“Always.” May moved to the back door. “Let me get that for you.”
“Thanks.” He carried his sick landlady down the steps to his truck.
Hailey’s eyes fluttered open. “Beau?”
“Yeah, honey?”
“Where are we going?”
“We’re going to get you well.”
“Oh, good.” She snuggled her head against his chest. “Beau?”
“Yeah?”
“I wish this was a good idea.”
“Me too, darlin’. Me too.”
The flu sucked. She hadn’t been able to go to work for four days. Thankfully she was able to take the flu medicine and had stopped running any fever the night before last, but she still had a cough. She was weak as a newborn colt, but she’d been doing what work she could from home. Thank God Newt was trying to buy a new motorcycle and welcomed the extra shifts.
She sat at the kitchen table with the back door open and listened to Beau and Lottie practice guitar. The fresh air felt good on her face and in her lungs.
“Slide your fingers from one chord to the other, Lil’ Bit.”
“Like this?”
“Yes, just like that. You’re gettin’ awful good at this.”
Hailey smiled. She couldn’t see them from where she was sitting in the kitchen, but she knew they faced each other and that Lottie probably had her tongue caught between her teeth. Beau was right, Lottie was getting good. It was like she was born to play the instrument.
“Will you play one of your songs?” Lottie asked.
“Only if you promise to practice all your chords and not just the easy ones.” Beau chuckled.
“Promise.”
The sound of the song flowed around Hailey. The bar order she was going over required all her concentration, but the words of Beau’s song flowed freely from her lips. She was singing along and crunching numbers when she noticed that the music was closer than it was before. She looked up and saw Beau with the strangest look on his face.
“What is it? You’re not getting sick too, are you?” That would be the worst thing to happen after he’d been so kind to her. “I’ll feel just horrible if I got you sick.”
“Sing it again.”
He was on the other side of the screen door, which was distorting his features some, so she couldn’t read his expression. “What?”
“Sing. It. Again.”
“Sing what again?”
He started playing the same song as before. “Sing.”
“No.” Oh crap, she must’ve been singing louder than she thought she was. She started coughing. “See, I can’t sing.”
He never looked away from her. “Lottie, will you put my guitar in the case for me, then throw the ball for Walter? He’s been too lazy today.”
“Sure.”
The screech of the screen door was the only sound besides the hammering of her heart.
He pulled out a chair and positioned it right in front of him. “Why didn’t you tell me you could sing like that?”
She tried to push her chair away, but the wall behind her prevented that from happening. “I can’t sing. I told you.”
“Bullshit.”
“Why are you making such a big deal about this?” He just stared at her. “Okay, I can sing a little, but I don’t ever sing anywhere but here and in the car. So, for all practical purposes I don’t sing.”
One of his long arms went behind her chair and the other rested on the table. “I’m making a big deal because you have a fuckin’ amazing voice that you don’t share with anyone.”
Her head went back and she couldn’t control the face she made. “Share it with anyone. Who would I share it with? And for that matter, why do I have to share it with anybody?”
“Hailey, you have an instrument.” His green eyes bored into her like he saw that singing was one of her greatest pleasures in life. “It’s a crime not to use it. You should be singing every chance you get.”
“Oookay.” She finally wiggled her chair out far enough away from him to escape his overpowering presence. “Clearly you’re overexaggerating. I sing for fun and for myself.” She shrugged. “No big deal.”
“Are you hiding this like you hide what a badass you are? Like you’re afraid if people know how amazing you are, then they’ll not like you because they’ll feel bad about themselves?”
That hit its mark, but she’d never tell him that. “No, that’s ridiculous.”
“Did you know Lottie does the same thing?”
That stopped whatever denial she was about to lob in his direction. “What did you say?”
“I said, Lottie’s doing the same thing.” She must’ve looked as confused as she felt. “She didn’t tell you.” It wasn’t a question.
“Tell me what?”
“Her music teacher knows she’s been taking lessons with me and asked her to bring her guitar to school, so she could show the class what she’d learned. The teacher did this in front of the class. She told the teacher no because she doesn’t play very well and she’d be embarrassed.”
“But she plays better than most adults, and she’s only been doing it a few weeks. Why would she say that?”
“Why do you think she did it? The same reason you let people in this town walk all over you. She wants them to like her.”
“That’s not fair.”
“What, that you don’t stand up for yourself and show people how unbelievably competent you are, or that you’re teaching your daughter to do the same thing?”
She had to sit down. The room was starting to spin. It was the flu, and not the truth bomb that he’d just exploded in her kitchen. “You should go.”
He sat nodding his head for several moments like he wanted to say something else. “You’re right. I should.” The screen door slamming behind him was the exclamation point on all that he’d said.
Stupid country music star, thinking he knew everything. She and Lottie were survivors, and sometimes you had to do things you didn’t like to survive.
It sounded good, but it was a bald-faced lie.
Chapter 20
Beau’s pulse popped and jumped. The pounding behind his ribs kept time with the music coming through the speakers at Boon’s, and endorphins rocketed through his veins with every beat. If he could bottle the sensations he had before every performance, he could make a million dollars.
Nothing compared, except maybe sex—really, really incredible sex.
