Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
Raelyn
We flew back to Nashville on Wednesday night for the music video, and Holt doesn’t have another show until Saturday.
He left early this morning to workout with the guys before heading to the set for the shoot.
The media never got wind of the tour bus break in, so that’s a plus.
“You and Holt are the hottest new celeb couple right now,” Rylie says, looking at her phone as she takes a sip of her coffee.
“I was just looking at a post of them from the gala,” Brynn replies. “Everyone is obsessed with y’all.”
I chew on my lip as I watch the steam rise from my mug.. “It’s so weird seeing pictures of us everywhere.” I even qualify for a blue checkmark now, which I’m not getting.
“That’s pretty wild, but so freaking cool at the same time,” Maddie states.
“I really like Holt,” Rylie adds. “I didn’t know how he was going to be at first, but he has my vote.”
“Same,” the others agree.
My heart swells. “That means so much to me to have y’all’s approval.”
I knew once they met Holt, he would win them over.
My phone starts vibrating on the table with a call from Simon.
“Hey, you,” I answer.
“Hey, doll. Holt told me the news and said that you were back in town. I have to drop off some clothes for him at the shoot, but I told him I plan on stealing you for a while. Let’s grab brunch.”
“That sounds perfect. My girls are in town, and I’d love for you to meet them.”
“If they’re your girls, I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.”
“I do think I have pretty good taste.”
“Let’s shoot for eleven,” he says. “Holt’s still a little leery and has requested Kane to drive you. I’ll send you and Kane the reservation details once I make them.”
“Perfect, see you soon, babe,” I say as I end the call.
Kane pulls the SUV to a stop outside RH Cafe at Restoration Hardware. It’s a swanky place from reviews, and apparently Simon's favorite go-to brunch spot.
“There’s my girl,” Simon says, as I exit the SUV. He gives me a swift kiss on the cheek and a hug. “I’m so glad you got to come out and play.”
I grin. “Simon, these are my girls. Rylie, Brynn, and Maddie.”
“I already know which one is the sister. I can see the resemblance. Your mom must have had a thing for R names,” he states as he smiles at Rylie.
Rylie laughs. “You would be correct on that.”
Simon beams. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” the girls respond.
Walking into the restaurant, I know why this place is Simon’s favorite.
A huge, elegant water fountain sits in the center of the room. Big, beautiful crystal chandeliers sparkle above, with plush ivory couches and trendy tables. Smaller tables are spaced around with gold accented decor and lighting on the walls.
The designer of this establishment definitely killed it with this trendy layout.
“This place is gorgeous,” I marvel.
He raises his eyebrows. “You should already know I have good taste.”
I laugh. “I do think you have a talent.”
A waitress walks up giving Simon a hug, then escorts us to our table. He’s one hundred percent a regular here.
I look back to find Kane blending in, taking a seat at the bar. Close enough to watch, but far enough away to give us space at the same time. I’m sure he’ll only order water, he’s definitely not a drink on the job type of guy.
A handsome server comes up to our table.
“Does everyone like mimosas? Because they serve pitchers of them here,” Simon says.
Brynn nods. “Say no more.”
“We would like to order a pitcher of mimosas, please,” Simon tells him.
I’m still taking in the place when our drinks arrive. Nashville really is a gem.
Simon takes a sip of his drink and then looks at me. “I still can’t believe about the break-in. I’ve read about stories where a person was obsessed with a celeb, but it hits different when it’s close to home.”
I nod. “I’m just glad we weren’t there when it happened. They think it was an isolated event though, and we’re in the clear now.”
“Good,” Simon states.
“Can we take a moment to appreciate how freaking hot Kane is? No one prepared me for the hot bodyguard,” Rylie says, watching Kane at the bar.
Simon laughs. “That man is a fine piece of meat.”
“He’s always so serious, though,” Brynn adds. “He stayed pretty reserved in Hawaii.”
“He’s former military, and that in itself gets me all hot and bothered.” Rylie smirks. “He’s got the whole quiet and mysterious vibe going for him.”
A sudden chill runs down the back of my neck even though the restaurant temp is comfortable. An eerie feeling, like we’re being watched, comes over me. I cautiously scan the area looking for any threat. People are talking and laughing while enjoying their meals. Nothing seems out of place. I didn’t think I was letting this break in get to me, but maybe it’s wearing on me a little. There’s no one there, I tell myself.
“You okay?” Simon asks, breaking my thoughts.
