The guys spend the afternoon working with the tour manager. Between sound checks and interviews with press, I have the entire afternoon to myself. Normally I’d spend that time baking, but instead I walk over to a café and spend hours arranging ideas and writing in my notebook. Tonight the label booked us each rooms at a nearby hotel, so I feel no guilt because we won’t be eating on the bus anyway. Now that I’ve heard what’s possible, I can’t stop imagining all these lyrics paired with music. If there was such a thing as a song writing bug, I’m bitten.
I took a risk today. I’ve been taking more and more and it’s exhilarating. Thoughts of guilt or shame don’t cloud my mind, and it’s as if I’ve let a light into my life. The possibilities feel endless. As I head back to the bus to change for tonight’s show I decide to go with one of my new outfits, a little black dress that falls mid-thigh with a halter top that shows part of my tattoo if I lift my arms. I use the pasties, a bra-less option the ladies at the lingerie store suggested, and I pull on fishnet tights to go with my black combat boots, also new. I even take the time to do my makeup, going for more than my usual blush and lip gloss.
Damn, girl.Catching my reflection in the mirror, I don’t even look like myself. Gone are my country roots.Wrong. I’m still me. The outside doesn’t change that. But for the first time I have the freedom to explore how I want to express myself. This rock ’n roll chick is a little too much work for an everyday occurrence, but her chin lifts with confidence in the reflection. Even my red hair calls out for attention, the long waves loose around my shoulders a striking contradiction to my pale skin.
My phone pings with an alarm. The show’s about to start. Before I lose my nerve, I toss it into my bag and head out to watch my friends rock the house.
* * *
The guys bring down Boston.Their best show yet. If it’s possible, they get better with each show. Afterward, I follow them over to the exclusive after party they’re slated to appear at for a local station. Held in a private room off of the auditorium, dozens of excited listeners gather for free appetizers, an open bar, and most importantly, the men of Three Ugly Guys.
I don’t know how they do it. The schmoozing and smiling. The small talk and laughter. But Austin, Trent, Sean, and Leighton take it all in stride and make it look effortless. As if they’re having the time of their lives. I should be mingling, too, but I can’t seem to push myself out of my comfort zone. Instead I grab a water from the bar and find a place to people watch.
It works for a while, but after an hour Austin spots me across the room where I’ve reverted to my wallflower ways. He saunters over, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Why are you dressed like a sexy little kitten?” His eyes are hooded, and I swear my heart skips a beat. He looks at me as if I’m the most beautiful woman at this party, but I can’t tell whether that’s more because he thinks I’m pretty or from the shots of tequila he threw back a few minutes ago.
“It’s just a dress.” I narrow my gaze and try for a chastising glare.
His lips pull wide with a lazy grin. “No. It’s not just anything.”
I hold his gaze until I can’t take the heat. “Good show tonight.”
“Yeah.” He shrugs and takes another step closer, crowding my space. “I really love to play. You know that?” His voice is deep in my ear and scatters goosebumps across my flesh.
My lips part, a reply on the tip of my tongue, but the words short circuit and my mind goes blank under his stare. Wow. I’ve never had the full Austin. I’ve seen him do this after other shows. Find a woman or two and completely shower them with attention until they become putty in his hands. I’m not sure I want to be putty. I’m not naïve enough to believe he took those different girls out for an evening stroll.
His fingertips slide down my arm, from below my shoulder until they reach my wrist. “Do you want to—?” The fact he’s slept with a different woman in every town is all it takes to sour his advances.
“No,” I snap louder than I mean to. It’s rude, but I have no desire to be another name on his long list of conquests.
His brows rise and he takes a step back. That smirk is still in place as his gaze drops to my arm. “I was going to ask if I could see the rest of your tattoo.” He chuckles and I’m thankful for his humor. He’s giving me a pass, or he’s only been teasing, and either way I don’t want things to change between us. I really do value his friendship.
I roll my eyes and turn to my side, lifting my arm high enough that he can see the ink.
“Damn, girl. That’s fucking sexy.” His gaze dances with mischief.
“Get a good look, because I’m not showing you again.”
“Fair enough.” He nods. “Wait. Hold my beer so I can take a picture.”
I drop my arm back to my side and shove him playfully.
A commotion near the door draws Austin’s attention, and the buzz of conversation in the room quiets to that of murmurs. “No fucking way,” Austin says under his breath.
“Hey, this where all the cool rock stars hang out?” My sister’s voice rises above the chatter. I turn and it takes a long moment for me to process that it really is her in the flesh.
Trent shoves from his chair and rushes to where she stands, picking her up and holding her in a tight embrace. It's ridiculously romantic and the smile on my face grows with little effort.
A crowd gathers, all of the party attendees overwhelmed by the surprise guest, Lexi Marx. I hang back, waiting for my sister to pose for selfies and autograph the random items people hand her before I walk over.
As soon as her gaze finds mine, Lexi excuses herself and wraps me into her strong arms. Her voice is thick with emotion as she speaks into my hair. “These boys been taking care of you?”
I nod and step back, still reeling that she's here. “I thought you had another week?”
She glances over my shoulder and I know she's staring at Trent because her eyes go soft. “I have six more shows but none tonight. Couldn't stand being halfway across the country. I missed you guys.”
“You surprised me.” Trent murmurs and takes her in his arms again.
“Yeah?" A grin spreads across her face. “I like keeping you on your toes.”
