“And the sensitive musician is back.” I smirk mockingly and yelp when he slaps my butt. “That hurt.” I rub my behind.
“Good. It was supposed to. How’s that for sensitive.” He winks and I am so tempted to keep him indoors all day, but we both have responsibilities.
“I’ll see you later,” I say, grabbing my purse.
“You will. I’ll call you when we’re done in the studio.”
“Rock it.”
“Always, baby, always.”
I caught up with Bri today at lunch. We talked about the wedding and color schemes. She updated me on the venues they are interested in, and I updated her on Cash. She says it’s normal for him to want to avoid separation after our break-up. I sure hope so. I don’t want him to think that Nathan will get in the way of us again.
Instead of going home, I decide to walk around downtown and enjoy the warm weather. Cash has a photo shoot today for their promotions. They still have a few months before the album is released, but they will slowly be releasing some singles on the radio, to lead to up the album’s release.
I walk into a coffee shop and grab a cup. Sometimes, All I need is time outdoors to reflect. I want Cash to meet my parents soon. My mom has already been asking if anything is going on. Apparently, there was a picture of us on Twitter, and she was all up on that. I should delete her account.
“Hey! You’re Olivia Young,” a young girl says.
“Um, yeah?” I look at her in confusion. I have never seen her before.
“You’re Cash’s girlfriend.”
“I think it’s his ex-girlfriend,” the girl next to her says.
“Is that true?” The first girl’s eyes widen.
“No, it’s not. I am his girlfriend.” I smile politely and try to walk away.
“How is he? I’m sure he’s just as dreamy as he seems on stage.”
“He’s a great guy.”
“Oh, I’m sure he’s more than a great guy,” her friend says, laughing and thrusting the air with her hips.
Before I say something about being a lady and respecting people, I walk away. What the hell was that? I’m usually not recognized when I am alone, except for the few times before he left on tour. It’s time I go home and finish up some work before Cash calls.
Even after Cash’s temporary freak out about spending time apart last week, he has remained confident in our relationship. I smile to myself thinking back to last night when Cash showed up at my house to take me out.
I close my eyes and smile as I replay our twilight picnic. We sipped wine as we watched the sun set and ate under the branches of a tree. Time flew as we laid on the blanket talking. It felt as if we haven’t spent any time apart, yet it was new. Cash was still wooing me as if I weren’t his, when I very much am.
“Earth to Liv.” I hear the laughter in Jen’s voice.
“What?” I shake my head and turn off the faucet, drying the last dish I washed.
“You totally spaced while doing the dishes.” Her smile is knowing.
“I did.” I shrug and walk upstairs to shower.
Cash will be picking me up in two hours for the local radio station’s charity event. WKIN in Nashville was the first radio station to ever play Rebel Desire’s music, and they invited the band to their annual charity dinner. It will be the first time we make an official public appearance, and I am nervous. I don’t like having the attention on me and being with Cash will guarantee all eyes are on me.
I fix my hair, the front layers framing my face as the rest falls in a messy ponytail. Then, I finish off my make-up with mascara and walk to my closet to put on my dress. I chose a cobalt blue gown with flutter sleeves and demure slit. It has a kimono inspired look that is chic and modern. I complete the look with nude lips. The doorbell rings as soon as I am done fastening the ankle strap on my black heels.
“Hey.” I smile up at Cash as I open the door.
“Whoa,” he whispers. “You look beautiful. I mean, you always do, but wow . . .” I laugh at his reaction and kiss his cheek, careful not to smear my lipstick. He shaved, back to his normal scruff.
“Thanks.” I spin slowly so he can see the entire dress. His eyes stop at the top of the slit and smiles devilishly. “Don’t get any ideas.” I wink at him when he looks up at me.
“Easy access.”
“No, no. We’re behaving tonight.”
“Behaving is for boring people.” He leans down to brush his lips against mine. “You look stunning.”
