Blame it on the Tequila

by Fiona Cole

  It was the only warning I got before she closed the last foot and threw her arms around my neck. I caught her and buried my face into her soft hair, inhaling as deep as I could to make up for every second I hadn’t been able to have her. I held her to me like I wanted to make us one, and she could never leave again.

  “I’m so sorry, Parker. So, so, so sorry.”

  “Me too.”

  “Guys,” Aspen said. “Why don’t you step over here for some privacy.”

  She guided us to a small alcove behind banners and equipment. People still moved about, but it was mostly workers and not anyone chomping at the bit to invade a private moment.

  “You’ve got about five minutes before we have to go.”

  “Thanks, Aspen,” Nova said.

  With a nod, she left us.

  We stood still for less than a second, and then my mouth was on hers. My hands re-exploring every inch of skin I could find—desperate for her. Her tongue collided with mine just as needy. Small whimpers escaped, and I seriously calculated our chances of making it to the limo and taking an extra fifteen minutes. We could be late, right?

  “I can’t believe you’re here,” I said between kisses.

  “I had to be.”

  “I called.”

  “I know.” She pulled back just enough to meet my eyes but not enough to separate. “I needed to show you. I want to be with you—if you’ll have me.”

  I barked a laugh. “Of course, I’ll have you. Fuck, Nova. I’ve wanted you from the second you walked into that apartment, charcoal staining your hands clinging to more art supplies.”

  She gave a watery laugh and sniffed before turning serious. “I’m sorry I ran—again. I’m working on it. Rae and Vera so kindly pointed out that I need space to process. I somehow missed it, but seeing it now, I know I can work around it. I can be honest and ask for pockets of time before I just plain vanish. I can promise to always come back and work it out together.”

  “Good, because as much as I don’t want to, I can promise I’m going to fuck up. I’m going to need you to stay and remind me I messed up and help me fix it. In return, I can give those moments of space—as long as you always come back to me. And promise to take me with you, even if it’s only in your heart.”

  “Parker, there isn’t a moment I haven’t carried you with me,” she admitted. “I got a new tattoo.”

  “Yeah?” I asked, confused by the change.

  “Yeah.”

  She shifted, tugging the edge of her dress shirt up a couple more inches to show thin, elegant script along her ribcage under the soft swell of her breast.

  “I carry your heart with me. I carry it in my heart,” I read the words.

  “I’ve always thought of that quote when I thought of you,” she admitted.

  I stroked my finger along the letters, shuddering right along with her when I grazed her soft skin.

  I stood tall and pulled her back in my arms, but before I could lean in for a kiss, she framed my face in her hands. “Parker, I love you. I can’t remember a time I didn’t. And I know I’ve run a lot, but I want to show you that I’m here—I’m all in. I posted my face on Instagram,” she confessed with an edge of panic to her laughter.

  “I saw. You looked so happy.”

  “Because I was coming to you. I love you,” she said again.

  I gripped her hips tight, pulling as much of her against me as I could. “I love you too. I always have. I always will.”

  A single tear slid down, and she dabbed it away. “Stupid makeup.”

  “You look beautiful no matter what.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Just as we were going back for another kiss, Aspen poked her head around. “Time to go.”

  I groaned but pulled back. “Do you want me to get someone to take you to your seat? I should be in soon.”

  She shook her head. “I’m walking the red carpet with you.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  She pulled her shoulders back, her chin held high. “I want to.”

  Smiling bigger than I thought possible, I reached my hand for hers, finally filling the gaping hole when she slid hers in mine.

  We made it around the corner before she let go. Only because the guys bombarded her and jerked her into their arms.

  “Missed me, didn’t you?” Ash muttered so only we could hear.

  She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right.”

  “Fine, your pussy missed me.”

  “Fuck off, asshole,” I grumbled but smiled.

  He backed up, his hands held up in surrender. “Hey, I’m just saying I’m here whenever you need me.”

  She shook her head and laughed, coming right back to my side, where she stayed the whole length of the carpet.

  She fielded all the questions with grace and sarcasm that had me laughing more than any red carpet before. My favorite was when one reporter asked her if she thought it would have hurt if Hank had made it back and started cutting her.

  I almost stepped in for such a crass question when Nova put on an over-the-top British accent and answered. “’Tis but a flesh wound. I would have bit his kneecaps off.”

  The reporter blinked and blinked some more. Meanwhile, I choked on a laugh and pulled her away before the reporter could place the quote from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

  Before we knew it, we made it to our seats, and with Nova by my side, we won four of the six nominations. When we won best album, I made it a point to thank my girlfriend, Nova Hearst, for always being the inspiration behind my songs.

  Now that she put herself out there how she wanted to, I could finally let everyone know that Nova Hearst was mine, and I was hers.

  Epilogue

  Nova

  “Thank you, Vegas. We couldn’t end our tour in a better place.”

  I watched Parker walk to the edge of the stage and toss out his pick, quickly followed by Ash and Brogan doing the same. Oren tossed out his broken sticks and they all bowed to the raucous applause.

  My eyes burned, taking them in, huge smiles on their face.

