Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Raelyn
Beeping pulls me out of my sleep. I fumble around until I feel my phone and turn off the alarm.
Yawning, I stretch and smile. It’s time to go see my man. Excitement fills me with anticipation of seeing Holt again. Jumping out of bed, I head to get my caffeine fix.
Forty-five minutes later, I’m ready to take on the day. I twist my hair up in a clip to finish off my look. Nerves fill me as I look at my suitcase. I shake my hands while closing my eyes and take in a deep breath. The adventure continues, I tell myself as I grab my suitcase, a smile permanently plastered across my face, and head out the door.
The airport is already bustling with people who have weekend plans. Once I check in, I find an empty seat by my gate.
I prop my legs up on my suitcase as I pull out my phone to call Mom. She answers on the first ring.
“Hey sweetheart,” she says, her warm voice filling the line.
“Hey Mom, just letting you know I made it to the airport and have checked in.” I may be grown, but checking in with my mother is a must.
“I still can’t believe you snagged a hot, country music singer. Well, I can because you, Raelyn Grace, are a total catch. You go, my girl.”
I giggle. “Always being my hype girl.”
“Y’all have fun, and please be careful. Let me know when you land, sweetheart.”
“Yes ma’am, I will. Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, my girl,” she says as she ends the call.
The plane lands in Texas around noon.
Holt wasn’t able to pick me up because he had a sound check, but he told me to look for Kane upon arrival. He wasn’t a happy camper about not being able to be here himself, but I reassured him it was fine.
Walking through the busy airport, I scan the area for Kane. My eyes land on him—he’s easy to pick out of a crowd. I lift my purse up on my shoulder as I start making my way toward him.
He gives me a friendly smile.
Kane really is good looking—short, dirty blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. He’s got to be over six feet tall, with a big, muscular build. He totally gives off a Chris Hemsworth vibe.
I instantly wonder if he’s single—the girls would be drooling over him.
“Raelyn Grace,” a voice says behind me.
I turn around to face camera flashes, squinting at the bright light and confused.
People I didn’t notice before are following me.
“Raelyn, are you going to see Holt Hayes? Are y’all exclusively dating?” Strangers continue to holler questions as the flashes keep going.
I place my hand over my face as a shield, stunned for a moment.
A strong hand wraps around my arm. My eyes fly up and I’m relieved to see it’s Kane.
A serious expression is etched across his face. “Keep your head down and follow me,” he commands as he leads the way. “Damn, that didn’t take long. I wasn’t prepared for them, yet,” he says more to himself than to me. He looks back at me as we briskly walk. “Hello Raelyn, it’s nice to see you, but I’ve got to get you the hell out of here and fast.”
“It’s nice to see you as well, Kane,” I murmur as we hurry away from the crowd and cameras.
We burst through the airport doors and into the sunlight and fresh air.
I follow Kane to the blacked out Escalade parked up front.
Reporters are still hot on our trail.
“Raelyn, how does it feel to tame the most eligible bachelor in country music?” one yells out.
Kane opens the back door, and I hurriedly climb into the SUV. Flashes continue outside, but the tint is so dark, I know they can’t see me anymore. Looking out the window, I watch the reporters gather around. I let out a breath. Man, that was intense.
Kane gets in and quickly pulls away.
Pulling out my phone, I type a text in our girl group chat.
Me: I just landed, and reporters chased me through the airport. WTF? I’m in the car with Kane now.
Maddie: You are officially famous!
Rylie: This is so wild!
Brynn: Oh shit. Celeb status!
I shake my head at their replies, and then send Mom a text to let her know I landed safely. I decide to leave out the details about the reporters. No need for her to worry.
I look up to see Kane watching me with a frown in the rearview mirror. “Holt isn’t going to be happy about this. The fool had to go and post you on social media, though.” He subtly shakes his head. “Let’s get you to your man before he tries to fire me next.”
I laugh. “I can only imagine a demanding Holt.”
“I’ve never witnessed it until you came along, but I’ve decided you’re good for him,” he states in a matter of fact tone.
I can tell Kane is close with Holt, so I decide to pry a little.
“Have you picked up a lot of girls at airports for him?” I ask.
He glances at me in the rear view again. “I know what you’re trying to do, but no. You would be the first. I’ve seen a different side of Holt since you came along.”
I smile, satisfied with his answer. “Are you single? I have some pretty hot friends who would all be fighting over you.”
He chuckles. “Yes, I am. I’m happy being single, though; this job is demanding. I really don’t have spare time for a relationship.”
