Along for the Ride

by Casey Peeler

  Chapter 39

  Belle

  Those eyes and that heart of gold. I’m so in love that love isn’t enough to describe it, but I have no idea what words to use. He bends down and kisses me slowly. It's one that’s full of hope, love, and passion rolled into one. Breaking our kiss, my arms wrap around his waist and he engulfs my shoulders and holds me tight as I rest my head on his chest, standing in my bedroom.

  “Belle Blu, I can’t believe I’m sayin’ this, but let’s get out of here. If not, we’re going to get started and not stop.”

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing,” I giggle as he kisses the top of my head. He looks at the picture once more before my hands reach for it, then I walk to my bedside table and sit it at the perfect angle. “It’s not, but all of those screaming fans might be disappointed.”

  “They’re here for Jake, not me.”

  “Bella Blu, don’t kid yourself. Why do you think the label is so adamant about meeting Monday?”

  “Let’s go,” I start to walk toward the door.

  “Hey, that’s not a bad thing. This is your dream, now let’s go and live it.”

  *****

  “Thank you, Nashville!” As I walk from the stage, Chase is waiting like he has been from the first day he joined me on tour.

  “You were amazing out there tonight. Ready for that wardrobe change so we can watch Jake?”

  Pausing, I looks up at him, “Nah, I wanna go home right after this wardrobe change.”

  “We can leave? We don’t have to wait until it’s over?” he questions.

  “Not tonight, and tomorrow, we’re driving,” I say, smiling.

  “Thank heavens, I’m having withdrawals from not being behind the wheel.”

  “Who says you’re drivin’?” I say with a laugh but honestly, I’m fine riding in the passenger side as long as he’s the one beside me.

  “Let’s go.” Kissing him quickly, I take him by the hand and we walk toward the bus, telling my driver it’s time to go.

  Within thirty minutes, we are home and I’m exhausted, but there is no way I can sleep right now. Walking toward the house, Chase looks at me so I ask him, “You ready to call it a night?”

  “Nah, how about some front porch sittin’?”

  “I thought you'd never ask.”

  Climbing the steps, we unlock the door and leave the rest of our things in the entryway before we turn to walk back toward the swing. Taking a seat, Chase places his arm around me as I lean on his shoulder, pulling my legs up on the swing as his feet move us back and forth. Closing my eyes, I memorize the world around me—the stillness of the countryside, the gentle breeze blowing in the night air, and the sound of Chase's heartbeat in my ear.

  “What’s goin’ on in the pretty little head of yours?”

  “How perfect right now is.”

  “You got that right, this is what life’s about, Bella Blu. These moments where it’s just us. The time where we can enjoy what’s around us and not have to worry about being on a bus, at sound check, or anything else.”

  Something about his words bother me. Does he regret this life I’m living? “You don’t regret this life, do you?”

  “What do you mean?” he questions as I look up to him.

  “Like, do you wish we were home in Lattimore, you working with your dad, me doing who knows what, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen?”

  He takes a deep breath. Sitting up, I wait for his answer. “That’s not what I meant. I meant that sometimes I want us to be able to go and do what we want without having to worry about so much else. This is your dream and I’d never ask you to change it or give it up, but sometimes I do wish I was picking green beans or framing a house. It’s what I love, but I love you more, Bella Blu.”

  “You know I want you to live your dreams, too. What if tomorrow we do a little work around here before we head downtown, and maybe after the show, we’ll hit Broadway?”

  Raising an eyebrow to me, he asks, “You're not about to fulfill one of those romance novels where you take advantage of the hired help, are you?”

  “Hey now, who said I was payin’ you? But I can promise this ain’t a romance novel. It’s real life. One where there’s nothing sexy about both of us sweating like pigs as we pull weeds and trim hedges.”

  Yawning through my laugh, Chase doesn’t say anything. Instead, we swing a little while longer until my eyes get heavy and his arms scoop me up.

