Sky looked Meg up and down. “I didn’t realize you were in your pajamas already. Were you really going to go to sleep?”
“I normally don’t go to sleep this early, but, yeah. I was going to read for a while.” When he continued to stare at her, Meg said, “You said you wanted to talk. What do you want to talk about?”
He stared at the floor, ran a hand through his light brown, shoulder-length hair and sighed. “I don’t know. I just knew that I wanted to get to know you.”
Meg crossed her arms over her chest. “So what you’re really saying is that you just wanted to get laid.”
Sky’s head snapped up, and his cheeks turned beet red. “What?”
“That’s your reputation. Isn’t that what you do with a different girl in each city?”
“Shit. That was really low.” He turned and began to walk towards the door. “There are plenty of girls back at the party. I could hook up with any of them,” he said over his shoulder.
Meg’s face fell. “Wait! I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. You’re right, that was pretty low.” She walked over to the mini refrigerator under the small desk. “Do you want something to drink?”
Sky stopped in his tracks and turned around. “Sure. What do you have?”
“Slim pickings. Beer or water.”
“I’ll take water,” he said, and watched as Meg leaned down to extract two bottles of water from the refrigerator. Damn, she’s even prettier in her pajamas and without makeup.
Meg tried to hide her surprise at his choice of beverage. He has a reputation for hard partying, but maybe that isn’t really true. As she handed him the bottle of water, her hand brushed his, and it took every ounce of self control not to fall into his arms as the electricity crackled between them. Now what?
After an awkward pause, Meg asked, “Do you want to have a seat? You can have the chair, and I’ll sit on the bed.”
Sky looked around the room, and observed with a sly grin, “That desk chair doesn’t look very comfortable.”
“Oh…umm…,” she sputtered. “Umm…I guess we can both sit on the bed.”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” He sat on the edge of the bed closest to the door, and over his shoulder, asked, “You don’t mind if I take my boots off, do you?”
Meg swallowed hard. “No, I don’t mind,” she said, as she sat on the opposite side of the bed and watched Sky remove his boots before swinging his legs up onto the bed.
“Don’t sit all the way over there. Come here, baby,” he half-whispered, as he patted the mattress.
Her heart pounded as she inched her way over towards him. This is way out of my comfort zone, Meg thought. But why not? It’ll be a story for me to tell one day when I’m old and in a nursing home. My one night stand with country music superstar Sky Johnson.
“Don’t be nervous, baby.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. “It’s okay. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” he said as he ran his fingers through her long hair.
Chills ran up and down Meg’s spine at Sky’s touch, and she involuntarily gasped. “It’s just that it’s been a while for me,” she mumbled.
“Shhh…,” he said, as he eased her back until her head was resting on a pillow. He propped himself up on one elbow and played with a strap on her camisole with his free hand, before leaning in to kiss her again. “You’re so pretty, Meg. So pretty.”
Meg struggled to maintain her composure, but was sure that her heart couldn’t beat any faster. As he leaned in closer, she caught a whiff of his clean, woodsy scent, and thought she would faint with desire. “Sky…” was all she managed to utter before his lips were on hers again.
Sky’s hands began to roam Meg’s body as he shifted his weight on top of her. His lips parted hers, and his tongue began to explore her mouth. “Damn, Meg, you’re so hot,” he whispered in her ear as he nibbled at her earlobe before devouring her neck.
Meg ran her hands over the t-shirt that did nothing to conceal Sky’s taut, muscled body. She held him tight, and a moan escaped her lips as he slid a hand underneath her camisole and grazed her breasts.
Suddenly, he released her and abruptly sat up. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”
“What’s wrong?” Confused, Meg sat up as well, and when he didn’t answer her, she continued. “Is it something I did?”
“No, it’s just…I really meant it before when I said I wanted to talk. And then I acted like a himbo all over again. It just doesn’t feel right with you.”
Meg was dumbfounded. “A himbo? What’s that?”
