Screams filled the air as a she watched a sweaty Dalton Gentry gyrate across the stage. A stadium full of fans – mostly female – sang along as he, Beau Tipton and Jesse Alston wooed them with their sultry voices.
Not for the first time did she wonder what the fans loved more – the music or the bundle of hot sexy sauce the trio of Peach Logic brought to the stage. I imagined it was a combination of both, but Dalton’s painted-on denim jeans and shake-that-booty trademark move drove the women crazy, myself included.
I’m a normal hormonal-driven, cowboy lovin’ woman; although I’d never admit that to Dalton. His ego was big enough already.
“They definitely know how to draw an audience in, don’t they?” Gabe Williams stood beside me back stage.
“They certainly do, but so do you. I was watching tonight when you went on. They loved you.” I gave a nudge to Gabe’s arm. “So how are you taking to being in the limelight and not just providing the material for those who are?”
The corner of Gabe’s mouth lifted slightly. “I’m undecided. I’ll let you know.” He nudged her back, laughing. Gabe was a dark-haired, brown-eyed boy next door kind-of-guy that every mother wanted their daughter to marry. His ability to write and bring a song to life had made him a widely sought-after commodity in the music industry, but just recently he was discovered to be quite the crooner. He was the opening act for Peach Logic’s tour this year.
I enjoyed talking with Gabe. He was so down to earth despite his recent fame. I wasn’t entirely certain he was loving being in the forefront. Time would tell.
Tonight, was the first stop on the three-month tour. The humid September Memphis night was making my naturally curly hair go limp. I watched as Dalton wiped his damp face on a hand towel and look to the crowd. Women begged for his to throw the towel their way. He teased them with false starts and then lobbed it into the center of the crowd. It was like watching desperately single women at a wedding fighting over the bouquet. Really? What were they going to do with a gross, sweaty towel? Maybe I should invite them to come pick up after him on the tour bus. Bet it wouldn’t seem so exciting then.
“Are you going out with us tonight on Beale Street, Lacey?” Gabe asked.
“I don’t think so. Not my thing.” I usually didn’t hang with the group when they took in the sites after their set. A bubble bath and some quiet time were more my speed. I’d rather curl up with a good book than fight more crowds.
The last song finished and the band thanked the crowd. Jesse blew kisses while Beau and Dalton waved their good-byes. The exited stage left where Gabe and Lacey stood. The crowd was still going wild in hopes of an encore performance. I knew there would be one. As they came off stage, I offered them each a fresh bottle of water.
“Thanks, Lace.” Dalton shook his wet head at her. I held my hands up in defence.
“Gross, Dalton!”
“I think they liked us.” Dalton said proudly.
The trio watched as the audience continued to cheer.
“I’m pumped. They kept us rocking all night. Just remind me not to EVER wear these boots again.” Jesse to turned Lacey. “My poor feet are begging for mercy.”
“Hey, you’re the one that picks out the four-inch heels, not me.” I teased.
“Ready for one more?” Beau asked the group.
“Let’s do it!” Jess shouted.
The band walked out together and the crowd – it didn’t seem possible – got even louder. I turned to Gabe.
“I’m going to head to the dressing room and make sure we are all set for meet and greet. I’ll see you later.”
As she walked away, Gabe chuckled to himself. If he didn’t think of her like a little sister, he’d be lined up for her attention. She was a little spitfire. Her curly auburn hair hung to her shoulders surrounding a heart-shaped face with brilliant green eyes. Any man with eyes in his head couldn’t miss the sweet little sashay of her backside as her boots carried her away. He almost felt guilty for noticing her petite frame swaying from side to side.
Turning back to the stage he watched his friends perform. He wondered when the thick-headed lug singing was going to figure out what a treasure he had right in front of him before it was too late, then again, some lessons Dalton had to learn the hard way. He just hoped Lacey didn’t get hurt in the process.
Refreshments were set out as the foursome walked in. The energy in the room seemed to crackle around them. Not only were they talented, but they were nice people. I admired them and was proud of them. They were not only my employers but my friends.
“Hey, guys. Great show as usual. You’ve got 15 minutes before your fans faun all over you, so catch your breath and rehydrate.”
