by Casey Peeler
As we eat our cake, I tell Beau and Jake the plans for tonight. Beau gives me a questioning glance, and I give him a go to hell look. He says that he will be bringing his girlfriend, Sarah, and will just meet us there. That’s odd. I swear I’ve got to tell him my thoughts about making it big before I leave.
Once we finish eating, I excuse Jake and myself. It is a beautiful Carolina summer day, and it’s time to show Jake why there’s no place like Carolina.
As we approach the barn, I give him the choice of Gator or four-wheeler. He chooses four-wheeler. This is going to be a blast.
We take off from the barn and go toward the edge of the property. I point out all the farm animals, the different barns, and then head toward my grandparents. We park the four-wheelers and then make our way inside my grandparents’ quaint, old farmhouse that has been there since this farm was established.
“Mawmaw! Pawpaw!” I yell as we enter the side entrance of their house.
“Belle, is that you?” Mawmaw calls from her sewing room.
“Yes, ma’am!”
Before we are halfway to the room, Mawmaw is hurrying to meet me, but she stops abruptly when she realizes I’m not alone.
‘Well, Belle, who do we have here?”
“Mawmaw, I’d like you to meet the country music god himself, Jake Bryant.”
Jake’s face turns red as a beet. It has to be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
“Nice to finally meet the guy who stole our little girl away. Do you know we saw her every day of her life until she went on the road with you?”
“No, ma’am. I didn’t. I do apologize for that, but have you heard her sing? It’d be a shame not to share that voice with the world.”
“That, Mr. Bryant, better not be some line you feed to a pond of fish because I’ve heard her sing since before she could talk.”
“No, ma’am. It’s not a line, but I’m pretty sure the fish are bitin’ hook, line, and sinker when she’s on stage.”
Mawmaw looks at me, puts her hand on her hip, and says, “I like him! Never thought I’d say that one, but Mr. Country Music God just might be a keeper.” And with that comment, she makes her way to the kitchen, and we follow after I pick myself up from the floor from embarrassment. We spend the next hour talking to her and Pawpaw about what it’s like on the road. Jake talks about growing up in a military family, and of course, she tries to feed us.
It’s early afternoon, and the sun is high in the sky. “Hey, Jake. I’ve got an idea. Come on.”
We rev up the four-wheelers, and I put mine in high gear as we make our way to the creek. I haven’t been out here in six months, and it is one of my favorite places on Earth… other than the stage.
Jake struggles to keep up with me. I stop when we reach the bank, and he almost plows into me.
“Easy there! Had a hard time keepin’ up I see.”
“Damn, I didn’t know where the hell you were planning on going. I’m new here, remember?”
“Come on. Make sure you leave your phone up here.”
Jake looks at me like he knows I’m up to no good. I take him by the hand, and he follows me to my own slice of heaven in the middle of nowhere.
We climb over the rocks to get to the other side of the creek and then walk for about a hundred yards before reaching the water hole.
“Belle, what are we about to do?” Jake asks unsurely.
“We are about to enjoy this beautiful summer Carolina day the best way I know how.”
“And how’s that?”
“In the water, duh?” Kicking off my shoes, I grab the rope swing and run straight for the water, screaming the entire way down.
Once I surface, Jake is standing there with his arms crossed.
“Are you comin’ or what?” I ask.
Before I have time to process it, Jake is removing his T-shirt in one single motion. Hot-oh-mighty. With all the time we’ve been together, I can honestly say this is the first time I’ve seen him shirtless. God sure knew what He was doing when He created that boy. But, Jake doesn’t stop there; next, he removes his boots and then his damn jeans. Jake Bryant is standing there in nothing but a pair of plaid boxers. I definitely didn’t think this part through. He grabs the rope swing and jumps straight for me. I duck under the water to avoid the splash.
When we both surface, it’s very evident that this has just crossed a line. Jake moves closer, wraps his arm around me, and pulls me to his body. My heart begins to beat out of my chest as he peers into my eyes.
“You promise me that there’s nothing going on with you and Chase?”