His face was grim as he turned towards her. “A male bimbo. A gossip rag called me that a couple of weeks ago. And the sad thing is that it’s true. Even you said it before – that I was only here to get laid. I’m trying to shake that reputation, but it’s not easy.”
Meg frowned. “I’m sorry I said that earlier. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
Sky sighed. “Yeah, I’m sure you didn’t. Most people never consider the fact that I might actually have feelings.” He sat up and reached for his boots.
“I’m sorry again,” she repeated. Please stay. Please don’t go.
Sky dropped the boot from his hand and exhaled. He hung his head low, and sat there silently.
“You know, I’m not a fan of the tabloids either,” Meg offered, trying to ease the tension.
“What do you know about them?” Sky swung his feet back up on the bed and collapsed against the pillows. “You have no idea what it’s like.”
“Actually, I do know. Not personally, but my cousin has been the subject of many tabloid stories, and she hates it. I try not to read them, and I don’t believe half of what they print.”
Sky was intrigued. “Your cousin?”
“Yeah. She’s a model. Or at least she was one, until she got married. It’s a long story.”
They lay silently on the bed for a few minutes, with only the sounds of their breathing piercing the silence. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Meg spoke. “You said before that you wanted to talk. I’m happy to listen,” she said, her voice just above a whisper. “It seems like you have a lot on your mind.”
“Yeah,” he said with a sigh. “I’ll be right back.” He jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom.
Sky stared at his reflection. I’ve never talked about this to anyone outside my inner circle. Can I trust her? She seems different than the rest. But, then again, I don’t know her.
He took a swig of mouthwash from the small bottle on the sink, and swished it around his mouth, before spitting it out and rinsing his mouth with water. Jack says I’ve got to talk about it, that it’s the only way I’ll ever be able to deal with the ‘demons’, as he calls them. He knows how bad it was. He was there.
“Jesus, help me,” he whispered, as he ran his hands through his hair. Get a hold of yourself, Sky, he thought. I may as well talk about it tonight. If there ever was a night to talk about it, it’s tonight.
After splashing some cold water on his face and toweling off, Sky took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door. When he returned to the bedroom, he found Meg lying on her side, under the stiff, white hotel sheets.
“Hope I’m not keeping you up,” he said. “I can go if you want me to.”
“No, not at all,” she said in a sleepy voice. “I told you I’d listen to you.”
Sky narrowed his eyes. “Can I trust you?”
“Yes.” Meg shifted her body, propping herself up on one elbow. “I promise.” She peeled back the covers on Sky’s side of the bed, before lying back down. “I promise,” she repeated.
He hesitated as if trying to decide what to do, before removing his socks, t-shirt and belt.
Meg’s eyes grew wide. Good Lord, that chest, those abs, those broad shoulders. I’ve never seen a more gorgeous man in my life. She thought her heart would beat right out of her chest when he climbed into bed and lay down next to her, bare-chested but still wearing his jeans.
He took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. “I don’t know where to start.”
They lay on their sides, facing each other in silence, before Meg finally spoke. “The beginning is usually a good place,” she said, in a soft voice.
CHAPTER FIVE
Sky took another deep breath. “Today’s a tough day for me. It’s the tenth anniversary of my mother’s death.”
Meg reached out to touch Sky’s arm. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
“Of course you didn’t know.”
In a barely-audible voice, Meg asked, “What happened?”
Sky sighed. “It was a car accident. She was broad-sided by drunk driver.” He rolled over onto his back and covered his eyes with his hands as he re-lived the memory that haunted him every day. “I was there. I saw the accident happen. I watched her die. And it was all my fault.”
Meg closed her eyes and shook her head. “I don’t understand. How could it be your fault? You weren’t driving either of the cars.”
“It’s complicated, and a long story.”
Meg reached out, and ran a hand over Sky’s muscled bicep. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. But sometimes it’s good to get things off your chest. I’m here to listen.”
