by Tess Keeler
It didn’t take long for me to strip down and go to relax in the back lounge. With my AirPods in, I felt like I could actually spend some time with my girl without too much interference. I grabbed my laptop and set up my space.
I’m sorry, baby. I got caught up. Are you available to talk or to FaceTime?
It wasn’t easy for me to get comfortable with the limited space, but I made due. My phone screen lit up with Harper’s response. I was grateful that we were at least in the same time zone.
FaceTime? For sure.
I started up my laptop before telling her that I was ready when she was. The music I had playing over the lounge speakers was soft, just loud enough to give our conversation privacy. My headphones made sure anything she said would be to just me, but I wanted to make sure I had as much seclusion as possible, too.
The all familiar ring of FaceTime pulled me back to the present, and I made sure my hair looked good as quickly as I could before hitting accept.
Her beautiful smile greeted me, and my heart did a somersault in my chest.
“Hey sexy,” I knew my tone was low, but it was purposeful. Her cheeks rose a little more as her smile grew.
“Miss me?” She lifted an eyebrow at me and I could feel the tensing between my hipbones with how seductive she sounded.
I ran my fingers through my curls, watching as they bounced when I let them go. “More than I can even articulate.”
“I never stop thinking about you,” she said. It was the best possible thing to hear at that moment. Not that I had too many insecurities when it came to Harper, because I knew we were both all in. But, the road was lonesome, and sometimes your mind would try to lie to you. I refused to let it break me down with Harper.
Leaning forward on my pillow, I rested my chin against the fluffy white material. “That feeling is mutual, blue eyes.”
—————
Austin was, hands down, my favorite city in Texas. It had an awesome vibe, and even though the traffic could be atrocious, it was still a really fun city to spend time in. Our hotel overlooked the river and was centrally located. It was perfect, honestly. The view from my room on the twenty-third floor was amazing.
After I texted Harper good morning, I decided to hit the gym. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be too crowded at 7:47 am. I was in luck; there were only two other men in the fitness center. I was almost certain I would be able to work out in peace.
The gym had a nice view, too. It was calming to look out over the city as I did strength training. My workout seemed to fly by with no interruptions and no response from my girlfriend yet. It was early, and she was at home. I’m sure she liked to sleep in sometimes, so I didn’t worry.
Mason insisted on taking me for breakfast, which was super nice of him. We stayed out and about for a while, and I took a bunch of fan pictures while we were wandering the streets of Austin. I should’ve expected that— it was a Saturday, and I had a show the next day. What should I have expected? Numerous birthday wishes and hugs from my Texan fans. To this day, it still floored me how much people cared to make sure I knew they loved me and my music.
It was almost 3 PM before I heard from Harper, which was stressing me a little. Not because I needed to know her every move, but because we never go that long without some sort of communication at least.
How’s your day off, babe? Texas treating you well?
I laughed lightly, trying to figure out how to respond. It was so casual, especially since we hadn’t had contact all day yet.
Hey baby, I was beginning to worry about you. Texas is fine. Mason took me for birthday breakfast since I have obligations tomorrow. How’s your day going?
Mason tugged on the white sweater I was wearing, pointing at the big billboard with my face on it. “Aye, Texas wants you to have a big head, apparently.”
I shook my head, laughing at his comment. “Let’s see how low-key I can be with that damn sign above us.”
“Not at all, mate. Not at all.” He motioned to a few girls that were pointing at us. More fans.
The fans stopped us, and I went through the routine. After more pictures and birthday wishes, I finally got to read the text waiting for me in my pocket.
That was sweet of him. I’m glad you have him with you.
Parents are keeping me busy with farmers’ market runs and fall decorating. I miss the road already. Lol
That made sense. She was spending time with her parents. I felt kind of like a jackass.
Yeah, it’s nice. Especially since Texas fans have eagle eyes. I’ve been stopped a lot. Hah
Well, either they’re borderline snipers, or I could blame the gigantic billboard of my face above where I’m standing.
That’s great that you’re spending time with them. I’m sure they enjoy having you home.
Even though I felt selfish, I did wish she could be there with me to celebrate my first hours heading into my twenties. But that wasn’t fair of me. She was constantly compromising to get time with me, and besides, we had a lot more of both of our birthdays to celebrate together. I needed to chill.
How gigantic are we talking? Practically got flashing arrows following you around?
They are ridiculous. Mostly asking questions about you, talking about you, asking about Blake, talking about Blake. It’s just an endless cycle.
As nervous as I was to think about being the topic of conversation between Harper and her parents, it made me feel invincible too. I wanted them to like me, and I wanted to get to know them. I didn’t have any intentions of going anywhere, and maybe someday, I would be part of their family. I turned, taking a picture of Mason with the gigantic billboard as his expression closely resembled the unamused emoji and sent it to her.
