Fallen Idol (Love and Music in Texas Book 4)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  "Shh!" She wasn't ready to answer that. The fact that Matt put this together to help was wonderful. The fact that he'd conspired with Dad to track down Taryn and set this up, well that was a different story. What if Taryn was the one who was behind the fire, the break in, and the notes? Was this putting them in more danger?

  But other than seeming a little angry at her still, Taryn was living her life with music. So maybe not. It was way too early to tell which side of the fence Taryn was on when it came to Kyra.

  When Taryn finished, the crowd went wild, just as much as they had when Kyra sang. Someone moved the drums, and Taryn wheeled down the makeshift ramp, heading back their way.

  "You're amazing!" Kyra squealed, forgetting for a while that this woman hated her, and all the animosity between them. It was like they were still the best of friends. But they weren't. They'd been estranged for years because of her.

  Taryn shrugged. "It's different than playing the big leagues, but it works for me."

  "I don't even know what to say right now." Looking at the woman in the chair and knowing she'd resorted to this life just for getting in the car with her that night, she was overcome with emotion. The wrong place, wrong time.

  "Say that we can get together soon for lunch. We have a lot to talk about." Taryn fiddled with something in her purse. She pulled her hand out and held a pen and small pad.

  "I'd really like that."

  Her old friend wrote something down, tore the sheet out of the pad, and handed it to her. "My phone number. It's a long drive back, so we should go. My aide wants to get on the road. I don't know why your friend here got us to meet, but it was long overdue. By the way, I'm sorry about the fire. I heard about it, and I hope your parents are okay. I haven't seen them since they left Nashville. I had no idea they were back in Texas, too."

  "Yeah, they've been around out here for a while. I'll call you, Taryn. I should probably get going, too. I just flew in from Nashville to take care of something, and this was all a surprise tonight."

  "You still sing like a queen." Taryn half smiled.

  "You still pound those drums like you own it. Because you do. Can I- I think I'm going to hug you, if that's okay."

  "I think I can handle that."

  Kyra bent and hugged her. "Take care, okay? When's the best time to call you?"

  "Any time after three. I have a day job in an office." Taryn groaned. "It sucks."

  Kyra pulled away and laughed. "You were never one for day jobs."

  "Hell no! I was always a dreamer. Still am."

  She paused, staring. "Hey. I'm sorry for not talking to you three years ago. Had I known..."

  "We'll get to that. I had something to say then, and I still do. But not tonight. I wasn't sure how to feel when this boy of yours called, but I think we have a ton of shit to lay out in the open. There's things... you need to know what really happened."

  "What do you mean?" Kyra's heart raced.

  "Ugh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have started this, because we have to go." Taryn looked apologetic, even sounded it, but Kyra wasn't convinced.

  "I've got the drums loaded in the van. Are you ready?" the aide asked Taryn, not even giving Kyra a look or the time of day.

  "I'm ready." She waved at Kyra and Matt. "Call me tomorrow. We'll set something up."

  With that, she was out of the café, leaving Kyra in shock and anger. Who the hell does that? Says things the way she did and then leaves?

  *****

  Matt couldn't figure out if Kyra was pissed at him or not. Truth be told, he had no idea what he was thinking when he pulled the stunt, even with the suggestion of her father. Yes, part of it was to help Kyra get over her fear, but why did he have to look up her old drummer and drive up to this place? After he and Mr. Sanders spoke of Kyra and the apartment break in, they'd looked into finding the woman, realizing when she lived in Texas that Kyra had a shot to talk to her.

  He tapped his fingers on the wheel, debating how to start a good conversation.

  "Taking lessons from me on how to drive someone crazy with incessant tapping?" Kyra quipped.

  "I guess so. Sorry." Heat crept up in his neck, then to his face. He'd called her out on that once and now he was doing it.

  "Matt, why are you doing all of this for me? Not saying it isn't appreciated, but I guess I'm just trying to take it all in. My dad put you up to this? He's got me at a disadvantage. I can't be mad at him right now, and he damn well knows it!"

