Chapter 7
“Nervous, new girl?” A woman with a platinum blonde bob asked after the meeting ended. She’d spent the last hour watching us all through a camera.
I shook my head, smiling. “But ask me again in two weeks.”
“That’s good.” She chuckled watching one of the Rhiannon guys—so I couldn’t remember their names, sue me—break out a set of drumsticks. “They can all be a lot, but you’ll get used to it eventually.”
“Oh, I’m not worried about that.” I stuffed my notebook into my satchel as I followed her to the craft table for one more treat before I tried to find a taxi back to the hotel. “I mean my head is spinning with all the new faces and names, sure, but that’s no concern.”
“Ah.” Her expression softened, reading something on my face. “It’s your first stadium tour.”
Try first big tour entirely.
“Oh, don’t worry, you’ll get used to it quickly enough,” she said, her tone reassuring. “I’m Nia by the way.”
“Liv.”
“Well, Liv, you’ll be happy to know you’re not the only woman on this tour.”
“Thank the Lord for small mercies.”
She laughed. “Stick with me and my girls. We’ll make sure you don’t drown in all this testosterone.”
“I appreciate that.”
My gaze inadvertently strayed. I couldn’t help but notice the way his black hair fell across his forehead, the slight scruff along his jawline. He looked tired, but still unfairly gorgeous.
“It’s nice to know I’ll have some female companionship out on the road,” I said, refocusing on Nia before I could get lost in ‘what ifs’.
“Oh, we’re more than just companionship. We’re a full-on support system. Gotta have each other’s backs in this crazy industry.” Her grin turned conspiratorial. “Plus, we have way more fun than the boys.”
My brows climbed and I opened my mouth to ask for details. I’d heard the post tour tales about the endless parties every night and enough alcohol and drugs to take down a horse. I couldn’t imagine more. But before I could get a word out, a familiar voice called my name from behind me.
My heart leapt into my throat as I spun to find Lewis, hands shoved in the pockets of his worn jeans, a tentative smile playing about his lips. His gaze flicked to Nia briefly before settling back on me, those hazel eyes intense and questioning. Nerves and anticipation swirled in my belly, leaving me as jittery as a June bug on a string.
“Can we have that chat now?” He ran an agitated hand through his styled hair, turning artfully messy into true destruction.
My heart melted a little at his anxious expression. This confident, charismatic rock star was nervous. About me. I bit my lip, indecision warring with the desire humming through my veins. Was it smart to be alone with him so soon after…
Oh, screw it!
I glanced at Nia, an apology on the tip of my tongue, but she waved me off with a knowing smirk.
“Go ahead. We’ll catch up later.” She winked at me, her eyes darting between Lewis and me with unconcealed curiosity. “Have fun, you two.”
Heat crept up my neck at her insinuation, but I managed a nod and a smile. “Thanks. I’ll see you around before the tour kicks off, I’m sure.”
“Count on it.”
Lewis’s hand found the small of my back as he guided me away from the table, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. The warmth of his palm radiated through the thin fabric of my t-shirt, the contact both comforting and electrifying.
We walked towards the exit, the silence between us charged with anticipation. As we exited the rehearsal studio and stepped out onto the quiet LA street, a wave of heat hit me. A member of the studio staff popped up beside us, clearly sensing someone was leaving.
“Can I call you a taxi?” he asked, already reaching for his radio.
“Oh, that’s okay, I?—”
“No!”
Lewis’s panicked voice cut me off and I glanced at him in surprise. He cleared his throat, his ears reddening.
“I mean, uh, no need. I’ve got this. Thanks, though.”
The staff member nodded, a hint of confusion in their eyes, but they didn’t argue. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Thanks.” Lewis nodded, flashing them a tight smile while his fingers flexed against my spine.
Oh he’s definitely nervous.
The thought sent a thrill through me, even as my own belly swarmed with butterflies.
“Do you fancy a short walk actually?” he asked when we were alone again.
I cocked my head, studying him for a moment. The nervous energy radiating off him was palpable, a stark contrast to the easy confidence he’d exuded the night before. It was endearing, seeing this other side of him. It made him more real, more human.
“Lead the way.” I smiled, hoping to put him at ease.
We walked in silence for a few minutes, elbows bumping, the electric awareness of his body next to mine making the humidity feel suffocating. I searched for something, anything to say to break the tension mounting between us.
But I got distracted by my own thoughts as we walked down the street towards the busier road, marvelling at the surreal turn my life had taken. A few days ago, the furthest west I’d ever gone was New Orleans. And now I got to walk around the city that had made bigger careers than Nashville.
It was surreal to say the least.
“So, uh, how long have you been in LA?” I asked, wincing internally at the lame question. I’d followed his career, I already knew the answer.
He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “A while now. It’s a great city, lots of opportunities.”
“Right, yeah. Opportunities.” I nodded, feeling like an idiot.
Why is this so hard?
