Chapter 28 #2
When I finally make it outside, I check to make sure everything is running smoothly.
I installed speakers out here and have another full-service bar that’s hard at work.
With all the windows I had installed, the outdoor and indoor crowds blend together nicely.
You can see and hear the band from both areas, so even sitting outside, you feel included.
Satisfied that my staff are happy and have things under control, I walk back in. A slow song comes on, and couples start to form on the dance floor. I don’t miss the way the girls in here try to catch my eye, but I have only one I gravitate towards.
My brothers are already on the dance floor with their wives by the time I reach their table. Knox and Olivia are talking and stop when they see me. A smile spreads across her face as I grin back.
“Thanks for keeping her company for me.” I glance at Knox, and he nods.
“I wasn’t about to leave her by herself. It’s like leaving a lamb in the middle of a pack of wolves,” he chuckles, and pulls his ball cap further down on his head.
Most people love the fame and attention. Not him. He deals with it because he has to, but all he wants to do is play the sport. If he can hide under a ball cap or blend into a crowd…he will.
“I can fend for myself,” she laughs. “No one has even approached me anyway.”
“That’s because I glare at them before they can, and they run away scared,” Knox smirks, standing up. “I’m going to head outside and check out the outdoor bar.”
“Let me know what you think. I could use some feedback on the staff when they know I’m not looking,” I grin.
“I’m your guy,” he says, walking away.
Turning to Olivia, I haul her up and smile against her lips.
“Dance with me?”
“I thought you would never ask,” she grins, putting her hand in mine while I lead her to the dance floor. I find a spot in the corner, giving us some privacy as I pull her into my arms. Bringing her hand to my chest, I cover it with mine as our bodies start to sway to the music.
“Having a good time?” I whisper in her ear. Her other hand is around my neck as her fingers thread into my hair. My hand on her lower back keeps us molded together. I love feeling her body move to the rhythm against me.
“The best time,” she says, against my t-shirt that is similar to the one she is wearing. “I just adore your family and friends.”
“They adore you,” I murmur, kissing her neck and breathing in her sweet scent.
I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a slow dance this much.
I also can’t remember the last time I’ve been tempted this much.
I’m having a hard time remembering we are not alone as my hand slides further down and cups her sweet ass.
“Now, who’s the one trying to kill who?” She softly moans as I grow harder against her stomach.
“That’s still debatable,” I quietly laugh into her hair.
“There you are! We’ve been looking everywhere for you!” I hear Link say behind me.
“As always, their timing sucks,” I groan into Olivia’s neck before reluctantly breaking away and facing my two longest friends and former band members. Link and Seth grin at me before raking their eyes down Olivia in a way that causes my grip on her waist to tighten.
“And who do we have here? I don’t remember seeing you around this town before. I definitely would have remembered.” Seth chuckles, keeping his eyes trained on her.
“This is Olivia.” My eyes narrow as Link winks at her. “My girlfriend.” Their eyes widen in shock before they land on me.
“Girlfriend? Did I hear that right?” Seth asked, surprised .
“Yes, you heard right, so I would appreciate it if you kept your eyes and hands to yourself. She’s off-limits.”
“I never thought I would see the day,” Link laughs. “It’s nice to meet you, Olivia,” he says, lifting her feet off the ground for a bear hug.
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” she laughs.
“Okay, that’s enough,” I mutter when the hug lasts a little too long for my liking.
Chuckling, Link sets her down seconds before she’s swooped up in Seth’s arms.
“My turn,” he says, giving her the same treatment.
He winks at me over her shoulder and grins wider when I glare at him.
They both are just loving this. When he finally sets her down, I pull her close to me.
I know they wouldn’t cross the line with her now that they know we are together, but I also know what big flirts they are, and it doesn’t make it any easier seeing their hands on her.
“You ready to get the band together for a night? We’ve missed you, brother, but from the looks of it, you are doing quite well for yourself.” Seth winks at Olivia before looking around the bar. “This place is amazing and just what this town needed.”
“Thanks, man. I’ve missed both your sorry asses too, but I don’t miss the road life,” I chuckle. “I’m looking forward to playing with you guys tonight. It will be good to get back on stage.”
“You always did love this town. Seth and I both knew road life was taking its toll on you.” Link’s tatted hand runs through his dark curls as his blue eyes find mine. “Settled life looks good on you,” he smiles.
“It feels good,” I smile at Olivia, causing her to blush. “Thanks for coming tonight. I know you guys had to squeeze it in during your tour, and it means a lot.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it. We’ll always be family,” Link smiles before focusing his attention on a group of girls who have spotted them.
They both turn and start chatting with them. One pulls out her phone for a picture, and another gives them a Sharpie to sign their shirt. Who even carries a marker in their purse?
“Do you miss it? The fame and attention?” Olivia asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“No,” I smile, wrapping my arms around her.
“There was a time when I couldn’t get enough of it, but it’s not what I want at this stage in my life.
I’m quite enjoying where I’m at right now.
” I nuzzle her neck, and her sigh has me wanting more.
“Really, really enjoying where I’m at now,” I breathe, kissing her tattoo and grazing her skin with my teeth.
“Okay, lovebirds, you're going to have to save it until later because we're going on in ten,” I hear Link say as he grips my shoulder on the way to the stage.
“I told you his timing sucks,” I say quietly, before lifting my head and kissing her briefly on the lips. “See you after the set?”
“I’ll be watching,” she grins. “I’m kind of fan-girling right now over the thought of seeing you play,” she softly laughs.
“Mmm, I like the idea of you fan-girling over me. Especially since I’ll be playing for you tonight.”
“I’ve never had anyone play for me,” she grins, and her dimples poke through. I rub my thumb over the indent before lightly kissing the area.
“I’ve never had someone special I wanted to play for. I guess we both get a first tonight.” Placing my hand on the back of her neck, I hold her close to me as my lips find her ear. “Once my last song is played, meet me in my office. We are both going to need it, trust me.”
Grinning, I leave her standing there as I head up to the stage to get set up. The adrenaline rush is already humming through my veins as I pick up the sticks. They always feel like home as I expertly twirl and move them through my fingers with ease.
I catch her watching me in the crowd, and see my family is now next to her as they wait for me to begin. Link passes me a Southern Tides ball cap, and I grin at him before putting it on backwards just like old times.
Taking the mic, I thank everyone for coming tonight. I feel the excitement in the room when people start recognizing the band. More start pouring in from outside to get a better look.
I let them know Southern Tides is back together again for a few songs tonight, and the crowd goes wild.
Grinning, I give the mic back to Link as he takes over from there, getting the room even more amped up as he introduces the first song. It was our number one hit and what skyrocketed us to fame.
Feeling the beat in my body, I count us off, and my hands take over as they fly across the drums, and I become one with the music.