  He stopped at a red light. They were almost back to town, and then he'd have to end this night. "For the past week or so, I've felt different being around you. It's a feeling I like, even though it probably won't last because you're going to go back on tour and everything. I don't know, Kyra. Helping you is going to take you away from Texas and me, but it's your dream. I guess I care too much. I want you to have everything you want. Sure, I don't know you well, but I'd like to. I can't deny the way I feel. I'm attracted to you. I'm intrigued, and I'm drawn to you. Your dad was really upset over things, so we got to talking. I know we shouldn't have done this, but you've got to know we're all concerned."

  "I wish you'd given me more notice. Then again, I might not have agreed if you had. And just so you know, I feel the same way about you." Her response was quiet. "Other than my family, I've never had anyone go so above and beyond the way you do. I'm not used to it. Everyone wants from me. They want my career to be the best, but not for my sake. They want it for them. The record label, my manager... You're the one real thing I have right now."

  "I don't want a fling. I can't do it. But damn it, I want to take you in my arms, kiss you senseless, and then climb under the covers and make you scream my name."

  "Is that a date?" she challenged.

  If he could make it a date every night for as long as possible, Matt would.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Kyra struggled to concentrate the next day because she kept thinking about Matt. Of all the things going on, he was on her mind. She spent the next morning with her father at home, then went to visit her mom at the hospital. Word was that they might let her go home by the end of the week. Of course, both of her parents wanted to talk about her trip to Nashville and what happened. Then she and her father had a discussion about last night. "What's with you and Matt?"

  He glanced up at her from his spot in the chair. "What do you mean?"

  "I love you, Daddy, but don't play it off as if you don't know what I mean," Kyra said softly, moving to sit in the chair beside him.

  "He took you to see Taryn."

  "He did."

  "Don't be upset with him."

  "I'm not, at least not any more. But why are the two of you getting involved?"

  "Because you're my daughter, you're struggling, and I want the best for you," her father said simply.

  Kyra held back an agitated sigh. "Last night could have gone so many ways."

  "How did it go?"

  "Better than I imagined in all aspects. But still-"

  Dad held up a hand. "I'm sorry. We shouldn't have bombarded you like that. Matt and I were talking, and we just jumped at the chance. You and Taryn used to be best friends. I was hoping you'd get some peace of mind. Matt agrees."

  "I'll let it slide this time, but please don't coordinate plans with my-" She stopped. Her what? Friend? Boyfriend?

  Dad's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "Your?"

  "Friend," Kyra stated firmly, unsure of who she needed to prove the statement to.

  "Uh huh. Sure," Dad said, knowingly.

  "This conversation is over now! What do you want to eat? I'll fix us up something." Kyra jumped up and aimed herself toward the kitchen, hoping Dad would leave this whole thing alone now.

  "Don't worry about me. I've already had lunch!" Dad called. Maybe she'd go somewhere. Kyra grabbed her keys which she'd left on the island in the kitchen. She was debating on where to go when her phone rang. Blaine's number came up on the caller ID. They'd called back and forth a few times, so she figured might as wel
l put her in the contacts. "Hey. What's up?"

  "A few things. First off, I have the estimate you wanted. It's pretty-"

  "I'll take care of it, no matter the cost. I caused it." Kyra wasn't about to let this one go.

  "No no, that's fine. I feel bad about the numbers, though."

  "Yeah, and I feel bad about the accident in the first place. Not the best meeting."

  "Probably not, but hey, it happens. The second thing is Baby Stetson is playing in a few days at a rodeo just outside of Harmony's Echo. Family friendly, so I know Andrew will be happy. Anyway, we wanted to invite you to come by and see them play."

  "I'd love to!" She'd been wanting to see Baby Stetson since meeting Avery that first night. Andrew, Matt, and David talked non-stop about the band.

  "Cool. I know you're here to visit with family, so I don't want to take time away from them."

  "I appreciate it. So far, both Mom and Dad are doing well. Dad's home, and Mom is almost ready to be released."

