Epilogue
Harper
ONE YEAR LATER
“Harper, go!” Bruno hollers into my earpiece. The rumble of my fans stomping and cheering fills my body. I’m buoyant. Exhilarated.
I know it’s time to leave, but first I turn my face up to watch the fireworks explode over London, following their glittering trails as they streak through the sky.
Then I peer out into the sea of outstretched arms waving back and forth, and I feel it.
We’re all living in this moment together. I’m right here with them.
“Now, Harper!”
I grin, spinning on my heel and ducking backstage, where my man awaits.
“You were incredible, baby.” Chase’s strong arms pull me in against his chest, and I feel the pride in his words.
“Thank you, hun.” I’m still out of breath, but I tip my face up for a quick kiss. Then he hands me my water, and I guzzle it in one go.
Two of Chase’s supporting security staff flank us as he walks me backstage to my dressing room. They’re discreet and professional—nothing like Tony and his team—and I never mind having them around.
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since I snuck out of MetLife Stadium and stepped into my brand new life with Chase—a life that feels rich and authentic in a way it never did before.
But my love life and security situation aren’t the only things that have improved dramatically.
When Garrett took over as my manager a few weeks after I returned, everything changed for the better.
The schedule. The people. The whole work environment feels sustainable and energized.
I couldn’t be happier with his team and how it’s all worked out.
Thankfully, the scandal surrounding me and Johnny Sayers blew over without serious repercussions.
My old PR team had an official statement they wanted me to read, but it didn’t ring true.
So instead, I stepped in front of the press and spoke from my heart.
I told them the truth—I’d been under the impression our relationship was real—but I tried to give Johnny and his team grace as well.
I understood the pressure he’s under, trying to keep his own brand afloat.
We reach my dressing room, and Chase leans on the doorjamb, watching me towel off.
“I’m sweating like crazy tonight.” I dab at my face and my cleavage.
He chuckles. “I like to see you sweat.”
His words have me remembering the first time I saw him, working out at the gym.
Sweat beading his brow. “Likewise.” I wink.
Lucky me, now that Chase has designated himself my personal bodyguard, he works out even more than he used to.
He says he needs to be in top form to keep me safe. I’m not going to argue with him.
Melody cruises past him with some extra towels and water for me. “Hey, Chase.”
He nods. “Melody.”
“This guy.” She grins, hooking a thumb back toward him. “Quite the romantic, huh?” She raises her brows.
Yes. Always. But I can already tell by her eyes Chase has planned something special for me tonight.
“Why do you mention it?” I ask innocently, fluttering my lashes.
“Oh, I—” She turns back to Chase, but he shrugs a shoulder, feigning ignorance. Then she cringes. “You know what? I’m just gonna—” She leaves the sentence unfinished, sidling past him on her way out. She glances back and shoots me an apologetic look, and I grin.
“All right, big guy.” I meet his eyes, but he’s still playing coy. “What do you have in store for us?”
“Well, I wouldn’t want the anniversary of your daring escape to go by without fanfare.”
I laugh. “Is that right?”
He moves in close, bringing his hands to my hips. “Yeah, that’s right.”
“Mmm. It just so happens I have a surprise for you too on this very special anniversary.” I run my fingers over his muscular chest, and he bends to give me a kiss.
“Oh yeah?”
“Mm-hmm. But you’re gonna have to wait until later.”
He raises his eyebrows, then he whispers, “I like the sound of that.”
Uh-huh.
While he’s not wrong in assuming sex is happening tonight, I’ve got a little something else I’ve been dying to show him.
I pack up my things, and we’re almost to the limo when my new creative director, Lisa, stops me.
She’s one of Garrett’s people, and I adore her.
She’s direct and incredibly talented. It’s impressive what she’s been able to do with the set and the visuals in a matter of months, but more importantly, she treats me like a real person. Not a commodity.
“Harper, I just heard Marla Deans is in town.” Marla is one of the world’s top music video directors. She’s a friend of Garrett’s, and she’s helped us put together some promotional shorts. “Would you like me to set up a couple of hours with her tomorrow morning?”
“Thanks so much, but Chase and I are sleeping in tomorrow.” I give him a wink, and he grins.
“Oh my gosh, I forgot you guys are celebrating!” She shoots me a wide smile. “You lovebirds go have fun. We don’t have any projects in the works anyway, so we’ll catch her next time around.”
“Thanks, Lisa.” I give her hand a squeeze, and she smiles.
“You bet! Have a great night, and I’ll let folks know you’ll be in later tomorrow.”
“You’re the best.” I walk backward toward the car, blowing her a kiss.
How things have changed.
When we reach the hotel, I’m expecting to get dressed and sneak out somewhere fancy like we sometimes do now, but when I step into our penthouse suite, there’s a spread of fresh ingredients on the kitchen island.
A note on the counter says, “Enjoy,” Melody’s signature heart scrawled beneath it.
“Ahh, I see what you two did here.”
Chase moves in behind me, shifting my hair to one side, then kissing the back of my neck. “You get cleaned up, and I’ll get to work in here.”
“What? I’m not letting you cook this entire meal on your own. I have serious skills in the kitchen now. They can be put to good use.”
It’s true. The man can cook, and little by little he’s been training me.