  Parker looked over his shoulder and met my eyes in the wings and I bounced on the balls of my feet, barely holding back from running out there to drag him off stage.

  Over a year and the tour was finally ending.

  One more bow and then he made his way over, passing his guitar off to the crew.

  Before he could make it, I launched myself at him, wrapping my legs around his waist and kissing him as he walked us off.

  “I love you,” I whispered.

  His lips stretched into a smile under mine. “I love you, too.”

  “Get a room,” Brogan shouted playfully.

  I rest my forehead on his and breathed him in, so unbelievable grateful to be in his arms without any worries holding us back. The fact that I hadn’t seen him in two weeks also added to my exuberance.

  Once we finished the album, he continued his tour and I continued to grow my brand, attending concerts, traveling to secluded hikes in my new van, taking pictures of it all.

  “You ready?” he asked.

  “Born ready.”

  With a soft chuckle, he let my feet hit the ground. “Let’s go, Supernova.”

  We made our way to the exit, hand in hand, receiving well wishes and back slaps from the crew all the way out the door.

  “It’s about fucking time,” Rae called from where she leaned against the black SUV.

  Vera slapped her arm and shook her head. “Ready to go?”

  “Yup.” I answered.

  “Why are we riding separately again?” Parker asked, not letting go of my hand.

  “Because you can’t see me before the big day,” I explained.

  “Ugh.”

  “Stop being a drama queen and let’s go,” Ash said as he walked past toward the second black SUV.

  “Just one more,” Parker whispered, leaning down to press his lips to mine. When he finally pulled away
, I couldn’t stop smiling. “See you soon.”

  I backed away, piling into the backseat. Vera sat in the driver’s seat and Aspen climbed into the passenger side, while Rae climbed in back with me.

  “Strip,” she ordered.

  “We’re sure these windows are tinted?” I asked, already kicking off my shoes.

  “Promise,” Aspen assured. “I’ve had to do more than my fair share of quick changes.”

  Aspen and I had clashed in the beginning, but I stood my ground against her with what I would and wouldn’t allow for publicity and in the end, I think I won her respect, which led to a friendship of sorts.

  I quickly changed and sat as still as I could while Rae pinned my hair back and applied my makeup. The Vegas lights flashed by and I barely saw them, too focused on getting to Parker.

  By the time we pulled up, I barely let Vera stop before I tried to open the door.

  “Not so fast,” Rae said, pulling me back by the elbow.

  The guys all waited outside in black jeans and black shirts. Parker stole my breath with his black button-up shirt, undone at the neck. I wanted to bury my face into that sexy crook and breathe him in.

  “I’ll go get them inside,” Aspen offered.

  She stepped out and I bounced my leg.

  “I’d ask if you want to run, but I’m pretty sure the only place you want to run is down the aisle,” Vera laughed.

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “It might be more obvious than the cheesiness of this chapel.”

  I looked at the small building with fake flowers decorating the arch and recalled the gold and cream interior we saw in the pictures online. It screamed corny-Vegas-wedding and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  Nico walked out to let us know they were ready and with my arm latched through Vera’s and Rae’s, the doors opened, and I walked toward the man I’d been dreaming of being my husband for longer than I could remember.

  Time stood still. The music started and Parker finally saw me. His eyes raked over my white-lace crop top and white flowy pants. He smiled his approval when he got to my white high-heeled ankle-boots.

  With a kiss on my cheek from each girl, I closed the small gap between me and Parker. With tears in both our eyes, I slid my hand in his and married my best friend.

  “You may kiss the bride,” Elvis finally declared.

  Parker and I crashed together. What our kiss lacked in finesse, it more than made up for in happiness and passion. We clung to each other like we’d spent a lifetime apart rather than only an hour.

  “I love you so much.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Cheers erupted and Elvis announced us as Mr. and Mrs. Parker Callahan.

  It was perfectly short and sweet. We’d been years in the making and I hadn’t wanted to wait another second.

  He’d asked me to marry him on the red carpet of our second Grammys together—forever memorialized by the paparazzi—and I’d almost demanded we skip the awards and get married right then.

  We compromised with Vegas.

  “Where to now?” Oren asked when we all stood outside after pictures.

  “I don’t’ know about you, but I have a car waiting to take us back to our suite.”

  “What?” Ash asked. “No reception?”

  “Oh, we’re partying,” I said, waggling my brows at Parker.

  “Yeah, but it’s a no pants party just for me and my wife,” he said, pulling me close.

  Wife.

  I’d never tire of it.

  “Evan just texted me about a party at the Bellagio,” Brogan said.

  “I’m down with that,” Rae interjected.

  Brogan turned to her with a smirk, but before he could say anything, Austin cut in. “Don’t you have a boyfriend you should call?”

  “You’re not her boyfriend?” Brogan asked confused.

  “Nope, he’s just my forever wedding date,” Rae explained.

  Austin’s scowl showed how much he appreciated being called just anything.

  “Well, then by all means, come along. I know I’d love to have you there,” Brogan assured, scanning her from head to toe.

  “I am not going to some random hotel party,” Austin grumbled.

  “Vera will go with me.”

