“Were you listening in?” Kyra put her hands on her hips.
“I woke up to Blaine calling, and then I heard music. Yes, you caught me.” He blinked, then turned away. “I know, shame on me.”
She couldn't even be mad, but Kyra did feel bad for him. “How much did you hear?”
He held up his hands. “I swear I wasn't listening to eavesdrop. I heard the music and your voices, and I wanted to know what was going on. When I heard you and Andrew singing, I was stunned. I couldn't help myself. Okay, so I didn't start out with the intent to listen. I was really surprised Andrew opened up to you that way about his mother. I figured that if I went in to talk to you two, he'd stop singing. I didn't know he could sing so well, let alone write such powerful lyrics.”
“He's doing well not to let this set him back. You should be proud.”
Matt pulled her in his arms. “I'm very proud. You'll never know how much. Even though he's turning to music, it's not affecting me the way it once did.”
“But you still have a hard time over it with me?” She peered up in his eyes.
“No, not the way you're thinking. I just worry about you. Are you sleeping enough? Eating enough? I saw the state of mind you were in months ago. I love that your comeback is going so well, and I just don't want you to overdo it and burn out or make yourself sick,” he assured her, brushing a soft kiss to her forehead.
“I'll make you a promise right here, right now. If I feel even the slightest bit overwhelmed in a way I think would be harmful to my health, I will come to you and beg you to make sure I take it easy. Right now, everything is perfect. Well, almost perfect, but what's a tour without a few mishaps? Tomorrow morning, I'll be ready for that beach walk with you. Just the two of us.” She drew the conversation away to a new subject quickly.
“I'm holding you to that,” Matt murmured against her lips, then sealed them with a needy kiss. “How much time do we have before the first concert?”
Kyra melted against him. “Not much at all. In fact, I should be getting ready now. See what you miss out on when you take a nap?”
*****
“I don't know about you, but a beach side private party is pretty fun!” Avery said into the microphone about an hour later. The boardwalk venue held about two hundred people, eager to see Kyra and Baby Stetson. “I love my small town of Harmony's Echo, Texas, but this view! Just look at it! A sunset by the ocean. I hope someone's taking pictures of that!”
“You're a better view!” a male shouted from somewhere to the left of Matt.
Avery blushed, then strummed her guitar. “Well, thank you. So before we launch into our second set of songs, I hear some of y'all have questions for us. Bring them on!”
This was a pretty neat show. An up close an personal thing, and every minute of it had a lot of music, laughs, and surprises. Matt searched for Kyra, and spotted her talking on the side of the stage with her manager, Landon. Then he focused back on the stage.
“How does it feel to work so close to your ex-boyfriend in your band?” A female's voice rang out.
Avery's hand froze midair, just as she was about to adjust her hat. “It feels like a dream come true,” she answered easily, but slid a gaze over at Jameson and Melody. She'd been caught off guard by the question, and it obviously had the same effect on Jameson as well.
Kyra and Landon faced that way now, both in shock. Kyra's mouth hung open before she gathered her composure. That question was bound to come up.
“Did you want to be a singer before you learned your mother is Belinda Wainscott?” a deep male voice asked.
Avery nodded. “Sure did. I've been singing as far back as I could remember.”
A few questions were directed at Randy, Marty, Jameson, and Melody before one was aimed toward Taryn.
“How do you feel about being on tour again, Taryn?”
“I'm unstoppable!” She let out a nervous laugh. “I was really nervous about the whole experience, but thanks to Kyra and Baby Stetson, I'm loving the life on the road.”
The interview went rather well. When they launched into another tune, the crowd went wild. As Avery belted out a powerful note, cameras flashed, and Matt even spotted a couple young girls sporting their brand new Baby Stetson t-shirts. When Avery sang a line, something about birds, a strange thing happened. He couldn't quite grasp what he was seeing and why it was happening, which at first confused him, until Matt spotted Kyra and one of her stagehands up high, each holding a bin of colored feathers. They floated down, dousing the band in a tie-dye explosion of color. Then, to top it off, someone played a tape of different birds doing some kind of bird calling over the loudspeaker, which drowned out Baby Stetson's song.