  Chase

  As I carry her from the porch into the house, a small smile escapes her lips while she sleeps. This is why I’ll live this life for as long as she wants or needs. Quietly, I walk through the house to her room. Laying her in bed, I cover her with the blanket and look at the most beautiful girl in the world.

  Walking back through the house, I turn off all the lights and make sure the door is closed before walking into the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, I notice it’s full of her favorites and know that someone makes sure this is full when she returns. Taking a bottle of water, I open it and cuss myself for answering that question incorrectly. This road life is tough. Don’t get me wrong. Being with Belle is perfect, and helping the crew is amazing, but over the past few weeks, I’ve been itching for some time grounded in a house without wheels, and tomorrow I can’t wait to get my hands in the dirt and play. Taking my cell phone from my pocket, my fingers quickly call the one person that knows all the answers without me saying anything at all, Mom.

  "Chase, honey, is everything okay?" she questions on the second ring in a groggy voice.

  “I think.”

  “Honey, it's the middle of the night. Everything isn't okay," I hear her move about a room on the other line. "Sorry, I'm walking to the kitchen so I don't wake your dad."

  "I shouldn't have called."

  "Now listen, there's one thing about being a mama. You'll always be my baby, and I'm here no matter what time. So tell me what's going on?"

  "I miss being home. I mean, this is amazing and Bella Blu and I are amazing, but tonight, she asked me a question and thinks I regret coming on the road. I told her I missed the time it was us in our little world. You know, the time where we could hang out, go out in public, not have everyone’s eyes on us, and sometimes, I just want to work with my hands on something other than a stage set. Is that crazy?"

  Pausing, I wait for her. "It's not crazy, but remember what we talked about the morning you left?"

  "Yes, ma'am."

  "You've got to find a balance and you've got to communicate. That's the only way this relationship will work. Wait, let me rephrase that...it's the only way any relationship works. How did she react to your comment?"

  "She got upset, but I explained what I meant. She even said that tomorrow we can work around her house."

  "House?"

  "Yeah, she has a little farm house. It's almost like her and Laurel's place. Undoubtedly, she's hardly stayed here, but needed something for when she was off the road. I'm not sure all the ins and outs of everything but I know it's got an amazing view and I can't wait to work in the yard tomorrow."

  "That sounds very grounding for the both of you. Enjoy it and your time together. It's these little moments that make a relationship last a lifetime."

  "Thanks, Mom. You're the best."

  "I try," she laughs and I smile. "Keep me posted on what's going on. Love you and everything will be perfect. Night."

  "Night, and I love you, too."

  Hanging up the phone, I pause and soak up everything she said. Communication is key. Tomorrow I plan to show her how much she means to me, have fun, and let her know I'm in this for the long haul.

  Standing, I walk into the bedroom and see her sleeping peacefully in her bed. Her hair cascading down her face, she looks like an angel. My angel. She always said that I was there to protect her and be there for her. The truth is, she's done the same for me. Without even knowing it, she guarded my heart from others and kept it safe for only her. Sliding off my clothes, I scoot into bed and wrap my arm
around my angel, drifting off to sleep.

  Chapter 40

  Belle

  The smell of bacon tickles my nose and wakes me. As I reach for Chase, he’s not here, and memories of our conversation last night fill my mind. Did he not come to bed? Then the bacon comes to the forefront again and realize he's in the kitchen and I’m in my own bed. It feels so good, but my memory floods with last night and I want to make sure we're okay. I know we are and I understood what he meant. However, this morning I want reassurance that life is gravy with us. Pulling myself from the bed’s comfort, my feet hit the cool floor and walking into the kitchen, Chase is standing there shirtless in a pair of workout shorts.

  “Mornin’, sunshine,” he smiles, glancing over his shoulder as he continues to cook.

  “Why’d you let me sleep so long?”

  “There was no way I was waking you up from that deep sleep. You were sawing logs and everything last night.”

  “Stop it! I was not.”

  “It was so bad I went to the couch.”

  “No you didn’t, I know you better than that.”

