Tequila Haze (The Tequila Duet Book 1)

by Melissa Toppen

  “Hello.” I try to keep the nervousness from my voice as I answer.

  I don’t know why I’m nervous all of a sudden. Scratch that. Yes I do. It’s because he’s Hudson and he always makes me nervous.

  “Hey.” His voice is a little hoarse but damn does he sound good.

  “Hey.” I smile around the word, closing my eyes before reopening them slowly. “You didn’t have to call.”

  “I missed your voice too,” he cuts me off before I can reply. “Fuck, I miss every single thing about you. What are you doing to me, Miss Claire?”

  “I could ask you the same thing.” I giggle. “How was the show?”

  “It was good. Hot as hell. I’m pretty sure I lost ten pounds in sweat.”

  I chew on the inside of my cheek, the thought of Hudson’s incredible body dripping with sweat as he dominates the stage is a vision too sweet not to take a minute to imagine.

  “But you loved every second of it.”

  “You know I did.” He chuckles low. “There’s still days I wake up and feel the need to pinch myself. It all still seems so surreal.”

  “You deserve it, Hudson. Seriously, you are so unbelievably talented.” I pause. “Congrats on the album sales by the way. I saw this morning that you’re now at number four overall on iTunes. That’s incredible, Hudson.”

  “Thanks. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. We’re dropping the next single in a couple days. I’m eager to see how that will affect the overall album sales.”

  “I give it a week and you’ll be sitting at number one.”

  “I don’t know that I would go that far. But number four? For a debut album? Never in a million years did I see that coming.”

  “Do you find that you’re getting more recognition since the album has been doing so well?”

  “I’ve noticed a difference at shows. There’s more buzz surrounding me than there had been. Not to mention I went from having one song that people knew, to now most of the audience is singing nearly every song right along with me.”

  “I can’t imagine how that feels.”

  “Pretty fucking incredible.” His happiness is portrayed in his tone and it makes me ecstatic. “I wish you could come to a show.”

  “I have been to a show,” I remind him.

  “I know. But this would be different. You could watch the show from the side of the stage, meet the guys, get a feel for how everything works. It really is quite the experience.”

  “Where are you after Colorado?”

  “We have two shows in Texas after that. One in Houston and one in Dallas.”

  “Are you going to visit family while you’re there?” I ask, knowing that Austin isn’t that far from Houston.

  “I have a day off after Houston but I’m not sure what the game plan is. The last I heard my parents and Kelly are coming to the show. Colton arranged to have tickets held for them so I’ll probably catch dinner with them or something afterward.” He pauses for a long moment. “You should come.”

  “To Texas?” I squeak.

  “Why not? You could fly here. We could get a room together. We don’t head to Dallas until Sunday morning so we’d have Friday night and the whole day Saturday together. Then you could meet my family. It’s only fair considering I’ve met yours.”

  “Um, I’m not sure I’m ready to meet your parents,” I admit.

  “Why not?”

  “Because. What if they don’t like me?”

  He laughs, the deep vibration sending chills straight through me.

  “There’s no way they won’t like you. Besides, it wouldn’t matter one damn bit if they didn’t. Wouldn’t change how I feel about you.”

  “You say that now,” I tease.

  “Come to Houston.”

  “When’s the show?” I ask, not able to deny how amazing it would be to get to see him.

  “Next Friday.”

  “I don’t know if I could get off work. We have so much going on right now and the beach house is so close to being done.”

  “All I hear are a bunch of excuses,” he teases. “Come to Texas.”

  “I’ll think about it,” I promise, not really sure if there’s anything to think over. When Country Star Hudson James asks you to come to Texas to stay the night with him and meet his family, you go to Texas.

  “I’ll have Colton pick you up at the airport and keep you company if you get here early. It’s usually difficult for me to slip away right before a show.”

  “I said I’d think about it, not that I’d come,” I repeat, a smile on my lips.

  “Let me know when you find a flight that works. I’ll buy your ticket.”

  “I can afford a ticket if I choose to come and that’s a big if,” I cut in.

  He chuckles. “You’ll be there.”

  “You sound awfully sure of yourself,” I tell him.

  “If you think about me even a fraction of how often I think about you, there’s no way you won’t make it happen.”

  “I see, so you’re testing me then.” I laugh.

  “Maybe.” The humor in his voice is undeniable. “Alright, babe. I’m gonna let you get some sleep. I’ve got a few things to wrap up before I have to be back on the bus.”

  “Okay,” I say, trying my best to mask my disappointment but not sure how successful I am.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow, yeah?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Dream sweet, Lennon.” And the call ends.

  Letting out a loud sigh, I stare up at the dark ceiling for about sixty seconds before I peel myself out of bed and cross the room to where my laptop is charging on my dresser.

  Disconnecting the power cord, I’m back in bed seconds later, the computer powering up in my lap. It takes me all of five minutes to find a flight to Houston that’s scheduled to arrive at four p.m. next Friday which will give me plenty of time to make it to Hudson’s show.