A prank. Oh, wow! Go Kyra! This one was good. Hilarious!
Matt, Andrew, and Chris burst into laughter. “They're going to kill her for that!” Chris nudged him.
“No doubt! Landon knew about this, because look, there he is, shooting video. Good, because I want a copy!” It didn't stop him from taking out his phone to snap several photos, especially when the feathers landed on everyone. Avery was having a hard time keeping her composure. At first, her eyes were wide with confusion before she realized exactly what happened.
“This is hilarious!” Andrew couldn't quit laughing. His face reddened as he covered his mouth. A snort escaped before he could cover up his lips completely.
Kyra climbed down from a ladder. Matt wasn't sure how she managed to do so without falling, because she could barely contain her own laughter. The container fell from her hands. Hell, he wasn't even sure how they got the ladder in place without anyone seeing. They had to have put it out earlier and made it blend in, because until now, Matt never even noticed it.
Avery finished the song as tears streamed down her face. The audience burst into approval in a loud round of applause.
Kyra took a mic and headed to the front of the stage. “I gotta hand it to you guys, I figured that would have thrown you off track a lot more than it did!”
“Sneaky thing, you!” Melody tksed.
“Watch it, Kyra. Payback is coming,” Randy warned, brushing feathers off his head and the keys on his keyboard.
“Oooooh, I'm anticipating your next move!” She let out a laugh, kicking at a pile of feathers.
“She's totally asking for it.” Taryn hit the drums for effect, at first starting out slow. “We're gonna get you big time.”
By the end of the evening, Matt couldn't think of a time he'd laughed this hard. The whole show had been amazing. From the acoustic beach concert to the huge one later that night, everyone had a great time.
He couldn't wait for tomorrow morning, as he planned to finally make his move and ask her during their morning beach walk if she would marry him.
No more waiting. Kyra was the one, and Matt wanted her to know it.
*****
“Come on, you! Get up!” Kyra swatted Matt with a pillow the next morning.
“Mmm...” Matt muttered, finally stirring.
“You owe me a morning walk on the beach,” she whispered in his ear.
Matt sat up. “I do, don't I? How is it you're so bright and cheery this early?”
She swatted him again. “Come on. Let's go dip our toes in the ocean, then we're off to Florida.”
Fifteen minutes later, they were hand in hand on the beach. The sunrise was gorgeous. Pink and orange lined the horizon as the sun's first rays made their debut.
“So do you always get hotel rooms for a night?” Matt asked. “This seems easier than I thought. I figured we'd be on the tour bus and onto the next city almost immediately. The bunks on the bus haven't even been used.”
“No. In fact, most of the later part of my tour, we won't. That's why I figured you and Andrew could come along for the first part, because the hustle and bustle isn't as grueling. Plus, I wanted to ease Taryn into the touring life again. Luckily, Landon worked with me on it. He's also trying to make sure I get back to touring without burning out, as well.”
>
Matt tugged on her hand, pulling her flush up against his body. “It's going to be hard facing reality next week.”
Leaning on his shoulder, Kyra held him close. “You could always stay longer.”
His body shook as he laughed. “Wish I could, Kyra. I've seen more of the country in person within the last few days than I've seen in my entire lifetime.”
“When I go on a world tour, I definitely have to take the two of you with me.” Pulling away, Kyra met his gaze.
“Now that would be neat. You've gone before?”
She nodded. “London, Germany, France, Scotland...”
Adoration filled his eyes. “You amaze me, woman, and you make me realize I need to get out more.”
“It's working so far.” Stooping to pick up a large seashell, Kyra proudly showed it off to Matt before placing it in her blue beach bag.
“Look at the water,” Matt uttered in her ear, sliding his arms around her from behind. “All lit up from the sunrise. I just took about a hundred different photos of it. Oh, and one of you bent over, so I got your butt.” He chuckled. “Don't worry. I won't sell it to the tabloids.”