The jangle of excitement and anticipation had his fingers tapping out a beat on the table where he sat with Jack, Luanne, Gavin, Scarlett, Hank, and Charlie.
“Are you nervous, Beau?” Hank asked.
“No, why?”
Hank gestured toward Beau’s hands with his beer.
Beau glanced down and chuckled. “I didn’t even realize I was doing it. I’m just fired up.”
“You should be. This place is packed.” Jack slapped his back. “And you’re the reason.”
“Thanks, man.”
“How’s the new band, Beau?” Charlie asked from across the table.
He couldn’t help the grin that tugged on his lips. “Really good.” He and the band were jelling, and Tabitha was working out better than he’d expected.
“I’m so glad.” Charlie slid her arm along the back of Hank’s chair. “We’re looking forward to hearing you tonight.”
“Thank you, Charlie.” He glanced around the table at his new friends. Everyone was there…everyone but Hailey.
The undertone of restlessness trying to kill his pre-performance buzz was because he and the bar owner hadn’t spoken in three days, not since their confrontation in her kitchen. He missed hanging out with her. Her reasons for hiding from people outside her tight circle were her business, and even though he’d spoken the truth, he hated that he’d aggravated that wound. The last thing he ever wanted to do was hurt her. It killed him, though, that she didn’t let people see how amazing she was.
“I’ve never seen so many people packed in
here.” Charlie gave an exaggerated flip of her hair. “I mean, I drew a crowd, but nothing like this. Then again, I’m a has-been, and you’re The Heartbreaker. Hailey must be beside herself.”
“I must be beside myself about what?” Hailey stepped over the rope that separated the makeshift VIP section from the rest of the bar.
Charlie took Hailey’s hand. “That The Heartbreaker draws such a huge crowd.”
Hailey laughed. “He does indeed.” Her whiskey gaze changed from joyful to apprehensive when she turned to him. “Thank you, Beau. I do appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, but don’t forget, you did blackmail me with a place to live.”
“Oh, I haven’t forgotten.” She laughed along with everyone else.
The edginess in his body bled away at the sound of her laughter, and his happy buzz morphed into a full-on high.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you in action, Beau,” Gavin’s wife Scarlett said. The redhead appeared right at home in the rock star’s lap, though she could’ve easily been someone’s Sunday school teacher.
Gavin placed his hand on her cheek and turned her to face him. Their mouths were only a millimeter apart. “Woman, I’m the only action you get to see.”
Her fingers tangled in Gavin’s hair. “Is that so?”
“Yeah.” He closed the small space between them. The kiss wasn’t sweet or polite, it sparked a fire and scorched the air around them.
“Get a room,” the other two couples yelled.
With his lips still plastered to his wife’s, Gavin raised his middle finger to the rest of the table.
Beau’s gaze drifted to Hailey and caught her watching him. He expected her to turn away and pretend she hadn’t been staring. But she only shrugged and smiled. The shamelessness of it sent a white-hot shot of electricity down his spine and straight to his lap.
Charlie and Hank got her attention, and she turned away from him. Thank goodness, or he might’ve done something embarrassing.
What was it about her?
The answer hit him square in the face.
Hailey Odom had gotten under his skin, and he liked it…a lot. And it wasn’t just desire. If that were it, then he wouldn’t feel so off-balance. He knew how to handle a mutually beneficial, lust-fueled, friends with benefits arrangement.
This was something more—a whole hell of a lot more. His emotions were involved. His brain protested that it was too soon. But his heart reminded him he’d known her for months. She’d just been off limits. Now that she wasn’t, the troublemaking organ was demanding to get in the game.
But there were things to discuss. She’d made herself pretty clear about only wanting a platonic relationship. And after the other day, he didn’t know if she still wanted to be friends, let alone anything else. It would be a lot easier if she gave him a definite sign. But she was the queen of mixed signals.
Scarlett and Gavin finally pulled apart. Both appeared a little dazed.
Jack shook his head. “Can’t take them anywhere.”
“You’re just jealous,” Gavin shot across the table.
“Hey.” Luanne stood and rubbed her baby bump. “We do just fine, rock star.”
“Oh, Lord, it’s contagious.” Hailey hooked her finger at Hank and Charlie quietly making out at the end of the table.
The couple ended the lip lock and grinned at their audience, their expressions and swollen lips completely unrepentant. Clearly, his friends had no trouble with PDA.
“Well, I guess I better go check on the band.” Beau started to stand, but Jack placed a hand on his arm and stopped him.
“One more thing.” Jack shared a conspiratorial grin with his partner in crime. “You want to tell him, Lou?”
Luanne, who looked far too pleased with herself, grinned. “I guess I have to.”
“Tell me what?” He knew that look. Luanne had something up her sleeve. The woman had the worst poker face.
Her hand went up like she was making a pronouncement. “Shayla Rae and Xavier Duke are here for your show.” She snapped her fingers and cocked her head. “What do you think about that?”
“You’re shittin’ me.” He jerked his head around trying to find the pair. “Where?”
“Somewhere in the crowd soaking up the energy. Or at least that’s what they said when I invited them to join us.”
