Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Raelyn
When I wake up the next morning, I hear profanities being thrown around.
Holt stretches beside me and pulls me closer. “That’s it. I’m getting my own damn bus,” he grumbles, as I hear Kyle say something inappropriate.
I laugh. “I like your friends.”
“Mornings like these, I would like to keep to ourselves, though,” he says, kissing my neck.
I close my eyes, feeling the warmth his lips are leaving down my neck. “Hmm. That is a good point. I won’t argue with you there.”
He gets out of bed. “I’ll go fix us a cup of coffee.”
I watch him throw on a pair of boxers. I will never get tired of looking at that ass.
Leaving the warmth of the bed, I get up, throwing on my pjs that were discarded on the floor last night. “I’m going with you. I want to get to know the guys more.”
The corners of his mouth turn up. “They should be in rare form this morning. I heard them banging around at like three this morning.”
“Give me a minute to freshen up, and I’ll come join you,” I say.
I step into the bathroom and brush my hair and teeth. I look at my reflection and decide to throw on some tinted moisturizer. That’ll do.
Entering the room, I find the guys are all intrigued by a story Luke is telling.
“Good morning, guys.”
“She’s even a ten in the mornings,” Kyle says.
Holt slaps him across the back of his head, then continues to fix our coffee.
“Play nice.” I laugh, taking a seat. “So, what did we miss?"
“Please don’t get them started again,” Kyle says, as he takes a sip of his coffee. “Apparently, last night I let the liquor talk.”
I grin. “I need more details.”
“He let the liquor talk, all right,” Jake says.
Kyle rolls his eyes. “I was about to seal the deal with two smoking hot babes.”
“No, you just thought you were until you started throwing up everywhere. Dude could barely stand up,” Luke says, laughing.
Kyle rubs his head. “Man, I think one of those chicks drugged me. I feel like shit today. I didn’t even have that much to drink.”
“You really didn’t, and I haven’t seen you that out of control in a while. One of them could have slipped you something,” Luke says.
“Crazy bitches. Can’t trust anyone these days,” Kyle says.
My eyes go wide as I turn to Holt. “Next time we’re going, so I can get the full effect of these stories first-hand. Are y’all going to the gala tonight?”
“Yeah, we are. So if you get tired of Holt I’ll save you, sweetheart.” Kyle winks.
Mischief pours off of him, but he’s got the bad boy look to go with it.
“All right, enough flirting with my girl,” Holt says to Kyle as he walks by handing me my cup. “Creamer with a side of coffee.”
“Just the way I like it. I’m training you well.”
Laughter booms throughout the small room.
Jake slaps his leg. “I’ve heard it all now.”
“I have something for that smart mouth,” Holt says.
“Oh, you do?” I challenge.
Holt pulls me out of my seat to follow him. “I think I need to remind you who’s in charge.”
“You go put her in place with that little dick of yours!” Kyle yells.
Chuckles follow us to the room as Holt flips them the bird.
Giggling, I look up at Holt. “If you’re referring to your dick, I do like it when he’s in charge.”
“Naughty girl,” he says, closing the door behind us.
His phone rings, and I glance down to see Simon flash across the screen.
He picks the phone up as I sit on the bed. “Hey Simon, what’s up? No, I said you get her measurements and bring the dresses here. You’re not stealing my girl.”
He listens for a minute, and then laughs. “Fine, but you can’t have her until after lunch.” He grins as he hangs the phone up.
Holt looks at me. “Simon is requesting you go with him in search of a dress for the gala tonight. He also mentioned something about getting your makeup and hair done. Girl necessities, he claims.”
I’m a little relieved his stylist is a male, so I don’t have to worry about a woman trying to entertain him.
“He’s my gay-as-shit stylist. That’s the only reason I’m letting you go with him,” he says as if reading my mind.
“I like how territorial you get. Sounds fun, but I’m fine with doing my own hair and makeup.”
“Simon won’t take no for an answer, you’ll see. He’ll also probably be here soon, even though I told him not until lunch.”
Ok, this could be fun. I jump off the bed. “In that case, I need to grab a quick shower, and get dressed.”
“You need any help?” he asks, sliding his hands inside my pants and cupping my bottom.
I bat his hands away. “Not if I’m on a time clock, because you, Holt Hayes, are very distracting.”
