Luci's Lullaby

by Leaona Luxx

  “Wait, you never told him?” Her smile slips.

  I frown. “No, that ship has sailed. Besides, I know what he’s all about.”

  “True, he’s all about the ladies.” Her mouth twists.

  “Ladies? Well, that’s one way of putting it.” I giggle.

  Her eyes spark mischievously. “Well, done.”

  “Huh?”

  “You’ve more than piqued his interest.” She tilts her head to her husband and my old flame. Did my heart just skip a beat? Stop it!

  I wave her off and fan my own flames. “Not even, don’t even start.”

  “I’m tellin’ you, that man is hooked.” She snickers.

  “I didn’t cast my rod.”

  “He’s got the pole covered.” She snorts, drawing Alden and Aksel’s attention.

  I glare at her. “Get ahold of yourself.”

  “Looks like he wants to get ahold of you!” She cackles as I peek over at him. Sure enough, he’s staring.

  “Oh, hell no. Hush it.”

  “I knew it! You like to be gagged.” Emerson wiggles her brows.

  My face flames. “Stop it!”

  “Stop what?” Aksel asks.

  I want to crawl under the table. “Nothing, she’s being ridiculous.” Emerson laughs louder.

  “So how do you know Alden?” Aksel narrows his eyes as Emerson loses her shit.

  I shake my head. “Get control of her.”

  “Yeah, babe. Maybe you should gag me!” I can’t fight it anymore, I burst into a fit of laughter with her as Aksel scratches his head.

  “Women.”

  “Let’s do this,” I shout as I take the stage.

  “Alright,” John says as he twirls his sticks. “Everything okay, man?”

  I grit my teeth, trying to rein in my ire. “Uh-huh.”

  “Good deal. Let’s do it.” He hits the drum, drawing everyone’s attention.

  I stroke my guitar, hoping it’ll soothe my mood, but the second I look up, her haunting blue eyes pin me to the spot. What is it about her? She’s so far under my skin, it feels as though it’s crawling.

  “Alden?” I cut my eyes at Mark. “You got this?”

  I whip my head toward him. “Yes. Play.” The music cranks up, and I get into the performance zone. “Hey, y’all ready to shake off the week?” The crowd roars. “Well, then, get up and shake those money makers.”

  They go wild and for the next hour, I put everything I’ve got into the performance of a lifetime. I sing everything from Skynyrd to .38 Special to Conway and Luke Combs.

  By the end of the set, I’m staring her down, waiting on a response. She leans in, whispering to Emerson. “We’re gonna take a quick break and be back a little later. Please stick around and enjoy the sights and sounds of Black Creek. Let’s make them feel welcome!”

  Taking off my guitar, I’m met by Aksel and a gorgeous blonde with legs a mile long. “Aksel,” I greet him.

  “Alden Beck, may I introduce Samantha Moxy owner of 401 Entertainment.” He steps to the side so I can take her outreached hand.

  “Great show, Alden.” She rubs her thumb over mine with a smile. “You can call me, Sam.”

  I pull it away slowly. “Thank you.”

  “I’m liking what I see. We would love to book you for the Carolina Country Festival. Are you under management?” She angles her head as her eyes roam my body.

  I turn from her to Aksel and back again. There’s a lightness in my chest. “Are you kidding me?”

  “Not at all, congratulations.” Aksel takes my hand.

  I shake his uncontrollably. “Thank you, I won’t let you down.”

  “I’m assuming you don’t have representation.” Sam quirks her brow.

  My face reddens. “I do not.”

  “Good.” A smile spreads across her face. “Let’s get him a contract because this rising star needs a manager.”

  “First thing in the morning.” Aksel grins.

  I take her hand once again, shaking it. “Thank you, again. I won’t disappoint you.”

  “Make sure you don’t.” She caresses my hand. “Welcome to 401 Entertainment.”

  “Sam, I’ll show you out.” Aksel motions toward the door. “Alden, I’ll be back to buy you a drink.”

  Sam spins on us. “Don’t drink too much, I want you there first thing in the a.m.”

  I hold up my hands. “I will be ready to go.”