“I promise.”
That’s all the reassurance that Jake needs as his lips get within inches of mine.
“You know this will change things. Don’t you, Jake?”
“I’m ready for a change, Belle,” he says as his lips crash into mine.
Jake pulls me closer to the bank without letting our lips lose contact. Once we are at the bank, his hands move all over my body with a hunger that I’ve never felt before. Everything inside me is saying this is a great idea, but my head is screaming for us to stop. Screw it; I’ll clean up this mess later.
I let my hands run through his short brown hair and lose myself in him. We get lost in each other for what feels like an eternity.
As Jake begins to remove my tank top, I pull away slowly. It’s my reality check.
“Um, Jake. I think we need to slow down. I mean, I don’t know. This is happening so fast, and I don’t want you to think that this is all I want.”
Jake takes my hair and places it behind my ear as he gazes into my eyes. He smiles and moves in to graze my lips again.
“Belle, this was bound to happen. I’m just glad it happened here instead of out on the road. This place feels real, just like you.”
“But you know this isn’t a good idea.”
“I’m willing to pay the price if you’re willing to go along for the ride.”
I’ve never been one to live in the moment. I always weigh all my options, but there’s a first time for everything.
“Jake Bryant, you better not hurt me. Do you understand?”
He doesn’t answer; he just attacks my lips again to seal the deal.
We make our way out of the water, and Jake slides his clothes back on as I drip dry. Once we are back at the four-wheelers, I stop him.
“I just told everyone last night that we are strictly professional. You know this is gonna make me look like I’m a liar.”
“Then, let’s not tell them.”
“Jake, I don’t know if you’ve realized it, but I’m pretty much an open book around my family. The moment I stop talkin’ is the moment they know I’m full of shit.”
“Well, don’t stop talkin’, and we can just try to keep this to ourselves until we are back on the road.”
“You’re gonna get me in so much trouble,” I say as I close our distance and leave him with a kiss that will have him wanting more. I back away, crank up the four-wheeler, and take off. He knows my game this time and catches up quickly.
Once we get back, things feel a little awkward as we try to deny what just happened. We make our way back inside the house and upstairs to take showers and get ready for a night out in Lattimore. I know this is gonna be one for the history books.
As soon as I’m in my room, I turn on Pandora, start my shower, remove my wet clothes, and wrap a towel around me as I pick out something to wear tonight. There is a light knock at the door again. I assume it’s Mama and tell her to come in. I quickly realize it’s Jake.
As he opens the door and catches me in a towel, his mouth falls to the floor. “I’m sorry, Belle. I just didn’t know where the towels were.” I think about handing him mine, but realize that is a bad idea. My mama, brother, and daddy are downstairs.
“Oh, hold on. As I turn around to go to my bathroom to get him one, I’m stopped by the country music god within inches of my body.
“We could share you know.”
; Biting my lip, I reply, “I know, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. I mean, we just crossed this line, and you think I’m gonna get naked with you?”
“Belle, we’ve been tryin’ not to cross this line since the day you started on tour, but I’ll let you off the hook this time.”
“Okay. Thanks, Jake,” I say as I drop my towel and step into the shower. I can’t help but giggle as I hear him exhale a deep breath.
“Belle, you better not laugh any more, or I’m coming in there.”
With every ounce of my being, I try my best not to giggle, but the faintest sound comes out of my mouth. I attempt to cover my mouth, but it’s too late. The shower curtain opens, and Jake enters clothes and all. He grabs the back of my neck, and his lips meet mine. The fire within them continues to get hotter and hotter as he backs me against the shower wall as the shampoo falls into the tub, and a moan escapes my mouth. Then, as if a light switch has been cut off, he pulls away, steps out, closes the curtain, and shuts the bathroom door.
It takes me a few minutes to wrap my mind around what just happened, but if I think this through, I know that I just lost at my own game. The ball is definitely in his court right now. He left me wanting nothing more than to give him every ounce of my being right there in the shower with my parents only feet away.