“Yes, sorry. I just got caught up in thought,” I say, while taking a sip of my mimosa. The tart and sweet liquid goodness melts my worries away.
“It wouldn’t have anything to do with that hot piece of ass in your bed now would it,” he adds slyly.
A smile crosses my face. “Holt is one hot piece of ass, I agree with you there.”
Brynn scuffs. “I thought I was a horn dog, but I think they’re worse than me.”
Laughter bubbles out of me.
“Oh, I forgot to ask about the gala. How was it?” he asks. “The pictures were beautiful. You were the most stunning woman there.”
“You sure do know how to make a woman feel good, but I give all the credit to my stylist,” I say with a genuine smile.
He winks. “I’ll style you any day, doll.”
My smile deepens. “The gala was beautiful, and we did have a good time. Although, I did come across some venom you warned me about.”
He sighs. “I figured you would. You’ve just claimed the world’s most eligible country music artist. You, my girl, have a big target on your back. Women in this world are ruthless hoes.”
“Well, one should leave her alone now since Raelyn threw champagne in her face,” Maddie adds.
“Shut up! You didn’t,” Simon replies, amusement on his face.
I roll my eyes. “It was Macey, the hot model. I admit it wasn’t my finest moment, but it is what it is, now.”
He shakes his head. “If only I could’ve been a fly on the wall.”
“I shouldn’t have let her get to me like I did, but I’ve seen pictures of them on media pages. I know he’s slept with her.” I frown. “Holt has a man-whore past that I’m trying to forget about.”
Simon nods. “He does have a colorful past, but he’s been open about that. Plus, I believe you are his future.”
I blow out a breath. “Thanks, Simon.”
“By the way, next time you bitches decide to make a last minute trip to Hawaii, I’m coming along.”
We order food and continue to chat. The girls fill him in on our trip, and of course, the jellyfish incident. Simon gets a big kick out of that.
“You know. There’s a big party happening tonight,” Simon says. “It’s an invite only, high profile party, but I know Holt’s name is on the list.”
“Oh, do tell more,” Brynn replies, leaning in.
“I have no doubt that Holt can get everyone in. It would be fun. Shall we go?” he asks.
“My girls leave town tomorrow, so I say we go out with a bang. Plus, I couldn’t imagine another way to go to my first high profile party than with my people,” I state, smiling.
Simon sits up taller, excitement shining in his eyes. “I think some shopping is in order now.”
I pull out my phone and shoot Holt a text.
Me: Simon told us about a party tonight. Sounds fun. Could you get the girls in?
Holt: I wasn’t planning on going, but if y’all are wanting to, we can. These parties can be a lot though. Just to warn you.
Me: Noted. I’ll have my man and my girls with me to help me feel at ease. Hope the shoot’s going well!
Holt: All right, babe. It is. We’re getting close to wrapping it up. I’m about to get back to work. Can’t wait to see you later. I love you!
Seeing those words in text makes my heart flutter. I smile, while texting back.
Me: Always look forward to seeing my music man. Now go kill that music video. Love you, babe!
Simon pulled out the big guns, once again. He took us to an upscale boutique and demanded everyone get an outfit at his expense. He said, “Holt pays me enough, so this is my treat.”
The day has flown by.
We’re now sitting in a salon getting our makeup and hair fixed.
Simon claims hair and makeup are always a necessity for a party.
“This has literally been the best week of my life,” Maddie gushes, applying some lip gloss.
“I just need a good dick tonight, and it’ll be the best week of my life,” Brynn adds, smiling coyly.
Simon laughs. “You were right, Raelyn, I do love your girls. Why have you all been missing from my life for so long?”
“Told you I have good taste.” I smirk. “So, what should we expect for tonight? Holt said these parties can be a lot.”
“Well, I guess it can be. It’ll be hosted at a private, upscale home which has a resort style pool. I’ve been to a few there. People will be mingling inside and out. There may be some topless women. Clothes are optional, just to warn you. This is an “anything goes” type of event.”
“Oh great. Maybe I don’t want to go,” I say as my stomach sinks.
“I think we’ll have a good time. Plus, you have backup now,” Rylie adds.
“True,” I reply, weighing my options.
After hair and makeup, I slip into my dress for the night. Looking in the mirror, I take in my form-fitting, hot pink, bodycon mini dress. I turn side to side to see the nude mesh cutouts lined with clusters of crystals that sparkle in the light as they trail down along each side of my torso. Sky high pink stilettos with crystals covering the heel adorn my freshly pedicured feet—matching pink polish, of course. My makeup is sexy and sultry, and my long, dark hair is in a high, sleek ponytail.
