Tempt My Heart

by Danielle Jamie

  Jordon affectionately rubs my back while I talk, helping keep my nerves at bay. I can answer any question they throw at me during these interviews but whenever I have to talk about Jordon and our relationship, it’s hard to keep myself from becoming emotional.

  Sitting up, I turn and run my hand down the side of Jordon’s face, before giving him a quick kiss, which causes the studio to erupt in cat calls.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, we just witnessed a live and in person Brittan and Jordon kiss! Whew, I think the temperature just skyrocketed in here.” Wild Willy jokes while he plays cat calls and kissing sounds for the listening fans.

  We all have a good laugh before we get back to business.

  “I’m the luckiest guy on the damn planet because I get to kiss her every single day.” Jordon says as the laughter dies down.

  “Hell, I’d give my right arm to be you for twenty-four hours. Brittan is a fine catch. I think every guy listening right now would say the same!”

  Laughing, Jordon snakes his arm around my waist, hugging me against his side, “I can’t argue with you there.”

  After answering some more questions, we gave away the tickets and performed our songs. Just as we were wrapping up, DJ Wild Willy told us all he just got news that he thought we’d all love to hear.

  “Tempting Tomorrow’s latest single just hit number one on Billboards Top 100 actually knocking Beyond Redemption to number two!”

  The entire room explodes with excitement as everyone starts screaming and hugging each other.

  This is amazing. I couldn’t be happier for Jordon right now and for them to hit number one while being back in their hometown. It makes this moment that much more special.

  “I can’t even believe this is happening right now!” Jordan shouts, scooping me up in his arms.

  We’re all lost in the moment of excitement while the DJ and his assistant are busy snapping pictures and talking to the fans who are calling in and tweeting with excitement over the news.

  Chicago loves their hometown boys.

  “I’m so happy for you!” I shout bursting with excitement as I glance around the room and see Lawson, Zane and Kingston all bro hugging. I think I even spot some tears in their eyes.

  I don’t blame them this is a huge moment for them, one that they’ll never forget.

  As soon as we leave the studio we all head down the street to a local pub. The guys say it’s like a second home to them. We were definitely in need of some celebratory drinks.

  “Hey! Look who the cat dragged in!” an older man who looks to be in his late fifty’s shouts towards us as we enter the pub. I immediately take notice of his thick Irish accent. He’s about my height and thirty pounds overweight.

  “Brittan, this is Ronan McCallister, he’s the owner of the bar and the first guy to ever give Tempting Tomorrow a gig.”

  I quickly realize his last name gives the pub its name, which is McCallister’s Pub & Grill.

  Leaning over the bar, I reach out to shake Ronan’s hand and he surprises me by pulling me in for a big bear hug. “You must be the lovely Brittan I’ve been hearing so much about.”

  I give him a puzzled look and glance behind me at the guys. Noticing the confusion on my face he elaborates, “You know on all those tabloids in the local market. I’ve been seeing you and my boy here all over them going on and on about Rock and Roll’s newest love birds.” He says with pride in his voice, and clapping Jordon on the shoulder.

  “I don’t know if you heard but we just hit number one!” Zane says hopping up on a bar stool and slapping his hands on the bar. Everyone’s still bouncing with excitement from the news they received just a few minutes ago.

  “What!? Well I think that calls for a celebration!” Ronan shouts as he gets to work filling a line of shot glasses.

  All of us grab a glass and hold it up for a toast, “To Chicago! The city that made us who we are today!” Zane toasts and we all follow.

  After eating way too many hot wings and drinking one too many beers, Ronan finally convinces Jordon and the guys to get up on stage for old time’s sake and perform Goodbye Chicago.

  I am so happy for Jordon, Zane, Lawson and Kingston. They’ve killed it every night we’ve performed, and their entire album is amazing. They deserve all the recognition they get.

  Many will ask if it bothers me that my boyfriend and his band knocked us out of our number one spot. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so happy I was there today with them to experience the excitement of their first number one hit.

  Today has been exciting and a great way to kick off our first day in Chicago. I can’t wait to go back to Jordon’s apartment and do some celebrating of our own.

  Past, Meet My Future

  Jordon

  The last twenty-four hours have been an insane. I still can’t believe we hit number one! Beyond Redemption has been number one for three weeks. To hit #1 while were here in Chicago, is crazy!

  Last night we had a blast celebrating at the pub, and afterwards I brought Brittan back to my apartment to continue our celebration alone. I couldn’t wait to sleep in my own bed again after living on the bus for three months. My older brother Eric is my roommate and has been taking care of the apartment while we’ve been touring. Knowing we’d want some privacy, he went and stayed at his girlfriend Sam’s house for the night.

  My good mood didn’t last long because after Brittan and I fell asleep my phone woke me up at two a.m. with a flood of texts. I had to do a double take at the number because it was Kinsley’s.

  She sent me a text, freaking out saying she was in labor and needed me to come to the hospital. It’s been nine months since we broke up. I saw her in the fall when I came back from touring because we run in the same social circle, but she was with Brock. The guy she cheated on me with and the same one who knocked her up.

