Chapter 39
DAWSON
FIVE DAYS LATER
“Anyone want more lasagna?” I asked as I looked around the dining room table.
Iain and Jaxon were sitting across from each other, their half-eaten plates left aside as they got into a conversation about acoustic vs electric guitars. My mom sat across from me, watching the two of them with a soft expression. When she looked back at me, she winked.
Yeah. I was pleased, too. We’d landed at Iain’s five days ago and hadn’t left since.
Iain had nightmares about the incident, but overall, he was handling it well.
And having him lying there beside me in bed every night was amazing. We talked for hours, and every day, I learned something new.
Besides talking in his sleep, Iain was a blanket hog.
He was a fan of hot baths and hotter coffee. He loved any kind of puzzle, especially sudoku, and board games, too. And man, was he fiercely competitive.
I also learned that Iain had a soft spot for animals, and I just knew he was already plotting to get Jaxon that cat he wanted.
We hadn’t been intimate, but that was to be expected. Ronin was right; Iain needed time to process.
For all of Iain’s talk about independence, he sure took to my family quickly.
He liked my mom’s say-it-like-it-is Philly attitude since he had no problem being just as blunt as she was.
I was concerned she might talk me out of staying here, but of course, I should have known better.
I’d told her about the entire incident and that I was worried about him.
She knew, just like I did, that Iain needed love and protection.
In the least amount of detail possible, I’d explained to Jaxon what had happened to Iain and why we were still staying with him.
My son was also concerned, but he also understood that Iain needed us.
I’d finally had that talk, explaining to Jaxon that I loved Iain, and he loved me.
And that given Iain’s celebrity and our relationship as boyfriends, things would be changing.
My son, in his matter-of-fact way, told me it was cool, and he had my back.
I tell ya, eight going on eighteen…
I’d also reached out to a therapist, one that Van had recommended.
Someone he’d talked to after the loss of his parents.
Iain had his first session tomorrow. I knew there was a lot for him to unpack, not just about the stalker, but about his mom and his strained relationship with his dad.
We’d also agreed to go as a couple since Iain was new to this relationship stuff, and I would be new to the media scrutiny that was about to unleash the moment we went public.
And speaking of healing, Quinn was recovering from surgery, and his prognosis was good. His shoulder didn’t sustain any permanent injury, so after things healed, he’d be back to work in a few months.
Iain still had a detail, with Lennie and another bodyguard, Petyr, taking rotating shifts. Thankfully, the house had plenty of room to accommodate.
The media continued to circulate stories about the stalker and Val’s role in stopping the attack, with fans calling him a hero. He told reporters that Quinn was the one they should be lavishing praise on, and left it at that.
Regan was working with the police to piece together the events of that day.
It turned out Frankie had gotten hold of a rental car using a fake identity.
He’d also stashed a hidden camera on the public road just outside of Iain’s property that clearly recorded every car that came in and out of the compound.
When Frankie saw the SUV leave that day, he made his move and followed them to Bandit’s office.
The police also had a look through Frankie’s condo and uncovered an alarming number of photos of Iain, most of them taken near his home, out and about in Nashville, and at various Bandit events.
But Frankie was gone. I was sure there would be more disturbing news to come once the investigation wrapped up, but we’d learned enough for now.
I wasn’t worried like before.
Now, the only threat to Iain was the press camped outside his property.
Even though I was no longer on the Bandit payroll, I’d texted back and forth with Zoe about the next steps. Iain and I were due to talk to her next week to finalize a plan to make our relationship public.
But one breaking news story at a time…
“Dad?”
I looked at my son. “Yes?”
“Did you hear what I said?”
“Uh, sorry. I guess I zoned out for a moment.” Then I looked at the spatula in my hand. “Oh, did you want more lasagna?”
“No, I’m stuffed. I want to go play video games. Can I be excused?”
“You may.”
“Not so fast.” Mom pointed at Jaxon. “First, you help me clear the table.”
“Yes, Nana.”
Jaxon’s response was so solemn that I bit back a laugh and caught Iain doing the same.
“Dawson, why don’t you and Iain go relax on the couch? You know the rules; you cook, I clean,” Mom offered.
I’d take any opportunity to get cozy with my man.
