by Shade, S. M.
“She’s very kind,” the man remarks.
Digging in my pocket, I pull out a few bills, not paying much attention to what they are and hand them to him.
Paul sits up front with the driver while Naomi sits between Caden and me. After we’re on our way, the driver glances back in the mirror at Naomi. “You shouldn’t enable them like that.”
“Excuse me?”
“He’s probably just going to buy some rotgut alcohol with the money you wasted on him. He probably makes a ton of money a day out there and goes home laughing at the suckers who hand it over.” Apparently, he missed the fact I gave to him too or he doesn’t have the balls to call me out.
Naomi surprises me by not getting angry or even frustrated. Sitting back, she shrugs. “Maybe he does. If so, that’s a strike against his character. If I stand by and watch someone suffer when I can help, that’s a strike against mine. If you do good things, then you live in a world with more good things in it. That’s never a waste.”
Paul grins at me in the rearview mirror when the driver doesn’t reply. I’m not the only one who enjoyed her bringing him down a peg just by being herself.
A few press vans wait just outside the property when we get back to the house, but security is keeping them back. Word has gotten out that the bands playing the Rock Wild festival are staying here. It’s a good thing it’s our last night and we’ll be moving on anyway.
I’m not concerned about paparazzi. I just want to know what kind of threat has been made against Naomi. With the vultures outside creating a bullshit story from that picture, it’s not a surprise some rabid fan has taken offense to her, but I’m not going to have her or Hatch put at risk.
Naomi takes him back to her room while I text Milo. Dani meets me in the hallway on the way to my room. “Milo get a hold of you?”
“Yeah, he’s supposed to be texting me a copy of the threat letter.” She follows me through my door and into my suite. My phone beeps and I quickly download the picture.
Fear whirls into anger as I read the words aloud.
“You stupid bitch. Do you think you’re better for him than me? Do you think he actually loves you? He’ll never love you like he does me. Stay the fuck away from him.”
Dani gazes at me, shaking her head. “It doesn’t make a specific threat, but it’s scary. They knew her name. It was addressed to her but sent to the label.”
“It’s no secret she’s on tour with us since the picture got out,” I point out, running my fingers through my hair.
“Management doesn’t want to comment or put out a statement. If they did, you’d have to publicly explain who Caden is to you.”
Flopping on the couch, I look up at my sister. “I’m not ashamed. But making him known to the public as my kid would put him at more risk.” I close my eyes and lay my head back. “Fuck. How am I supposed to keep things normal for him if he has to have security crawling all over him, paparazzi trying to get shots of him?”
Dani sits across from me. “You’re right. That’s not the way to go until you have to, but it will come to that. I don’t see how you can give him days like today and keep him out of the public eye. Management wants to increase security around all of us. It’s probably a good idea since you aren’t exactly unknown anymore. This is just the beginning.”
“That’s true.” I’m getting what I always wanted, but it comes with so much baggage.
“Milo said the detectives they contacted about the letter aren’t overly concerned. That it’s probably some fan who didn’t like to see a woman close to you because it killed their little fantasy, but it’s better to play things safe for a while.”
“I don’t want Hatch, Naomi, or you out without a security escort, understand?”
Dani nods. “I’ll tell Naomi. She should know what was in the letter.”
“No, I’ll tell her.” I need to make sure she takes this seriously and I’m not going to put up with any of her bullshit arguments.
Chapter Ten
Naomi
The last thing I wanted to do was spend a day with Axton but I have to admit, the day at the zoo was fun. You never know when you take a baby as young as Caden somewhere new whether they’ll be bored, but I was thrilled to see how engaged he was.
I’m not blind to the fact that part of his happiness was because he had his dad paying him so much attention. Caden looking up at him the way he did and Axton grinning back with obvious pride was a joy to see.
Axton’s response to him in the beginning was so worrying, but it took less than two months for Caden to win him over, just like I told Dani.
I’m not sure how many more little outings like that are going to be possible. We were lucky today that we were able to leave before the word got out that Axton was there. He’s going to have to find a better disguise or bring a bunch of security in the future.
It’s funny. I knew who Tragic was from their first album, and I know most people knew that song Away From Me. You couldn’t avoid it. But I think most people had little idea what the band looked like, so it was easier for them to fly under the radar. Now, they have another number one hit playing nonstop. In addition, their faces are everywhere. Along with the festivals, this tour has them doing multiple TV appearances, playing the lead single live for millions across the country.
It makes me wonder how things will be after the tour, or even a year from now. Will Axton’s house always be surrounded? Will I have to wonder every time I take Caden out to play if someone is taking our picture?
A curt tap on the door keeps me from falling down that hole of anxiety. It’s a pointless worry now.
It’s not Patrick or Dani at the door—the only two I would expect to see—but Axton. He strides in as soon as I open the door. “Please, come in.”
His lips twitch at my sarcastic remark. “Is Hatch asleep?”
“Yes, he’s been down for an hour or so. I imagine he’ll sleep well after his big day.”
Axton sits on the edge of the couch. “We need to talk.”
Never in the history of anything have those words preceded good news. My arms fold across my chest. “Okay.”
