Chapter 26
DORI
I bounce on my toes like a child waiting to receive a cookie as we stand in an area off the side of the stage. Meeting the band before the show is something I’ve always dreamed of, but Jami made it happen.
“The guys in the band were so nice. I can’t believe you did this for me.” I peek out to the majestic rocks that form the natural amphitheater.
“You better get used to me spoiling you like this.” Jami tips his chin to one of the crew members who’s changing out the opening band’s equipment as he passes us.
“I don’t know if you can get any better than tonight.”
“Well, I have the rest of our lives to try.”
“That sounds like a challenge.”
“Not a challenge. A promise.”
“That sounds wonderful.” I point at a huge boulder next to the stage. “Did you see how the lead singer of the opening band cast his shadow on that rock with the lights?”
“I did. It was pretty cool.” He takes a moment to take in the crowd that fills the stands. “This place is like nothing out there. Everyone should see it at least once.”
“As Melanie would say, it should be mandatory to attend a concert here. It’s an experience you can’t put into words. And speaking of Melanie, the next time you get backstage passes, it would be in your best interest to make sure she’s invited.”
“Consider it done, but tonight is about us. She can deal with it.” Jami stares at me with the same gleam in his eyes that’s been present since I opened the door at the hotel and found him standing there.
He’s up to something. I know it.
I lean over and plant a kiss on his lips. “Thank you for being in my life. You make me very happy.”
“Right back at ya’.” He drapes his arm around my neck. “Let’s just hope I don’t fuck this up.”
“Fuck what up?”
“Nothing. I was just thinking out loud.”
Pre-recorded rock music filters through the speakers as the crew continues to set up the stage for Mayhem. I sway to the music and let the upbeat tempo take my mood to a higher level.
There’s something to be said about being outside and rocking out at a place like Red Rocks. It’s almost spiritual. I relax and take in all its beauty.
The spring breeze gently blows strands of hair around my face. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest. It’s part of the outdoor venue experience. Everything that happens creates an atmosphere like you’re becoming one with the surroundings.
Jami must be having some of the same thoughts because he’s rocking from side to side with a smile the size of Canada plastered on his face.
I turn and place my hands on his shoulders, singing along with the music.
He holds my waist and dances with me. “You’re absolutely gorgeous. I’ll be fighting the men off you tonight.”
“No, you won’t, because I only have eyes for you.”
“Are you saying Cash or Guns do nothing for you?”
I raise a shoulder to my ear. “They’re okay for rock stars. ”
He laughs from deep in his lungs. “Okay, temptress. Whatever you say.”
My stomach somersaults as I stare at the man of my dreams. He may think I’m saying that about Cash and Guns, the lead singer and lead guitarist of Mayhem, but I’m not. Jami’s the sexiest man alive by miles, and I’m the lucky woman who gets to say he’s mine.
I breathe in the natural high that comes with that realization. It’s not something I thought I’d get to say. Not in this lifetime anyway.
It’s crazy to see where we are now from where we were a year ago. So much has happened, and none of it was easy. I almost lost him more than once, and one of those times he saved my life. It’s overwhelming, to a point.
Gratitude bubbles up in my stomach, and I lunge into Jami’s arms. “If I forget to thank you, know that sharing moments like this means the world to me.”
“You’ve already thanked me multiple times, but I like knowing I’ve made you happy.”
“I’m more than happy. I’m ecstatic. There’s no one else I’d rather be with and nowhere I’d rather be.”
“Same here.” He nuzzles into the crook of my neck. “I find you irresistible when you’re out in nature and just let the weight of your life slip away.”
He holds me as he sucks and nips on my pulse point like he can’t get enough of me. I’ll never get sick of him doing this. Knowing my skin is his drug is enough to make me lean into it more.
The lights dim, and a deep male voice with a slight Irish accent cuts in near where Jami’s kissing my neck. “Lucky man, having your girl go weak in the knees like she is. And you’re not even in the band.”
I pull away, and Cash, the lead singer, is flashing a drop-dead, sex-infused smile my way .
He pats Jami’s back and winks. “Fucking hell. What I wouldn’t give to be standing in your shoes right now.”
Jami tips his head in acknowledgment. “I don’t blame you, but you’ve got a show to do. I wouldn’t want you to let down your fans.”
Cash takes a swig off his beer and glances at Guns. He’s strapping his guitar on. The bass player, Cooper, is next to him. They give Cash a nod once they’re in position.
I check around for Hawke, the drummer. He’s sliding onto his drum throne with his drumsticks tucked into his back jeans pocket. My chest bursts with excitement.
“Enjoy the show.” Cash hands his beer to a crew member as Hawke starts in on a drum-fill intro like Van Halen’s song “Hot for Teacher . ”
Hawke’s version is for one of their more popular songs. It’s fast, so the crowd is on their feet, screaming the second they recognize the beat.
Fog machines pump smoke onto the stage, giving off a dramatic flair. The bass guitar and the lead guitar join in, and the band jumps out to the center of the stage. White beams of light shine on Cash as he starts in on the lyrics.
He’s made to sing in front of a crowd. His voice is like warm whiskey that’s smooth yet powerful and angsty, like his heart is bleeding out. It’s captivating, and his words seem to come from his soul.
Being this close to them is amazing. I’m floating in the euphoria. Song after song, they work the audience like they’re part of the act. Cash jumps off the stage and interacts with the people in the front row as the bouncers fight to keep fans from grabbing him.
Jami stands behind me with his hands on my hips. We sway together and sing along with the words. My heart seems to thump in unison with the drums.