He gives a devilish smile. “Fine, but tonight you are getting a one way ticket.”
“A ticket?" I ask.
“To pound town, baby!”
I burst into laughter. “Who says that anymore?”
He slaps my ass. “Watch it or I’ll bend you over this bed and spank you right now, to take care of that smart mouth of yours.”
I clench my thighs, feeling my restraint starting to waver.
“Out.” I point to the door before I give in.
He gives me a knowing grin as he walks away.
I’ve found an ally in Simon.
Holt is right, he’s definitely gay. It’s a shame for the female population because he’s beautiful.
“You have it on?” he asks from the dressing room couch. He’s been making me model each dress for his approval. Oddly, I already feel comfortable and at ease around him.
I glance at the price tag and almost have a heart attack. “Simon, this dress is too much.”
“Honey, your boyfriend has plenty of money and is making more every day. He told me to get you the best today. Plus, this is my job. I style Holt, too. Remember.”
I let the tag slip out of my fingers. “I just don’t feel comfortable letting him buy me something this expensive.”
“Everyone will be in designer gowns this evening. Let the man treat his woman. And I love my job, so you’re not getting me fired. Now, get out here, and let me see this dress on you,” he commands.
I walk out in a black fitted number and look at myself in the full length mirror. Damn, I do look good. The side panels are sheer with a shimmery overlay. Thin straps drape off my shoulders. A moderate dip in the front definitely puts my girls on display, but then there is the back. I turn, glancing over my shoulder at my reflection. The back is cut really low, like, almost to my butt. It has a little flare mid-thigh, then flows elegantly to the floor.
It’s the most beautiful gown I’ve ever worn. Plus, the black heels Simon has paired with it are to die for.
I spin around for him smiling from ear to ear.
“We have a winner,” Simon says from the couch, looking pleased.
He gets up and walks around me. “Damn girl, you have the whole package. No wonder that boy is smitten. I may be gay, but I’m not blind. You’re beautiful, Raelyn. When I’m done with you, he might not let you go to the gala.”
A playful smile forms on my lips. “Show me what ya got.”
And does he ever. Simon booked appointments for my hair and makeup at a nearby, upscale salon.
I decide right then and there that I need Simon in my life twenty-four seven.
My long, dark hair is full, with Hollywood style curls. My makeup is sultry with a fabulous set of fake eyelashes. Classic red lipstick tops off my look.
“I need to get the name of these lashes,” I say to myself. My eyes have always been one of my favorite features, and this is my favorite new glam look. My dress is to die for. I feel beautiful, sexy, confident, and elegant all at the same time.
Simon walks up behind me wearing a pleased grin. “You are absolutely stunning, doll. I may have gotten attached to you today. Holt is going to have to share you more often.”
“Back at you. Thank you for today, Simon. I never knew being someone’s dress up doll could be so much fun,” I say playfully.
He hands me a pair of diamond earrings, and then stands behind me and secures a matching dainty diamond necklace around my neck. “Now, you look absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to see the look on Holt’s face when he sees you.”
I lean in, giving him a tight hug. “I love them. Thank you again for everything today. Now I need a picture of us.”
We smile as I take a few shots. “I’m sending these to my girlfriends. You would love them.”
“I have no doubt, you’re the good kind, Raelyn Grace. I imagine your taste in friends is good as well. My job here is done, babe. Now to take you to that impatient, hot piece of ass. Holt reserved a suite tonight close to the gala, so he doesn’t have to share a bus, I’m guessing. I can only imagine why.”
“He does have a lot of needs,” I say smiling.
“One day I’ll need some dirty details.”
I raise an eyebrow at him. “A lady never kisses and tells.”
He laughs. “Let’s go, Cinderella. A limo is at the tour bus, and a driver is waiting for us outside now. Those other women won’t stand a chance tonight, but be prepared. They come laced with venom. Everyone wants a piece of Holt Hayes.”
I roll my eyes. “Noted.”
A short trip later, we pull up at our destination.
The guys are all dressed to the nines in their tuxes, standing around the limo talking.
Holt comes up to the car and opens my door. I feel like pinching myself.
“You look beautiful,” he says with a deep southern drawl. “You really are breathtaking.”
He looks over to Simon. “I don’t know if I want to give you a raise or fire you. Everyone is going to be looking at my girl tonight.”
