Lovin' on You

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Thought you needed to wake up. Looked like you were dozing off there.”

  “Nah, he’s just love-struck,” Ryder says.

  “Look who’s talking. Who’s pussy whipped now?” I ask him.

  “Fuck yeah I am. Have you see the ass on Jen?” I chuckle and risk the beer exploding, but I can use a drink.

  “Are you and Liv a thing?” Cole asks seriously.

  “I don’t know. We’ve only gone out a couple of times.”

  “That’s not what the media is saying. They’re splattering your relationship all over, including that PDA you offered at the bar the other night.” I shrug at Cole and drink the beer. I don’t want the guys on my case. Why aren’t they questioning Ryder about his relationship?

  “Hey, I’m happy for you, but remember, we’re not normal people dating. They love to hold on to anything we do and build it up. Not so much for your sake, but for Liv’s.”

  “Are you two done with your girl talk?” Ryder calls out. “Let’s talk about what we’re going to do for Tyler’s concert next month. I think we should focus on that set and make sure it’s perfect. We need new music, stat, if we’re going to perform it then.”

  “Do you guys think it’s a good idea to open for him? You’ve read the updates. I’m not sure if we want to be tied to that reputation. We’re starting out,” I say with a serious tone.

  “Peyton said that’s all behind him now,” Jason says.

  “Yeah, but Peyton only knows what Tyler’s manager tells him. Of course he’s going to say Tyler is clean. What if they want to use us to make him look more positive? We’ve had a clean reputation since we started.” I’m hesitant about this, despite my initial excitement. It would be a huge opportunity, but only if Tyler is back on track. We’ve worked too hard to go down before we even rise.

  “From what I hear, he actually went through with rehab and is sober,” Ryder says, also looking more serious. I look around at the boys and realize they are as focused on this as I am. None of them want anything to hinder our road to success.

  “We gotta make this decision together,” I add.

  “I say we go for it,” Jason speaks up.

  “Me too,” says Cole. I look at Ryder and silently ask him.

  “I’m down.”

  “So it’s settled. I hope to God Tyler is in fact on the right track.”

  “This is a great opportunity for us, Cash. Everything will work out,” Ryder tries to ease me.

  We kick back and brainstorm some new songs, also deciding what sound we want this album to have.

  I haven’t seen Liv all week, and the more I think about her the more I want in her. I stroked myself to the thought of her in the shower this morning, because I was sure I wouldn’t be able to stand with how fucking hard I was. I invited her to come see us tonight at Jack’s Bar, so this situation needed to be taken care of if I didn’t want to pull her on stage and fuck her with an audience. We’ve only just met and I don’t want to push, but a man has needs and she’s who I want to fulfill them.

  I wasn’t sure if she’d agree to come, since it’s Thursday and she likes to use work as an excuse, but I was glad when she said yes and asked if Jen could come.

  We go through our pre-show routine and I take a few deep breaths. I have no idea if she’s here yet or not, but I’ll make sure to find her when I’m out there. I left two tickets at the entrance for her and Jen, so I know getting in won’t be a problem, since tonight’s show does require a ticket to enter. I didn’t see her during our meet and greet with fans, but then again, she may have been running late.

  We open the show with our first single, “This Feeling.” Our audience begins to yell and they sing along, word for word with me. That’s when I see her, a smile plastered on her face, but her lips unmoving. My muse. I look straight at her and wink so she knows I see her and really give her a show.

  Song after song, she keeps her eyes on me, even when Jen leans in to tell her something. I feel like a god right now, knowing I’m all she sees and that the heat in her expression is for me. We finish off with the song from Country Fest that I wrote for her. This one she sings along to. I sing directly to her, every emotion put into this last song. I want any hesitation she may have to melt away with the words inspired by her.

  I loved performing before, but seeing the pride in her eyes as she’s watching me has added a new love for what I do. Call me romantic or sensitive, but if I can give her that look every day, I’ll work my ass off to make sure I do.

