Careless

by Cheryl Douglas

  Tori was lying on her side smiling at him, the sheet pulled up to her chin when he re-entered the room. “Is this the part where you tell me it’s been fun, but I need to get the hell out now?”

  She was still smiling when she said it, but Mike couldn’t miss the undercurrent of uncertainty in her voice.

  “Just so we’re clear, I don’t ever plan on lettin’ you out of my bed again, sugar.” He climbed in behind her, pulling her against him as he lowered the sheet to press a kiss to her shoulder. “Ever.”

  She giggled. “I guess I should tell the boys to cancel those tour dates then, huh?” She linked her hand with his. “And I’ll just tell my fans that my boyfriend’s decided to hold me captive… make me his love slave.”

  He chuckled. “Sounds good to me.”

  She sighed as her eyes drifted closed. “Tomorrow’s a big day; we should get some sleep.”

  The first day of their tour, and if Mike had his way, the day he closed in on the bastard who seemed determined to torment Tori until he found a way to make his sick fantasy a reality.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tori groaned when the sound of Mike’s alarm clock woke her from a deep sleep.

  “Sorry, hon,” he muttered, reaching for the button to silence the offensive noise. “I must’ve forgotten to turn it off before we fell asleep.”

  She rolled over and buried her face into his chest. The lingering scent of his spicy cologne aroused her all over again. “Hmmm, what time is it?”

  His arms tightened around her. “Does it matter?”

  “Yeah, it does.” She pressed a kiss to his chest. “Things have been so crazy, I haven’t even had a chance to pack yet, and I think Luc wants us to be at the airport by two. Fortunately, we’re takin’ the company plane, so that always makes the trip a little easier.”

  Mike chuckled. “Yeah, imagine the riot. You, Trey, Nikki, and Ty on one airplane together. People would be goin’ crazy.”

  The last thing she wanted was to deal with crazed fans today, especially after her outburst last night. “I guess I’m gonna have to talk to Avery about a statement. People are gonna be demandin’ to know what’s goin’ on between us.” Tori knew a sure-fire way of driving a man away was to start talking to him about commitment, but her fans would expect some answers, and she had to tell them something.

  “Tell them we’re together, we’re happy…” He tightened his arm around her waist. “And we’re gonna stay that way.”

  Tori knew how cynical people were about relationships lasting, especially when it came to famous people. Country artists did seem to have a better track record than most, but given her reputation as a wild child, she knew people would be skeptical. She tipped her head back to look at Mike. “I don’t care what other people think, but I need you to know, all that stuff you read about me datin’ dozens of men, sleepin’ around… it was all B.S.”

  “I know, sweetheart.” He kissed her lips. “Besides, I don’t give a damn about the past. All I care about is the present and the future. That’s what matters to me now.”

  Knowing she’d finally found someone who loved her in spite of herself was more than Tori had ever dared hoped for. “I feel the same way.” She sighed. “I guess I should hit the shower. Looks like I’m gonna be takin’ the walk of shame in my little black dress. Let’s hope we don’t have any reporters camped out in front of your building.”

  “Why don’t you go grab a shower while I make breakfast and see if Victoria has something you can borrow?”

  “Sounds good. Thanks.”

  He grabbed her wrist when she tried to roll out of bed. “I love you.”

  She smiled as she reached up to stroke his cheek. “I love you, too.”

  Mike slipped into a T-shirt and pair of running shorts before he made his way over to his brother’s apartment.

  Jay answered the door, a grin splitting his face. “I’d ask you how it went last night, but thanks to these paper-thin walls, I already know.”

  “Get outta my way,” Mike said, elbowing him aside. “I’m here to see my sister-in-law, not you.”

  Victoria came out of the kitchen, gripping a coffee mug in her hands. She smiled as soon as she saw Mike. Walking toward him, she paused long enough to grip his jaw firmly in her hand. “Do not, I repeat, do not screw this up.”