Last night, the words flowed so easily between us. Now, I couldn’t think of a question I didn’t already know the answer to.
But I had to say something. We shouldn’t just walk in silence. I’d go crazy, hyperfocusing on the heat of his palm seeping through my thin t-shirt.
“You never did tell me how you ended up at my show last night.”
He glanced down at me, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Would you believe me if I said it was fate?”
I arched a brow. “I’d say you’ve been listening to too many of your own love songs.”
He chuckled. “Fair.”
He took a deep breath, his expression turning serious. “Honestly? I needed an escape. I go to that bar whenever I’m in the area and need a little perspective and inspiration. But running into you…” He shook his head, a smile I could only describe as delirious crossed with disbelief claiming his lips. “It was unexpected, but the second I saw you, I felt this connection.”
His words sent a flurry of butterflies through my belly. I knew exactly what he meant. That instant spark, the feeling of rightness. Like we were meant to find each other.
“But in all seriousness, last night was…” Lewis trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck as he searched for the right words.
It had only been a few hours since I’d lost my cool with Ashley and I thought I’d buried the fears that came with it. Now they unravelled like I’d never gotten them under control.
I ducked my head, nerves twisting inside of me.
“It was… really something.”
I couldn’t quite bring myself to look at him, afraid of what I might see in his eyes. Regret? Disappointment?
The silence stretched between us, heavy with unasked questions. I wanted to just come right out and ask him if it meant anything to him, but the words wouldn’t form. I chanced a glance at him, only to find him watching me intently, his brow furrowed.
“Do you regret what happened?” he asked, his voice hesitant, almost pained.
“No!” My heart seized and words finally rushed out, “No, of course not. Do you?”
“Not at all.” The relief in his tone was palpable. “Last night was… it was amazing. Being with you, it felt right. Really right.”
Heat flooded my cheeks and I had to look away, the sincerity in his eyes too much. “Careful, a girl could get used to that kind of sweet talk.”
“Maybe I want you to.”
My gaze snapped back to his. “Lewis…”
“I like you,” he said softly, his voice low and earnest. “A lot. More than I probably should after such a short time. But I can’t help it.” He stepped closer, crowding into my space, surrounding me with the scent of leather and spice.
My heart raced, a mix of disbelief and elation coursing through me. He liked me. He wanted to see where this could go. I searched his face, looking for any sign of hesitation or uncertainty, but found only earnest sincerity.
“I felt it too.”
The connection, the spark… it wasn’t in my head.
You snuck out of his hotel room for nothing.
All that worry and panic, absolute wasted energy. I could have had morning cuddles, seen him groggy, his hair adorably mussed and his voice rough with sleep. I could have traced the lines of his tattoos in the early light, shared lazy kisses, basking in the afterglow of our incredible night together.
Still, despite the burn of regret, a weight lifted off my chest.
“I really like you too.”
His face lit up and my belly flipped. God, he was gorgeous when he smiled like that. All crinkly eyes and boyish charm. It was almost too much.
“Maybe more than I should considering the circumstances. It could get so messy.”
“I’ll do messy for you.” His smile widened, relief and joy shining in his eyes. “Grab dinner with me tonight? Just the two of us.”
That was not what I was expecting. Dinner? Like a date?
“You would really want that after I…”
“Snuck out of my room without leaving so much as a note?”
I winced. “I’m sorry about that. I just… I panicked.”
“Why?”
“I got scared. Scared of how much I felt for you, scared of what it could mean if you didn’t… feel the same.” Because why on earth would an uber successful musician like him feel something genuine and serious for me. “So I ran.”
Understanding dawned on his face, his posture softening. “I get it. It’s a lot to process, especially with everything else going on. Don’t worry, Liv, I don’t blame you.”
“You don’t?”
He shook his head. “This thing between us, it’s new and intense and a little terrifying. But it’s also exhilarating.” He took a step closer, his fingers grazing mine where they hung at my side. “Exciting. Like standing on the edge of something big, something life-changing.”
I nodded, my throat tightening with emotion. “That’s exactly how it feels. Like we’re on the brink of something incredible, but it’s also so daunting.”
“I know. But…” He took a deep breath “I don’t want to let fear hold us back. I don’t want to miss out on what this could be, just because the timing isn’t perfect or the situation is complicated.”
My heart raced, hope and anticipation rushing through me. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying…” He licked his lips, nerves and determination warring on his face. “I want to give this a real shot. You and me, seeing where this goes. No expectations, no pressure, just… exploring this connection between us. Figuring it out as we go.”
I stared at him, my breath catching. He was offering me a chance, an opportunity to dive into this thing between us, consequences be damned. It was terrifying and thrilling all at once.
And I wanted it. God, did I want it.
“I’m in.”
“Yeah?” His smile grew as I nodded. “So, dinner?”
A smile tugged at my lips. “I’d love to.”