Simon laughs. “Serves you right.”
I run my fingers across the collar of his tux. “You look pretty mouthwatering yourself in that tux.”
I then lean over and give Simon a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you again for making me feel like Cinderella.”
Holt slides me across the seat to him. “Hey now.”
The corner of my mouth turns up. “You know I’m not his type.”
Simon laughs. “Get out of here before he decides to go all caveman. You two have fun. I can’t wait to hear about it.”
I step out of the SUV and follow Holt to the limo. His hand drops to the lower part of my back.
“You sure you want to go to this function, or can I just have you to myself?” he whispers.
I shake my finger at him. “Oh no, I want the full experience so put that thing away.”
He laughs and pats me on the bottom—he has a thing for my ass. “Get in before I change my mind.”
I smile as I step in.
The guys are all seated inside.
“You look beautiful, Raelyn,” Luke says.
“Smoking hot,” Kyle adds.
Jake shakes his head. “I would rather not walk there Kyle. Keep up those comments, and Holt will more than likely make us,”
“I promise to be on my best behavior,” Kyle tells Holt with a mischievous grin.
“Just keep your eyes off my girl," Holt replies.
He throws his hands up. “Yes, sir.”
We pull up to a beautiful mansion. It has an antebellum vibe with big white columns outside.
Holt squeezes my hand. “Be prepared. Paparazzi will be outside.”
I look out the window as nerves consume me. “Okay.”
He places his hand under my chin tilting it up toward him. “You don’t have a bad angle. Don’t get nervous on me now.” He kisses me and calms me all at once.
The guys exit first.
Holt gets out, and then reaches back for my hand.
I step out of the car and we walk hand in hand down the red carpet leading to the mansion as cameras flash.
“Holt, are things with Raelyn getting serious?” a reporter yells.
Questions continue to be thrown out.
Holt brings us to a stop. “Hang on.” He smiles, as he dips me, kissing me in front of everyone.
Not just a quick kiss either, one that has me melting into him as he deepens the kiss.
The cameras are going wild, and for a second, I forget about all the people around us. I open my eyes, and smile against his lips as he brings me back to a standing position.
“Sorry, but I had to stake my claim on the sexiest woman here,” he says with a heart stopping smile as we continue our way down the carpet.
Once we’re inside, I’m in awe of the party. It’s so elegant and beautiful. Just like a scene from a movie. A floral scent fills my nose as a woman brushes past me while I take in the crowded room full of high profile people.
My eyes land on a country music legend in the crowd. “Is that who I think it is?” I ask.
Holt chuckles, following my gaze. “If you’re talking about Koe Johnson Jr., that would be him.”
“Holy shit. I’m not used to seeing celebrities in real life,” I mumble under my breath. Holt places his hand on my lower back leaving a tingling sensation. “Don’t go fangirling on me, now. I may get jealous.”
I melt into the warmth of his touch as a soft smile touches my lips. “Only you, baby.”
He introduces me to so many people there’s no way I’ll be able to remember everyone’s names. I did get to meet one of my favorite female country music idols, and my night was made. I totally fangirled on her. She’s my jam and the girls are going to be so jealous.
Luke walks up to us, and I’m relieved to see a familiar face.
“You want to go to the bar and get another drink?” Holt asks.
“I’m okay right now. I’ll stay here with Luke. Go ahead,” I say.
“Okay, keep an eye on my girl,” he informs his friend.
“Like a hawk.” Luke shoots me a wink. “So Raelyn, what do you think about the party?”
“It’s a lot,” I answer, honestly. “Beautiful and intimidating at the same time.”
I glance toward the bar as a beautiful blonde approaches Holt and places her hand on his arm. I recognize her—the model from the gossip pages.
I tense and instantly feel a pang of jealousy course through me. Here comes the insecurities.
“Don’t let your head go there,” Luke says beside me, as if he’s reading my thoughts. “He doesn’t want her. Look.”
I look back to them and see Holt remove her hand, stepping away. He says something to her and then motions to me.
Her eyes follow his direction and land on me. I can already see the judgment on her face, as she gives me a once over. She says something to Holt as he walks away from her, but he doesn’t even acknowledge her.
He gives me a reassuring smile as another guy approaches him, shaking his hand.