  “I don’t intend to.”

  “Are you sure?” She narrowed her eyes as though she was trying to gauge his sincerity.

  “Scout’s honor.”

  Jay shoved him from behind. “Shut up, you were never a Boy Scout.”

  Mike laughed and raised his hands when his sister-in-law glared at him. “Okay, you got me, I wasn’t.”

  “I’m serious about this,” Victoria said. “Tori is crazy about you, and if you screw this up I’ll—”

  “I’m in love with her.”

  Victoria’s mouth dropped open before she thrust her coffee mug into her husband’s hands so she could launch herself into Mike’s arms. “I’m so happy for you guys. I knew from the first night I met her that she was the one for you. The way you reacted to her… and she tried to pretend… Oh, listen to me going on. None of that matters now. The important thing is you two are together and we couldn’t be happier for you.”

  Jay came up beside his wife, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Victoria’s right, man. Just do me a favor, treat her right this time.”

  “Trust me, I intend to.”

  “You know it’s not gonna be easy though, with her bein’ on the road all the time.”

  Mike shrugged. “Sierra and Trey make it work. So do Ty and Avery, and J.T. and Nikki. We’ll find a way.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Jay said, smiling. “Can I get you a cup of coffee?”

  “No, thanks, Tori’s in the shower. She just has her dress from last night and—”

  Victoria held her hand up. “Say no more. I’ll grab her a change of clothes.”

  Jay waited for his wife to leave the room before he pointed at his brother. “Listen to me, Tori’s my friend. You hurt her again, and you’re gonna have to answer to me.”

  Mike rolled his eyes. “So much for brotherly love, huh?”

  “Oh yeah, how would you feel if I did a number on Victoria?”

  “I’d have to kick your ass.”

  “I rest my case.”

  “You have nothin’ to worry about. I know how lucky I am to be gettin’ a second chance with Tori.” He smiled when Victoria returned and handed him some clothes and flip-flops. “Thanks, hon.” He kissed her cheek. “I’m headin’ out this afternoon, so I’ll text you guys when we get to Kentucky.”

  Jay opened the door for him. “Any leads on this guy who’s been after Tori?”

  “I’m workin’ a couple of angles. At least I’ll be there to keep an eye on her. I can’t imagine this guy is crazy enough to follow her around the country, but even if he does, I’m on it.”

  “The local police still on the case?” Victoria asked.

  “Yeah, I’ll be in contact with Smith every day. He’s workin’ the case from this end, followin’ up on leads, and if she continues to get calls or letters while we’re on the road, we’ve got it covered.”

  Jay shook his brother’s hand. “I gotta admit, we feel a hell of a lot better knowin’ you’ll be out there with her.”

  “There’s no way I’d let her go out there alone knowin’ this lowlife is out to get her.” He sighed, wishing they didn’t have this cloud hanging over them. He just wanted them to be able to start planning for the future, not wasting their time and energy on a guy who didn’t deserve to breathe the same air as Tori. “Anyways, give my niece a kiss for me when she wakes up. Tell her I love her and I’ll bring a really cool present back with me if she promises to be a good girl for her mama and daddy while I’m gone.”

  Victoria giggled. “You spoil her rotten, Mike.”

  He grinned. “Hey, I’m her uncle. It’s my job.”

  Tori stepped out of the shower and listene
d for the welcome sound of Mike banging around in the kitchen, but there was only deafening silence. She missed him already and they’d only been apart a few minutes. She didn’t know how she’d cope being away from him for months at a time.

  A soft tap on the door made her smile as she stepped out of the shower and secured a towel under her arms. “Who is it?”

  He poked his head in the door, a scowl on his handsome face. “Who the hell do you think it is? You expectin’ company?”

  She laughed before sticking her tongue out at him. “You’re so easy, Lieutenant.”

  “Yeah, well quit messin’ with me and get dressed.” He reached out to pull her into his arms. “I need to feed you and get you home. I have to drop by the station and see Smith before we go to the airport.”