I feel like a celebrity’s girlfriend looking at myself in the mirror.
The girls’ outfits are all similar in style, sexy with an edge.
Simon pampered us, sparing no expense today.
“Simon, can I put you in my pocket?” Maddie asks, checking herself out.
“Right? I look damn good,” Brynn adds.
“He legit makes me feel like a celebrity when he dresses me,” I say.
Rylie raises an eyebrow. “You kinda are one now, sis.”
“When I have beautiful people to work with, it makes my job easy.” He winks. “Now let’s go party.”
An hour later, the music pumps loudly through the air, as we walk up the steps to the massive mansion. It’s insane the amount of money all these people must have. Holt’s world is a different land of wealth.
Holt wraps his hand possessively around my waist giving me a squeeze. “If you ever feel uncomfortable or you want to leave, we will. This isn’t my scene anymore.”
“Simon warned me. I can handle it,” I say, trying to convince myself more than anything.
“We already saw how she handled herself at the last party. I think she can handle this one, bro,” Kyle states, shooting me a wink. Kyle’s always the comedian.
I grin, shaking my head. Everyone gets a laugh.
“I know I’ve told you already, but you look so sexy tonight,” Holt whispers against my neck as goosebumps scatter across my skin. “I think Simon’s trying to kill me or get me into a fight. I can’t seem to keep my hands off you.”
“I like your hands on me.” I grin mischievously.
As we enter the house, the place looks like a club inside. It’s dimly lit with colorful strobe lights. There’s a DJ, dance floor, and I’m pretty positive that I see stripper poles off to one side. Oh, yep. There’s a topless woman on one now.
“Damn, this is a party,” Brynn says, excitement shining in her eyes.
“The poolside is usually a little tamer. Maybe,” Simon adds.
“Let’s go outside and grab a drink first,” Holt says, grabbing my hand and leading the way.
The pool out back is gorgeous. Just like Simon said, a resort style pool.
A woman walks out of the pool wearing the tiniest piece of fabric, leaving very little to the imagination. She’s beautiful with a toned body.
I glance at Holt. He’s not even looking her way. Relief washes over me, as we walk over to the bar.
“Margarita?” Holt asks.
I nod. “Yes, please.”
While he takes the girls’ orders, I look around.
Holy shit, I think to myself. I’m looking at Trace Underwood and Ledger Steel, two huge male artists in the country music world.
Maddie looks at me with wide eyes. “This party is unreal.”
“Oh my God, Shut up!” Brynn squeals. “Look who else is here—Lainie Murph is such a badass bitch. I want to be her when I grow up.”
I follow her gaze, spotting the well-known artist in the distance. “I don’t think I’ll get over seeing all these celebrities in real life.”
“This is so wild,” Maddie exclaims.
“Incoming,” Rylie says.
I look up to see a woman walk up to Holt, smiling. She’s gorgeous, of course. Why are all these women so damn attractive? I roll my eyes. Maybe this party wasn’t such a good idea. The insecurities are trying to creep in from his world.
I huff. “I need another drink.”
“He blew her off,” Simon states, walking up, handing me another margarita.
“I needed this. Bless you,” I say as I take it from his hands.
Holt makes his way back over. “Having fun?”
I push my insecurities away. “I am.”
Holt grabs my hand, lacing our fingers together. “I’m stealing my girl for a minute. I want you to meet a few people.”
“Be back soon,” I tell the girls.
Twenty minutes later, as I make my way back, I spot Rylie and Simon.
“Where are the others?” I ask, walking up.
Rylie shrugs. “Good question. I don’t know, they went inside but never returned. I think we should go look for them.”
Another guy approaches Holt.
“We’re going to look for the girls, babe,” I say.
He leans down and kisses me. “Don’t make me come find you,” he replies with a deep drawl.
“In that case, I may stay gone for a little while,” I tease.
“Naughty girl,” he whispers, as he grabs a handful of my ass. “I have plans for that ass later.”
“Looking forward to it.” I grin, as I walk away.
“He totally just told you he’s going to ruin you tonight, didn’t he?” Simon asks.
I smile in response, as we keep walking.
He smirks. “Lucky bitch.”
We walk inside as “Pony” by Ginuwine pumps through the speakers.
“I think I found them,” Simon says, with an amused expression.
I follow his line of sight. “Holy shit.”
