Along for the Ride

by Casey Peeler

  As I surface, I’m met by another splash and automatically dragged underwater in one swift motion. When I reach the top, I find Jake with eyes full of heat.

  “Belle, why’d you have to do that? Are you tryin’ to kill me? I’m tryin’ to be a good boy.”

  “Well now, who said I wanted a good boy?” Disappearing under the water, I swim toward the rock island in the middle of the creek.

  As I begin to crawl up the rock, Jake comes up behind me and pulls me back into the water. Falling backwards, I land right in his arms. He turns me around, pushes me up against the rock, and takes control like any good man would, but never crosses the point of no return.

  Jake

  Pushing her up against that rock, I look into her eyes which are pleading for me to take things further, and I do exactly that. I take her lips in mine and kiss her roughly, and her body reacts to mine. I push her to the brink. Tiptoeing around crossing that line, I remain on the right side of it because I know that if I want to follow through with my plans, I can't cross it. It's a very thin line, but she's got to realize who is meant for her.

  “Jake, please.”

  Kissing her neck, her head falls back and I take my time with her, but never moving past second base. Funny thing is if this was yesterday, I’d have loved to hit a home run with her.

  Slowing our rhythm, I can’t get her too worked up or I might have a change of heart. “Belle, as much as I want to, we need to slow down. This isn’t the place to worship you from head to toe.”

  She bites her lower lip and nods in agreement and I kiss those perfectly plump lips one more time.

  Taking a few minutes to relax, I pull her in for a hug and kiss the top of her forehead.

  “I guess we better get back. We’ve got a big night ahead of us tonight. I can only imagine what Mark’s got planned.”

  “More like what Laurel and Chase have planned. You know they are the ones behind it,” I assure her but know there is so much more going to happen tonight.

  “I know, but that’s why I love them. They love me for me,” she says with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes, and I know I'm right.

  Climbing out of the creek, she puts her clothes back on before we walk to the Gator and I do the same.

  “I really hate that this is gonna end tomorrow,” I say as sadness runs across her face.

  “Whatcha mean?”

  “I just mean all of this,” pointing to the farm. “This has been the best break I’ve ever had…ever.” Placing her hand on my cheek, I see the look in her eyes. The one that says she’s not sure, but she wishes she was. Regardless, she removes the space between us and places her lips on mine and her arms around my neck. When I pull away, I start to laugh.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You know we aren’t gonna get anything done on tour now. We can’t keep ourselves off each other.”

  “That’s not a bad thing,” she says, making her way to the driver’s seat. “Come on, music god. We’ve got places to go and people to sing our hearts to.”

  Chapter 30

  Belle

  Once we are back at the house, we go our separate ways to get ready. Looking in my closet, I know exactly what I’m going to wear—a strapless cream-colored mini dress with a brown belt and a pair of Corral ladies' heart and wing cowboy boots. Gazing into the mirror, I know that I need to wear my hair down. Once I’m finished, I stare back into the mirror, realizing how proud I am of myself. I’m living the dream thanks to the support of my friends and family, but now there is someone that understands this life as much as I do…Jake.

  Adding my essential accessories, there’s a brief knock at the door and when I open it, I see Beau. He’s not dressed for Joe’s like I expected.

  “Are you not goin’?”

  “Nah. Y’all go have fun.”

  “Beau Bear, you have got to go!”

  “Please tell me you didn’t just pull the Beau Bear card?

  Batting my eyelashes, I reply, “You bet I did!”

  “Seriously? You want me to go with y’all tonight? I thought I might interfere with you two lovebirds.” He sounds like the most annoying brother ever, but I must have the word ‘guilty’ written all over my face because he just smiles that "I told you so" smile.

  “Not a word,” I point my finger at him.

  “Well, my only comment is this. He’s a great guy, but he’s not the one.” I give him a look that could kill as he finishes his statement. “Have fun and enjoy life. You’re living your dream. Don’t let a guy hold you back, but if I were a bettin’ man, I’d say you’ve already met your prince.”