I turn back to Luke. “I have been on the receiving end of a few not so friendly glares this evening. I’ve ignored them all, but I have seen them together,” I say. “Gossip pages.”
He raises his eyebrows.
“Yes, I kept up with him after our night together. It just hits a little different wondering if someone is a fuck buddy rather than knowing. Look at her. She’s beautiful, and a freaking model. I don’t compare to her,” I finish.
Luke chuckles beside me. “That’s where you are wrong, Raelyn. Macey is shallow and self-absorbed. She may be beautiful on the outside, but it’s only skin deep.”
I sigh. “Her skin deep is intimidating.”
He shakes his head. “She falls short in all the other categories. She doesn’t compare to you. Holt told me once that you were a breath of fresh air. I understand that now. In just the short amount of time I’ve been around you I can tell you’re different.”
“I appreciate your kind words, Luke.”
“I consider myself to be pretty good at reading people. I can tell you are genuine. I know Holt has been an open book to you, too. You know about his past, but don’t hold it against him. He’s a different man now than what he used to be. It really has been interesting seeing Holt in this new light. The way he looks at you. I think he may already be in deep,” he says.
“I think I might be, too,” I say, watching Holt make his way back to us. I turn to Luke, “Thank you for that, for easing my nerves and doubts.”
“Anytime,” he says.
As Holt reaches us, a slow song starts playing and Holt reaches for my hand. “May I?”
“You may.” I smile.
He leads me on the dance floor, pulling me close.
“Thank you for coming with me tonight. I’ve never enjoyed one of these until now.”
“I was enjoying myself as well, until that damn model had to mess up my mood.” I frown.
He chuckles. “Macey understands we’re together.”
“Hmm. It didn’t look like it from my angle. She marked me as competition as soon as her eyes landed on me.”
“There’s no competition, babe. I’m yours. I also think all the guys are smitten with you, but who wouldn’t be? You’re beautiful, and have this light about you that draws people in. Thank you for being that light in my life.”
I lean in and press a kiss to his lips. “Thank you for taking a chance with me. For being vulnerable and opening up. You, Holt Hayes, have a big heart. You just don’t like to show it. I love this journey we’re on.”
“Me too, babe. Me too,” he says as we continue to dance.
The song ends, and we make our way over the guys.
Kyle looks like he has found someone for the night. He has an arm wrapped around a striking redhead, as she giggles at something he whispers in her ear. She notices us, or should I say Holt, as we approach the group. I see the interest in her eyes, as she openly checks him out. She glances at me, and I glare at her. Great, another wanna be.
I wonder how many women here Holt has been with. Never mind, I don’t want to think about it. Why are all these women so beautiful? Damn them. I need a break and to get out of my head.
“I need to use the restroom,” I say to Holt.
“Come on, I’ll show you the way.”
“No, that’s fine, it’s just right there. We walked by it earlier. I’ll be right back.”
He gives my waist a squeeze. “Fine, don’t be gone long or I’m coming to look for you.”
I smile as I head to the bathroom. It’s empty when I walk in, and I let out a sigh of relief.
I give myself a once over in the mirror, glancing at my cocktail. Gross, I brought it in the bathroom. I’ll just toss it on my way out. I set my drink down, as I make my way to the stall. I hear the door open and women talking as I’m finishing up.
“Can you believe Holt is dating her,” a voice says. “She’s so average.”
“I’m sure he’ll be over her by next week. I wouldn’t put too much thought or worry in it, Macey. You know y’all are the perfect duo,” another voice says.
Great, how did this bitch decide to use the same bathroom as me? Perfect timing, I think to myself as I roll my eyes.
I don’t want to hear them anymore, so I make my presence known, stepping out of the stall. I glare at the woman I now know as Macey.
“What we have is something your simple mind can’t understand,” I say, as I wash my hands beside them.
“Honey, Holt and I go way back. You seem sweet, but he needs more than sweet. You won’t be able to satisfy him the way I can,” she sneers.
“We’ll see about that,” I say. My anger rises, as I pick up my cocktail.
“Enjoy him while you can. He’ll come back to me,” she says, with a smug smile.
I react, throwing my cocktail in her face. Her shocked expression is priceless.
Fuming, I lean in. “I can assure you; you won’t be on his mind while I’m in his bed tonight. It will be my name coming from his lips,” I say with a final glare, as I walk out.
