Come to Me Again

by Leah Atwood

  She was breathless and deliriously happy, but alarm bells rang. The longer they kissed, the louder they tolled. They needed to stop. Dominic broke away first, and she was grateful for his restraint.

  He turned away from her, crossing his hands behind his head. She watched his back rise with each deep breath he took until he turned around. A lazy smile rested casually on his face. “That was long overdue.”

  “And worth the wait.” The best non-first, first kiss she’d ever had.

  “But…” His arms lowered, and he shoved one in his shorts pocket.

  “But we need to set boundaries,” she finished for him when he hesitated.

  “Yes.” He pointed to the couch beside them. “Can we sit?”

  She moved the box of petits fours to the end table and sat down. Dominic sat beside her on the ivory-hued middle cushion. For reasons she could assume, he slid to the far end. She wanted him near again but gave him his space.

  Letting out a nervous chuckle, he ran a hand through his hair. “This is us. It shouldn’t be so awkward to discuss.”

  “I think that’s why it is. There’s a lifetime of history between us, a lot of which, probably shouldn’t have been.”

  “I don’t know why you left before and I’m not sure it matters anymore because it doesn’t change what and who we are now.” A heavy weight lifted from her chest when he said that. Maybe she’d never have to tell him. “But I’ve also reached a point where I can look back at our relationship without the rose-colored glasses.”

  So had she, and if she was honest, there were glaring mistakes. “We were young and impulsive, trying to make it on our own without God.”

  “I don’t know if it would have made a difference in the outcome of us four years ago, but I don’t want to risk messing this up again.” He scooted back to the middle cushion and took her hand. “I want to do this the old-fashioned way, where we date first—save living together and all that entails for marriage.”

  “I agree completely.”

  “You do?” A brow arched in surprise. “I was worried about this conversation for nothing?”

  She laughed at the look on his face. “Yes.”

  “What now?”

  “We go to the bridge and take a walk before I kiss you again.”

  His eyes widened. “Wait, I never said kissing’s off-limits. Should it be?” He looked horrified at the thought.

  “No.” She gave him a saucy smile. “But a kiss over the water while the bridge is lit up sounds very romantic.”

  “Ah.” He stood and helped her stand. “Then by all means, let’s go.”

  Chapter 17

  “What do you think so far?” Bryce leaned backward on a chair precariously balanced on two legs.

  “About what?” Dominic sat with the guys around a table at a roadside diner somewhere between Tallahassee and Atlanta.

  “The tour, duh.” Adam shot him an amused smirk.

  “Oh, right.” Thoughts of Maisy had distracted him. “It’s a new experience, that’s for sure.”

  “You don’t sound too convinced.” A concerned frown passed over Bryce.

  “It’s great. It’s everything I ever dreamed of and more.” He didn’t want the guys to think he didn’t appreciate the opportunity. “I’m having a blast.”

  Bryce nodded. “But terrible timing?”

  Tempted to lie, he opted for the truth. “Yes.”

  “That, my friend, I can completely understand.” Setting the chair on all fours, Bryce leaned forward and patted Dominic’s shoulder. “I love what I do, but leaving for this tour was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”

  Jay broke his silence. “Think how much worse you’d feel if you hadn’t dropped the friend façade before you left.”

  “Jay’s right,” Adam said after eating a forkful of scrambled eggs. “Three weeks from now, she’ll be waiting for you with open arms.”

  “I know, but when we talked just now, she seemed off.” The conversation hadn’t set well with him, but he couldn’t pinpoint why. “Almost like she was hiding something. I trust her, but my gut tells me something isn’t right.”

  A knowing glance passed among the three guys. Mouths twisted, eyebrows rose, and heads shook then nodded. Clearly, they were having a silent conversation that he knew nothing about. “What am I missing?”

  Adam and Jay gave Bryce pointed looks. Bryce shrugged and discreetly lifted his shoulders, in an I-don’t-know gesture.

  “Seriously, if you guys know something, tell me.” His patience wore thin and he grabbed his coffee mug, downing its entire hot contents in one gulp to keep from growling at his friends.