Chapter 3
Ohmygosh! Did that really just happen? I replay the events that occurred in this bathroom and shower. Yes, it did! Hot-oh-mighty! Cheesing like a schoolgirl, I give myself a pep talk. It’s just Jake Bryant. OMG! Jake Bryant!!! Get it together, Belle! He’s just another guy. Standing in the shower, I don’t move until the temperature turns cold. Once I turn off the water, I step out and try to process how in the hell I’m gonna walk out of the room with a straight face when all I really want to do is jump into Jake’s arms.
Shaking the thoughts from my mind, I decide to focus on the task at hand. What am I going to wear tonight? I can’t overdo it because it’s just Martin’s, but I definitely want to make Jake sweat all night long. Glancing in my closet, I choose a pair of Rock n Roll Cowgirl jeans and a fitted hot pink tank top. For kicks, I grab a matching bra and panties, because the way things are going, who knows what bed I’ll end up in tonight.
The music is still playing in the background as I begin to do my makeup and hair. As the song ends, that’s when I hear the first beat to my newly released song, “Some Kinda Heartbreak.” I drop my blush and scream to the top of my lungs. My door swings open, and Mama, Beau, and Jake are all standing there as if they are about to enter a crime scene.
“OHMYGOWD! Y’all, that’s my song!”
Mama and I start singing while Beau stands there with a proud smile plastered on his face. It makes me smile even more that my big brother is happy for me because sometimes it is questionable. Mama takes advantage of the moment as she seizes him into her arms and dances with her baby boy while Jake takes the towel and briefly dries his hair. Then, he approaches me, still damp from the shower and shirtless. My, oh my! I have died and gone to country girl heaven! He asks for my hand, and we dance like no one is watching to my song in my bedroom. Jake takes a moment to surprise me by singing the words into my ear. “You’re some kinda heartbreak, the kinda mistake, that I want to hold on to…” As I gaze up into those eyes, my heart melts.
When the song ends, we are brought back to reality. Jake winks at me and steps away, just like he would have done if it were this time yesterday. Mama gives me a hug, and I finish getting ready for Martin’s. Lord knows it’s gonna be a long night if we have to play it cool because we are anything but cool.
Chapter 4
Mama insists that we eat supper before going to the pool hall. We all come together at the table—Mama, Daddy, Beau, my grandparents, Jake and I. Mama has outdone herself again with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and homemade biscuits. Mawmaw brought her famous peach cobbler, and we are stuffed by the time it’s over.
We take a few extra minutes to enjoy their company, which is something that we don’t have often on the road. Jake takes every chance he can to brush the side of my leg with his hand, and it is driving me crazy. The sooner we get out of here the better.
I excuse Jake and myself from supper, and we make our way to the truck. He catches me off guard by opening the door and helping me inside before heading to the driver’s side. Once he closes the door, he looks my way and smiles that perfect, up to no good, but I like it, grin.
“Belle, come here.” I do as he asks and slide closer to him. Laying my head on his shoulder, I realize that I could get used to this, especially on the road. To know that I have someone at every stop would be amazing, but if I’m being real, I just don’t know how this is going to work when we go back on tour.
Within minutes, we are at Martin’s Pool Hall, and not one thing has changed. Chase’s truck is here along with Lyndsay’s car. Glancing around, I recognize a few other cars, including the bartender’s.
“Come on. Let me show you how it’s done in Lattimore,” I say as I slide out the passenger side.
As I open the screen door, the smell of stale beer and cigarettes tickle my nose. Jerry is in his usual spot behind the bar. He whistles when I walk through the door. Leaving Jake at the entrance, I run to Jerry, throwing my arms around his neck. I can’t believe I’m actually home.
After spinning me around, Jerry puts me down. I introduce Jake to him and the other locals. Chase has a pool table set and ready to go. We order a round of beers and crank up the jukebox with our favorite country songs before choosing teams based on our scientific method of rock, paper, scissors. Jake and Lyndsay are paired along with Chase and me.
