Love Hard (Anything But Mine Book 2)

by Barbara Justice

  They made small talk while Paul drove them into The Gulch neighborhood of Nashville. When they arrived at Whiskey Kitchen, Sky explained, “This is one of my favorite places to go for a drink when I’m home.”

  “I’ve never been here before,” Meg said, as Sky helped her out of the back of the Tahoe. She looked around, wide-eyed, as passersby stopped and pointed at Sky, whispering and nodding when they recognized him.

  He stopped to sign a couple of autographs before ushering Meg inside. They sat at the far end of the bar, where he ordered a double Jack Daniels Single Barrel for himself, and a glass of pinot grigio for Meg.

  Before their drinks were served, Sky was surrounded by a horde of fans, mostly women. A few of them pushed Meg out of the way in order to get closer to him, but he didn’t notice because he was caught up in the moment with the adoring crowd.

  What the hell? It’s like he doesn’t even know I’m here. After ten minutes, Meg looked at the bartender, pleading with her eyes to get control over the situation, but he just shrugged his shoulders and moved her wine down the bar, where she was standing and watching the spectacle. She tried to move closer towards Sky, but the throng grew larger. I don’t need this, she thought. “Tell him I went home,” she said to the bartender, handing him a note she scribbled on a napkin, before downing her glass of wine, calling a cab, and walking out the door.

  She was seething by the time she got to the street. Just as her cab pulled over, she was grabbed on the arm by a petite blond woman.

  “So, do you like hanging out with my boyfriend?”

  Meg’s head spun. “What? What are you talking about?”

  “Sky Johnson. I’m Mallory, Sky’s girlfriend.”

  “He doesn’t have a girlfriend,” Meg said, wrinkling her brows.

  “Yes, he does. He just likes to keep it quiet because it’s better for his sex-symbol image.”

  Bile rose in Meg’s throat, and she thought she was going to vomit. “If it’s true that you’re his girlfriend, then where were you when he was hurt in the accident?”

  Mallory narrowed her eyes. “I travel a lot for business. I was out of town and just got back. When he wasn’t home tonight, I knew I’d find him here because it’s his favorite place to go for a drink.” Mallory knew she was on the right track when Meg looked crestfallen at her answer. “Stay away from my boyfriend. He’s mine, got it?”

  The cab driver interjected, “Hey lady, are you getting in or what?”

  “Yeah,” Meg answered as she slid into the back seat and gave her address. “Take me home.”

  Sky patiently signed autographs for every fan that approached him. When he finished, he turned around on his barstool, took a deep sip of his drink, and scanned the bar area. “Where’s my date?”

  The bartender handed him a note written on a cocktail napkin. “If you mean the gorgeous brunette, she left. I think she thought you blew her off.”

  “Shit.” He read the note Meg wrote, and finished his drink in one gulp. He felt a hand massaging his back. Hoping she returned, he asked, “Meg?”

  “Nope.”

  He turned, and every hair on his body stood up as a chill ran down his spine. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Just coming to claim what’s mine, Sky,” Mallory said. “You know we belong together.”

  “What are you talking about?” He jumped off the barstool and backed away from her. “Get the hell away from me.”

  Mallory tilted her head, and in a sing-song voice, said, “Why did you ban me from your shows? How come I no longer get meet-and-greet passes? We had something good going,” she said, as she reached for his crotch.

  “Get the hell away from me,” Sky repeated, as he continued to back away from her. “Don’t force me to get a restraining order.” He threw a crisp one hundred dollar bill onto the bar, and headed for the exit.

  He was faster than Mallory, and when he reached his waiting car said, “Paul, this night’s been a fucking disaster. Take me back to Meg’s. And step on it.”

  Meg muttered under her breath as she removed the bottle of pinot grigio from the refrigerator and poured herself a huge glass. She gulped it down and re-filled her glass, before taking it out to the living room. She turned the television on to a mindless sitcom and replayed the evening’s events over in her mind. I can’t believe that jerk has a girlfriend. He completely led me on, and was, for all intents and purposes, cheating on her. I’m so stupid and naïve. Of course he has a girlfriend. I should have known better.