I’m catching on, and I love cooking with Chase—slowing down and taking the time to nourish our bodies.
We don’t always have access to a kitchen on tour, but when we do, we make the most of it.
It’s one more way he’s brought balance to my life.
He spins me around, planting a kiss on my lips. “Nope. Tonight’s my treat.”
I pout in fun. “OK.” I pluck a strawberry from a tiny white bowl in the center of the counter. “But save that pineapple.” I point. “I’m cutting that.”
“Oh really? You think you’re up to the challenge?”
“Hah! I know I am.”
How hard can it be?
I take a shower, then give my hair a quick refresh before pulling on the sleek two-piece dress I bought as part of my surprise for Chase.
It’s elegant—the satin fabric is a deep forest green that sets off the red tones in my hair perfectly.
But it’s also easy to move in. He doesn’t know it yet, but I’m gonna be throwing down some serious dance moves tonight.
When I come back to the kitchen, everything smells incredible. Rich and savory. He’s already got two glasses of red wine on the counter and old-school slow-jam R&B playing quietly through the speakers.
He whistles when he sees me in my dress.
“You like?” I do a little twirl for him.
“Ohh, you look gorgeous, baby.”
“Mmm, thank you. I see you’ve been busy.”
He’s got three pans going on the stove, and he’s grinding black pepper into one of them.
“What are you making for us tonight, Chef Chase?”
“Tonight it’s pan-seared filet mignon with a red wine shallot reduction.”
“Ooh, it sounds fancy.” I wrap my arms around his waist, and he turns so I can give him a quick kiss.
“It is. Nothing but the best for my girl tonight.” He sets the timer. “Four minutes and we’re good to go.”
That’s my cue—the timing is perfect.
“Really? We have a few minutes?”
“Yes.” He’s eyeing me, already suspicious. “Why?”
“Well, this music is nice, but, if you don’t mind…” I walk to his phone and locate the tune I need. “There’s this song I’ve been working on the dance moves for. Mind if I show you?”
He squints his eyes in fun. “All right.”
I hit play, and the moment that tightly processed drum beat kicks in, he does a facepalm, a broad smile breaking out across his face.
“Uh-huh. That’s right.” I nod, rocking my hips to the beat of “Tell Me U Love Me,” then I start in with those signature 6ixPack moves. “Look at this. Hmm?”
He grins at me through his fingers. “You’re gonna do the dance, huh?”
“Hell, yeah. I learned every step! And you’re gonna dance it with me.”
He shakes his head but his eyes are smiling, and when I turn to wiggle my booty for him, his gaze slides over my ass, the edge of his lip curling a little, and I know I’ve got him.
Chase can’t resist dancing with me.
He tips his head from side to side—just for a moment—then he’s full-on grooving to the beat.
“Aww, yeah!” I gesture him over, and he grins, stepping in close behind me.
“Yeah, all right.” His hands wrap around my hips, and he’s moving with my body.
“You remember this part?” I peek back over my shoulder as we do the sidestep slide and then the shoulder roll.
He gives me a sly smile. “Yup, I know this part.”
He’s so damned sexy. I thought Baby C was hot doing these moves years ago. But Chase Corbett—my personal bodyguard and boyfriend extraordinaire—is fricking scorching.
“Don’t forget,” I tease, spinning to face him and dragging the hem of my top up a few inches. “You’ve gotta show ’em that signature six-pack.”
“Uh-huh.” He’s shooting me sexy eyes and giving me a peek at his incredibly ripped abs while he grooves, and wow. It. Is. Working on me.
“Yeah, you like that?” he teases.
“Yesss.”
He even adds a special treat, singing along with his solo for me, and then we both sing together for the final chorus as we finish out the dance moves. When the song ends, he wraps his arms around me. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.” I tip my chin up and he kisses my lips. “I love dancing with you and singing with you. I love every minute of being with you.”
“I know you do, baby.” Then he smirks. “Technically, that was a present for you.”
“Hmm.” I tap my finger to my lips. “Guess I’ll have to come up with something else for you later,” I tease.
He slides his hand down, pressing the fabric of my skirt between my legs gently, caressing me there until I’m tingling. I can already feel him getting hard against my hip. “Yeah, I bet you’ll think of something,” he whispers.
Now I’m doing the math, somehow trying to convince myself we have enough time to get things started before dinner’s ready, but the timer sounds.
“Hold that thought.” He gestures for me to sit on one of the stools at the counter, then plates our meal.
Of course, it’s exquisite. The meat is butter tender, with a rich, velvety sauce that’s earthy and just a little sweet.
We sip our wine and enjoy a lovely meal together, and afterward I manage to chop up the pineapple for dessert with some extra guidance. Those things are tricky! But it’s worth the effort. It’s sweet and juicy. A little bit spicy and oh-so-right.
Just like my man.
I spear my last bite, popping it into my mouth, and he grins.
“What are you smiling about?” I tease, but I already know from the sultry look in his eyes.
He leans in, tipping my face up and kissing the juice from my lips. “I’m ready for my present,” he whispers, his palm coming to my breast.
“Mmm. Good.” I’m gazing into his dark eyes, marveling at the fact that this beautiful man is somehow mine as I slide my hand over the stiff bulge between his legs. “Because I can’t wait to give it to you.”
Thank you for reading!