  “I’m counting on it.” Her lip quirks before walking away.

  “I’ll be right back, go join Emerson.” Aksel gives me a thumbs up before jogging to catch up with his boss.

  I’m in a daze as I make my way over to his table, only to find the girl from before sitting alone. “Where’s Emerson?”

  “She ran away,” she snaps.

  I grind my jaw as I sit down across from her. “Must’ve been your charming personality.”

  “Or the music made her ears bleed.” She raises her brows and the bar.

  I lean in, laying my hands on the table. “Pretty sure it was the lack of intelligent conversation.”

  She mimics my position putting us inches apart. “I’m positive it was the lack of depth and skills of the house band.”

  “House band?” My eyes go wide. Those are fighting words. “I have never, and will never be, an everyday commodity.”

  She sizes me up. “Are you sure about that? The way I see it, you’re no more than a dime a dozen.”

  “What in the hell do you mean by that?”

  “You played the same tired music. Have you ever heard of originality? Maybe one of your own, mix it up a bit.” She shrugs.

  “For someone who doesn’t like country, you sure have a lot to say about it.”

  “I know what I like.” Her eyes gleam.

  I shift forward, getting closer to her. “Is that so?”

  She begins to fidget. “Yes.”

  “Tell me what you like.”

  Her lips part slightly as the tip of her tongue darts out, wetting them. “I need something that speaks to me, moves me in such a way that it affects my soul.”

  “What song would that be?”

  Her eyes search mine and for a split second, there’s a spark. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve heard something that profound.”

  “Do you remember the words?”

  Her eyes dart behind me, and she sits back into the seat. “No, I don’t recall.”

  “Hey, how about that beer.” Aksel slaps my back as he joins us followed by Emerson.

  “Sounds great.”

  “Congratulations.” Emerson hugs me before sitting.

  “Thanks, y’all.”

  Emerson nudges her friend. “Did he tell you?”

  “Tell me what?” She lifts her chin.

  Emerson nods to me. “Alden is going to sign with a manager and a contract to play at the country festival.”

  “No, he didn’t.” She turns to me, unimpressed. “Good deal, congrats.”

  Heat pulses through me. “Thanks.”

  “How ‘bout that drink?” Aksel says.

  “Nah, I’m gonna get back over here and prep for the next set.”

  “Stay. It’s one drink.” Emerson cuts her eyes at her friend.

  I slide from the seat. “I think it’s for the best.” Turning, I start back toward the stage.

  “Hey.” I hear her immediately, but I want to make her work for it. “Hey! You. Alden!” She yanks on my arm, spinning me around. I’m thrown off balance, colliding into her.

  “Shit!” I yell as my arms wrap around her. She’s pressed against me, her hands gripping my shirt.

  She winces. “Sorry.”

  “You’re strong.”

  She giggles. “Not as much as you might think.”

  “Did you need something?” I slide my hands down her back as her fingers loosen.

  I watch as she stares at my mouth. My body begins to tingle. “I-I wanted to ask you to come back. I’m being rude, and there’s no reason for it.”<
br />
  “Have we met before?”

  Her gaze locks with mine. “Not traditionally.” She pushes lightly on my chest.

  “Well, then.” I release her, holding my hand out. “I’m Alden.”

  She glances at my hand before taking it. “Rae. As in, R.A.E.”

  “Nice to meet you, Rae.”

  “You too, Alden.” She slowly slides her hand from mine and suddenly, I’m filled with a longing as my heart races.

  I fist my hand, hoping to keep the warmth from her touch with it. “I’m gonna get this set over.”

  “Please, have a drink with us after.” She simpers.

  I bite a smile. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Just tell them you can’t come out and play tonight.” The corner of her mouth twitches.

  There’s a lightness that fills my chest. “I’ll just tell them I’m grounded.”

  “Whatever works.” She bats her lashes.

  “Alright.” I watch as she turns, walking back to the shared table. Her hips sway but not overly; she’s not putting on because I’m looking. She’s just being her. “Who are you, Rae?”

