“I hear Ember is hanging out with you in Nashville,” he said in lieu of a greeting.
I wondered if he’d heard she was there alone. “That’s right.” I didn’t want to hang myself out to dry and admit fault before he knew anything, just in case.
“Well, I’m in Florida. I think I’ll drive up,” he explained.
Fuck. “Sounds good. When will you get here?” I glanced at my watch.
“A few days. I’ve been wanting to see you and Ember for a few weeks, and you’re both so close, it doesn’t make sense not to come up. Besides, you’re always traveling so much, it’ll be nice to catch you at home.”
“Of course. I’ll see you in a few days,” I said and we hung up. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I knew Baker would ream me a new asshole if he found out I left Ember alone. Technically, she wasn’t alone, but Stone was only my roommate, not family. I needed to check on them and get my ass back to the states.
I texted Stone to let him know I was coming home.
Dallas: I’ll be home in the afternoon. Apparently Rainey’s husband is coming to visit Ember and expects me there.
I put my phone away while I explained everything to Leanne. Since the photo shoot was temporarily canceled anyway, she had no problems with me going home.
“Did you get in her pants?” she asked.
I glared at her. “You know, people can change.”
“That would be a no,” she laughed. “Sexually frustrated, Dallas?” She teased, giving me a wink.
I wasn’t stupid enough to sleep with her, even if she was fucking hot. “I’m good to go,” I grit out.
I went into Leanne’s office to book my flight and get things taken care of. In less than an hour, I was on my way to the airport. I realized after I checked in for my flight that Stone never texted me back.
Dallas: Where are you? Make sure the house is clean and answer me.
I put my phone in my pocket and waited for my flight to board. He still hadn’t texted me when we were instructed to turn off our devices, so I figured I would call him when I got to the states. I tried to sleep on the plane, but that didn’t work too well. I was in and out, the turbulence keeping me awake.
I also worried about Ember. She was alone in the world, and though she was an adult, she still needed guidance. She was confused and needed to be out on her own a little. College was hardly a good outlet for her, with guys coming on to her left and right. She needed to clear her head, get a good idea of the path she should take in life.
The plane landed at JFK and I went through customs, not really all that excited about the process. It was a pain in the ass, but it was a necessary evil. As soon as I was through the line, I turned my phone back on and it was ringing ten seconds later. The caller ID showed Stone’s phone number.
“Hey man, where you been?” I asked, distracted as I navigated the terminal.
“Sorry, Ember had to take me to the emergency room last night.”
“Shit! How come?”
He laughed. “I sliced my finger cutting up tomatoes. I had to have stitches and she drove me. Everything’s fine now. It just hurts like hell.”
I wanted to laugh at his carelessness, but I knew it would probably piss him off, so I let out a low chuckle. “I bet it does. My flight gets in at one o’clock. And then I guess Baker should be there around two.”
“Sounds good. Why does he expect you to be here? I didn’t even realize you two were close.”
Stone was right. Baker and I weren’t all that close, even though he was a stand-up guy and his love for my sister was obvious. I liked him; we just never had a chance to really get to know one another.
“That’s kind of the problem,” I explained. No one knows I let Ember come to Nashville and then left her while I took a job. It wasn’t how I wanted it, and I never expected to have to be gone for a week, but if Baker shows up and I’m not there, he’ll kill me. Ember is like a sister to him and he thinks she’s too young to take care of herself.”
“Got it. So you want me to tell Ember to not let him know you haven’t been here?”
“That would be awesome. I’ll talk to her when I get in, too. How are things going, anyway?” I asked, wondering if he and Ember were tolerating each other.
“They’re good. Ember and I are getting along very well.”
Something about the way he said it freaked me out. “Don’t fucking touch her, Stone. I swear to God, I’ll rip your balls off if you touch her.”
“For fuck’s sake, Dallas. It’s not like I’m a eunuch. I can’t help it if I’m attracted to her.”