“Why not? You'd get some serious money for it,” she teased, leaning against him. “A Kyra Sanders ass shot might bring in a hundred grand.”
“Oh really now?” Matt turned her around gently, pretending to ponder this. “What could I do with a hundred thousand dollars...”
“You could take your girlfriend on a vacation!” She jumped up and down as if she'd just won a prize.
Matt laughed before he cupped her butt. “This sweet ass could build us a bigger tree house. One problem, though. I don't feel like sharing.”
“I don't feel like reading ass critiques, anyway.” Kyra gestured to the water. “Last one in is a rotten egg!” They were knee deep when she realized Matt wasn't coming in deeper. Kyra turned around to find out why he wouldn't move further.
“Wait,” he stalled.
“What, can't handle the cold?” she taunted playfully. “It's not too bad!'
“Come here.” He reached for her.
Curious, Kyra stepped toward Matt again. “What is it?” He got so serious all of a sudden.
“I-” He started to say something before his face scrunched up, and then he jumped back. “Shit! Ow! Kyra, watch it, don't come any closer unless you go around!”
Alarm zipped through her. “What? What happened?”
Matt pointed down. “I just stepped on a stingray. And it just frickin' stung me! Be careful. He's heading your way!”
*****
“I'm calling 9-1-1!” Kyra rushed to his side after Matt scooted far enough away from the stingray, even though after stinging him, it swam deeper into the water. He hadn't even thought to keep a look out for anything like that. Sharks, yes, but a stingray? The only thing on his mind at the time was popping the question. And then … this.
“Kyra, we don't need to do that.” Matt inspected his foot, wincing in pain as he did. Blood spurted from the cut. “Hell, this hurts. A lot,” he hissed, pressing his fingers against the wound, attempting to stop the bleeding.
“You sure? I really think we should.” She trembled, her eyes full of worry. “Aren't these things poisonous or something?”
“They shoot venom when they sting, but for the most part, this isn't fatal.” Wrong thing to say. Kyra paled, and Matt thought she would vomit.
“For the most part?” she squeaked.
“Hey, listen to me.” He tried to soothe her. “I'm going to be fine. I'm going to stay calm, and I need you to get a first aid kit. Then, we'll get back to the hotel.”
“There's no one out here!” Kyra scanned the quiet beach. “Wait. Someone's out for a run.”
Matt blew out a breath as another wave of pain shot through him. Holy hell, these things were excruciating. The jogger headed their way. It took less than a minute to realize the runner was Chris.
“What hap- whoa. What the hell did you do?” Chris said as he approached them.
“I stepped on a stingray,” Matt grunted.
“Tell him we need to call an ambulance!” Kyra insisted, pulling her phone from her bag.
“It might not be a bad idea, especially because we're due out on the road.” Chris glanced at Matt. “Just to make sure we all know what to do or not to do if you have a reaction or something.”
Matt heaved a sigh. Damn it, Chris did have a point. “No ambulances, but if it makes you feel better, I'll go to an emergency room.”
“We. I'm going with you,” Kyra corrected. “I'll call one of the drivers and see if he can get us there.”
“Kyra, this could take a while. This isn't a small delay,” Matt protested. He knew how emergency rooms went. There's always a wait.
“You're more important. I'll get everyone else out and we can fly or something. I'm not leaving your side,” she insisted, then made the phone call.
“Come on man, let's get you on your feet. Lean on us as much as possible,” Chris instructed.
Using Kyra and Chris as a crutch, Matt avoided putting weight on that foot to step down. Proposing to Kyra wasn't in the cards this morning, that much was for sure. Thanks, life. You sure have a way of picking on me. “I'm going to need my wallet. It has my health insurance card and ID in it.”
“I'll get it,” Kyra told him. “I'll also tell Andrew. We'll get you set up in the lobby or something so you don't have to go up the elevator.” Her voice was full of worry.