  She rested her head against his chest. “When is this nightmare gonna be over?”

  “Soon, angel, I promise.” He smacked her on the bottom, though the thick terrycloth towel absorbed most of the impact. “Okay, let’s get a move on. The sooner we get to Louisville, the sooner we can check into our hotel room.”

  Tori stood on her toes to press a kiss to his lips. “I can’t wait.”

  “There are some clothes on the bed.”

  “Victoria’s the best.”

  He reached down to kiss her, a smile tugging at the corners of his full mouth. “She’s second best. You’re the best.”

  “Oh, I just realized… I don’t have a toothbrush.”

  Mike nodded toward a bank of drawers lining the center of the double cherry wood vanity. “There should be some new ones in the top drawer.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “You always have to be prepared in case one of your little hook-ups wants to spend the night, huh?”

  He pulled her back against his chest and stared at their reflection in the wall-to-wall mirror above the sink. “Those days are behind me, Tori. In case you didn’t get the message loud and clear last night… you are my future.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s not like me to be this...”

  Mike kissed her neck. “I think you’re cute when you’re jealous.”

  She reached around to slap his arm. “Get out of here so I can get ready.”

  “You want anything special for breakfast?”

  “Surprise me.”

  Tori watched him leave the room, barely able to contain her excitement. He was finally hers. She’d been secretly lusting after this man for four long years, trying to suppress her feelings so his family and their friends wouldn’t feel sorry for her. And now she didn’t have to hide it anymore. She could let the world know how she felt about him.

  She quickly finger dried her hair, brushed her teeth, and slipped into the clothes Victoria lent her before going out to the kitchen to find out what kind of surprise Mike had in store.

  Mike turned away from the stove to admire the black yoga shorts and tank top that fit her like a second skin. He whistled as his eyes traveled down the length of her body and back up again. “Remind me to thank my sister-in-law later.”

  “Behave yourself or we’re never gonna get out of here.” She poured herself a cup of coffee and reached into the fridge for the milk. It felt so right being here with him, starting their day together. She didn’t even want to think about the mornings they would have to be apart. “What’re you makin’ for breakfast?”

  “Omelets.” He reached for his coffee mug and brought it to his lips. “You good with that?”

  “Honey, I eat just about anything. I’m not like those waif creatures you usually go out with. I love my food. I hate it when Rob has to put me through my paces to work it off, but at the time, it always seems worth it.”

  “Who’s Rob?” He set an omelet on each plate as she reached for the toast.

  “My personal trainer.”

  He grunted. “Is he another one of those poor stiffs who follows you around like a dog in heat?”

  “No, he’s engaged to my make-up artist, Dawna.” She carried the plates to the wood and wrought iron table in the middle of the spacious kitchen. “They’re gettin’ married in a couple of months actually.”

  “Good.”

  She laughed. “Now who’s jealous?”

  He looked at her a long time before he said, “I hate feelin’ this way… jealous… insecure. It’s not like me, but when you’re involved with a woman who routinely scores a sweet spot on the world’s most beautiful people list, it kind of does a number on you.”

  Tori gestured to her face. “This is gonna fade in no time. I want a man who’s still gonna love me in twenty years when the lines are deeper and the hair’s grey. Think you can be that guy?”

  “Honey, I love you in spite of the way you look. Not because of it.”

  “Excuse me?”

  He framed her face with his hands, looking serious. “With other women, I always looked at what was on the outside, ’cause I knew I’d hate what I found on the inside. They were all so damn shallow, but you… you’re different.”

  “How so?”

  He sat down on a kitchen chair and pulled her into his lap. “The money you raise for all of those charities, the concerts overseas, the random visits to the children’s hospitals…”

  “I don’t do those things because I expect a pat on the back, Mike. I do them because it’s the right thing to do. I’ve been so blessed in my life. The least I can do is give back.”

