Chris squeezed her hand “I want to show you something.” He pointed at his face. It took her a few to realize what he wanted to show her.
“You sap,” she giggled. Chris had tears in his eyes.
“It's the influence, I'm telling you. She looks so happy. After everything, Melody deserves it.
“You deserve happiness, too.” Taryn toyed with a lock of his hair.
“I've finally found happiness. Right here.” He cupped her face. “I don't have to drift any more. Where you are is where I belong.”
“You and this sentimental side,” she choked up.
“I promise to throw some sarcasm in there every once in a while. We'll always mix it up. Do you think the ending of our story should be- and the drummer boy and drummer girl lived sarcastically ever after?”
A laugh vibrated through her. “I think it's a great ending. But maybe instead of an ending, it should be a continuation. I, for one, want to see how this story continues.”
“I'd say in a few minutes, it'll continue by wowing everyone with our dance moves.” Chris pointed. “I'll be right back. I'm going to dance with my sister.”
Taryn couldn't quit smiling as Chris swept his sister across the dance floor in a moving dance. The room lit up with applause.
“So I hear my best friend and her boyfriend have some dance moves they want to show off.” Kyra flashed a wild grin at Taryn. “Yes, people talk, so of course I'm going to spotlight you two. Get out on that floor and show us what you've got.”
Everyone laughed. Heat rushed to Taryn's cheeks. She'd get Kyra for that. Chris headed her way.
“May I have this dance? By the way, it was me. I told her to do that.”
“Payback, drummer boy. Payback.” Taryn smirked. Oh, but she loved this whole thing.
“Bring it on, beautiful. I'll enjoy every damn minute of it as long as I get to keep you around.”
They waited for the music to begin, eyes only for each other. Then Kyra launched into a tune, one in the same tempo as what Chris and Taryn danced to the other week. There were probably tons of cameras and videos set on them right now, but she ignored the flutter of nerves and focused on Chris. His eyes were full of love the entire time.
Like a sweet summer dance
beneath a sky full of stars
there's a twinkle in your eye
and a spark lit up in mine
Love looks good on you
like a shimmery glow of moonlight
It started with a curious mind
like a field full of seeds
it bloomed into a wildflower
against the backdrop of a blue sky
You know you're not casual
You're a bright spot in people's life
There's nothing casual about you
Everything you are brings out the best in me
One day I hope you believe
in the strength you carry, in the potential you seek
It's always been there
Love grows from the simplest things
It feels like this story is just about complete
It started with a curious mind
like a field full of seeds
it bloomed into a wildflower
against the backdrop of a blue sky
You know you're not casual
You're a bright spot in people's life
There's nothing casual about you
Like a sweet summer dance
beneath a sky full of stars
You're a bright spot in people's life
There's nothing casual about you
When the song ended, he stooped to kiss her. “I love dancing with you, Taryn McAllister.”
“I want to know where you learned that!” Blaine rushed over to them. “Your dance was so moving. I want to incorporate those kind of dances into my studio!”
Taryn and Chris exchanged a smile. “We knew you'd say that.”
“What do you say we get back on that floor and do it again?” Chris asked Taryn. “Let's give Harmony's Echo something to talk about!”
“As if they don't have enough already? Let's do it!” Taryn agreed, heading back to the middle of the dance floor as Kyra launched into another tune.
*****
Two Weeks Later
“Harmony's Echo's very own Baby Stetson is going to be touring with Kyra Sanders this summer. It's been a pleasure to watch this band grow. From highs and lows, this small town is proud to be home to several members, and we're excited for your next venture. Good luck on your tour, not that you'll need it. Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for Baby Stetson!”
A thunderous roar of approval enhanced the band's energy. Chris stood in the front row and watched his girl pound the drums. He'd gone again to Kansas for another round for Lissy, this time bringing with him an advanced autographed CD from Kyra. They'd talked about a lot of different things, and she'd told Chris that even if Bridgette didn't keep in contact with them, that she wanted to get to know her brother and sister. He showed her pictures of Melody's wedding and the video of the dance with Taryn.
Bridgette hadn't said much else on the subject of what happened next, so Chris left it alone. She'd either work through her feelings, or she wouldn't, but he wouldn't let it drag him down any longer.
Taryn looked damn good up there, back in the zone with music. He couldn't wait to have time together alone tonight after not being able to see her most of the week.
“I love it when things work out!” Matt yelled over the roar of the crowd. “Look at them. They're going to do great on Kyra's comeback tour!'
“Me too, man. Me too,” Chris replied, watching the stage. The skies were clear, but the winds today were ferocious. Another gust of wind ripped through the area. Panic seized him when a nearby tent went flying toward the stage at an alarming rate. “Whoa! Everyone get out of the way!”
Shouts and screams rang out as panic filled the crowd. The music stopped, and all hell broke loose. From the corner of his eye, Chris noted that the band rushed off stage just as the tent slammed into the instruments. Damn. That thing had missed them by mere seconds. He searched for Taryn and sighed with relief when he spotted Randy aiding her off stage.
“That was one hell of a close call!” Matt ran alongside Chris.