I raise an eyebrow. “That’s a shame. Do you not ever get lonely working this job?”
He gives me a half smile. “It has its perks.”
I read right through that comment.
“Oh, I can only imagine,” I mutter, deciding not to pry anymore.
“Holt is still in sound check, but he wants you there as soon as we arrive.”
I lean back against the cool leather. “That sounds good to me.”
A short drive later, we turn into the amphitheater. Kane parks the SUV, then gets out to open my door.
“Don’t worry about your bags. I’ll take care of them and get them to the bus,” he says, helping me down.
“Okay. Thanks, Kane.” I smile.
I follow his lead into the arena and instantly hear Holt’s voice fill the space. We walk through the back and come to a stop at the edge of the stage.
Kane nods towards Holt. “I’ll leave you here and go retrieve your things now.”
“Thank you,” I say, as I turn my attention to Holt.
He’s beautiful in his element. Who am I kidding? He’s beautiful all the time.
I instantly recognize the hit song he’s singing—“Sippin’ Somethin’ Strong.” I get lost in his lyrics as I stand there.
He glances over to where I am as his song comes to an end.
Next thing I know, his guitar is off, and in a few short strides he’s lifting me off the ground. I wrap my legs around him giggling as I inhale his intoxicating scent.
His lips meet mine as he kisses me like we’re the only ones in the room. I hear cat calls behind us and “get a room” thrown in.
I break the kiss laughing. “Seems like someone missed me.”
“Maybe a little,” he says, placing me back on the ground.
“I’ve missed you, too.” I grin.
“It feels so good to have you here. Come meet the guys.” He motions to the band.
“Kyle is the drummer, Jake is on bass guitar, and Luke is on electric guitar. Boys, this is my girl, Raelyn.” He holds his shoulders back, smiling proudly.
“The pussy whipper has arrived,” Kyle says slyly.
Holt shakes his head. “Kyle always has something inappropriate to say.”
“He’s going to beat your ass,” Jake states, smirking.
“I’m putting my money on Holt,” Luke chimes in.
I start laughing. I like them already.
I make eye contact with all the guys. “It’s nice to meet y’all.”
Holt wraps his arm around my shoulder. “All right, let’s call that a wrap. I’m stealing my girl for a little bit. See you cocksuckers later.”
I wave to the guys as Holt leads me away. We walk through the backstage area to the exit with his arm draped around me. People are already busy setting up for the show tonight.
“They all seem nice,” I say as we walk out of the building into the warmth of the sunlight.
“Most of the time I claim them as my brothers,” he says, holding the door to the bus open for me.
I walk up the steps looking around. “I’m impressed at the cleanliness of a tour bus full of guys.”
A smile tugs at his lips. “Don’t be, someone just cleaned it for us.”
He grabs my hand, leading me through the bus to a back bedroom.
His eyes meet mine and I can see the desire shining. “Someone else is excited to see you, too.” He closes the door, throwing me a sexy smirk. “Get naked, baby. I’ve been having withdrawals from this body.” I shiver as he runs his hands down my sides. “I need inside you right now. I can’t wait any longer.”
Just a few dirty words from him, and I’m already putty in his hands.
I leave the bus and head toward the venue to find my man. Backstage, I hear the guys’ laughter echoing down the hall.
A low whistle sounds through the air as I walk into the room reserved for the band.
Kyle gives me an appreciative once over. “Baby, if you ever get tired of pretty boy here, just let me know.”
Holt pulls me onto his lap, glaring at Kyle. “You are treading on thin ice.”
Jake and Luke chuckle.
I sense Kyle’s a lady’s man.
“So, Raelyn, do you have any hot friends?” Kyle asks, with a mischievous grin.
A smile stretches across my face. “Actually, I do. They’re calling dibs on the next concert, too. You might get lucky.”
He rubs his hands together. “Hell yes! Holt, you better give them VIP tickets.”
“From what I hear, Holt owes them,” Luke says with a knowing grin.
I tilt my head to the side, intrigued. So Luke knows some of our history.
A worker knocks on the door, peeking inside. “All right guys, you’re up in five.”
Holt gets up, pulling me with him. “Show time. Come on, babe.”
I follow the guys to the stage as the music starts pumping through the speakers.
Holt gives me a panty dropping smile. “That’s our cue.” He leans down giving me a kiss. “You look beautiful tonight. Stay where I can see my girl.”
