Made in Nashville: HarperImpulse Contemporary Romance (20 page)

‘Does this one say “sexy” or “slutty”?’ Mia held up a black dress with a slit from armpit to waist and another from thigh to floor.

‘What do you want it to say?’ Honor hadn’t even looked up. She was lying on her bed, desperately scratching down lyrics while they were in her head. The last day of the Marlon Festival had been a blast but she’d been struck by inspiration so many times, she needed to write down the songs before they evaporated.

‘Argh! You’re not even listening, you’re doodling! Come on, doll, this is important! This is a huge night for me. This is my first official Nashville engagement as Byron Starks’ girlfriend. I have to get the look right. All the press will be there and if I choose the right dress I might make it into Countrywire magazine.’

She was right. It was the Marlon Awards and despite recent events Jared was still up for Best Male Vocalist. All the nominees were performing and she knew he was nervous about it. The Ryman Auditorium was a special place. There was a magical ambience about it. She’d performed there once, when she was invited as a new face. She remembered it like yesterday. It was a reasonably sized venue but it somehow retained an intimacy that enchanted both the audience and the performer. Tonight she was looking forward to being in the seats, watching her guy do what he did best - rock out and entertain.

She closed up the book, rolled over onto her stomach on her bed and propped her head up with her hands, elbows on a cushion. ‘What are the choices?’

‘OK, we have “sexy and slutty dress”, we have “demure dress”.’ Mia held up a grey body con dress with a beaded neckline. ‘And we have “star-spangled dress”.’

Star-spangled dress caught the spotlights in the ceiling with its thousands of sequins and diamantes and Honor put her hands over her eyes. ‘Put it down. You can’t wear that, Byron will need sunglasses just to look at you.’

Mia pouted. ‘This one’s my favorite. I thought it was real Dolly Parton.’

‘Is that the look you’re going for?’

Mia slumped down on the bed and positioned herself prostrate opposite Honor.

‘It’s alright for you. Gear probably got a dozen dresses from top designers for you to wear tonight.’

They had but she had turned them down. She’d done all that before and she didn’t want a replica re-run, she wanted something different. She wanted to be able to make new choices,
her
choices,
her
decisions. Not having an advisor was refreshing. She was in charge for the very first time.

‘I’m wearing something I picked up in T J Maxx,’ she replied. ‘And it was on sale.’

‘Why?’

‘Why not?’ Honor challenged.

‘Because I happen to know Byron’s booked a room for the two of us at the Vanderbilt. Surely Jed must have plans for the two of you that warrants more than something from T J Maxx.’

‘Wow, no wonder you’re going all out with star-spangled dress.’

‘Soooo?’ Mia continued.

‘We’re heading to Alabama tomorrow. I’m going to meet his family,’ Honor informed.

‘What? Holy crap, are you serious? Meeting the family already? I mean I know you talked about it, but jeez!’

‘Don’t! I’m nervous enough already and now you’ve given me a “holy crap” and a “jeez”. Is it a mistake? Is it really too soon?’

‘All I know is the longest relationship I’ve ever had was nine months and I never went near his folks.’

‘His family’s really important to him.’

‘And so are you by the sound of things.’

‘I just don’t know what to expect. I mean, I know nothing about family. Are they going to like me? Am I going to feel a bit of an outsider? Am I really going to have to wear the dance dress?’

‘The dance dress? What the hell is that?’

Honor let out a sigh and put her hands into her hair, scrunching it into a bunch and turning to look at her reflection in the mirror. Could she wear her hair up tonight? Did she dare show her face that much? She wasn’t going to be on stage but there would be cameras there, flashlights keen to snap all the musicians’ imperfections.

‘Do you want me to do your hair?’ Mia offered.

Honor shook her head and grabbed up her brush. ‘No. This is your big night, Byron Starks' girlfriend. I’m going to do yours.’

His palms were sweating. He wasn’t sure how he was going to play later if his hands stayed damp. Buzz was talking at him, going through the schedule and he couldn’t really hear him. There was too much running around in his mind. Tonight was so important for so many reasons. He was performing in one of his favorite venues, he was up for an award and tonight he was going to give Honor his ring.

He put his hand to the collar of his shirt as the thought of her bare body filled his head and rode over his senses. Her beautiful cream skin, the curves he’d caressed, those full lips moving against his, nipping at the skin … 

‘Jared? Are you listening up?’