  I jump off the small stage and walk towards her, arms grabbing at me from the crowd, but I make it and stare down at her. Without a word, I kiss her. I’ve gotta make her completely mine. Then I grab her hand and lead her away from the curious minds. I walk up the steps, to the loft in the bar, and sit on the floor.

  “That was amazing,” she finally says.

  “Thanks.” I give her a shy smile. Her legs are stretched out in front of her, the view of the bar below us. So much more than just the railing is keeping us apart from that scene. I grab her hand and hold it between us. She smiles a glorious smile.

  “How has your week been?” I break our silence.

  “Good. It’s dragged a bit, but some weeks always do.”

  “Is that because you haven’t seen me?” I tease.

  She brings in her legs, crossing them, and says, “Maybe,” as she looks away and down at the dancing crowd. I grab her chin with my other hand and turn her face to me.

  “I missed seeing you, after a full weekend with you.” I lean in and softly kiss her. She sighs into me and I pull her in by her hips, squeezing her a bit. My cock reacts to her moan and I position her over me. My body having a mind of its own, I run my hands on the inside of her shirt and feel her soft skin under my calloused hands. My tongue sweeps against hers and I swear my dick is going to break through the zipper of my jeans.

  “It was a nice weekend,” she breathes heavily, as she pulls away.

  “I feel like I’ve known you longer than a few days.”

  “I know the feeling.” She gives me one last kiss and removes herself from straddling me. I groan and she laughs.

  “Are you hurt?” She teases me.

  “Yes, will you kiss it and make it all better?” She hits my shoulder but laughs loudly.

  “I will do no such thing in public.”

  “So privately, you will?” My eyes gleam and my smile is wicked. Her lips wrapped around my dick is something I need to experience, not just imagine.

  She ignores me and says, “Maybe we should go back down, before the tweets start going off. ‘Cash fucks mystery woman in bar loft, hashtag rideemcowgirl.’” I laugh at her absurd made up tweet and stand slowly. I wince and she laughs again.

  “So not cool,” I mumble.

  “Come on.” She grabs my hand and leads me back to the stairs. I pull her back and look at her.

  “Are you okay with all that? You know, people posting your picture everywhere and connecting you to me?”

  She nods. “They haven’t been that mean. They are curious more than anything else.”

  “Olivia, I don’t want them to attack you. I know how ugly the media can be. Once they know you’re not just a fling and find out more about you, because they will, they could be mean.”

  “So, I’m more than a fling?” She runs her fingernails up my chest. I close my eyes and breathe deeply to control my hormones.

  “Yes.” That’s all that needs to be said.

  I’m not the type of guy to fool around and publicly show off the person keeping my bed warm unless it’s serious. I don’t need to be put in the dramatic spotlight, like I’ve seen so many others do. I keep my things private. However, with Olivia, I have shown her off from the beginning. My impulse calling her out in front of thousands of people as I sang my heart out to some stranger I didn’t even know then.

  “Darn, I was hoping to be Cash Knight’s next fling and then have a special on CMN, with a tell-all that would get me paid millions to d
ivulge what Mr. Knight prefers in the bedroom.” She teases me about spilling my secrets to the Country Music Network.

  “What I prefer in the bedroom stays between you and I,” I growl. “Now, let’s get down there before you feed my imagination even more. Right now, all I want to do is discover what it is you prefer in and out of the bedroom.”

  She giggles and follows me down the stairs and straight to the bar. We order drinks while fans come up and ask for my autograph. I make sure Olivia stays by my side, letting it be known that this woman is mine, all mine.

  Cole’s words from earlier in the week are on repeat in the back of my mind, like a scratchy tune, but I will do what I can to make sure Olivia isn’t hurt in the process of giving me her time and, hopefully, her heart.

  Cash: I don’t like waking up without you here

  I hit send on my phone and turn again in my bed. I must have dreamt of Liv, because I reached out to her as I was waking up, and found an empty bed instead. I’m enjoying taking this slow with her and getting to truly know her, but I want to hold her as well. Each day I see her, the more I crave her.