  Turning around from Beau, I don’t know what to say. I'm beginning to question Jake and me, Chase and me, and the decisions I have made over the past few days. I’m sure from the outside in, I look like a complete tease.

  “Belle, don’t worry about what to do. I know you enough to know that you will make the right choice when the time comes. Sarah and I might go, but you don’t need us tagging along with y’all. We’ll meet y’all there.”

  “A’ight, Beau Bear, but you better not disappoint me.” We might fight like we’re five, but he’s the best brother a girl could have, and one day I’m going to show him how important he is to me.

  As Beau turns to leave, I know I need to tell him my thoughts. “Hey, Beau Bear?”

  “Yeah?” he asks as he glances over his shoulder at the doorway.

  “Um, I’ve been meanin’ to tell ya. This headline thing. If it happens, I want you on the road with me.”

  His eyes get the size of grapefruits. “Huh? What are you talkin’ ‘bout?”

  Making my way to him, I look him in the eye and tell him, “You’re going to design and run my show.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Nope. I’d never leave you behind on this rodeo.”

  “Really?” he asks for reassurance. Nodding again, he takes me, picks me up, and gives me the biggest Beau Bear hug of my life.

  Once he puts me down, I grab my purse, and Beau and I make our way into the hallway. Stopping mid-stride, I gawk at the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes upon. Closing the door to the guest room, I see Jake in a pair of Double “V” Straight Shooter jeans that I’ve never seen a pair of jeans look that good and a blue plaid pearl snap that is fitted in all the right places. He turns toward me and smiles that perfect half-grin that drives me and every other girl wild.

  “Belle, you look fabulous,” Jake says as he approaches me and kisses me on the cheek in front of Beau.

  Not wasting another second, Beau takes his chance to leave. “Belle, we’ll meet y’all there.” I nod, and Beau makes his ways downstairs.

  “You don’t look so bad yourself,” I say, nudging him on the shoulder. “I don’t know how we’re gonna keep the barflies off ya.”

  “Real funny. I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that with you on my arm.”

  “Is that so, Mr. Bryant?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I believe so. Now, let’s go; honestly, I’m ready to enjoy a night out with a small stage.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  Mama and Daddy are getting ready to leave the house when we get downstairs.

  “Well, look at y’all! If I didn’t know better, I’d think y’all were hot country stars or somethin’,” Mama says. “Y’all have fun, but be careful. We’re going out with the Morgan’s tonight.” She kisses me goodbye and hugs Jake. Daddy gives us a nod on the way out the door.

  “You wanna eat here, or see what we can find on the way?” I ask.

  “Oh, we’re stoppin’ on the way. I’d love to have a good burger.”

  I begin to cheese from ear to ear. “I think you just stole my heart! I know exactly where we need to go. Come on.”

  Closing the door behind us, we make our way to Jake’s truck. I give him one turn and a yield sign for directions to The Depot, home of the best burgers this side of Charlotte. Pulling into the parking lot, Jake looks uncertain. Placing
my hand on his leg, I promise, “They’ll make you wanna smack your mama, just sayin’.”

  Once we are inside, we take the corner booth and order double bacon cheeseburgers, onion rings, and milkshakes. When the burgers arrive in front of us, my mouth begins to water just thinking about the taste explosion that is about to occur. Instead of digging in first, I watch Jake. The sound that escapes his mouth is near erotic.

  He struggles for a napkin, and I help him out and wipe his mouth. “See. I told ya.”

  “No wonder you lit up like a Christmas tree when I said ‘burger’. We have got to bring the crew here on our way back to Nashville.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  We finish eating and feel as full as a tick. “Ohmygosh, Jake! I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to move when we get there.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you will. I’m gonna make sure you’re dancin’ with me tonight,” and when he says that, my heart sinks thinking that Chase has yet to reply to my text.

  Jake picks up the tab and we make our way back to Charlotte. Once we are off I-85, I can’t help but get excited. This is where my life changed, and it will always be like home to me.