  I head back to the stage and ready for my final set. Once again, I do a mix of songs. I try not to stare but can’t help myself to check her reaction to anything I’m doing. I’m rewarded with a couple of smiles.

  We get busy after the show, breaking down our things. It’s a quick one for me, and I’m ready to go have my beer. I catch her gaze as I get closer to the table. She really is breathtakingly beautiful.

  “Great job,” Aksel greets me. “You’re gonna kill it, man.”

  “I hope so.”

  He waves the waitress over. “Two Coronas and an After The Disco.”

  “Will that be all?” The waitress scans the table, hesitating once she gets to Rae.

  Aksel answers, “That’s all. Thank you.”

  “You’re not drinking?” I look over at her.

  “Naw, I’m driving.” Her eyes flicker across the table.

  “We can call a taxi.”

  Her forehead creases. “I like having my car.”

  “We have a car picking us up,” Emerson says.

  “It’s fine, I prefer keeping it with me in case I get called in.” Rae half shrugs.

  The waitress returns with our drinks as we continue with our small talk. “Just holler if you need anything else.”

  “Thank ya,” I say with a wink. I look around to find Rae glaring at me. “What? I’m friendly.”

  She rolls her eyes. “I see that.”

  “You’re so busted.” Emerson giggles.

  “Not cool, I was being polite.”

  Rae shrugs. “Sure.”

  “Hey, Alden.” A brunette saddles up next to me. “You gonna need a ride home tonight?”

  Aksel holds up his hand. “No, he will not need a ride home.” He inclines his head toward me. “He has an early appointment.”

  “Really?” She rubs my shoulders as I watch Rae, burning a hole through her.

  “Yeah, Kelly. I’m going straight home.”

  She bumps my shoulder with her hips. “I was gonna take you straight home.”

  “He has a ride.” Rae purses her lips.

  “I heard him,” Kelly responds snidely.

  Rae shifts in her seat, squaring off with Kelly. “Is there anything else we can help you with?”

  Kelly’s head whips around to face me. “Is she for real?”

  “I think she is.” I gawk at Rae, she simply intrigues me.

  “You’re one of many, honey.” Kelly straightens. “Don’t let it go to your head.” She spins and struts away.

  Rae drops her head. “Joke’s on her, I’m not ‘one of them’.”

  “Thank God, he probably has cooties.” Emerson bumps her shoulder as they laugh.

  I gape at them. “He’s right here.”

  “I think they know.” Aksel picks his drink up to finish it off.

  I follow suit, taking a big gulp. “And for the record, I don’t have crabs.” The girls burst into a fit of giggles as Aksel shakes his head. “I don’t.”

  “The fact you need to defend it is reason enough to believe it.” Emerson falls back, laughing harder.

  Rae looks at me, stoned faced. “The fact it’s all true is the reason we know it,” she finishes, and all three laugh their asses off.

  “Alright. I got it. I know who I am.”

  “A horn dog.” Rae bats her lashes.

  “Whatever. Y’all are assholes.”

  Aksel slaps my back. “Then you’re in good company.”

  We spend another hour laughing and drinking. Rae is just that, a ray of sunshine when she’s not trying to hold back.

  “Well, folks. I’m done, I need to head out.” She slides from the seat.

  Emerson stands, hugging her. “Thanks for coming tonight, it’s been so much fun.”

  “Yeah, you were right, I needed it.” Rae holds her tight before releasing her.

  “As much as I hate to say it, we do need to get up early.” Aksel rises, taking Rae into his arms.

  Rae returns the gesture. “Loved hangin’ out tonight.”

  “We need to do it more often,” he says as they break.

  “Can I get in on this action?” I get to my feet and drag Emerson into a hug.

  Aksel takes me by the arm, removing it from her. “Always puttin’ them hands where they don't belong.”

  “But we love each other.”

  “Get your own,” he grumbles with a grin.

  I turn to Rae as she throws her hands up, backing away. “No way, I don’t want your cooties.”

  “Fine!” I walk beside them as we make our way to the exit. I hold the door for everyone following them out.

  “See you Monday, girl.” Emerson waves as she steps inside the waiting car.

