Chapter 28
amber
“You’re nuts.” James pulled a beer out of Tate’s fridge and popped the cap.
“I’m aware.”
I sat at Tate’s kitchen island with a swath of papers in front of me. It was after midnight, and he still hadn’t come back to his house.
I could only imagine how angry he was with me.
But I would make it right. I was working through a checklist of people, and my credit card was getting a workout.
I booked my eighth flight of the night. Unfortunately, a chunk of my stage crew were already working for other tours. I was able to steal a few away for a long weekend with the right incentive.
Most of them wanted to help out as long as I sent them a plane ticket to get here, but realistically, this was a big ask.
Even though most of them wouldn’t take payment, they were getting it.
Because not only were they going to fix the park, but they were also going to help me put on a show.
I had to be absolutely insane, but it was the best way to recoup Tate’s losses. All the proceeds would go to the retailers that lost out on this week’s sales.
Also, a bonus—I got my label off my back.
And dammit, I needed the Christmas spirit.
I’d felt it all day at the village until things had gone sideways. It was time to get it back.
My phone buzzed on the marble counter again. I flipped it over and winced. “Oh, crap.”
“What now?” James was foraging in Tate’s fridge again. She came out with cheese and salami and proceeded to make rollups.
“I got distracted and forgot to tell you. Noah called while you were sleeping.”
She stopped with a bite in her mouth. “Excuse me?” she said around her food.
“Noah called.”
“What the hell does Master Sergeant want?”
I picked up. “We’re at the house with the big gate next door.”
Noah didn’t bother to speak, he just hung up and a truck pulled up.
“He’s here?”
James dropped the rollup on the counter and stomped down to the front door.
I chased after her so I could disarm the alarm system.
She swung open the door. “Are you for real? This is so out of bounds.”
“You taking off with my Jeep was out of bounds, me showing up is a forgone conclusion after your bullshit today.”
“That wasn’t my fault and you know it.”
“You fucking know better.” He pushed past us and inside. A blond woman pulled up the rear.
James sighed. “Hi, Sarah.”
“Hi, pain in the ass.”
She left me at the door, gaping at both of them. I locked back up and reengaged the alarm before rushing back inside.
Noah looked around the room, his hands linked behind his back. “Nice place. Why are you over here and not at the Dalton house?”
James shrugged. “King of the Lumberjacks won the lottery. He has the fancy security you’d probably pop a boner for.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “I’m Sarah. I work for Roth Defense.”
James picked up her rollup and bit off another piece. “I don’t need you here”—she pointed at Sarah—“and I certainly don’t need your second-in-command. It was just a fluke today.”
“You know nothing is really a fluke.”
“Don’t go looking for monsters on this one, Master Sergeant. It was literally just fans who love Amber. They barely cared about me.”
“Not what I saw on those videos,” Noah said through gritted teeth.
“It was like if two actors went out. Different fandoms overlap, that’s all. I was the bonus babe in this scenario.”
“I’ll have to agree.” I sat down at the counter again. “But since you’re here, Noah. I’ll ask you for a favor.”
“What kind of favor?”
“I’m going to do a show here at the Haven Winter Wonderland to make up for this shitshow. It’s last minute so I need security. Do you think your company could spare some for a show a week from tonight?”
He whistled. “That’s going to cost.”
“I don’t care.”
“I’ll see what I can do. I need to look at the property.” Noah folded his arms across his chest. “And you’ll have to do what I say.”
“After today, I’m not arguing. Not only did they put us in danger, but they caused a helluva lot of damage to the structures. If I’m going to add a concert to the craziness here, I need it contained and little-to-no damage.”
“You’re asking a lot.”
“I’m fucking Ambrose. I can ask a lot.”
Noah’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re as bad as Lindsey.”
“I can put on over one hundred and sixty stadium shows. I can make this happen.”
“Yeah, but it takes months to organize those. You’re only giving me a week.”
“I hear you like challenges.” I pointed a thumb at James.
“I’m going to freaking microchip her.”
“The hell you are.” James rolled another salami and cheese tube and bit into it. “But I’ll put my ask into the hat as well. It’s a shame what happened today and both of us should have been more careful.”
Noah dropped his hands to his sides. “Did you just apologize?”
“Hell fucking no. But I don’t want Tate to lose out because we screwed up. Besides, you have your minions in town to do the Christmas show for Logan, just use some of them.”
Noah sighed. “I’ll see what I can do.”
The back door opened, and Tate came in looking exhausted. He frowned at the extra people in his house. “What the hell is going on in here?”
“Tate. Finally.” I slid off my chair and went right to him. “Are you okay?”
He cupped my face. “The bigger question is, are you?”
“I’m fine. I’m so sorry. I can’t even express how sorry I am.”
“I know. It’s not your fault.”
“It is.”
He shook his head. “You warned me. I didn’t listen.” He smoothed a hand over my hair. “And you are?” He looked over my shoulder.
“I work for Brooklyn Dawn. In security.”
“Oh.” He glanced over at James. “Everything good?”
“It’s all good, Lumberjack. He’s just enthusiastic about his job, can’t you tell?”
“I’m going to take this one back with me.” Noah nodded to James. “I’ll be in touch,” he said to me.
“Thanks, Noah.”
Sarah gave me a salute and followed Noah to the door.
James put the bags of cold cuts back into the fridge then ran over to me. “You know I’m not a hugger.”
I laughed. “I know.”
“Good.” She punched my arm. “Consider that a hug. It’s been real, Sparkles. You sure know how to keep it interesting. Remember what I said, Lumberjack.”
He nodded and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “I remember.”
“Do I want to know?”
Tate kissed my forehead. “Probably not.” He dragged his feet over to the couch and dropped, tipping is head back along the cushion.
I walked James to the door. “Sorry about all your gifts. I’ll make sure I get most of it back and send it to you.”
“Good deal. Don’t go overboard, Sparkles.”
“As if I know how to do anything but.”
James laughed. “That’s very true. Merry Chrismukkah and Happy New Year.”
“Have a good holiday. Give Lindz my love.”
“You got it.”
“And don’t give my mom a heart attack when you get your stuff from my house.”
“No promises.”
I texted my mom to let her know they were on their way. She was still up worrying about me and what happened that afternoon. I also let her know that Tate was home and that she could go to bed.
I looked up, and found Tate passed out. I sat next to him for a minute. His eyes were dark with exhaustion and his forehead lined with worry.
I brushed the errant curl away from his face. “I love you so much, Tate. I’m going to make this right.”
He sighed and turned his face toward me but didn’t stir.
I wanted to curl up with him, but I still had work to do.