  Shooting off a quick email to Mr. Barrett and Emma explaining I’m going to take next Friday off work, I purchase the plane ticket before I really give myself time to think about it.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “You made it.” Colton smiles when he sees me approaching.

  “I did. Though given the amount of turbulence we experienced, I wasn’t sure I was going to,” I admit, my nerves shot after what was probably one of the worst flights of my life.

  I’m not a huge flier to begin with. It’s something I don’t do often and today was proof of why. If the turbulence and the fact that I had convinced myself we were going to crash wasn’t enough, I also happened to be sandwiched in the middle seat between a man who did not believe in deodorant and a woman who talked to herself almost the entire time.

  “Welcome to Texas,” he announces and only then do I remember that this is his and Hudson’s home state.

  “Thank you.”

  “Here, let me get that for you.” Colton slides my duffel bag off my shoulder and slings it over his own. “Come on, I parked in temporary parking. We should probably get our asses outside before they tow me.” He chuckles, leading me through the airport to the double doors that exit to the outside.

  “So, is personal chauffeur in your job description now too?” I tease when he opens the door to a shiny blue pickup truck and gestures for me to climb in.

  “Hudson’s bitch,” he announces, climbing into the driver’s seat next to me. “Gonna have that shit tattooed on my forehead I think.” He laughs, firing the engine to life before shifting into gear.

  “Thanks for picking me up, Colton,” I say as he speeds out onto the street.

  “One of the better parts of my job.” He throws me a lopsided smile before turning his gaze back to the road.

  “What is it you do exactly? I mean, besides being the bitch.” I giggle.

  “Well, back in the day I considered myself more management material. But when Hudson got signed the label insisted on assigning him a manager of their choosing.”

  “Jerry,” I confirm.

  “Jerr
y.” He nods. “Hudson wanted to keep me around. I think he liked knowing there would be someone on his team that would always look out for his best interests. I mean, he’s been my best friend since birth. Someone’s gotta be around to take care of his ass. So when he signed, part of his deal was that I was given an official position on his team. Hence, Hudson’s bitch. Though the label refers to me as something a little more dignified.”

  “He’s lucky to have you.” I settle back into my seat, finally starting to relax a little.

  “Damn straight he is.” He looks my way briefly, humor tugging at the features of his handsome face.

  I don’t know why I never noticed, or maybe I did and was just too blinded by Hudson to really see, but Colton is really quite good looking. Strong jaw, soulful gray eyes, the smallest amount of scruff running down his neck. He really is pretty easy on the eyes. Especially wearing ripped jeans, Converse, and an old vintage Johnny Cash shirt. If there wasn’t a Hudson I could totally see myself being interested in someone like Colton. Though I didn’t feel that way the first time I met him.

  I know he and Emma hit it off instantly that night, though she seemed convinced he was a player. I wasn’t so sure back then, but now, sitting here looking at him, it’s clear he definitely has that vibe. There’s just something about him that screams playboy.

  “So what’s the game plan?” I ask after several bouts of silence stretch between us.

  “Hudson has a radio appearance and two magazine interviews that will likely back him up pretty close to show time.” He glances to the clock on the dash that reads just after five.

  “And what time does the show start?” I ask.

  “Opening band goes on at seven. Hudson will be on right around eight-thirty. His set will last about an hour.”

  “And his parents?” I question, a nervous knot forming in the pit of my stomach.

  “They are going to be in the stands so you probably won’t meet them until after the show.”

  “And where will I be?” I question.

  “Backstage with me.” He grins. “Hudson wanted to look over and see you there, not spend the whole night searching for you in the crowd.”

  “That’s kind of sweet,” I say more to myself than to Colton, trying to hide the ridiculous smile that threatens to take over my whole face.

  “Jesus, you two...” Colton seems to pick up on my reaction despite my attempt to play it cool.

  “Pardon?” I turn in his direction.

  “Y’all are fucking nauseating.” He shakes his head, biting back a smile.

  “How so?” I shift in my seat so I can see him better, adjusting my seat belt as I do.

  “It’s nothing.” He shakes his head.

  “Well you said something so clearly it’s not nothing.”

  “I never thought I’d see the day when my lifelong best friend would have his balls completely twisted by a girl. And I sure as shit didn’t expect to be sitting next to said girl watching her go all starry eyed over something he said.”

  “You say it like it’s a bad thing.”

  “Not a bad thing. Hudson’s family. My brother. Blood or not. The only thing I want is for him to be happy. I just didn’t think he’d be such a pussy when the right girl finally came along.”

  “You think I’m the right girl?” I blurt out.

  “Hudson does. That’s what matters.”

  “But what do you think?” I ask, getting the feeling he’s holding back on me.

  “Look, I don’t know you that well, so it’s hard for me to say one way or another. What I do know is that Hudson’s got it bad over you. I just hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Hudson doesn’t live the average lifestyle. He travels a lot, is around countless women all vying for his attention. He doesn’t have room in his life for someone who can’t handle that. And he’s really into you, Lennon. I worry that once you see what life with him will really be like, you’re going to bolt and I don’t want to see him get hurt because you can’t stand being under the spotlight with him.”

