Everything After

by Melissa Toppen

  Stopping abruptly just feet from the bus door, she spins towards me, a look of complete seriousness tightening her features. “Today was incredible. Probably top five of my best days ever. Which is exactly why it can't happen again.” She tightens her arms in front of herself.

  “So fun to you is a bad thing?” I laugh.

  “I'm here to work Killian. As much as I enjoyed this, it's not appropriate.” She says flatly, turning and pulling the bus door open before I even have a chance to respond.

  Chapter Eleven

  Nora

  “Where the hell have you two been?” Chet calls out the moment I step on board the bus. He's lounging on the couch, a book of sheet music in his hands.

  “We decided to explore and ended up getting lost.” Killian's voice washes over me from behind.

  “Explore.” Chet looks from me to Killian and then back to me. “Is that what the kids are calling it these days?” He asks, clearly not missing the way my hair is matted to my head or that I am clutching my chest like my life depends on it.

  “I'm going to lay down for a little bit.” I say, just wanting to escape the feeling of Chet's eyes hot on my face and the fear that he can see right through me and know exactly what I am feeling.

  “I think I will too.” I hear Killian say, the smile on his face clear from the tone of his voice. That asshole is doing this just to spite me.

  Pulling my suitcase out from under the bunk bed I share with Killian at the very back of the bus, I quickly dig for an appropriate outfit, completely ignoring the fact that I can feel Killian standing directly behind me.

  I settle on shin length black dress pants and a light blue sleeveless sheer top with an attached camisole underneath, knowing it will be a nice enough outfit for the guys’ interview later. I quickly grab a bra and pair of panties before shoving my suitcase back underneath the bed.

  “Nora.” Killian's voice comes out gently behind me and halts my movements just as I stand.

  “Don't start Killian.” I warn, spinning around to find him standing just inches from me.

  “What you said outside, about us not hanging out again, you didn't actually mean that did you?” He asks, oddly seeming to actually care. “Because the truth is, I don't find many people that I feel as comfortable around as I do you. I had a lot of fun today.” He admits, reaching out to trail his hand lightly down my bare arm. My skin immediately prickles under the contact and I instinctively pull away.

  “I just think we should keep things professional.” I say, finding it hard to meet his eyes. “You're a fun guy Killian but this is a huge opportunity for me and I can't afford be distracted. I can't let myself be your friend.”

  “We don't have to be friends necessarily.” He raises his eyebrows suggestively, clearly playing. I can't stop the laughter that erupts from my throat. God help me this man is going to be the death of me.

  “You are too much.” I shake my head, squeezing past him towards the bathroom.

  “Better than not being enough.” He chimes in behind me just as I step inside the small room. Turning to face him, he's wearing that ridiculously cute smile of his and looking at me with the most pathetic puppy dog eyes.

  “I guess that's true.” I laugh, not able to contain my smile as I close the door and finally put some shred of distance between me and the man who has spent the entire day severely testing my self-control.

  ****

  “So you promise you haven't completely destroyed our apartment?” I ask, laughing when Bridget gasps in offense.

  “I managed just fine before you were my roommate, thank you very much.” She bites playfully, knowing that I am just giving her a hard time. “But who cares about that, tell me about the band. Are they as hot in person as they are in pictures?” She asks, heat rushing to my face at the thought of Killian and just how hot he actually is.

  “You have no idea.” I sigh, looking up at the ceiling above my bed.

  “Oh my God I knew it!” She exclaims excitedly into the phone. “Tell me everything.”

  “There's not much to tell.” I say, trying to keep my voice hushed as to not be overheard by Kate and Chet who are currently napping just feet from me in Chet's bed.

  “Is that code for I can't really talk right now?” She asks, clearly picking up on this by the tone of my voice.

  “Pretty much.” I laugh lightly. “I promise, I will tell you everything when I get home.”

  “But that's nearly two months away.” She whines. “You can't expect me to wait that long.”

  “You won't have to.” I promise. “Now is just not the time.”

