The Naughty One

by Michelle Love

  A deep sigh she makes. “I really don’t want to get on stage. It’s not my thing.”

  The crazy girls in the car keep honking and driving dangerously close to the tour bus. “Fuck this, love. Go around, we have this bad ass GPS system in this car. We can find our own way to the stadium.”

  She hits her blinker and waits for the Tesla to move into the next lane. “This really is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen, Kip. Thank you again for giving it to me.”

  I smile at her. “I’m glad you like it, baby. So, anyway, about the song. Please, please, please.”

  “Damn! Really, Kip?” She frowns, and it makes me feel a little bad for bugging her about this, but I really want it.

  “Really.” I hold her hand to my chest. “I want everyone to know you’ve accepted my proposal. I want the whole world to know.”

  “You can just make a phone call to TMZ and the whole world will know. No need for me to go on stage and embarrass myself. Your female fans are sure to boo me.”

  “Never! They’d never do that, love. You’re adorable, none of them would be that ugly. Just do it this one time and I’ll never ask you to do it again.”

  “I don’t have a thing to wear to do that, so no,” she says, but she smiles so I know I’m wearing her down.

  “That is not a problem.” I get my cell out of my pocket and call Silas who’s on the bus.

  “Silas here, start talking, time is money.”

  “Hey, I want a dress and heels for Peyton. I want to do the song again and she refuses to go on stage in anything she’s brought with her.”

  She shoots me an ugly look and Silas says, “Already the diva, huh?”

  I laugh. “Yeah, she’s a real piece of work, this girl. She wears a size three and a five in heels, so get on the phone and have her something very becoming waiting for her. Get someone there to do her hair and make-up as well.”

  “I’ll have it all there. Tell the princess I’ll make sure she’s taken care of, Kip. By the way, do you want to tell me why Bobby decked you?”

  “Because I hit him first, but I kindly punched him in the stomach and he took a cheap shot and hit me in the eye. Tell him I owe him one,” I say as I run my fingers over the bruise.

  “You two need to make amends, Kip. Whatever he said to make you hit him, you know he didn’t mean it,” Silas says and then I hear Bobby in the background shouting. “Shut up, Bobby! For God’s sakes, let it go. Talk to you later, Kip.”

  I put the phone down and frown. Peyton looks over at me. “Thanks for making me sound like a spoiled brat, Kip.”

  “You’re welcome, princess.” I say and run my hand over her shoulder. “You may as well get used to it. I’m going to spoil you silly.”

  I watch her as she seems to be thinking very hard about something. Finally she says, “I haven’t told my parents about you asking me to marry you. What are the chances of it getting on the news tonight?”

  Picking up her phone from the console I hand it to her. “Call them and tell them. I don’t want them to hear it from anyone else. But your Dad already knows I was going to ask you, so it won’t be a real shock.”

  “You told my dad about that?”

  “I asked your father if I could have his approval and he gave it to me.” I smile at her as confusion fills her pretty little face.

  “You asked for his approval after only knowing me three days and my father told you yes?”

  “He did. I suppose he thinks I’m a catch and there’s no man better for you than I am.” I laugh, but she doesn’t join me.

  “Damn! Are they that ready to be rid of their baby girl? To say I feel like I don’t even know my parents anymore is a vast understatement.” She takes the phone and makes the call.

  “Hi sweetie,” her mother answers.

  “Hi, Mom,” Peyton says and I chime in, making her look at me like I’m crazy.

  “Hello, Kip,” her mother says with a giggle. “Where are you two today?”

  “On our way to Dallas to do a gig at Arlington Stadium,” I answer.

  “She’s talking to me, you goof!” Peyton says as she slaps my leg.

  “I’m talking to you both, Peyton,” her mother corrects her. “Be nice, girl!”

  “Anyway,” Peyton says with a smile. “Kip asked me to marry him last night.”

  Her mother claps and laughs. “I know, your father told me he asked for his approval. Isn’t he the sweetest thing, Peyton?”

