Chapter 7 #2
“I will. Later, Gavin.” Her tone is breathy and seductive, and I hope I get to hear that again when I’m close enough to kiss her.
I reluctantly hang up and shake off the images filling my mind. I grab my workout bag, exit my car and head into the gym, needing to exert the adrenaline that thoughts of Aly provoke.
I drive across town agitated, because I’m late and pissed that my time with Aly will now be limited due to work.
My session with Bruce was productive, but we still need a couple more hours to finalize the song we’re working on.
Knowing I had to be somewhere, everyone agreed to take a two-hour dinner break and come back to finish up.
It sucks that it’s going to be another late night, but seeing Aly will make it worth it.
I pull into the parking lot behind the building and walk up to the bouncer sitting at the back entrance.
Aly texted earlier to thank me for the flowers and to tell me she went ahead and put me on the VIP list, just in case I had trouble getting in.
I’ve been to the Exit/In numerous times and know the manager, so I could probably get in on my own.
But this is Aly’s gig, so I decide to follow protocol.
I show the bouncer my ID, and he places a band around my wrist then opens the door to let me in.
Like the Bluebird, the Exit/In is a small, intimate venue rich with history.
Famous musicians from all types of genres have performed here, and it’s another Nashville musical institution.
Unlike the Bluebird Cafe, being loud is encouraged here, as it’s a true rock n’ roll concert venue with zero seating.
The stage is elevated high, so there isn’t a bad view no matter where you stand.
I walk through the small hallway and arrive at the back of the stage.
The place is completely packed, and the crowd is dancing along with the music.
I look around and spot Aly leaning against the wall on the side of the stage, watching who I’m assuming are her clients.
My heart pounds as I walk toward her, and when she spots me, she smiles, stealing my breath away.
It takes every ounce of willpower not to grab her hand and find the nearest closet to devour her in.
Instead, I engulf her in a tight embrace and nuzzle my nose into the crook of her neck.
The smell of her floral perfume sends my senses into overdrive, making my jeans uncomfortably tight.
I pull back to look at her and am rewarded with a sheepish grin that showcases a small dimple I want to kiss.
I reluctantly let go of her when she turns in my arms to introduce me to one of her co-workers.
The band is so loud, I can barely hear what the girl’s name is.
Aly holds up her cell phone and motions for me to grab mine so she can send me a text message.
Aly: It’s so loud in here. Let’s go next door and grab a bite to eat.
Great idea, I’m starving!
She smiles as she reads my text then waves at her co-worker and mouths, I’ll be back in an hour, before grabbing my hand and pulling me back out the door I just walked through.
“Is next door okay for you?” she asks, looking up at me once we can finally hear each other talk. “I can’t be too far away, since I need to be back for their finale.”
“I don’t care where we go, as long as I’m with you,” I answer, watching her cheeks turn an adorable shade of pink.
“Okay.” She ducks her head in shyness, making me smile.
I give her hand a squeeze then lead her to the restaurant next door that is owned by the same owners of the Exit/In.
We’re seated immediately despite the crowd of college students mixed with young professionals who occupy the bar.
The waitress comes by with waters and we both order a beer while looking over the menu that consists of mostly burgers and Americanized Mexican food.
“Have you eaten here before?” I ask, wondering what her favorite food is. I’m hoping I can get a clue of where I should take her for our first official date.
“Anytime we have a show here, I stop in and get the nachos. They’re delicious.” She closes her menu and smiles at me.
“I’m assuming by your gorgeous smile that you’re getting that again?” I grin as she nods like an excited child waiting for her favorite ice cream. “Is Mexican your favorite kind of food?”
“Yes, but I just love food in general.” She shrugs, causing the wide neck of her sweater to droop down the side of her shoulder.
My eyes lock on the small glimpse of her smooth, beautiful flesh and I suddenly wonder how her skin would taste and what her reaction would be if I ran my tongue up her shoulder to her neck.
I silently groan and adjust myself underneath the table.
Focus, I tell myself and force my eyes back to hers.
“Have you been to Texas? Tex-Mex is the best outside of having food in Mexico.”
