Write You a Love Song

by Francisco, Fabiola

  His laughter grows, and I see him lying face up in the snow. I peer up at him with pinched eyebrows.

  “You’re insane.” He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls the top half of my body onto his, kissing me.

  “Wouldn’t be the first time I hear that,” I wink.

  Knox sighs contentedly and holds me, pushing his face into the crook of my neck. His breath is warm, and I shiver at the contrast.

  “Are you cold?” He drops back his head to look at me.

  “A little, but I shivered for another reason,” I admit, pressing my lips to his. He groans and brings me closer to him, stupid skis not allowing me to get fully on top of him, which is probably a good thing considering we’re in public.

  “Let’s get that hot chocolate. The sooner we do, the sooner we get back to my place,” his voice grows husky.

  “I just want to spend time with you,” I say.

  “Me, too. I look forward to every Wednesday, knowing I have you all to myself.”

  “Well, that you do.” I push my body up to sit. Knox mimics me, sitting before he stands. When he reaches his hand to help me this time, I take hold and pull myself up.

  “Come on.” He wraps an arm around my neck, and pulls me to him, kissing my temple.

  We make our way back to the resort, very slowly, and return the skis. Once I’m off that contraption, I hop up and down and walk around, feeling free to move however I like.

  “Happy?” Knox’s eyebrows lift up to his forehead, lines creasing there.

  “Very.” I lean into his side.

  “I’m glad.” His arm loops around my waist, and we make our way to the café for hot chocolate.

  …

  “I know I didn’t really ski, but I’m so tired.” I wiggle my body on Knox’s couch until I’m curled in a ball, holding my glass of wine in one hand.

  “Well, that’s a shame because I had plans that required more energy than you currently have,” he teases.

  “Hmm…” I open one eye to look at him sitting next to me with a roguish smile.

  “Tease,” I lazily drop my free hand on his lap, and he grabs it, linking our fingers.

  He kisses my knuckles. “I am teasing you, but I’m happy with what we’re doing. Although…” He looks away with uncertainty.

  “What?” I perk up, analyzing him.

  “I did want to show you something.” His smile is shy now, and my curiosity is piqued to what it could be. “It’s nowhere near being done,” he explains as he stands and grabs his guitar.

  My eyes light up, and I move to sit up so I can see him. Sipping my wine, I settle in to hear him sing. “Don’t worry about that, I’m excited to hear it.”

  Knox sits on the accent chair across from the sofa, guitar placed on his lap as his hands position themselves over the neck and strings.

  He looks up at me a second before looking back down at the guitar. The music begins to fill the living room, and his deep voice sings.

  Dark streets swallowing me in

  As I walked blind,

  I didn’t know which way to go

  Or who to trust,

  But then I met you

  Your touch warmed my skin

  And sparked my life,

  Your smile shone on me

  Another way to live

  He finishes off, looking up at me. “It’s just the beginning.” His leans the guitar against the armrest on the chair.

  I place my glass on the coffee table and walk in his direction. Sitting on his lap, his hands immediately move around me. “It’s beautiful.” I ghost my lips against his. “I can’t believe you worked on a song.” Hearing him sing, his voice raw without editing or other instruments competing for attention, makes it even more special. The depth and natural talent he owns becomes evident when he sings this way.

  “I’ve got some pretty good inspiration,” he smirks.

  “Is that so?” I lean back a bit, his hand resting on the curve of my butt.

  Knox nods, his expression growing serious. “I wasn’t looking to meet anyone. Hell, I wasn’t ready, but this, you and me, are proof that we can’t control life. I was wrong thinking I wasn’t ready, I just hadn’t found the right woman.”

  “Knox,” I whisper, tilting my head, my eyes watering. I’ve never had anyone write a song or poem or anything about me.

  His hand comes to the back of my head, pulling my face to his. When he kisses me, I don’t wait for him to probe my lips open. I invite him in, tongues dancing to this new beat we’re creating. I grip his sweater over his chest and moan, deepening the kiss. His hand on my behind squeezes with desire, and I push my chest flush against his.

