by Gina Azzi
Unbuttoning his shirt, I grin at him. “You never used to dress this fancy.”
“You always used to look this beautiful.”
Leaning forward, I capture his lips with mine, slowing down the pace. Sliding his shirt off his shoulders, it pools to the floor behind him. My palms glide over his chest, sinking lower to his abdomen, desperate to touch every inch of him, desperate to get lost in a dream I’ve never forgotten.
Aaron’s hands dip into my waist and skim up my ribcage. He pushes my cardigan off my shoulders and hooks his fingers around the delicate straps of my dress, slipping it off until it drops to my waist. I sit before him, topless, save for the strands of turquoise beads that drape around my neck.
Aaron groans, dropping his forehead to my shoulder. Looking back up, his eyes gleam with an unmatched boldness, a reckless need. “Lee, I need you to know that I’m not giving up this time. I’m not backing away. I’m not letting you go so easily.”
“So keep me.” The words fall from my lips. “That past is in the past for us, Aar. Start writing our future,” I whisper into his mouth.
And he does.
It’s late, or early depending on your sense of time, when I slide out from under Aaron’s duvet cover and head to the kitchen for a glass of water. The cool air sends a chill through my body as I leave the warmth of Aaron’s bed, his naked body sprawled in the center. Sleeping on his stomach, an arm curled underneath his pillow, his face looks boyish. A pang hits the center of my chest as he looks so much like he used to, just a kid with a too-big heart and pride in his responsibilities.
Padding to the kitchen, I fill a glass with water and grab my phone off the counter.
Glancing down at the message that lights up the screen, my breath freezes in my throat. Dread fills my veins, fear clogs my vision, and adrenaline spikes in my blood stream as I whip my head around, as if he’s here. As if he knows where I am and has found me and is right here, right now, in Aaron’s apartment.
Corey: Baby, please come home. We can fix this, put it behind us. I miss you, Everly. I need you.
Panic wells in my chest at Corey’s message. Followed by guilt. And shame. Jesus, why can’t I break his hold on me? Cowering, I slide to the floor, the glass of water and my phone clenched in my fists. Even nearly four thousand miles away, Corey can inspire the fight or flight mode.
Fuck. Dropping my head back, I consider flight. Consider leaving right now, without even writing a note, and disappearing.
Aaron’s snore fills the quiet of his apartment.
Tears sting the back of my throat, causing pain with each swallow.
Fuck this. I’m done hiding. I’m done running.
It’s time I start living my best life for myself.
Deleting the message, I send a silent fuck you to Corey Hughes.
And ignore him and his message completely.
13
Aaron
The left side of my bed is empty when I wake in the morning, the sweet scent of Everly’s perfume still clinging to the pillowcases.
“Lee?” I call out, swinging my legs to the edge of my bed and pulling on a pair of joggers.
No response.
Standing up, I walk into the kitchen, check the living room, even pass by the bathroom. But the entire flat is eerily quiet. Everly’s purse is gone.
As is she.
What the hell? My stomach dips as an irrational wave of fear rushes through my body.
Did something happen?
Is she okay?
Is she hurt?
Thoughts ricochet in my mind and even though a logical part of me knows I’m overreacting, fear wavers on the periphery of my mind.
The ringing of my cell phone jars me out of my head, and I pick up immediately.
“Hey man, how was your night?” Finn asks.
“My night was pretty awesome. Except I just woke up and Everly is gone.”
“Gone? What do you mean?”
“She’s not here.”
Finn is quiet for several moments before he bursts out laughing. “No way! She ghosted you? I knew I liked her.”
“Fuck off. I’m worried—"
The door to my flat swings open, and Everly steps inside, balancing a tray with two coffees and holding a bakery bag. “Mornin’ sleepyhead. I borrowed your keys,” she explains, dropping them into a small dish I keep by the front door.
“She’s here with breakfast,” I tell my brother, relief filling my chest like a balloon. I blow out an exhale, pinching the bridge of my nose. Why the hell did I panic? “How’s Livvy?”
“She’s great. Daisy took her to the park.”
“I’ll swing by to pick her up in a little bit.” My eyes are glued to Everly, watching as she moves around my kitchen, pulling out plates and utensils, folding napkins. She knows the space as well as I do, and I like it, like seeing her in my flat like she belongs here. Deep down, I know she does. Does she realize it, too?
“Take your time.”
Ending the call, I toss my phone onto the kitchen island and step behind Everly, wrapping my arms around her hips and pulling her flush against my chest.
At first, she stiffens, her body locking down, and I start to pull back, concerned at her reaction. But after a moment, she relaxes, shimmying her ass against me until I groan. “How hungry are you?”
She snorts, twirling in my arms until she’s facing me, her back pressed against the kitchen countertop, my arms caging her in. “Depends what you’re proposing?” She grins playfully, but a shadow moves through her eyes.
Dropping my forehead to hers, I breathe her in, note the quickening of her pulse in her throat. “What’s wrong, Lee?”
She pauses, lifting her head, so I’m forced to look into her eyes. “What do you mean?”
“You seem nervous.”
“Do I?”
I nod, frowning at her weak attempt at deflection.
