by Skye Turner
I’m really excited for the day.
I’m in the bathroom on the tour bus and trying to wrangle my loose mahogany curls into a ponytail that doesn’t look like a rat’s nest and grumbling to myself, as pieces escape and curl all around my face and neck, when Daisy peeks around the corner of the door. “Where are you heading, sis?”
Looking past her in the mirror, I assess that it’s just her. Rafe must have headed back to their bus. He spends a lot of time here with her so it’s not at all uncommon for him to be right behind her. I smile at her as I finally manage to wrap the ponytail holder around most of the thick tresses I’ve been fighting. “I have a date.”
She chuckles and nods. “Duh. I know that. I was there when he asked you out, remember?! I mean, what are y’all going to do?”
Rolling my eyes, I stick out my tongue at her before grabbing my lip gloss from the purple train case that holds my hoard of makeup. “Of course I remember. You’re so freaking nosey. You and Rafe were just blatantly staring at us. No shame I tell you.” I giggle and pop my lips to spread the sheer coral color before pursing them and nodding at myself. After tossing the tube on top of the products, I turn and prop my hip on the counter so I can look at my sister.
She’s smirking at me. “Oh shut up. Like you weren’t all nosey when I got involved with Rafe! I distinctly remember you asking me for details about our sex life!”
My cheeks burn and I sputter, “Yeah, well now it’s just old news, so…”
She laughs again and bumps me with her shoulder in the tight space before perching beside me on the counter. She looks over at me. “So, you and Jake… He’s really cute. Well, cute isn’t the right word. He’s not a puppy… He’s sexy.” Her brow waggles and then arches. “So, where are you two young people going today?”
Grinning, I shake my head. “Yeah, he’s sexy… and nice… and doesn’t sleep with everything with a vagina. We’re going to a local music diner he knows and then riding horses at his family’s ranch.” Leaning off the counter, I bump her with my shoulder and step to the door before turning back to face her. “And young people?! He’s probably your age and you’re only two years older than I am.”
Daisy chuckles and stands up. “Yeah, but I’m the big sister, so I’m supposed to mess with you.” Her face gets serious for a second and she says quietly. “And don’t think I didn’t catch the part where you pointed out that he’s not like Sean…” She looks at me and my breath catches in my throat. I knew better than to say that. Not that it would have mattered. She would have known anyway.
Shit! Why does she have to know me so damn well?!
I want to go out with Jake. He really is sexy and I like him. He’s respectful and I like that he’s kind of nervous around me. It’s really nice.
But… I still can’t help noticing every little way that he’s not like Sean.
Sean. Sean. Sean…
Always freaking Sean!
Stop thinking about that stupid man who screws any and everything that wants him!
Ugh!
I shrug. “Well, he’s nothing like Sean, sis. Sean is… he’s Sean. He’s crass and rude. He’s gorgeous and he knows it. He literally screws every single woman who wants him. He has no scruples and no morals. I have both and the fact that he doesn’t… UGH!” My hands slap against my thighs in frustration. My eyes implore her and she nods in understanding. “He’s just not what I need…”
Her forehead rests on mine as she stares at me and then she kisses the side of my head. “I know, sweetie. But you want him. I can see it. I’ve been seeing it for months… I wish you didn’t.” She worries her lip. “Go out with Jake. Have fun. Just let loose and enjoy the day. Who knows?! Maybe Jake is exactly what you need to forget all about Sean.”
We’re in the hall of the bus and don’t realize that Fannie and McKenzie are at the other end until Fannie softly calls out, “Jake is the better choice for you, girl.” My head whips up and they both smile at me.
McKenzie nods in agreement with Fannie. “Sean is great. He really is. I can’t say he’s a bad guy. He’s not, but you’re right… he’s not the right kind of guy for you. He’s all about the hook up. Go out with sexy Jake and have a blast!”
They’re so right. They see it, too… All of them know that Sean is under my skin. But, they also see what he does.
See, you’re doing the right thing.