I walked over and took Iain’s hand, guiding him to the sectional.
Once we were seated, Iain tucked into my side, I slid a hand through his silky hair and kissed his temple. “Do you want us to stay another week?”
Iain let out a contented sigh. “Could you?”
“Of course. I love you, and I love being here.”
“I was thinking of doing some renos. Maybe make a bigger kitchen and expand the living room.” Iain looked up at me, his big brown eyes filled with warmth. “But only if you design it with me?”
“I’d be honored,” I replied, then took his mouth in a soft kiss.
“Good. That way, we can make my house our home,” he whispered, gently biting my lower lip.
“That’s the sexiest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
Iain’s husky laughter came a close second.
Iain
A week later
Dawson and I were video conferencing with Zoe to discuss our PR plan.
We were about to go public with our relationship, and while I was used to seeing my name splashed over the headlines, Dawson was not. Now, he appeared to be the one on edge, his knee tapping out a nervous rhythm.
I reached for his hand. He brought mine up to his mouth, placing kisses on my palm.
The man could not stop touching me, and his possessive affection drove me wild. My sex drive, which had been on pause since the incident, had come rumbling to life over the past twenty-four hours. As soon as we were done with this call, and since we had the house to ourselves, it was on.
Dawson reached for the tablet with his other hand, and tapped accept. Zoe’s face popped up, and she waved at us.
“Hey guys! How are you doing?”
“Hey, Zoe. Better this week,” I replied. “I’m seeing a therapist to talk about it.”
“That’s good. I know it isn’t easy, but in time and with support, you’ll be feeling better.”
I nodded. “I’ll be ready for our tour start date in May.”
“Okay, so back to you and Dawson… Hi, Daws.”
Dawson smiled at her and waved. “Hey, Zoe.”
“I’ve prepared a statement about your relationship; check your inbox.
Once you review it, give me your feedback, and I’ll post it.
Let me deal with the questions and comments, okay?
Do not engage in any posts. I’m going to schedule a few interviews with select media outlets.
We can discuss the questions ahead of time so you control the information.
These will be brief interviews with the two of you.
Dawson is no longer working for Bandit, so that’s the good news.
There will still be questions about when your relationship started and how long you’ve been together, but you can choose not to comment. ”
“Can I tell them to fuck off?” I quipped.
“Please, no.” Zoe laughed. “I get enough of that with Brodie.”
“Are you also taking over my accounts?” Dawson asked.
“You can give me permission to do so, or you can turn off the comments. Either way, don’t engage.”
Dawson nodded. “I’m worried more about my son. He’s almost nine, and even though he can’t participate in social media yet, other kids might see and hear things from their family or friends. Any suggestions on that?”
“I think you’re best to talk to a therapist about how that might impact him and strategies for coping with any attention.
On my end, I would avoid posting any pictures of him.
I know people are proud of their kids, but the longer you can avoid it, the better.
Maintaining his privacy in that way is essential. ”
“Thanks, all sound advice. Sweetheart, do you have any more questions?”
I shook my head. “I’m good. As long as the reporters leave Jaxon out of it, I’ll be respectful.
But Zoe, you need to make it clear that he is out of bounds.
Bad enough that picture of us leaving the restaurant is still circulating.
I don’t want that to happen again. Or I swear I will pull a Brodie. ”
“I’m with you, Holls. I’ve got it well in hand. And even though Greg has pressured me to make you tell all, I’m not doing it. So don’t be surprised if I’m the next Bandit employee to get axed.”
“He better not. And thanks for everything.”
“You’re welcome. We’ll talk soon.”
Dawson tapped end and closed the tablet.
“Feel better?” he asked.
“I do. How about you?”
“We’ve got this.”
“We’ve got the house to ourselves and no other plans this afternoon, so, tell me—” I leaned over and kissed him soundly. “Do you want to fuck a rockstar?”
Dawson burst out laughing and shook his head. “Please tell me you’ve never used that line?”
“Too much?”
“The ultimate cheese,” he quipped, and kissed me back.
“Is that a no?” I teased, even though I recognized the desire in his eyes.
Just in case he had any doubt about my intentions, I got up and started stripping down.
Dawson shook his head. “I thought you’d never ask.”