  I could kiss him for hours.

  Knox groans when my phone rings. “Crap. Sorry,” I whisper into his mouth.

  “‘Ts okay,” he murmurs, biting my lower lip.

  “Mmm…” I breathe out.

  “Answer it.” He taps my butt when the phone starts ringing again.

  I groan, not the good kind, and stand from his lap to fish my phone from my purse. “Hello?” I answer when I see my mom’s calling.

  “Hi, darlin’,” she drawls.

  “Hi, Mom. How are you?” I turn to look at Knox, who sits straighter. I bite down my giggle and shake my head.

  “I’m good. We’re good. I do, however, have some bad news.” Her voice is laced with concern.

  “What’s going on?” I pace around the living room.

  “Nothing bad, promise, but we won’t be able to make it for Christmas. I’m so sorry, sweetie. I know you were looking forward to us seeing Everton and your apartment. We’re in Virginia, snowed in, and they forecast that it will continue for a few more days, here and across the neighboring states.”

  “It’s okay, Mom. I’m glad you guys are safe. Are you staying somewhere where you can get heat and stock up the camper with food?” I stop pacing and listen to her response. I sigh when she assures me they’re safe and considering booking a hotel room to wait out the storm.

  “I wanted to meet this young man you’re dating.” My mom attempts to be subtle in bringing up Knox’s presence in my life.

  “You’ll meet him when you can,” I turn to look at Knox.

  “I looked him up…” her voice trails off, and I grumble, staring up at the ceiling with my eyes closed.

  “Mom, you can’t believe everything they say.” I notice Knox tense and run a hand through his hair. “These last couple of years haven’t been easy for him, but trust me when I say he’s a good man.” I hold Knox’s stare.

  “I hope so,” she exhales, probably worried after what I went through with Bennett.

  “You know I’m usually a good judge of character,” I defend, pacing once again.

  “I know, sweetheart. We just want you to be happy,” she sighs, and I hear my dad mumbling something in the background.

  “Happier than I’ve ever been,” I response and Knox’s face relaxes, his brown eyes crinkling in the corners.

  “You do sound happy. Hold on.”

  I furrow my brows, wondering what the hell is going on. “Sweetie?” I hear my dad say.

  “Hey, Daddy. I heard you guys are snowed in.”

  “Yes, I’m sorry we won’t make it.”

  “It’s okay. Like I told Mom, I’m just glad you guys are safe. I’ll see you when you can make it this way.” They don’t need to worry or feel guilty.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? If he hurts you, I’ll have to bring out my gun collection,” he warns, and I laugh.

  I hold my stomach, tossing my head back. “Relax. No need for guns.” At that, Knox jumps up from the chair, eyebrows reaching his hairline and his hand gripping the back of his neck.

  “Great, now he’s scared after hearing me say that,” I rein in my laughter.

  “Ainsley!” Knox calls out with wide eyes, pacing faster than I was.

  “He’s there now?” my dad asks.

  “Yeah,” I shrug as if he could see me.

  “O
kay, well, we’ll talk to you soon. Stay safe and call us if you need anything. We’ll keep you updated the more we know about this weather.” My dad goes to hang up.

  “Dad,” I call out. “Thank you. Love you guys.”

  “Love you, too.” I smile and hang up, looking up to see worry lines on Knox’s forehead.

  “They’re dying to meet you,” I tease.

  “Crap.” He tugs his hair, practically pulling it out.

  “Stop that.” I swat his hands away from his hair and loop my arms around his neck, leaning into him.

  “They’re just more protective after what happened with my ex-boyfriend. You’re a great guy, and they know the media turns things into what they aren’t.” I play with his hair.

  “I don’t know. I don’t want to mess with a Texan, who has a gun collection.” His eyes bug out.

  “Relax, it’s only about ten guns,” I tease.