Which meant he couldn't put the ring away, and he didn't want to take the chance that the hospital wouldn't have him give them all of his personal effects, or have him give it all to Kyra. “Andrew is going to want to come with me, but I think it'll be better if he doesn't. You shouldn't either.” She wouldn't listen, he knew this, but had to try one more time anyway.
“Well I am, so no more talk about it. You're stuck with me.”
Once in the hotel, they led Matt to a chair. “I'll get that first aid kit,” Chris said, then he darted away.
“I'm going to grab your wallet and tell Andrew. You know he's going to at least want to run down here and see you.” Kyra stood in front of him.
“I know. Damn it, Kyra, I'm sorry.” He groaned as the pain started to settle in, worse than the previous round.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. I'm scared out of my mind right now.” Gorgeous hazel eyes stared at him.
“Emergency rooms can take up to twelve hours.”
“I know.”
“I don't want you to miss anything important.”
She sighed. “You stubborn man. If it seems like you aren't going to be out of there within four hours before my next show, I'll fly out by myself and have you flown to our next destination.” She didn't sound too happy about it, but her deal was something Matt could work with.
“Deal.” Matt winced. Maybe it was a good idea to get it looked at, after all. Even having experience as a trained EMT, stingray stings weren't something he encountered in Texas. This was out of his expertise.
“I hate seeing you in so much pain.” Her voice came out small.
“I got this.” He flashed her a weak smile. “Go get my wallet and my son. And Kyra? I wouldn't trade any other moment about this morning for anything.”
Chapter Nine
“They told me next time to do the stingray shuffle. I thought they were kidding at first! Sure enough, there's a certain way you should walk ... err, shuffle, on the shore to avoid stepping on one. Who would have thought? But on a good note, I'm going to be fine,” Matt explained to everyone after he and Kyra arrived in Tallahassee by plane. The emergency room visit only took five hours, which for an ER run wasn't horrible.
“As if you had any doubts?” Kyra stole a glance at him. “I was the one on the verge of hyperventilating. He kept telling me to calm down. Then at the ER, he soaked up all the attention.”
Matt feigned a wounded look. “By the time we went, the pain was intense! Besides, it was the nurses going crazy, all want
ing to catch a glimpse of Kyra Sanders' poor injured boyfriend.”
“Yeah!” Kyra exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. “Would you believe I was asked if this would make it into a song? And he was the one who insisted this morning that he didn't need to go. Now look at him.”
“I've earned bragging rights,” Matt insisted, pulling her toward him. Kyra rested her head against his chest as she curled up next to him on the sofa in their suite.
“Yeah, fine,” she admitted, the adrenaline from today's events starting to wear her down. If she didn't have so much to do before tonight's show, a nap would be in perfect order.
“Glad you're okay, Dad.” Andrew finally spoke up. “Your foot looked gross earlier.”
“Oh, it still does, but at least it's clean and free of the stinger. Hey, I've got an idea! Someone should tell Blaine to come up with a dance routine with the name Stingray Shuffle!”
Kyra groaned. “How long are you going to be stuck on that?” He'd gotten a kick out of it ever since the doctor told him about it. Matt hadn't let up since.
“He must be doped up on antibiotics and pain meds,” Randy added, holding back a smirk, “but I'm still going to tell Blaine you were thinking about her. She needs a few laughs. Kyra, I'm still on in two days to head back for an appointment, right?”
“Of course. I'll get you where you need to go,” Kyra promised, sitting up again.
“At least she won't be doing a lot of testing until closer to the second trimester, and we'll be back by then. Well, the move to Nashville is going to be interesting, but at least once that's over and done with, I'll be with her more often.” Guilt flashed in his eyes.
“She wouldn't have let you miss out on this tour,” Matt said.
“I know. Trust me, I know. We went through several tearful nights talking about this. I'm just glad it works out that I can be here and there when I need to be.” Randy shot Kyra a thankful expression.
Skyrocket (Love and Music in Texas Book 6) Page 8