He opened his eyes and stared at Meg. “Thanks.” He took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly before continuing. “Jack and I were seniors in high school. We were playing a gig at a local restaurant, and when we were done and ready to go home, my truck wouldn’t start. Even though it was late, I called my mother and asked her to pick us up.” He covered his eyes with his hands, and the memories rushed back. “I could hear my father yelling in the background at my mother, telling her she should let us walk home, but it was cold and raining that night, and she said she didn’t want us to get sick. My mom and dad’s last conversation was an argument about me. He’s never forgiven me for it.”
“Oh my God,” Meg whispered. “Oh, Sky, I’m so sorry. But still, the accident wasn’t your fault.”
He cut her off. “Yes, it was. If Jack and I hadn’t been out late playing a gig, the accident wouldn’t have happened, and she would still be alive. I killed my mother.” He rolled onto his side and faced Meg. “My father was against me choosing music as a career. He wanted me to go into the family business, and he accused my mother of coddling me and filling me with false hope. The only time they ever fought was when they argued about me. Even though it’s been ten years, and I’ve become a success in the music industry, he’s barely able to hide his contempt for me.”
“I can’t imagine him not being proud of your success. You’ve had a string of number one hits, you’ve won a ton of awards, you’re selling out arenas all across the country…,” Meg replied, reaching out and grazing her fingers across his shoulder. You’re the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I can’t believe I’m lying here, talking to you, in my bed.
“But I’m not back home in Dallas helping run the family business, so I guess I’ll never amount to much in his eyes.”
“Well, maybe your father should let go of the past, and try to mend fences. You know, accept that you’re your own man and acknowledge your success. He should see you and the band in concert some time, and get a first-hand look at the way you captivate 20,000 fans every night.” Meg sighed, before continuing, “He’s the only father you’ll ever have. Life is too short to hold grudges and have bad blood between family members. You should invite him to a show sometime.”
“Maybe one day.” Sky shifted onto his back, and gestured for Meg to move closer. “Come here.” When she snuggled next to him, he wrapped his arms around her. “You’ve got such a…I don’t even know what the right word is,” he said. “You’re so soothing, so easy to talk to. How did you get to be such a good listener?”
“Um…I guess it’s just what I do, part of my training.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a nurse.”
“A nurse?” Sky shifted so he could look Meg in the eyes. “That explains everything.”
“What do you mean?”
“You take care of people for a living.” He brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “And I’m sure you’re good at it, because you’ve taken such good care of me tonight. Thank you.”
Meg smiled as she looked into his eyes. “My pleasure.”
He held her tightly, and although he was aroused, he merely kissed her on top of her head. “So, Nurse Meg, where do you work?”
“Vanderbilt University Medical Center.”
Sky sat up straight, causing Meg to tumble away from him. “What?”
“I work at Vanderbilt.”
“You’re from Nashville?”
“Not originally, but I went to college at Vanderbilt, and was offered a position with the hospital when I graduated.”
Sky pulled Meg back into a tight embrace. I can’t believe you live in Nashville. This is no one-night stand. I’m going to try to have a real relationship for the first time in my adult life. I’m going to see you again.
The cell phone’s loud, shrill ring startled Meg. “What time is it?”
“Shit,” Sky swore, as he looked at the screen of his phone. “Hey, Mac,” he said, as he answered the call. “No, I’ll be down in 10 minutes. Thanks for the wake-up call.” He jumped out of bed, pulled on his socks and boots, and tugged the rumpled t-shirt over his head. “Bus call is in 10 minutes. I’ve got to run.”
“Bus call?”
“Yeah…I’ve got to be on the bus in 10 minutes.” He leaned over the bed, and brushed his lips against Meg’s. “I hate to leave you like this, but I’ll be back in Nashville next week for a two week break from the tour, and I’d like to see you again.”
Meg was surprised by his request. “Oh, umm…”
“Don’t make me beg, Meg,” he said with a chuckle. “What’s your number?”