  A sideways glance I get and she smiles. “I suppose he’s alright. So did Dad tell you what my answer was too?”

  “Of course not, but you said yes, didn’t you?”

  Peyton waits, I suppose a little irritated that she didn’t get to give her mother the news. “Nah, I told him to wank off.”

  My mouth drops. “That’s not even an expression! Tell her the truth.”

  “Against my better judgment, I finally told him yes. Frankly, I can’t believe Dad was all for it. We’ve only known each other a very few days after all.”

  “When you know, you know,” her mother says.

  I give Peyton’s leg a squeeze. “See, love? When you know, you just know.”

  Peyton shrugs her narrow shoulders. “Well, okay then. Seems my family has gone over the edge and the world has tilted on its axis and I’m no longer the little girl who needs to be watched over any longer.”

  “You’re twenty-four, Peyton. I had a husband and two sons by the time I was your age,” her mother says with a laugh. “So, when’s the wedding?”

  I have to look at Peyton for that answer as she hasn’t agreed to that yet. She looks at me and smiles. “Oh! Finally something only I know. How refreshing.”

  “Don’t worry Mom. I’ll tell you as soon as I make a decision. Kip wants to go to Vegas in a few weeks. He wants me to go on tour with him in the meantime. He seems to need me for some damn reason.”

  “Vegas sounds great!” her mother says. “If you want us to come up there we would. But we get it if you want to do it all on your own.”

  “I want you guys there. All of you.” Peyton frowns. “All these years ya’ll have been right there for every little thing I’ve done and suddenly I feel pushed away.”

  “Aww, sweetie, we don’t mean it like that. We’ve babied you way too much and your father and I have realized that. We just want you to be happy. You know it yourself that you never let a man hang on to you the way you allow Kip to.”

  “Mom! He’s right here!” She gives me a shy smile and looks away. “He doesn’t need to know every little thing about me.”

  “Yes I do,” I say and stroke her cheek. “I want to know I’m the only man you let hold you close. That’s one of the endearing things about you, love.”

  “Anyway, relay the news to my brothers as it may come on the television in the next few days as Kip plans on announcing it at the concert tonight.” Her eyes roll as if exasperated. “He’s making me get on stage so he can sing me that song again and let the whole stadium full of strangers know he’s off the market.”

  “I think that’s super romantic,” her mom says. “I’ll tell the family so no one feels left out. Call me tomorrow, sweetie. I love you both. Bye now.”

  I take the phone from her hand and set it down. “Your mommy loves me.”

  “Lord, I don’t even know them anymore. So, have you told your parents yet, lover boy?”

  “I have and they are over the moon. And just to let you know ahead of time, if we do get married in Vegas they want to be there.” I watch her for her reaction and am not disappointed.

  “Oh my God! Kip, are you serious? Oh, man! They’re uber-famous, Kip!” Her cheeks flush and it makes me smile.

  Finally, she shows her true self. She can get star struck!

  Peyton

  The day is not going anywhere near what I thought it would. Silas is standing between Kip and Bobby as me and the rest of Kip’s band stand back and watch the drama unfold.

  “Why can’t you mind your own damn business, Bo
bby?” Kip shouts. “This doesn’t even affect you!”

  Bobby shouts back, “The hell it doesn’t, bloke! Just look at what’s already happened. You and her driving to the gig on your own. What ever happened to us, the band?”

  Kip’s eyes roll and I nearly laugh as he says, “Are you serious? What the hell is wrong with you? Are we never allowed to find someone and make them the center of our world? The band is a job, that’s it. Are we not allowed to have a family, Bobby?”

  Bobby stops yelling and takes a step back, much to Silas’ relief. “Good! Okay, men, let’s just get one thing straight. As long as we all show up at each gig, that’s all that matters. The contract doesn’t state that any of you have to ride on the bus. Is it conducive to creativity? Yes. Is it mandatory? No.”

  Bobby’s eyes level on me. “Why can’t you let him go with us on his own?”

  My hand goes to my chest as I can’t believe he seems to be blaming me. “Bobby, it’s not me that wants this. It’s Kip.”