  Bryce cleared his throat. “It’s nothing like that.”

  Leaning back, Dominic crossed his arms. “Enlighten me. Please.”

  “It’s nothing we haven’t all been through.” Bryce rested his arms on the table and leaned forward like he was on the verge of divulging a classified idea. “You haven’t seen Maisy in three weeks, and even though you talk every day, disconnect forms and starts to eat at you. Even though you trust her, doubts and insecurities begin to creep in.”

  Dominic let the words sink in, finding a small comfort that what he’d experienced earlier with Maisy was normal. “How do you make it stop?”

  “Pray. Be honest and open with her. Pray again.” Adam, sitting on the other side of him, placed a hand on his shoulder. “And remember that she’s probably feeling the same thing, but you’re in this together.”

  “You really think that’s all it is?”

  “Absolutely,” Jay said, and the other two nodded their agreement.

  Feeling better, he forked off a piece of his meat lover’s omelet and ate it, now that everyone else was finished with their meals.

  “Like Bryce said, we’ve all had it happen.” The waitress laid their check on the table, and Adam grabbed it. “And you see we’re all happily married so it’s nothing insurmountable.”

  “Speaking of marriage…” Bryce stroked his chin, an ornery gleam to his eyes. “When will you be taking the plunge?”

  “Dude, you all are worse than a bunch of women.” Disguising his laughter, Dominic harrumphed. “I don’t think the ladies’ group at church asked as many questions as you guys.”

  “This one’s on me.” Adam took three twenties and a ten from his wallet. “And, the inquisitions are all part of the initiation rites.”

  “Not buying it.” Dominic grabbed his phone and sneered. “I could call Rob right now, and he’d be happy to rat you out for the grief you gave him over Dani on the last tour.”

  Bryce ducked his head, hiding his grin. “Guilty as charged, but, in my defense, that was all Jay and Adam. I didn’t join in until after the tour.”

  “Only because you were barely on speaking terms with him.” Jay shifted his body to avoid Bryce’s playful punch.

  “Not cool, bro.” Bryce scowled. “You know I still feel bad about that.”

  Dominic knew Rob was married to Bryce’s cousin, but he hadn’t heard this part of the story. “What happened?”

  A loud sigh filled the air. “I was a jerk, said some pretty horrid things to Rob and told him to stay away from Dani.”

  “That obviously worked,” Dominic deadpanned.

  Adam chuckled. “Your sarcasm fits in so well with us.”

  “Anyway.” Bryce rolled his eyes. “The argument was over before it began, and Rob and I are cool. Things happen on tours—there’s bound to be conflict.”

  Someone’s phone vibrated against the table. Jay glanced at his when the screen lit up. “Caroline wants to know if we’re on the road yet.”

  “We better go.” Bryce took his Tennessee Titans hat from the back of his chair and put it on. “Text her yes, once we’re outside.”

  Sliding his sunglasses over his eyes, Dominic stood. “Whose turn to drive?”

  “Yours.” Jay tossed him the keys. “I hope you all appreciate that I am riding with you instead of my wife.”

  “Caroli
ne’s probably grateful for the break.” Bryce laughed before abandoning his seat.

  Adam groaned. “Remind me again why we don’t have personal drivers and chefs like most stars?”

  “Because we like it better this way,” Bryce answered over his shoulder before walking out the door.

  Dominic had wondered the same thing, but had learned that it was their way of retaining a small token of normalcy in their lives. Their humble response toward fame was one of the reasons he got along with them so well.

  Outside, the temperature already reached ninety degrees. Although grateful he would spend most the day in air conditioned spaces, Dominic soaked in the sunshine while he could. “Florida is brutal.”

  “Wouldn’t be so bad if not for the humidity.” Bryce returned a wave to a young woman across the parking lot.

  “You don’t have to tell me. I grew up on the coast where it was our constant companion during the summer.” Dominic unlocked the door to the tour bus and pulled it open.

  “That’s right. I keep thinking you were on the mountain side of North Carolina.” Stepping into the tour bus, Bryce looked behind him. “Should we go rescue them?”