Pretty big. And we’re further away from it now than when we first saw it lol
I hope they’re hearing all good things. About me, at least. I’m sure they know Blake well enough. ;P
Mason and I continued to walk back to the hotel, and he had to make sure I didn’t trip or run into things as I was texting with Harper. When the phone would ding, I would look at it immediately. I had it bad, and Mason took every chance he could get to remind me.
Oh man. That’s a whole lot of face. I like it though. ;)
Definitely all good things. They wouldn’t know about you if it were bad things.
That made me smile. Happy early birthday to me.
Oh yeah? What have you told them?
I heard Mitch and Joseph talking when we got closer to the front doors, and I saw them out smoking in the designated spot. I put my phone in my back pocket, giving them both fists bumps as we walked past them.
“Hey, you need to get ready. We’re taking you out,” Joseph called after me, and I stopped in my tracks.
Shaking my head, I tried to not get distracted by the buzz in my pocket. “You guys don’t have to take me anywhere.”
Mason’s hand moved to my shoulder, him patting it in response. “Don’t argue, Nix. Just go shower and get ready.” He was laughing his goofy laugh, and it always cheered me up.
“Fine, but nowhere too wild. Maybe just dinner?”
They all three rolled their eyes at me, and I threw my hands up in defeat.
The lobby was beautiful and modern, and I loved how clean it was in there. Being greeted by the doorman, I said hello before checking my notifications. My heart fluttered at her response to my question.
That you’re a gentleman. You treat me like a princess. That if you decide to stay with me, I’ll be the luckiest girl in the world.
I’m crazy about you, Nix.
The elevator dinged, allowing me inside. I hit the button for my floor and proceeded to answer her.
I’m crazy about you, too, Harps. I’m not going anywhere.
She sent me a kissing emoji and a blue heart, and the warmth spreading out from my chest was intense. As a reply, I let her know that I was being forced to go out to celebrate and if I didn’t respond as quickly, it was because I’d be in the shower.
Aw, try to have fun tonight.
I didn’t respond with what I wanted to, which was to tell her I wanted her here with me. But I couldn’t put that guilt on her. Instead, I opted for an easier route.
Thanks, baby. I love you.
—————
Without knowing where my crew was taking me, I made the best decision possible on my attire. A dark blue button up with white accents and a pair of new black skinny jeans. My hair was messy but it looked good that way with the length it was at. My black boots finished off my outfit, and even if it seemed silly, I took a picture in the mirror to send to Harper for her approval. Even if she wasn’t there in person, she would always be there in my thoughts.
I made my way to the lobby to see my crew standing in a circle, almost like a huddle. It was strange.
“Uh, guys?” I questioned, tapping Mason’s shoulder as I approached.
They separated, and I had to do a double take at what I saw standing in the middle of them.
“Surprise!” Bella’s voice was loud, and it triggered everyone else to shout the same thing.
“Oh my god, Bells!” I fell to my knees, hugging my little sister as tight as I could manage without hurting her. “How did you…?” Tears were threatening my waterline, and I felt like I couldn’t hug her long enough.
She giggled, burying her face in my shoulder. “Mason and Harper planned it all.”
Even through her muffled words, I made out what she said. “Did you say-?”
My eyes opened, and standing behind Bella in my line of vision was Harper. Looking so hot in a black, short-sleeved romper with pink and teal flowers on it and a plunging neckline. I followed her smooth legs from the black heels she was wearing all the way up to her beautiful blue eyes staring down at me.
“Is this a dream?” I whispered, and Bella shook her head with a smile.
A smile pulled at her cheeks, my heart throbbing erratically as she parted her gorgeous lips to speak.
“Miss me?”
1
Make You Mine
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Harper
The splashing sounds of the pool water surrounding us overlapped some of the conversations from Nixon’s bandmates and crew members. After an intimate dinner at one of the best Italian restaurants in Austin, we moved up to the rooftop of the hotel. There was a heated pool to offset the sixty-ish degree weather under the Texas moonlight. Nixon was sitting on a ledge just inside of the deep end, and I was on his lap, straddling his hips. Of course. His hands rested on the bare skin of my lower back, my black bikini known for leaving little to the imagination. My wet fingers were pulling through his hair as we gazed into each other’s eyes, enjoying the comfort of being in the same space, breathing the same air.
The image of his surprise was still a permanent picture in my head: his entire face lifted as his chin trembled. Mason and I had pulled off something I wasn’t sure would be possible. Nixon always knew where I was going or where I was. We were always talking. I had never experienced strong communication between myself and a lover, and with him, it was natural. I’m glad I did what I could to make his birthday work for both me and Bella. Without her, it wouldn’t be the same.
Was it midnight yet? “Happy birthday, baby,” I whispered to him, breaking our temporary silence.
The yellow in his eyes was much more vibrant than the greens and browns combining to create an even canvas beneath it. I could feel myself getting wrapped up in him despite the audience around us. There were a few strangers around the small bar in the corner of the open space, but no one had noticed him yet. Bella was tucked safely away in her room, worn the hell out from our road trip and the excitement of seeing her favorite brother. I didn’t have too much to worry about—we were with people who could protect us. People we could trust.
