Indulge

by Liv Morris

  “Hey, Charles. Now’s not good. We’ll talk later,” I say carrying my princess, walking right past him towards the room where the band members are hanging out. Charles follows, he’s persistent. He better not start any shit that upsets Lex. I’ll kill him right after I fire his ass.

  “Garrett, we need to talk.” He looks over to Lex with contempt. “Privately… Now!” He says.

  I pass Sierra off to Lex and kiss them both. “Give me a minute. I’ll be right back,” I say to them. He and I walk a little way down the corridor to assure a bit of privacy, but I’m keeping my girls in sight.

  “Garrett, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Charles asks. “You’re Garrett Fucking McKenna. You don’t have time to be playing family man. I don’t even want to think about what your fan base will think if they see that you have a girlfriend. This is a successful tour and we don’t need any damn distractions. Look at this shit.” He shoves the articles printed from various gossip sites in my face. They have various titles, ‘The Elusive Bachelor Captured…Finally’ ‘Baby Mama’s Back’ ‘Garrett’s child…paternity revealed.’ What stupid shit this is? There are low quality pictures of us when we picked Sierra up from school yesterday.

  Did Charles just call Lex a distraction? I don’t want to make a scene right here, but I need Charles to settle his ass down. “Let me tell you something right now, Charles. You’ll take care of this fucking tour and band like you’ve always done and keep your fucking nose out of my personal life. If you ever call either of those girls a fucking distraction again, you’ll have much bigger problems to deal with. I promise you that!” I say, throwing the papers at him and walking back toward my girls. I’m pissed, and not just at Charles, the damn gossip sites are insane. I wish for once they’d print something real, but, no, that’s too much to ask for these days.

  I walk over to the girls and reclaim my princess in my arms, kissing Lex as payment. I feel better already. Distraction, she’s more than a damn distraction. This is the girl that makes me forget my name when she looks my way. She’s always had that power. I just never had the balls to tell her, but now, I want her here beside me more than I want my next damn breath. Lord, let’s hope she wants that too. Otherwise, I might turn into one of those chest thumping barbarians. Caveman style is not my thing! What the hell has gotten into me? I’ll be asking her soon to be my wife…mark my words! I’ll need to make her really mine.

  I walk them down the hall to the room where the guys are hanging out and I hear Courtney’s voice. Good God, am I glad she’s here tonight too. We walk into the room where everyone’s hanging out chatting and snacking.

  Courtney pushes herself up right away and waddles over to Lex and Sierra. “Hey, ladies, I’m so glad y’all made it! It’s so good to see you,” she says before hugging the girls and introducing herself to Whitney.

  “Look at you, Courtney. You look fantastic. How are you feeling?” Lex asks as they walk over to the couch, chatting. I plug in Sierra’s iPad and she makes herself comfy with a movie and headphones on my chair. I think she’s a bit sleepy, since she missed her nap. It’ll be good for her to relax in here for a little bit. Her sweet mama looks tired as well. I hate that this has been such a stressful week.

  The guys and I discuss the set list and start warming up our fingers on the guitars. Lex and Courtney are still talking about baby stuff, while Whitney is talking to Jon, my lead guitarist. They are in their own little world talking about music and ‘The great state of Alabama’, where they’re both from. Huh….that’s interesting.

  When it’s time for us to go out onto the stage, we all walk out together. I show Alexis where she’ll be hanging out for the performance. Then I go to my spot and look back, making sure I’ll be able to see them. I can. Perfect!

  Chapter 26

  Wow. Garrett is amazing live on this big stage. I’m really proud of him. Sierra is jumping up and down singing all his songs. She loves him so much. He keeps looking back at us, and winking every now and then. Sierra went out and sang one of his songs with him, but he didn’t introduce her, thankfully. The crowd thought she was just a random child from the audience. She felt like a superstar for a minute. The show will be ending soon, and then we’ll all head back to the ranch. I’m holding Sierra who’s trying so hard to stay awake, but failing, regardless of how loud it is. We’re all exhausted.