  “Ainsley,” Knox growls. “Are you upset they won’t make it for Christmas? I know you were counting down the days you had left to see them.”

  I shrug. “I wish they were coming, but I understand, and rather they stay safe than drive this way in crappy weather and risk something bad happening.” My parents and I are close, and the thought of them racing to see me and getting into an accident on the road terrifies me.

  “That’s true. They’ll make it as soon as they can.” Knox tries to make me feel better, and I appreciate it.

  “They will.” I’m sure of it. “Besides, they really do want to meet you.” I wink at him and smile. “Now, how about I help you write more of that song.”

  “You know how to write music?” His eyebrow raises in surprise.

  “Nope, but I’m a quick learner. And if we get stuck, I can help in different ways,” I sway my hips.

  His hands run up and down my body before stilling my movements, and he peers down into my eyes. “If we weren’t interrupted, I’d already be fucking you. However, I do like the sound of you helping me. We’ll call it musician’s foreplay,” he winks.

  “Oh.” My eyes pop open, and I bite down on my lips. Knox chuckles and slaps my ass. I join him on the couch, guitar in his hand, and get prepared to learn how to write a song.

  Knox

  When I left Nashville, I could’ve sworn I’d retire my guitar and put music behind me. I’m not so sure at the moment. It was therapeutic to work on this song, though it took me longer than usual. I felt the way I did at the beginning of my career. If I pick this up again, it will definitely have to be on my terms, so I can feel that passion run through me and put out music I’m proud of.

  For the past hour, Ainsley and I have been tossing ideas for the song. She’s thrown ideas my way, inspiring me, but nothing has quite worked into the current song.

  “What about this?” she asks, tapping her chin. “You’ve made it easy, sweeping me away, and making me believe in more than heartache.” Her round eyes wait for my reaction.

  “I like that,” I nod. It could be a bridge in the song, leading into the second part.

  “Really?” She bounces on the cushions and clasps her hands together. I’ve never written a song with a girlfriend, but something about doing this with her, as if she’s helping me find my place again, feels right.

  “Yeah.” I write it down on the paper I grabbed earlier to test it all out when we’re done.

  “Let’s hear it,” she asks, pushing her hair behind her ear.

  Okay, I guess I’m testing it now. Her proud smile affects me, wanting to give her whatever she wants. I begin strumming the chords, the music still imperfect as we get this just right. As I start singing, she looks at me as if I’m a hero, giving me devotion I don’t deserve. She’s the one who’s given me hope—I should be worshipping her.

  Dark streets swallowing me in

  As I walked blind,

  I didn’t know which way to go

  Or who to trust,

  But then I met you

  Your touch warmed my skin

  And sparked my life,

  Your smile shone on me

  Another way to live

  You’ve made it easy,

  sweeping me away

  and making me believe

  in more than heartache

  You make it easy to love

  When I promised I’d never

  Open up to another

  I add the last verse without thinking. Ainsley reaches out and places her hand on my thigh. “I think that’s a great addition,” she praises, her hand comforting. She’s so patient and understanding, and she doesn’t judge my past or my actions.

  “Thanks,” I keep my voice quiet.

  “What got you into music?” she asks, leaning back and gazing at my guitar.

  I grin. “My grandfather was a musician. Not famous, but he played locally. The people here loved hearing and watching him perform. Being the older grandchild, I spent a lot of time with him around the ranch growing up, and he taught me to play. After, I started taking classes and learning songwriting.”

  “Do you know how to play any other instruments?”

  I nod, “The piano.”

  “Really?” Her excitement makes me chuckle. “I can’t play any instrument for the life of me, and you’ve already heard me sing.” Her eyebrows rise and a shy smirk lifts the corners of her lips.

  “You can sing to me any time.” I drop the guitar next to me on the couch and pull her to me. “I like hearing you sing, off-pitch and all,” I wink, holding back my laugh as I tease her.

  “Please,” she rolls her eyes and pushes my chest.

  “I do because you don’t hide from me,” I kiss her lips.

