––––––––

“You made it.” Colton smiles when he sees me approaching.

“I did. Though given the amount of turbulence we experienced, I wasn’t sure I was going to,” I admit, my nerves shot after what was probably one of the worst flights of my life.

I’m not a huge flier to begin with. It’s something I don’t do often and today was proof of why. If the turbulence and the fact that I had convinced myself we were going to crash wasn’t enough, I also happened to be sandwiched in the middle seat between a man who did not believe in deodorant and a woman who talked to herself almost the entire time.

“Welcome to Texas,” he announces and only then do I remember that this is his and Hudson’s home state.

“Thank you.”

“Here, let me get that for you.” Colton slides my duffel bag off my shoulder and slings it over his own. “Come on, I parked in temporary parking. We should probably get our asses outside before they tow me.” He chuckles, leading me through the airport to the double doors that exit to the outside.

“So, is personal chauffeur in your job description now too?” I tease when he opens the door to a shiny blue pickup truck and gestures for me to climb in.

“Hudson’s bitch,” he announces, climbing into the driver’s seat next to me. “Gonna have that shit tattooed on my forehead I think.” He laughs, firing the engine to life before shifting into gear.

“Thanks for picking me up, Colton,” I say as he speeds out onto the street.

“One of the better parts of my job.” He throws me a lopsided smile before turning his gaze back to the road.

“What is it you do exactly? I mean, besides being the bitch.” I giggle.

“Well, back in the day I considered myself more management material. But when Hudson got signed the label insisted on assigning him a manager of their choosing.”

“Jerry,” I confirm.

“Jerry.” He nods. “Hudson wanted to keep me around. I think he liked knowing there would be someone on his team that would always look out for his best interests. I mean, he’s been my best friend since birth. Someone’s gotta be around to take care of his ass. So when he signed, part of his deal was that I was given an official position on his team. Hence, Hudson’s bitch. Though the label refers to me as something a little more dignified.”

“He’s lucky to have you.” I settle back into my seat, finally starting to relax a little.

“Damn straight he is.” He looks my way briefly, humor tugging at the features of his handsome face.

I don’t know why I never noticed, or maybe I did and was just too blinded by Hudson to really see, but Colton is really quite good looking. Strong jaw, soulful gray eyes, the smallest amount of scruff running down his neck. He really is pretty easy on the eyes. Especially wearing ripped jeans, Converse, and an old vintage Johnny Cash shirt. If there wasn’t a Hudson I could totally see myself being interested in someone like Colton. Though I didn’t feel that way the first time I met him.

I know he and Emma hit it off instantly that night, though she seemed convinced he was a player. I wasn’t so sure back then, but now, sitting here looking at him, it’s clear he definitely has that vibe. There’s just something about him that screams playboy.

“So what’s the game plan?” I ask after several bouts of silence stretch between us.

“Hudson has a radio appearance and two magazine interviews that will likely back him up pretty close to show time.” He glances to the clock on the dash that reads just after five.

“And what time does the show start?” I ask.

“Opening band goes on at seven. Hudson will be on right around eight-thirty. His set will last about an hour.”

“And his parents?” I question, a nervous knot forming in the pit of my stomach.

“They are going to be in the stands so you probably won’t meet them until after the show.”

“And where will I be?” I question.

“Backstage with me.” He grins. “Hudson wanted to look over and see you there, not spend the whole night searching for you in the crowd.”

“That’s kind of sweet,” I say more to myself than to Colton, trying to hide the ridiculous smile that threatens to take over my whole face.

“Jesus, you two...” Colton seems to pick up on my reaction despite my attempt to play it cool.

“Pardon?” I turn in his direction.

“Y’all are fucking nauseating.” He shakes his head, biting back a smile. 

“How so?” I shift in my seat so I can see him better, adjusting my seat belt as I do.

“It’s nothing.” He shakes his head.

“Well you said something so clearly it’s not nothing.”

