by Shana Gray
Love?
There was no doubt he caused her to have a barrage of naughty thoughts and all sorts of other physical responses when she remembered their passion. But love? Insta love or insta lust? She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. She owed it to herself to find out, but Cupid sat on her shoulder and Ava was pretty sure he had already shot his arrows.
She squared her shoulders and made a decision. Love or no love, she wanted to be with Chase and she didn’t want any regrets. Perhaps she should just see how it all played out and not try to control the future. Let come what may and she would enjoy herself in the meantime. Still, the romantic that lived within her wondered, could he be the one to not break her heart?
The first step toward him led to a second, then another, until he turned to face her with a big smile on his face and reached out his hand
“Boots, come here.”
She put her fingers in his palm and let him pull her to his side. He didn’t seem to care he was surrounded by industry people. Or that he was expressing his feelings for her in public. All that seemed to matter to him was that she was by his side. She gazed up into his deep brown eyes and the expression in them. She let out a little sigh. This just felt so right.
If all she got was his hand in hers, she could die a happy woman.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chase pulled Ava aside. He had wanted to get her alone for a little while. Once he had her secreted behind a stone pillar in a little alcove, he tipped her face up and claimed her with a kiss. Her response was immediate and passionate.
It was time to get her out of here. “How about we take off?”
Her eyes were heavy-lidded and her lips partially open, as if waiting for him to kiss her again. He was tempted.
She nodded and whispered, “Where to? Your house? My hotel room? The creek?” A slow smile curved her lips and he knew what she was thinking.
“Not now, Boots. I want to blow this pop stand and go somewhere fun. Remember Harper’s? Then later…” he said, nuzzling her ear.
“And my friends?” she asked him. She placed her hand on his chest and the warmth of her fingers seared through his shirt.
“Up to them. They can stay here if they like and we can arrange to get them back to their hotel. Or they can come along to Harper’s.”
“Why don’t you ask them?” Her hand slid up his chest to rest in the curve of his neck and shoulder. Her fingers tapped him slightly as if she was testing the merchandise. She could test the merchandise anytime she wanted as far as he was concerned.
“Let’s go find them.” Taking Ava’s hand, he led her back into the thick of the party and spotted the women hanging out around the bar. They were a vibrant lot and practically lit up the room. He knew they came with Ava, kit and caboodle, and he also knew it would be fun to have them in his life.
Walking up to them, they made room for Ava but looked at him expectantly. “This party was a necessary stop but we can head on to our original destination if you want. If not, you can stay here. I’ll make arrangements to get you back to your hotel, whether now or later. It’s up to you if you want to come with Boots and me.”
“Boots?” Fredi said with surprise. “This must be getting serious if nicknames are involved.”
Chase couldn’t believe he felt a rush of heat up to his face. “Ah, it’s just a term of endearment. Nothing to get all excited about.” He didn’t want them jumping to conclusions when he and Ava hadn’t even talked about the future. Geez, they’d only just met, but one thing was for sure. He liked being with her, having her around, and the thought of her not being in his life almost made him suffocate.
“You guys have to decide quickly. Because we’re outta here real soon.” He looked at his watch. “Five minutes.” He put his arm around Ava’s shoulder and pulled her tight. “This one’s definitely coming with me.”
Celia smiled and he saw the sparkle in her eyes. “I, for one, wouldn’t mind heading off to this other fun party,” she said.
“I’m in.” Bonni got off the stool and picked up her bag.
“Twist my arm—who wants to have fun anyway?” Fredi stood and shook out her long curly hair. Chase chuckled. “Besides, this party has a distinct lack of bad boys.”
“Ah, I’m sorry, Fredi. Only Lance’s boring old agent came.”
“Are you going to sing with Lance?” Celia asked as they walked out of the building.
“Time will tell.”
The moon was still high overhead when they arrived at the Harper farm. Significant lighting was set up over an area of the field and Chase knew exactly what would be going on there. And that gave him the idea for the second competition.
Wheeling the truck into an empty spot, they all piled out and he led them toward the barn, also lit up like a Roman candle and with some great music coming from inside. Now this was way more up his alley than being at that industry shindig.
“Wow, this looks like fun.” Celia was bouncing. He watched her take everything in. She definitely was a firecracker. “What are the lights for?”
“Tag football. These guys are serious about it and whenever there’s any sort of gathering, day or night, there’s a game.” He dipped his head to Ava and murmured, “And that, Boots, is challenge number two.”
“What? Tag football?” She looked up at him and he chuckled at the shocked expression on her face.
“Any country girl worth her salt could hold her own in a game.” He pressed a kiss to her hair and inhaled her intoxicating scent.
“Well, I guess this is going to be the second new dress that gets ruined on a date with you,” Ava said ruefully.
“You look pretty damn fine in that dress, so we can’t have that. I have some gym clothes in the truck. They’ll be too big for you, but they’re better than the dress.”
“If I’m going to be tackled, at least your clothes will bear the brunt of the grass stains. Although I’m not opposed to a little lying around with a particular someone.” She gave him a smoky look that held no room for misinterpretation.