  Following Bryce’s line of vision, Dominic saw Jay and Adam, who’d lagged leaving the restaurant, speaking with the girl who’d waved. “Nah, they didn’t come to our aid last night.”

  “Oh man, that was insane.” A low whistle rang from Bryce. “I love the fans, but I can’t handle when they don’t respect personal space.”

  “Talk about baptism by fire.” His shoulders shook with the memory of a throng of fans pushing passed the barricades last night and throwing themselves—literally—on him and Bryce. Each woman had made it repulsively clear she was available, but they’d posed no temptation. He belonged to Maisy, no one else. “Is it like that often?”

  “Not usually. Most of our security crews are from firms local to the venue, with the exception of a few permanent staffers who travel with us.” Bryce massaged his own temple. “Last night’s was from an all-around new company. Needless to say, they won’t receive recommendations from us.”

  Bryce looked up from his phone. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “Take your time.” Waving him off, Adam didn’t seem too concerned about Bryce’s departure from the dressing room despite Caroline’s directive that everyone remain put.

  Problem after problem had arisen during soundcheck. By the time acoustics were adjusted to everyone’s satisfaction, they didn’t have much time before the scheduled meet and greet. Tonight’s guests for that event were winners of a radio station contest.

  Dominic walked to the table with a spread of various foods—sandwiches, fruits, assorted pastries—each of which was a favorite of one of the band members. A miniscule detail that didn’t go unnoticed. It was a small perk of fame, to have needs anticipated. So, roast beef sandwiches weren’t exactly a need, but he appreciated it nonetheless. Wanting something to eat, but not wishing to have a full stomach before performing, he popped a grape into his mouth.

  The dressing room door opened, and Caroline walked in, sleek and professional. She spoke into a Bluetooth earpiece and stared at her phone. “See you in a few,” she told the person on the other line before sliding her phone into her purse. “Can you do me a favor, Dominic?”

  “I guess.” He ate another grape.

  “Can you grab my tablet from my room down the hall?” She adjusted the earpiece. “I need to review a clause in the contract and it’s not pulling up from the file on my phone. I’d go, but the station rep will be here any second.”

  “Sure. Second door on the left?”

  “That’s it. Entry code is five-nine-six-three. The tablet should be on a table right by the mirror.” Caroline moved to Jay and gave him a smile.

  Taking that as his cue to leave, Dominic walked into the corridor. When he got to said room, he keyed in the code and the door buzzed. He turned the handle and walked in. His eyes bugged out—they must be playing tricks on him. He blinked twice. Opened his eyes. The mirage was still there, and it was a mirror image of Maisy.

  Her fists opened, and she threw her hands in the air. She gave him a shy smile. “Surprise.”

  “What are you doing here?” When her face fell, he immediately realized his mistake. “Wait, back up. That came out wrong.” He didn’t waste any more words, and he closed the gap between them. Folding her in a tight embrace, he inhaled the spicy and sweet aroma of her hair. His world was right again, the missing piece in his arms. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Me too.” Her content sigh vibrated against his chest.

  He tipped her head, lowered his mouth to give her three weeks of kisses. If he had his way, he’d give her enough for the next three weeks, but obligations pressed on him and he pulled away.

  “You’re not upset I’m here?” Maisy tucked her arms in a vulnerable stance. “I wasn’t sure if you’d see it as interference with your work?”

  “Are you crazy?” A hoarse laugh came out. “You have no idea how much this means to me. How’d you pull it off?”

  “Since this stop was within driving distance, Sophie wanted to bring the kids to see Bryce but didn’t feel comfortable driving alone with a seven-year-old and three-month-old.” A wide smile revealed her perfectly straight teeth and she let her arms hang at her sides. “Today and tomorrow happened to be my days off this week, so I volunteered to come with her.”

  “And you kept it a secret?” He ran his arms down her arms. “I still can’t believe you’re here.”

  “I thought it would be fun to surprise you.”

  The scene at breakfast replayed in his memory. “And all the guys were in on it, weren’t they?”