“Don’t touch her.” I had warned him. I told him to stay away from Ember and not to prey on her. She was far too young and impressionable.
“She’s a fucking adult. If she wants to sleep with me, she’s going to, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. You just got done telling me that everyone from Maine would be pissed if they thought you left her alone, but you didn’t, did you? You left her with me. And that means you trust me, whether you want to admit it or not. I didn’t make a move on her, if that’s what you’re thinking. But we’re both attracted to one another. Don’t make it more than it is.”
“You think I’m kidding, Stone? I’m telling you, if you lay a hand on her, I will kill you in your sleep. She’s too young, too innocent for you. So just stop liking her right now.” It wasn’t a suggestion.
“I’ll get right on that. Do me a favor… When you get on your plane, try to lighten the fuck up and don’t start shit when you get here. I called you to tell you how I felt because we’re friends. I don’t want to see you end things over her, but let me tell you, if you do, I’ll choose her. She’s special, someone I could actually see myself falling for in the future, and I won’t let you ruin it.”
“You could fall for her? It’s been less than a week, you dumb fuck. Get the hell out of my apartment. You better be gone by the time I get there.”
He sighed. “I’ll be gone.”
I hung up, beyond pissed. Sure, he was a good kid, but he was also trying to be a country star, which meant if he hit it big, he was going to leave Ember behind, heartbroken. I would have to pick up the pieces, and hell if I wanted to do that. I had enough relationship problems of my own, let alone dealing with someone else’s. Ember wasn’t as strong-willed as Nicole, either. If I broke Nicole’s heart, she wouldn’t dwell on it. She was strong.
I made my way to my next flight. I had a few hours as a layover, so I grabbed some food. I was exhausted, having spent most of the afternoon and night on a plane. It was early morning New York time and I could barely stay awake. I scarfed down a bagel and then approached the woman at the desk of my plane. She greeted me with a smile.
“May I help you?”
“Yes. I’m traveling from overseas and I have a serious case of jet-lag. Would you mind waking me up if I fall asleep before boarding?”
“Of course I wouldn’t mind. I’ll be happy to wake you,” she agreed, flashing another bright smile. When she threw me a wink, I ignored it. I was too tired to flirt.
Not to mention, my heart was already in knots. Nicole occupied my thoughts, even as much as I wanted to think about Ember and be angry at Stone, I could only focus on Nicole and worry about her. I wanted to text her, but I figured she would be busy with Tyler, so as I sat in an empty seat, I let my eyes drift closed.
* * * * *
The plane landed and I was almost the last person off. I rubbed my eyes and prepared myself for a mess when I got back to my apartment. Kicking Stone out might not have been the best decision, but I was pissed. I specifically told him not to bother Ember, and he was moving in, making a move.
The girl deserved to have some time away from people looking at her pretty face and deciding they wanted her. And that’s all it was – it had to be. Stone couldn’t have gotten to know Ember enough to have started falling in love with her.
What about Nicole? My mind questioned me, my own actions proving that falling in love was definitely about mo
re than good looks. I wasn’t in love with Nicole, but I definitely felt something for her, much more than just an easy friendship. So why was I judging Stone? I knew the reason, if I didn’t want to admit it.
When I got to my apartment, it was empty. I tried not to worry, but I knew I was going to give in and call Ember. As I picked up the phone to dial her, the front door swung open and there stood Baker, my own brother-in-law. He looked run down and refreshed at the same time. I had no idea how it was possible, but even in the midst of sorrow, Baker was a good-looking dude. I wasn’t into him, but I was comfortable enough with my own masculinity to know an attractive guy when I saw one.
“Baker! Good to see you,” I greeted him with a half hug.
He returned it with a genuine smile. “It’s so good to see you. How have you been?”
I ushered him in, noticing he wasn’t carrying a duffel or a bag. I wondered if he didn’t plan to stay long. “I’ve been good, just hanging out with Ember all week.” I didn’t want to lie, but I figured he would think I was a bad person if he knew I left Ember alone.