We stand glued to our spot as we watch Brynn do a spin and slide down the pole to the floor.
“Didn’t you say she was in medical sales”" Simon asks, looking amused and impressed at the same time.
I nod. “That would be correct.”
“Look at Maddie encouraging her,” Rylie adds.
A laugh bubbles out of me as I watch Maddie throw some money at Brynn’s feet, cheering her on.
“They did have a few shots while you were with Holt,” Rylie adds.
Simon lifts an eyebrow in question. “Are y’all sure she’s not a stripper because she’s working that pole like she knows what she’s doing.”
“She does. She takes pole dancing workout classes,” Rylie replies, with a smirk.
“Of course she does.” Simon laughs.
“Let’s go get her before she decides to get completely in character mode, and starts taking her clothes off,” I say.
“Good call,” Simon agrees.
We make our way to the stage as my eyes land on Kyle pulling Brynn off the platform. Hmm, interesting.
“What the hell, Brynn,” he says angrily.
Brynn rolls her eyes. “Oh, back off, Kyle. I’m having fun, and you seemed occupied outside.”
He grabs her arm, fuming. “We’re leaving now. You have guys lining up thinking you are a stripper.”
Brynn jerks her arm out of his grasp. “I’m not leaving, just because I slept with you a few times doesn’t make me yours,” she replies angrily.
Kyle looks like he wants to say more but turns and stalks off.
My eyes are wide with surprise. “Oh my God. Y’all have been hooking up? I totally missed that. How did I miss that?”
“Same,” Rylie and Maddie add, both looking shocked.
“In Hawaii, it was casual. We both knew the score.” Brynn shrugs nonchalantly.
She seems like she’s trying to convince herself, though. It feels like there’s more she’s not saying. She frowns. “Anyways, he just killed my buzz. I need another shot.”
We follow Brynn to the bar. “I need six lemon drop shots,” she tells the bartender.
“There’s only five of us.” Maddie points out.
Brynn nods, stating the obvious. “I need two.”
The alcohol has loosened me up. I smile, as we step off the dance floor.
I point to the door. “We need to find Holt. I told him I wouldn’t be gone long.”
I think everyone is feeling pretty tipsy, especially Brynn.
Brynn trips through the door leading outside. “Who put that door there,” she asks, giggling.
I look around at everyone laughing.
The guys are all standing together, talking. There’s an attractive blonde draped on Kyle’s arm, and I feel Brynn tense when she notices.
“Maybe it’s time for us to go,” I say.
“No way! This is just getting interesting.” Maddie grins.
“Are you ready to get out of here, or find a room inside?” the blonde asks Kyle as we approach the group.
“If you need any help getting across the finish line, you can just think of me,” Brynn says to him with a wink.
“Excuse me,” the blonde replies.
“He tried to ruin my night, so I’m just returning the favor,” Brynn says too sweetly.
Maddie stifles a laugh beside me as I bite my lip trying to hold it together.
I nudge Holt. “Okay, I think we’re ready to call it a night.”
“We need to talk, now,” Kyle states in a commanding tone, grabbing Brynn’s arm and pulling her away.
“Did I miss something?” Holt asks me.
I nod. “Apparently we all did.”
“You can leave now because I’m pretty sure he’s not coming back,” Maddie says to the blonde.
She huffs and stalks off.
“So, they’re screwing?” Jake asks.
I nod, still trying to figure it out myself. “It seems that would be correct. Shocked us, too.”
“The best part was Brynn swinging around that stripper pole inside to ‘Pony’,” Simon adds amused.
Jake lets out a low whistle. “I hate that I missed that.”
“I think we’ve conquered our first party,” I say, smiling up at Holt.
Selfishly, I really don’t want this week to end. I’ve loved every minute of being in a bubble, and it’s been pretty perfect.
I’m completely in love with Holt Hayes. He’s everything I have dreamed of and more. I smile as I reflect back on our week together.
The girls all just left to head back home. I hate to see them go, but I’ll be heading home in a few short days myself.
I still never got the full story of Brynn and Kyle. I’ll have to ask about that later.
So far, everything has been calm. Security’s still on full alert, even though we’ve been cleared of any further treats. I don’t know when security will back off, but I’ve adjusted to it.
We are a social media love story right now. The press is loving us, and so far, it’s been all positive things said.
I’m still getting use to the celebrity world, and all that it entails.
This is our last day to ourselves before the real world hits again. I get to see my man in action one more time before I head back to the reality myself. Like I said, why does this week have to end?