Skyrocket (Love and Music in Texas Book 6)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  “Holy cow. First off, it didn't take them long, and secondly...” Kyra sniffled, wiping away a tear. “Okay, I'm kinda having a hard time with words. I expected a hell of a lot on the side of criticism.”

  “I have to agree with them.” Taryn set her phone back in her lap. “You nailed it up there. Were you nervous at all?”

  “Maybe a little, but not as bad as I thought. I'm glad I pushed off the tour, because I wouldn't have been ready earlier.” She took a few minutes to freshen up and change. “Let's go see what the fans have to say in person.”

  *****

  Matt could have gone further up in line for Kyra's meet and greets, but he wanted her to be surprised right in the middle of it. Besides, being in the back of the line gave him a chance to see how these things went. He spotted Kyra taking a photo with a teen girl, maybe just a little older than Andrew. Taryn sat on the left side of the table, there for moral support. She'd told him earlier that was her plan, but Matt didn't mention to her that he'd be showing up to surprise Kyra tonight.

  “She's gonna flip when she sees us here, huh Dad?” Andrew piped up from beside him.

  “Yep. Kyra thinks we've gone to our hotel room for the night.”

  “You know what helps me with this whole thing about what Mom did?” Andrew said softly. So this time, he called her Mom. Andrew kept going back and forth, sometimes saying Mom, others calling her Kendra.

  “What's that?”

  “It's that I know you're happy with someone. I've never seen this side of you. Sometimes you're mushy and gooey and it's gross, but you two are perfect for each other. It's kinda cool, you know? You and Kyra are opposites, but you bring out something different and new in each other. Kyra includes us in every aspect of her life, and you two work things out when there's an issue.”

  Andrew's words hit him right in the heart. “Thanks for that, son. I'm glad you're dealing with this in a manageable way.”

  Andrew sighed, and his cheeks reddened. “I won't lie. It hurts. At any other time in my life, I might have handled it wrong, but I'm trying to stay right with everything, you know?”

  Patting his son's shoulder, Matt nodded knowingly. “Yes, you are. I remember the times we couldn't stay in the same room together without bickering.”

  “Yep, that was rough, but now we kinda like each other.” Andrew nudged him. “Taryn just spotted us.” He waved at her.

  Matt pressed his finger to his lips when he made eye contact with Taryn. She winked, nodded, and put a finger to hers as another excited fan walked around the table to stand with Kyra for a photo. Aside from looking slightly worn out, Matt couldn't deny how Kyra was happy and right at home right now. Her smiles and gestures were genuine. She signed autographs, took photos, and interacted with each and every fan.

  “I can't picture Mom doing this,” Andrew muttered. “I mean, the meet and greets. She always loves being the center of attention. Kyra's not doing this for attention. She's doing it for the real love of music.”

  Andrews statement proved that he definitely had Kendra on his mind, and even though he'd been handling the situation very well, Matt still waited for the breakdown. Something. Did Andrew really anticipate this and make himself okay with the possibility? Maybe he was worrying himself over nothing at all, but in the back of his mind, Matt played scenarios over and over.

  “Just because you've been cleared doesn't mean you should be back in music,” one man snapped, edging toward Kyra.

  Andrew squeezed Matt's arm in alarm, but before anything happened, two security officers approached the burly man and escorted him off the premises. Glad they got that situation contained quickly, because Matt had been about to spring into action.

  Visibly shaken, Kyra returned to a sitting position. Taryn handed her a bottle of water as another security guard stooped beside her. She drank a few sips from the bottle, then nodded at the man. Matt could only guess their conversation. Andrew still clutched his arm. “Are you all right, Andrew?”

  “Yeah, but that scared me. I thought that man was gonna do something to Kyra.”

  So did Matt, actually, and he very well could have. Thankfully, her team acted fast.

  There were about eight more people in front of them. Kyra didn't see her fans directly until they approached the table, because the line came in at an angle, so it was perfect when Andrew walked up to her first and Kyra glanced up. “Andrew!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide.

  Matt made his move. “So, how do your two biggest fans get in on a picture with our favorite country star?”

  “Matt!” Her smile widened. “Come on over here, both of you!” She faced Taryn. “Were you in on this?”

  “Nope. I only spotted them a few minutes ago, but Matt swore me to secrecy.”

  As he and Andrew surrounded Kyra for a photo, Matt whispered in her ear. “Do you think I'll get escorted away if I kiss you? You were phenomenal on stage tonight, by the way. The whole show was fantastic. Between Bare My Soul and The Other Half of this Heart, you made me a little teary-eyed again. Congratulations, and a job well done.”

  *****

  “How tired are you?” Kyra clung to Matt after the meet and greets were over. Taryn and Andrew were long gone, both off to their hotel rooms. Andrew had a small suite of his own just off Kyra and Matt's room, and that had actually been by his choice, because he said he didn't want to be around their mushiness 24/7.

  “Exhausted, but I think I'm fueling off your adrenaline, so I have this rush, too,” Matt responded.

  “I know we have to be up in a few hours, but if you're willing, I want to take you somewhere.” Kyra's eyes lit up as she curled against him on their bed. “I was going to come in and see if I could wake you up, but your surprise was much needed. Between you two and Taryn, I got through the first meet and greet in ages!”

