Fallen Idol (Love and Music in Texas Book 4)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  "Speaking of concern," Kyra narrowed her eyes at him. "I heard from Taryn today. She says you called her the other day."

  Matt looked away. "Yes." He focused his eyes back to her. "The day of the interview ambush, I heard it. I was working in here with Randy and Blaine. Rhett told us about it, so we listened. I probably shouldn't have, but I called her because I wanted to know what she thought about Mark. I don't like how he pushes you, and then you end up in situations like that. It made me think of when you said he'd 'throw you to the wolves' when it came to crowds. I jumped the gun, thinking he set it up that way." He held up his hands. "I'm sorry. I guess I can now see why you want to help at the shop so much. We have the best of intentions. I didn't want to ask your mom or dad."

  Kyra stared off blankly at the wall. "I hate second guessing his moves and motives, but I find myself doing it more and more the past few weeks. It scares me. He's been part of my life ever since I started my career. I've known him almost half my life. He brushed off my parents' concern, he didn't let Taryn talk to me... Is it because he's hiding something, or did he really think it was for the best?"

  "Did he have anything to lose if someone else from that crash took the fall?"

  Kyra thought back. "He was the manager for my entire band. I don't think he'd let me take the rap for it over anyone else, but I never thought I'd second guess him, either."

  "I know." Matt pulled her to him, holding her against his body. "Ready to get out of here? What do you say to stopping by my place for a while? Let your mom and dad have a night without a house full of people. I almost don't remember what the inside of my house looks like."

  She hesitated. Really, she should get back to her parents, but they'd been doing well on their own. Both were healing just fine and could get around the house with much better ease. Alone time with Matt sounded like a good idea. A really good one. "I'd like that."

  *****

  As they walked through the front door, Matt recalled the first night he met Kyra and brought her here. He'd been so concerned over what she'd think of his place, and he never imagined bringing her here again. Hell, he never thought he'd want her so damn bad. Here they were a few weeks later, eager to be alone. "Don't mind the mess." He tossed his keys on the little round table by the door. A foul stench affected his senses. Damn. Something in the trash. "I'm going to take this out. Be right back." He pulled the bag out and wrinkled his nose. Matt ran outside and dumped the reeking trash in the bigger can where it belonged. As he approached the house, the sound of Kyra's voice gave him a wave of chills. She'd settled herself in his favorite chair, singing a tune he didn't recognize.

  He stopped just before the front door so he could listen. She sang a few more lines before he finally decided to go inside. "You have a powerful voice. Every time you sing, I feel every emotion you pour out. I've heard your songs on the radio so many times, but until now, I've never really stopped to just listen." Matt pushed the front door closed with his foot and rushed to bridge the gap between them. He pulled her up gently so he could gather her in his arms. "Tell me what it feels like. How do you feel when you're on stage singing?"

  Her lips parted, taken aback by his question. "I feel like I belong," she replied softly as she wrapped her arms around him. "I was always more sure of myself when pouring my heart out in a song. Does that seem weird?"

  "A little, but then I'm not you. I don't think I could ever get in front of a crowd and do what you do."

  "I'm not sure I still can." Her tone changed to sadness.

  Matt tipped her chin up so he could look at her. "Sure you can. It's just going to take time and the right amount of support. Not your manager's type." He remembered the guitar stored away, one he hadn't touched in years. He'd planned to give it to Andrew one day, back before Kendra took off. "Hold on." He pulled away from Kyra and left her gaping at him as he went to the bedroom closet to find the guitar. He returned with it minutes later.

  "What are you doing? You have a guitar?"

  "It was supposed to be a gift for Andrew. After Kendra... Well, let's just say I never had the heart to give it to him. I couldn't bring myself to give in. I know, selfish maybe. My son wants to be a part of music, and I kept him from that for my own jaded reasons."

  "You're coming around now." Kyra eyed the case.

  "Because of you," he admitted.

  "Me?"

  "Yeah. You changed my mind about musicians. I lumped you all in one unfair category." He laid the guitar case at her feet. "I was pretty harsh, and I shouldn't have been. Not all singers have the same attitude. Kendra hurt me, and I took it out the wrong way."

