“Why don’t I have Antoni give you guys a ride?” Cash asked. “I’d offer myself, but I’ve got to wrap up a few things here.”
“That’s so sweet of you,” Ella said, “but we don’t want you guys going through all that trouble for us.”
“It’s so nice of you to offer, though,” I added. “You guys really rolled out the red carpet for us.”
“Really, it’s no trouble.” Cash dismissed the notion with a wave of his hand. “Besides, it would make me feel better to know you ladies made it home safe.” He placed a gentle hand on Ella’s arm and began to move us through the bustle of the backstage area. He began tapping out a text on his phone, presumably to Antoni, as he guided us through the clusters of people. “I insist. He’s parked out by the bus and our security detail, so you won’t even have to get out in that mess of people.”
“Cash, you’re so damn sweet.” Ella smiled gratefully. “Such a gentleman.”
Grace and I echoed our thanks as he navigated us down the now empty corridor with the framed photos and posters that led beyond the dressing room. My phone buzzed in my back pocket, and I narrowly avoided dropping it as I extracted it from my jeans. A number I didn’t recognize flashed across the screen, and I immediately felt heat threaten to rise into my cheeks. Ella looked back at me, her face laced with an ‘I told you so’ smugness as Grace squeezed my arm. It was far too late for a telemarketer. Surely it wasn’t...
No. Absolutely not.There was no way in hell.
“Hello?” I answered cautiously.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Jax’s warm voice came through the phone.
“Hi, Jax.” I laughed nervously as Ella and Grace exchanged a knowing glance. “We’re heading home. Cash has Antoni giving us a ride.” At the sound of his name, Cash cocked his head curiously.
“Correction,” he said. “Giving Ella and Grace a ride home. You’ve got a prior commitment.”
“Excuse me?”
“I told you earlier. I’m still gonna make your night. It must be done. Sorry. I don’t make the rules.”
“You need to get your story straight because ninety minutes ago youdidmake the rules.”
“Turn around.” His voice was soft, but I could hear his smile through the phone. The hairs on the back of my neck raised with anticipation. I stopped mid-step and turned around, my mouth curving into an involuntary smile. He was standing in the middle of the hallway outside the dressing room while the bodyguard stood watch a little further down. “Hi.” He grinned as he started toward me.
“Hi.” I dropped the phone to my side as he approached.
“Did you guys enjoy the show?”
“Y’all were amazing,” Grace gushed. “This was seriously the best night of my life.”
“I’m glad.” He chuckled before addressing Ella and Grace. “Listen, ladies, I made a promise to Liv earlier that I’d like to keep. Do you mind if I take her off your hands for the rest of the night? That is, if she’ll agree to come with me.” He looked over at me hopefully, and my mind began to spin out of control. He really wasn’t going to let this go.
“On one condition.” Ella poked her finger into his chest. “You have to make sure she gets home safe. I don’t care how famous or how cute you are, mister. You let anything happen to my best friend and the only song you’ll be singing is the death march. Understood?”
“Understood.” He saluted her. “I vow to protect her with my life.”
Ella narrowed her eyes, analyzing him for a moment. “You have my blessing, but it’s up to Liv.”
He looked at me expectantly, his palms pressed together in a praying gesture in front of his chest. “What do you say?” I didn’t know what in the world Jaxon Slade wanted with me. A man like him belonged next to the Jessica Rabbits of the world, not a woman like me.
“You should go, Aunt Liv.” Grace prodded me.
“Thanks, Grace.” He put an arm around her. “Please?” I couldn’t help but laugh as he made Grace an accessory to his plan. They made sad puppy dog eyes in my direction. I glanced over at Ella who subtly motioned toward Jax with her eyes. I knew if I declined this invitation, I would never hear the end of it. I had to admit, I was curious too.
“Fine,” I agreed. “I’ll go with you.”
His eyes lit up, and he hugged Grace. “You did it, Grace! I owe you one.”
“VIP at every show in Nashville from here on out.” She held her pinky finger out to him without missing a beat.
“Deal.” He held out his pinky and linked it with hers. “But you guys have to bring Liv.”
“Deal.” She moved to give me a hug. “Love you, Aunt Liv.”
