Fallen Idol (Love and Music in Texas Book 4)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  "Tomorrow night," Matt said, feeling ridiculous for even bringing it up.

  "The same event I needed a dress for?"

  "Yep. I can cancel it, Kyra. I just wanted to let you know."

  "You went through all that trouble. I want it. Please don't cancel unless you absolutely feel you must."

  "I want what's best for you."

  Kyra clasped his hand. "What if it's you? What if you're what's best for me?" she whispered.

  "Me?"

  "You. Matt, you've been amazing. I don't know what a girl like me did to deserve so much attention and caring, but I long for more. Mark and my team aren't going to like it, but I have to push back this album release, or at least the tour. I can't- I can't go back to Nashville in this condition."

  "What are you going to do?"

  "Step back away from music and reevaluate. I might have to go back to a therapist to work through the fear, especially after what happened. I can't let myself be a hermit again, but I can't step back out in the spotlight in this condition. My mom and dad are supportive of me staying here for a while longer, but I haven't called anyone back in Tennessee yet."

  He peppered soft kisses against her head. "I'm sorry to hear this."

  "Me too." Kyra choked back a cry. "On a good note, they're finally attempting to clear my name. Jordan and Taryn's proof came through. Brandon admitted he helped move me that night. There's still a lot of things they have to work through, but so far, they're at least ninety percent certain I wasn't behind the wheel. Hopefully this press conference will give me more answers about Leandra. They're still trying to figure out who was behind the blackmail, but so far, the guesses fall on Leandra's manager or lawyers. I hear a family member is a lawyer, so no surprise there I guess."

  "What does Mark say about it?"

  She got quiet.

  "Kyra?"

  "I haven't talked to him. I know he has something to say, but I can't go there yet."

  "Can I say something?" He was going to butt in again.

  "Didn't you just?"

  "Yes, but I'm being serious," He kept her close.

  She said nothing. Matt decided to say it anyway. "If you had the urge to face your anxiety with the song and the crowd, then you shouldn't avoid facing Mark."

  She stiffened. "It's not the same."

  "It is," he said quietly. "It's harder because Mark is someone you've trusted, but you can't avoid him."

  "Why do you have to be so damn smart?" She stifled a yawn.

  "Because I'm a father and I'm older than you?" he teased.

  She shoved at him gently. "Yeah, but I have the better moves."

  "Quiet, young'n, and do as I say."

  "If I wasn't so tired and in pain, I'd..."

  "You'd what?"

  "Nothing." Kyra giggled. "I'll get you later."

  "Do that again."

  "What? Threaten you?"

  "Laugh. It's good to hear it."

  Kyra opened her eyes. They were so haunted, but beautiful. "You bring that out of me. I wish you could stay all night."

  "I don't want to overstay my welcome. You and your family have so much to deal with. But I promise, I'll keep my phone by my bed, and you can call or text any time at night."

  "I don't have a dress for tomorrow." She changed the subject.

  "If you're up for it, I'm sure Blaine will go with you."

  She nodded.

  "Okay. I'll call her."

  Kyra curled back up under the blanket and closed her eyes. "I want to be home with you."

  He wasn't sure if it was her pain meds talking, but damn. The sound of home with Kyra and Andrew sounded like a dream come true.

  Ten minutes later, Kyra and Matt were glued to the TV. Her parents walked in and watched as well.

  "Country music singer Leandra Ashlyn has also been arrested on several charges including breaking and entering, blackmail, and attempted murder. Six years ago, she was involved in a devastating car crash which sent Kyra Sanders and her band members to the hospital. The blame fell on Kyra Sanders when paramedics pulled her from the driver's seat. Ms. Ashlyn has now admitted to causing the crash in an attempt to murder Kyra and her band, Ashlyn's competition in the music world at the time. There's still much more to this story, but we wanted to start off with what we have." Cameras flashed in the speaker's face. "Brandon McKay, her accomplice, has recently been arrested after a failed attempt to end Kyra's life. McKay and Ashlyn are cooperating, and we will have more information as we press on."