I smile at all of them and laugh. “Chill girls! I love y’all and I so appreciate that you’re so supportive. I’m going out with Jake today and I’m really excited. He’s awesome. Not to mention, he’s sexy! Stop worrying about me.
“Sean is just that guy that we all have. You know, the one that you know damn well is bad for you and you know that you’ll never actually get with him, but you can’t stop thinking about what it would be like if you did. He’s just the guy you fantasize about that you don’t ever act on because you know that you deserve better.”
They all watch me and then nod. Fannie smirks, “Yeah, we all have one of those.”
McKenzie’s mouth falls open and she whirls on her. “Oh, really?! Who do you think about like that?! I’m your best friend. Why don’t I know about this person?”
Laughing, we all shuffle out to the main living area in the front of the bus as Fannie says, “Well, if you knew, then, it wouldn’t be a secret fantasy, now would it?!”
McKenzie mock glares at Fannie. “Well, that’s just bull poopy! If you can’t tell me… you suck.”
Daisy giggles and grabs a cup from the mug tree. She turns and arches her brow, “Want a cup of magic before you head out on your date?” She holds out the mug.
Reaching out, I grab it. “Hell, yes. I can’t unleash the beast on poor Jake before the beans have worked their magic!” I shudder as she pours the steaming Community Dark Roast into the mug cradled in my hands. “The date would end before it began.” Inhaling deeply, I lift the mug and groan as the rich coffee fills my mouth.
All three girls laugh at me.
My cell pings in my pocket and I grab it and unlock it. A smile covers my face as I read it.
“Jake
Are you ready? I’ll be there in about fifteen – twenty minutes. I’m excited to see you and show you around my town. My Nashville and your Nashville are virtually different planets.
PS. You can’t back out now. I’m already in the car.”
Chuckling, I mutter, “Oh, I’m not backing out.”
The girls all smile as I type my response.
“Summer
I’m not backing out. Drinking my Louisiana coffee. Dressed and ready for the day. Waiting on you…”
Today was a near perfect day. Jake took me around Nashville. We went to Bilcourt Taps and listened to amazing songs as we had lunch. I was floored by how much undiscovered talent was in there. Jake laughed and told me that scouts hang out regularly and a lot of people, both singers and songwriters, are discovered there during the rounds they have every night. After seeing and hearing them firsthand, I can see why. He also took me to this little hole in the wall candy shop that I’d never heard of. The smell just made me giddy. We bought a few pieces of homemade fudge and a few truffles before we headed out to his family’s ranch.
As Jake drove, we talked. He told me all about growing up in Nashville. He always knew he wanted to be in the music business, and he plays guitar, but he can’t sing and none of his bands ever worked out. When he was nineteen, he dropped out of college and decided to try to get hired on with a tour. He did and since then, he’s toured with several big names. He was on Luke Bryan’s tour before it ended and the news of the crossover with Sweet Southern Sass and Destiny Fades to Blue came up. He got the call and immediately signed on.
I smiled and told him I was glad he’d taken the job. He reached over and covered my hand. It felt nice and my heart beat a little faster as he told me he was glad too.
We talked a little more about me and how I’d gone from a Louisiana girl with a dream to one of the members of the h
ottest female groups in country music.
Most of his family was out working on the ranch when we arrived, but Jake said that he’d talked to them last night and they knew we’d be there today.
His mother was in the house though so, Jake brought me in for a brief introduction. She thanked me for having him on the tour and let it slip that she was a huge fan of ours. After giving us a small basket she’d packed with a picnic, she herded us out of her kitchen.
We’d gone to the barn and I helped Jake saddle two of the beautiful horses. He teased me about getting my hands dirty and I joked back that I was much more than a pretty face who happens to grace the covers of records.
We rode around his family’s land and eventually stopped at a gorgeous plot near a small pond. Jake took a blanket from his pack and spread if on the ground before setting up the picnic. It was a perfect day.