  “I get it.” She concedes. “So where are you now?”

  “We are on our way to Mississippi. The guys had a show last night in Tuscaloosa and we hit the road about eight this morning.” I sigh, pulling the phone away from my ear to check the small clock in the top corner of the screen. Just after eleven, which means we should be arriving within the next few minutes. “They have a couple radio stops today and then they play in Jackson tomorrow night.”

  “So what do you do when you're not on the road and nothing is going on?” She asks, causing the image of Killian nearly naked in the water to flash through my mind. I quickly shake off the thought. It's been two days since that incident and I have done my best to avoid him as much as possible since then.

  “Not much really. The guys tend to do their own thing. I have managed to get two of them to sit down with me for at least a few minutes to run through some questions. I hope to get the other two initial interviews done tomorrow before their show.”

  “You make it all sound so boring and drab.” She whines, clearly hoping for more excitement.

  “Well what do you expect?” I laugh, shaking my head even though she can't see me.

  “Wild nights, crazy parties, I don't know. Shit Nora, you are traveling with a rock band for fuck's sake. You talk like you are on the road with a church group.”

  “It's not as glamorous as you imagine B.” I laugh. “They are just normal guys, doing what they love to do.” I say, purposely leaving out any real details about any of the band members.

  “Or maybe you are just too lame to actually see it for what it really is. They are probably out living it up while you hide tucked away on a tour bus working on your checklists and outlines.”

  The fact that she hit the nail on the head so well, actually makes me cringe a bit. I really am that predictable, aren't I? I mean, I did manage to join them at the bar in Georgia, and of course, there was the Alabama outing with Killian. But besides that, I have done exactly as she just said.

  In fact, other than watching the show last night from backstage and managing to corner Chet for a few quick questions, I have pretty much done nothing but hide out in my bunk.

  “I'm right aren't I?” She asks, taking my silence as a dead giveaway of her accuracy.

  “Whatever, that's not true.” I insist.

  “If you say so.” She laughs, not buying my lie for even a second. “If nothing else, can you at least promise me that you will try to have a little fun this summer?”

  “I am trying.”

  “Now why do I not believe that?”

  “Because you know me.” I state the obvious.

  “Exactly. Now, promise me.” She insists.

  “Fine.” I cave, knowing there is no need to argue with her given she has no way of knowing whether or not I actually follow through on my promise.

  “Now tell me, who is the hottest?” I can hear the smile in her voice.

  “Really?” I laugh.

  “Oh come on Nor. The least you can do is give me something to keep my dirty mind occupied.” She laughs over her words.

  “They are all pretty cute.” I say, trying to keep my voice as low as possible. “But Killian is... Well, let's just say he's...”

  “That hot?” She cuts in, clearly picking up on my difficulty to explain just how irresistible Killian actually is.

  “Hotter.” I laugh, my voice b
arely above a whisper.

  “Damn it, why can't I be you?” She whines just moments before I hear Killian clear his throat in the bed below me.

  Panic seizes my chest and a tight knot instantly forms in my wind pipe. I didn't know he was down there. How did he slip in without me having any clue at all? Has he been there the whole time? I immediately start running through my entire conversation with Bridget in my head.

  “Nora?” Bridget questions, clearly not sure why I've gone silent on the other end.

  “I gotta go B.” I say, trying to keep my voice even as to not give anything away.

  “Oh, okay.” She doesn't question it. “I should head to the gym anyways. My ability to resist donuts in your absence has become nonexistent.”

  “You didn't?” I question, knowing what an addiction this girl has for the sweets.

  “Oh I did.” She laughs. “An entire dozen in less than twelve hours.”

  “B!” I exclaim in disbelief.

  “I know. I know. I'm weak.” She sighs. “Anyways, I'll let you go. Call me later okay...”

  “I will. Love you.”

  “Love you too.” She says, ending the call.

  Locking my phone, I drop it on the hard mattress next to me and hesitantly pull back the curtain to my bed. Looking down, Killian's curtain is drawn closed and I hear nothing coming from his bed. Re-closing my own curtain, I lay my head back down and let out a low sigh.