“I haven’t been to Texas… or out of the country yet.
” She laughs at the surprised look on my face.
“The only place our parents ever took us to was Disney World, and I don’t even remember that.
My sister and I always talk about taking off work and backpacking Europe together, but we haven’t had the chance yet. ”
“We’re definitely going to rectify that. You tell me when you can get off and we’ll go to Texas. I am due for a trip home soon. Maybe we can go somewhere out of the country before my tour starts.” My mind starts racing at possible dates when I notice her looking at me funny.
“Do you always bring strange women that you just met home?” she teases, but I don’t miss that flash of concern in her eyes.
“I’m hoping you won’t be a strange woman by the time you meet my family,” I tell her, watching intently to see how she reacts to my words.
If things progress with us, would she even want to meet my family?
Tori was never interested in going to Texas with me.
She always had an excuse anytime I brought it up, so eventually, I stopped asking.
“You’re kind of intense,” she says quietly after a long moment, not giving anything away with her expression or tone.
“Does that scare you?” I question with a raised brow. Obviously, I don’t want her scared, but I want her to know how serious I am.
“No.” The word is soft before she starts biting her bottom lip. “I actually kind of like it.”
Fuck, this woman is going to make me take her to my car and see how far I can get with her in the backseat if she keeps staring at me like this.
Thankfully, the waitress shows up with our drinks and breaks our trance.
We place our food order and once she leaves, I decide to change the subject so I don’t look like a madman carrying her out of here.
“What else do you have to do tonight for work?”
“Besides making sure the band doesn’t trash the dressing room, nothing much,” she jokes with a smile.
“I just need to check in with the band to see how they felt tonight went, talk with the manager about final ticket sales, and then report in with my boss tomorrow. Normally, I wouldn’t need to stick around, but one of our newer employees is with me tonight, so that’s why I need to get back before the band ends.
I’m sorry you have to hang with me while I work. ”
“I’m not sorry.” I give her a reassuring smile.
“Did you always want to work in the music industry?” I’m always curious why people choose this business.
Sure, it can be made to appear glamorous on TV or in magazines, but most people who work on stage or behind the scenes know you work like a dog in an attempt to make a name for yourself.
“I’ve loved music since I was a child, but I can’t play an instrument or sing for the life of me.
” She laughs, captivating me with the sparkle in her eye.
“When I had to decide what I wanted to do when I grew up, I thought combining music and taking care of people would be the perfect job, but I don’t think being an A&R assistant fits that description. ”
“It’s not easy getting into this business, so obviously, you impressed your bosses. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re in the perfect job, because you do help artists with their career.”
“Thanks, but lately it just hasn’t felt very satisfying.
I don’t know…” She looks away. “I’ve just been questioning if I made the right career choice.
” Understanding the lost look in her expression, I wish we were sitting next to each other so I could hold her, but instead, I do the next best thing and reach for her hand to squeeze it.
“One hundred percent, you made the right career choice. I mean, are you or are you not sitting here with me now?” I joke, hoping to see that sparkle back in her eyes.
She smiles then rolls her eyes. “I guess you’re right.”
“I know I am.” I lift her hand and kiss her fingers then ask, “Are most of your clients in the rock genre?”
She casts her eyes down and gives me a shy smile while peeking at me through her lashes. “Even though I listen to all types of music, classic and indie rock are my favorites. My boss likes to keep me happy, so he lets me take care of our clients in those genres.”
“Do you like anyone in country music?” I release her hand and sit back to cross my arms over my chest, narrowing my eyes at her in a teasing manner. Her eyes follow my movements and linger a little bit on my biceps before moving up to my face.
“Some,” she says hesitantly, making me question if she really does or if she’s just saying that to amuse me.
“Name them,” I challenge and bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing out loud at her exasperated look. I can see the wheels in her head start to turn as she attempts to name someone, and I know in that instant country music is probably her least favorite genre.
“Keith Urban!” she says loudly in excitement, pride shining in her eyes for remembering his name.
“Do you only know of him because he’s married to a famous actress you like?” I question, trying not to laugh.