The food and company were great. He was a perfect gentleman. We talked and laughed while we ate before laying back and searching for shapes in the clouds.
When the skies were just starting to darken and the temperatures started to cool, we packed up and headed back to the ranch. His mother was gone and there was no sign of his family, so we headed out.
We’re both quiet on the way back. The tour manager, Sal, has rented us a hotel for the next few days and we were emailed the itinerary and packet earlier, so Jake drives me straight there.
As we near the address, he looks over and asks. “Do you think we should go through the front doors? I can park in the garage, but I don’t want to lead you through the lobby if you think it’ll be an issue. Should we call security and see what they say?”
Shit… I didn’t even think about that.
Sighing, I chuckle. “I think it’ll be ok. I’m not the face that people are looking for. We can probably slip in and not have to worry about it. If we were with the guys then it would probably be an issue. With their tattoos, piercings, and hair… they’re much more noticeable and recognizable than I am.” I shrug and glance at Jake. “I just look like everyone else. And I’m alone, so I doubt anyone pays us any attention.”
He stares at me and then looks away. He shakes his head as he turns into the parking garage. “You do not look like everyone else. You’re beautiful, Summer. People notice you. I sure as hell notice you.”
My cheeks flare and I look at him through my lashes as he navigates the garage. My voice is husky as I reply, “I notice you, too.”
He parks and takes a deep breath as he turns to face me. “Summer, I had a really nice time today.”
I nod. “I did, too.”
His eyes darken as he stares at me. My own widen and then he’s leaning over the console. I move to meet him. In the dim light of the parking garage, our lips meet.
His kiss is sweet. His lips move slowly and gently against mine as his hand gently cups my cheek. I sigh and angle my head and part my lips to allow him to deepen the kiss. He does and our tongues slide against each other leisurely.
It’s a really nice kiss. I enjoy it. But my head is screaming at me.
This is nice… So nice…
Yeah, it’s nice… there’s no unbridled passion. No fire in my blood. I have no urge to straddle Jake and have him consume me.
Stop it, Summer.
Jake is sweet. He’s perfect for you…
But, he’s not Sean…
Son of a freaking bitch!
Sean
It feels like the walls of this fucking hotel are closing in on me. It’s a great hotel, probably one of the best we’ve stayed in so far. I just feel like my skin is electric.
After staring at the wall for twenty minutes and debating on if they were cream or taupe, I decided that I needed to get the hell out of there. I texted Rafe to see if he wanted to come hang with me, but he texted back that he was spending time with Daisy.
I texted Russ and Xavior after that, but neither of those fuckers responded. So, I decided to exercise to burn off some of this nervous energy. Asking security where I could run, they radioed the staff and we decided I could use the stairwell that leads to one of the parking garages since it’s not often utilized. I’ve been doing sprints for forty minutes but my energy level is the same.
What the hell is wrong with me?
One of my security team is at the top of the four level garage. One is at the bottom. And the other two are at the doors leading into the garage on levels two and three.
After racing to the top and then back down, I lean over and try to catch my breath as I glance through the window leading out of the landing on the second floor. I don’t know what catches my attention, but suddenly, I focus on a blue car that’s parked right near the door.
I squint and then mutter, “No fucking way!” Rubbing my eyes, I peer through the door to try to see it more clearly.
Yup, that’s a couple kissing in a parked car… that’s Summer kissing someone in a parked car. The car is parked under a light, so the light is beaming down on them like a spotlight. I can clearly see her mahogany curls as she leans into a man and they share a passionate kiss.
“Mother fucker!” I growl and Roger, the burly security guy running point, is instantly alerted. “What’s wrong, Mr. Scott?”
Punching into my own hand, I snap. “Nothing… but one of the angels from Sweet Southern Sass is out there in that car… making out with God knows who.”
You know damn well who she’s making out with!
That gets his attention. He radios the other guards. “Miss Anderson appears to be back… I wasn’t notified… Ok, going to escort her into the hotel… Second level. I also have Scott… Copy that.”