  She was beginning to feel buzzed as she continued to sip her glass of wine, when she caught sight of headlights in her driveway. The vehicle came to a stop, and a moment later she heard pounding on her front door. She stood up and made her way to the door, swinging it open wide. “What the hell do you want? Aren’t you finished making a fool out of me for the night?”

  “I’m sorry, Meg, baby,” Sky drawled. He looked genuinely contrite as he ran his hands through his hair. “The night got totally out of control.”

  Meg crossed her arms tightly over her chest. “Where’s your girlfriend?”

  Sky recoiled. “What are you talking about?”

  Meg related the conversation she had with Mallory outside Whiskey Kitchen. “I can’t believe you were going to lead me on, and cheat on her.”

  “Goddamn it! She’s not my girlfriend!” He punched the wall for emphasis, causing one of the framed photos to crash to the floor. “Sorry,” he said, as he picked it up and placed it back on the wall. “Please, Meg, let me explain.”

  “No. I’m done with you. I never should have let you into my hotel room back in Tampa. I want to forget I ever met you.” She tried to close the door, but Sky blocked it with his foot.

  “I told you the other night that I’d always be truthful with you.” He ran his hands through his hair again. “Please let me explain. If you don’t want to see me again, then I understand. But I want you to know the truth.”

  Meg let out a long sigh. “Okay, I guess. Come on in.”

  Sky followed her into the living room. “Nice house. It’s cute, and cozy.”

  She ignored the compliment, and instead picked up the remote and turned off the television. She sat down on the sofa, and said, “If you want to explain, I’ll listen, but then I’m throwing you out of here.”

  Sky took a deep breath, and said, “Mallory isn’t my girlfriend, and this isn’t the first time that she’s hunted me down. I think she has some serious mental health issues.” He related an abbreviated version of the events of the concerts in Bowling Green and Lexington, and explained that Mac had her banned from future meet-and-greet events. “I thought she got the message, but now that she tracked me down here, and figured out that we’re dating, I’m really worried.”

  “We’re not dating,” Meg replied in an angry tone.

  “Yes, we are,” Sky said, with a twinkle in his eyes.

  “Did you sleep with her?”

  “When?”

  “Ever.”

  Sky sighed. “Yes, I did. Twice in the same night, I’m sorry to say. She’s the last woman I spent the night with. Well, other than you. I haven’t been with another woman since we met in Tampa.” When Meg stared at him, stone-faced, he continued, “At least you know I’m telling you the truth. I promised never to lie to you, and I never will.”

  “You haven’t fooled around with or hooked up with anyone since you met me?”

  “No, I haven’t. You’re the only woman I’ve even thought of since the moment we met. I can’t get you out of my head.” He watched Meg’s expression soften as his words sunk in. “I apologize for letting the fans get out of hand tonight. Please, let me make it up to you. Let me take you out to dinner tomorrow night.”

  “The same thing is going to happen. You’re going to get bombarded by fans, and I’ll get shoved to the side again.”

  “I promise you, that’s not going to happen. Please, trust me.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  The following night
as she was getting dressed for dinner, Meg glanced at the bouquet of red roses Sky had sent her earlier that day. She smiled as she recalled their earlier phone conversation, when he told her that they were going to Kayne Prime, one of Nashville’s top steak houses, that evening.

  After speaking with Sky, she called her cousin, supermodel Jennifer LaBella Crawford, for fashion advice.

  Jen suggested she wear a simple, classic wrap dress with a pair of heels. “It will be dressy enough, but not too dressy,” she said. “You can never go wrong with a wrap dress. And besides, men love the idea of ‘unwrapping’ women. At least Drew does,” she said, referring to her husband of five years.

  “You and Drew are the perfect couple. I’ve never seen two people more in love,” Meg said wistfully.

  “There’s no such thing as a perfect couple,” Jen said. “We’ve had plenty of challenges along the way. But I can’t imagine loving anyone more than I love Drew.”