  “Yes.”

  He caught a glimpse of the clock on the wall. “I have to go back. Meet and greet in ten minutes.”

  “I’ll be here waiting.”

  “Why don’t you come with?” There was no way he was going to leave her behind. He needed her by his side.

  “Is that allowed?” Her brows drew together.

  “I don’t know, but we’ll find out.” Someone rapped on the door, and Dominic went to answer the knock.

  “Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time to get going.” Bryce stood at the open door, grinning. “Like your surprise?”

  “Best ever,” he shot back. “Nice cover-up this morning.”

  Bryce held up a hand. “Hey, everything I said was true.”

  A child’s cough drew Dominic’s attention to behind Bryce. “Hi, Sophie. Hi, Gracie.”

  “Hi, Mr. Dominic.” Grace greeted him with her charming smile. “You didn’t say hi to Ethan.”

  The adults laughed.

  “He looked so comfy in your mommy’s arms that I didn’t want to disturb him, but hi Ethan.” He turned back to Bryce. “Is Maisy allowed at the meet and greet?”

  “Definitely. There’s a spot to the side reserved for friends and family.” Tilting his head toward his wife, Bryce continued. “Sophie’s coming.”

  At some point, Maisy had moved beside Dominic, and he slipped an arm around her waist. “Hear that?”

  She nodded.

  “But we have to get going.” Bryce moved from the doorway. “I promised Caroline I wouldn’t make us run any later than we already are.”

  “Let me just grab her tablet, and I’ll be there.”

  “Oh yeah.” Maisy’s lips tilted into a smile. “I’m supposed to tell you that was a ruse to get you here, and she already has her tablet with her.”

  “Of course.”

  They walked down the hall as a group, Dominic holding Maisy's hand tightly with their fingers woven. Caroline stood outside the dressing room door, waiting to take them to the room where the meet and greet would occur. They walked down another corridor and entered a room decorated with vintage concert announcements.

  A black leather sectional was placed at the front of the room. A dozen folding chairs were set around it, a now-familiar setup. Dominic would sit on the couch with
Bryce, Adam, and Jay while their guests would sit in the metal chairs. Each visitor would be allowed to ask one question, and at the end, would have their picture taken with the band.

  Dominic loved this part. Not for the regular fans, which he enjoyed also, but for the person with dreams and aspirations, who was there to learn—not hobnob—from someone at the top. The person who sat in the uncomfortable chairs who wanted to be in plush leather. The person he’d been not so long ago.

  When that person showed up, there was one every few nights, Dominic paid them close heed. He gave them honest advice—work hard and consistently. For those short minutes, he took them under his wing and let them know that dreams do come true. If he could give that hope to just one person, keep them from quitting when the outlook was dismal, then he considered the event a success.

  A vivacious blonde hurried to them and introduced herself as the station representative, apologizing for missing him minutes earlier in the dressing room.

  Dominic exchanged a wink with Maisy, who then blushed. He dropped a chaste kiss on her cheek before taking a seat on the sectional in the spot Caroline directed. Sandwiched between Jay and Adam, he wondered why they weren’t spread out further.

  “Photo ops,” Bryce explained from the curve of the sectional. “Running short on time, so they’ll get group pictures instead of individual.”

  “Gotcha.” Chatter spread around the room, and Dominic settled against the couch’s back.

  After five minutes, the door opened and a security guard escorted in ten people, each with a VIP badge around their neck. Following Bryce’s lead, Dominic stood and shook hands with each person as they walked past.

  He sat down again. Time for questions. Most were directed to Bryce, not unusual since he was the front man. However, Bryce had perfected the art of gracefully deflecting questions so the entire group had a chance to answer. Such as it was with the first five questions, but the sixth came from a tall, svelte brunette.

  She stuck out her chest when she stood, and Dominic quelled the urge to roll his eyes. Sheer curiosity made him glance out his peripheral vision to see Maisy’s reaction. She was biting her bottom lip, not happy. Sophie leaned over and whispered something in her ear. He didn’t know what she’d said, but it made Maisy smile again.