  Garrett walks off the stage after the encore. One of the stage-hands passes him a bottle of water that he chugs as he walks straight for us. He kisses me, tells me he loves me for the thousandth time today, and takes Sierra out of my arms, which I welcome because my arms are so sore from carrying her.

  Whitney is walking with Jon. He asks if he can take her out tonight and she agrees. Not really sure what that’s all about, but she seems excited and Garrett says he’s a good guy. He’s quiet, but damn hot. Whit has never been interested in ‘tatted up musicians’ before. She’s more of a ‘hot business man’ kind of girl. Huh…interesting.

  Garrett is walking us out of the arena with security close by. His manager is following beside us, trying to set up meetings for this week, but Garrett has refused any appointments. His manager, Charles, I think, is getting very frustrated. Finally, Garrett looks at him and tells him he’s not taking any appointments before he leaves for the tour in ten days. Garrett uses his stern voice that I’ve only heard a couple times when he’s ordering people around. He glares at Charles in warning. Charles apparently gets the message and backs off.

  He’ll hear no complaints from me on this, since I intend to spend all of that time getting my fill of him before he’s away. Tomorrow we’re going over to Courtney and Drew’s place to hang out with the band. That’ll be fun I expect.

  When we step out of the arena there are more fangirls waiting for Garrett. Even with four strong security guys it’s a struggle to keep everyone back and make a clear path for us. But Garrett does a fantastic job shielding Sierra and she stays asleep through it all, again. I’m grateful, because this might have been a bit scary for her.

  I relax once we’re in the Land Rover and on our way back to the house. Garrett apologizes for the craziness. But I get it. I expected it this time. I’m over the top in love with this man. I need to accept that he’ll be constantly surrounded by women, throwing themselves at his feet and willing to do anything to get a piece of him. Yet, here I am wanting more than anything to believe the things he says to me, that what I have to offer him will be enough. This is going to take a great deal of trust.

  When we make it back to the ranch Garrett carries Sierra into the guest bedroom and turns on the monitor. “When did you get that?” I ask, while finding Sierra’s pajamas to change her into.

  “When I found out you were coming with me. I wanted her to be comfortable in this room, and to be able to hear her if she needed us. I had my housekeeper pick it up,” he says as we quickly work together to dress her without disturbing her. We both kiss her little head and whisper ‘I love you’ to her.

  When we walk out of the room he picks me up and cradles me in his arms. “Now, tell me what you thought of the show,” he asks, while showering me with love as we find our way to the master bedroom.

  “I loved it. You’re amazing, but I already knew that. I prefer your private performances, though, ace.”

  He plants an evil looking grin on his face. “That’s good news, since the next performance I have planned is only for you, sweetheart!”

  He lays me on the bed and unties the halter around my neck. I lay still, watching him devour me with his eyes as he slides the dress off. I’m lying on the bed with only my cowgirl boots, bra, and panties. “Fuck, Alexis, too fucking hot!” He makes quick work of his boots, jeans, and t-shirt. He stands in front of me in just his tight boxer briefs. Yes…this is a nice game. We can both sit staring at each other. Although, I’d much rather have him on top of me. “Lex, you’re perfect! I’m a lucky ass man to get to do what I’m about to do, babe, and I know it,” he says just before he pounces
like a tiger onto his prey.

  After the marathon make-up sex and love making session, I literally must have passed out. I don’t remember it actually ending, but I wake up in the arms of my precious man. Half my body is draped over him, and I’m dressed in a tank top and boy shorts. I don’t recall putting my clothes on. I look at him. His eyes are still closed, but I can sense that he’s awake. “Good morning, Garrett.”

  He cracks open one eye. “Good morning, my sleeping beauty. You slept well, I see.”

  Smiling, “Yes, in your arms, how could I not?”

  He grins. “I love you, Alexis.”

  “Yes, Garrett, you do…very much.”

  He nods. “Glad you know it, lady! Let me get dressed and go get our little girl. She’ll be up any second. I can already hear her stirring. I’ll bring her back in here to snuggle in bed with us and watch TV.” Yes, I’m a very lucky lady.

  “Did Whitney make it back ok last night?” I ask him.