  Matt held Kyra close as she cried, getting out all the mixed emotions of this news. He also stayed there with her all night.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Blaine and Kyra spent all afternoon looking for a dress the next day. It was exhausting and exciting at the same time. Blaine wouldn't budge on what she knew, which only amplified Kyra's curiosity. Matt left this morning after holding her in his arms all night. He'd asked plenty of times if he should cancel tonight, but she needed it now more than ever. She needed something to look forward to. She was still trying to process the new information of the accident- that it wasn't an accident and she was meant to die, not take the fall. It had been a last resort when the semi came out of nowhere, altering the effect of the accident. That explained why Leandra was with them that night, because she'd given everyone some sort of drug which impaired their minds. No wonder Taryn or Jordan couldn't remember that night well, same as Kyra. It had all been a plot. A sickening, terrible plot.

  "I'm known for my big mouth, but this time, I'm zipping it." Blaine grinned. "Now let's get you home. You get ready and enjoy tonight. After all the hell you went through, you deserve it. Can I ask you something honest?"

  "Sure." Kyra didn't know the woman well, but she already felt a bond and knew that even if she made it back to Nashville soon, they'd be in touch. Blaine had been through her own media storm and understood the problems.

  "Is there a future for you and Matt? I only ask because he means a lot to me. I've spent so much time with them since Randy and I started dating." Blaine drove in the direction of Kyra's house.

  "I love him. To be honest, I'm not sure of what my future is. I have to get through my feelings before I can make a sudden decision. It includes Nashville, Matt, and music."

  "I understand. I've kinda been where you have, just not to the severity. I'm blown away at you coming out today, let alone still pushing for the benefit concert."

  "I'm not performing, as of now. The funds already being donated are surreal. This will help my family stay here and rebuild a clinic, plus so much more for this town. Even if I can't get up on that stage, the lineup is amazing."

  "Here we are. See you tonight!" Blaine pulled up in front of the house.

  "What?" Kyra faced her.

  Blaine slapped her hand to her mouth. "Shit. Nothing! Want help inside, or are you okay?"

  "You really do have a big mouth." Kyra laughed, then turned serious. "Please tell me he's not proposing. I couldn't... that can't-"

  "He's not," Blaine assured her. "Ignore the rest. Go inside, rest a bit, and then put on that stunning dress."

  So that's exactly what she did. Hours later, her mom helped her with the dress, shoes, and hair. "That Matt has the biggest romantic streak I've ever seen!" Mom set Kyra's hair in curls.

  "Wait, you know too?" Kyra narrowed her eyes. What the hell did this man have planned?

  Mom just smiled and finished doing Kyra's hair.

  At five, the doorbell rang. Dad walked Kyra down the stairs, while Mom opened the door. When she made it to the bottom of the steps, Kyra spotted Matt wearing a tux. In his hand was a corsage. Their eyes met, and goosebumps formed on her arms. He was gorgeous. With his hair slicked back, a smile on his face, and the intense way he looked at her, Kyra couldn't help but smile like a fool.

  "You look beautiful," he said softly as she approached.

  Kyra blushed. "You look handsome."

  "Blaine picked out an amazing dress with Kyra today." Mom smiled, p
ulling out a camera.

  They had. A light purple dress with a V-neck and sleeves that went down to her wrists, the dress had been stunning from the first view. The dress went all the way down to her ankles. It was something she'd see at the ACM awards, only much less expensive. She fell in love with it right away.

  "You two need to get ready for pictures." Dad stood beside Mom.

  Pictures, a dress, a corsage... Kyra put two and two together, and if Matt was doing what she thought, she'd have to keep him. Wait, she already wanted to.

  Her parents took loads of pictures, kissed Kyra goodnight, and told them to have fun. Outside, Kyra gasped. She'd expected to see Matt's car by the curb. Instead, a black limo awaited.

  "Matt?"

  He held her hand. "Just trust me."

  "I do, more than you'll ever know." Kyra choked up.

  "Good." He opened the limo door and aided her inside. Once she was settled on the seat, Matt closed the door behind him and slid in beside her. "First stop, Harmony's Echo Inn. We have a dinner reservation."