‘Sorry, man, I was just thinkin’ about stuff.’ He put his hand to his cap and pulled it lower.

‘Are you
nervous
?’ Buzz made a big deal about saying the ‘n’ word. It wasn’t usually something he ever had to utter. He never suffered with anxiety before a show but it wasn’t just about the show. In fact the performance and even the award were the least important things about the night. He’d never given a ring to anyone.

‘I don’t know that word. What does it mean?’ he answered.

‘That’s what I like to hear.’

Jared nodded and picked up his guitar. ‘I’m on second, the award for Best Male Vocalist is halfway through the night and I try not to look too pissed when I lose out to Blake Shelton.’

Buzz looked up from his iPad. ‘Is that what you think is going to happen?’

‘I know I’m not the favorite and after the arrest and everything, chances are Blake’s got it.’

‘I wouldn’t underestimate the power of your fan base.’

Jared shook his head. ‘It don’t matter, Buzz. It’s never been about the awards for me.’ He strummed a chord and tapped his hand on the body of the acoustic.

Buzz moved toward the mantle and Jared watched as he picked up the framed photo of his father. He swallowed, emotion already building up as his advisor studied the picture. He knew his momma couldn’t be here tonight but he’d see her tomorrow and introduce her to Honor. But, the reason his daddy wasn’t here, still haunted him. Such a waste, such a messed-up, fucked-up scenario he’d never get over. He bit his lip.

‘He’d be proud you know,’ Buzz stated.

He didn’t need this now. It was going to be a night full of heightened feelings as it was without Buzz adding to it like this. Buzz knew his father was dead but that was all he knew. He couldn’t begin to understand how much more it was, nobody could. He carried around the hurt and the guilt and the pain every single day of his life.

‘So, how many interviews have I got before I can go in? Did you line up some for Honor?’ He had to change the subject and regroup.

‘You know she doesn’t need me. You heard her tell me that, right?’ Buzz put down the photo and turned to face Jared.

He grinned. ‘I heard her. But that’s just how she is right now. Right now she thinks she can take on the whole damn world. I kinda like it because it’s the exact opposite from how she was when I first met her but … ’

‘But?’

‘She’ll need you. She’s tired already. We’ve got a tour comin’ up.’

Buzz nodded. ‘Well, when she’s ready, I’ll be there.’

Jared smiled. ‘Thanks, Buzz.’

‘What the hell? Is that the door?’ Mia looked to Honor with one foot dangling over the bed, as Honor painted her toenails with bright red varnish.

‘Yeah. It can’t be my car, it’s not due for another hour. Would it be Byron?’ Honor stood up, putting the lid back on the nail polish and the bottle on the nightstand.

‘No, that would be freaking weird.’

‘I’ll go find out,’ Honor said, heading for her bedroom door.

‘Don’t you open it until you’ve checked who it is, doll!’ Mia called after her.

She hurried down the wooden stairs and dashed towards the front door. Checking the spy hole she saw a uniformed courier holding a package. Her heart dropped down into her boots. She didn’t want this, not again. Perhaps the picks hadn’t been from Gear. She put her hand on the doorknob and tried to breathe. This was just a fan showing appreciation. This was not connected to Simeon Stewart in any way. She had to believe that. She
did
believe that. She blew out another breath and rubbed the palm of her free hand on her jeans. She opened the door and greeted the delivery guy with a smile.

‘Package for ya,’ he stated, lifting up a large box.

‘Whoa, it’s big.’ She took it from him and put it down against the wall inside.

‘I hear that all the time.’

She looked at the man, slightly taken aback.

‘Still too much packaging despite the environmental reforms. Sign here.’ He thrust a handheld console toward her and she took it.

‘You don’t happen to know who sent it do you?’ She’d tried to keep her tone light, like it didn’t matter.

‘I just deliver ‘em, ma’am.’ He took back the console and turned away.

‘Sure, thanks.’ She watched him get to his van then closed the front door, eyeing the parcel with suspicion. The size of it said this was a step up from all the other gifts she’d received.

‘Are you still alive down there?’ Mia’s shout made her jolt.

‘Yes, I’m coming.’ She picked up the box and headed towards the stairs.

‘It’s a guitar! And it’s from my store. I can see the edge of our invoice under the plastic there. Take the invoice out and I can tell you who sold it and then I can find out who purchased it within minutes.’

