Release week wasn't as bad as I anticipated. The record store appearance was cool. We got to play acoustic and it just gave a fresh spin to the tunes. A lunch time slot also helped sell a lot of units, which we graciously autographed for the customers.

I was signing away, not really paying attention to the woman requesting my signature. A familiar voice snapped me out of my daze, "Could you write something special for me?" she said handing me the CD.

Looking up, I smiled at Alicia. "You don't have to buy a CD," I told her.

"Yes, I do!"

With my Sharpie pen at the ready, I said, "What would you like me to write."

"To my super sexy wife Alicia," she replied.

"Super sexy, huh?" I grinned. Scribbling away, I inscribed the disc and then handed it back to her.

Alicia opened the CD case and silently read To my deliciously fuckable wife with all my love, Hunter. Leaning over the table, she whispered in my ear. "Most definitely later tonight. Love you, babe."

"Love you, too," I replied before kissing her goodbye. "I'll be getting in late."

"Just have fun. I'll see you when you get home."

* * *

It was after midnight when I finally arrived back to the flat from the special gig Butler had arranged for industry insiders and the press. It was so exclusive, I couldn't get a ticket for Alicia. I wasn't happy, but Tia reminded me I'd be so wrapped up in the promotion that I wouldn't get to spend time with Alicia anyway.

After taking a shower to wash away the day's sweat and grime, I crawled into bed. Alicia was sleeping on her side, so I curled around her back and spooned her. Her small sigh let me know she was awake.

Turning onto her back, she asked, "How was your day?"

"Not bad," I had to admit. Staying in Auckland today to do the promo did make life a little easier for me.

"And the gig?"

"The club was small. There were about one hundred VIPs attending. After the show, we did a Q&A session. It went well since the four of us have been together so long, we could banter and finish each other's sentences. I think the crowd went away feeling we were an authentic band who truly enjoying making music together. At least Butler was happy."

"That's a plus," Alicia chimed in.

"You have no idea," I muttered. When Butler was happy, he wasn't being a dick, which meant I didn't have the urge to punch him.

My wife pulled me closer to kiss me. That's all I need to get lost in her scent, the warmth of her skin and the desire in her lips.

* * *

Butler kept us busy that week with appearance and interviews. It went too quickly. I wasn't ready to head back out on the road again and be away from Alicia. Once again she was helping me pack a few bags, instructing me on stage outfits. She was so excited.

"I wish I could go on the road with you. Who's going to do your laundry?" she asked staring at the two duffle bags on the floor.

Laughing, I wrapped my arms around her. "You're worried about laundry? I could have women coming on to me every which way and you are worried about my clothes."

"It gets hot on stage. You get very sweaty. You can't very well keep wearing the same clothes. You'll reek," she explained as her nose wrinkled at the thought. "On second thought, that would certainly keep the groupies away from you."

"You are amazing," I told her before leaning in to kiss her lips. "I'm in awe of your positive attitude and strength. Most women would be jealous, not you. You are one in a million."

"I have no reason to doubt you, Hunter. We belong to each other. Nothing can come between us."

I wanted nothing more than to take her to bed and spend the rest of the day making love to Alicia, but I couldn't do that. The tour bus was out back getting loaded with our gear. It was time to leave my wife again. The rate I was going, I would end up spending more time away from her than with her during the first year of our marriage. It sucked, but I signed a contract and made a commitment to the band. Luckily Alicia was the most understanding and supportive partner a man could have. That still didn't make leaving any easier.

"Do you have the tour schedule?"

"Yep, posted on the refrigerator."

"And you're coming to see the gig Friday night?"

"Yep, driving up after work," she confirmed.

"And you…"

My thought was interrupted by Tia knocking on the back door. "Hunter, come on, we're ready to hit the road."

Alicia kissed me one last time. Gently smoothing over my shirt with the palms of her hands, she said, "Get a move on."

"I'll take good care of him, Alicia," Tia announced from the other side of the screen door.

"I'm counting on it," Alicia warned.

"Two beautiful women fighting over me," I grinned picking up my bags, "I'm a lucky man."

"You better believe it. Now get your ass out here," Tia barked in command.

Alicia chuckled as she escorted me to the door. We got on the bus and I watched her smile and wave good-bye as we pulled away.