  Aksel turns to look at us, his eyes flicker from Rae to me. “Y’all are going in the same direction, make sure he gets home alright.”

  Rae’s mouth drops, and I plaster a wicked grin on my face as they drive away. I turn to Rae. “One minute, I need to grab my guitar.”

  “I’m not taking you home.” She shakes her head.

  “I know,” I pull the door open, “you’re taking me to my home.” I step inside, grabbing my case.

  She folds her arms. “I’m not doing it.”

  “I think you are.”

  “Fine!” she huffs, spinning around and hightailing down the sidewalk.

  “I’m assuming your car’s this way.”

  “Yep!” she says over her shoulder. Not going to lie, I’m checking her fine ass out again. She’s just curvy enough for me.

  The car ride is extremely quiet on the way to my place. Rae does everything but look at me. She keeps fidgeting, messing with the radio and her mirrors. I check her out once in a while just to see if she’s looking.

  She is.

  “Do I make you nervous?”

  Her head jerks toward me. “No.”

  “You act as though I do.”

  She side-eyes. “If you must know, I’m wondering how in the hell I got stuck with you.”

  “You could’ve said no.” She comes to a stop at a light and immediately turns with her mouth agape. I reach over, pushing her chin up. “Not on the first date.”

  Her head spins like the exorcist’s as she steps on the gas. “I can’t wait to get you home.”

  “Oh, really? What’re ya gonna do to me?”

  Her fingers flex the wheel. “You know something, not every woman wants to sleep with you.”

  “Who said anything about sleeping?”

  She clinches her jaw as her nostrils flare. “You’re a jackass.”

  “Are you trying to tell me something?” I’m pretty sure I see steam coming from her ears.

  She begins to trot her left leg. “I’m not having sex with you and if you think I am, you can get out now.”

  “I don’t just have sex, I fu…”

  She jerks around, glaring at
me. “Are you seriously gonna use that line on me?”

  “It worked for him.” I shrug.

  She rolls her eyes, pressing the gas. “He’s rich, good looking, and can fly a helicopter. Pretty sure that’s why it worked for HIM.”

  “He could also fuck.”

  “Ha! Are you saying you can do it like he can?” She laughs. But not the way I am. I baited her in.

  “Do you want to find out?”

  Her faces scrunches. “Ewe, no. I prefer to not test on a regular basis for venereal diseases.”

  “Oh, no worries.” I cut my eyes at her. “I always use a condom.”

  Her mouth hits her chest. “Do you normally talk to women this way?”

  “No.” I grin. “But you make it so easy.”

  “I am not easy,” she says through gritted teeth.

  “Never said you were.”

  She starts chewing her nail as we head down Highway Seventeen. “Do you really take women home every night?”

  “No, I don’t. I think it helps with the persona.”

  “So it’s an act?” Her eyes flicker to me.

  “Are you asking me if I sleep around?”

  “Yes,” she hesitates, “I’m not sure why I need to know, but I do.”

  “Left here.” I point toward the entrance to my condominium.

  She narrows her eyes. “You live at Crow Creek?”

  “I do.” She looks over at me as she slows to turn. “Why do you ask?”

  “No reason.” She shakes her head as she crosses the road.

  “Drive straight down this street, last turn on the left.” I watch as she starts squirming in her seat. “Yeah, last set on the end on the right.”

  “Nice community, I’ve always loved it,” she mutters.

  “It’s nice.” She pulls into a spot, looking over at me. “My best friend Reese and I got it when we moved down here after college.”

  She pushes her hair behind her ear. “Where’d you go to?”

  “WVU.”

  A small smile makes the side of her mouth crinkle. “Are you gonna make me pull it outta you? What did you major in?”

  “Business. My older brother wanted me to follow him to law school, but I’ve always wanted to sing.” I give a half shrug.

  “Maybe you should’ve listened.” She giggles.

  I lay my hand over my heart. “Stop, you’re killing me.”

  “I’m kidding.” She leans over to gig my side, and I grab her hand. It’s like static as we shock one another. “Shit.” She pulls away.