  "I have to tell you, I wasn't always this way. For a few years, I let the fame get to my head. The crash changed that. I came down from that pedestal," Kyra told him.

  "You had a quick rise to the top. But you aren't like that any more." He took her hands in his. "This version of you is the one I'm falling for." Damn. He hadn't meant to put that out there. Not yet. Not now. Too late. The words were already spoken.

  Kyra's eyes widened. "Matt-."

  "I know. Too soon? Too crazy? Too outrageous? I know it. I can't help the way I feel about you. You fill my dreams. You're in my mind all day. So, I brought this guitar out, hoping you'll perform for me."

  "Of course I will!"

  "Naked."

  She gasped, then laughed. "What? Why?"

  "Bare your soul. All of it. Play me your most emotional song naked. I'll even bare everything, too."

  "How is this supposed to help?" Kyra smoothed her hair back.

  "If you can bare your soul to someone you've only known for a few weeks, then we have something to work with in a crowd. Plus, it's a perk to get you naked," he teased.

  She swatted at his arm. "You-"

  Matt silenced her with a kiss. "I want to know you. All of you," he pleaded when the kiss ended.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  How could Kyra argue with that? Not very easily. She wanted to know Matt, too. Out of all the people in her life, outside of her family, she could trust him. She didn't doubt that. Sure, a few times he did things she wasn't too sure about, like contacting Taryn twice, but in the long run she knew it really was to help her. Matt didn't want her for her career or the money she could make. He wanted her for who she was on the inside. Music aside, Matt saw the person she at least tried to be.

  "Okay." Kyra flung off her shirt and tossed it on the ground, feeling the first wave of chills ripple over her body. Goosebumps broke out on her arms. Why was she so nervous? They'd seen each other naked, for Pete's sake! They'd had sex in Harmony's Echo!

  Matt removed his shirt, exposing his bare chest. Kyra fought back the need to run her hands all along his skin. She licked her lips and removed her bra next. Matt had a bulge in his pants already.

  In silence and still watching her, he dropped his pants and stepped out of them.

  Once they were both naked, they stood a foot apart or so, surrounded by their clothes.

  "Do you feel exposed yet?" he asked, breaking the silence.

  "Hell yeah. I didn't think it would make me feel this exposed, considering-"

  "We had a little romp in a bathroom, then again in bed?" he finished, laughing. "I know."

  "Twice!" Kyra shivered, thinking back to the night he helped dress her. Who knew that could be such a turn on?

  "I've heard the acoustics in the bathroom are great." Matt winked. "Third time's the charm."

  "Right here will do just fine. I'm not sure I could do this in the bathroom with such a big mirror." She bent before the guitar case and opened it up. Naked. She was really going to sing and perform naked. Just for Matt. When she raised the lid, she gasped. "This is a beautiful guitar! I feel bad playing it for the first time if this is for Andrew."

  "I was thinking about getting him an upgrade. I hoped you might have an idea of the best one to get."

  And now he wanted to take her shopping with him to get a guitar for his son. A whirlwind of emotions fluttered thr
ough her. She adored this family. The next year or so was going to be tough, because she had so much to do to prepare for the CD launch and the tour, but she wanted to stay in Texas with her family and newfound friends.

  "Seriously?" She lifted the guitar and fingered the fender, studying the woodwork. This was so beautiful.

  "Is that wrong?"

  "No. Not at all. I'm just... you're amazing, Matt. I don't know what to say to you right now."

  He had a twinkle in his eyes when she finally tore her gaze away from the guitar. "Then don't say anything. Sing for me. Expose the inside of your soul just as you've exposed your body."

  Kyra spent a few minutes tuning the guitar. She found a good pick in the pile of them hidden in a compartment in the case. There was no strap, so Kyra sat cross legged on the floor, kicking away the pile of clothes. Matt sat across from her, so close that their toes bumped each other. He wiggled his against hers. A smile lit up his face.