  “I wouldn’t do that,” her voice grows serious.

  “You have no idea how much I appreciate that.” I hold her face, her hair covering part of it. She reaches up and combs it away, moving it to the side so I can get a full view of her beautiful face. “Sexy.” I waggle my eyebrows.

  Ainsley laughs and squeezes my cheeks with a hand, forcing my lips to pucker. She gives them a peck before saying, “You’re sexy.”

  “I plan to show you just how sexy I can be.” I move my lips down her jaw to her neck, sucking her earlobe between my teeth and scraping them gently. When she moans, I carry her and place her on top of me as she straddles my lap.

  “Oh, you can definitely show me that,” she says on a whimper, grinding into my erection.

  Standing, I hold her ass firmly and walk us up to my bedroom. All the laughter and teasing is gone as I drop her on the bed and strip her naked, ready to make the world disappear and hear her call out my name on repeat like my favorite song.

  …

  I groan as my phone wakes me up. Who the hell is calling me this early? I turn in my bed, my eyes still closed, and feel Ainsley wiggle closer to me. I drop an arm around her and pull her closer to me. She lets out a soft sigh in her sleep, and I crack my eyes open to look at her. Mussed hair and parted lips meet my gaze, and I smile. She’s peace and happiness, and I want her in my life permanently.

  My hand finds her bare ass, and I pull her toward me until one of her legs drapes over mine. My morning wood hardens even more, feeling her heat. I squeeze her ass, and she moans. I wonder if she’s really asleep or pretending so she doesn’t have to get up just yet.

  I move my head to kiss her lips, and she mumbles, “Sleep.”

  I chuckle and then sigh when my phone starts ringing again.

  “Answer it,” she protests and turns over, balling her body into the fetal position.

  I shake my head and grin, getting out of bed to answer my damn phone. Seeing the name on the screen, I growl, “This better be important.”

  “You didn’t tell me you were seeing someone,” Harris says, exasperated.

  “My relationship status isn’t your business.” Annoyance ringing loud and clear.

  “It is when the media gets a hold of the news and starts printing it everywhere.” I freeze.

  “What?”

  “Yo
u two looked very cozy at a resort, romantic and all, but you’re front page news on a few sites and entertainment magazines.”

  “Shit.” I run a hand through my hair and turn to look at Ainsley sleeping on my bed.

  “People are curious. Your divorce just became final, and remember the public doesn’t know about the truth of your marriage, so for them, this is a surprise,” he explains what I already know.

  “Yeah, yeah. How bad is it?” I blow out air and throw on a pair of sweats before I sneak out of the room, so I don’t wake Ainsley up.

  “Well, you’ve got the cheating bastard article, the other woman who tore your marriage apart one, and the third best would have to do.”

  I shut my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. “You’re kidding me?”

  “You know how this works,” he says flatly.

  “I’ll release a statement,” I say as if that will fix everything.

  “I think you should lay low, keep this to yourself until things blow over. Give people a chance to process the divorce before being public with another woman,” Harris suggests.

  “No.” It’s a definite response. “Been down that road, and I’m not gonna do that again. I care about her.” I walk down to the kitchen and turn on the coffee maker. “I’m not keeping her in the dark.”

  “Knox, it’s only going to get worse before it gets better. This is just the beginning. When they find out her name and where she works, they’ll be going after her, asking questions, chasing her down.”

  I take a deep breath, begging for patience. “I won’t let them.”

  At this, Harris laughs. “Come on, you can’t control that.”

  As I’m filling a mug with coffee, Ainsley walks into the kitchen wearing one of my sweatshirts that stops mid-thigh, her legs taunting me. Fuck me. Her eyebrows are pinched together, and her head is tilted, trying to read me.

  “Let me think,” I tell Harris, staring at her.

  “You don’t have much time to think. Before you know it, the paps will be in Everton, if they aren’t there already.” I know he’s right. This was only a matter of time, but I was hoping people wouldn’t twist this into a scandal. I should’ve known better.