  He shakes his head. “She called very late to tell us she’d be back this morning sometime.” He sounds very annoyed.

  “Oh, that’s not like her to stay out late with some guy she’s just met.” I’m curious.

  “Yeah, babe, well…it’s not like Jon either. But they’re grown-ups and I don’t have the time or the energy to babysit them, so they’re on their own.”

  Um…that’s my best friend and if she gets hurt by one of his friends, he’s going to pay, along with his little friend. I’m just sayin’. “What the hell? That’s my best friend! Your buddy better be on his best behavior, or I’ll expect you to kick his ass for me,” I exclaim, throwing a pillow at him.

  He laughs, leaving the room, and then I see him on the baby monitor rubbing Sierra’s back. Her thumb goes straight into her mouth as she turns her little head to Garrett. He sings to her. A song I haven’t heard before. A song about questions children ask. It’s precious. Sierra knows the song, because as she climbs into his arms and as he sings she’s humming along with her thumb still attached to her lips. They keep singing all the way into the room, until he drops her right in between us on the bed. A TV rises out of the footboard. She snuggles in between us and doesn’t say a word, as we all lay together in bed.

  I’m not sure why I’m surprised by what I’ve witnessed. She loves Garrett and I think she's captured his heart as well. He’s such a sucker for this little girl, and that couldn’t make me happier.

  It’s ten in the morning before we hear the doorbell. I’m hoping that it’s Whitney. I can’t believe that girl stayed out all night. “I’ll get the door, it’s probably Whitney,” I say, and he nods. It can’t really be anyone else. I put my robe on and run down the stairs to the front door. I open it up and it’s not Whit…it’s Charles.

  “Oh…hi, Charles,” I say. “Garrett’s upstairs. Let me go get him.”

  Charles looks me up and down and snickers. “I guess you’re thinking you’ve hit a gold mine, huh?” he says, looking at me with evil eyes.

  “What are you talking about? I want nothing from him except his love. I don’t need anything else.”

  “That’s what they all say. You’re not even his type. How’d you snag him? Was it your sob story?” he asks. All I see is RED. I slap the living shit out of him.

  “You, asshole! You don’t know anything about my situation or me. Don’t you dare try to tell me I manipulated Garrett! I love that man!” I yell.

  Garrett is running down the stairs to get to me. He reaches me and looks me over top to bottom. “Are you hurt, baby?”

  I shake my head, but my hand is throbbing. I’m rubbing it with my other hand. He looks at it, and then looks to Charles, who’s holding the side of his face.

  “That bitch hit me!” he screeches at Garrett just before he finds himself on the floor holding his nose. “You’re done, Charles. I warned you. Get the fuck out of my house. I don’t want to see you anymore. Am I clear?”

  He looks confused. “Garrett, we’ve worked together for years. You can’t really be serious that you’re choosing this,” he says, pointing to me, “over your career and all the success we’ve built.”

  Garrett looks at me and then to Charles. “Abso-Fucking-lutely. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me! Now get your ass up and get the fuck out of my house before I bury you in the horse pasture for hurting my girl,” he threatens as he inspects my hand, flexing my fingers and wrist to make sure they aren’t broken. Charles backs out of the house in a huff, tossing around threats of a lawsuit. Garrett ignores him.

  My hand hurts, really badly, but I try to restrain from showing any signs of pain. I don’t want Garrett to be any more upset. “I’m so sorry, Garrett. I thought it was Whitney. I tried to go get you, but he started saying some really awful things and I reacted. It was bad. It was my fault. I’m so sorry,” I ramble, looking into his eyes.

  “No, babe, I heard him. He deserved what you gave, but I should’ve been the one to do it. I had to get Sierra settled. That’s what took me so long to get to you. I didn’t want her to see or hear the venom he was spewing. I’m sorry I didn’t get here fast enough, and I’m sorry for the things he said. I’ll take care of him later. I promise. Let’s take care of you, now.”

  We go into the kitchen. He puts ice and water into a bowl and submerges my hand. I wince. He takes it out fast. Shit that hurts and it’s cold. He kisses the palm of my hand then slowly submerges it again, keeping his hand in the water with mine.