  *****

  Avery, Lucas, and Jameson did an amazing job setting up a table out in the courtyard of the inn. Lights were set up under a small canopy, giving a candlelit type feel. It was a beautiful place, and with Lucas' help as the 'server', it made for a great evening. Kyra couldn't believe it when she first saw everything and kept tearing up.

  "Will that be all?" Lucas approached again, doing the perfect job of playing host while keeping everything serious.

  "It will, thank you." Matt nodded at him with a smile. Lucas winked and carried their plates away. "We have one more stop tonight." He stood, then pulled Kyra's chair out. "This is the part where I'm worried. I planned this while helping you deal with your anxiety in mind, and then-"

  Kyra touched her fingers to his lips. When she removed them, she leaned in for a kiss. "I trust you." Her words hit him in the heart. She must know somewhat by now what tonight would bring, and she left her heart in his hands. "I need this. I need a little bit of good surprise, instead of what I've been dealing with lately."

  "Okay. You say the word and we'll go home. Be honest with me in whatever you feel tonight."

  "I'll be honest right now." She linked her arm through his as they walked back to the limo. "I've never met a man like you, nor did I imagine coming to Texas would lead me to you."

  The wind picked up, and the late November chill deepened. Matt shivered. "Come on, let's get back in the warm limo and head to the next part of your special night." He kissed her temple and they moved on.

  Ten minutes later, the limo stopped in front of Blaine's dance studio. Kyra scrunched up her nose in confusion. The look made Matt laugh. "You'll see." He gestured.

  They entered the studio, and Matt took in the sights. He'd left the decorating up to Blaine, and she'd gone above and beyond what he'd hoped.

  "Matt Greer." Kyra gripped his arm.

  "You okay? I know, it's a lot of people. But-"

  "It has nothing to do with the crowd." She stopped right at the door and cupped his face. Tears streaked down her cheeks. "You remembered a silly little thing like me never going to a dance, and so you created a night just for me."

  "Just so you know, I don't find anything about you silly, other than your quips, on occasion." He wiped away a tear gently. "If a country queen like you can have awards, number one singles and CDs, then why not have a dance? You can't say you missed out now. The people here are friends and family. In fact, all of your family is here. Andrew and Daisy are here, and so are the members of Baby Stetson with their families." He gently turned her around so she could see everyone. They waved to her as they approached, darting around people dancing to the music.

  "No wonder you said you'd see me tonight!" Kyra exclaimed.

  Blaine blushed. "Sorry, Matt. I almost ruined it."

  He laughed. "We were bound to have a few mishaps. I'll forgive you because it looks amazing in here."

  "You all knew? Every single one of you?" Kyra sputtered. He'd made her speechless. Score! Even Amy showed up and appeared happy to be here.

  "Told you this guy had a romantic streak." Mom patted Matt on the back. "Good job."

  "Hi, Dad! Hi, Kyra!" Andrew burst over, holding Daisy's hand. He looked dashing in his own tux.

  "Ready to get out there and experience your first 'high school' dance?" Matt grinned at Kyra. "You're the queen tonight. You just tell me if you're not up to anything. If you panic, I'll get you away from the crowd. Promise."

  Kyra's eyes looked like they were ready to pop out of her head. She slowly turned in a circle.

  "Kyra. Talk to me. Are you dizzy? Is the panic settling in?" He moved closer to hold her.

  "No," she whispered. "I'm taking in the sights. You did all of this for me? It's decorated so perfectly! You went with a theme and everything! Look at the walls, the beautiful tablecloths... this is amazing!"

  "I did." Did she not like it? Was it too much? He should have canceled. After all she'd been through-.

  Her hand flew to her chest and she turned in a circle again. "I've had a world of dreams come true, but never has someone taken so much time to remember a little dream."

  "No dream is ever too little. If it's something you want, I'd love to give it to you. I know we've known each other a short time, but you mean a lot to me, Kyra." He took her hands in his, gently easing her to look at him. "Our first dance awaits, if you're ready."

  "I'm ready. Matt, I don't know how to ever thank you. I'm so blown away."

  "Make way! The couple of the evening is hitting the floor for their first dance!" Blaine said into the microphone. "Open up a little room for them here in the middle!"