  I text her back telling her if she’s in labor, text Brock and tell him to drag his ass to the damn hospital and leave me the hell alone.

  My stomach rose into my throat when she texted me back saying Brock and her broke up. He refuses to come because he thinks I’m the father.

  Me? The father!?!

  No fucking way in hell.

  My head started spinning so fucking hard I thought I was going to pass out. The urge to put my fist through the wall was overwhelming; it took everything in me to not smash my fucking apartment into a million pieces.

  When I left last July, she told me according to some damn pregnancy test she took, she was two to three weeks along. I freaked the hell out because I used condoms religiously. I have fucking dreams, and didn’t want to get tied down in Chicago.

  She told me a million fucking times that the baby was not mine.

  Now she is trying to say there is a 50/50 chance the baby is mine? Of course, she goes into labor when I’m in Chicago.

  Worst. Fucking. Luck. Ever.

  It killed me to wake Brittan up and tell her. Surprisingly, she was supportive and insisted on coming with me to the hospital.

  We are at a good place in our relationship, where I feel Brittan is finally opening up to me. It’s been three months but when I’m with her it feels like I’ve known her my entire life. The feelings she evokes in me are unlike anything I’ve ever felt.

  To have Kinsley now claiming I may be the father of her baby scares the shit out of me. I’m afraid of what will happen if it turns out I am the father.

  Can we really work that after everything Brittan’s been through in her life? The thought this could possibly make her relapse flashes through my mind. If I’m the reason she turns to drugs again, it will kill me.

  After stopping at a twenty-four hour Starbucks, Brittan and I head over to the hospital. We spent the entire car ride in silence, just holding each other’s hands. I never imagined this would be the way Brittan would finally get to ride in my car.

  I’ve spent the last week showing her pictures of my fully restored 1970 Buick GSX. It was my dad’s; he bought brand new back in 1970. We
spent my entire high school years rebuilding the engine and giving it a new paint job: white with black racing stripes.

  It’s my one and only prized possession.

  It definitely helped me get laid throughout my senior year and all through college. Chicks love muscle cars. One rev of the engine and their panties fly off.

  I was excited to show her off to Brittan and let her take it for a drive. She loves her Challenger, but I told her nothing is more exhilarating than getting behind the wheel of a classic.

  Pulling into the parking lot of the hospital, a somber feeling washes over me. This is not what I was expecting when we came back to Chicago. When I imagined this moment, I pictured myself rushing into the hospital excited to meet my child. When I picture that moment, it’s Brittan I see as the mother of my children, not Kinsley.

  I may sound like a douchebag, but I am praying to God right now to make known what I already know deep in my gut: This baby is not mine.

  Turning off the ignition, I rub my hands down my face letting out a low growl. The frustration I’m feeling right now is making my head want to fucking explode.

  Climbing to her knees, Brittan slides onto my lap straddling me and wrapping her arms tightly around my neck. Throwing my head back against the seat, I peer up at her angelic face. Her red hair is falling around her in loose curls. She gazes down at me with the most loving smile that takes my breath away.

  The sadness in her eyes is like a sucker punch to my gut. Pressing her forehead to mine she whispers, “I’m here for you, Jordon. We’ll get through this together. You’ve been my strength for the last three months, and now it’s my turn to be yours.”

  The garage is dimly lit, and in the early morning hours I think it’s safe to say there’s no one here besides us; which I’m happy for because I needed this moment.

  Just her and me and no one else.

  Brittan knew I needed this before I even did.

  Running my hands up her back, I pull her against my chest. She’s the calm in the middle of this Category IV storm brewing around me.

  “Thanks, babe. For everything. Having you here by my side means a lot to me.”

  “I have faith that everything will be fine.” She says pressing a kiss to my lips, immediately helping me relax. Letting out a small sexy sigh, Brittan slides her fingers through my hair and sits up slightly before continuing, “More than likely this girl is seeing your success and is jealous. This Kinsley girl made her bed, and now she has to lie in it. She’s the one who cheated on you and didn’t support your dreams. I don’t think for a second that it’s a coincidence this all happens after you guys started getting the recognition you deserved.”

  Leaning forward, I trail a few kiss along her neck, whispering against her skin, “Well, as soon as I can, I’m getting a DNA test and then we can move on with our lives.”

  “Exactly! Now let’s get our asses in there before she decides to blow your damn phone up again.”

  I didn’t realize I held my breath the entire elevator ride up to the labor and delivery floor until the door opened. The nurses led us to the waiting area where I left Brittan and unwillingly made my way towards the room Kinsley’s in.

  “Oh, thank God you made it!” Kinsley says the moment I step through the door. I can’t help but notice the excitement in her voice.

  If she thinks this means we’re getting back together, she is dead wrong.

  Stuffing my hands in my pockets, I make my over to the side of her bed. “I told you I’d come and I did.” Looking around the room at all the machines that are attached to her belly, I notice there’s no one else around.

  “Where’s Brock? Or your mom and sister?” I ask as I plop down in the chair beside her bed.

  Folding her arms over her chest and glaring at me she answers, “Brock is at a bar getting trashed and could care less that I’m in labor. My mother and sister are getting some coffee out of the vending machine.”