  Looking me in the eye he says, “I’m so sorry, Lex. I should have protected you from that. Shit…are you really okay? Do you want to leave?”

  I shake my head. Keeping eye contact I answer, “No. I’m not leaving, Garrett. I’m done walking away from you. I love you too much. I’m okay. I just have a sore hand.”

  He kisses me. “I crazy love you, sweetheart! You kind of made me proud in there, but next time, wait…let me throw the punches, baby. Okay?”

  I shrug. “Okay…I think I’m done with that.” And he kisses me some more. Then we hear the front door open and he starts to take off for the foyer, but Whitney makes it to the kitchen first.

  It’s Whitney and Jon. Thank God! They walk into the kitchen, and she looks at the bowl of ice water my hand is in and immediately asks, “What the hell went down here? Jon’s phone was blowing up with calls from that guy, Charles. He’s saying Lex attacked him.”

  Then Jon appears at Whit’s side and looks at my hand in the bowl then to Garrett. “Shit, man. I think we need a new manager before the tour in what…nine days.” Garrett just nods his head. “We’ll deal with it, dude. Don’t worry!” Jon says. Garrett still says nothing.

  Later, we head out for the afternoon barbecue at Drew and Courtney’s house. I’m nervous about going now, since all the band members know that the argument this morning with Charles was over me. I don’t want them to think I’m a trouble maker.

  Whitney is quiet about her night with Jon, but he’s always close to her and she relishes it. When he’s around, he fetches her drinks, rubs her back, and is always attentive. She likes him, I think, but she keeps telling me to focus on my own relationship and not worry my head about her love life. Crazy girl. She’s avoiding it, but I can see something’s there.

  We say hello to everyone when we walk in. No one immediately talks about what went down this morning, even though, I know they all are in the loop. It’s a big deal, because Charles is their tour manager, and they’re supposed to be leaving in nine days for a six week tour. I really screwed things up, but Garrett isn’t taking it out on me one bit. He just keeps saying it’ll all be fine. I hope so.

  I’m talking to Courtney, who tells us she’s starting feel Braxton hick contractions. She thought it was the real thing and went to the hospital last night, but they sent her home. She’s really ready for the baby to come out. She’s scheduled to be induced in two days if she hasn’t gone into labor yet. She wanted to take the baby on the tour, but now it appears the baby will be too young, so she’ll stay behind. Drew
’s planning on coming back for a few overnights, even though, he’ll only be home for several hours, instead of a full night and day, but apparently it’s worth it to them.

  The guys all gather around the grill to have an impromptu meeting. They all agree that Charles was way out of line and deserved what he got. No one is upset with Garrett or me. These guys are like a little family. They stand together. The label will likely hire someone on a temporary basis, just to get them through the next several weeks. They’ll deal with hiring someone permanently when they return. It’s all settled. As for the lawsuit, it’s not even mentioned. They don’t really care.

  The party was fun. Sierra had a blast being the only little kid there and getting all the attention. She’s getting really tired, and bit cranky, as the evening winds down. Two days in a row without a nap and staying up late are taking its toll. We need to get on a better schedule tomorrow. I mention to Garrett. He’s quick to jump into action when I tell him Sierra needs to go to bed. He grabs our stuff and says goodbye to everyone with no questions asked.

  Jon asked to take Whiney to the airport a few hours ago, so it’s just the three of us for the remainder of the week. Garrett says we can do whatever we want. We’ll make some plans in the morning over breakfast.

  Chapter 27

  In the five weeks since I found her again, I’ve gone from a man that enjoyed spending most of his time in front of thousands of fans performing on the stage, to someone I can barely recognize. But I’m learning that I like this guy better. I like being a family guy, spending time with my girls. I never thought I’d ever be content doing normal day to day things. Honestly, I like having people who want to serve me breakfast, do my laundry, and clean up after me. But doing these everyday tasks with Lex is different. I like this time with her. I like doing damn near anything with this lady. Cooking, cleaning, playing, sleeping…anything, except fighting. I never want to fight with her again.