I blush and smile. This is the most I have dressed up in a long time. I haven’t had a reason to put on a gown, so this is the first time he’s seen me in a formal dress.
I take a moment to admire him. I love how he keeps his unique style, even when wearing a suit. A suit that fits him perfectly and shows off the muscles he hides underneath the clothing.
Cash is a subtle guy. He is in the spotlight because he is living out his dream, but he is in no way showy. He wears what he wants and makes him feel good regardless of what is popular. He follows his own beat and makes friends along the way. I have never seen him be rude or disrespectful to someone. I think that has helped him move forward in the music industry. He is the nice guy everyone wants to know.
“You look good, too.” I take one last appreciative glance.
“If you keep looking at me like that, we won’t make it out the door.”
“I’ve heard that before.” I challenge him.
“Later, babe. I’ll have all night to love on you.” My skin tingles. “Are you ready?” I breathe in deeply and nod my head.
The drive is short and there are flashes of light as we arrive. Who would have thought a radio station’s charity dinner would make such a big fuss. I assume people will want pictures and autographs of the artists who will be attending. Cash leaves the car on for the valet and grabs my hand as we make our way to the entrance. I focus on each step, hoping I don’t trip.
“Cash!” We turn to look at the person calling. A photographer snaps a candid picture of us and we blink. Who knows what our faces look like.
Cash’s arm wraps around me and he pulls me close, whispering, “Smile,” into my ear. The photographer takes another picture and calls out to us. “Can you confirm if this is Olivia Young?” Cash ignores him and turns us back towards the entrance, but the photographer continues. “Is it true that Olivia cheated on her ex-boyfriend with you?”
Cash turns to him, squeezing my hand. My shoulders tense at that rumor and the idea that people believe it.
I notice Cash’s jaw clench before he speaks. “I can deny that rumor. Olivia and I were both single when we met. You shouldn’t believe everything a jealous ex says.” He cocks his eyebrow at the photographer. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we are here to support an important cause.”
Once we are inside I breathe a little lighter. I’m a mess when it comes to the public eye.
“Hi,” Peyton greets us and introduces me to his wife, Dee.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I shake her hand. She smiles sweetly and Cash gives her a kiss on the cheek.
She’s a stunning blonde and the way Peyton looks at her is pure adoration. I smile at the two of them. Cole and Jason arrive next, followed by Ryder and Jen, who look a little disheveled. Typical. I roll my eyes and watch as Cash tries to hold in his laughter.
The men walk to the bar in the reception area and return with glasses of champagne. A few people from the radio station stop by to say hello and chat for a bit, thanking us for attending. There are so many people, including a few artists and I try not to panic. I nod when Jen asks if I’d go with her to the restroom.
“This is insane,” she whispers.
“I know!” I yell-whisper. My excitement is barely controllable.
“Did Cash like the dress?”
“He loved it.” I gleam.
“I knew he would! Ryder loved mine,” she says.
“I didn’t doubt it.” I look at her wine-red gown. It hugs her body perfectly, flaring a
t the end.
We finish in the bathroom and walk out, almost bumping into Carrie Underwood on the way out of the bathroom. Carrie freaking Underwood! I take a few deeps breaths. She smiles politely before disappearing into the bathroom.
I rush back towards Cash. All attempts at acting cool are gone by my fangirling skills. “We saw Carrie Underwood!” I whisper into Cash’s ear. The excitement in my voice is clear and he laughs loudly, placing his hand around my waist.
“You remember Tyler, right?” I notice then that there are more people with us. I blush and nod.
“It’s nice to see you,” Tyler says and smiles genuinely. “This is Mikayla.” He introduces me to a young woman by his side. She’s the quiet type, but her smile is kind.
“It is so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,” Mikayla says softly.
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“I owe your man for making sure I went after my girl,” Tyler confides.
“It was nothing,” Cash responds.
“Trust me. It was everything for me.” Tyler’s tone is serious before he chuckles and kisses the top of Mikayla’s head. She smiles up at him with love and gratitude.