“From now on, you’ll have a security detail to accompany you.”
“Are you worried about the paparazzi after word got out today?” Something has his eyebrows knitted.
“We haven’t seen the beginning of that madness yet. I’ve seen how it is with other musicians when they hit this point.” He rubs his hand across his chin. “When it happens, it’s going to happen fast. Milo has a PR person meeting us at the next stop to brief everyone—including you—on how to handle it. What not to say, shit like that.”
My stomach knots. “I don’t want to say anything to anyone.”
“I know. And you won’t. ‘No comment’ or silence is generally the expected response.”
“Good.” Glad we settled that. I get to my feet, expecting him to follow.
Instead I’m met by a smirk. “Are you trying to get rid of me? I’ve been here about two minutes.”
“Added to the hours I had to spend with you today,” I point out. My tone isn’t unkind, and he just shakes his head.
“There’s something you need to see, mainly because I want you to take it seriously when I say you need security with you at all times.” Swiping his phone, he hands it to me. “This letter was addressed to you.”
My mouth dries up as I read the words. You’ve got to be kidding me. My chest rises on a deep breath and I sit back down, rereading it again.
Axton leans forward. “Naomi.” Once I look him in the eye he continues. “Do you have any idea who may have sent it?”
“No.” My voice is small and I hate how weak it sounds. “No,” I repeat.
“I didn’t expect you would. It’s been reported to the authorities but since there’s no specific threat they can’t do much. This is a common thing when it comes to fan mail.”
“Because of that stupid picture?”
He shrugs as if it doesn’t mat
ter. “Maybe. It’s probably nothing, but until I know that for sure, you don’t go anywhere without security.”
“Yeah, okay.” I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Women would walk through broken glass with salted feet to be with him.
“Naomi.” His tone is firm and commanding. Intense eyes lock onto mine. “Not even on your days off. Never alone. Understand?”
“I’m not an idiot.”
“No, but you’re stubborn as fuck.”
“Not obeying your every whim and order isn’t stubbornness.” I hold my hand up as he starts to speak again. “I’m not arguing with you. I won’t go anywhere without security.” He gets to his feet when I stand, and steps right in front of me. Heat radiates off of him and he smells amazing. Don’t look into those eyes, Naomi.
His breath tickles at my ear when he leans over to murmur. “You like when I give you orders. Next time, I’ll make you admit it.”
Damn it. Damn him and the response he elicits from me. My traitorous body responds instantly to that tone. The same one he used when he told me to keep my hands on the wall, to bend over. His dark chuckle awakens something in me I don’t even want to begin to explore.
I force myself to take a step back and try to find some smart answer for him as usual. But my words falter when I look up and see the mirth in his eyes as he holds up his thumb, wiggling it at me again.
Blood rushes to my cheeks, and he grins all the way to the door. “See you tomorrow, Naomi.”
Asshole.
It’s hard not to worry or be paranoid after learning about the letter and I stick close to the house until we’re on the tour bus again, headed for the next stop in New York City. This time, we’re put up in a fancy hotel where Dani and I share a suite and there’s no dodging the paparazzi.
They aren’t only stalking the hotel here because of us. It’s a hotel well known for its celebrity clientele and the rest of the festival bands are staying here as well. On top of the three performances in four days, Axton and the band are taping two television interviews and a live version of the new single for a local radio station. He and Dani are run ragged, and I barely get a glimpse of either of them the whole time.
I’m in New York City, but I don’t dare explore, which is depressing as hell. Even with security with me, there’s too much chance I’ll get followed and what if I can’t get Caden to a safe place? It doesn’t help that photos of Axton and me at the zoo have been plastered across the tabloids with headlines like Axton Takes Day Trip with Secret Baby Mama.
Any thought of leaving the hotel is squashed with a quick glance outside at the crowd that never seems to dissipate. Guests are escorted through the mess by security, and I notice most of them shrug it off. Will I ever see it as just another normal day? Maybe if I didn’t have a baby to protect at the same time.
It isn’t hard to keep Caden occupied since the hotel does boast an indoor pool, and an enclosed garden. We aren’t trapped in the room the entire time, but I’m still glad when we move onto a smaller town upstate.
Lodged in another hotel, this time in my own room, I feel a little more comfortable and do a web search to find something nearby to do with Caden. Hopefully, Dani will accompany us. There isn’t much around, but I locate a playground and that’s good enough. After being inside so much, I really just need the fresh air and I’m sure Caden does too.
Axton has made sure to visit with Caden every day no matter how busy he is. He has a rare day off tomorrow with no performances or interviews, and I pause with my phone in my hand for a moment. I should invite him to go with us to the playground.
Before I can overthink it, I send a text.
Me: Taking Caden to a playground tomorrow if you’d like to go.
I’m surprised how fast I get a response.
Axton: Yes, I’ll arrange security.
Sighing, I lean back and grin at Caden as he rolls a toy car across the floor then crawls over to it to do it again. “We’ll get out and have some fun tomorrow, buddy. Go to the park with Daddy.”
* * *
We meet Axton in the hotel lobby right after lunch and Caden yells at him the second he sees him. “Da!”