“I never thought I’d see the day when my lifelong best friend would have his balls completely twisted by a girl. And I sure as shit didn’t expect to be sitting next to said girl watching her go all starry eyed over something he said.”

“You say it like it’s a bad thing.”

“Not a bad thing. Hudson’s family. My brother. Blood or not. The only thing I want is for him to be happy. I just didn’t think he’d be such a pussy when the right girl finally came along.”

“You think I’m the right girl?” I blurt out.

“Hudson does. That’s what matters.”

“But what do you think?” I ask, getting the feeling he’s holding back on me.

“Look, I don’t know you that well, so it’s hard for me to say one way or another. What I do know is that Hudson’s got it bad over you. I just hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hudson doesn’t live the average lifestyle. He travels a lot, is around countless women all vying for his attention. He doesn’t have room in his life for someone who can’t handle that. And he’s really into you, Lennon. I worry that once you see what life with him will really be like, you’re going to bolt and I don’t want to see him get hurt because you can’t stand being under the spotlight with him.”  

“I’m not going to hurt him, Colton. If anything, he’ll hurt me. I’m in this. One hundred and ten percent. The only way I won’t be is if he doesn’t want me here.”

“That’s good to hear.” He visibly relaxes. “You hungry? We’ve got a little time to kill before the show.”

“I could eat.” I straighten in my seat as Colton turns into the busy parking lot of what appears to be a bar and grill.

“Come on. Now that we’ve got the heavy out of the way, let’s go grab a drink and a burger as big as your head.” He parks, killing the engine.

“Big as my head?” I question, laughter in my voice.

“You think I’m joking.” He winks, hopping out of the truck.

—-

It’s nearly eight o’clock by the time Colton and I arrive at the stadium where the concert is taking place. As anxious as I was to get here, I knew Hudson was busy and I wouldn’t get to see him until later, so I enjoyed my time with Colton.

After our little talk in the truck things seemed to shift and he was much more relaxed with me. As we ate our burgers, which quite literally were nearly the size of my head, and had a couple drinks, the conversation was easy and I found myself laughing through most of it.

I understand now why Colton and Hudson are so close. They really are similar in a lot of ways. It almost makes me sad that he and Emma didn’t work out. Not that I don’t love Robert, I do, but growing up we always dreamed we’d end up marrying brothers, or at the very least best friends. We’d all be super close and our children would grow up to be best friends as well.

It’s silly when you think about it. Things have a way of working out the way they’re supposed to in the end. I doubt Emma could have found what she found with Robert with anyone else. Those two are a match made in heaven.

“Here, you’ll need this,” Colton says after parking the truck in the private back lot of the arena.

I look up to see his hand extended, a laminated pass hanging from the lanyard dangling from his finger.

“Thanks,” I say, quickly sliding it over my head, looking down at the way the bright lettering stands out against my dark shirt.

After we ate, Colton took me to the hotel where I’ll be staying with Hudson for the next two nights. I was able to drop my bag off and freshen up before changing into a swoop neck, sleeveless black top, dark skinny jeans, and casual black heels.

After the way I was sweating on the plane it was a relief to have some time to put myself together. Though Colton only gave me ten minutes to change, brush my teeth, and apply a quick, light layer of mascara and gloss before he was dragging me back out of the room.

“We’ll go through two rounds of security before they let us into the back. Hudson should be there so you might get to see lover boy before he hits the stage.” He follows it up with a dramatic kissing noise.

“You are too much.” I laugh, not waiting for him as I open the door and quickly slide out of the vehicle.

Colton leads me to a locked back door guarded by two large individuals who inspect our passes quite thoroughly before letting us inside. We go down a long hall, to the right, and down another hall before we reach another security area. The two guards working this station must be with the tour because they take one look at Colton and wave us through.

Hudson’s dressing room is the last one on the left, sitting directly across from the door that reads Travis Travers, printed on a large white piece of paper.

“What do you think would happen if I knocked on his door right now?” I ask Colton in a way of a joke, pointing to Travis’ room.