We are told to take our seats, and we find the table assigned to us. Tyler and Mikayla sit with us, along with Tyler’s manager and his date. Conversation flows easily as dinner is served.
The owner of the radio station, Mr. Grant, speaks, thanking us for attending and sharing some of his story with us. The charity is for single mothers to move on in life. He shares how his mother was a single mother of two and fought daily so he and his brother could have a better life. He named the charity in honor of her when he started the Libby Grant Foundation.
Everyone claps wildly when an older woman approaches the stage. She wipes her cheek and Mr. Grant holds her hand. He tells us to enjoy our dinner and thanks us for our participation.
We eat as we catch up, and I learn a little more about Tyler and Mikayla. Dee is a sweetheart as well.
“Let’s go dance,” Cash says into my neck as his finger glides softly over my exposed leg. I shiver and stand. He holds me close as we move to the music.
“Are you having fun?” he asks me.
“Yes, thank you.” I smile up at him and we spin around the dance floor with other couples.
“This is how it should always be—you on my arm. I don’t ever want to be apart again. I missed you so damn much. I know I’ve told you, but I need to remind you each day how much you have come to mean to me.”
“You getting all sappy on me?” I tease him to lighten the mood. Then I say, “I love you, Cash.” We kiss briefly, his lips soft on mine and gone way too fast. I lean my head on his shoulder and listen to his heartbeat as the song continues.
“Are you two lovebirds done?” We look up at an unfamiliar voice.
Cash laughs and says, “Hey.” Oh my goodness!
“Luke, this is my girlfriend, Olivia.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” He smiles over at me.
I shake Luke Bryan’s hand and somehow find my voice to say hi. Just stick a fork in me because I am done; I am a star struck idiot right now.
“She’s a big fan,” Cash says laughing.
“Sorry, this is insane.”
Luke laughs and shakes his head. “No need to apologize, but we’re all a bunch of people having a good time and supporting a good cause. I had the pleasure of meeting Cash at the Honoring Our Heroes concert and after party. Great guy.” He points at Cash and smiles. “You’ll go far.” Cash thanks him and we watch him walk away.
“Cash.” He looks down at me in amusement. “We just met Luke Bryan.”
“Yes, you did.” He kisses the top of my head. “You’re cute when you’re all shy and stuttering.”
After dancing a few more songs and a couple of glasses of champagne later, Cash and I say goodbye and leave.
I step out and see the size of the plane stopped on the runway.
“I’m not going on that.” I point at the tiny thing that wouldn’t intimidate a fly.
“Oh, yes you are.” The band needs to be in Atlanta for a performance this evening and they weren’t able to leave until a few hours before the concert, due to their schedule. When Cash asked me to go, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Now that I see the plane that the label put them on, I think I’ll watch a recording of their show. I look back at the sorry excuse for an airplane and count the windows. Eight. Eight fucking windows.
“This is a toy plane.”
“No, it’s not. Stop being ridiculous. This is what people fly in when they’re not flying commercial.”
“No.” I’m firm in my decision. “I’ll drive.”
“Fuck you will. You’ll never make it on time.” He grabs me and throws me over his shoulder all the while I kick his front and slap his back. He climbs up the four steps and sets me down on a seat, trapping me while he buckles me in. I hear the rest of the band laughing as he places me in the plane with just enough space for the eight of us, including Vivian and Dave.
Cash immediately hands me a glass of champagne. “Here. Drink this. It’ll help ease your tension.”
“I took a pill to ease my nerves. Do you think I can drink champagne?”
“Sure, why not?” He shrugs his shoulders.
“It doesn’t even have a bathroom,” I mumble as I drink the bubbly.
I wake up groggy and panic. Where am I? I look around and remember the tiny capsule that is supposed to take us to Atlanta.
“Get me off.”
“I’d love to, but this isn’t the time for that,” Cash jokes.
“Perv. Get me off the plane.”