  Bobby smirks. “Are you going to lie and say you don’t want to be with him?”

  “I want to, yes. It’s not me that made the decision though. It was Kip.” I look at Kip and find him frowning. So I add. “He wants me around Bobby, so I will be whether you like it or not.”

  Kip smiles, making me feel better. He looks at Bobby and says, “You’re the one that’s making a bigger thing out of this than is necessary. And punching me in the eye was way out of line, mate.”

  Silas nods in agreement. “It was. Can we agree to keep our hands off each other, please?”

  “Whatever,” Bobby says and starts to walk off then stops and turns back, looking directly at me. “You will be the end of this band, Yoko.” He turns and walks away.

  Kip comes and wraps his arms around me. “Don’t listen to the wanker, love. I know that’s not true.”

  The rest of his band goes away, and Silas looks at me. “He’s jealous is all, Peyton. Just stay away from him until he calms down. I’ll try to talk to him some more. One more thing you should know, Kip. Bobby won’t be playing when you sing that song to her.”

  My insides quiver and Kip says, “I can do without the base guitar for that song anyway, fuck him.” His arms tighten around me and he kisses the top of my head.

  “Kip, maybe you should just let that go. It’s not something you have to do, after all. Maybe that’ll help him to see me in a different light. You are kind of making me seem like I’m monopolizing your time.” I run my hand over his chest and lean into him. “I don’t want you guys not to get along because of me.”

  “I don’t want you to worry about any of that crap, Peyton.” He lets me go and takes my hand, leading me away as we follow his manager to his dressing room. “You’re my life now.”

  His words make me feel odd. I am his life now, means a lot when we’re talking about how busy this man’s life is. I’m not sure I can or even want to keep up with his fast-paced life.

  “Kip, I have my things to do too. The writing thing, remember?”

  “Sure, love. Hey, did you pack your laptop? You can write on your novel while I’m busy doing other things. It’ll help you to be better-rounded and a better writer, don’t you think?” His smile is contagious and I smile back at him.

  “It should, shouldn’t it?” I ask as we walk into the large dressing room. A bottle of champagne and some fancy chocolates are in the room and a pretty, young woman waits inside.

  She makes her way straight to me, which I find shocking. “Miss Reed, hello. My name is Angel and I’ll be your stylist.” Her eyes go to Kip. “Hello, Mr. Dixon. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “The pleasure is mine, Angel.” Kip lets me go and gestures to me. “She’s all yours. Bring her back to me as soon as you can. I miss her already.”

  I laugh and the woman looks at my hand. “May I?”

  I nod and hold my hand up so she can inspect the large diamond engagement ring. “It’s pretty, isn’t it?” I ask.

  “Gorgeous! How do you feel about marrying such a public figure, Miss Reed?” She escorts me through another door and I see several dresses and shoes.

  “I’m not really sure yet.” I answer as I look around at what all she’s brought for me. My mind is spiraling at how odd this all is. “The time we’ve shared has been out of the public eye. In the past I’ve been the last person you would find in the spotlight. I’m not really sure how I’ll take it.”

  “You’ll be fine. I’ll fix you all up and make you gorgeous, don’t worry.”

  She sets me down in front of a sink and throws a cape over me. “Are you going to wash my hair?” I ask.

  “Wash, cut, dye, curl, make magic happen,” she says with a smile.

  I wish I felt more confident, but I just feel kind of dumpy. I mean I didn’t realize I needed a make-over, but this woman seems to think I do.

  “You think I need that much done?” I ask as she leans me back to the sink.

  “Your picture is about to go viral, dear. Don’t you want to look better than you ever have before? The whole world will be judging you, you know.” She goes to work on me and the reality of being Mrs. Kip Dixon starts to settle in.

  Is life with him worth all this?

  Kip

  The last black spike is pulled up in my hair and I hear the sound of a woman clearing her throat. I turn around in the make-up chair to see the young lady who was in charge of getting Peyton ready. “Hey, how’d she do?” I ask.