  “Yeah, you're right. I didn’t and you weren’t really snoring, it was more like this, 'ahhh phew' over and over. It was cute.”

  Shaking my head, I walk to the coffee pot and pour a cup. Bringing it to my nose, I breath it in before taking a sip of the hot liquid.

  Stepping toward Chase, I watch him and he’s every bit of amazing. Sliding up on the cabinet, I continue to drink my coffee as he cooks. “Want any help?”

  “Not now, I’m almost finished.”

  “Why you think I asked?” Smiling, he turns off the stove and turns to me. Taking the coffee from my hand, I whine a moment before he slides himself between my legs, placing his hands on the counter then he looks me in the eyes with hunger. "I’m so sorry about getting upset last night. Are we okay?"

  He looks at me with continued hunger but also strength, "We're perfect. Bella Blu, we've got to talk about things and sometimes we're not going to agree. It's okay. In fact, being able to do that will make us stronger."

  "Wow! When did you get all Dr. Phil?" I say with a smirk.

  "I might have talked to Mom last night."

  "Are you serious?" My eyes go wide.

  "I couldn't sleep, and you know moms are like a wealth of reasoning."

  "True. However, I'd much rather communicate a different way right now."

  Taking my arms, I drape them around his neck as I lean in to meet his lips. His arms go around me and slide me from the cabinet. Wrapping my legs around him, his arms slide underneath me. His lips begin to dance with mine. Intense yet sweet, suddenly he steps backward and takes a seat at the end table as we continue to make-out like teenagers. My hands start to roam that perfect chest of his and I want more. Finding the edge of his waistband, I slide the tips of my fingers in them as he starts to laugh. “What’s so funny?” I whisper between kisses. He slows our make-out session and it pisses me off. “You mean you're gonna leave me like that?” He smiles at me, kisses me quickly then stands with me again. Sliding my legs down his body, my mind is spinning and my body is craving Chase McSwain.

  “I’m not leaving you like that because I plan on finishing it as soon as my honey-do list is complete.”

  Why? Why did I mention that last night? I mentally beat myself up for volunteering a little manual labor. Now I’m going to be hot in more ways than one. He gives a quick laugh, kisses my nose, and makes our plates for breakfast.

  “You really think I can eat now?” He takes a bite of his bacon. Why is he doing this to me?

  Pouting, I pick at my bacon and finish my coffee. Placing my plate in the sink, arms come around me from behind. “Don’t be like that. Sometimes I only wanna make out with you, is that crazy?”

  Thinking for a moment, that’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, and proves that he truly loves me. “No, not at all.”

  Chase

  Putting the brakes on with Bella Blu is like playing chicken with a train. It sounds like a good idea, but in that moment the follow through is difficult because once her lips touch mine, I’m a goner. Last night, I promised to help her around here and I knew if we started, we’d never get out her bedroom.

  Going to the room, I slide on my worn jeans and a shirt that I’ve cut the sleeves out of. Pulling on my ratty ball cap, I grab my boots and walk out to the porch to slide them on. Once I’ve done that, I holler through the screen door that I’m going to get started.

  Walking to the small building out back, I find what we need to get the flower bed in top shape, and walk toward it to get started by pulling weeds. Hearing the screen door shut, I look up and am speechless as my eyes stare at her. Bella Blu has her hair in a ball cap, wearing shorts that barely cover her, a skin-tight tank, and she's barefoot. It gives hot an entirely new meaning.

  “What?” she asks.

  “Nothin’”

  “Um hum, you’re thinking exactly what I am.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “How hot you look right now.”

  “Yeah, you got me. Come on, let’s get to work. The clock's ticking.”

  Bella walks beside me and begins to pull the weeds, and I do my best not to stare at her as we work together, but that’s like an act of congress. After an hour of pure torture trying to keep my eyes off her, I take a moment to enjoy the view as she continues to work.

  “Why’d you stop?”

  “Admiring the view for a few.” She doesn’t say a word but instead deliberately bends over right at me, then drops down and continues to work. If that’s how she wants to play, two can play at this game.