After they play a few tracks off of their new album, Jami shifts away from me. I glance at him to see what he’s doing. He rocks from side to side, but not in the dancing kind of way. He’s nervous about something.
I lean toward him and holler over the band, “Is something wrong?”
He shoots me a tight grin. “Just enjoying the music.”
I shrug and start to turn, but he pats the pocket of his jeans, stealing my attention. He spots me as my gaze dials in on his movement. I furrow my brows together.
He shakes his head. “My phone was vibrating.”
I nod and face the stage, not believing a word he said. He’s acting strange all of a sudden, and I get a sinking feeling in my gut.
The band quiets, and the flashing lights dim. Cash stands at the center of the stage with two spotlights shining down on him.
He brings the mic to his mouth. “How we doing tonight, Denver?”
The audience erupts in cheers and whistles. He stares out, giving them an appreciative smile.
Someone screams, “We love you, Cash!”
“I love you too.” He takes the mic away from his face and says something to Guns.
He flips him off in response.
Cash faces the crowd again, laughing under his breath. “Guns needs a little love too. As a matter of fact, all my guys could use some love, so let me hear it.”
He points the microphone out.
People scream out the bandmates’ names, saying they love them. Others clap and shout, hooting and hollering all sorts of various ways to show their admiration. Cash waits a minute, soaking in the love the fans are dowsing over them. When they calm down, he starts in again.
“Since we started out, it’s been a dream of ours to play Red Rocks, so thanks for bringing that dream to life.” He continues to talk while people yell and howl. “Our new album has blown past our expectations thanks to you, our fans. So let it be known, we love and appreciate all your support.”
The crowd goes wild as he strides toward Jami and me.
“Since we’re on the subject of love, I’m curious how many of you are here with the one you love.
With this size of a crowd, I imagine quite a few of you.
Well, we have some friends of ours here with us tonight.
They share the kind of love I hope to find one day. ”
What the actual fuck is happening right now?
My heart pounds as I glance at Jami. I’m sure the panic in my expression is clear.
He takes my hand. “I love you. Remember that.”
Cash gets right in front of us, speaking into the microphone as he makes direct eye contact with me. I know he’s talking to me, but his words aren’t registering. The lights beam our way, making it impossible to see anything other than the two men standing before me. Jami and Cash.
Cash grabs my other hand, pulling me out to the middle of the stage. “Everybody, this is Dori and Jamison. He has something he’d like to ask her. Since I’m a sucker for love, I’m handing the spotlight over to him.”
The crowd cheers, and the lights go out, only to have one flick on beaming down on Jami and me. He’s on one knee before me, holding out a box with a diamond ring.
“Jami! Oh my god.” I gasp as I cover my mouth.
Cash holds the microphone near Jami’s face. He stares up at me with adoration.
“Dori, I didn’t do this the right way the first time I asked you this.
Maybe I’ll get it right tonight. I’ve loved you for over sixteen years and will continue to do so for the rest of my life and beyond.
There’s not a day I want to spend without you.
We’ve been through hell and back and always find our way to each other.
You’re part of my soul, part of my forever.
Will you spend the rest of your life with me as my wife and marry me? ”
I nod as I choke out a cry of happiness. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”
He takes my finger and slips on the ring. The audience erupts in screams and whistles. Jami stands, lifts me off the ground in a hug, and kisses me like no one is watching. My heart soars as the blood rushes through my veins.
He places me on my feet and starts to lead us off the stage. Cash stops him by placing his hand on Jami’s shoulder.
The crowd goes silent when Cash brings the mic up to his mouth. “Congratulations, man. That was a ballsy thing to do. Mad props to ya’, but what was your plan if she said no?”
Jami laughs through his words. “I already asked her once without a ring, and she said yes. I figured my odds were great since I did it right this time and had the ring to make it official.”
Cash gawks at me. “He asked you once before without a ring, and you said yes? Are you for real?”
“What can I say? I love the guy.” My cheeks heat as I gaze at Jami. “I would marry him without a ring, and he knows that.”
Cash takes a dramatic step back and shakes his head in Jami’s direction. “Ya’ hear that, man? I can see the rock on her finger. It’s as big as one of these boulders you can find up here. You could’ve saved yourself a lot of dough.”
“She’s worth every penny and a lot more.” Jami slides his arm around my waist and pulls me to his side.
Cash addresses the crowd. “That’s the power of love, people. And with that, this next song goes out to Jamison and Dori. Congratulations to you both. May you live a long and joyful life together.”
We make our way out of the spotlight as Cash breaks out into their most famous love ballad. The lyrics tell the story of a young man falling in love and how he wished he could have it forever .
I tremble as my adrenaline becomes acutely noticeable. “Did that really happen?”
“It did.” Jami wraps me up in his arms. “Thankfully, you didn’t run off the stage.”
“I don’t think I was comprehending what was going on. Besides, who in their right mind runs away when Cash Mayze pulls you out into the open?”
“Watch yourself, temptress. I wouldn’t want to have to teach you a lesson right here.”
“It could be fun.” I peek up at him with a teasing smirk.
He spins me around and smacks my ass. “That’s enough for now. You can have more later, but let’s enjoy the concert for a while.”
“If that’s what you want to do, then that’s what we’ll do.” I grind into his groin.
He groans as he takes me by the hips and rubs against me. Anyone watching would think he was dancing with me, but his dick grows long and stiff between us. Because he’s making me wet and greedy, I push into it more.
I love Mayhem, but I’m ready to take my man back to our suite and show him how much he means to me. That’s if I can wait that long.
When I don’t stop making my intentions clear, he bends over and whispers in my ear, his tone dark and heated. “You’ve convinced me. Let’s go. I have something else for you.”