  "Glad to hear it. I haven't met your parents yet, but Andrew talks about everyone a lot, so I feel like I know them. Speaking of Andrew, I have a feeling you're the reason behind this, but Matt asked my brother Jameson if he'd be willing to give Andrew guitar lessons."

  Kyra dropped her keys on the floor, taken by surprise. "Seriously?"

  "Yeah. I'm stunned over the change."

  "Why do you think I'm behind it? I let Andrew and David play on my guitar one night, but other than that, I haven't said anything to Matt or Andrew about it."

  "Matt's coming around to things, and I think it's because of how he feels about you," Blaine said quietly. "I've been around the past six months. I've seen how he's been. He's enthusiastic about Baby Stetson, but I suspect that's because he wants to support Randy. Other than that... well, you know."

  "Yeah, I do." Wow. This was big. Matt never mentioned this last night. Maybe he'd only considered it today and asked. It surprised her.

  "Anyway, that's all I had to say for now. I've got to get back, I have a class to prepare for. So, Thursday evening? I can't wait for you to see the band."

  "I'll be there. And I'll have my checkbook. Glad your car is taken care of."

  "I've been using Randy's truck. I've gotten used to it, so now I feel weird being back in my car." Blaine laughed. "See you soon."

  Kyra wasn't sure what time Matt took a lunch or if he'd already eaten, but she stopped by the burger place near his work and picked up something for the both of them before heading over to the shop. He'd be surprised. The spontaneous way she thought of this took her by storm, but all of a sudden she needed to see him. She walked inside, carrying two bags and a carrier with two drinks.

  "Hey there. Looking for Matt?" The guy behind the counter looked familiar. What was his name? He'd been one of the guys there the first time she arrived with Matt. Rhett! That was it.

  "Yes. Is he around?" Kyra held up the bags.

  "What about Matt? Hey Kyra! What are you doing here?" Matt walked in from the bay. He was full of oil and dirt. Smudges covered his face. She loved the look of the working man.

  "Stalking you. Duh," she teased. "I come bringing lunch, if you haven't eaten yet."

  "Nope, I haven't. I was just thinking about food, too. Come on in the office. Give me a few minutes to clean up and I'll be there." He smiled. She was tempted to kiss him, grease faced and all. That smile drove her wild.

  "Thanks." She walked past his employee, who winked. Whatever that was about.

  Kyra settled on a hard plastic chair in Matt's back office. It was a small room. He had a photo up of Andrew right by the computer. She set his bag across the table from her and waited for him to clean up.

  "So what brought all this on?" Matt said when he entered the office. Kyra turned as he wiped his face off with a towel. "Not that I'm complaining, mind you. Because I'm not."

  "I talked to Blaine today."

  Matt sat across from her and leaned forward. "Ahh. She told you about my asking Jameson to give Andrew guitar lessons. I didn't know you and Blaine were talking so much."

  "We're not, but she had an estimate for her damages and wanted to invite me to Baby Stetson's concert at a rodeo. Then she told me about what you did. I probably shouldn't say this, but she attributes your sudden change of heart to me."

  "Blaine always had a big mouth," Matt grumbled, peering inside the bag of food. "She's right, though."

  "After I talked to her, I decided to be spontaneous and come see you."

  "Remind me to thank her later. You're a bright spot in this hellish day." Matt raised the cup and sipped his drink from the straw. His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed.

  "You don't want a fling, and neither do I," Kyra stated, hoping her words would come out the way she wanted them to. "I know I have to leave soon for a tour and to finish the record, but what if once things calmed down, I said I was moving back to Texas?"

  "You can't seriously be thinking of moving here because of me." Matt nearly dropped his cup. He shot her a bewildered stare.

  "No, but it's a perk. I want to be close to my family. I think I might be far enough in my career that I don't have to live in Nashville to make it. When I went home for a few days, it didn't feel like home any more. I want to patch my relationship with my family and spend more time with them. It doesn't hurt to know that I'd have more chances to see you. It's going to take a year or so to get settled and I'll be on the road a lot, but maybe we can get to know each other? I won't even ask you to wait for me, but we can play this by ear." Her heart beat against her rib cage. She'd never made a bold move like this, not when it came to a man she cared about. He could easily reject her, tell her no way, and then things would be awkward when she was here. But if she didn't jump on the chance and tell him what she was thinking, then there'd never be a way to really know.