  All I want is to be loved the way Drew loves Jen, Meg thought as she looked again at the roses Sky sent. I’m trusting you, Sky, that tonight won’t be the disaster last night was, because if it is, I’m done. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

  She splurged on a blow out at The Dry House, and picked up a new lip gloss on the way home. I spent a fortune today, she thought as she pulled on a new, matching satin and lace bra and panty set from Desiree’s Desire. She slipped into her dress and shoes just before she heard Sky’s Tahoe in her driveway.

  Her heart skipped a beat as she opened the door. “Wow,” was all Meg could utter as she looked Sky up and down. He was wearing a black blazer, a blue dress shirt that complemented the color of his eyes, black suede jeans and black cowboy boots, and she was overwhelmed with desire. I could skip dinner and just go straight to dessert, she thought. Just take me to my bed now.

  “Wow yourself,” Sky grinned. He eyed the knot that held her dress in place. “You look gorgeous. All set?”

  “Yes,” Meg said, suddenly shy. She locked the cottage door behind her, and followed Sky into the back of his Tahoe.

  They were quiet on the ride into The Gulch. As Paul steered the Tahoe into the parking area in front of Kayne Prime, Sky squeezed her hand. “It’s all going to be fine. Trust me,” he said as he stepped out of the SUV and extended his hand to assist Meg. “I’ll call you when we’re ready to go,” he said to Paul, before taking Meg by the hand and leading her up the stairs and into the restaurant.

  Sky was instantly recognized by the host, who whisked them through the dining room, and towards the back of the restaurant. He held Meg’s hand and kept his focus on where the host was leading them, even though he knew the way.

  When they reached the rear of the restaurant, the host slid open a pocket door. “As you requested, you’re in the Champagne Room. I hope it meets your expectations,” he said to Sky.

  Sky looked inside the room, and nodded his head. “Thanks,” he said, as he slipped a crisp one hundred dollar bill into the host’s hand. He turned to Meg, and gave her a light kiss on the cheek before leading her inside the small private dining room that was filled with fresh flowers, and a candlelit banquette set for two.

  “Oh my goodness…I’ve never eaten in a restaurant’s private dining room before. This is beautiful,” she said, as she looked around the cozy room, before turning to focus on Sky. “You really went all out. Thank you.”

  “Thanks for trusting me enough to go out with me again. I was wrong for not making this type of arrangement last night. But tonight,” he said, as he moved close to Meg and took her into his arms, “is about us, and only us.”

  He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, and she shuddered with desire as she returned his kiss. Sky released Meg from his embrace, and helped her slide into her seat before sitting down opposite her.

  They perused the menu, before Sky ordered oysters, an iceberg wedge salad to share, steaks with truffle béarnaise sauce, creamed spinach, and a potato gratin, as well as a bottle of champagne. “I know red wine is traditional for steak, but tonight is about celebrating new beginnings, and I thought champagne was the way to go,” he explained, after placing the order.

  “It’s perfect,” Meg replied.

  Conversation flowed easily over dinner. “I’ve told you so much about me already,” Sky said as they ate. “Now it’s my turn to get to know you better.” He asked Meg about her hometown, and was surprised when she explained that she grew up on a farm in Southampton, on the east end of Long Island. “I thought the Hamptons were all about celebrities, beaches and nightclubs. I didn’t know there were farms there, too,” he said.

  “There’s a rich history of farming there. Potatoes, mostly, as well as corn, wheat and other vegetables. Only now, unfortunately, developers are taking over. There aren’t many large family farms left.”

  “Does your family still farm?”

  Meg shifted in her seat. We’re not going to talk about my family tonight, at least not my immediate family. I’ve got to find a way to move this conversation in a different direction. “No, they don’t. But they didn’t sell the farm, either. My Aunt Grace and her husband, my Uncle Peter, bought my dad’s share after my grandparents passed away. I usually stay in the farm’s guest house when I go home.”

  “So, you’re a real country girl at heart.”

  She smiled. “Yeah, I guess you could say that. I can even drive a tractor.”

  Sky laughed out loud. “I’d pay money to see that.”

  Meg didn’t answer him. Not the next time I go home, that’s for sure.

