“That’s true.” I’m getting what I always wanted, but it comes with so much baggage.
“Milo said the detectives they contacted about the letter aren’t overly concerned. That it’s probably some fan who didn’t like to see a woman close to you because it killed their little fantasy, but it’s better to play things safe for a while.”
“I don’t want Hatch, Naomi, or you out without a security escort, understand?”
Dani nods. “I’ll tell Naomi. She should know what was in the letter.”
“No, I’ll tell her.” I need to make sure she takes this seriously and I’m not going to put up with any of her bullshit arguments.
10
Naomi
The last thing I wanted to do was spend a day with Axton but I have to admit, the day at the zoo was fun. You never know when you take a baby as young as Caden somewhere new whether they’ll be bored, but I was thrilled to see how engaged he was.
I’m not blind to the fact that part of his happiness was because he had his dad paying him so much attention. Caden looking up at him the way he did and Axton grinning back with obvious pride was a joy to see.
Axton’s response to him in the beginning was so worrying, but it took less than two months for Caden to win him over, just like I told Dani.
I’m not sure how many more little outings like that are going to be possible. We were lucky today that we were able to leave before the word got out that Axton was there. He’s going to have to find a better disguise or bring a bunch of security in the future.
It’s funny. I knew who Tragic was from their first album, and I know most people knew that song Away From Me. You couldn’t avoid it. But I think most people had little idea what the band looked like, so it was easier for them to fly under the radar. Now, they have another number one hit playing nonstop. In addition, their faces are everywhere. Along with the festivals, this tour has them doing multiple TV appearances, playing the lead single live for millions across the country.
It makes me wonder how things will be after the tour, or even a year from now. Will Axton’s house always be surrounded? Will I have to wonder every time I take Caden out to play if someone is taking our picture?
A curt tap on the door keeps me from falling down that hole of anxiety. It’s a pointless worry now.
It’s not Patrick or Dani at the door—the only two I would expect to see—but Axton. He strides in as soon as I open the door. “Please, come in.”
His lips twitch at my sarcastic remark. “Is Hatch asleep?”
“Yes, he’s been down for an hour or so. I imagine he’ll sleep well after his big day.”
Axton sits on the edge of the couch. “We need to talk.”
Never in the history of anything have those words preceded good news. My arms fold across my chest. “Okay.”
“From now on, you’ll have a security detail to accompany you.”
“Are you worried about the paparazzi after word got out today?” Something has his eyebrows knitted.
“We haven’t seen the beginning of that madness yet. I’ve seen how it is with other musicians when they hit this point.” He rubs his hand across his chin. “When it happens, it’s going to happen fast. Milo has a PR person meeting us at the next stop to brief everyone—including you—on how to handle it. What not to say, shit like that.”
My stomach knots. “I don’t want to say anything to anyone.”
“I know. And you won’t. ‘No comment’ or silence is generally the expected response.”
“Good.” Glad we settled that. I get to my feet, expecting him to follow.
Instead I’m met by a smirk. “Are you trying to get rid of me? I’ve been here about two minutes.”
“Added to the hours I had to spend with you today,” I point out. My tone isn’t unkind, and he just shakes his head.
“There’s something you need to see, mainly because I want you to take it seriously when I say you need security with you at all times.” Swiping his phone, he hands it to me. “This letter was addressed to you.”
My mouth dries up as I read the words. You’ve got to be kidding me. My chest rises on a deep breath and I sit back down, rereading it again.
Axton leans forward. “Naomi.” Once I look him in the eye he continues. “Do you have any idea who may have sent it?”
“No.” My voice is small and I hate how weak it sounds. “No,” I repeat.
“I didn’t expect you would. It’s been reported to the authorities but since there’s no specific threat they can’t do much. This is a common thing when it comes to fan mail.”
“Because of that stupid picture?”
He shrugs as if it doesn’t matter. “Maybe. It’s probably nothing, but until I know that for sure, you don’t go anywhere without security.”
“Yeah, okay.” I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Women would walk through broken glass with salted feet to be with him.
“Naomi.” His tone is firm and commanding. Intense eyes lock onto mine. “Not even on your days off. Never alone. Understand?”
“I’m not an idiot.”
“No, but you’re stubborn as fuck.”
“Not obeying your every whim and order isn’t stubbornness.” I hold my hand up as he starts to speak again. “I’m not arguing with you. I won’t go anywhere without security.” He gets to his feet when I stand, and steps right in front of me. Heat radiates off of him and he smells amazing. Don’t look into those eyes, Naomi.
His breath tickles at my ear when he leans over to murmur. “You like when I give you orders. Next time, I’ll make you admit it.”
Damn it. Damn him and the response he elicits from me. My traitorous body responds instantly to that tone. The same one he used when he told me to keep my hands on the wall, to bend over. His dark chuckle awakens something in me I don’t even want to begin to explore.
I force myself to take a step back and try to find some smart answer for him as usual. But my words falter when I look up and see the mirth in his eyes as he holds up his thumb, wiggling it at me again.
Blood rushes to my cheeks, and he grins all the way to the door. “See you tomorrow, Naomi.”
Asshole.