Relief washed over his face, followed quickly by a beaming smile. “Great! That’s great. I know this little Italian place downtown. The pasta is almost as good as the company.” He winked, and my heart did a little flip.
“Oh boy, if your criteria for pasta is anything like your choice of t-shirts, then I’m not sure I should trust your judgement,” I teased, gesturing to the band tee stretched across his broad chest.
He clutched his heart in mock offence. “Hey now, don’t knock the classics. I’ll have you know this is a highly sought-after collector’s item.”
“Is that what they told you when they sold it to you at the thrift store?”
He laughed, the sound warm and rich. “Ouch. You don’t pull your punches, do you?”
“Nah, you’re too cute to punch,” I said without thinking. “But seriously, you better not mean Olive Garden!”
He threw his head back and laughed, the sound rich and warm, curling around me like an embrace. “Give me some credit. I promise, it’ll be the best pasta you’ve ever had.”
Given it had been a very long time since I’d gone on a date, I believed him.
“I’ll pick you up at seven?”
“Sounds perfect.” My cheeks hurt from smiling so much but no matter how I tried I couldn’t drop the dopey grin. “It’s a date.”
“It’s a date,” he confirmed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. God, he was adorable. And sexy as hell. And interested in me.
Our date. The words sent a giddy thrill through me as we resumed walking. This was really happening. I was going on a date with Lewis.
If only teenage me could see me now…
The giddy combination made me bold. “One condition though.”
His brow furrowed. “Anything.”
I bit my lip, looking up at him through my lashes. “You let me make it up to you. For this morning.”
His pupils dilated, his fingers tightening on mine. “Yeah?” He rasped, his voice gone gravelly. “And how do you plan on doing that?”
I pushed up on my toes, bringing my mouth to his ear, my breasts brushing his chest. I heard his sharp intake of breath and grinned. “Thought I’d leave that up to your imagination…”
He groaned, his other hand coming to my hip, tugging me flush against him. “Keep that up and we won’t make it to dinner,” he warned darkly.
Satisfaction hummed through me but I forced myself to step back. It wouldn’t do to combust on the middle of the sidewalk.
“Down boy,” I teased, laughing at his affronted expression. “What kind of girl do you take me for? At least buy me dinner first!”
“Minx,” he growled playfully, running a hand through his dishevelled hair. “You’ll pay for that later.”
“Promises, promises.”
We grinned at each other, giddy and heated.
He swallowed. “I should find you a taxi before…”
I laughed and he raised his hand, hailing a taxi coming towards us. It immediately pulled over, the driver eyeing us expectantly.
I should have rushed towards it, the promise of AC making my little Southern heart happy. But my feet wouldn’t move, and my gaze returned to Lewis, searching for… something.
I didn’t want to leave this little bubble we’d created, not when I’d just started to let myself embrace the way he made me feel. Alive. Desired. Like every nerve ending was alight and attuned to him.
He seemed to feel the same reluctance, his fingers flexing on my waist before dropping away. He reached past me to open the cab door, his chest crowding my back. I closed my eyes, leaning into him for just a moment, memorising the feel of his solid strength against me.
“Seven o’clock,” he murmured in my ear, his breath stirring the hair at my temple. “Don’t disappear on me again, Liv.”
I turned my head, my nose grazing his stubbled jaw. “I won’t if you won’t.”
“Never,” he vowed roughly.
Then he pressed a chaste kiss to my cheek and made me wish I’d turned my head.
But as I moved to duck into the cab, his hands landed on my hips, holding me against him. I looked up at him, my breath catching at the intensity in his gaze.
“Liv, I…” He paused, searching for the right words. “I just need to make sure you get it. Really get it.”
“Get what?”
“This isn’t some casual thing for me. Last night, and now today… I’m in this. I’m all in.”
“I’m all in too,” I whispered.
His smile was soft, almost wondering. “Then I’ll see you tonight.”
“See you tonight,” I echoed, reluctantly extracting myself from his hold and sliding into the back seat. He closed the door gently behind me, his eyes never leaving mine through the window.
As the taxi merged back into traffic, I twisted to watch Lewis through the rear windshield. He had shoved his hands in his pockets. A small, secret smile played across his lips.
Watching me.
I faced forward, sinking back into the cracked vinyl, an uncontrollable grin breaking across my face. I fished my phone from my pocket, my hands shaking with a giddy mix of adrenaline and disbelief.
It was really happening. I was going on a date. With Lewis freaking Davies.
I pulled up Ashley’s contact and began to type.
Liv
You’ll never guess who asked me to dinner.
With a final decisive tap, I hit send, watching the message whoosh off into the ether. I slumped back, replaying the last twenty minutes over and over in my head. His smile. His touch. The promise in his eyes when he said my name.
Tonight.
Outside, LA rushed by in a blur of traffic and concrete, palm trees, and endless blue sky. But inside the cab, I let myself sink into the fantasy.
The fantasy of him. Of us.
Damn the consequences. I was all in.
We’d figure out the rest later.