  Maybe he didn't hear what I said. Maybe he was just clearing his throat to clear his throat. Hell, for all I know he has headphones on and was completely unaware that I was even on the phone. But just as I let that thought seep in, Killian's voice washes over me from below.

  “Hotter huh?” He laughs, causing me to drop my pillow over my face to muffle my silent scream of embarrassment. “Hotter than what exactly?” He asks, clearly not having heard both sides of the conversation.

  “It's the accent isn't it?” I hear Gabe chime in, causing my embarrassment to grow substantially.

  “Don't blame the accent dude.” I hear Chet next. “You're just mad cause she wants nothing to do with you.” He teases from his bunk.

  “Fuck you dude.” Gabe spits. “Nora, tell him you think I'm hot too.” He whines, causing me to laugh into my pillow. I pull it away from my face just as Chet throws another insult at Gabe.

  “Dude. Don't make her give you a pity compliment. We all know that doesn't count.” Chet laughs.

  “Boys. Leave that poor girl alone.” I hear Kate next.

  “I want to know what she was factoring her decision on when she said Killian was hotter.” Gabe interjects again.

  “Just so I'm clear, was everyone listening to my conversation?” I finally ask, deciding to just embrace the embarrassment and thanking God I didn't say anything more incriminating.

  “Pretty much.” Killian laughs below me.

  “Good to know.” I laugh, rolling to my side as I pull my throw blanket over my entire head and silently wish I possessed the power to disappear at will.

  Chapter Twelve

  Nora

  “Come on Nora. One drink.” Gabe insists, as I sit across from him at the small bar I let him drag me to after their show.

  “Nope.” I shake my head, questioning my decision to even join him here tonight in the first place.

  Not that I couldn't have said no, but after hiding out for the last couple of days, I decided I should at least try to be somewhat social. Isn't that the point? To get to see the behind the scenes, the ins and outs of what takes place on tour. How can I do that hiding out in my bed all day and night?

  Besides, he promised we could finish the individual interview I started with him earlier today, though given that he's already three beers in, I'm starting to doubt that is going to happen. Add on the fact that Killian, Chet and Kate will not be joining us, I am starting to wish I had declined.

  “Oh come on. One drink.” Gabe insists, hitting me with his best smile, his silver lip ring catching the light of the fixture hanging above our table causing my focus to go to his mouth. He doesn't miss this fact and when my eyes meet his again, he's wearing this cocky expression like he knows he's got me. Too bad he couldn't be further from getting me.

  “Oh my God. Fine.” I sigh loudly, deciding this man is never going to just let me be until I have a drink with him and he realizes that alcohol or not, I am not going to sleep with him.

  “Fuck yeah.” He jumps up from the table and practically runs to the bar.

  “You know, having a drink is only going to encourage him more.” Aiden leans in, shoving his hair away from his face as he speaks, revealing a thick trail of freckles across the bridge of his nose that I have never noticed before.

  “Really? I was hoping it would have the opposite effect.” I shake my head, watching Gabe flirt with the female bartender as he orders our drinks.

  She is clearly not immune to his charms. In fact, after she slides our drinks across the bar to him, she also reaches over and hands him a small piece of paper. If I had to guess, I would say it is most definitely her phone number.

  “I'm afraid not.” Aiden laughs lightly, pulling my attention back to him. “He's a bit relentless that one.”

  “I hadn't noticed.” I reply sarcastically, causing a wide crooked smile to stretch across Aiden's face. “So what do you suggest?” I ask, cocking my head towards him to avoid Gabe's cocky smile as he makes his way back towards our table.

  “Don't give him an inch.” He drops his voice as Gabe slides in next to me.

  I meet Aiden's eyes and smile when he throws me a small wink before turning his attention to Gabe, who proudly announces that he got me a Long Island. If that doesn't say I'm trying to get you drunk, I don't know what does. I may not be a drinker but even I know that Long Island Iced Tea contains multiple types of liquor.