It’s hard not to worry or be paranoid after learning about the letter and I stick close to the house until we’re on the tour bus again, headed for the next stop in New York City. This time, we’re put up in a fancy hotel where Dani and I share a suite and there’s no dodging the paparazzi.
They aren’t only stalking the hotel here because of us. It’s a hotel well known for its celebrity clientele and the rest of the festival bands are staying here as well. On top of the three performances in four days, Axton and the band are taping two television interviews and a live version of the new single for a local radio station. He and Dani are run ragged, and I barely get a glimpse of either of them the whole time.
I’m in New York City, but I don’t dare explore, which is depressing as hell. Even with security with me, there’s too much chance I’ll get followed and what if I can’t get Caden to a safe place? It doesn’t help that photos of Axton and me at the zoo have been plastered across the tabloids with headlines like Axton Takes Day Trip with Secret Baby Mama.
Any thought of leaving the hotel is squashed with a quick glance outside at the crowd that never seems to dissipate. Guests are escorted through the mess by security, and I notice most of them shrug it off. Will I ever see it as just another normal day? Maybe if I didn’t have a baby to protect at the same time.
It isn’t hard to keep Caden occupied since the hotel does boast an indoor pool, and an enclosed garden. We aren’t trapped in the room the entire time, but I’m still glad when we move onto a smaller town upstate.
Lodged in another hotel, this time in my own room, I feel a little more comfortable and do a web search to find something nearby to do with Caden. Hopefully, Dani will accompany us. There isn’t much around, but I locate a playground and that’s good enough.
After being inside so much, I really just need the fresh air and I’m sure Caden does too.
Axton has made sure to visit with Caden every day no matter how busy he is. He has a rare day off tomorrow with no performances or interviews, and I pause with my phone in my hand for a moment. I should invite him to go with us to the playground.
Before I can overthink it, I send a text.
ME: Taking Caden to a playground tomorrow if you’d like to go.
I’m surprised how fast I get a response.
Axton: Yes, I’ll arrange security.
Sighing, I lean back and grin at Caden as he rolls a toy car across the floor then crawls over to it to do it again. “We’ll get out and have some fun tomorrow, buddy. Go to the park with Daddy.”
We meet Axton in the hotel lobby right after lunch and Caden yells at him the second he sees him. “Da!”
The warmth in Axton’s gaze whenever he sees his son now is something I thought impossible a few short weeks ago but I’m so glad I was wrong. Dressed in dark jeans and a t-shirt with his hair hanging over one side of his head, he looks sexy as hell without even trying.
“I’ve sent some security ahead of us to the park. They can keep an eye without being too obvious. There’s a side exit meant for staff that the hotel is allowing us to use in case there are paparazzi out front.”
“I sent the stroller and car seat down with Dani earlier.”
Axton nods, taking Caden from me. “Already in the car.”
Well. Maybe he’s getting the hang of this. There’s no last minute plans with a baby.
We’re escorted out to the car with no problems and driven to the park by another security officer. Axton speaks to him once we’ve arrived, while I’m getting Caden out of his seat, and the man hangs back as we start toward the playground area.
It’s a weekday so there aren’t many people around. A young mother watches her two daughters, who look around eight or nine, as they take turns pushing each other on the swing.
“He doesn’t like swings,” I caution Axton. “The two times I tried, once with him in a baby swing, and once with him on my lap, he screamed.”
“Slides then,” he announces.
Axton takes him up the steps and I can’t help but giggle at the sight of him sitting with his long legs stretched out in front of him on the blue plastic slide. Holding Caden on his lap, he pushes off, and I take a quick picture before they get to the bottom. Caden squeals with delight, and Axton quickly takes him up to do it again.
After another trip down on his lap, he sends him down by himself and I catch him at the bottom. Caden would happily spend the entire day on the slides, and he isn’t happy when we take a break, until I sit him down in the sand.
He grins up at Axton as he grabs a handful, then opens his chubby hand to let it drain out. Rummaging in the bag I’ve brought, I produce a small plastic cup and put it in his hand.
“He loves the sand. Mainly scooping it up and pouring it out,” I explain. “But if we don’t watch him close, he’ll put it in his mouth too.”
Axton smirks and watches him play. “I ate a beetle when I was a kid.”
“Gross! You did not!” I exclaim with a grin.
“I don’t remember it, but Mom used to love to tell me about it if I said I didn’t like whatever was for dinner. ‘You’ll eat bugs, but not broccoli.’”
It’s the first time he’s brought up his mother. Even though Dani and I have been friends for a while now, she doesn’t let the subject come up either. I’ve noticed she never asked about my family, and I figure it’s because she doesn’t want the question returned.
It doesn’t keep me from wanting to know. There must be some reason they haven’t been discussed or introduced to their grandchild. “Where are your parents?” I ask, fully expecting a sharp retort to mind my own business.
The wind picks up and dries the sweat on my neck. Axton’s hair blows back from his face and he pauses long enough that I think he’s not going to answer. “Dad is in a nursing home in Indy. No idea about my mother. She left when I was a kid.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Would you like to take Caden to visit your father?”
His expression hardens to steel, along with his voice. “He will never see him. Did Dani ask you to talk me into it?”