  I’m dreading having to see her mother. That woman made it her life’s mission to let me know every day that she hated me and thought I was not good enough for her daughter. She constantly called me a deadbeat. I was wasting my college degree by working in a guitar shop and chasing unreachable dreams. She made it clear, more than once, to Kinsley that I would ruin her life if she stayed with me.

  Her sister isn’t too bad. She is a tad stuck up but was always civil with me. I just hope her mother doesn’t try to start shit with me when she gets back. I am so not in the fucking mood for her shit right now.

  All I can think about is Brittan sitting out in the waiting room all by herself. I asked her if she wanted stay at my apartment, and I’d come back as soon as I could but she insisted on coming and supporting me.

  Pulling out my phone, I turn towards Kinsley, “What’s Brock’s number? If I’m here then that asshole needs to be too.”

  Kinsley blinks a few times shocked at my boldness. I’m not the same guy she was with last summer. I’m done playing games, especially when it’s my life she’s fucking with.

  She spits the number out like its poison in her mouth. Just as I’m getting ready to text him, she shoots up off of the bed gripping her stomach and groaning out in pain scaring the shit out of me.

  Jumping to my feet I run beside her, “I’m texting that piece of shit right now. He should be the one standing here beside you, rubbing your back, Kinsley. Not me, and you know it. I just don’t know why you’re doing this to me now.”

  The pain in her eyes, when she looks at me while trying to breathe through her contraction, is hard to swallow. I feel like an asshole right now, but my head is all over the place. I asked her a million times after she told me she was pregnant if there was any chance this baby was mine. She told me over and over again, no… that she and Brock never used protection. She said she was one hundred percent positive it was his and gave me this whole spiel about them being in love.

  I guess the little fairytale she pictured didn’t play out like she thought it would if he’s getting drunk in a bar somewhere while she’s in labor, and he’s trying to pass the kid onto me.

  “You’re such an asshole, Jordon. I’m here getting ready to give birth, and you’re only worrying about your stupid girlfriend. Let me guess, you brought that bitch here with you?”

  What the fuck?!

  Raking my fingers through my hair, I fist a hand full and tug on it. I try to breathe and keep my anger at bay; the last thing I need is to make a scene here in the hospital.

  My agent would kick my ass.

  Speaking of, I still need to call my agent and tell her about this situation. I wouldn’t put it past Kinsley to try and sell this to the tabloids for a few grand.

  “Brittan is here in the waiting room, to be exact, because she’s my girlfriend. When people love each other, they stand by your side supporting you!” My words come out clipped and laced with anger. It is taking every ounce of strength I have to keep my voice down right now.

  The second I say ‘love’ my body goes numb, and Kinsley’s face drops.

  I can’t believe I just admitted out loud that I’m in love with Brittan to fucking Kinsley before I even said it to her.

  “How cute! Well, we’ll see if she’s still standing by your side once our baby is here.” She’s trying to hide it, but my words have shaken her to the core. I can hear the anger and jealousy in her voice. She has this fantasy that everything is going to play out like she wants it, but in reality it isn’t.

  The cold hard truth will sink in whether she wants it to or not.

  This baby will not make us a family.

  If it is mine, I’ll get visitation and be in its life, but we will not be getting back together.

  Before I can say anything, a nurse comes in along with Kinsley’s mother and sister.

  Just great.

  “Hi, Kinsley. How are your contractions?” The nurse asks as she looks over the rolls of paper coming out of the machines attached to Kinsley’s belly.

  I can feel her mot
her’s eyes on me, and it’s making me uneasy. I can’t help but feel my anxiety with this whole situation intensify the second she walked through the door.

  “I just had one, it was about a six. Do you think I’ll be able to get the epidural soon?” The entire time Kinsley is talking to the nurse I keep my eyes on my phone while I text a quick message to Brock telling the fucker to get his ass down here right now. I just hope he doesn’t ignore it. I know if it were me, I’d hate myself for the rest of my life if I missed the birth of my child due to my being a stubborn SOB.

  “We’ll check your cervix and see, okay?” The nurse says stepping between Kinsley’s legs and pulling gloves on.

  Shoving my phone back in my pocket, I lift my eyes and lock onto Kinsley’s mothers.

  “Pamela.” Is all I say nodding my head before turning towards her sister, “Abby.”

  “Hey.” Is all Abby says before stepping beside Kinsley and talking to her quietly.

  This is the most awkward situation I’ve ever been in.

  “Jordon.” Her mother says suddenly, with softness in her voice.

  Welcome to the fucking Twilight Zone.

  “We’re so thrilled you were able to make it with your busy schedule, and all. The doctor thinks our little princess will be here in a matter of hours.”

  Biting my tongue and holding back what I’d really like to say to her, I just nod my head. Turning to Kinsley I lean down beside her and whisper in her ear, “I’m going back out to the waiting room. When the baby is ready to be born let me know. Until then, I will be out there with Brittan. I sent a text to Brock, if he has any brains in that head of his he’ll get his ass down here. You and I both know this baby isn’t mine. I hope you understand the shit storm you’re stirring up by lying about this. You’re messing with people’s lives, Kinsley.”