Well, looks like your romantic evening is over, Summer.
He looks at me. “Stay here. Do not move. I’m going collect Miss Anderson. We’ll escort you both back to the hotel.”
I nod and watch with unrestrained glee as he strides over to the parked car. He raps on the window. Though I can’t hear the exchange, I can see Summer nodding. She looks embarrassed as she steps out of the car. Jake turns off the car and talks to Roger. Both nod and look over at the door. Jake nods at Summer and says something. She replies and then he smiles at her and heads to the elevator in the opposite corner as Roger leads her in my direction.
He opens the stairwell and I hear, “Walk up another level and cut in through the side door.” She laughs and nods, then she sees me. “Sean… What are you doing here? How long have you been there?”
Crossing my arms, I stare at her. “Long enough to see you once again making out with Jake in the front seat of the car.” I snort. “Most people use the backseat for that, sweetheart.”
She sputters and glares at me. “I’m sure you’re an expert at backseat fuckery, Sean.” My eyes widen at her language. “Some of us have class though. I’m not sixteen and Jake is a gentleman. If we find ourselves in need of an area to get undressed, we can use a bed!”
Get undressed with Jake?!
She’s having sex with Jake?
My ears are buzzing and instant rage fills me but before I can respond, we’re being herded up the stairs to the next level with the security from the lower level behind us.
Roger glances at both of and says, “We’re going to need to check the hall before we let you out. If it’s clear, you’ll head to the elevator and go straight to the twelfth floor. Another team will meet you there to walk you to your rooms. If it’s not clear, we’ll clear it before leading you to the elevators.”
Summer says nothing, but her lips are in a tight line to show her displeasure.
We clear the stairs and stop on the landing. The security there says the way is clear. The door is opened and we’re flanked by the four of them as they lead us to the elevator.
It’s empty when it stops and Roger swipes his keycard for our floor before leading us into it. He stops the doors and says, “We need to head down. Mr. Sanders and Mr. Roberts are about to come through the back and I need to grab them. You two are going straight up. The team is there waitin
g.” He smirks as both Summer and I stare at him. “You two don’t kill each other in the next three minutes, okay?!”
Before either of us can respond, the doors close.
Turning I look at Summer as I lean against the handrail. Her mouth is wide open and she’s staring at the door as if she cannot believe that Roger just put us in here. I smirk. “Well, well, well… looks like it’s just you and me for the next few minutes, Summer. Make sure to keep your hands off me.”
Her mouth snaps shut and she glares at me. “Oh, screw you, Sean. As if I’d even want to touch you.”
Funny, sweetheart. Your mouth says you don’t want to touch me but the way your eyes are devouring my sweaty body is screaming an entirely different message.
Her eyes are traveling from my head to my toes in rapid succession.
Well hell… just as soon give her something to appreciate.
Reaching down, I grasp the hem of my shirt and pull it over my head before wiping my face with it.
When I’m done, I look over at her.
Doesn’t want to touch me my ass…
“If that’s how you look at someone you don’t want to touch… damn, sweetheart. You might be telling yourself you don’t want to touch me, but your eyes are blazing so hard, I can practically feel them on me.”
Chapter Three
Summer
Oh my God. I have to get out of here. Sean is right…
I don’t WANT to touch him, but damned if I can stop myself from touching him if I don’t get the hell out of this elevator.
Why the hell did he rip his shirt off like that?
To torture me, that’s why. He’s the damn devil.
That flame blue hair and his eyes… just a distraction from his horns and pitchforked tail.
Dear God… why is this elevator taking so long?
Is it broken!? Roger said this should take like three minutes… I swear we’ve already been in here for half an hour.
I’m telling myself over and over to ignore Sean. I’m staring straight ahead and am so far on the other end of the elevator that I’m practically climbing up the walls. His scent is wafting over and it’s making me insane. I smell his sweat, but I also smell the scent of cherry and sandalwood that is unmistakably Sean.
