Whiskey and Country

25

DAHLIA

“How are you doing?” Carter asked from across the ocean a few days later. I squeezed the phone between my cheek and shoulder as I hung the new bridal lingerie I’d just received. A set of teal lace babydoll and panties caught my attention, and I brought it before me in front of the wall-length mirror, picturing myself wearing them.

I had no idea when was the last time I’d dreamed of wearing something sexy and beautiful underneath my clothes. The realization filled me with a heady sensation of secret thrill.

“Dah, you there?” Carter’s voice brought me back to the present.

“Huh, yep. Sorry. Distracted. I’m great.” I put the lingerie aside, ready to take it home. “How was the concert last night?” I asked, giving him my complete attention. Carter’s tour opened in Europe.

“Uneventful. Is Jack sleeping the entire night? He was having more nightmares than usual when he stayed over.”

“Only one last night so far.”

“And the fever?”

Yesterday morning, he woke up feverish, but it dissipated through the day. “Gone. He was still asleep when I left him with Paula this morning. But he was in top shape before bed last night.”

“Call me if it comes back. I hate knowing I won’t be there to help you out if he’s sick or something. But I can be there in a few hours if you need me.”

“Stop worrying. Nightmares aren’t life-threatening. And the fever lasted only a couple of hours. Nothing serious. We’ll be fine. Do your thing. And Nick is around if I need a hand.”

“Dah—”

“Stop it, Cart. Nick and I are friends. Like you and I.”

“Fuck. It’s not the same, and you know it. All that guy wants is to get into your pants.”

“And that’s not what you want?” Carter remained silent as I apologized. “Sorry. That was a low blow. You care about me and want what’s best for me. Listen, I’m just enjoying the idea of having someone around to spend time with. Nick is good for me. We get along great, and he makes me smile. Our relationship is new. And exciting. And no matter what, the best friend title will always be yours, Cart.”

“Dah, just say the word and I’m dumping everything and staying with you forever—” His voice cracked a little. My heart too.

“I know, and I love you even more for saying this. But it wouldn’t be fair. You shouldn’t have to choose one or the other. And we’ll never be together that way. For what it’s worth, you’re incredible when you’re onstage, and I’d never ask you to throw your gift away. Even if you beg me to. The stardom has always been yours. I can’t wait to see you the next time you play around here.”

“In the fall, I’m playing in Nashville. You guys are staying with me at the penthouse for an entire week. We’ll find someone to manage the shop, but I need both of you with me. I fucking miss you when you’re that far away and I’m alone in an impersonal room.”

“Gosh, we always miss you too. How’s Spain?”

“Just landed my ass in the suite. You are my one-call.” I chuckled at the pun. “Can you believe I haven’t done a show here since the Band? It will be weird to be up there on my own tomorrow night.”

“Carter, I’m always onstage with you. Even if I’m physically not present.”

“I know. Do you remember that guy we met who showed us around town the last time we came here? He’s still working at the hotel. I saw him minutes ago, and he remembered us. Called you the fiery angel.”

“Ohmygod. He did?”

“Yep.”

We talked some more, then hung up.

At fifteen past four, I left the shop and hurried home to relieve Paula of her duty.

“Baby, wanna go see Buddy?” I squatted to hug Jack as he squealed in delight.

My son pulled away from me, and a heartwarming smile tugged at his lips. “Buddy,” he singsonged. “Buddy. Buddy my bestest friend.”

His contagious happy outlook caused my heart to warm over.

Something clicked as I watched my baby. Tingles of excitement fired inside me too. But not because of a dog. But a man whom the dog had befriended. My heart ran wild for him. A lot.

“Let’s go then,” I said, gathering what we might need after I changed into denim cut-offs and a loose shirt, ready to leave. “We’re having dinner there. My friend Nick invited us. We wouldn’t want them to wait for us for too long, right?”

A permanent grin was now etched on my face. No matter how crazy I looked with a smile stretched across my face, nothing I did could erase it. And I loved the sparks it shot through me.

With Jack’s tiny hand wrapped around my finger, I knocked on the door. My pulse started its berserk dance the moment I parked the car, and now the rhythm had gotten berserker with every passing second.

“Here you are,” a masculine voice greeted me from behind. I almost dropped the bag slung over my shoulder at the sound.

Nick.

He looked scrumptious.

My insides clenched.