I nod as he gives me one last kiss before taking the stage. Smiling, I run my finger across my lips, feeling the sensation he left on them.
The show has been phenomenal. The guys really know how to work the crowd.
I’ve been locked in throughout the entire set. My eyes didn’t stray too far from the sexy lead singer with his guitar, though.
Holt would occasionally throw me some smiles and winks throughout the set. Even on stage, he finds a way to make me feel special.
Holt grabs the microphone off the stand as the song comes to an end. “I have a new song I wrote this past week. Would y’all be interested in a first listen?”
The crowd goes wild in response.
He turns back to the band. “Y’all down for this?”
I see all the guys smile and nod in response.
Holt then turns to me and smiles. “This one is about my girl.”
Applause takes over the crowd.
“This song is called ‘Just Hits Different’.”
My heart melts for this man, and I feel as if I’m floating on cloud nine.
“This ain’t the first time,
I woke up hungover,
My head in a bed I ain’t been in before.
But hell, the last time,
I was doing my best, to get up, get dressed, and get out that door.
Girl there’s something ’bout you,
Cuz staying ain’t something guys like me do.
But here I am making plans for tomorrow, hell I wish I knew.
How it just hits different when ya leaning on me.
It’s a different kinda buzz. Hell, it just may be.
A little better than it was, but I still can’t see.
Whatcha doing when ya doing that thing.
That it just hits different under neon lights.
Keep doing what ya doing ’cause you ain’t gotta try.
I’m a couple shots down, girl, I ain’t gonna lie.
Hell, I’ll admit, you got me in it,
’Cause ya just hit different.
Let me tell ya.
Those cut-off blue jeans making my mood swing.
Got me switching up ’bout damn near everything.
Thinking ’bout a new me ’cause if you knew me,
You know I wouldn’t be talking like this right now.
But it just hits different when ya leaning on me.
It’s a different kinda buzz. Hell, it just may be.
A little better than it was, but I still can’t see.
Whatcha doing when ya doing that thing.
That it just hits different under neon lights.
Keep doing what ya doing ’cause you ain’t gotta try.
I’m a couple shots down, girl, I ain’t gonna lie.
Hell, I’ll admit you got me in it,
’Cause ya just hit different.”
“Thank y’all for letting us entertain tonight! Hope to see y’all again,” Holt says to the crowd, waving as he exits the stage with the guys.
“Told you he is pussy whipped,” Kyle whispers as he walks by.
Holt shakes his head. “Sorry, he doesn’t have any good manners. What did you think of the new song?”
A silly grin is plastered on my face. “I love it. You need to go ahead and record it, so I can add it to my music library. I’ve got a new thing for country risers.”
He pulls me to him and gives me a kiss. “I better be the only country singer you’ve got a thing for.”
“Y’all going out tonight?” Jake asks, walking over to us. “I hear there’s a big after party going on.”
Holt slides his arms around me. “No, man. I’m keeping my girl to myself tonight.”
“Figured that.” Jake smirks. “All right, catch y’all later.”
I watch him walk away, then look to Holt. “We can go if you want.”
He gives me a dumbfounded look as he grabs my bottom, giving it a squeeze. “No way I’m missing the opportunity to have you to myself and naked in my bed all night.”
I swat his hand away grinning. “Always so needy.”
A few hours later, we lay tangled in the sheets.
“So, tomorrow night there’s a gala. It’s a charity ball for a children’s hospital. I always donate, but the label is wanting me to make an appearance this year. It just so happens to be close by. Would you do me the honor of being my date?” Holt asks, with a sexy smirk.
I look at him with wide eyes. “I can’t go to a gala. I don’t have anything to wear. You can’t just spring something like this on me. I need notice with this type of event.”
He looks amused at my panicked expression. “I’ve already taken care of it. My stylist will take your measurements and pick up a few different dresses for you to choose from. He’s coming to meet you in the morning.”
I scrunch my face. “Oh, I’m kinda at a loss of words right now. I’m not sure what to say, but that seems like too much.”
He shrugs. “It’s simple. You say ‘yes, I would love to be your date’ and go with it.”
“Are you sure? You can just go without me,” I say.
“No, I refuse to go without you.
My heart flutters at his last words. “I kinda feel like this is a Pretty Woman moment, but if that were the case, you’d owe me a helluva lot of money.”
He raises his eyebrows in amusement. “Good thing it’s not because the debt is about to get even steeper.”
His heated gaze rakes over my body causing a chill to run across my skin at what is to come. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of sex with this man.