  “She did wonderful,” the woman says and steps away.

  A tall woman stands behind her in the shadows. I squint as I can’t really see if it’s Peyton or not. She steps forward and her smile gleams in the light. The smile I recognize, but not the woman.

  Her blonde hair has chunks of black running through it. Her make-up is so heavy, she looks completely different. Gorgeous, but so different. “Where did my girl next door go?” I ask.

  Peyton’s black-rimmed eyes blink at me. “It’s too much isn’t it?”

  The stylist laughs and takes her by the hand, bringing her closer to me. “Not too much at all. Do you like, Mr. Dixon? This is the woman who will be in the pictures with you as the world sends them all over once you let the news out about your engagement.”

  I glance down at the red T-shirt they have me wearing and notice it matches her tight as hell, red dress. Designer red heels that are at least three and a half inches high has her teetering towards me. The closer she gets, the more make-up I see.

  The country girl with naturally great looks is lost in the pounds of make-up and hair dye. But I smile anyway. “You look fabulous, Peyton.”

  She looks into the mirror I sit in front of and her eyes dart back and forth between her reflection and mine. “We look like the rock star couple, don’t we?”

  My lips are black and hers are red, and I know the sheer amount of color on them both will rub off when we kiss on stage. I look at my stylist, Gilbert. “We have to kiss and this crap on our mouths will get messed up.” He makes a face as he looks for something to help.

  I stand up to find she’s as tall as I am with her heels on. She looks uncomfortable in the form fitting dress. “Kip,” she whispers in my ear. “I feel ridiculous.”

  “You look great, love.” I know she’s not one to use all this stuff or dress like this. It makes me feel awful for putting her through this. “It’s only one song.”

  “There will be people taking pictures afterwards too I bet,” she says, and she holds her head awkwardly as I suppose the thick lip gloss feels odd to her. Her hand goes up to move a piece of her hair away from her eyes.

  “No!” the stylist shouts and reaches between us to grab her hand. “That’s how it’s supposed to go, Peyton. Don’t touch a thing. Not your face or hair, remember, please.”

  “This feels so strange,” she moans. “My hair feels yucky and stiff. My face feels like it can’t breathe, my body feels as if it’s constricted. I can’t move freely and my feet already hurt.”

  I si
t her down in my make-up chair. “I know. It’s not a thing you’re used to.” I turn to her stylist. “She doesn’t usually wear make-up and when she does, its light. Her hair is left loose and the curls flow around her face on their own. She’s a natural beauty.”

  “That she is, but we want her to look as if she belongs with you, do we not?” she asks.

  “Well, yeah, but…” I say.

  She interrupts. “The way she came in here would never work with how you look now, Mr. Dixon. It would be awful to have her looking all natural with you so made up. No one would believe you’d really want to marry her like that.”

  Peyton’s head goes down and I jerk my head back to her stylist. “Leave us!”

  She and Gilbert leave and I take Peyton’s chin in my hand, the country girl hidden beneath the mountain of make-up.

  “My family won’t even recognize me,” she says in a quiet voice. “This isn’t me, Kip.”

  “I know, but maybe it is better this was.” I say with a smile. “Now, when we’re out and about no one will recognize you either. Please tell me she used dye that will wash out.”

  “How should I now?” she asks with a pout on her deep red lips. “She just went to work on me and told me the whole world would be seeing my face. I guess my real face wasn’t good enough for the whole world.”

  “Aww, it is too. Come on, love. Look at it like I said. Now no one will recognize either of us. It’s for the best.” I give her a hug and she sighs.

  “It’s not like I could change it if I wanted to,” she says.

  “Well, that’s the spirit! Not!” I touch her cheek, lightly. “You look the part, so now let me show you how to act it.”

  I stand back and jut out my hips all Mick Jagger style and walk for her. It works, and she laughs. “You look like an idiot.”

  “Come, love, let us be idiots together.”

  She stands up and steadies herself on the sky-high heels. Slow, sexy steps she makes as she comes to me. “Is my ass moving the right way?”