“Okay.” He gives in too easily. “We already arrived.”
“What?” How the hell did that happen? I don’t even remember taking off. I wasn’t tired enough to sleep through that. The pill I take eases me, but does not knock me out.
“Wait a minute. Did you put something in my champagne?”
“No.” He shakes his head. “I would never.”
“Bullshit.”
“I wouldn’t.”
“You told me I could drink champagne after taking the pill.”
“Yeah . . . But what do I know? I’m singer, not a doctor. I figured it would add a little extra relaxation.” He smiles mischievously.
“You are insane.”
“I needed you in Atlanta.” He has the balls to run his hand down my cheek.
“Payback,” is all I murmur as I get off the plane.
“How’d you sleep?” Ryder asks.
“So funny.” I hear them all laughing and look back at the plane. Maybe I can convince him to drive on the way back. When he reaches for my hand, I pull away and grab my small bag.
“You’re in trouble,” Cole laughs.
“It was only an hour, babe.” I feel Cash next to me. I will get him back for this. I glare at him and walk faster into the waiting car.
I sleep off the rest of the effects of the champagne while the guys go to the venue to go through their performance. I meet them in the amphitheater right before the concert begins. Rebel Desire was asked to sing a few songs in Atlanta’s spring festival. I admire that they worked a way to get there, instead of rejecting the offer.
I stand in the wing and watch as they sing the songs they chose for this concert. I sing along, smiling at how they put their heart into each one.
“Thanks, y’all, for hitting it hard with us tonight!” Cash speaks to the audience. Cheers erupt. He laughs and asks them to quiet down. “For this last song, I want to call my one and only on stage.” I smile when he looks for me, and I stand with my arms crossed, smirking. He guffaws. “Don’t be shy.” I shake my head. Let him sweat. “Ah, you see, Olivia here is planning her revenge on me. She may have disagreed with my ways of getting her to Atlanta.” Everyone laughs and cheers, but I stand planted.
He shakes his head at me and begins singing. The words flow from his lips in perfect rhythm. I wa
tch as he gets closer to me, not caring if the entire audience can’t see him, and sings to me. He returns to center stage to finish the song and thank the crowd.
“You’re evil.” He reaches out for me when he’s back stage.
“Me? You must have me mistaken for the person who tells women to mix champagne and medicine to get them on a plane. You know, that’s actually a cause for concern.”
“I’d take that payback, to have you here anytime.”
“Oh, baby, I’m nowhere near done with you yet.” I smile wickedly.
Instead of staying for the rest of the concert, we grab a bite to eat and head to the hotel. Fortunately, we’ll be able to sleep in a bed, instead of jumping right back on the plane, but we do leave early tomorrow.
“How did we do?” Cash asks as he pushes me through the door.
“You guys did great.” I pull back when he tries to kiss me and he arches a brow.
“I told you, I’d always call you to me.”
“You did.” I slowly strip out of my shorts, teasing him. His groan satisfies me. I take off my bra, leaving my tank top on.
“Baby . . .” he draws out. I push him back to sit on the bed and climb over him. I begin to kiss him furiously, my tongue demanding and my hands exploring. I tear off his tee shirt and grind into him. My lips kiss everywhere as my body rocks harder into him. Cash grips my hips hard as he tries to gain control.
I trail my tongue from the side of his neck down to his chest, biting him as I leave my mark on him. I tear off my tank top and his eyes move to my nipples. His fingers are greedy as they move over my breasts. With a final, heated kiss, getting him even more riled up, I move off him and whisper into his ear, “This is your payback.” I walk into the bathroom to take a shower, locking the door so he doesn’t dare come in.
“You’re evil!” he yells behind me. I can’t help but laugh at the strain in his voice.
“Your turn,” I say walking out of the bathroom in my towel.
“Feel free to join me,” he says.
“Feel free to deal with that.” I jut my head towards his pants. I laugh and lie down, falling asleep before he finishes in the bathroom.
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