Normally, I’d completely dismiss it and chalk it up to pre-tour jitters. But standing this close to Travis, his eyes reveal the emotions he’s trying to cover up. There’s definitely pain behind those eyes, a deep sadness even. A broken heart, maybe? He hasn’t confided in me about a girlfriend or a recent breakup, but the tabloids always have him linked up with one model or another.
“Thank you,” I tell him once my headphones are in place.
“My pleasure.” He gives me a small smile.
Handing over one of the sheets of lyrics to him, I take my place at the second microphone. We stand facing each other as the music starts. The lyrics have strong sexual overtones and are between two people in love, even though they try to fight it. Travis sings first then my lyrics answer his.
After several times of singing this song in a row, we’ve both memorized the words and no longer need to refer to the written lyrics. Imagining I’m singing to Luke helps to put the song’s meaning into perspective. Luke and I have experience with resisting temptation, fighting the consuming urges, and then finally succumbing to the strong desires that draw two people together.
“How many times did the two of you practice before today?” Katelyn asks. “You know those lyrics were not to leave this building.”
Her voice suddenly coming through my headphones startles me and makes me jump. My eyes fly to the glass that separates the two rooms to see her gaze darting back and forth between Travis and me.
“We haven’t practiced this song before today, Katelyn,” Travis replies, his tone relaying his irritation with her.
“That’s great news, then. If you sound that good after practicing one day, the single will be perfect when it’s released,” she replies, unfazed.
“Single?” I ask.
“Yes, Andi,” she sighs, her tone condescending, “the two duets you’re doing with Travis will be included as bonus tracks on the digital album and also will be released as singles for radio play. They’ll help promote the concert tour even more.”
“Wow, I didn’t know. That sounds awesome though,” I reply.
“It’s all in the contract you signed.” She levels me with her matter-of-fact expression, referring to the tour contract.
“I saw that, but it didn’t say anything about being added as bonus tracks on the digital album. I guess I thought it was just extra songs for the concertgoers. But, like I said, it sounds awesome.”
Katelyn narrows her eyes at me in suspicion. I can tell from the way she’s looking at me that she thinks I’ll cause trouble over this. I read my contract thoroughly and that information was not addressed. I finished law school, after all, even though I’m not a practicing attorney.
“Chill out, Katelyn,” Travis says and levels her with his own serious expression. She immediately backs down but apparently has to get in the last word.
“Keep practicing. We need it perfect before we record it in next few weeks.”
With that, she leaves the technician’s room before anyone can respond to her. Travis and I exchange bewildered looks before we both laugh.
“Sorry about her. She can be a bit of a bulldog sometimes. These two songs go together to tell a complete story, and she’s overprotective of them.” Travis shrugs.
“She’s just doing her job. It’s no problem,” I assure him.
“I guess you could actually buy this label if you wanted to, huh?” Kale, the bass player, asks.
Kale epitomizes the classic look of a surfer to me. He is always dressed casually, regardless of where he is or what’s happening—board shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops. His blond hair is shaggy and has natural highlights from the sun blended throughout it. His laid-back attitude is the calming force in the group because nothing seems to get him riled. His blue eyes always shine with the mischief of a little boy.
“Dude, that was rude,” Travis admonishes him.
“What?” Kale asks, bewildered. “It was all over the news, man. She’s like a billionaire or some shit.”
I can’t help but laugh at how forthright he is without even meaning to be. “It’s okay, Travis. I arranged the sale of my father’s label, but the terms are confidential. This label is publicly traded, so I’d have to buy the controlling share of stock to take it over. So, no, I couldn’t buy this company.”
“But you don’t need the money from this tour, do you?” he asks with a devilish grin.
“No, I don’t need the money,” I admit with an equally devilish grin.
“Good. You’re along for the fun then. My kind of girl.” He winks.
“Step back, Kale. She doesn’t want the bass player,” Drew chimes in. “All the girls want the lead guitarist. Everyone knows that.”
“Not a chance in hell. You’re both full of shit. The drummer sets the time and the beat. Come on over here and I’ll protect you from these two, sweetheart,” Mike offers with a smile.
“You’re all full of shit.” Travis shakes his head in mock disgust. “Andi, don’t listen to any of these guys. They’re not trustworthy at all.”
“I can definitely tell this will be an interesting tour,” I say as I look around at this motley crew. “Not to worry though. I grew up with the best boxing coach in the country as my father figure, and he taught me everything I need to know. I can take care of myself.”
“That is so fucking hot,” Kale replies. His dropped jaw and shocked expression say it all.
CHAPTER FOUR
LUKE
The first long, grueling day of exercise and sparring has turned into nearly a week of long, grueling days. By the time I get home in the evenings, I’m so damn hungry and tired that I have no energy for anything, except taking a hot shower and passing out on the couch. Andi wakes me when she gets home, and I shuffle upstairs to bed with her, only to crash again.
Andi has been putting in evening hours at the recording studio to practice for her upcoming tour. My early mornings and her late nights don’t give us enough time together. I’ve already been dreading leaving her to head to Vegas, but I thought we’d be able to make the most of our time first. When Mack said he’d whip my ass into shape, I didn’t realize how intense it would be.