  “I’m not going to hurt him, Colton. If anything, he’ll hurt me. I’m in this. One hundred and ten percent. The only way I won’t be is if he doesn’t want me here.”

  “That’s good to hear.” He visibly relaxes. “You hungry? We’ve got a little time to kill before the show.”

  “I could eat.” I straighten in my seat as Colton turns into the busy parking lot of what appears to be a bar and grill.

  “Come on. Now that we’ve got the heavy out of the way, let’s go grab a drink and a burger as big as your head.” He parks, killing the engine.

  “Big as my head?” I question, laughter in my voice.

  “You think I’m joking.” He winks, hopping out of the truck.

  —-

  It’s nearly eight o’clock by the time Colton and I arrive at the stadium where the concert is taking place. As anxious as I was to get here, I knew Hudson was busy and I wouldn’t get to see him until later, so I enjoyed my time with Colton.

  After our little talk in the truck things seemed to shift and he was much more relaxed with me. As we ate our burgers, which quite literally were nearly the size of my head, and had a couple drinks, the conversation was easy and I found myself laughing through most of it.

  I understand now why Colton and Hudson are so close. They really are similar in a lot of ways. It almost makes me sad that he and Emma didn’t work out. Not that I don’t love Robert, I do, but growing up we always dreamed we’d end up marrying brothers, or at the very least best friends. We’d all be super close and our children would grow up to be best friends as well.

  It’s silly when you think about it. Things have a way of working out the way they’re supposed to in the end. I doubt Emma could have found what she found with Robert with anyone else. Those two are a match made in heaven.

  “Here, you’ll need this,” Colton says after parking the truck in the private back lot of the arena.

  I look up to see his hand extended, a laminated pass hanging from the lanyard dangling from his finger.

  “Thanks,” I say, quickly sliding it over my head, looking down at the way the bright lettering stands out against my dark shirt.

  After we ate, Colton took me to the hotel where I’ll be staying with Hudson for the next two nights. I was able to drop my bag off and freshen up before changing into a swoop neck, sleeveless black top, dark skinny jeans, and casual black heels.

  After the way I was sweating on the plane it was a relief to have some time to put myself together. Though Colton only gave me ten minutes to change, brush my teeth, and apply a quick, light layer of mascara and gloss before he was dragging me back out of the room.

  “We’ll go through two rounds of security before they let us into the back. Hudson should be there so you might get to see lover boy before he hits the stage.” He follows it up with a dramatic kissing noise.

  “You are too much.” I laugh, not waiting for him as I open the door and quickly slide out of the vehicle.

  Colton leads me to a locked back door guarded by two large individuals who inspect our passes quite thoroughly before letting us inside. We go down a long hall, to the right, and down another hall before we reach another security area. The two guards working this station must be with the tour because they take one look at Colton and wave us through.

  Hudson’s dressing room is the last one on the left, sitting directly across from the door that reads Travis Travers, printed on a large white piece of paper.

  “What do you think would happen if I knocked on his door right now?” I ask Colton in a way of a joke, pointing to Travis’ room.

  “He’s a cool enough dude. Though I think if Hud found out you knocked on Travis’ door before his, he might be a little salty.”

  “You think so?” I scrunch my nose, having a hard time envisioning Hudson jealous.

  “Oh I know so.” He shakes his head before reaching up and wrap
ping on Hudson’s door.

  “Yeah?” comes from the other side of the door. Listening to Hudson over the phone is nice, but in person is the absolute best.

  “It’s me,” Colton says seconds before pushing the door open and ushering me inside.

  My eyes connect with Hudson who’s lounging on a couch along the back wall, his phone in his hand like he was in the middle of texting or calling someone.

  He drops the device the instant he sees me and springs to his feet.

  “About fucking time,” he grumbles, wrapping his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. “I was just about to message you.”

  “We didn’t know how long your interview would run so I took Lennon for a bite to eat and to the hotel to change,” Colton explains.

  “Trying to move in on my girl?” Hudson says over my head, looking at his best friend.

  “Just seeing that she’s taken care of.” He chuckles. “I’ll be outside waiting when you’re ready for me to take her to the stage.” Seconds later the door latches closed. Hudson’s hands move to my shoulders, guiding me a few inches backward so he can look down at me.

  “My god. I’m gonna be absolute shit tonight.” His eyes scan my face before taking me in all the way to my toes. “No way am I gonna be able to focus knowing you’re just feet from me, looking like this, and it will be hours before I can touch you.”

  “You could touch me now if you’d stop talking already.” I smile, wrapping my arms around the back of his neck.

  “I’m so happy you’re here.” He brushes my hair over my shoulder before his hand finds my jaw.

  “I’m so happy to be here.” I smile. “Now shut up and kiss me.”

  “As you wish.” He smirks, his lips meeting mine in an instant.

  The kiss is gentle, slow and sweet. And while I love every second of it, I need more.

  Tightening my grip on his neck, I press against him, wanting to feel his hard body touching mine all over. It doesn’t take much convincing either. As soon as Hudson realizes I want more, he gives me more.