  “That’s my point.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “You’re not like any other woman I’ve ever known.”

  She snickered. “Thank God.”

  “I’m serious.” He looked her in the eye a long time before saying, “The women I dated in the past may have been beautiful on the outside, but I’m ashamed to admit there was no depth there. You’re the total package.” He sighed. “And I’m not gonna lie, it kind of scares me.”

  “What’re you sayin’?” Her heart began to pound and her mouth went dry as she held him tighter. If he was having second thoughts about her or them, it would destroy her. She’d already started to build her future around this man. “You’re not sure if this is what you want?”

  He held her tight, burying his face in her neck. “I do want this. I want you.” He released a deep, shuddering breath. “It scares me how much I want this, baby. When you give someone this kind of power over you, you’re givin’ them the ammunition to take you out with a few choice words.”

  She knew he was right because she was right there with him, sharing his fear and uncertainty. Loving someone with your whole heart was a daunting prospect. “What words would those be… just so I never say them?”

  “I don’t love you anymore,” he whispered, bowing his head. “If you ever said that to me, it would kill me.”

  Tori wrapped her arms around Mike and held him tight. Seeing this man, who had always been so fearless, looking so vulnerable because of his feelings for her only made her love him more. “Never gonna happen. I love you. I can’t imagine not lovin’ you.” She framed his face with her hands as she smiled at him. “Unless of course you betray me; then all bets are off.”

  “Wouldn’t think of it.”

  “Good, then we have nothin’ to worry about.” She winced when her cell phone rang. “I should get that. It’s probably Avery. We’re gonna have to come up with a game plan if we don’t want this to erupt into a full-blown scandal. I just don’t want it to take attention away from the tour.”

  “I understand.” He released her so she could get up. “Go ahead, answer it.”

  “Hmmm,” she said when she glanced at the call display. “It’s not Avery. It’s Joe.”

  Mike scowled. “What the hell does he want?”

  “I don’t know. I guess there’s only one way to find out.” She pushed the button to connect the call. “Hey, Joe, what’s up?”

  “Tori, where are you?”

  “I’m at Mike’s place. Why?”

  “Luc needs to see you. He asked me to pick you up and drop you off at his place.”


  Tori grimaced. She had no doubt the big boss wanted to chew her out about her behavior last night. “Fine. I’ll text you with Mike’s address. I can be ready to go in ten minutes, but I’ll need to stop by my place to get changed first.”

  “No problem. See you soon.”

  “I’m sorry, hon, I’m gonna have to pass on breakfast. Luc needs to see me right away.”

  Mike pushed his plate away. “I’ve suddenly lost my appetite, too.”

  She walked toward him. “I’ll see you at the airport this afternoon, okay?”

  He stood up and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve known Luc a long time. He’s a good guy, but he can be a tyrant when someone crosses him. Don’t let him bully you, okay?” He tipped her chin when she didn’t respond right away. “I’m serious. You need to stand your ground with him. You want me to go with you?”

  “No, I’ll be fine. I can handle Luc.” She pressed a kiss to his lips. “But thanks. It’s nice to know you’ve got my back.”

  “Always.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  By the time Mike walked into the airport that afternoon, “no comment” fell from his lips without a second thought. Reporters had been parked outside of his condo building, the police station, even his dry cleaner. Apparently, he and Tori were the big news story of the day, and since Tori obviously hadn’t released a statement to disabuse the press of the notion they were engaged, he wasn’t about to burst their bubble. If people wanted to assume their relationship was built on a promise of forever, he wouldn’t dissuade them because in his mind, it was.

  Naturally, everyone was demanding to know details of the stalker situation. Was Tori in danger? Who was doing this to her? What was her fiancé, the Detective Lieutenant, doing to bring this person to justice?

  Just as Mike was making his way to the appointed meeting area, Derek headed him off at the pass. “Hey, what’re you doin here?”