But I have to admit that I love every minute of it.
My body is becoming a finely tuned fighting machine. The more I punish it, the more punishment it wants. The old saying is true—the mind will quit long before the body will. Mack pushes my mind to accept my body’s limits, and it’s creating a new man in me.
Mack said, “You have to be more mentally than physically ready to survive this training camp. And the physical part is lethal.”
How reassuring.
Bring it on. I can fucking handle it.
Leaving our bed this morning was pure torture. Andi had her perfect little body snuggled up to mine, and she felt too good to leave. I’d never skip my workouts now that I’ve committed to this—no natural disaster, no sickness, and no excuse. Andi is the only reason I’d ever even consider not going to the gym. She’s my one weakness. If she needs me, she gets all of my attention.
It’s still dark outside, and I’m in the kitchen making my breakfast with only the light over the stove illuminating the room. I’m piling on the carbs, fruits, and water before my morning routine, preparing my body for another day. Suppressing a yawn, I keep stirring the oatmeal until it’s at the right consistency. Immediately after I pour it into my bowl, two arms snake around my waist and a warm body presses against my back.
“Good morning,” I murmur into the darkness over my shoulder.
“Mmmm,” she replies sleepily.
“What are you doing up so early? You got home later than usual last night.”
“I miss you. It’s the only time I get to see you.” She yawns, showing how tired she really is. “We had technical difficulties at the studio, and it put us behind schedule with rehearsals last night.”
“Do you want some breakfast? I’ll make you something,” I offer.
“No, I’m not hungry ye
t. I just wanted to see you.”
Taking my seat at the table, I pull her into my lap. She eagerly takes her seat and places her head on my shoulder, nuzzling her face into the crook of my neck and putting her arm around my neck. I eat breakfast with one hand while holding her with the other.
“I could get used to this,” I tell her. “It’ll make it harder for me to leave you every morning, but I wouldn’t object to eating one-handed for the rest of my life.”
She giggles dreamily. “If this is what it takes to spend a few minutes with you, I’ll gladly get up early. But I’m going back to bed as soon as you leave me.”
Kissing her on the cheek, I assure her, “I’ll never leave you, Andi. I may be away for a while, but you’re with me wherever I go, always in my heart.”
Her arm tightens around my neck as her other arm wraps around my chest. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to last months without seeing you.”
“We’ll figure it out, baby. I know I won’t make it six months without you, but I don’t doubt that we can make it work somehow.”
I’m forcing my insecurities to take a backseat, but it’s not easy. My issues are just that—mine. Andi doesn’t doubt my love for her and she trusts me unwaveringly. Reciprocating those sentiments is the least I can do for her. If I asked it of her, she’d drop out of the tour and go with me to Vegas. As much as I’d love to have her at my side, I’d never do that to her. She could very well ask the same of me, but she wouldn’t. It’s not in her nature to be selfish.
I have to remind myself of these facts about a thousand times a day. Every time I think about calling her and telling her to come to Vegas with me instead. Every time I think about how every woman in the world wants the man she’ll be touring with. Every time I think about how perfect she is and how very far from perfect I am, and how I don’t deserve the love she gives me unconditionally.
Every time I think about the way Travis Malone looks at her.
He tries to hide his thoughts, but I obviously know how a man thinks. Andi naïvely thinks a man and woman can be just friends. That may be true for a woman, but nine times out of ten, the man is contemplating how he can take advantage of the benefits. Travis is definitely contemplating the things he can do with Andi, and it makes my blood boil.
I reluctantly leave after breakfast, sending Andi back to bed, and make my way to the gym. The thoughts of Travis making a play for Andi help fuel my workouts, making me stronger and faster every day. As I finish my cardio segment of my workout, Mack approaches me.
“Joe called. He wants you in Vegas on January second so your body can start acclimating to the different environment out there. Our flight leaves at eight that morning,” Mack states.
“I’ll be ready,” I agree.
Inwardly, I’m cringing because that means even less time with Andi than I thought we’d have. I’d planned on us both leaving at approximately the same time and spending every possible minute together until then. This just escalates my original plan.
“Good,” Mack replies. “Go home, eat, rest, and come back in a few hours ready for a training fight.”
“Yes, sir,” I say with a smile.
Hiding my shock at his announcement that I have a training fight today, I grab my keys and wallet from my locker and rush home. Mack likes to throw surprises at me to try to knock me off-kilter, but I learned quickly to just take it in stride and do what he says.
Pulling into the garage, I’m thrilled to find Andi’s car parked in the other bay. We’ve missed each other every day this week when I’ve come home in between training sessions. Finding her here now is a sign that my idea is in fate’s plan. Now to convince my stubborn little vixen of that, too.
“Andi!” I call out as I step inside. “Baby, where are you?”
As I round the corner into the kitchen, Andi’s small body flies through the air toward me. Her arms twine around my neck, her legs wrap around my waist, and my hands automatically grip her ass to hold her up. She covers my face with kisses as I laugh and try to kiss her back.