  “Girl,” Vera stepped back. “I love you, but Nico and I have plans. It’s our first trip after the baby and we are making the most of it.”

  Rae stuck out her tongue. “Party poopers. I’ll just go alone.”

  I looked to Austin with wide eyes. “Please. I don’t want to have to skip out on my wedding night to make sure my best friend is safe.”

  “What?” Parker almost shrieked.

  I reassured him with a wink.

  “Fucking fine. I’ll go. But we’re not staying long,” Austin demanded.

  Rae smiled proudly and I turned to face my husband. “Now that that’s settled, let’s get the hell out of here. I’ve got plans for you Mr. Callahan.”

  “I like the sound of that Mrs. Callahan.” He opened the door of a hired car, but wrapped his arms around me from behind before I could get in. Dipping his hand low, fingering the top of the apex of my thighs, he leaned in and nipped at my ear. “But I have plans, too, and they start as soon as we get in this car. However, there’s no privacy glass, so you better be quiet.”

  A shiver worked its way up my spine. Even more eager than before, I pulled away and nibbled on his full bottom lip before whispering, “If it gets leaked to the press about what we do in the backseat of cars, we can blame it on the tequila.”

  RAE

  My head pounded with beating drums. No, not just my head—my whole body ached.

  The last thing I remembered was finally talking Austin into enjoying the night and taking a shot of vodka with me. Followed by many more. Everything after was blur.

  Not even sure if I made it back to my own room, I managed to squint open an eye at the blinding sun. Cream curtains didn’t give a clue as to where I was, but then I saw my teal suitcase opened in the corner with my dress from last night tossed haphazardly over it.

  Good. I made it back to my own room.

  “Fuck,” I muttered.

  A deep groan came from behind me. Apparently, I hadn’t made it back to my room alone.

  My boyfriend would not be happy about that. I guess it was a good thing I broke it off before leaving.

  With a deep breath, I prepared to roll enough to face whoever laid in bed with me.

  Please be hot. Please be hot.

  “What the fuck,” the deep voice said.

  Not any deep voice. Austin’s deep voice.

  I’d know that sexy rumble anywhere.

  Oh, thank god. He must have just stayed in my room when we made it back. Also, I kind of liked the idea of him not finding some girl to bang while he was in Vegas. Not that I’d delve too deeply into that emotion. Ew.

  “How much vodka did we have?” he asked.

  “Too much? No enough? I don’t know,” I answered, rolling to my back.

  His thick arm came into view when he rubbed at his face. “I got to piss,” he grumbled.

  “So sexy,” I deadpanned.

  “I turn on the extra charm just for you.”

  “Lucky me.” I looked over and bat my eyelashes just in time to watch Austin stand fully naked from the bed.

  As if in slow motion, we both looked down at the same time.

  I’d known Austin for over five years, lusted after him from day one. But I had never, ever seen him naked.

  “Holy. Shit,” I said with awe. I knew he had to be big everywhere, I just hadn’t been prepared for how big.

  “Holy shit,” he shouted, snatching a blanket to cover himself.

  It was then, I saw the flash of gold on his finger.

  I jutted my hand out and pointed. “Austin, what the fuck is that?”

  It was then I saw the flash of gold on my finger.

  We both held up our hands and eyed the matching gold bands, t
rying to piece the night together.

  Unable to come up with anything, we both looked up with wide eyes.

  “We did not just get married in Vegas,” I said.

  “I think— I think we did.”

  Acknowledgments

  My family: Thank you for always understanding and supportive. Thank you for the cuddles after a hard day and laughs when all I want to do is rip my hair out. I couldn’t do this without you being the foundation holding me up. I love you.

  Lucia. We formed a friendship over sarcasm, grass, and early mornings. Thank you for always getting up with me and pumping me up with your energy. Thank you for always cheering me on and shit-talking me into getting my work done. Thanks for always be honest and never judging. Thank you for all the laughs. You’re the best, Mama Lucia!

  Karla. Thanks for always being there every step of the way. Dream Team!

  Serena. You’re the lady behind the scenes making this all work. Thank you for everything you do and keeping me sane and always talking me down and calling me out on my shit. Best. PA. Ever!

  Najla Qamber. Whew! This cover! You always do the most amazing work and I’m so lucky I found out all those years ago!

  Valentine PR. This group of ladies is amazing and take so much pressure off my shoulders so I can write with confidence knowing everything else is being taken care of. Megan, you’ve been an amazing person to work with and your ability to make me laugh and feel better knows no bounds! Thank you!

  Kelly. Thank you for being an amazing editor. Thank you for being an even better friend! You give me the confidence to publish a book I know is the best it could be because of you.

  Julia. Thank you for always being able to beta read and squeezing me in even when you’re swamped.

  Review team. You ladies are wonderful, fun, kind, and beyond supportive. Thank you for every share, every review, and everything in between. You guys are the real MVP and I loved every second of you impatiently waiting for Nico and Vera!

  Lovers. You guys are my safe place. You guys give me the best book recommendations and make me laugh. You’re more than I could ever ask for. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve scrolled through your comments and have been brought to tears. Thank you for being such an awesome group.