  Kyra thought about what song she wanted to sing. Something from the new CD, a never before played track for anyone else. Considering this was the most personal CD, she found it only fitting.

  Matt watched her with an intense gaze. He seemed to hang on every word she sang. Kyra forgot for a while that they were completely naked and got lost in the music. At the end of the song, her voice choked up, but she pushed through until the very last note played. "You're stunning," he whispered. "God, Kyra. What a performance. I'm not a crying man, but that brought tears to my eyes."

  She laid the guitar down and stood, holding out a hand for Matt. "Bare your soul to me," she pleaded. "Hold me, and pour your heart out. I want to know you, too."

  He swooped her up in his arms and carried her off to his bedroom. "Whatever you want to know. I'm putty in your hands."

  She giggled. "Funny you say that as I'm in your arms." Matt set her down on his bed and climbed in beside her. They lay facing each other. Matt wrapped an arm around her body and drew her closer.

  "I happen to like you in my arms." He trailed two fingers along her abdomen, moving in circles.

  "I never said I was complaining," she whispered. His touch was intoxicating. She wanted more. So much more. Kyra wanted his touch, his words, his comfort, and his heart.

  "Good," he uttered before his lips moved off hers, taking her for a ride into desire.

  *****

  Kyra curled up next to Matt, taking in his warmth. She let out a sigh of content.

  "How long do I have left with you?" Matt asked. He leaned over her. "I have something special planned, and I need to have an idea how soon I have to do this."

  Her heart fluttered. He was planning something? The curiosity was going to drive her nuts. "A week or two, maybe. Mom and Dad are better. I hate leaving without knowing things, but I can't put it off much longer."

  "I'm not ready for you to go yet."

  His words pulled on her heart. "I'm sorry."

  Matt shifted. "Sorry? Don't be. The last thing I expected was any of this. I've spent the last few nights with you and your family, and I get exactly where Andrew is coming from. It's like something's complete."

  She moved closer. "I'll call you every day, if you want."

  "I want, and so much more." He kissed her forehead. "You'd really move to Texas?"

  "Yeah, I would. Is it wrong to want the best of both worlds? I'm excited and nervous about my comeback tour and CD. On the other hand, being here in Texas with my family, and you, makes me realize how much I'm missing."

  "You deserve the best."

  She ran her hand along his abs. "Tell me more about you."

  "What do you want to know?"

  "Everything. Your weakness, your fears, your greatest accomplishments."

  "You aren't putting this in a song, are you?" He widened his eyes, pretending to be afraid.

  She laughed. "No. Well, you never know when inspiration will strike. I just want to know the man I'm infatuated with."

  "Hmm. Okay. Weakness." He got quiet for a while. "I'm a sucker for a quivering lip. Andrew used to use that on me all the time. I think he's finally grown out of it."

  "Quivery lip? Really?" Kyra moved her hand to the side of his neck. "Remind me to try that one."

  "Evil woman," he growled. "Okay. If I have to think of a real weakness... I think I put my heart on the line too easily. I'd give up anything for someone I love without a hesitation."

  "I believe it, considering what you told me about your ex-wife."

  "It wasn't just her. It started with my parents. I wanted to do something to gain their approval, to get them to notice me. I was an accident, and they didn't have the guts to... well, you know. But they didn't know what to do with a little boy when they had lives to save in the far ends of the earth."

  Her heart ached for him. That must have been so lonely.

  "My fears. I'm afraid I've let Andrew down," he said, ever so quietly.

  "What? Why would you think that?"

  He sighed. "I work a lot. I'm a single father who doesn't date... well, until you. I can't give him a complete family. He feels more complete when he's around Randy and Blaine, and it makes me feel like I'm not enough. Up until the last six months, Andrew and I were at each other's throats all the time. I couldn't win. He always hated me."

  "Andrew could never hate you. I can't imagine that." Kyra brushed his hair back.

  "No, it was bad. Ask Randy. Things started getting better when Blaine came around. Sometimes I wonder if Andrew prefers to be there than with me." He closed his eyes and grunted. "I sound like-"

  "You sound like a man who's had quite a bit of change in his life. But from what I see, I don't think you've let your son down. Andrew looks up to you and respects you. He might be looking for a complete family, but I think it's as much for you as it is for him."