I had sweet tea for Dalton, Gatorade for Beau and Gabe and water with a bowl of lemons for Jesse.
“Thanks, Lace. You always take care of us.” Jesse told her.
“I wouldn’t be a very good assistant if I didn’t.”
“All the same, we appreciate it, don’t we boys?” Beau and Dalton both looked to Jesse. They had been stuffing their faces with food brought in from the caterer.
“What?” Dalton muffled with a full mouth.
Jesse rolled her eyes heavenward. “I don’t know how you put up with them. Me? I’m a piece of cake compared to him, aren’t I Lacey?”
“I plead the fifth on that one, since you all pay my salary.” As she turned to talk to the photographer, Dalton surprised her by placing his arm around her shoulders, halting her.
“Come on, Lacey. You know you love me. Everyone loves me.”
“Not as much as you love yourself.” God, if he only knew Lacey thought to herself.
The group burst into laughter at Lacey’s comeback.
“Burned, Bro. She knows you too well. She doesn’t have blinders on where you’re concerned. She’s seen you in just about every situation. She knows too much for you to pull the Dalton Gentry wool over her eyes.” Beau grinned at the pretend injured look Dalton tossed him.
Jesse looked on wondering how long Lacey was going to be able to keep her emotional wall in place where Dalton was concerned. She knew Beau and certainly Dalton had no clue, but she roomed with the girl. She watched Lacey watch Dalton when she thought no one was looking. Jesse longed for the day when someone looked at her like that…like she was their reason for existing. Dalton was a bonehead.
“Wonder what cuties we’ll get to meet tonight? We’re heading to Beale afterwards, right?” Dalton looked for confirmation from the group.
“Yeah. I want to head to the Blues club my friend Tony told me about. It’s supposed to have awesome music. They have different acts playing throughout the week he said.” Beau loved music period. He was always looking for new inspiration.
A knock at the door signalled the arrival of the back-stage pass guests. The show wasn’t over until the group was groped by eager fans. One thing that always tugged at Lacey’s heart was the special guests from the Children’s Hospital. The band sponsored Wish On A Song, a charity foundation supporting terminally ill children. It broke her heart to see so many sick kids, but the few moments of joy they received by spending time with Peach Logic was priceless.
Even though Lacey wasn’t required to, she helped usher fans in and out of the greeting area. She was talking to a young girl and her mother as a busty young thing clad in daisy duke jean short and a tank top that barely covered her large breasts squealed as she practically bounced into the room.
She proceeded to wrap her arms around Dalton and lay a kiss on him before he could stop her. Lacey wasn’t certain he would have stopped her. In fact, the wide grin on his face as the woman let go of her grip on his lips told Lacey he didn’t mind at all. Something tightened in Lacey’s chest as she looked away.
Excusing herself, she self-consciously wrapped her arms around herself protectively. She headed back to the tour bus to collect her belonging and wait for the group to return so they could head to the hotel for the night.
Telling herself he wasn’t worth the mental energy she was wasting thinking about it, Lacey forced the image of the woman grappling Dalton from her mind. More and more she was beginning to wonder if it was time for a change.
She was closing the zipper on her overnight bag when she heard the band return.
“Hey Lacey. There you are. Wondered where you went.” Lacey was surprised Dalton would even notice she was gone.
“Why? Did you need something?” she asked him. Even to her own ears she sounded snarky.
He looked at her questioningly. “Someone wrong?”
Lacey realized she had an audience with Beau, Jesse and Gabe standing behind Dalton.
“No, I was just tired and came back to get our bags ready to go to the hotel. The car should be waiting outside. Is everyone ready to go?”
“You betcha! Beale Street awaits.” Dalton grabbed his bag and the rest followed suit. They piled in the limousine and headed to the 5-star hotel on the river.
Lacey took care of the hotel registration while the group waited in the limo at the back entrance. They met her at the elevators to head to their rooms. She and Jesse always shared while Gabe and Beau shared and Dalton went solo. Lord only knew who would end up back in his room tonight. Don’t even go there, Lacey mentally reprimanded herself.
The suites were gorgeous with their plush carpet to sink your weary toes into and a bathroom that Lacey could live in.