  Olivia: Woke up with a hard-on?

  I laugh at her honest humor.

  Cash: Yes but that’s not the only reason.

  Olivia: So romantic, superstar.

  Cash: I can be . . . Let me show you. Tonight. Come have dinner at my place.

  Olivia: Okay

  I know she’s smiling. I stretch in my bed and get up, eating a quick breakfast and heading out for a workout. I need to burn off some of this energy and tension before I see her tonight. My momma raised me to be a gentleman, but with Liv, I want to throw that all away and be downright savage.

  After my workout, I join some guys for a game of basketball. It’s been a while since I’ve played, and I remember why I loved the sport so much. I played back in high school, but my life took a different path, eventually leading me to music. Music has been my priority since then.

  After my game, I pick up my wallet and phone and head to my car. I have a few text messages and emails, but I only open Cole’s. The rest can wait.

  Cole: Dude, I told you . . . open this

  I click on the link attached to his text message and curse. “Spotted: Cash Knight cuddling with mystery woman, who sources now confirm to be Olivia Young.” Fuck. I browse the short article and breathe a little easier when there is no real information about her, besides her name and the connection to Country Fest.

  I guess writing a song and dedicating it to a woman will make her lift her skirt. Take note boys, this is the new way to woo your crushes. We hope Cash has found warmth in Ms. Young’s bed and new inspiration for much-awaited new music.

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. That’s not the only reason I’m pursuing her. I can make music without her in my life. It’s just so much sweeter with her in it. I pray she hasn’t gotten to this yet, and that no one has approached her about the topic.

  I call Peyton. “Hey, kid.”

  “Peyton, we have a problem.”

  “Relax. It’s not that bad and the articles don’t say much about her.”

  “Articles?” I ask.

  “Yeah. You didn’t think there was only one, right? Besides, you were the one dead set on making your relationship public, before it was anything but.” I growl, interrupting him. “Cash, this is nothing. It could be worse, but you’re also getting a look at what your life will be like the more popular you become. People love to wring out your dirty laundry. It feeds their egos. Keep your head on straight and show them why they first became interested in you. Your music.”

  I nod. “Yeah, I guess.”

  “This will blow over, the same way everything else in the media does. As soon as some other star puts out a sex tape, you’ll be all but forgotten.” I laugh at his words and hang up. I’ll need to talk to Liv about this at some point tonight.

  What does one wear to dinner at the house of the guy she’s crushing on? Cash has his own unique style, from his undercut to the patterns he chooses for his clothing, but he’s always casual in his own way.

  This will also be the first time we’re alone in private. So I’m a little nervous. Can you blame a girl? When those hazel eyes stare at me, I melt. I become a puddle of mush. I never thought I would be that girl. No guy has ever made me feel this way. Yeah, I’ve gotten the butterflies and the nervous sweats before going out with a guy. I’ve felt my heart race before, but this feeling is different.

  I roll my eyes at myself. How can I think this is different, when I barely know him? I can’t go by the picture the media paints of him. Although, the person I’m falling for is who the media doesn’t show. The Cash that is humble and private. The Cash that shows his vulnerability, even when it isn’t cool to do so. That’s the guy I’m developing feelings for. But I need to remember that my overactive imagination likes to take my heart for a joy ride. However, the beginning of a relationship, where everything is perfect and you both walk around with heart-shaped eyes, is the best feeling in the world.

  I decide on jeans, a silky white camisole, and strappy, flat sandals. Casual and chic. I walk down to the living room and ask Jen for her opinion.

  “You look great.” She smiles. “Are you nervous?”

  “Yes,” I confess.

  “Just have fun. You’ve already gone out with him a few times.”

  “Thanks. Are you going out?”

  “No, I’m staying in. You know, Netflix and chill.”

  “I was under the impression that Netflix and chill was code for come over and bone.”