  “I'll go with you anywhere, but what in the world is open in New Orleans at just after midnight other than bars?”

  She smiled sweetly. “This isn't my first visit in the city, but it's our first together, and I want to take you somewhere. Trust me, there's places open. I was a little too young to experience some of this the last time.”

  Matt held her close before claiming her lips. “All right. Let's do it.”

  “Okay, but tonight, I'm going in disguise as a redhead, and my name is Kay.” Kyra had several different wigs, ensembles, and things put together for making herself unrecognizable. If she mixed up her outfits, no one would figure out it was her. She'd made that mistake once, keeping pretty much the same disguise and being followed around when trying to have a little normal. This time, she'd been prepared.

  “Kay?” Matt's eyes widened.

  Giggling, Kyra pulled out tonight's outfit and quickly dressed. When she put on her wig and came out of the bathroom, she stopped in front of the bed. “Hi there, Matt. Want a late night hookup?” She used a low, throaty tone, full of seduction.

  He sat up and ran a hand along her arm. “I'm intrigued, Kay.”

  She climbed up on the bed and straddled him, sliding her arms around his neck before pulling his face close for a kiss. “Yeah? How intrigued?”

  Boy, did he show her just how intrigued. Kyra was surprised no one knocked on their door, even though they tried to be quiet so they wouldn't scar Andrew for life. That proved to be quite difficult, but points for them, because at least he didn't come knocking. Phew!

  An hour later, holding hands, Kyra led Matt towards the doors of Snake & Jake's Christmas Lounge.

  “Christmas?” he whispered. “There's a wreath on the door!”

  Kyra giggled. “I know, Christmas in June, but this place is neat. I wanted to show you a little piece of the world everywhere we go. Figure we could grab a drink, enjoy the atmosphere, and have a little quiet time.”

  “You won't get a complaint from me, Kay.” Matt winked.

  She loved the way he enhanced her suggested name. Matt was having way too much fun with this.

  “This place looks old and beat up,” Matt c
ommented just before they stepped inside. “So what made you decide to bring me here?”

  “Ahh, but looks are deceiving. Just you wait.” She hadn't actually been inside. The last time Kyra was in New Orleans, she was underage, but she'd seen photos and had heard things. So tonight, it would be neat to share this first experience with Matt, especially because he'd never been here either.

  “Oooh, dark and spooky,” he murmured against her ear once they settled down in a booth. They were so touchy feely, it reminded Kyra of two crazy in love teenagers. She loved it.

  “Oh, will you stop it?” Kyra swatted his shoulder playfully. The room was dark, only lit up by Christmas lights which shone an eerie red all over the place. It wasn't a fancy place, not even in the least, but she loved the atmosphere already. Quiet. Secluded. Exactly what she and Matt needed.

  “You were right. This place is better than I thought it would be.” Calloused fingers closed over hers. “Wanna make out, Kay?”

  She gasped in mock horror. “Make out? On our first date? What kind of woman do you take me for?”

  “Mine,” Matt growled, leaning in closer to claim her lips for a kiss. “I like this role playing.” His tone was husky and seductive in her ear. “Make sure you bring all of these disguises home.”

  Kyra's loud snort drew attention from several of the other shadowy figures in the lounge. “I love you,” she murmured after calming down.

  “You won't make out on our first date, but you move to the I love you's?” Matt teased, curling an arm around her shoulders. “You were right. This place is just what we needed. I can't even explain it. Maybe it's just that for a little while, I get you all to myself.”

  After an hour of talking about everything and nothing and splitting a beer, Kyra and Matt left the bar. Outside, the air was balmy and warm.

  “Who would have thought that little hole in the wall place would pack such an experience? Thank you for opening my eyes to the world.” Matt stopped her in her tracks by setting his hands on her shoulders. “I was about to question your sanity when we headed into this area, but you surprised me.”

  “Sometimes the best things are hidden,” Kyra mused, melting into Matt's arms. Fatigue consumed her, as the adrenaline rush from day one wound down. They wouldn't have much time to sleep, but she wouldn't trade tonight for anything.

  “Kyra...” Matt's voice fell in a quiet tone. “I've been wanting to-”

  Whatever thought he was about to finish was interrupted by a loud boom, which turned out to be a car backfiring before it died completely. Instead of finishing the conversation, and going back to the hotel to get some sleep, Matt and Kyra spent the next hour helping a stranger fix the problem with her car, but she had a feeling about what Matt wanted to say. For some reason, Kyra couldn't get the idea out of her head that Matt had been about to propose.

  Maybe it was wishful thinking.

  Chapter Seven

  Five AM came way too early, but it was worth it. Matt could catch up on sleep some other time. He wanted the most out of this week with Kyra, and he'd been doing well at getting it.

  “You don't even act like you slept two hours,” he grumbled at Kyra as she grabbed her bag. She was already rearing to go.

  “It takes a lot of practice, believe me.” She kissed him. “Last night was so fun, though.”