  The crowd parted and cheered.

  "I've got you." Matt held her hand as they worked their way around the people to lead Kyra in a dance.

  "I know." She wrapped her arms around his neck as a slow song played. Kyra rested her head on his shoulder. "I will never forget this night as long as I live."

  He held her against him. So far, Kyra was doing well. Much better than he anticipated. Tonight was going off without a hitch, and he couldn't have asked for a better turnout.

  After twenty minutes of dancing, fast and slow, Blaine approached the microphone. Next to her was a pillow with two crowns on it. "I'd like to announce the Harmony's Echo Dance Queen and King."

  The cheers were loud and excited.

  "Please give it up for your Queen, Kyra Sanders!"

  *****

  Matt guided her to the stage. Kyra's legs were shaky, not because she was afraid, but because she had so much emotion she didn't know what to do. Blaine's smile was wide and contagiously sweet when she placed the crown on Kyra's head. Then she hugged her.

  "And now for the King. Give it up for Matt Greer!"

  He didn't have to go far. Matt jumped up and stood beside Kyra, grasping for her hand. When Blaine put the crown on his head, he stepped up to the microphone.

  "Thanks for helping me put this night together. I found out when Kyra helped chaperon a dance my son wanted to attend that she'd never been to one. Kyra's been at the top of the charts, and she's traveled all around the world. Sometimes bigger dreams overshadow the small ones, so I wanted to give her a night she'd never forget."

  Everyone cheered. Her parents were smiling, as was David and Amy. All eyes were on them.

  "I met Kyra a few weeks ago, and in that short time, she's changed my world. I think you all know my history with musicians and why I judged them all. I'm a big fan of Baby Stetson, but that's because my cousin has worked hard with the band. Other than that, I wanted nothing to do with singers. Ask Kyra. I judged her the first night, but she still stuck around."

  There were a few laughs.

  "Anyway, the Sanders family is important to me, and they're like my family, so meeting Kyra was a pleasure. Falling in love with her was a blessing and a surprise. I don't know what's going to happen, but at least tonight, we both had a few dreams come true." He faced her, took
her hands in his and kissed each palm. "I love you, Kyra Sanders. Whatever happens, happens. At least we had tonight. Thank you for changing my life for the better." Then he swooped her in his arms and kissed her, the kind of kiss that ended romantic movies.

  When the kiss ended, she gasped and hugged Matt. She faced the microphone. "Who would have thought a singer who had it all would want a dance, huh? I broke out on the scene at fourteen. Music's always been a part of me, but I missed out on growing up. While some sixteen year olds were getting their driver's license, I had eight top ten hits, five of them number one. I learned a lot in my years of chart topping days, and I learned even more during my hiatus. Now I have a new single on the radio and a CD due next year. In light of recent events, I'm going to have to push them back. I need time to adjust, but music is still in my soul, so I'll work hard to get where I want to be. In the meantime, I plan to make the best of it with my family, new friends, and the man I fell in love with. Thank you for being part of this surprise tonight. I needed it more than you know. I'm reminded that I do have love surrounding me."

  "Ready for a dance as King and Queen?" Matt asked. Kyra loved the twinkle in his eye.

  "With you by my side, I'm ready for anything," Kyra said softly.

  *****

  Three days later, Kyra faced the inevitable. She called Mark. By now he must have heard about her speech at the dance, and she needed to find out. Ever since the press announcement about Leandra, he'd called at least ten times a day.

  "Kyra. I've been worried about you," Mark answered. "How the hell are you?"

  "I've been better, to be honest. We have a lot to talk about."

  "I'd say so. Do you really believe I'd cover up an accident you were to blame for?"

  Right down to business. "I don't know, Mark. For a while, I did. When you started doing things I wasn't sure of, you said you'd throw me to the wolves to deal with my anxiety. I find out the people I wanted to see, you never let me-"

  "Hold on. I can explain that. They weren't the only ones who got letters. I was told to keep you away from them because they were behind it, and if I went to question anything, I'd pay for it. That's when the threats against you and your family started. I kept you away from them to protect all of you."