  Jen laughs hysterically and snorts. “That was funny. Unfortunately, tonight I’m just watching flicks with my friend, Cabernet.”

  “All good?” I look at her carefully. She seems fine.

  “Yeah, I’m tired. Partying catches up to you.”

  I laugh. “Don’t I know it. Bye.”

  I take a few deep breaths before walking to Cash’s apartment. I don’t even know why I’m so nervous, but I am. Maybe because this is becoming more of a thing, instead of just hanging out in a friendly manner. That and now the media knows who I am.

  “Hey,” he says when he opens the door.

  “Hi,” I almost whisper. Get it together.

  “You look beautiful. Come in.” I walk into his apartment and look around. I’ve been curious about what his space looks like. It is simplicity at its finest. There is a rustic coffee table across from his flat screen hung on the wall. A leather couch faces the television and the man of my dreams stands in the center of it all, in camouflage joggers and black tee that is longer than the norm. His style definitely breaks the rules and that makes him hotter. A confident man is the biggest turn-on.

  He smiles and I notice I’m staring. “Sorry,” I mumble.

  “For?” He gets closer. “I like this.” He tugs gently on my side braid.

  “Thanks.” He kisses my forehead.

  “I’m glad you came.” He grabs my hand and pulls me into the kitchen. “I don’t have a formal dining area, but I figured I could make the countertop work.” He gives me a boyish smile that has me swooning.

  Is this real life? I swear, if my imagination is blowing this out of proportion, I don’t want to ever re-enter reality.

  “So pretty.” There’s a vase with flowers on the side. Not traditional roses, but a combination of daisies and baby’s breath. Something that took more thought than merely buying flowers and putting them in a vase with water. There’s a candle in the center between the two plates. And . . . I laugh.

  “Takeout?” I ask, noticing the bag on the other side of the kitchen.

  He shrugs. “I still need to practice my cooking skills, and I didn’t want to serve you mac and cheese.”

  “You’re lucky, Italian is my favorite.”

  “Am I?” He gives me a crooked grin and wraps one arm around my waist. “I am lucky, for more reasons than that.” His voice is husky, and his kiss comes and goes too quickly.

  “I got fettuccine Alfredo with ch
icken and baked ziti with meat sauce. I wasn’t sure which you would prefer, so I figured you could choose.”

  “How about we share both?” I sit in front of the plate that has the fettuccine and smile at him.

  “I like that option. Why didn’t I think of that?” He chuckles and takes a seat next to me. We eat, sharing our meals and drinking wine.

  “What school did you go to?” I ask. I’ve wanted to learn about him from him, not the internet.

  “University of Kentucky. I wanted to move somewhere different for a while, but eventually my roots brought me back here.

  “And the music,” I say.

  “Yeah, that too, but mostly my roots. My parents live outside of Nashville and there’s something about being able to go home when you need to disconnect that is priceless.”

  “I agree. My parents live in Franklin, so they’re close too.”

  “Do you have any siblings?”

  “Nope, just me,” I respond.

  He nods. “I have two brothers.”

  “That tidbit I did know.” I smile shyly at my confession.

  “Oh, yeah? What else do you know?” He grabs my hand.

  “Not much else. I’d rather get to know you for who you are, not what’s said about you.” His face grows serious. I can feel my heart drumming in my ears.

  “Thank you.” He kisses me with need. I hook my arms around his neck and open up to him, my tongue reaching out for his instead of waiting for his invitation. No, this is not me waiting for the man to show me what he wants. This time, I’m going for what I want.

  “Ready for dessert?” He asks.

  “Are you my dessert?” I ask boldly, which causes him to laugh.

  “As much as I love that idea, I actually got us tiramisu.” He stands and drops our plates in the sink, grabbing a small box from the fridge and two spoons. He lets me eat most of it, and I don’t shy away from it. A good tiramisu is worth looking like a fatty in front of a guy.

  “Speaking of the media,” he runs his hand down his face. “They’re saying some stuff.”