“That it was. The wind is not on our side today. I hope nobody was hurt.” In a structure far enough away from the stage, Matt and Chris caught up with the band. “Everyone okay?”
“Startled, but good. Never a dull moment out here, huh?” Avery quipped. “That could have been a disaster.”
“Do you know if anyone was hurt?” Taryn asked breathlessly. Chris hurried to her side, damn grateful to see her unharmed.
“Not that we know of. People seemed to move out of the way quick.” He grasped her hand. “Nice five minute show you all played today. That damn thing missed you guys by seconds.”
“I saw it coming and just about had a panic attack. It barely missed some people's heads! It reminded me that crazy things happen to everyone.”
“Well, I'd hoped to see a lot more of your performance today,” Kyra's manager, Landon, said as he entered the covered structure. The wind continued to howl outside. “But I've seen enough to know. I would be very interested in signing Baby Stetson to my team. I would be working closely with you this summer on the Bare My Soul tour already, so I think it's high time I make this official.”
Everyone burst into squeals and screams. Even the guys were throwing high fives, fist bumps, and fist pumps.
“I can't believe it!”
“This is amazing!”
“What an opportunity!” Everyone cheered, and some even cried at the same time. This was a big moment. Pride spread in Chris' chest for everyone. They'd been working toward this for a long time, and now things were going in the right direction.
He pressed a kiss to Taryn's lips, and they exchanged a smile.
“We'll sit down and have a formal meeting soon, but I didn't want to leave today with
out you knowing. I've had my eye on you since the benefit concert.” Landon shook everyone's hand. “Welcome to MCL Management!”
“This is … I don't even know what to say!” Avery brushed her hair away from her face.
“I can't even breathe right now!” Melody added, on the verge of hyperventilating. Jameson slid an arm around his wife, but he also trembled from excitement.
“Time to celebrate!” Marty thrust his hand in the air. “Bring on the summer tour!”
After a lot of celebrating together that night, Chris and Taryn sat on the steps of the pool at Kyra's, finally having some quiet time. The water, along with Taryn sitting there, looked damn inviting. Without a word, Chris moved up a step and slid in behind Taryn, rubbing her shoulders. She let out a moan and leaned against him.
“I think after my next trip to Kansas, we're going to go away for a quiet weekend so you can nurse me back to health. What do you say?” he murmured against her ear as he continued to soothe her muscles. “No distractions, and nobody to bother us. We can finish watching The Waltons.”
“I got you hooked. Yes!” Taryn laughed. “You know, I could see all of us on the buses doing the good night thing. Good night, Chris. Good night, Taryn. Good night, Kyra. Good night, Randy.” Her tone lowered and raised as she mimicked different voices.
“That's a tradition we could start. Are you sure you want to ride on Kyra's bus and not with me?” Teasing her earlobe with his tongue, Chris wrapped his arms around her.
“Maybe we'll switch things up a little.” Taryn's tone had a hint of things to come.
“Ahh, I don't care too much. I'm almost looking forward to some time on the road. You know, all part of my plan to live a little. As often as we can, we'll sneak away and go hang out at an arcade and a swimming pool.”
“It's a date,” Taryn mused. “I'll beat you at PacMan in every town.”
“Bring it on, drummer girl.”
The End
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review so other readers can find the same enjoyment out of it.
Watch for the next installment in the Love and Music in Texas series with Skyrocket. (A Love and Music in Texas novella) Kyra Sanders and Baby Stetson join up for the summer tour of a lifetime.
Then in In Perfect Rhythm (Love and Music in Texas #6) comes Marty's story.
If you've been following me on social media, you know this already...But if not, here's the story about how this bonus collaboration scene came to be.
I was writing another country music themed book around the same time as Offbeat. Silly author that I am, I accidentally mention Tucker McGinnis' name in Offbeat, and when I said it on FB, some of my readers were all in for the idea. I figure...why not? I've been looking for a way to cross promote different series of mine, but couldn't find an easy way.
Ding! Queen Of My Heart is a country music story written for the boxed set Love Notes. It also became a series, because ha ha, jokes on me, I apparently can't write a stand alone, though I'm still heavily trying.
Anyway, Tucker McGinnis is another young singer and you can meet him in the first of the Life Won't Wait series, starting with Queen of My Heart. See how it all started for Tucker and his wife Quinn.
Offbeat Bonus scene
ACM awards week
“Am I wearing you out?” Kyra hid a smile at Matt's expression.
“You were talking a mile a minute!” he exclaimed, brushing a kiss against her cheek. “I love hearing all of these ideas though, even if I can't keep up with all of this.”
“Sorry to talk your ear off. I'm just so excited!” Her mind wouldn't stop racing with plans and ideas. This was much worse than an adrenaline rush or caffeine fix.
“And I'm excited for you. I love that you're back where you feel most content.” His words were meaningful and genuine, but something flashed in his eyes. Whatever it was faded quickly. “I'm ready to see you sweep the awards tonight.”
“I love that you're here with me. I thought I'd have to do more convincing.”
Matt pulled her close, and she rested her head on his shoulder. “You made a good argument. The best part- time with you, and I get to see a little more of your world. It's fair.”