Sky listened and quickly punched Meg’s number into his cell phone. “I know this is gonna sound terrible, and I’m really sorry, but I don’t remember your last name.”
“Novak. N-O-V-A-K.”
“Well, Miss Meg Novak, I’ll see you sometime next week.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. “Gotta go, baby,” he said, as he turned and ran out the door.
When Sky bounded up the steps of the bus ten minutes later, he was greeted with whistles and catcalls by the other members of the band.
“Still wearing last night’s clothes,” Mac observed.
“Yeah, but this is no walk of shame,” Sky answered with a grin.
Beau asked, “Was she hot? I’ll bet she was. Shit, man, I was this close to doing her myself.”
Sky stopped dead in his tracks in front of Beau. “Don’t talk about Meg that way. You don’t know anything about her.”
Beau rose to his feet. “And you do? She’s just another notch on your bedpost.”
Sky grabbed Beau by the t-shirt. “Shut the fuck up, man. She’s not just another conquest. She’s an incredible woman. And for your information, we spent the night talking until we dozed off. Just talking.”
“Hey, buddy,” Jack said, trying to intervene before a fight broke out. “What’s up with you? What’s wrong?”
Sky pushed past Jack, and strode towards the back lounge of the bus. “What’s wrong with me? Nothing’s wrong with me. My question is what’s with everyone else today?”
“Hey, look, we all just wanted to hear more about last night,” Jack said, following Sky. “What happened?”
“Like I said, we just talked all night,” he replied, as he sank into a seat across from where Becky was seated in front of an open laptop at the built-in table. “You were right, I needed to confide in someone about everything that happened with the accident and my mom.”
Becky’s head snapped up. “Who did you confide in?”
“Her name is Meg Novak. She was at meet and greet, and was part of the radio contest group that was side stage at the show last night.”
A smile crossed Becky�
��s face. “Was she the one that Beau hit on before she walked out of the party? The one you sang ‘When I Met You’ to? You ran after her, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, that’s the one.” Sky grinned and shook his head. “Haven’t done that before. You noticed?”
Becky grinned, and wagged a finger at him. “I’m a keen observer at the after-parties.”
“So,” Jack interjected. “Tell me about her.”
Sky ran his hands through his hair and sighed. “She’s a nurse, and she’s so caring. I felt…I don’t know, man, I felt like just talking to her helped ease the pain of the last ten years. She’s such a good listener.”
“Too bad you won’t see her again,” Becky said. “Long distance relationships are difficult, especially since you’re on the road all the time.”
“Oh, I plan on seeing her again. We’ve got plans to go out next week.”
Jack’s mouth fell open. “You’re kidding me? You haven’t been on a real date in years.”
Becky narrowed her eyes, and asked, “How? Doesn’t she live in Tampa?”
“No, she actually lives in Nashville. She was visiting a friend, and staying in the hotel for the night.” Sky dug his cell phone out of his pocket and opened up his contacts list. “Look,” he said, holding up the phone for Jack and Becky to see. “I’ve even got her number. I plan on calling her first thing when we get back home.”
Jack and Becky exchanged stunned glances, before Jack said, “That’s great. Do you think you’ve finally gotten to the point where you can forgive yourself?”
“I don’t know. It’s too soon to tell,” Sky replied. “But I can tell you one thing for sure, it was good to talk about it last night. You were right that I needed to get it off my chest.” They sat silently for a few moments, before Sky continued, “All these years, I’ve screwed I don’t know how many women, but never felt anything for any of them. But just talking to Meg last night was more intimate and meaningful than all those one night stands combined.”
Meg opened her eyes after dozing in the cab on the way to Susan’s house. Was that a dream? Did Sky Johnson actually spend the night with me? She breathed deep, and caught a whiff of Sky’s cologne that still clung to her hair. Mmm…no, that wasn’t a dream. It really happened.
Love Hard (Anything But Mine Book 2) Page 3