The warmth in Axton’s gaze whenever he sees his son now is something I thought impossible a few short weeks ago but I’m so glad I was wrong. Dressed in dark jeans and a t-shirt with his hair hanging over one side of his head, he looks sexy as hell without even trying.
“I’ve sent some security ahead of us to the park. They can keep an eye without being too obvious. There’s a side exit meant for staff that the hotel is allowing us to use in case there are paparazzi out front.”
“I sent the stroller and car seat down with Dani earlier.”
Axton nods, taking Caden from me. “Already in the car.”
Well. Maybe he’s getting the hang of this. There’s no last minute plans with a baby.
We’re escorted out to the car with no problems and driven to the park by another security officer. Axton speaks to him once we’ve arrived, while I’m getting Caden out of his seat, and the man hangs back as we start toward the playground area.
It’s a weekday so there aren’t many people around. A young mother watches her two daughters, who look around eight or nine, as they take turns pushing each other on the swing.
“He doesn’t like swings,” I caution Axton. “The two times I tried, once with him in a baby swing, and once with him on my lap, he screamed.”
“Slides then,” he announces.
Axton takes him up the steps and I can’t help but giggle at the sight of him sitting with his long legs stretched out in front of him on the blue plastic slide. Holding Caden on his lap, he pushes off, and I take a quick picture before they get to the bottom. Caden squeals with delight, and Axton quickly takes him up to do it again.
After another trip down on his lap, he sends him down by himself and I catch him at the bottom. Caden would happily spend the entire day on the slides, and he isn’t happy when we take a break, until I sit him down in the sand.
He grins up at Axton as he grabs a handful, then opens his chubby hand to let it drain out. Rummaging in the bag I’ve brought, I produce a small plastic cup and put it in his hand.
“He loves the sand. Mainly scooping it up and pouring it out,” I explain. “But if we don’t watch him close, he’ll put it in his mouth too.”
Axton smirks and watches him play. “I ate a beetle when I was a kid.”
“Gross! You did not!” I exclaim with a grin.
“I don’t remember it, but Mom used to love to tell me about it if I said I didn’t like whatever was for dinner. ‘You’ll eat bugs, but not broccoli.’”
It’s the first time he’s brought up his mother. Even though Dani and I have been friends for a while now, she doesn’t let the subject come up either. I’ve noticed she never asked about my family, and I figure it’s because she doesn’t want the question returned.
It doesn’t keep me from wanting to know. There must be some reason they haven’t been discussed or introduced to their grandchild. “Where are your parents?” I ask, fully expecting a sharp retort to mind my own business.
The wind picks up and dries the sweat on my neck. Axton’s hair blows back from his face and he pauses long enough that I think he’s not going to answer. “Dad is in a nursing home in Indy. No idea about my mother. She left when I was a kid.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Would you like to take Caden to visit your father?”
His expression hardens to steel, along with his voice. “He will never see him. Did Dani ask you to talk me into it?”
“No. She doesn’t talk about your family at all.”
His shoulders relax and he nods. “Good.”
Caden throws a handful of sand, and I take his hand. “No. No throwing. It’ll get in your eyes.”
“Nuh! Nuh!” He shakes his head and starts to do it again. This time Axton grabs his hand.
His voice is firm. “No, Hatch.”
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It’s everything I can do not to laugh at the look Caden gives him. “Nuh, nuh, Da.” Caden pushes his hand away.
“Don’t argue with me, boy.” Axton grabs the plastic cup and moves around some sand, drawing Caden’s attention back to it. The distraction works, and he goes back to playing for a few minutes.
The playground starts to fill up a little more and I motion toward the path that circles a small pond on one side of the park. “Do you want to take a walk around the pond? I can grab the stroller.”
Axton gets to his feet and picks up Caden. We stop back by the car for the stroller and Axton chats with the driver for a few moments while I get Caden settled. He’s content enough to be pushed by his dad around the small pond where he hoots and yells at the ducks—that ignore his antics—and laughs as nearby birds take flight to escape him.
It’s a beautiful day, and I feel a contentment settle over me. Maybe I was feeling a little more cooped up than I realized. Tilting my head back a bit, I close my eyes and let the sun warm my face while taking a deep breath of the cool, cedar scented air.
When I open them, Axton is staring at me. “What?” I ask.
“I didn’t say anything. I’m going to send the driver to pick us up some lunch.” His hand brushes mine when I move to take over pushing the stroller and what I see in his expression is not in my imagination. He was looking at me when he thought I wouldn’t know. Is he just thinking about how to get me in his bed again? Is it more than that?
Christ, Naomi, I scold myself. What difference does it make? Neither thing is going to happen. For one, he’s an asshole, and the sting of our first encounter hasn’t been forgotten. And more importantly, he’s my boss. This job is everything to me right now and I can’t risk fucking around with him in any capacity.
All these thoughts run through my head while I watch his ass as he walks away from me. It’s not just the way he looks. More and more, I find myself thinking about him in odd moments, even looking forward to seeing him. I’ve tried to tell myself it’s because I’m eager to tell him about Caden’s day, but that’s not true. Not always.