Last One to Know

by Sharon Coady

  He helped her into the car and turned on the radio, knowing she wasn’t going to want to talk. She never did before a show. Hell, he’d been doing this with her for so long; he knew exactly what she was thinking right now. He realized most of his life had been spent protecting and doing for her. Shit, he even learned to surf because he knew she loved watching it with her mom. He ran his hand through his hair and stole a glance her way. She was sitting back with her eyes closed, tapping her fingers to the beat of the music. He knew she wasn’t thinking of the song playing but of the ones she would perform tonight.

  It took them a little longer than he thought it would to get to the club and find a place to park. “Sorry, I didn’t know it would be this crowded.”

  She glanced around, eyes wide. “Do you think all these people are here for mic night?” He noticed that her hands trembled a little.

  He reached for her hand. “No, they’re probably walking around or checking out some of the other businesses. I’m sure a good amount of them are here but not that many people. You’ll be fine.”

  “You won’t go far, will you? What if I can’t do it? Alastair will be so upset.”

  He could hear her voice rising, taking on that little quiver it always did when she was starting to panic. “Leo, take a deep breath. Everything is fine. I’ll be here with you, where else would I go?”

  She leaned against him and sighed. “I know. Sorry, freaking out a bit.”

  “Come on, let’s go knock them out.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Leona and Alastair sat with the others while the first of the musicians took the stage and played their sets of three songs. They were a heavy metal group that made her want to cover her ears. Next, came a Jazz trio that played some pretty mellow songs. The third performer did a solo and sang three totally different types of music. Following him came a group that played old time rock and had a huge standing ovation. She felt her insides start to knot up. Not one country song so far. What if no one here even listened to country? Crap, I could be setting us up for failure.

  She felt Johnny’s hand slip into hers and give her a gentle squeeze. He leaned closer and put his lips close to her ear. “You’ll be fine. Just relax and breathe.”

  She leaned against him, trying to draw in his strength. What a stupid idea to think of doing an open mic night without coming here first to see what type of music they listened to.

  “There hasn’t been one country music song. What if they don’t even like it?”

  “Everyone likes country music, even if they keep it a secret. Anyway, when they hear that sweet voice of yours, they’ll be sold.” He pulled her closer. “Look how excited Alastair is.”

  She watched Alastair, his eyes bright with excitement. He loved playing, loved the spotlight, he always had. She loved performing, and she knew this really was no different from when they played at home, except the audience here may not be as welcoming. The next group played three soft rock songs.

  Alastair glanced her way and gave her the thumbs up, grinning from ear to ear before turning his attention back to the stage for the last act before them.

  All too soon, it was time for them to make their way to the back. Alastair grabbed her hand to hurry her along. Leona felt like her legs weren’t going to hold her up, let alone carry her the distance, which suddenly seemed to double. He grabbed his guitar case and checked the tuning one more time. Leona felt herself freeze in place. Shit, I have to move my feet. We’ve done this a thousand times.

  She glanced at Alastair when she felt his hand on her arm; his lips were moving, but she couldn’t hear anything he was saying. He put his face close to hers; his brows drew together, worry etched on his face. “Leona!” He raised his voice. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m scared. What if they don’t like us? Not one country song. At home, everyone does country.”

  He put his finger on her lips. “Leona, stop. We are going to rock this place country-style, just like we do in Texas. What are you worried about?”

  She glanced up at him and heard her voice falter. “That I’m going to let you down.”

  He laughed and gave her a hug. “You could never let me down! We’re a team. Come on, let’s get out there and show them we’re in the house.”

  Leona could see he wasn’t worried so she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and said a prayer as she took hold of the necklace Johnny had given her tonight. She opened her eyes to find Alastair smiling.

  “Let’s do this.” She threw her shoulders back and grabbed his hand. They walked onto the stage when they heard their names. Her eyes went straight to Johnny’s just before the spotlights were turned on, and she couldn’t see him anymore.

  Alastair started the opening cords of their first song; she grabbed the microphone and as she belted out their first number, the audience started to clap. Leona’s energy skyrocketed as she fed off Alastair’s momentum and that of the audience. They finished the first number and went straight into “Girl Crush.” As she ended the song, he paused to allow the audience to settle down and the clapping to subside a bit before they did their last number.

  The announcer hurried onto the stage as they finished their final song, a smile splitting his face. “Wow! Let’s hear it again for McCoy and Wilson! Way to rock the house!” The crowd went nuts again.

  When they made it backstage, Alastair set his guitar down and grabbed her up in a huge hug, spinning her around and around. “We did it, McCoy!”

  “Yeah we sure as hell did, Wilson!” She threw her head back laughing as he continued to spin her. “Stop! Stop or you’re going to make me puke.”

  He set her back on her feet. “Did you hear them, Leona? None of the other acts got that sort of reaction. They loved us. Man that felt good! I’ve missed this. I forgot how it feels to be on that stage performing.” He was pacing back and forth, his eyes gleaming. “Oh man, do you think they’ll let us perform again? I bet they will. Thanks, Leona. Thanks for talking me into doing this tonight.”