Setting her toiletry supplies on the bathroom counter, Jesse interrupted her thoughts of a warm bubble bath.
“Lacey, I know you could use a night out. Go with us.”
“I don’t think so, Jess. You know that’s not my thing. You guys go ahead.”
Jesse wasn’t taking no for an answer. “You know he’ll never wake up if you don’t give him a reason too.”
Well hell! You might as well have thrown a bucket of water in her face.
“What…she sputtered…are you talking about, Jess?”
“I see how you look at him, Lace. I’m not blind. He’s the blockhead. You’re a beautiful vibrant woman that any man would be lucky to have. You just need to take his blinders off. And believe me, there isn’t anything a man wants more than something he thinks he can’t have. That isn’t going to happen with you hiding in a hotel room or a tour bus.”
Lacey was taken aback. ‘How long have you known?”
“How long have you worked for us?”
Jesse had known all along. Oh my God! She was so embarrassed. Lacey sat down on the toilet seat completely mortified. “Does anyone else know?”
“No, honey, but I’m the only other female around. Come on. Let me give you the Jesse Alston makeover tonight. Let’s go walking in Memphis, sugar. I promise I’m not the only Georgia Peach they are going to notice tonight.
Lacey couldn’t believe she had let Jesse talk her into this, but as she looked back at herself in the bathroom mirror, she almost didn’t recognize the woman looking back at her.
Jesse had done her make-up and hair. Her curls shined in the light with one side clipped back with a diamond-studded butterfly. Normally mascara and a little blush was the norm for Lacey. Tonight, she had been transformed. The short denim skirt, sequined tank top and pink cowboy boots hugged her shapely form and highlighted her not-so-small breasts.
“Jesse, where did you get a magic wand? I look beautiful.” Lacey was in awe of her transformation.
Grinning at the results, Jesse hugged her friend. “You’ve always been beautiful, Lace. You’re just used to standing in the background where people tend to overlook you. It’s okay to stand out and shake things up. I have a feeling someone is in for a big surprise.”
Lacey couldn’t help but feel a little bit giddy at the thought of Dalton finally noticing her, but even if he did, what did it matter? He was a playboy, and she wasn’t looking for a one-night stand. Tonight, she was going out for herself. She deserved to have some fun too.
Jesse’s cell phone rang. She pulled it out of her back pocket. “We’re coming down now.”
Dalton looked at his phone. “We?” he asked, but Jesse had already disconnected the call.
“She said they’re coming, but she couldn’t have meant Lacey too. She never goes out.”
“First time for everything, Bro.” Beau replied.
Both Dalton and Beau turned toward Gabe’s gaze as he let out a low whistle of appreciation.
“What are you whistl…” Dalton stopped shocked at not what he saw but who he saw sauntering toward them. “What the hell?” he proceeded to punch Gabe in the arm none to gently. “Stop looking at her like that!”
Gabe’s grin was full of mischief. “What? A guy can look, can’t he? She’s available. I’m available. What’s the problem?” Oh, this was going to be a fun night after all, thought Gabe. Seeing Dalton unravel at the seams would be worth the lack of sleep.
“Close your mouth, D. You’ll attract flies.” Jesse greeted the other men. “Gang’s all here. Let’s hit the streets.” She turned to lead them toward the back exist where their car waited. Gabe caught up to Lacey.
“Glad to see you decided to join us. Save a dance for me. You look beautiful by the way.”
Lacey blushed. She wasn’t used to those kinds of compliments. ‘Thanks, Gabe.”
They piled into the car and headed for Coyote Ugly. Three clubs and several drinks later, Dalton’s mood was far from jovial. He was downright thorny. Even the ladies weren’t capturing his attention to the point that Gabe and Beau noticed.
“Dude, are you sick or something? You haven’t had your hands on one female tonight? What has brought on this brood of a mood?”
“Nothing man. I’m just tired. I’ve had enough whenever you guys are ready.”
Gabe and Beau exchanged smirks. Since when did Dalton Gentry want to go to bed alone?