“I am.”
“Why?” I whisper, relieved that she’s being honest with me, worried that I’m going to hate what she says next. Especially after such an incredible night, one where I felt like we were turning a corner.
“Because I don’t want this to end.” Her hands slide up my arms until they’re settled on my shoulders. “Now, tell me again what you were going to propose we do instead of eating breakfast?”
Grinning down at her, I hoist her up, my hands palming her ass as she hooks her legs around my waist. “What do you think?” I ask, walking her to my bedroom. Tossing her in the center of my bed, she giggles, and I catch a glimpse of the carefree girl she was years ago.
Wrapping my hands around her ankles, I pull until she’s spread out beneath me. Crawling up her frame, I drop kisses to every inch of exposed skin. “I thought you ducked out when I woke up and you were gone,” I admit, hating the neediness in my tone.
Everly reaches down, her hands bracketing my face until I’m forced to look at her. She shakes her head. “I’m here, Aaron. For as long as I can stay, I will.”
I know she says the words to provide comfort, but all they do is remind me that the clock is running out, and soon I’ll have to make a move one way or the other.
That we need to have some difficult conversations and settle on a compromise that works for both of us.
Because she can’t stay right now, and I can’t be away from her forever.
The following week, our lives meld together all over again. Old habits and patterns settle into place, and I find myself craving her more than I ever have before. Not just her body, but her presence, her energy, her place by my side. Each day, she spends more time at my flat, eating dinner with Olivia and me, helping Liv with a homework assignment, putting away the cups and dishes, as I tuck my daughter into bed.
Yet something nags at me. Most of the time when I glance at Everly, she smiles back, her expression serene, her mouth soft enough to kiss. But other times, the moments where she doesn’t catch my eye, I note the way her fingers twist together, how she bites the corner of h
er mouth, her eyes guarded, and her expression uncertain.
And I can’t help but wonder if she’s unsure of me, of us, or just worried for our impending separation while she’s on tour? Whatever it is, it has a stream of unease flowing through me, making me desperate to settle our future plans and status.
“Damn, you’ve become so serious,” Lachlan announces the following Monday, entering my office and sliding into the vacant chair.
“You’re back so soon?” I raise my eyebrows. Normally, Lachlan, or my other cousin Callum, will pop into the Edinburgh office whenever a work-related issue demands their attention. But they’re rarely in town for more than a few days.
“Yeah.” Lach grips the back of his neck, averting his gaze.
“Is everything okay?”
“Think so,” he mutters. “Anyway, how are things with you and CMT’s sweetheart?”
“What the hell is CMT?”
Lachlan rolls his eyes. “Country Music Television. You know, for someone so in love with this girl, you don’t seem to know much about her life.”
“Who says I’m in love with her?” I challenge, raising my eyebrows.
“Please.” My cousin laughs, slapping the edge of my desk. “It’s stamped all over both of your faces. Let me guess, you haven’t said it yet?”
I shake my head, not wanting to have this conversation with Lachlan but not wanting to seek out Finn, either. In times like these, I’m grateful for Daisy, even though she tends to meddle.
“You should,” Lach continues, and something about the serious note in the tone of his voice when it’s almost always just joking and ribbing from him, gives me pause.
“Why’s that?”
“You don’t let the real deal slip away. And you already did once.” My cousin clears his throat. “You’re a lucky son of a bitch to have a second shot. Don’t take that lightly.”
“I’m not.” I sound defensive.
“Good.” Lachlan’s gaze bores into mine, his dark eyes from his Native-American heritage on his father’s side turn pitch black with a graveness he’s never shown before.
“What’s going on with you?”
He sighs, blowing out a long exhale. “A lot of crap I don’t want to get into now. Just square things away with Everly. Don’t leave them up to chance again.”
“Okay.”
Lachlan stands. “I wanted to say goodbye. I’m flying out in a few hours. Just stopped by to have lunch with James.”
“All right. Well, I’ll see you soon, then.”
“Yeah. I’ll be back for American Thanksgiving.”
“Oh, I love your mum’s Thanksgiving dinner.”
“Tell me about it.” Lachlan grins, looking more like himself. “Take care, Aar.”
“You too,” I tell my cousin, still thrown by his strange demeanor.
Waiting until he closes my office door, I can’t help but think about his words. Everly and I do need to make some decisions. We’ve been putting off asking the difficult questions, offering the honest answers, but each day that passes brings her closer to her flight back to Nashville. And Lachlan’s right. I can’t let her leave again without making sure she’s knows I want her to come home to me when her tour is finished.
She’s it for me. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past where Everly was concerned and afterwards with Kate. Now, I’m bloody paying for them, but I’ve learned my lessons the hard way. I won’t make the same mistakes by keeping quiet, by leaving things up to chance. Everly needs to know exactly how I feel about her, what type of future I want with her, and that she’s the one calling the shots this time around.
Even if it breaks my heart.
Even if it kills me.
She’ll have to be the one to end things between us.
Because I’m not letting her go again.
14
Everly
Corey: I know this is your number, Everly. Why aren’t you answering my messages? You know how much it hurts me when you block me out, baby.