‘You’re not heading to the store to check the computer.’

‘No, I’ll call whoever sold it and interrogate them. If your stalker’s been to the store then we’re going to find out who it is.’

Honor took a breath. As usual Mia’s mind was working ten different angles all at the same time and they hadn’t even opened the box yet. She wasn’t sure she wanted to but with Mia here she doubted she’d be given a choice.

‘I actually want a stalker if he’s gonna buy me guitars.’

Honor pulled at the cardboard tab to open the box. ‘You own a whole store of them.’

‘I own stock. That’s nothing like the same.’

She pulled open the lid, parted the paper wrapping and there was her favorite guitar from Instrumadness. The limited edition Takamine 2011 with the Japanese fish embossed on the body and the gold details on the neck.

‘Someone bought you the freaking Takamine you always play.’ Mia stated, standing up and staring over the box next to her friend.

‘A stalker,’ Honor stated.

‘A rich freaking stalker.’

On auto-pilot, she reached into the box and lifted the guitar up and out, her hand strong on the neck. She slipped the strap over her head and moved her fingers up the fret board. She started playing, moving her fingers up and down the strings as the original tone of the guitar rode through her.

‘There’s a card. Holy crap, your stalker might have signed off on this one.’

Honor stopped playing but before she could react to Mia’s words her friend had snatched up the card.

‘“Because every note means more than ever. With all my heart – Jared”. Oh I’m sorry. Here, pretend I didn’t read it.’ Mia held out the note.

Honor’s whole body reacted immediately, every muscle relieved, every sinew loosened. Jared had bought her the guitar. The guitar she’d been playing the day they first met.

‘Wow. I’ve never seen you look like that.’

‘Like what?’ She looked up at her friend.

‘All mush. Like a whole heap of candy canes. Like a big pink marshmallow of puff.’

‘I do not.’ She giggled.

‘It’s official. You have it bad for the bad boy and by the looks of things the feeling’s mutual.’

She couldn’t help the smile broadening.

‘Now all you need is some more quality alone time without a guitar or a momma between you. Shall I call the Vanderbilt and book you a room?’ Mia suggested.

‘No! And sit still, your nails aren’t dry!’

The doorbell rang and this time she knew exactly who it was. She brushed her hands down the front of her dress, then picked up her purse from the kitchen island. Trying to walk straight in her new too-high shoes was a challenge, but she made it to the door and, with one quick check in the spy hole, she opened it to Jared.

‘Oh.’ She couldn’t help the sound escaping because he looked so different. The cap was still on, but he was wearing a black waistcoat over a white shirt and smart black jeans.

‘What? Don’tcha think a Southern boy can scrub up when he puts his mind to it?’

She smiled and reached for his hand. ‘I got the guitar. It’s the most beautiful thing …  but you knew I felt like that about it, didn’t you?’

‘That day we first met, you never took your hands off it once.’

‘That’s how I want us to be,’ she whispered, squeezing his hand.

He pulled her to him and found her lips with his, placing a feather-light kiss there. He stepped back, looking her up and down.

‘Look at you. You’re an angel.’

The dress was full-length, in a pale sea green shade covered in white lace. It smoothed across Honor’s curves and reached the floor. A side slit to mid-thigh made it easier to move in.

‘And you have your hair up,’ Jared remarked. He caressed her cheek with his thumb, then moved down to her neck, making her skin prickle.

‘Because I’m not afraid of who I am now.’

She smiled at him. She meant every word. This was her time to come out of hiding. To grab life by the horns and wrestle with it. She had everything she’d ever wanted, her career back, the chance to sing and share her music with the world, and Jared, a man who loved her just as she was.

He took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips. ‘Your limo is waitin’ right over there.’

‘A stretch? Gear got us a stretch? I never had a stretch once with Micro!’ she exclaimed as excited as a child.

‘D’you wanna do the walk down the line together?’ Jared asked en route.

He didn’t like all the interviews the award ceremonies entailed but it was part of the job. If he did it with Honor they could take turns to answer questions and hopefully bring it all to a speedier conclusion.

‘Is that allowed?’

Jared laughed at her. ‘You’re talkin’ to the lord of rule bendin’ right here.’

She giggled and hit him with her sequin purse.