  "I-" Matt licked his lips. "Yeah. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I want that very much, Kyra." He reached across the table for her hand. His fingers over hers shot a fiery blaze down to her core.

  "You have to do something for me, though. No more of those comments about me being famous and you being just you."

  His eyes widened. "You drive a hard bargain, but I'll do my best. Can't promise I won't slip up a time or two."

  "I'll remind you. Gently at first, but don't make it a habit." She wagged a finger. "Are you coming to the concert?"

  "Are you asking casually?"

  "Nope. I'm hoping maybe this will be our first official date."

  "I like the sound of that. You picking me up?"

  She laughed. "Sure. I asked, I'll drive."

  "You know Andrew wants to go with Daisy," Matt informed her.

  "So we'll double date. I don't mind. I enjoy your son's company, and Daisy sounds like a sweet girl. Besides, David might be going too, and my dad, if he's up for it."

  "Okay, so not our official first date as in you and I, but hey, I'll be spending time with you and my son, so I won't complain a bit. I'll check with Rhett and see if he'll hold down the fort so I can get out of here a few hours early."

  "Good. I'm looking forward to it." Kyra removed her hand from Matt's to open her wrapper.

  Five minutes later, her phone rang. It was a number she didn't recognize, but a local one, so she answered.

  "Miss Sanders? I know you've been waiting the word on the fire at your mom's work. I'm calling to inform you that we've dubbed the cause of fire as arson."

  *****

  Matt rarely took early days. He'd only done so for Andrew on the occasion it was needed. When Kyra got the phone call and nearly passed out, Matt took an extended lunch so he could drive her to talk to the police and her parents about the fire.

  Arson.

  Someone had deliberately set the fire at the clinic, hurting people and animals. Did it have to do with Kyra and her comeback album, or was it something else and someone just happened to send her manager the note to scare her? Whatever the case was, everyone was on high alert.

  "I
- I hate not knowing," Kyra stammered at the police station. "How the hell do they find out who set it? What if it happens again? Could it be more than one person? The fire here, my apartment in Nashville. I don't know what to do."

  In silence, Matt wrapped an arm around her. She rested her head on his shoulder. Poor thing was shaking. He combed his fingers through her hair. "They'll figure it out. We'll find a way to get you and your family protection. There's one good thing your manager is doing. He's got bodyguards here. If he knows what's good for him, he'll bust his ass protecting you."

  Kyra raised her head. "I'm scared, Matt. I'm scared for my parents, for Andrew, and you. Everyone close to me is at risk right now-"

  He bent to kiss her lips to silence her. "I'm not going anywhere. You didn't ask for this. I know you're scared, but we'll get you through."

  "I need to call Taryn. I have to find out what she knows. Maybe I should put off the CD until this blows over."

  Matt bent down in front of her and put his hands on her shoulders. "Listen to me. No. If this is what it's about, that's what they want. For you to be defeated. Don't give in."

  "But if they hurt someone else?" She shook her head.

  "It's possible the fire isn't related. Or at least, not initially. The person could have used it as a distraction to get into your apartment. Now that the police are involved, we'll see to it everyone is safe. You and all of your family." Matt raised a hand and cupped her face. "Got it?"

  Without an argument, Kyra nodded.

  "Miss Sanders?" One of the officers stood behind Matt, watching them cautiously.

  "Yes?" Her voice cracked.

  "We've got all we need from you right now. I've also talked to your manager. He's going to be handling protection for you and your family. We're also going to have our guys watch your home and neighborhood. There's no clues as to whether these are all connected yet, but we won't take any chances. You call us day or night, okay?"

  She stood on shaky legs. Matt held her firmly.

  "I appreciate it. Thank you for taking this so seriously. I don't want anything to happen to my loved ones, or anyone in this town."