  “Of course you did.” I smile, reaching out to take the drink as Gabe slides it to me.

  Aiden laughs lightly as I take a long gulp and then resurface with a sour look on my face. I don't know what people are thinking but this certainly does not taste like an iced tea to me. I throw Aiden a silly face and take another drink, ignoring Gabe's protests of insult that I don't like the taste of the drink.

  Thank God for Aiden. Out of the entire band, he is probably the most similar to me. I have found that when the other members venture out, I rather enjoy hanging in the lounge area with Aiden and talking music. He's awkward and shy but in a lot of ways, that's what I find so refreshing about him.

  “You really don't like it?” Gabe asks after I have managed to drink almost half the glass in three drinks and my facial expression has not changed.

  “No, it's fine.” I lie, taking another long drink. “Now, you owe me an interview.” I point my finger at Gabe, grabbing my large book bag style purse from the back of my stool. Pulling out my notepad and pen, I hang my bag on the chair again before turning my attention back to Gabe.

  “Do we have to do this now?” He whines.

  “You said you would.” I remind him.

  “How about another drink first?” Gabe suggests. I think on it for a long moment and for whatever reason, decide another doesn't sound half bad.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Killian

  The longer Nora is gone with Gabe, the more irritated I become. I didn't find out until recently that she went out with him and Aiden. Had I known, there is no way I would have let her go without me. Gabe has been hell bent on getting into her pants since the moment she arrived in Georgia last week.

  Not that I think he will get anywhere with her, but just the thought has me pacing the front of the bus dialing Gabe's number and then Aiden's over and over. Does no one answer their fucking phones anymore?

  I toss my phone onto the table, ready to head the fuck out and try to find them when I hear the bus door open and Nora's laughter fill the air. Aiden is the first one on the bus, turning the moment he reaches the platform to reach out and pull Nora up the stairs, Gabe guiding her up f
rom behind.

  I know the moment I catch sight of her flushed cheeks that she is three sheets to the fucking wind. She gives me a goofy side smile. “Killian.” She holds her arms up in the air as she says my name almost like an announcement.

  “Blame that one.” Aiden cocks his thumb in Gabe's direction, who steps up beside Nora and drops his arm around her shoulder. Without a thought, she immediately pushes his arm off of her which instantly brings a smile to my face.

  “How much did she have?” I ask, watching how she sways in her attempt to stand up straight.

  “Five Long Islands.” Aiden turns towards Gabe which tells me everything I need to know.

  “Hey, I didn't pour the drinks down her throat.” Gabe holds his hands up in defense when I pin angry eyes on him. “Besides, she's a grown fucking woman who can do whatever she wants. Don't look at me like that.” He bites.

  “Come on Nora, let's get you to bed.” I say, shaking my head disapprovingly at Gabe as I step forward and wrap my arm around Nora's shoulder, not missing that she makes no attempt to push my arm away like she did Gabe's.

  “You're an asshole.” I snap at Gabe, leading Nora out of the lounge area towards the bunks.

  “Why am I the asshole? Aiden was there too.” Gabe calls after me.

  “You know why.” I holler back, trying to keep Nora upright as she stumbles and giggles her way back towards the bunks.

  “You know why.” She mocks me, laughing louder. “Killian.” She stops just feet from my bed and spins to face me. She lets my name hang there, making no attempt to say more.

  “Nora.” I say, hoping to prompt her into speaking.

  “Do you think I'm hot?” She asks. Before I can even get a word out, she's peeling her shirt over her head and tossing it to the side, leaving her standing in a lacy black bra just inches in front of me.

  “Nora...” I pause, not really sure what to say.

  “I mean it.” She continues, working the button and zipper of her jeans before peeling them down her legs, revealing a pair of matching lace panties. I have to physically bite down on my bottom lip to keep myself from groaning at the sight of her standing in front of me like this. Her body is incredible. She's tight and toned with just the right amount of curves.