“No. She doesn’t talk about your family at all.”
His shoulders relax and he nods. “Good.”
Caden throws a handful of sand, and I take his hand. “No. No throwing. It’ll get in your eyes.”
“Nuh! Nuh!” He shakes his head and starts to do it again. This time Axton grabs his hand.
His voice is firm. “No, Hatch.”
It’s everything I can do not to laugh at the look Caden gives him. “Nuh, nuh, Da.” Caden pushes his hand away.
“Don’t argue with me, boy.” Axton grabs the plastic cup and moves around some sand, drawing Caden’s attention back to it. The distraction works, and he goes back to playing for a few minutes.
The playground starts to fill up a little more and I motion toward the path that circles a small pond on one side of the park. “Do you want to take a walk around the pond? I can grab the stroller.”
Axton gets to his feet and picks up Caden. We stop back by the car for the stroller and Axton chats with the driver for a few moments while I get Caden settled. He’s content enough to be pushed by his dad around the small pond where he hoots and yells at the ducks—that ignore his antics—and laughs as nearby birds take flight to escape him.
It’s a beautiful day, and I feel a contentment settle over me. Maybe I was feeling a little more cooped up than I realized. Tilting my head back a bit, I close my eyes and let the sun warm my face while taking a deep breath of the cool, cedar scented air.
When I open them, Axton is staring at me. “What?” I ask.
“I didn’t say anything. I’m going to send the driver to pick us up some lunch.” His hand brushes mine when I move to take over pushing the stroller and what I see in his expression is not in my imagination. He was looking at me when he thought I wouldn’t know. Is he just thinking about how to get me in his bed again? Is it more than that?
Christ, Naomi, I scold myself. What difference does it make? Neither thing is going to happen. For one, he’s an asshole, and the sting of our first encounter hasn’t been forgotten. And more importantly, he’s my boss. This job is everything to me right now and I can’t risk fucking around with him in any capacity.
All these thoughts run through my head while I watch his ass as he walks away from me. It’s not just the way he looks. More and more, I find myself thinking about him in odd moments, even looking forward to seeing him. I’ve tried to tell myself it’s because I’m eager to tell him about Caden’s day, but that’s not true. Not always.
I’m getting too close.
To the last person I should ever be interested in.
My whole life, I’ve always wanted a family. The whole husband and two point four kids, living in the suburbs life, but I knew when I came here I was giving up that dream. Well, the rest of the dream that hadn’t already been taken from me, anyway.
Caden is enough. I adore him, and he loves me too. I’m lucky. That’s enough.
After we finish the lunch of sub sandwiches and chips, with a kid’s meal for Caden, we let him crawl around in the grass for a bit. I swear this kid loves being outdoors. He grabs my leg and pulls himself up, steadying himself for a second before letting go. He sways there for a few moments, and I hiss, “Axton.”
It’s not the first time I’ve seen him stand on his own but it’s the first time I’ve seen him clearly trying to take a step. He wobbles then falls on his butt. Instantly, he pulls himself back up.
“Hatch, come here,” Axton coaxes, standing a couple of feet away from me. He squats down and holds out his arms.
Caden grins, and I hold my breath as he cautiously puts one foot in front of the other. One, two, three steps all on his own into Axton’s arms.
A knot forms in
my throat at the expression on Axton’s face as he sweeps him up and hugs him. “Hell yeah! You did it!” Caden squeals in delight, and I damn near have a heart attack when Axton tosses him in the air and catches him.
“Axton!” I exclaim. The brilliant smile on Axton’s face kills any thought of criticizing him. While his smirk may be infuriating, his “public smile” tight and forced, his true smile is big and genuine, displaying his teeth. It’s beautiful.
“Let’s see if he’ll do it again,” I suggest.
We spend a few minutes with Caden taking steps between us. He’s a step away from Axton when a small honeybee buzzes near him, and he grabs it. With a shriek, he lets it go. “Shit!” Axton curses, and picks him up to look at his hand. “It stung him.” His eyes are wide as they find mine. “Is he allergic? Was that in his medical report?”
“It wasn’t, but you really don’t find that out until you get stung for the first time.”
“So he needs a hospital?” We’re already starting back toward the car.
I probably shouldn’t find it so adorable that he’s freaking out over a little bee sting. “No, we just need to keep an eye on him. Are you allergic?” Is that why he’s near panic? He shakes his head. “I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
Caden has already stopped crying but he whimpers when Axton takes his hand to look at it. “It didn’t leave the stinger behind.”
“Good. Let’s just go get some ice to put on it.”
There’s a small ice cream shop around the corner and Axton sits at the table with Caden on his lap until I return with a small ice cream cone and a cloth filled with crushed ice. Caden resists the cold compress being held to his hand until Axton holds the cone in front of his face. His hand forgotten, he smashes his mouth into the soft serve, making both of us laugh.
Within a few minutes, both Caden and Axton are an ice cream covered mess. The restroom looks like we may pick up more germs than we leave behind, so I do the best I can with napkins and baby wipes to clean Caden up before we head back to the hotel.
Vote Then Read: Volume III Page 321