  She was so excited; she jumped when Johnny’s arms snaked around her waist.

  “You guys nailed it.”

  “Johnny, you scared me!” She spun around and threw her arms around his neck. “We did, didn’t we? Alastair killed it.”

  “Yes he did. Both of you did. The audience went wild. And you thought no one here would like country.” He lifted her and spun her around before setting her down and grabbing Alastair in a big hug. “That’s the best I’ve heard you guys ever perform.”

  “Thanks, John. Damn, I don’t think I’m going to be able to sleep tonight. Leona, you want to see if they are doing this again next Saturday?” His eyes flashed with excitement.

  “Sure. Wow, that was so… Wow.” Leona couldn’t find any words to express how she felt.

  ~~~

  John saw the hesitation on Leo’s face as she walked out onto the stage with Alastair. His breath caught as he prayed for her to regain her composure. He knew she could do this. Hell, she had been born to sing; it was in her blood. He willed her to look at him, to find him before the lights went on, and she wouldn’t be able to see the audience. Just when he thought she wouldn’t, their eyes connected. He saw the change, instantly saw the determination and strength surge through her. He gave a small nod as she gave a slight smile just before the lights shown on the two of them.

  John sat back as Alastair started the opening cords of their first song and prayed the audience would be receptive and at least like them. As Leo’s sweet voice rang out, he glanced around and saw a change come over the room. People stopped talking and all eyes turned to the pair. By the second song, it seemed everyone was mesmerized. He glanced at Hope, Heather, and Sebastian to find their eyes glued to the stage as well. Pride slammed him hard. The woman he loved and his friend were a hit.

  John made his way backstage when they finished their set and watched Alastair and Leo. They were flushed from the excitement of performing and he could see the pure, unadulterated joy on their faces from do
ing what they both loved. He wanted to see her like this every day. He was going to try to do everything in his power to help her accomplish her dream, even if it meant they would never be together.

  Her back was to him as he moved quickly up behind her and grabbed her in a huge hug. He loved how she jumped and squealed a little before she spun around and threw her arms around his neck.

  He knew she wasn’t going to come down anytime soon either. They were going to be flying high for hours and they deserved it. “Come on you two, the others are waiting. If you two stars can bring yourself to sit with us lowly fans this evening.”

  “Stop.” Leona swatted at him, but he was too quick so she missed.

  He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. “You look so happy, both of you. I want to see the excitement and happiness on your face all the time.” He kissed the top of her head then released her as Alastair grabbed his guitar case.

  “Is everyone still at the table?” Alastair asked as the next act was introduced.

  “Yeah. Do you guys still want to hang here to a bit to hear some of the others?”

  “Of course,” they both answered in unison.

  John noticed the announcer making his way quickly towards them. He stopped and touched Leo’s arm. “Hey, I think he might want to talk to you.”

  The trio stopped and allowed him to catch up. “Hey, I’m Hark. I’m the co-owner of the club, and I wanted to say you guys are one of the best acts we’ve ever had come across this stage. Damn little lady, I’m not sure I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing a star being born before.”

  John watched Leo’s face turn a lovely shade of pink at Hark’s compliments. “Thank you.”

  “And you, that guitar playing is right up there with the best of them buddy. Have you guys been playing together long?” He glanced back and forth between them as the words flew out of his mouth.

  “Since we were kids.” Alastair laughed as Hark’s brows drew together.

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Nope, I got my first guitar at twelve and we used to hang out together, playing and singing. When we were old enough, Leona and I started playing together at some of the local venues. We haven’t done too much the last couple of years, since we went off in different directions to college.”

  John pulled Leo close, tucking her by his side. “They’re good. I’ve been telling them as long as I can remember.”

  Leona glanced up at him, a smile turning the corners of her beautiful, kissable mouth up as her eyes flashed with gratitude.

  “You guys from around here or just in for vacation?” He motioned for them to step closer to the bar as the next band started playing. “Would you mind if we went into my office to talk, so we don’t have to yell over that?” He motioned toward the stage with a nod of his head.

  “Sure,” Alastair yelled. “Come with us, John?”

  “Yep.” He drew his brows down and gave a slight nod to Alastair, hoping his friend would get that he didn’t want this man to know he was a lawyer just yet. That would give them a better idea as to his character. John found people often told a different truth around lawyers.

  Hark pointed to the chairs sitting by his small cluttered desk. “Sorry the place is a mess, we’ve been busy the last few weeks. Since it’s vacation time, business picks up. So I have a proposition for you, if you’re interested.”

  “What’s that?” Leona asked, leaning forward in her chair. She was so excited; John could see her leg rocking back and forth.

  “Well, I lost my house band a few weeks ago, which is kind of why I started these mic nights. I’m looking for a band. You two are different than what we usually have, but did you see and hear that audience tonight? Damn, we haven’t had that much enthusiasm in months.”

  “What are we talking about exactly?” Alastair sat back and crossed his legs at his ankles.