After the second game, it’s very evident that Jake got the bad end of the stick on this one. Lyndsay is definitely not the best at pool, and Chase and I are a team that’s been playing together for the past five years.
Realizing that this isn’t quite fair, we decide to play boys against girls, and the girls get beat easily.
Jerry keeps the beers coming, and by number five, I’m starting to feel the effects. The jukebox begins to play Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s “It’s Your Love,” and as if we are at Joe’s, Chase wraps me in his arms and we dance in the middle of Martin’s with all eyes on us, including Jake’s.
Chase and I sing every word to each other and exaggerate our emotions. As the song comes to an end, Chase kisses the top of my forehead, and we go back to drinking our beer.
“Y’all do that often?” Jake asks with a hint of jealousy.
“That’s our song,” Chase says with territory in his voice.
“Of all songs, that’s y’alls?” Jake questions.
“That’s been our song ever since we started going to Joe’s. They always play it there, and it’s kinda our thing. I can remember one time this guy was trying his damnedest to get me to dance with him, and I was trying to explain that I couldn’t. The next thing I knew Chase and his bouncer self showed up, and the guy ran off,” I say as Chase smiles at me.
Jake takes a long pull on his beer, but his eyes never leave mine. For some reason, he’s acting like I’ve done something wrong, but I’m not sure what.
“So, tomorrow’s Friday. Do y’all have to work at Joe’s?” I ask Chase and Lyndsay, not like I don’t already know the answer.
“But, of course!” Lyndsay says and then has an OMG moment. “Y’all should totally come! I swear I won’t tell a soul. It would be awesome. I bet people won’t even recognize y’all. Oh, hell, who am I kidding? You know they will, but come on! Pleeeeaaassssssseeeee?!” she begs.
As I look at Chase for guidance, he smiles. “I’m game if Jake is. He’s the one that’s gonna have to fight the girls off.”
Chase chimes in on time as usual, “I hate to break it to ya, but Belle, you’ve grown up there. Cole is gonna end up doing something big once you get there. You know that, right?”
“He better not,” I say with my hands on my hips. I know that it’s gonna happen, and that we are bo
th gonna end up on stage tomorrow night.
Knowing that the night is coming to an end, I glance at Chase and Lyndsay. They know exactly what I’m thinking.
“No way. Not tonight, Bella Blu,” Chase says.
I just smirk, look at them and say, “Last one there has to jump first!” I grab Jake by the arm and run out of Martin’s. Jerry is laughing his ass off behind the bar because he knows exactly what’s up. We’re going to the trestle.
Bursting through the door, I tell Jake to fork over his keys. He pauses, and I inform him we don’t have time for this. He tosses me the keys, and we hurry to the truck. By the time we hit the main road, Chase is out in front. Damn.
“Do you care to explain this craziness? Or do I just have to wait till we get there?”
“When Beau was in high school, I used to follow him and his friends out here to the train trestle. He’d get so mad. I think he thought one of them might try to make a move or somethin’. They’d take a few beers and just chill on the tracks. It’s hardly ever used anymore, so it’s like an escape from reality. Then, I started going there to write, and one day Chase followed me. I gave him a bullshit story that this was my spot, and if he wanted to stay, he’d have to jump. Well, he did. So, we decided from that point on, the last one there has to jump. We pretty much just hang out, shoot the shit, get drunk, and jump. Every now and then we have to outrun a train, but those are few and far between.”
“You’re fuckin’ kiddin’, right?”
“That would be a no. I’m serious as a heart attack.”
“Damn. Please make sure we aren’t last. I’ve jumped one time already today, but knowing you’re not waiting at the bottom makes this one less appealing.”
“Who knows, I might jump with ya!” I wink.
As we pull up to the stoplight, I gun it to pass Chase, and Jake shoots him a bird. Mature I know. We are out in the lead, and within another five minutes, we’ll be there. As we approach the trestle, I give Jake a play-by-play of the fastest route to the middle. As the headlights hit the parking spots, I realize that Lyndsay has somehow beaten us here.