Page 2 of Dirty Fantasy

As soon as her manager hung up, Tana was left with only one tangled knot in her belly. Ronnie. He was kicking off his dirt track season, and he wanted her there.

No one had written a handbook on how two people could manage living their dreams at the same time, especially when one of them got asked to go on tour with Mick Vines.

Ronnie would understand. He had to. This was her shot. And she was going to take it.

Mama said if he wanted me to stick around, he oughta put a ring on my finger.

But he hadn’t.

“I’m not ready to settle down yet,” he had said.

Well, Tana thought as she punched in Mama’s number, we all make choices. And this is mine.

As soon as the phone connected, she screamed, “I’m going on tour with Mick Vines!”

CHAPTER 2

New York City

“You ready for this?”

Tana felt like she was going to puke. “Do you want the honest answer?”

“You’re ready,” Bill said. “Just remember, no one gives a shit about you—yet. But after tonight, you’ll be on the map.”

“No pressure or anything.”

A knock came at the dressing room door, and Tana took the moment to inhale a deep breath and check her makeup one more time while Bill went to answer it. She looked like a movie-star version of herself. It was … awesome and yet terrifying that there were going to be over 20,000 people out there when this place was full.

Which it isn’t yet. Because you’re just one of many openers.

Just breathe, Tana.

“Hey, Mick! What are you doing here?”

Tana spun around as Bill said his name.

“Just checking on my opener.” The tall, dark-haired man stepped inside the dressing room.

Mick Vines.

“You’re a giant in person,” Tana blurted out.

“Good to meet you too, honey. You about ready?”

She nodded.

“You look a little pale.”

“She’s fine,” Bill said. “Tana may be new on the scene, but she’s a professional. Nothing to worry about.”

“Can you give us a minute, man? Just want to give her some advice, artist to artist.”

Tana’s attention flicked from Mick to Bill.

Bill nodded. “Sure thing, Mick.” He met Tana’s gaze. “I’ll be right outside. You got five minutes.”

Her manager slipped out of the room, leaving her and Mick, lit by the glow of the bulbs surrounding the mirror and the overhead light.