  Sliding an arm around her waist, Matt murmured against her lips. “Yes, it was.” Except for the part where he almost proposed before an interruption killed the moment.

  Someone knocked on the front door just as Andrew entered through the connected door joining their suites. Quiet moment over. Matt let go of Kyra so she could deal with whoever was at the door, and he checked with Andrew that he had everything together before they were to check out.

  “What? What do you mean you don't know where he is?” Kyra's voice was shrill. Uh oh. That didn't sound good at all.

  “I have everything,” Andrew said to Matt, though he was paying more attention to what was happening with Kyra.

  “Good, bring it in here.”

  As Andrew retreated to his room to get his stuff, Matt tentatively headed toward Kyra. “What's going on?”

  “Nobody knows where Marty is. He was upset last night after thinking he saw his brother again, and now he's not in his room this morning,” Kyra informed him.

  Randy and Chris stood on the other side of the door, both of them with a worried frown. “He's never like this. Whatever the deal is with his brother, it's got Marty very shaken up.” Randy ran a hand through his hair. “I mean, you've seen him recently. I don't have to tell you, but I guess I'm just rambling.”

  “Have you tried calling him?” Matt rested his hands on Kyra's shoulders.

  “Yep. Several times.”

  Kyra shuffled her feet. Times like this made it difficult for her to stay still, even when Matt tried to help her remain calm. “Now would be the best time to tell me this is a prank and that I can calm down.” Her tone was full of distress.

  “I might be a crazy prankster, but hate to say it, this one isn't a prank,” Randy muttered. “I'm genuinely worried about him. The whole thing with seeing his brother everywhere has us concerned, and then the breakup with Angie...”

  “Okay, let's not panic yet. Think of where he could be. Check all around the hotel. Check the tour buses. Keep calling his phone.” Matt played the role of 'Stay Calm' well. The last thing he wanted was to see Kyra freak out, because she'd been wanting this tour to run flawlessly. Granted, things like that never happened, but he understood her desperate need to have things run the right way for once.

  “I didn't think of checking the bus.” Chris snapped his fingers. “I'll do that now.” He darted off before anyone said another word.

  “I'll go do one more check around, but I'll also grab everyone's bags and get them to the buses. I know we're supposed to leave soon...” Randy shot an apologetic glance at Kyra.

  “I really hope he's okay.” Kyra trembled.

  Randy took off, promising that he'd keep them updated. Matt pulled Kyra in his arms. She laid a hand flat against his chest. “I'll take our stuff to the buses, too, and see if I can help find Marty. You stay calm. You're shaking. We'll find him. It'll be okay, Kyra.”

  “I know. I just get a little high strung sometimes when everything starts to shift from good to panic mode.”

  “I know. It's my job to reassure you.” He kissed her gently. “I'll be back. Andrew? I'm taking your bag to the bus! Stay here with Kyra, okay?”

  “Sure, Dad.” Andrew pulled his ear buds out.

  Matt grabbed their bags and headed down the hallway, hoping this situation would be taken care of rather quickly.

  *****

  “Hey, Kyra? Can I get your opinion on something? I know it might not be the right time, but I'm not ready to share this with Dad yet.” Andrew approached her. “Figured I'd ask while we're the only ones around.”

  “Always! What's up?” She eyed him curiously.

  Andrew handed her a slightly crumpled piece of paper. “I started writing lyrics. I was hoping at some point, maybe you'll help me create a song. I'm just learning and want some input from you.”

  Touched, Kyra took the paper from him. Penned with fairly legible writing, Kyra noted the lyrics were about the situation with his mom. Tears slid down her cheeks as she got to the end. What deep, poignant lyrics. Heartfelt. “Andrew-” Her voice choked up, and Kyra couldn't finish a coherent thought at the moment.

  “Before, when I got really upset, I acted out. I don't want to go down that road again, so I thought I'd try to put to words, and hopefully music, how I feel. Her first abandonment hurt. I should have seen this coming, but I didn't. I guess good for her that she's got everything the way she wants it, but it really sucks.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, blowing wisps of too long bangs from his eye. “I kinda have an idea about how I want it to sound, but I've never paired lyrics and a melody together.”

  “I'd love to help you. This is really good, A
ndrew. I'm glad you're finding better ways to get out how you feel.” She set the paper down. “I'm gonna do that crazy adult hugging thing, so get ready.” Kyra bear-hugged him.

  “Did I make you cry, or are you stressed over this morning's chaos?”

  “Both.” Letting go of Andrew, Kyra wiped her eyes. “Your words touched my heart. Thank you for trusting me with your special project.”

  “You're the first person I thought of when I decided to have them put to music.” Andrew picked up his lyrics and folded them back up. “One day, I might put this on a CD. I've been toying with the idea of actually pursuing a career in music. Despite how Dad feels and what Mom did, I still have a draw to it.”

  “I understand.” Kyra patted the bed, inviting Andrew to sit beside her as she crossed her legs. “So you want to sing, too? It's more than wanting to play guitar?”

  Passion shone in his eyes as he nodded. “I don't know if I'm good enough to sing professionally, but I can't deny how much I love jamming on stage with the guitar. I've also been writing poems for years, but I've never told anyone that.”