“Liar. Stone’s been taking pretty good care of Ember, hasn’t he?” Baker called my bluff and I knew better than to lie.
“Yep. Who told you?”
“Neither of them. I deduced it myself, believe it or not,” he said with a raised brow. “I’m not judging you, Dallas. Ember’s a big girl and it’s about damn time someone noticed and let her make her own mistakes. She’s an adult and therefore more than capable of making her own decisions. Plus, she has a good head on her shoulders, too.”
I thought so, too, until she showed interest in Stone. “Right.”
He shook his head and took a seat on my couch. “Get me a beer, will you? And don’t you worry about Ember. This thing she has with Stone… It’s the real deal.”
I gave him a look that implied I didn’t believe him while I got him and myself a beer. I tossed one can at him while I made myself comfortable in the recliner. “So what brings you to Nashville?” I asked, desperate to change the subject.
“Ember.”
Nice subject change. “Oh?”
“Yep. She’s growing up, making lifestyle changes, and she deserves to be happy. I just wanted to make sure she knows she has my full support.” He shot me a meaningful look.
“I support her.”
He grinned. “Good. Then you’ll show her just how much you support her this weekend.”
“What’s this weekend?”
“It’s her debut! She and Stone are singing at a local bar together for the first time,” he explained.
I clenched my teeth. “What?”
“Don’t back down now, Dallas. You support Ember. Unfortunately for you, that means that you’ll also be supporting Stone at the bar this weekend. They are over at his new place practicing their set right now.”
I wanted to deck him. “He’s making moves on an innocent young girl.”
“Come on, Dallas, we all know she isn’t a girl, nor is she innocent. Hell, if she’s anything like you, she lost it long ago and is playing Stone for all he’s worth. Player for life, right?” He was reminding me of something I told him long ago when he explained his desire to marry my sister Rainey.
“Things change,” I told him.
He sat forward, holding his beer in both hands and resting his elbows on his knees. “That sounds interesting. Tell me about her.”
I didn’t want to, but I knew he wouldn’t let up until he got what he wanted, so I told him everything: the last-minute trip to the jungle, getting tangled up with Nic, and the Tyler getting sick.
“Sounds like she’s got you all tied up in knots. That’s how I felt with Rainey,” he reminisced. “She sounds like a keeper.”
“The problem is, I don’t know if I’m ready to settle down. It’s not like I’m in love with her, like you were with Rain. I’m just confused, I guess,” I admitted. It was the truth.
“Time will tell. And you don’t need to be in love with someone to go out on a limb and try to change yourself. Especially if that change is for the better, and trust me, cutting out the play boy act is better. You need to settle, even if it’s by yourself. There is such a thing as being happy alone.”
“Are you happy?”
He glanced at his beer, his eyes glazing over a bit. “I’m happy with the memories I’ve made.”
Eighteen
Nicole
I didn’t hear a word from Dallas, not that I expected to. Hell, I wasn’t even sure he had my number, let alone if he would call or text me for an update.
The people on the base weren’t telling me anything about Ty, which worried me. I needed information and I needed it immediately. They saw it differently, of course. If the military had their way, I wouldn’t even be able to call and check in. I called every day, confused as hell because they gave me the runaround on how he was actually doing. They also wouldn’t let me back on the base without an escort, which they were unable to provide me.
All of it meant I was stuck in the middle of the damn jungle without anyone to lean on. I was tired of being my own shoulder to lean on. I couldn’t even cry appropriately over Tyler’s sickness, because I had to be strong. I forced myself to get up every morning, to face the day and not sulk from beneath the bed covers. I didn’t want to let myself get too depressed, and I knew that if I lay in bed all day, that was exactly what would happen.
My hotel room phone rang just before noon. My heart rate picked up, hoping it was Dallas. “Hello?”
“Nicole, its Leanne,” she replied, her voice chipper.
My shoulders slumped. “Hey, Leanne.”