“Best birthday ever,” he breathed huskily. I felt it everywhere, inside of me and along my skin.
“I haven’t even given you any presents yet,” I countered, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips.
His face was serious, and it remained that way as he responded, “You being here with me is all I wanted.”
My heart fell, flirting with the acid in my stomach as I swallowed the lump in my throat. How could someone like me that much? How could I be the sole center of someone’s desires?
“Really?” I asked, trying not to let the doubt of past relationships make it difficult to believe him. I was better than that.
“Really.”
“Nixon…” I said, my eyes on his lips.
“Yes?” he asked.
I closed the distance between our mouths, instigating an open-mouthed kiss that could only get more intense. I pressed my mostly bare torso to his and slipped my tongue into his mouth, moaning quietly as I did so. His hands were already completely submerged in the chlorinated water, his fingers digging into my wide hips. I almost ground my hips forward, getting completely ahead of myself. Almost.
“Nixon,” Blake warned. I knew the tone by now.
We broke apart, our foreheads resting together.
“Nixon.” He said it again. Sternly.
Turning to look at him, we noticed he was looking toward the entrance of the rooftop. We looked, too. Cameras. Big, professional cameras.
“How did they get in here?” One of the boys asked. Jason maybe?
“They won’t be here for long,” Blake said confidently.
As soon as they were noticed, they were being escorted out by hotel security. It happened so quickly that I was unsure of how to respond, my reactions in slow motion. We were official, but it wasn’t officially everywhere. No social media. No public appearances. The picture that was taken of us in Tulsa, a not so obvious shot of us from behind. I know that it had spread through his fanbase, and he spoke about me in Q&As and interviews. How far did that news go? Would a risqué photo spread faster? Yes.
People were staring at us now. I pushed myself up, trying not to soak him in the process. The water dripped obnoxiously from my body. Nixon was stirring too, climbing out of the pool behind me.
“I should probably call Sam,” he said, but I’m sure only I heard him. Sam was his manager—The one who handled everything. Blake only handled his touring.
How could I have been careless with our PDA? I didn’t even know how we were going to go about this, or if Nixon had already discussed execution with Sam. I know he and Blake have had conversations about me, but they weren’t coming from the most professional place. Not from where I stood.
Nixon picked up a towel and wrapped it around his lower half, his phone already up to his ear. There wasn’t a procrastinating bone in his body, so he was going to take care of this now. I pouted a little as he faced the city, his back to all of us. I advanced toward my own towel, wrapping it beneath my underarms. I couldn’t stop thinking about what picture of us was going to be all over the internet tomorrow. Or tonight? How quickly did they move?
“Harper, can I talk to you over here for a second?” Blake was standing next to me. I hadn’t noticed him walk up, his footsteps silent despite his large feet. His dark bushy eyebrows matched the shadow of a beard covering his jaw. His eyes were just as blue as mine, but there were so many difference in our appearances. I looked like our mom and he looked like our dad.
I nodded, “Sure.”
We moved further away from the bar, in a quiet dark corner of the rooftop. Nerves began to eat at my insides. I could feel his energy, and I knew he wasn’t happy with me. The people laughing at the bar weren’t fazed by the intrusion we were recovering from. Hell, they were probably laughing about it. When in their life did they have to worry about pictures being taken of them in compromising positions? It could have been worse, right?
Chewing at my lip, I stared at him. “Just say it,” I begged him, not able to take the silence of him burning holes into my face with his gaze.
“This isn’t a fairytale.”
I lowered my eyebrows and moved a hand to my hip, assumi
ng defensiveness. “Okay…”
What could a fairytale have to do with anything?
“I know he treats you better than you’ve ever been treated. He treats everyone better than they deserve.”
“Excuse me?” I cut him off. My hands were moving with my words. They felt out of control, but the anger was building into a solid boil. “Better than I deserve?”
Pursing his lips, the look on his face didn’t show regret, “You know I didn’t mean you.”
“Do I?” I snapped.
“That’s not the point, Harps.” He put his hand up, shutting me up. “You’re compromising his image.”
“’S everything okay over here?” Mason said, his hand falling on my shoulder as he stood next to me. The way he positioned his body partially in front of mine showed me he was protecting me, and my heart thudded in appreciation.
Before Blake could say anything, Nixon was approaching us too. He didn’t give away that he was aware of what was happening as he looked between us all.
“Hey, guys,” he said, stopping next to me and Mason. “What’s up?”
“What did Sam say?” Blake asked, shifting his weight to another foot.
Mason and I followed Blake’s attention to Nixon, curious about the outcome too. I leaned into the unruly photographer as I tucked my hands under my arms to hold the towel up.
“He told me that they got a picture, and it’s already being ran so we need to prepare for more questions.” He ran his fingers through slightly damp hair as he wet his lips. “But, I’ve been honest with my fans. They know I’m in a relationship. I’ve been very forthcoming about not being single, which he said should help some.”