“Does that mean you'll take a week off this summer and come along for part of the tour, too?” She straightened again, her tone full of hope.
“You know what happens when you look at me like that?” Matt growled playfully.
“You give in?” Kyra stuck out her lower lip.
“Quit that pouting. I never should have told you about that in the first place,” Matt murmured against her lips. “You win. I'll spend a week on tour with you. I do kind of want to see how the road life is.”
“I promise, it's not all bad.” She cupped his face, running her thumb along his jaw. “I love you, Matt Greer. I can't wait to show you off at the ACM's tonight.”
“You think Andrew will get some autographs on his guitar? He's pretty hopeful.” Matt nodded his head in his son's direction. A few seats over on the small, private plane, Andrew wore headphones and was rocking out to tunes. His eyes were closed as his hands rested on the sides of the seat.
“Betcha he'll get plenty.” She smiled, recalling how ecstatic Andrew was to take this trip. “I'll do my best to find every single person on his must have list.”
“He's looking forward to meeting Tucker McGinnis.”
“I'm looking forward to meeting Tucker!” Kyra exclaimed, goosebumps rolling over her arm at the thought of putting her idea out there to Tucker this afternoon. “Ever since finding out we are being honored tonight for the Country Music Career Milestone award, I've had this idea budding. I still don't know exactly what either of us did to get this award, that will be explained tonight, but it was unexpected.”
“See?” Matt's eyes were full of love. “Didn't I tell you this comeback would be good? I did, didn't I?”
“Don't you play the 'I told you so' card with me. You can do that with your son all you want, but it doesn't work on me,” Kyra tossed back, laughing.
The plane began its decent, bring them one step closer to the excitement.
“Vegas, here we come!” Matt cheered. “Time to watch my girl take her rightful place as Entertainer of the Year!”
“Umm, Matt … I'm not even nominated for Entertainer of the Year.” Kyra giggled.
“No? Well you should be. You entertain me, in more ways than one.” His suggestive wink sent flutters in her belly.
“Maybe so,” she whispered in his ear, “but do you really want me to win an award for some of the ways I entertain you?”
*****
“I'm going to need a second guitar,” Andrew declared in the limo on the way to the awards ceremony that evening. “I don't want to play this one with all these autographs all the time..”
Matt narrowed his eyes. “Is that your way of hinting, boy?” He tried to stay serious, but the sheer excitement on Andrew's face made it hard for Matt to even playfully feign a stern expression. “First it's a tour bus, now a new guitar!” Peeking at Kyra, he pretended to scowl at her, too. “What next?”
“Hey! I warned him not to tell you about the tour bus thing! I tried!” Kyra held up her hands in protest.
“Leave her alone, Dad!” Andrew shook his head, letting out a laugh.
Reaching to hold Kyra's hand, Matt smiled. “I'm glad you've had a good time today, Andrew.” Seeing him happy and excited was one of the best feelings in the world. There were a lot of times he had to shield Andrew from the crappy things in this world, some of them recently, but on days like today, the good definitely rose to the top. He'd downed the music scene so long, not ever realizing how deep the benefits outweighed some of the inexcusable behavior Andrew's mother displayed.
“It's been awesome! Meeting Tucker and actually talking to him for a while, getting autographs from Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, and Eric Church … this is a day to remember. I can't wait to see Kyra on stage tonight. The rehearsal
was really cool. I love all the behind the scenes stuff.” Andrew's voice was full of awe. “Daisy keeps sending me sad faces because she's envious, but she says she's glad this is happening. That was really nice of Tucker to autograph a CD for me to give her. She's going to love it when I give it to her for our six month dating anniversary.”
Six months dating anniversary. Matt stifled a laugh. To be a teenager again.
“He's been dating Daisy longer than we've been together, Matt,” Kyra whispered against his ear.
“Maybe I'll be part of the bets going on!” Andrew exclaimed, shooting a wry grin at Matt. “Place yours now, and I'll ask Daisy to-”
“No!” Matt and Kyra shouted at the same time, laughing as they did.
“Don't even think about marriage, kiddo,” Matt warned. “And no sex, either.
“No way! I was talking about who would say I love you first.” Andrew shook his head, heaving a sigh. “You jump to a lot of conclusions, old man.”
Kyra giggled, and Matt scowled at his son. “Go ahead, call me an old man. I feel old sometimes, but it's all your fault.”
“Whatever. Kyra, even though Dad is an old man, I appreciate you loving him. He kinda acts younger and more fun with you around.”
“You know, Andrew, you aren't earning points towards a second guitar.” Matt pointed a finger at his son.
“Some days I wish I could write sitcom material. You two crack me up. I don't know how well any of this would fit into a song, though.” Kyra kissed Matt's cheek.
“Bet you could ask Quinn. She's an actress. Maybe she has sitcom tips,” he teased. “You know, as a side career.”
“Sure, but I'm using you and Andrew as my inspiration,” Kyra threatened, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
As the limo came to a stop, Matt let go of Kyra and pressed his face up against the window. “That's one huge crowd out there.”
Offbeat (Love and Music In Texas Book 5) Page 34