“Who are these people?” Hank asked.
Charlie wiped lipstick from Hank’s lower lip with her thumb. “Only the biggest social media influencers in country music. They have millions of followers on YouTube and Instagram. Way to go, Lulu. If I were still in the business, this would be enough to convince me to hire you.” She raised her drink in a toast. “You are a badass, woman.”
Luanne struck a pose. “That I am.”
Hank glanced around the table. “So it’s good they’re here, then?”
“It’s more than good. It’s amazing.” Beau laughed. “Just a mention from them can change the course of a country musician’s career.” He rested his elbows on the table and held his head in his fingers. “I can’t believe this.”
Of course, a negative review from them could tank his career, but he refused to let that possibility into his mind for more than a second. This was his night and nothing and no one would ruin it for him.
“How in the world did you get them to come to Zachsville, Texas, Luanne?” Charlie asked.
Scarlett, who was still sitting in Gavin’s lap, pointed at Luanne. “Cause my girl is ah-maze-ing!” she sang.
“I can’t take all the credit. They were coming to Austin for an Austin City Limits filming. The timing was perfect.” She grinned. “Plus, Charlie’s right. I am a badass.”
Everyone laughed again and congratulated Beau.
Jack squeezed his shoulder. “You ready for this?’
Beau glanced at Hailey.
She pointed a finger and stared him down. “Don’t.”
There was no stopping the smirk fighting its way onto his face. “Jack, I was born ready.”
There was a collective groan from the table. He didn’t care, he was just so damn glad that Hailey was joking around with him. Maybe their friendship wasn’t over.
“Born ready? Okay, Captain Cliché.” Charlie snorted.
Hailey shook her head. “He says he’s bringing it back.”
Everyone laughed.
“I am.” He wagged his finger at the bar owner. “You wait and see.”
“Besides you and Lottie, I don’t know of anyone else saying it.” Hailey chuckled and stood. “You’re on in twenty minutes. I’ll come to the green room once I check on my staff.”
He rose and pushed his chair back under the table. “I should get backstage and let the band know. Or maybe I won’t. I don’t want them to be nervous.”
Luanne raised her glass of water to him. “Break a leg.”
He kissed her cheek. “Thank you, for everything.”
“No need to thank me.” She shoved his chest. “Just be brilliant.”
He saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
The band was sitting backstage on the sofa in the green room. Sam, twirled his drumsticks, and Tom, was glued to his phone. But his backup singer was nowhere in sight. “Where’s Tabitha?”
Sam shrugged. “We thought she was with you.”
A chill zigzagged up his spine. “No. She’s not with me.” He dug his phone from his pocket to call her. His heart froze mid beat when he read the first sentence of her text.
Hey, Beau, I’m not coming tonight.
His butt hit the arm of the chair next to the couch. “What the hell?”
I’m sorry to tell you so late, but my ENT worked me in at the end of the day today, and I’m just getting out of the appointment.
He checked the time of the text and saw that it’d come in at six p.m. Damn it, he’d had all his notifications turned off because he’d been working in the studio with Gavin, and hadn’t reengaged them.
The pain in my throat has gotten worse, so I thought i
f I could see my doctor, then he might be able to give me something to help before tonight. Instead, he found two nodules on my vocal cords. I’m texting you because I’m not allowed to speak until after my surgery, which is next week.
I’m so sorry, but this can’t be helped. I’ll touch base with you after my surgery. Luckily, you’re only playing at Boon’s, so I probably won’t even be missed.
He cradled his head in his hand. “Are you kidding me?”
Tom glanced up from his phone. “What?”
“Tabitha’s not coming. She has nodules on her vocal cords. She’s having surgery next week.”
“Shit.” Sam’s whispered curse said it all.
Hailey entered the room through the door leading to the dance floor. “You guys ready?” She scanned their faces and came to stand next to them. “What’s wrong?”
“Tabitha’s not coming.” Beau knew he sounded shell-shocked, but couldn’t seem to help it.
“What? Why?” Hailey asked.
“She has nodules on her vocal cords and is having surgery next week.” Beau shook his head. “Damn it.” He bent forward with his hands on his knees and tried to get his emotions under control. “Our set is built around having her harmonies.” He straightened and tore his fingers through his hair. “I’m so screwed.”
“Nah, man,” Sam said. “We’ll just wing it.”
He wanted to hit the guy even though the drummer had no idea what was on the line. “You don’t understand. Shayla Rae and Xavier Duke are in the audience.”
“Oh, shit,” Tom said.
“Yeah.” Too many emotions and nothing to punch had him pacing with his hands on his head.
He glanced at Hailey—his only hope of making this work. But he knew she’d never get on stage, and he cared too much about her to put her in the position of having to tell him no.
Get your shit together and be a leader, Callen.
“Okay, everybody calm down. We won’t worry about the harmonies. It’ll be fine.” It would, because there was no other alternative. He’d come this far, and this wouldn’t beat him. He manufactured his signature grin. “Now let’s go kick some ass.”
“You’re the boss,” Tom said, and he and Sam exited through the green curtain that hung over the opening that led to the stage. The crowd began screaming as soon as they hit the band stand.
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