  As we make our way onto Wilkes Boulevard, my heartbeat increases and a smile spreads across my face. I can see the red neon light in the distance. Once we are there, we pull into the gravel parking lot, and I notice the line is not too long to get inside. Getting out my phone, I text Chase to let us in the back door anyway.

  “A'ight, Chase is gonna let us in around back,” guess he’s not completely ignoring me.

  Jake comes around and opens the door for me, but after closing the door, he pulls me into a strong embrace. He takes my soft blonde hair and places it behind my ear as he looks into my eyes.

  “Belle, this is our night. Just us. Let’s let loose and have some fun before we’re back to reality.” Biting my lip, I nod in agreement, and then his lips press against mine briefly.

  Taking me by the hand, we walk around back, and Chase is standing there in a pair of jeans and a black fitted tee with the Joe’s logo in the corner.

  “Well, if it’s not the best thing I’ve seen all night!” Chase says with a wink, and I wrap my arms around him knowing that whatever happened last night is in the past.

  “You’re not so bad yourself. I’m surprised you don’t have to fight off the girls being all big and swollen in that shirt and all.”

  “Eh, it’s okay.” I laugh and we go inside.

  “Ah, you know you like it!”

  Walking inside is like going back in time and it’s only been six months since my world changed. The mechanical bull is to my right, Oliver gives me a wave, and one drunk girl has already gotten enough liquid courage to ride it. The lights give an orange glow, and the bar in the middle is packed. As I glimpse over at the bar, I see Laurel. She throws her hand up and the three of us walk that way.

  Once Jake and I get a beer, Chase excuses himself to get back to work. We talk to Laurel before going to the dance floor. All the country line dancers we can stand greet us, but no one has identified Jake which is awesome. Glancing over my shoulder, I smile at the fact that no one has noticed us yet and we can enjoy our own little world. When the song ends, I look to my right and see Mark.

  “Mark!” I squeal as I run his direction. He meets me with open arms and a handshake for Jake. We talk to him a few minutes and then Jake excuses us when he hears Brantley Gilbert’s “Bottoms Up” coming from the house band. As we turn it up on the dance floor, things definitely heat up for the world to see.

  Placing my arms around Jake’s neck, my hips begin to sway to the music as we sing the lyrics together. As the chorus approaches, my hands move to his chest. After staring into his eyes, I turn around and show him everything about “Bottoms Up.”

  “Belle, you better stop because I’m about to take you out back and show you what you’re doing to me.”

  “I dare you.” He takes me by the hand and we start to make our way out when I hear Blake, the lead singer of the house band, say my name as the spotlight shines directly on me.

  “Y’all put your hands together for our very own Belle Montgomery. Get up here and show us what that big stage has done to ya!”

  Letting go of Jake, I glance at Laurel and Chase, and make my way to the stage. Everything about this night feels right—being at Joe’s with my friends, Jake, and living life to the fullest.

  Taking the stage, the crowd goes crazy with hooting and hollering. The house band greets me with open arms and I feel completely at home. Without mentioning the song, they take their places and Zack, the drummer, counts five-six-seven-eight. The sound of Miranda Lambert’s “Kerosene” begins to echo through the speakers as I approach the microphone. Performing it like the first time I ever did on this stage, I sing with every ounce of my being. After a few other covers, I sing my new release, “Some Kinda Heartbreak.” As I lose myself in the song, I can’t help but relive the last time I stepped on this stage and who greeted me as soon as I got off it. Chase. I glance over and find him watching, but when I look to the left I see Jake as well. Finishing my last note, the light bulb goes off. I’ve got to get out of the past and into the future. I do the only thing that makes sense in the moment.

  “How y’all doin’ tonight? I’m so glad to be back home, but I’ve got a surprise. How many of y’all love Jake Bryant?” Jake shakes his head no as I look his direction, but I don’t care. It will be fun, and to think he was worried about Chase and Laurel. “How’d you like to see us perform right here tonight for the first time together?” The crowd hoots and hollers. “Come on, Jake! For the crowd?” I say with my hands on my hips and my biggest pouty lips. He smiles and walks toward the stage.