“What.” Kiss. “Are.” Kiss. “You.” Kiss. “Doing?” I manage to ask her.
“I’ve missed you! It feels like forever since I’ve seen you.”
“You saw me at breakfast,” I remind her.
“That was today?” she asks, her beautiful face scrunching in confusion.
“Yes,” I laugh. “Dark and early this morning. Did you go back to bed when I left like I said?”
“Yeah, and I must have slept hard because that didn’t seem like it was today.”
“I’m not complaining. I kind of like this greeting. Can we arrange it for every time I walk through the door?”
“As long as you always catch me.”
“I’ll never let you fall. My arms are always ready for you,” I promise her.
She slants her head and her mouth covers mine. Her soft tongue presses against my lips, and I open my mouth, giving her full access. Our kiss quickly turns urgent as she presses harder against me. Lowering my arms and moving her body lower, I flex my hips and rub my growing erection against her core.
When she moans appreciatively into my mouth, I just about come unhinged. Without breaking our kiss, I carry her up the stairs and into the bathroom. “We’re going to take a shower together,” I announce after parting our lips.
Her eyes are glazed over, her plump lips are swollen from our kiss, and her hands are already reaching for the hem of my shirt. She pulls it up, and I help her out by yanking it over my head. When I turn my head to start the water, my shorts are suddenly yanked down to my ankles and my boxer briefs soon follow.
“You have missed me.” I smirk.
“You have no idea.” She smiles, lifting her eyebrows.
“I’ll let you show me,” I offer. “How much time do we have before you have to leave?”
“Not long enough to stand here and talk any longer,” she says as she strips out of her clothes and pushes me into the walk-in shower.
“A woman who knows what she wants. I like it.”
Pulling her under the hot water, I glide my hands effortlessly over her body. Our mouths are fused together again, our tongues performing an erotic dance, and my fingers find her core. As I plunge inside her soft channel, her fingers dig into my skin from her pleasure.
“Luke, I can’t wait any longer. I need you now,” she demands.
Who am I to refuse her?
“I like it when you take charge,” I say as I lift her.
Her back is against the tile wall, we’re eye to eye, and our breaths mix as we both wait anxiously. Lowering her as I tilt my pelvis upward, I push deep into her core. Her sex wraps around me, her inner walls squeezing me as we move in tandem. Forehead to forehead, breathing heavily and feeling insatiable, I pull down on her legs as I surge upward again and again. She feels so damn good. Every time is like the first time with her, and I’ll never get enough.
Moving my mouth to her neck, I kiss, lick, and suck on the sensitive skin under her ear. She purrs in my ear, her moans spurring me on. I know she’s close when I feel the quivering begin, like fingers wrapped around my cock demanding my release.
“Now, Luke!” she screams, her body shaking from her orgasm, and I give her all of me.
She slumps in my arms, totally spent and almost lifeless from the earthquake that just shook our bathroom. Still, I can’t help but kiss her again and keep the connection between us. Our crazy schedules have a positive purpose, but they also have significant disadvantages.
Lowering her feet to the floor, I hold her until she feels steady enough to release. Gently pushing her under the water to thoroughly wet her hair, I lather it with shampoo and massage her scalp as I wash her hair. Her arms reach backward, grasp my hips, and hold on to me while she enjoys the extra attention.
“I’ll give you thirty minutes to stop pampering me like this,” she jokes, her voice still thick from the energy she spent.
Chuckling, I reply, “Just thirty minutes, huh? How
about the rest of your life?”
“If you insist,” she replies in mock surrender.
“I do,” I reply. “Marry me, Andi.”
The words just came out without conscious thought. I’ve already proposed, we’re already getting married, but I mean right now.
“I am marrying you, Luke,” she replies with a laugh. “Did you forget?”
“No, I mean marry me now. Before the end of the year. Before we’re separated for six months.” I turn her to face me, rinse the shampoo from her hair, and step closer to her. “I love you, Andi. I want you to be my wife before you go on this tour and I go to Vegas.”
Searching her eyes, I wait for her answer. At first, she thinks I’m kidding, and I can see the change as soon as she realizes I’m serious.
“Luke, we talked about this,” she says calmly. “Your mom wants to plan a big wedding for us, and we need time to do that. Plus…” She pauses. “I don’t want to spend the first six months of our marriage apart. I want us to be able to take a real honeymoon without feeling rushed.”
Her refusal stings me to the bone. My insecurities try to flare and I tamp them down. She’s here with me now, and she proves she loves me in so many ways. My underlying fear is simple—I’m afraid she’ll see that she’s better off without me. When she realizes that she doesn’t need me, I’ll lose her.
“Say something,” she urges me.
“I’m disappointed. I want to know you’re still mine while we’re apart, and I want every other man to know it, too.”
Maybe that was the wrong way to phrase it since her face is turning a deep crimson now.
“Why don’t you just go ahead and piss on me? Mark your territory and all,” she dares me.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Is it not? What you’re saying is you don’t trust me. Or do you really mean you don’t trust yourself to be away from me?”
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