“Well, don’t sound so excited to talk to me. I take it you haven’t heard from Dallas yet?”
“No. And things with Tyler aren’t exactly going well. They aren’t telling me anything at all. I don’t know what to do,” I whined. I knew how childish I sounded but I didn’t care.
“I’m really sorry about Tyler. I know it must be hard for you to be left in the dark. I wish there was something I could do.”
I sighed. “Me too. Unfortunately, I just have to deal with it.”
“Well, I’ve always stuck by the old adage, no news is good news, so hopefully, he’s recovering and he’s not in any danger.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Leanne.”
“About Dallas…”
“What now?” I groaned.
“Well, he checked in with me this morning. He said he’s been dealing with some home stuff, so I guess that’s why he hasn’t called you. He did ask for your number, though, so maybe he’ll call.”
I didn’t want hope at the moment. “Yeah, and maybe I’ll sprout wings and fly around the jungle. In reality, I don’t care if he calls.”
“Don’t lie to me. If there’s someone who knows what you’re going through with Dallas, it’s me. My husband left me for a younger woman just a few days ago,” she admitted.
My heart went out to her. “I’m so sorry, Leanne. I can’t imagine what that’s like.” I didn’t have the words to comfort her.
“I’m tough, girlie. I can handle whatever any man throws at me. And so can you. Dallas is stubborn. And he’s afraid of love. Once upon a time, I thought about pursuing him, but after seeing you with him last week, I knew he was done for. He’s wild about you, Nicole. I’m sure he’s going to run from you for a while, but he will come around. He’s a man, but he’s not completely stupid.”
I was scared shitless as she spoke. First, that a woman like her wanted Dallas and yet backed off because of me… I couldn’t compete with her, sexually, if my life depended on it. Dallas, no doubt, would be all over her in a heartbeat if he knew she was interested. It worried me, even though I knew it shouldn’t. Dallas wasn’t mine. He was more than free to be with whomever he chose. Even if it wasn’t me.
I wanted it to be me. I wanted him more than I thought possible. I was lost in his eyes every time, drowning in a sea of endless emotion. He made me feel things I didn’t want to feel. I close
d my eyes, blocking out everything in my mind but him. I saw him in front of me, his eyes taunting me, haunting me at every glance. Dallas was more to me than just some fling, regardless of what I did or didn’t mean to him.
My body desired his muscled chest and abs while my mind craved his intelligence. As attracted as I was to him physically, I was equally interested in him, as a person. I just wanted him. All of him.
* * * * *
Days later, I was no closer to an answer to either of my life problems.
No one would update me on Tyler’s health, no matter how much I threatened national security. In fact, I even made death threats, just to try to get someone, anyone to notice my existence and tell me something. I called the base four times a day, sometimes as myself, though I did pretend to be a close family relative more than once. The nurses assured me Tyler didn’t have any sisters and his mother was dead. They saw my lie for what it was, but I was desperate. I needed to see him, to know he was okay.
Dallas forgot who I was. That’s how it felt, anyway. I wanted to crawl into a hole and die of embarrassment. The more I thought about it, the more I convinced myself I had thrown myself at him and he wasn’t even interested in me. I was mortified by my own behavior.
Ten days had passed since the day Tyler went into the hospital. It was too long. If Dallas wanted me, even a little, he would have called within three days, right? That was the rule, though who knew why guys thought it had to be a rule. My rule was, if there was a mutual attraction, he should call.
Sitting in my ridiculous hotel room, an idea popped into my head as I thought about the three day rule. Why didn’t I call him? I was interested, at least, and calling would let him know I didn’t appreciate the neglect. I smiled to the empty room and picked up the phone to call Leanne.
“This is Leanne,” she answered.
“It’s Nic. Listen, I need Dallas’s number,” I said, straight to the point.
“Good for you, girl! Let me grab the number. Do you know what you’re going to say?” she asked. I heard the distinct sound of papers rustling in the background.
Wild Dreams Page 10