“We’ll see,” she says, sounding serious after her laughter dies down and she clears her throat. “My boss told me there are photos of us from breakfast all over the Internet already. Did you know about that?”
“Sosie just called to tell me. I’m really sorry about that. I wish we could’ve eaten in peace. Is that what your boss bombarded you with?”
“Yes, the photos were sent to him by one of our marketing assistants, who follows country music gossip. They didn’t mention my name, but she recognized me and emailed the link to him.”
“You’re not in trouble, are you?” The last thing I would want is for her job to be in jeopardy because of her association with me.
“No, I didn’t get in trouble, but do I need to be concerned that this is going to happen every time I’m out with you?”
My intuition on her not liking the attention was obviously spot on. Fuck. I grip my steering wheel harder, hating the worry in her voice.
“I’d like to tell you this won’t happen every time we’re together, but I can’t control when people take our photo and post it to social media,” I tell her, wishing we weren’t having this conversation less than twenty-four hours after we just met. “Listen, I’m asking that you take a chance on me. I want to get to know you and spend more time with you. I know you’re hesitant about me, but I also know you’re feeling this insane chemistry we have.” Hearing her little sigh, I continue my argument. “I want to properly date you, and we can go at whatever speed you’re comfortable with. Just know that whenever you’re with me, I promise I’ll keep you safe,” I vow, hoping she believes me. I understand the consequences of dating someone in the spotlight. I just hope she thinks I’m worth the risk.
Silence fills the line for a brief moment before I hear her whisper, “Okay.”
“Okay,” I say, smiling like a fool. “I’ll see you tonight, darlin’. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. Later, Gavin.” Her tone is breathy and seductive, and I hope I get to hear that again when I’m close enough to kiss her.
I reluctantly hang up and shake off the images filling my mind. I grab my workout bag, exit my car and head into the gym, needing to exert the adrenaline that thoughts of Aly provoke.
_________________
I drive across town agitated, because I’m late and pissed that my time with Aly will now be limited due to work. My session with Bruce was productive, but we still need a couple more hours to finalize the song we’re working on. Knowing I had to be somewhere, everyone agreed to take a two-hour dinner break and come back to finish up. It sucks that it’s going to be another late night, but seeing Aly will make it worth it.
I pull into the parking lot behind the building and walk up to the bouncer sitting at the back entrance. Aly texted earlier to thank me for the flowers and to tell me she went ahead and put me on the VIP list, just in case I had trouble getting in. I’ve been to the Exit/In numerous times and know the manager, so I could probably get in on my own. But this is Aly’s gig, so I decide to follow protocol. I show the bouncer my ID, and he places a band around my wrist then opens the door to let me in.
Like the Bluebird Cafe, the Exit/In is a small, intimate venue rich with history. Famous musicians from all types of genres have performed here, and it’s another Nashville musical institution. Unlike the Bluebird Cafe, being loud is encouraged here, as it’s a true rock n’ roll concert venue with zero seating. The stage is elevated high, so there isn’t a bad view no matter where you stand.
I walk through the small hallway and arrive at the back of the stage. The place is completely packed, and the crowd is dancing along with the music. I look around and spot Aly leaning against the wall on the side of the stage, watching who I’m assuming are her clients. My heart pounds as I walk toward her, and when she spots me, she smiles, stealing my breath away. It takes every ounce of willpower not to grab her hand and find the nearest closet to devour her in. Instead, I engulf her in a tight embrace and nuzzle my nose into the crook of her neck.
The smell of her floral perfume sends my senses into overdrive, making my jeans uncomfortably tight. I pull back to look at her and am rewarded with a sheepish grin that showcases a small dimple I want to kiss. I reluctantly let go of her when she turns in my arms to introduce me to one of her co-workers. The band is so loud, I can barely hear what the girl’s name is. Aly holds up her cell phone and motions for me to grab mine so she can send me a text message.