“The grass just might come, Boots, but this is tag football, not tackle football. You’ll be fine.” He ran his hand along her shoulders and under the thick fall of her hair.
She twisted her mouth with a dubious look. “We’ll see.”
Chase figured he’d be winning this contest, but he’d make damn sure she didn’t get hurt.
“What kind of party do we have going on here?” Fredi said as she made herself at home inside the barn, claiming a chair next to the wide-open door by dropping her purse on it. The other women followed suit. “This spot will let the breeze blow in. Now that’s a bar!” She pointed to the typical Harper spread and took Celia’s hand, hauling her off to inspect the situation.
Planks were set up on bales of straw that you could almost hear groan under the weight of all the bottles, tubs of ice, glasses, mix, fruit and beer, plus a fan that blew across the table to keep the flies off and the air moving. Another table was loaded down with all kinds of snacks and finger food, with another oscillating fan standing guard. This is what he loved about the country. The transformation of a barn to a party location.
“Wow, this is something,” Bonni said. “Do they still keep livestock in here?”
“The Harpers started putting their hay up in another building. Livestock is also housed elsewhere. They wanted to expand their business so they revamped this to host events.”
“I think it’s wonderful,” Ava said.
He watched Celia skip around then stop in front of a big tin tub full of ice and beer, glistening with condensation. She took a quick selfie then yanked out four bottles and held them up. “Y’all want some?”
“Grab five,” Bonni called to her and held up a hand with her fingers splayed. “Don’t forget Chase.”
“Oh no, thanks, Celia. I’m dry tonight. DD. Water would be fine.” He thumbed his chest.
Celia spun around and added a bottle of water to her haul before bringing everything back to t
heir little group. Chase twisted off the caps for the women and tossed them in the old battered milk can posing as a garbage can.
“If I didn’t know that you were a California girl, Celia, I’d say you fit right well with the country life.” He took a swig from his bottle.
Celia gave him a big grin, taking his words as the compliment they were intended to be. He draped his arm over Ava’s shoulder and liked that she leaned into him.
“Is this a normal thing, to have a party like this, well after dark?” Ava asked.
“You never know what might pop up around here. But because CMA Fest is going on right now, everybody’s trying to hitch their wagon to the fun.”
It wasn’t long before Bonni, Celia, and Fredi all went off to the dance floor while Ava stayed with Chase.
“Oh man, don’t tell me there’s going to be more line dances,” she moaned, and he chuckled.
“Don’t worry, you don’t have to do any line dances, but if you do, I don’t mind showing you the steps,” he reassured her.
“I’ll bear that in mind, twinkle toes.” She gave him a saucy smile.
A slow tune started up and Chase took her beer, putting it on the window ledge along with his water, and led her to the dance floor.
“I think a little slow dancing is what we need right now. It’s been a bit of a wild day.” He lifted her hand and spun her gently. She twirled like an expert and took a few fancy steps that made him raise his eyebrows before stepping into his arms.
“I like your way of thinking, superstar.”
Her fit next to him was perfection. A sharp pain in his chest reminded him that she’d be leaving. Unless he did something about it.
…
Being in Chase’s arms again was heaven on earth. Ava saw the looks they were getting from everybody, probably because he was a very eligible bachelor. Off the market now. Sorry, ladies, he’s mine. Possessiveness flashed through her mind and she smiled, resting her cheek next to his shoulder and gazing out at the other dancers.
How did all his friends and the people here perceive them? As an item? A couple? Was she an interloper? She had no idea, but for these precious few days she’d be anything he wanted her to be. A sigh of contentment slipped from her and she turned her head, liking how his cowboy hat shadowed them. She no longer wanted to see the curious looks of those around them and tucked her nose into his neck. Ava inhaled his familiar and delicious scent.
Never had she felt safer, never had she felt more treasured and never have had she felt—dare she say it—love. She had to think of something or some way to broach the subject with him. And just see…see what he thought and where his heart was taking him. If it was taking him anywhere.
His knee pressed between hers, which made all thought drown under her rising desire. His hand was low on her hip and kept her tight next to his groin. She was pretty sure it was to partially to conceal his building erection, which amplified her own arousal, in addition to keeping her close. With one of her arms slung around his neck, she took his other hand. His large fingers curled around hers. He held their hands next to his chest and, while that was not the proper stance for this dance, it filled her heart with joy.
Dancing with Chase was the perfect thing to do. He was a great partner and they swayed against each other, sensuous, connected, breathing in time, their bodies pressed together so intimately. They were lost in the moment until the music stopped and a voice came over the loudspeaker. Everyone stopped and faced the stage.
“It’s that time, ladies and gents. It’s the party version of Friday Night Lights.”
Ava looked up at Chase. “You know, if I win this, I win the bet.”
He grinned down at her. “Boots, you’re talking to a former quarterback. You ain’t got a chance in hell.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Two baskets up here with the two colors in play. Come pick your pleasure.” The announcer pointed to the baskets in front of him.
“Clearly, we’ll be on opposite teams,” Chase told her.
“Clearly. After we pick colors, you’ll get me the change of clothes?”