‘I just want to get you to myself before the whole circus of the night takes over. I’m second on the bill so I’m not gonna be able to sit with you ‘til the break.’

‘I know. It’s OK. Mia will keep me company, or at least scream in my ear the second she sees Byron.’

‘He’s gone a little rock star on me. His solos are getting longer and longer. Real soon there’ll be no lyrics at all. That’s what happens when you’re tryin’ to impress a girl.’

‘Is that right?’ Honor smiled then looked out the window as the auditorium come into view.

There it was. The spectacular building that housed so much country history and outside it was a press pack of mammoth proportions.

‘Is somethin’ up? D’you wish you were gettin’ up on stage tonight?’

‘No. I didn’t expect to be nominated. That all got voted on months ago before I even came back.’

‘Then?’

‘I’ve not been to Alabama before, not even toured there.’ She let out a sigh and turned to look at him.

‘This is nerves about meetin’ my mom?’ he guessed.

‘I know. Dumb, right?’

‘Was it me mentionin’ the dance dress? Because she actually hasn’t got that out for a little while.’

She allowed herself a small laugh but it wasn’t heartfelt. She didn’t want to feel like a spare part and that was more to do with her than the way she thought Jared’s family would be with her. They could be as welcoming as the woman paid to do it at Target, it didn’t guarantee she’d know how to react the right way.

Jared took her hands, laying his grey eyes on hers as the car came to a stop. ‘Let’s do this walk of fame thing and then we can talk about recipes you’re gonna be tested on.’

She hit him with her bag again. ‘Stop it!’

‘ … and here we have country Southern rock sensation, Jed Marshall and the gorgeous, super-talented, Honor Blackwood. You’re looking beautiful tonight, Honor, who’s the designer?’ the interviewer quizzed, poking out a microphone, her cameraman at her shoulder.

She had no idea. Why didn’t she have any idea? She’d done this before; she should have known what they would ask. She let out a consolation noise as she desperately racked her brain for something. ‘I got it … ’

‘I bought the dress,’ Jared answered. ‘No idea who made it but I saw it and I knew it was gonna look fantastic.’ He squeezed her hand.

‘An inspired choice I have to say. So, you’re up for Male Vocalist of the Year, Jed. How d’you feel about that?’

‘I’m truly honored to be nominated. There’s some real tough competition, great country talents all of ‘em. And win or lose we’re all gonna have a great time tonight.’

‘I’m sure you are. So, Honor, first time back at the Ryman. How does it feel?’

She felt the bubble in her stomach growing fuller and fatter by the second. How did it feel? She chanced a look at the Mother Church of Country Music. It was awe-inspiring. A tingle of sensation ran down her back at the thought of being in there again.

‘I remember standing on that stage when I was seventeen knowing how many country legends had walked the same boards. It’s a place where musical magic happens and I’m really looking forward to enjoying all the performances tonight.’

‘We all are. So, tell me, what’s next for the two of you? Going on tour together, buying a home maybe? Anything else we should know?’

‘Well, I … ’ Honor began. She should have expected this line of questioning too.

‘We’re gonna be headin’ down to my hometown in Alabama real soon. Honor’s gonna come and meet the Marshall family,’ Jared informed.

‘Wow, things are getting serious already.’

‘As serious as a chicken dinner and a few parties round the bonfire gets, ma’am. Thank you for your time. Honor’s new video comes out Monday so make sure y’all You Tube it,’ Jared added, pointing at the camera.

She managed a smile before he was pulling her over to the entrance and away from the cameras and reporters.

‘Now that’s over, come with me,’ he said guiding her through the venue and away from the reception committee.

This had to be right. It had to be perfect. He was only going to do this once. He hurried on, skipping past people left and right, acknowledging no one, just trying to make it to the place this needed to happen.

‘Jared, where are we going? I can’t go too fast in these shoes,’ she called as he paced on.

‘Just hang on in there.’ He stopped just before a set of doors barred by two auditorium employees. Igniting his best smile he approached them, pulling Honor behind him.

‘Good evenin’ ladies. I was wonderin’ if me and my girl could just go in for a second.’

‘Doors don’t open ‘til seven do they, Pearl?’ one of the women responded.

‘Seven,’ Pearl responded, folding her arms across her chest.

‘I’m performin’ tonight,’ Jared told them.

‘I know who you are, Mr Marshall. Too loud, too rock and too much hell-raising. And you know as well as I do there’s an artists’ entrance,’ the woman replied.