Pacing back and forth in front of my bed, I clench my phone in my fist. Why is he messaging me now? Why does he keep popping up at the worst possible times? For over two months, radio silence. And now, two messages in one week. Does he really know where I am? Has he found me?
Fear skates down my spine as I delete his message.
What is he planning if he knows where I am and hasn’t come for me yet? Corey is a sneaky son of a bitch, and prone to theatrics the way he is, he’s playing at something with his stupid messages.
I just don’t know what his angle is.
And the not knowing causes dread to settle over me, shadow all my interactions, and filter into all of my thoughts.
The shrill ringing of my phone has me jumping, cold beads of sweat dotting my hairline, but I sigh in relief when Addison’s face appears on the screen.
“Hey Addi.”
“Top of the mornin’ to ye.”
“That’s Irish, I think. And it’s already afternoon here.”
“Close enough. How are you and the sexy sin you’re knockin’ boots with?”
“You definitely peaked in the nineties.”
Addi chuckles. “What’s happening with Aaron?”
“Things are good. Great really. He’s planning to visit me on tour.”
“Oh wow,” Addison says, her voice cautious like usual. “How do you feel about that?”
“Is that even a serious question?”
“Just be careful, Everly. A lot of things can change in a short amount of time.”
“I know. You’re right. But please, stop with the gloom and doom. Just be my best friend and be happy for me.”
“You’re right. I am happy for you, honestly. I just, I can’t help but worry after everything…”
“I know,” I whisper.
“But enough gloom and doom, I’m calling with the best news ever.” Excitement laces her tone.
“What’s going on?”
“Oh, you know, just some upcoming opportunities you may be interested in.”
“Such as?” I sit on the edge of my bed, nerves ping-ponging around my chest.
“A performance at the Grand Ole Opry.”
“Shut up!” I exclaim, jumping back up. Feeling the grin that splits my face, I laugh as Addi repeats herself. “When? How?”
“Apparently, you’re in high demand. And even taking some time off hasn’t diminished that. November 30. Don’t pass this up, Ev. This is a once in a lifetime.”
I nod, squealing. “Dance party?” I switch our call to FaceTime.
“Duh!”
On screen, Addi and I break out in an impromptu dance party, shaking our asses and celebrating this huge milestone. She’s positively giddy with excitement, infusing me with renewed appreciation for my career choice, for my life, for every sacrifice I had to make to get to this point. The Grand Ole Opry!
“I’ll be there.”
“Good. You shouldn’t let him take anything else away from you.” She collapses in her desk chair. “You haven’t heard from him, have you?”
Damn. How the hell did she know that? “Just a few text messages. How’d you know?” I narrow my gaze, shuddering.
“I saw him the other day at Teddi’s,” she confesses, referencing a restaurant we used to frequent. “He was with Annabeth,” Addison spits out, foaming with her hatred for Corey. Annabeth is another woman in the industry; someone he works with in a professional capacity… and fucks on the side. You’d think I’d be jealous or hate that my boyfriend has a side piece but truthfully, when I first learned about Annabeth, all I felt was relief. How messed up is that? Still, Corey is smart. He can’t be seen out around town with any random woman, but Annabeth doesn’t raise eyebrows since her and Corey collaborate on various projects. “But he seemed, I don’t know, smug. Like he knows something, has information about you, something. He’s up to something, Everly.”
“He always is.” I breathe out, my stomach sinking with the confirmation for what I’ve know
n all along: I’ll never truly be free of Corey Hughes. Glancing at myself in the mirror on the back of my closet door, I study my appearance. Green eyes that sparkle, long, brown, wavy hair, a slender frame. To a passing person, I’d look like a regular, normal, relatively happy thirty-three-year-old. But under my tanned skin and bright smile lie the scars that no one sees, that no one even guesses at. And Corey is the master at picking those wounds back open.
“Everly, what he did to you is inexcusable. It’s not too late to—”
“No. It’s fine. Let’s leave it alone, Addi. Please. I can’t lose everything I’ve worked for. I’m not going to sabotage my career. ”
She sighs, and silence hangs between us.
“How is he?” I ask, hating that I’m still curious, that he crosses my mind at all.
Addison rolls her eyes, removing the cat’s-eyes glasses she wears to pinch the bridge of her nose. “He’s the same as always. A bullshitting con artist.”
“What is he saying about me?”
“Everly Pierce, you can’t seriously care about—”
“I don’t. I mean, what is he telling people?”
“He’s not stepping out with anyone publicly. Instead, he’s still playing the role of victim, telling anyone who will listen that you just up and left him with no reason, and he is devastated. Heartbroken.”
“Bastard,” I whisper through clenched teeth, seething inside.
“Come home, Everly. Not for him. Not for anyone but yourself.”
“November 30. The Opry,” I confirm.
“Good.” Addi grins, the right side of her mouth ticking up a millimeter higher than the left. “Let me know once you book your flight and anything you need.”
“I will. Thanks for the amazing news, Addi.”
“You deserve it all, babe.”
I end the call and toss my phone onto my bed. The Grand Ole Opry! I pinch myself, closing my eyes and breathing in the satisfaction I feel in this moment. The Grand Ole Opry…