“Absolutely,” Chase replied. “I don’t want any accusations later on that I had an unfair advantage.”
He crowded into her so he could steal a quick kiss. When he raised his head she pointed her finger at him. “No more of that, mister. You’re the enemy now!” Chase smiled down at her and she gently elbowed him away as she went to join her friends by the other basket.
“So competition number two is football, huh? The man has obviously deduced that you have no experience with organized sports,” Fredi said.
“I know,” Ava moaned. “Why couldn’t it have been beer pong or something? Anyway, you need to help me.”
They nodded.
“Don’t worry,” Fredi said. “We got your back.”
“So what is the third competition in this Nashville bet?” Bonni inquired.
Ava shrugged and the line shuffled forward. “I have no idea. He makes it up as he goes along.”
They reached into the basket and grabbed their flags.
“This is too funny. Anyway, at least we’re on the same team. Just don’t trip,” Fredi told her.
“Did you just jinx me? Aww, Fredi, why’d you have to go and say that.” Ava let out a huff. “I’ll do my best. But I don’t watch football, I know nothing about it.”
“It’s not like this is going to be rules enforced by linesmen and everything. Basically, you just want to get the football from your end into their end without losing your flag,” Bonni informed her.
“I’m going to fail this one. I know it. Especially since you jinxed me, Fredi.”
“Not if we can help it.” The girls stood around Ava and walked out of the barn to the playing field. On his way to get Ava the change of clothes, Chase had stopped by a bunch of other players on his team and Fredi did the two-finger I’m-looking-at-you from her eyes to his.
He threw back his head and roared with laughter, then said something to his friends. They all turned to look at the women. Nodding their heads, they crossed their arms.
“Ah, geez, this is not looking good,” Ava said.
Game on.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
They lost. Very badly. Chase had arranged for a limo to take her friends back to the hotel while he’d drawn her a bath at his place. Tag football, her patootie. She’d fallen more times than she’d run.
“I think this guy could be a keeper.” Celia nudged Ava when they settled in the back of the limo on Friday morning on their way for another day of tourist fun. Chase wasn’t joining them this time as he had to go back into the studio, but he followed Celia on Instagram to be a virtual participant in their activities.
“I must say, he does know how to impress. The other thing I’ll say is he seems to do it out of the goodness of his heart. No expectations. No fanfare, just considerate. He’s just an all-round nice guy,” Fredi said, and they all turned to look at her.
“Fredi, am I hearing you right? You’re actually complimenting him, and it isn’t the first time on this trip. Could it be your icy heart is starting to melt?” Bonni teased, but with a hint of seriousness in her tone.
Fredi shook her head and her curls swung. “Oh no, don’t get me wrong. My feelings about happily ever afters haven’t changed. But Chase isn’t the usual dumbass I see every day.”
Ava was both surprised and charmed that Fredi seemed to have Chase’s back. That made her heart happy. If her friends liked him, well, then…
“You’re right,” Ava agreed.
Her friends stared at her, glanced at each other then back at Ava.
“What?” she asked, not sure what the strange expressions on their faces meant.
“So, what does that mean for you, then? It’s obvious he has a thing for you and I know you know that.” Fredi took a sip from the flat white she’d got from the hotel before they left and kept a keen eye on Ava.
Ava shrugged. She knew there was somethi
ng between her and Chase, and they did need to discuss it…soon. She sensed that Chase felt it, too. However, she was not eager to bring up the topic with Chase; they were having too good of a time for seriousness,
Her friends were all watching her expectantly, like she had something important to say. But she didn’t, not yet anyway. She did know it had to be done eventually, and that time was fast creeping up, since they really only had another full day and night after today. Her heart started to race with the impending timeline. This trip seemed to be flying by and the idea of only seeing him probably one or two more times filled her with a heavy sadness.
“Ava, what’s wrong?” Bonni rested her hand on Ava’s shoulder.
She shook her head and sat back, trying to calm her nerves. This was so unlike her. Emotional, yes; overthinking, yes; but being nervous wasn’t really part of her repertoire.
“I–I’m fine.” She did her best not draw in ragged breaths and took slow and steady draughts of air. Was she giving herself a panic attack with the stress of the looming deadline? Ava wasn’t used to this kind of unsettling emotion. She was a rock, solid and tough in the business world. Why was she feeling uneasy now, to the point she almost felt like she could puke?
“You don’t look fine. Put your head between your knees,” Celia instructed.
“Okay, okay. It’s all good.” Ava sighed and relaxed back. “It’s never going to work between us anyway, so I—”
“What do you mean ‘never going to work?’” Celia asked.
“Us. Chase, me. If you don’t mind, I don’t really wanna talk about it now. Let’s just have fun today.”
“Yes, let’s have fun today. I’m especially looking forward to lunch on the riverboat.” Bonni was always good at deflecting a conversation away from something uncomfortable. Ava cast her a thankful smile. Bonni squeezed her hand in response.
“Yeah, it should be fun. We’re also absolutely going to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Bluebird Café, and oh geez, I had another spot on my list, but I can’t remember,” Celia said.