  "You do know he's hoping you and I get together."

  Kyra chuckled. "I know. He's a little matchmaker. Good thing I already like his dad."

  "I wish it wasn't so complicated. Long distance isn't easy."

  No, it wasn't. And they weren't even together long enough- were they even considered together?- to really know where they were going, even without a long distance thing.

  "I'm sorry I keep bringing that up."

  "It's only fair. Neither of us know what to do about it." Kyra closed her eyes. She wanted to treasure this feeling for a while. The feeling of being so close with someone, getting to know the other, the newness of something special. Time would only tell where things went, but was time on their side?

  *****

  Kyra's dad called her mid morning, just as the two finally rolled out of bed. Matt couldn't recall the last time he'd slept in so late. It was already ten! Last night they'd stayed up late nestled in each other's arms and talked. Kyra fell asleep first, and all he could do was curl up close and hold her. He'd miss having her close by when she left.

  "What? Oh! Okay. Well, I guess I'll be right there." She sounded funny. Matt tried to read her expression, wondering what was up. She hung up the phone and faced him. "Taryn showed up at my parents' house looking for me."

  Well, forget brunch. Matt sucked up his disappointment and nodded. "I'll take you right home." He pulled open his drawer, searched for a shirt, and tossed it over his head.

  Kyra wrapped her arms around him from behind. "Last night was amazing. Thanks for your idea of baring ourselves. I'm still insanely curious of what your something special is."

  Thinking about his plans made Matt's insides go a little crazy. He couldn't wait to put everything in place. "All I can say is, you'll need a beautiful dress."

  She pulled back and gently turned him around to face her. "A dress? The only one I have is what Blaine and I picked for the school dance."

  Then I guess you and Blaine need to go look for another one." He slid his finger across his lips, signaling that he wasn't saying any more.

  Twenty minutes later, Matt parked in front of Kyra's house. There was a van there he didn't recognize which must belong to
Taryn and her driver. Wonder what she wanted? Was it because he'd called? Maybe she had more to say about Mark.

  Kyra took her time. Matt held out his hand for her. "I still don't always know what to make of Taryn, let alone what to say to her." Worry filled her eyes.

  He kissed her brow. "I wish I'd thought of all this before I jumped the gun."

  "You make it hard not to want to fall in love with you," Kyra whispered, looking him straight in the eye. "Jumping the gun and all." She placed her hand right over his heart. "You've got a good heart, Matt Greer." Then she turned around and headed up the walkway to her house.

  She left him breathless. What the hell was he supposed to say to that? Kyra Sanders said she could fall in love with him! Hell! He knew he wasn't supposed to do the whole 'You're famous, I'm just me' thing, but at that moment, he found himself doing it again. "I could fall in love with you, too. I'm halfway there already," he said out loud, knowing Kyra was far enough away to not hear him. For now, he wanted it that way.

  Chapter Thirty

  "I'm glad I got a chance to see you guys again." Kyra walked inside as Taryn made the comment to her parents. They all stopped and looked her way when she entered. "Kyra, hey!" She was so casual, as if it were normal for Taryn to waltz in her home and be chatting with her parents. Almost like they were the best of friends.

  "Hi," she said, a little stiffly. "What brings you by?"

  "A conversation with your... boyfriend." Taryn nodded as she focused on something behind Kyra.

  Not something. Someone. Matt had followed. She'd left him on the sidewalk after saying what she did, not knowing if he'd actually come in or not. But she meant it. Kyra could easily fall in love with Matt, and quite possibly was already.

  "Who drove you?" she blurted. Whoops. Not the best way to put it, but she didn't see anyone in the van.

  Taryn sucked in a breath, then pursed her lips. "Umm..."

  "I did," an all too familiar voice stated from the hallway. Kyra froze. No. No way.

  "Why the hell are you here?" She fired at him through gritted teeth. Awkward. Strange. What the hell? Why did Taryn bring him? Why?