“You’re sure he agreed to meet here?”I ask Kelly.
She nods reassuringly.“He’s probably just running behind.You know how things move slower in small towns.”
“I have a lot to do this evening, so if he’s not here in five ...”I start to say before Kelly waves at someone behind me and Chase appears, casting a tall shadow over me.My nerves twist in my stomach as Kelly stands and gestures for Chase to take her seat across from me.
“Thank you for coming,” she says before moving away to a nearby table, giving me a supportive look.Chase raises his eyebrows at me but remains standing, forcing me to strain my neck to make eye contact with him.
“Please sit down,” I say with a shaky breath.He sighs and settles into the chair, crossing his muscular arms over his chest and leaning back.The manual labor of working his ranch has chiseled his biceps, which now strains against his denim shirt.My eyes are drawn to his left hand, the one that controls guitar notes and knows how to create beautiful music.The sight of it makes me flush with desire and remember our previous encounters, where he made me moan and writhe under his touch.
I inhale deeply and meet his gaze, only to see a spark in his eye that makes me think he’s been reading my mind and knows exactly what I’ve been daydreaming about.As if being turned on earlier wasn’t enough, now I have even more fantasies to add to my mental spank bank.Might as well just get this over with.“Look, I’m sorry about this morning.You didn’t do anything wrong.I’m just stressed and took it out on you,” I say in a low voice, feeling like I’m groveling.
He holds my gaze before slowly uncrossing his arms and leaning forward, resting them on the table.His face is close to mine now.“So you’re admitting that you were wrong, and I was right?”
My heart races at his slight taunting tone, but I know he’s just trying to make me squirm.
“Yes, fine.You were right,” I say through gritted teeth, not wanting the whole world to hear me admit it.
A satisfied smile curves across Chase’s lips, and the skin at the corner of his eyes crinkles.I remember this look.That mischievous grin.
“What exactly has you so frustrated, Bayleigh?”
“You know what.My career is in the toilet, and if this show isn’t a huge success, then I have nothing.No career, no representation, and no future.”This time, I cross my arms under my breasts and lean back in the chair.Glancing down, I realize that this has caused my already tight T-shirt to strain even more.The V-neckline is stretching, the white fabric revealing more skin than is appropriate for any daytime business meeting.
Chase’s eyes wander down to my chest, and my breath catches in my throat.My heart races as blood rushes towards my lower half.The desire for his touch, for his lips and tongue, becomes almost unbearable.I can’t help but wonder if he would be up for a little afternoon delight.
No, stop it.We both know this can’t just be a casual fling.Our history is too complicated.It’s best to keep things professional and distant.
I slowly uncross my arms and silently urge him to look back at my face.“Please reconsider and perform the show with me,” I plead with him.I hate feeling vulnerable like this.It never ends well—just in heartbreak and embarrassment.
He looks at me, all playfulness gone from his expression now.“I understand how important this is to you.This town and these people mean something to me, too.I want this show to be a success.”He rubs the back of his neck, looking slightly uncomfortable.“But will you promise to stop being such a diva and trust in the music?It’s already great—the band is talented, and they know what they’re doing.The more you stress, the worse it gets.”
Then he does something that nearly stops my heart.
He reaches out and places his hand on top of mine.
“Remember why we loved performing?”He lowers his head, gazing up at me through those long lashes of his.“Because we loved that connection with the audience.When you relax and enjoy yourself, that connection is strongest.”
My throat tightens as I swallow hard.He’s right.I’ve been so focused on every little detail that I haven’t been able to let go and just connect with the song.That’s when I’m truly authentic—when the music flows through me.
“Do you ever miss those old days?Performing at shows around town?”I ask, a flood of fond memories rushing through my mind.
His fingers gently stroke my skin, sending shivers down my spine.“Yes,” he says quietly, holding my gaze with his intense eyes.“I think about you all the time.”
My eyes widen at his confession.He pulls his hand back and quickly tucks it under the table.His posture straightens, and an awkward silence falls between us.
I grab the glass of water in front of me and take a long sip as Kelly waves, signaling for me to wrap up the conversation.
Enough of this painful trip down Memory Lane.“So, will you come back to rehearsal?”I ask, trying to sound casual.
Chase nods slowly.“Fine.I’ll give you one more chance.Don’t screw it up, or I’m out for good.”
“Thank you.”I let out a sigh of relief.“Do you need to get your guitar?The band is waiting for us.”
“It’s in my car.”He says.
“Let’s go then—we don’t have much time.”I get up from my chair and head towards the exit.
A woman enters the diner.I tense as recognition sets in.It’s my mother, but she doesn’t look like the woman I remember from my childhood.Her hair is disheveled and grey, and her clothes seem thrown together without any care.Without the style and pride in her appearance, she used to have.We lock eyes from across the room, and it seems we’re both afraid to make a move.
