything.”

  He was right. I knew it. I was going to admit as much, yet he was hell-bent on making sure he said his peace. So I let him.

  “Whatever is going through your mind when you talk to Mia, you need to think the opposite. We have a shot at something. Don’t ruin this.”

  Taking the stool beside him, I lifted my beer again and chugged half the bottle. I needed to get buzzed and go pass out. That would be the best way to end this day. Maybe I wouldn’t piss off anyone else before I made it back to my room.

  “You don’t have anything to say?”

  I regarded my friend then lowered my gaze to the bar. “Just before you interrupted me, I was going to tell you that I’m sorry. I know I was a complete prick, and you’re right. I almost cost us everything.”