  Walking to the shrubbery, I begin to cut it into a perfect circle and the heat continues to rise between us as well as the sun. It’s hot out here. Looking out the corner of my eye, she’s watching. Turning off the trimmers, I set them down and pull my shirt off in one swift motion over my head then start them back up and go to work without one word to her.

  She takes the trimmings and places them in the wheel barrow while I continue to work and each time she gets closer and closer to me. It’s as if she’s trying to push me to a limit and I’m about break.

  As we finish up, she takes the wheel barrow to the edge of the property as I put the tools up. Inside the building, I hear her outside and go to open the door for her. “I’ve got it if you want to go get cleaned up,” I tell her.

  “Okay,” she says with a wink, and I can promise you, I’m going to be right behind her.

  Hurrying to make sure everything is like I found it, I go around the front of the house to make sure everything is put up but as I round the corner, I’m hit by a direct line of water and the sound of laughter.

  Trying my best to get the water hose from her hands, she continues to spray me and takes a step back until there is no slack left in the line. Oh, she’s in trouble now. Her eyes go wide, knowing she’s in trouble. She starts to drop the water hose when I grab the line and turn it on her as she squeals, running from me in the yard.

  Dropping the hose, I run after her and she pauses, trying to figure out her best move. When she goes left, I follow suit and then she changes direction. I’m suddenly cussing all the times she played football with us in the yard, but when she second-guesses herself, I go in for the win. Taking her in my arms, I pull her tight as we are now both soaked from head to toe and covered in dirt. It’s every country boy’s dream. She begins to laugh and begs for me to stop. Oh, there’s no stopping. Tossing her over my shoulder, she slaps my butt as I carry her up the steps and into the house, carrying her to the bathroom.

  Placing her down on the ground, I turn on the shower. She looks into my eyes with want and raises her arms. Pulling the wet tank top from her body, she shivers as I drop it to the floor then my fingers find the straps of her lace bra. With my fingers, I slide the straps from her shoulders. Pausing, I kiss her shoulder gently as she unlatches her bra, letting it fall to the floor. Without removing our eyes from each other, we both remov
e our jeans. Taking my right hand, I slide it behind her neck and pull her lips to mine. They find mine and slowly move in the perfect poetic rhythm. Her arms rest around my neck. Picking her up in one swift motion, her legs wrap around my waist as I pull the shower curtain back.

  As the warm water covers each of us, I focus on us in this moment. I want her to know that I love her with all of my being. Her lips continue to dance with mine as the water falls around us. Biting my lip, she pauses. "I love you, Chase."

  "I love you, Bella Blu," I say as I look her in the eyes and make love to her like never before.

  Opening my eyes, she begins to kiss my lips slower and gently. I easily slide her down my body as she stands and kiss her lips sweetly, then I take the shampoo and wash her beautiful hair.

  Chapter 41

  Belle

  Chase McSwain is the sexiest man on earth. There, I said it, I will shout it to from the rooftop and I plan on making sure he knows how I feel each and every day. I'm not only talking about how he made my world go black, but the simple gestures make him an eleven on the hot-o-meter. What man washes a woman's hair? Mine does.

  Taking the hair dryer, I quickly get ready as the clock is ticking. They are going to kill me if I’m late. Suddenly, it hits me. Why am I even getting ready? I’ve got wardrobe and makeup waiting on. Hurrying to my room, I grab my ball cap and phone, then go and meet Chase downstairs. He’s sitting in the living room, and when I walk in his eyes go straight to me. My heart warms and so does the rest of my body. How does someone have that kind of effect? Smiling, I know it's because he loves me for me, and it’s the best feeling in the world.

  “You ready?” He cuts off the TV, stands, and walks toward me. Stopping in front of me, he looks into my eyes and slowly pulls me into his strong chest before his lips find mine. They are strong, full of meaning, and graceful. As we pull away, my eyes open and I look at the most perfect man. “Can we stay home?” I whisper and mean it with all of my heart.