“Don’t go liking her too much.”I glared at him, though I knew neither of my brothers would ever hurt me that way.
Riley just snorted, shaking his head at my antics.
I glanced up just in time to catch one of the guys grab Lucy’s arm, trying to pull her closer.
I was out of my stool in the next breath, Griff grumbling in resignation as my brothers followed.
“Hands off, asshole,” I snarled, reaching the guy’s stool and pulling his collar roughly.
He turned to me in shock, eyes bleary.“Was just trying to make sure she heard me, man.”He held up his hands in surrender.
“She doesn’t need to hear a word you say.You’re cut off.You and your buddies get your shit and move out,” I ordered.“You’re not from around here, but in this town, we treat our women with respect.You want to ever be let back in here, learn that lesson.”
“Hey, aren’t you….”The guy’s eyes widened in recognition.
“I’m the guy who will escort you out by your throat if you don’t get movin’.”I glowered.
They shuffled out, Riley on their heels to make sure they left the building.
I turned to find Lucy staring at me with a raised brow.“By the throat?Really, honey?”she demanded, looking adorably vexed.
I couldn’t help myself.I leaned over the bar, and she leaned in toward me.“Like that,” I rumbled before kissing her chastely, aware we had just about every eye in town on us.
“Like what?”She cocked her head to the side.
“You callin’ me honey.”
“Just sort of slipped out,” she admitted.“And… everyone is staring,” she whispered, only just noticing.
“Good.”I kissed her again.“How long are you on for?”
“Another hour.”
I reluctantly eased away from her.“I have to head out of town for a few days after all.It appears my girl was right.”I winked.
“Just a glimpse into your future, I guess,” she teased, making me chuckle.
“I’m all for it, darlin’.Still not looking forward to leaving.My flight’s first thing.I’ll wait for you and walk you home.”
The truth was, I wanted nothing more than to spend another night with her, but I still had a song I needed to finish in the studio before I left.
“Sounds good,” she agreed.
I walked her home that night, the crisp air carrying hints of fall.I relished the feeling of her soft hand in mine, realizing the life I’d built in the spotlight didn’t compare to the future I wanted with her.
Chapter 9
The private jet the label had chartered touched down in Nashville the next morning.Though I didn’t need the hoopla, I did appreciate the efficiency of traveling this way—and the discretion.Though I could usually travel incognito through an airport, there had been times when an unexpected mob had taken me by surprise, and I was in no mood.
No, I was in the mood to get this done and hightail it back to my girl.
I exited the plane and slid into the waiting car on the tarmac, set to take me directly to my label for a meeting.
I put my phone to my ear as soon as the wheels started moving.
“’Lo?”Her soft, sleep-laced voice had me adjusting myself as I pictured her in that sexy tank she liked to wear to bed.
“Hi, baby.Sorry to wake you.”