  Sky narrowed his eyes as he watched Meg concentrate on her salad. “How often do you get home?”

  “Not often. Maybe two or three times a year.”

  “Don’t you miss your family?”

  “We talk every once in a while,” Meg replied, sidestepping the question. “I spoke with one of my cousins today, in fact.”

  “You mentioned you had a cousin who was a model. Anyone I’d know?”

  “Maybe. Have you heard of Jennifer LaBella?”

  Sky sat back and whistled low. “Yeah, who hasn’t? What a story there, right?”

  “Like I said to you that night in Tampa, I have a good understanding of what it’s like to have your life misrepresented in the tabloids. I don’t believe half of what they print. You shouldn’t either – you know that.”

  “Yeah, you’re right.” Sky ran his hands through his hair at the reminder of the tabloids that seemed hell-bent on publishing every misstep of his life. “Well, anyway, I think you’re way prettier than she is. How come you never modeled? You’re gorgeous, tall enough, and have a smokin’ hot body.”

  “It never interested me. I was more concerned about getting good grades, so I’d get a scholarship to college.” And so I could get the hell away from home, and all the reminders of what I’d done.

  “Is that why you ended up at Vanderbilt?”

  Meg nodded. “Full scholarship made it a no-brainer.”

  “Damn,” he said, shaking his head. He pronounced the word “day-yum” in his Texas accent. “That’s hot.”

  She was puzzled. “What?”

  “You. Beauty and brains.”

  Sky’s piercing blue eyes bore a hole right through her. She felt her stomach drop, electricity run down her spine and a deep tingling between her legs. Day-yum yourself, she thought. That’s the nicest thing anyone ever said to me.

  When the conversation took a turn towards music, Meg admitted that she hadn’t been a country music fan until she moved to Nashville. She divulged that she grew up listening to classic rock, mainly The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Bruce Springsteen. It’s what dad blared in the garage while he lost himself working on cars. It’s all he ever played.

  “I’m a fan of classic rock, too,” Sky admitted. “Springsteen in particular. He’s a great story teller, and he’s been a big influence on the music Jack and I write.”

  After their dinner dishes were cleared away, they made a decision
to skip dessert, and Meg excused herself and went to the restroom. When she returned, Sky was signing for the check.

  “You know what would make this a perfect night?”

  Meg shook her head. “Umm…I don’t know. It’s been pretty great so far. What are you thinking?”

  “This.” Sky took his cell phone out, tapped on the play button, and Bruce Springsteen’s song “Drive All Night” came through the speakers. “I’d be honored if you’d dance with me,” he said, as he took her in his arms and they began to sway to the music. “I was listening to The River earlier today, and thought about you, and us, when this song came on. Even before you told me you liked Springsteen, I thought this song was ‘us’.”

  Meg choked back the flood of emotions that threatened to overtake her as she rested her head on Sky’s shoulder and listened while he sang along with the song. This man is too good to be true. If this is a dream, I never want to wake up.

  “My beautiful guardian angel,” Sky whispered in Meg’s ear when the song was nearly over. “I have just one question for you.”

  She whispered back, “Mmm…what’s that?”

  He kissed her on top of the head, before tilting her chin up and kissing her on the lips. He waited until she opened her eyes, and asked, “Your place or mine?”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “Whichever is closer.”

  Sky took Meg by the hand and practically pulled her arm out of her socket. “Let’s get out of here. I can’t wait any longer to have you.”

  As they neared the front of the restaurant, the host approached them. “Mr. Johnson, I’m afraid we have a bit of a problem,” he said, pointing out the window next to the door.

  Sky looked out the window and shook his head. He turned to Meg, and explained, “There’s photographers outside, and fans too. Lots of them.” He ran his hands through his hair and swore under his breath. “I’m sorry to have dragged you into this mess.”

  She looked outside and assessed the situation. “It’s not that bad. Jen always says that she doesn’t try to hide or fight with them anymore.” She squared her shoulders, took Sky’s hand, and said, “They’re going to get photos of us either way. We may as well hold our heads up and deal with it. We’ll just walk straight out and get into your car without acknowledging them.”