‘I do, ma'am but … ’ He smiled, let go of Honor’s hand and leaned forward, whispering into the woman’s ear. He stepped back and waited.

‘Open the doors, Pearl. This one’s going in,’ she informed.

Like Aladdin’s cave, the doors were pulled back and Jared touched his cap in acknowledgement as he and Honor passed by into the auditorium.

She followed him through the doors and was hit with that same sensation she’d experienced outside as they walked out onto the balcony. The theatre seats were empty but down on the stage, the stage where everyone who was anyone in country had performed, people were setting up for the show. Light was still flooding in from the arched stained-glass windows, casting a pale glow over the pew-style seats. It was beautiful, almost holy and she felt her heart contract with a feeling of belonging.

He squeezed her hand and drew her towards the steps that led down to the very front of the balcony.

‘It’s some place, huh?’ Jared said as they made their way down to the wooden barrier.

‘When I was growing up, I used to watch the stars perform here on the TV. They looked so surreal, like made up characters with their rhinestone clothes and beautiful voices. The first time I played here …  it took my breath away. It was like a dream.’

‘If you’ve got country in your heart this place moves somethin’ in you,’ Jared agreed, standing next to her.

Down below them were rows of wooden seats that later would be filled with country glitterati. Empty, it was as if the memories of all those occasions gone by were floating through the atmosphere, poignant and laden with emotion.

‘Honor,’ Jared stated, touching her arm with his hand.

She drew her eyes back to him and watched as he pulled something from his finger. He removed one of his rings.

He held it out with his thumb and forefinger. ‘Because of …  what happened …  I didn’t get to graduate.’ He could feel his hand was shaking but there was nothing he could do about it. ‘So, I didn’t get a class ring or anything but …  this is … ’ He paused. ‘This was my daddy’s ring.’

His momma had taken it off his daddy’s hand and put it on his finger that day and this was the very first time he had ever taken it off.

‘Through all those bad times I clung to the hope that I was worthy to wear this ring. That I was man enough to do justice to his memory, to be the kind of person he was.’ He looked down at the ring, the band with gold flames licking over it and the Confederate flag, a crest in the center. The tears were coming.

‘Jared.’

‘I want you to have it,’ he stated, closing the ring in his hand, then reaching into his pocket and bringing out a gold chain.

‘I can’t.’

‘Hey, I know you probably think I’m crazy because this is all goin’ like the speed of a freight train but, the way I feel about you … ’ He took a breath and gazed at her. ‘We’re gonna be on tour for a few months and it’s gonna be hard work and we’re gonna probably get on each other’s nerves within the first week.’ He smiled. ‘But when that happens I want you to be wearin’ this, knowin’ that I love you. Believin’ that I’ll always love you.’

She couldn’t speak. She didn’t have the words. She knew and she could see how much this meant to him. No one had put their heart on the line for her before. No one had cared so much. No one had wanted to share their everything with her. And here he was, this slightly crazy, a little bit flawed, gorgeous, generous-hearted guy wanting to start a future with her.

‘My daddy had huge hands so it won’t fit but … ’ He held up the ring on the chain. ‘Would you do me that honor, Honor?’

A tear snaked down her cheek and over her scar as she nodded; too scared to say anything or risk turning into mush and completely ruining Mia’s hard work on her make-up.

He held up the chain and she quickly turned around, glad her hair was up. She felt the heat from his body as he put the chain around her neck, his hands touching her skin as he tried to fasten the clasp.

‘I’m shakin’ so much I can’t do it up.’ He let out a nervous laugh. ‘There,’ he said, as he finally made the connection.

She turned around and straight away put her hand to the ring at her throat, running the tip of her finger over the engraving. ‘I love it.’

‘I love you,’ he told her.

She let go of the ring and cupped his face with her hand, rubbing her thumb over the stubble on his cheek. She watched him close his eyes and she moved, lightly touching her lips against his, moving gently across his mouth. She waited, knowing he would react and wanting him to.

Finally he gave in, his hand at her waist, pulling her close as his mouth explored hers, fiery and wanting.

Then the whistling started. Honor broke away to see some of the crew on stage, waving and jeering at their show of passion.

‘Damn roadies, they ruin everything,’ Jared joked, flicking them the rock sign. ‘Let’s go get a drink.’