  Hark smiled, stood, and walked around to lean against the front of his desk. He folded his arms over his chest. “What I would like to propose is that you guys come in on Friday night and play a couple of full sets for the club. I’ll pay you four hundred plus any tips that you take in. If you like it and want to continue, I’d like to have you come in for both Friday and Saturday night the following weekend. Same pay for each night and you could continue for the rest of your vacation here if you want. I think it’s a win-win situation for us all.”

  “We’d like to discuss it with everyone before we answer, if you don’t mind,” Alastair said.

  “Sure, that would be fine. Here, let me give you my business card with my personal cell number. If you could let me know something by Monday, I’d appreciate it.” He reached behind him and took a card from a holder on his desk. “No pressure guys. It really was a pleasure listening to you two.” He reached out and shook hands with each of them.

  When Hark closed the door to his office, John motioned for Leona and Alastair to follow him outside. They moved a little away from the club. “Anything really holding you back here, besides Hope, Alastair?”

  “Not really. Just didn’t want to sound overly enthusiastic, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry,” he replied nonchalantly.

  John nodded and turned to Leona. “What was your take on him?”

  “He didn’t bother me. What would it hurt to play a few gigs for him and make some money? Did you hear the reaction from the audience? What do you think, Johnny?”

  “He was definitely excited about you two. I can get him and the club checked out just to be sure it’s clean.”

  “Let’s do that, okay Alastair? It’s not like he’s asking us to sign a contract or anything.”

  “Oh, we are going to sign a contract Leona but John is going to draw it up. If he wants us to play and is offering money, I want to cover my ass. We need a contract so he can’t say we heard him wrong or anything.”

  John smiled. “Alastair has the perfect point, Leo. Best to cover y’all so there is no problem as to what and when he is going to pay you. We’ll talk more when we get back to the cottage, and I’ll draw everything up and make some phone calls.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Leona kept telling them they were being overly cautious for a couple of nights playing at the club. Johnny and Alastair argued with her and finally, after an hour, they managed to get her to see their side. John made some calls, and whomever he called promised to get back to him by tomorrow afternoon. John assured them he would make the contract easy and to the point, but he wanted to write it to protect her and Alastair.

  Finally, after everyone took off, John and Leona sat at the kitchen table going over everything they had discussed earlier.

  “I promise you this is the best way to do it, Leo. We get him to sign the contract so it protects you and the club owner.”

  “I still don’t think it’s necessary but I’ll do it.”

  “Good. Let me get busy here.” He pushed his hair back and started writing, his eyes glued to the screen. He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth.

  Leona moaned.

  “What’s wrong?” John asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.

  Her eyes flew open and her face turned red. “Nothing is wrong. Why would anything be wrong?”

  “Because you just moaned.” He narrowed his eyes. He could tell she was trying to lie, but she was never good at it with him.

  “I was thinking about something I forgot to do today.” Her blush deepened. He crossed his arms and raised his brow.

  “Okay, I was thinking about the kiss the other night.” She put her hands over her face.

  “Don’t cover that beautiful face and don’t be embarrassed. I think about that kiss all the time and right now, I want to do it again. But I don’t want to push you or make you feel uncomfortable.”

  “You don’t make me uncomfortable, Johnny. I just…” she whispered.

  His eyes moved over her slowly. He saw her hold her breath when his eyes met her blue ones. They burned with desire. When her eyes moved to his mouth,
he couldn’t stand it any longer. He closed the space between them. “If you aren’t ready, tell me to stop,” he said, his voice husky with emotion. “Don’t pretend you aren’t feeling this,” he whispered in her ear, his warm breath making her tremble.

  “Don’t stop,” she whispered.

  He lowered his head slowly and softly brushed his lips against hers. He pulled back and studied her face. “I’ve wanted you for so long, Leo.” He crushed his lips to hers as he tangled his hand in her hair, pulling her closer. She moaned into his mouth, and he shuddered. He put his forehead against hers. “You need to be sure. If you don’t stop, I’m taking you to your room and making love to you. You understand that, right?”

  “Yeah, I do. I want you too, Johnny.” Her voice was husky with desire.

  He let go of her and grabbed her hand. “Let’s go.” He tugged her as they both ran to her room. He closed the door and took her face in his hands. “Tell me no right now, or we move forward.”

  “I won’t say no.”

  “You are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. I swear Leo, you’ve made me wait forever.” He slowly slid her tank top straps off her shoulders. As he kissed her neck, he lowered the top and freed her breasts. He moaned as he took in the beauty of them with their pert nipples, begging for his mouth to tease and nip at them.

  Her back arched as his tongue scorched its way around her first nipple while his fingers teased the other. When he sucked it into his mouth, it was her turn to moan as she buried her fingers in his hair and held him close.

  His mouth claimed hers again while he moved her toward the bed. He slid her top over her arms and tossed it on the floor. He pulled his T-shirt off and tossed it on top of hers before he pushed his shorts off, freeing his erection.

  Leona gasped and turned red as she stared at him, her mouth slightly agape. John reached over and taking her hand, placed in on his hard member. As she hesitantly began to stroke his shaft, he drew in a sharp breath. His eyes closed as he leaned his head back, trembling from her inexperienced but wonderful touch.