In her hotel room, Marty gave herself one last inspection in the mirror. She still couldn't believe the image she saw was her own reflected self. She didn't even look like the old Marty. Gone were the blue jeans, the paint-spattered sneakers. Gone were the ponytail and the makeup free skin.

Staring back at her was a woman who actually looked beautiful. Her red-gold curls were swirled loosely on top of her head, a pair of chandelier earrings swaying against her neck. The turquoise dress she wore was the exact shade of her eyes and hugged her figure enticingly. Her feet were encased in silver stiletto sandals, adding length and curve to her leg.

Who was that elegant woman staring back at her? Surely it wasn't Marty Donahue, daughter of a drug addict and a waitress.

Marty and Jake had come to the city early that morning. She'd spent the day getting her hair done and even took time for a mani-pedi. Jake was busy taking care of all the last minute details concerning the concert, but Marty had the afternoon to herself and she made the most of it.

After coming back from the beauty salon, Marty soaked in a long, hot bubble bath then took her time doing her makeup and getting dressed. Jake had booked them into a two-bedroom suite in one of the best hotels in Nashville, and she lavished in the luxuries provided.

She'd take a trip into Nashville earlier this week and found her dress, shoes, and accessories, all purchased courtesy of Jake's credit card. She'd tried to avoid letting him pay for her outfit but he insisted. She'd gone into town with his gold card in hand and found the picture-perfect dress. She still cringed at the thought of how much it cost, but it was worth it. It fit her to perfection.

She felt like Cinderella and the ball was just about to begin. The only difference was she wouldn't be running away when the clock struck twelve.

She drew a deep breath and picked up the small evening bag that held her ID, a lipstick, a compact, and a tiny bottle of the most delicious perfume she had ever smelled.

It was time to go.

Marty opened the door and stepped into the living room. Jake was there, standing with his back turned to her staring out the wall of windows. He hadn't heard her enter so she took a moment to drink in the sight of him.

His shiny cat black hair hid the collar of his crisp white shirt. The black tux fit his physique to perfection, hugging his broad shoulders and outlining his muscular back and trim waist. His long, lean legs were defined by beautiful black fabric and ended at his boot-clad feet.

And then, as though sensing her presence, he turned and faced her.

The look on his face seared itself into Marty's memory. His gaze swept over her, drinking in her appearance, an expression of awe covering his face. He slowly moved forward and took her in his arms.

"You look amazing," he said, his voice soft and low.

"You look pretty amazing yourself."

"Looking at you makes me wish we didn't have to go out."

"I know the feeling. But you've worked so hard to put all this together, we wouldn't dare miss it."

He gave her lips a slow, regretful kiss. "Alas, you're right. Are you ready to go, Princess? Your chariot awaits."

 

Marty felt like she'd walked out of reality into a fantasy. A sleek stretch limo picked them up at the door of the hotel and whisked them away to a magnificent old theater. She walked the red carpet with Jake at her side, clinging to his arm for confidence. She tried to keep her mouth from gaping open as they shared space with other big-name celebrities. Not just musicians, either. There were several record producers, movies stars with connections to Nashville, a famous author, and other beautiful people.

She was seated in the front row, and when Jake wasn't on stage he sat next to her, often taking her hand and holding it in his. His band members and their wives were all in attendance and welcomed her warmly. Their wholehearted friendliness made her feel at ease, welcome. She'd thought she might be an outsider, but she was surprised how comfortable she felt.

Another surprise was how well she hit it off with Callie Conaway, a superstar who was also performing that night. She was seated on the other side of Marty and turned out to be funny and quirky and completely delighted her.

The only bad moment was when she ran into Legend Hayes in the hallway. She'd slipped out to go to the bathroom before the show started and boom! She ran right into him.

The musician gave her the eye, running his gaze up and down her figure. She automatically stepped back, gave a curt nod, and headed on her way. She felt his gaze on her until she turned the corner.

But the truly magical moments happened when Jake was performing. Somehow it felt like he was singing just to her, his eyes burning into her very soul. God, how had he come to be so important to her, so treasured? She felt swept off her feet, overwhelmed by emotion. When he spoke into the camera and made his plea for donations, her throat swelled as she sensed his sincerity. She'd been so wrong to think that all musicians were alike. This man was as different from her father as country music was from opera.

When the show was over a group of them went back to Callie's home on the outskirts of Nashville and indulged in a midnight feast with champagne. They already knew the benefit had been a tremendous success. The show was sold out and donations had come pouring in.

At last, the time had come to say good night to the others. She and Jake walked to their car in silence, Jake's hand at the small of her back. The driver saw them coming and hopped out of the car and opened the back door for them, and they slid into the luxurious interior.

Marty knew what was coming. She was excited, but she was also scared. It had been a long time since she'd had sex…and somehow she knew tonight was going to be so much more. Tonight wouldn't be about sex…it would be about making love. She'd never really done that before. Most of her sexual adventures had been brief encounters with men she met along the way.

Tonight would be different. This wasn't someone she was using just to ward away the loneliness. She knew he wasn't someone who was just passing through her life; even when they parted she would be carrying a piece of him with her. Jake Stryker was not a man who would be forgotten.

 

By the time they arrived back at the hotel, Marty's knees were shaking. She had trouble catching her breath, almost hyperventilating in the elevator. She knew as soon as they entered their suite she would be at the point of no return.

Jake seemed to sense her feelings. He unlocked the door and let her pass in front of him before turning and placing the Do Not Disturb sign on the door, but he made no move towards her. Instead, he walked to the bar and asked if she wanted a drink.

Marty nodded gratefully. Her throat was suddenly dry.

She accepted the glass from him and turned to stare out the window, walking over to look at the view.

"It's a beautiful night. Why don't we go out on the balcony and enjoy it?"

She nodded shyly and followed him outside. The city of Nashville spread before them, sparkling like a blanket of diamonds covering the ground. She breathed in the nighttime air, sucking in her first deep breath in the last half hour.

"So beautiful," she breathed.

"Yes." His voice came next to her ear. "I think so."

Marty turned and found Jake standing close by her, his eyes fastened on her face. She got caught up in their depths, feeling like she was sucked into a vortex.

"Marty." His hand raised and played across her throat. "You are so special."

And then his lips captured hers and she felt herself melt against him.

Marty was lost. His kiss sent shivers down her spine, his hand trailing along the outline of her off-the-shoulder neckline. His fingers felt like velvet as they traced a path across her upper arm, then slid back over her cleavage. Her knees felt weak and she wrapped her arms around his neck for support. She wasn't sure she could stand on her own.