  “Belle, I’d like to try something if that’s okay?”

  “Sure? Whatcha thinkin’?”

  “How ‘bout 'It’s Your Love’?” As he says the title, my stomach gets queasy. “I’m sure that will bring a smile to Chase’s face, don’t you think?” Doubtful.

  “I guess,” and it’s obvious that I’m unsure as my answer.

  Giving the go ahead to the band, Jake gives the crowd what they want by doing what he does best on stage. I step back out of the light and enjoy the view just like on tour. This time things are different. We are different. Different than we were a few hours ago. It’s as if he’s trying to prove himself against Chase, and I’m not sure how I feel about that at all.

  Once Jake finishes his song, he calls me on stage and we cut up singing a fun duet of Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue.” When the song comes to an end, I know what is coming and my nerves begin to rise.

  “Let’s give it up for Belle Montgomery, folks. Isn’t she amazing?” The crowd goes wild and I’m sure my fact is red as beet. He turns to signal the band, the house lights focus on him and with the first strum of our song, I have the biggest lump in my throat because this is different and I’m unsure of how this is going to go and exactly what I'm feeling at this moment. Why is this bothering me so much?

  Forgetting what is around me, I begin to sing my favorite song of all time. Zeroing in on Chase, his face looks like he’s seen a ghost when he peers into my eyes. Singing the verse straight to him, it’s as if he can read my mind.

  People in the crowd find someone they love on the dance floor and sing as we do. As the chorus begins, Jake joins me and takes over the next verse. As he sings, he focuses on me as if there isn’t another person in the room. What is this? As a smile escapes my lips, I join in harmony with him. Turning to face the crowd, he grabs my hand and turns me back to him and begins to dance with me. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Chase with an unamused look on his face and it hurts my heart. Jake continues to put on a show as we move together continuing to sing. I want Jake Bryant, or at least I think I do.

  Once the song ends, he pulls me in close and kisses my forehead. Forehead, really? I knew he was going to tell the world about us tonight when he picked that song. Then he leans in and whispers in my ear with
spite, “You think he liked it?” I feel a piece of my heart break when I see Chase slam his water and exit to the side porch. I wonder if this was Jake’s way of making a point to Chase, and if so, we are done before things even get started. There's no way I'd deliberately hurt someone like this, ever. I have a feeling that I really don’t know Jake Bryant or the games that he is up to. I’ve never wanted to hurt him in my entire life.

  As soon as the lights dim, I whisper to Jake, “You did that on purpose.”

  “Maybe,” he winks and I’m furious. Without thinking twice, I put distance between us, exit the stage and hurry out the exit to Chase. This should have never happened.

  Jake

  The moment she storms off stage gracefully is the moment I know that I was right. She loves Chase and it’s time she realizes that. The band looks at me, questions in their eyes, and I find Laurel who gives me a thumbs up. How in the world has she been cool with this plan, I'll never know. Maybe it's the fact she's been waiting on those two to get their act together since she can remember.

  “How ‘bout one more, Charlotte?” Turning toward the band, they start with one of my favorites. One that I performed here long before Jake Bryant was a household name. Singing the lyrics, I take in the crowd, wishing that I could step back in time and enjoy this part of my career instead of wondering when my big break was going to happen. The intimate small setting, a band that’s here week in and out, and a crowd that loves good country music, pure and simple. That was a time in my life where it wasn’t about the money, lights, or meet and greets. It was about me, and if I’ve learned one thing coming home with Belle this weekend, it’s that in life, family, home and friends are what truly matter. Maybe I should work on things with Dad.

  Chapter 31

  Belle

  When I walk outside, the cool air touches my sweaty skin and chill bumps instantly rise. Looking to my left and right, panic begins to fill my body when I don’t see him. Doubt begins to consume me. I don’t want to be with someone that takes his power out on others, even if the world sees him as the best thing since sliced bread. Continuing to look, I see him at the edge of the porch staring out into the grass.