Simon was right. These bitches do have some venom.
Once outside, I take a deep, calming breath and then head to my man.
“Everything okay?” he asks as I approach.
Just as I’m about to respond, Macey walks up fuming, wiping her face.
“Holt, she’s not good enough for you,” she says, loudly.
“What happened to you?” Kyle asks.
“She threw her drink in my face,” Macey sneers, as she points at me. “She’s jealous of what we have, Holt.”
Holt looks at me, lifting his eyebrows in surprise.
“Sorry, but I had to inform that bitch who you were going home with tonight,” I say, with an oh-too-sweet smile.
He chokes on his drink, while the guys burst into fits of laughter.
“My girl has claws,” he says, with an amused grin. “Macey, we were never anything. That was all in your head. I suggest you leave my girl alone, unless you want something else thrown at you.”
“You’ll regret this.” She huffs, stalking off with her friend following closely behind.
“You really threw your drink in her face?” Holt asks.
I shrug. “I just reacted. It wasn’t my best moment, but I could only listen to the shit coming out of her mouth for so long.”
The guys all start laughing again.
“This is the best night ever’” Kyle exclaims.
“I wish I could’ve been a fly on the wall,” Jake chimes in.
I glance at Luke to see him smiling. “Atta girl.”
Holt wraps his arm around me. “I think we’ve been here long enough. Let’s get out of here before you decide to do anymore damage,” he says, with a smirk. “I have one more surprise for you, by the way.”
I give him a kiss. “Lead the way.”
The limo comes to a stop as an aquarium sign shines bright against the dark night sky. I look at Holt questioningly.
“I’m trying to be swoon worthy.”
“Are they not closed,” I ask, looking into the empty parking lot.
He shrugs. “I pulled a few strings, and maybe threw in some tickets to a show. I wanted some alone time with my girl.”
My heart does this fluttering thing again. Can someone fall in love this fast?
“I’ll just be outside,” Kane says, as we exit the limo.
As we walk to the door, I notice a man standing at the entrance. He gives a warm smile. “I hope y’all enjoy your night,” he says, sliding a card to open the doors.
Inside, the aquarium seems magical. Walking into the dimly lit room, I gaze at the glow from the tanks. “It’s beautiful at night," I say, looking around in awe.
Holt takes my hand in his, as we wander around taking in all the sea life around us. “I hope tonight wasn’t too much.”
“Your life is a lot to take in,” I say, honestly. “I should’ve handled my situation better though. Her words really got under my skin. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. She deserved what she got. What exactly did she tell you?” he asks.
l look down at my hands, my insecurity coming back to the surface. “She said that I was average, and I’d never be able to satisfy you. That you would come back to her.”
“Hey,” he says, lifting my chin, so my eyes meet his. “I only want you, and I promise to do my best to show you that every day. That was pretty hot, though. I just hate that I wasn’t able to witness it.”
“I did feel like a badass for a moment.” I smirk. “Were y’all in a relationship? I saw the pictures on the gossip outlets.”
He shakes his head. “Hell no. It was a publicity stunt. Labels like for us to have a certain image. They set it up for us to leave the party together for pictures.”
My chest loosens a little.
“Oh, well I guess that makes sense. Have you slept with her?”
“Yes. I won’t lie to you, but it was nothing more than a hookup though,” he states.
My lips pull in a tight line. “I think she thinks otherwise.”
“I think you painted her a clear picture tonight.”
A laugh bubbles out of me. “Your lifestyle is something I’m going to have to adjust to.”
“I’m still adjusting myself," he says.
Walking up to an opened tank, I lean over to see stingrays freely swimming around.
Holt reaches his hand out in the water to touch one.
Following his lead, I do the same. My fingers slide across the smooth top of one. It’s body almost feels silky.
When I look up, I find Holt eyes on me. “Not exactly what I expected,” I say.
He chuckles, then pulls me in for a kiss.
Magical is the only word I have for this night.
“Oh, look,” Hold says, pointing to the gift shop.
An amused expression plays across my lips. “You know, they strategically place those in areas to draw you in.”
“Just call me a sucker. I’ll be right back.”
Moments later he re-emerges.
“It only seems fitting you have a souvenir.” He smiles, while holding out a stuffed stingray.
I smile. “My new prized possession.”
I think I have officially fallen for this man.