They followed his glare across the room to the dance floor where Jesse and Lacey were both dancing with a couple of wannabe cowboys. The fast-paced music changed to a sultry slow song. The man dancing with Lacey pulled her in close, his arms wrapping her tightly to him.
Dalton sat up straighter in his chair. Beau thought steam was going to start coming out of his ears any minute. It’s was quite comical. He was pretty sure Lacey had awakened a sleeping bear. He was a little concerned with how this was going to play out.
‘Do you see that sleaze ball with his hands all over her?” Dalton grunted.
“Jesse knows how to take care of herself.” Beau replied, knowing full well he wasn’t talking about Jesse.
Gabe smirked over his drink.
“Not Jesse, you idiot. Look at Lacey. Why the hell is she letting that guy touch her like that?”
“Like what? They’re dancing.” Beau enjoyed watching Dalton squirm in his seat. Man, this was a first.
“If you aren’t going to do anything about it, I will.”
Gabe and Beau exchanged surprised glances as they watched Dalton unwind from the barstool and practically stalk onto the dance floor. He stopped directly behind the guy dancing with Lacey.
“Mind if I cut in?”
Startled, Lacey looked up to find Dalton standing on the dance floor. She had been so engrossed in the music that she hadn’t seen him come up. Jeff, the man she’d been dancing with had stopped and been about to refuse when recognition crossed his face.
“Sure thing, man. Hey, I love your music.” That was that. Jeff handed Lacey off to Dalton as Lacey watched him go over to a table of guys and point their way.
Lacey stood there uncertain of what to do. She’d never gone out with the group before tonight and certainly never danced with Dalton. What if she made a fool of herself with his arms wrapped around her like she’d dreamed about? Get a grip, you idiot. It doesn’t mean anything, she told herself. So why was he asking her to dance?
“What’s up, Dalton?” she prompted as he continued to stare down at her. She couldn’t quite read the expression on his face. Was he irritated with her? If so, what for?
“Can’t a guy ask a friend to dance?” He held out his hand to her, his palm turned upwards. Heat suffused her hand and travelled throughout her entire body when they made contact. She felt herself blush. Thank God, the lights were dim.
He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in just a breath away from making contact. She could feel his breath against her hair.
“So, what made you come out tonight? You never have before.” Dalton had been wondering that all night.
She couldn’t tell him the real reason she never came out with them was because she didn’t want to be subjected to watching him with other women. It was becoming harder and harder to stomach.
“Jess thought I was due for some playtime outside of working. It was her idea. Not mine, but I’m glad I did come. It’s been a nice break, and what girl doesn’t like to dance?”
Her hair smelled like fruit. Why had he never noticed that before as much time as they spent together? It was very appealing. They had somehow drifted closer. Only natural when dancing together, the friction of their thighs brushing against each other started a slow stirring low in his belly.
Unconsciously he tightened his hold as his head rested against the top of hers, their bodies swaying perfectly in tune to the music. When the song ended there was a brief pause before Dalton lifted his head. He looked down at Lacey as if seeing her for the first time and took a sudden step back. A frown marred his handsome face as he tipped his head and said a brisk, “Thanks for the dance.” Then he was gone.
Lacey was at a loss as she watched his backside saunter away. The butterflies in her stomach had colonized and exploded. She looked over at Jesse who had clearly witnessed the moment and received a sympathetic smile. They’d talk about it later she was certain.
Once back at the hotel Dalton lay in bed alone staring up at the ceiling. What the hell was the matter with him? His thoughts raged. He’d had a hard-on for his best friend’s sister. Little Lacey. She had looked sexy as sin tonight, and he’d wanted her. The stiffness between his legs had been proof of that. He’d felt like a paedophile when the dance had finished, and he had looked down into her trusting eyes.
It had to be the rush from the concert tonight. That was it. There was no way he would ever cross that line with Lacey. She was like his sister. Matt, her brother would kill him. He trusted Dalton to watch out for her on the road, not want to get into her pants. It was just a crazy reaction. It didn’t mean anything, and nothing had happened.
Then why can’t you stop thinking about her body pressed up against yours, his dumb ass conscience kept whispering. Punching his pillow, he rolled over in his bed, huffing as he readjusted his blankets trying to shut down his own thoughts for the night.