“He’s a cool enough dude. Though I think if Hud found out you knocked on Travis’ door before his, he might be a little salty.”

“You think so?” I scrunch my nose, having a hard time envisioning Hudson jealous.

“Oh I know so.” He shakes his head before reaching up and wrapping on Hudson’s door.

“Yeah?” comes from the other side of the door. Listening to Hudson over the phone is nice, but in person is the absolute best.

“It’s me,” Colton says seconds before pushing the door open and ushering me inside.

My eyes connect with Hudson who’s lounging on a couch along the back wall, his phone in his hand like he was in the middle of texting or calling someone.

He drops the device the instant he sees me and springs to his feet.

“About fucking time,” he grumbles, wrapping his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. “I was just about to message you.”

“We didn’t know how long your interview would run so I took Lennon for a bite to eat and to the hotel to change,” Colton explains.

“Trying to move in on my girl?” Hudson says over my head, looking at his best friend.

“Just seeing that she’s taken care of.” He chuckles. “I’ll be outside waiting when you’re ready for me to take her to the stage.” Seconds later the door latches closed. Hudson’s hands move to my shoulders, guiding me a few inches backward so he can look down at me.

“My god. I’m gonna be absolute shit tonight.” His eyes scan my face before taking me in all the way to my toes. “No way am I gonna be able to focus knowing you’re just feet from me, looking like this, and it will be hours before I can touch you.”

“You could touch me now if you’d stop talking already.” I smile, wrapping my arms around the back of his neck.

“I’m so happy you’re here.” He brushes my hair over my shoulder before his hand finds my jaw.

“I’m so happy to be here.” I smile. “Now shut up and kiss me.”

“As you wish.” He smirks, his lips meeting mine in an instant.

The kiss is gentle, slow and sweet. And while I love every second of it, I need more.

Tightening my grip on his neck, I press against him, wanting to feel his hard body touching mine all over. It doesn’t take much convincing either. As soon as Hudson realizes I want more, he gives me more.

Backing me into the dressing room door, he kisses me harder, deeper, more urgent, and it’s not long before we’re clawing at each other like two wild animals in heat.

Hudson’s hand skirts up the front of my shirt and right as he starts to toy with the waist band of my jeans, a knock vibrates against my back.

“Fuck.” Hudson freezes, dropping his forehead against mine.

“Five minutes,” a man’s voice calls from the hallway.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck,” Hudson chants under his breath, grinding his hard length into my stomach. “Think we could make five minutes work?” He pulls back and smiles down at me.

“Unlikely.” I sigh, shaking my head. “But don’t worry, I’m all yours later,” I promise, pushing up on my tip toes to kiss the side of his mouth.

“Later can’t come soon enough,” he groans, kissing me again. His tongue does one long seductive sweep against mine before he pulls away.

Reaching into his jeans, I’m practically salivating at the mouth as he adjusts his erection, his dark eyes locked on mine as he does.

My god, this man drips SEX.

“I guess I should go,” I say, swallowing hard. If I don’t leave now I’m likely to jump him. “Have a good show. I’ll be the crazy person screaming from the side of the stage.” I laugh, backing my way toward the door.

“I’ll be the one on stage dreaming about kissing the crazy girl screaming from the side of the stage.” He closes the distance between us in record time, his hand sliding to the side of my head as he dips down to kiss me.

“Just kissing me?” I purr against his lips.

“Oh, I’ll be thinking about a whole hell of a lot more than that. All of which are things I will show you when I have you alone later.”

“I can’t wait.” I peck another kiss to his lips before reaching for the door handle behind me.

I have just gotten the door open and am turning to leave when Hudson’s voice pulls my attention back to him. It’s a muttered phrase, something under his breath that I don’t quite catch.

“Huh?” I question, letting my eyes fully take him in for the first time since arriving. His messy hair, dark eyes, and crooked smile are enough to make any girl weak in the knees.

“I said...” he pauses for a long moment, his gaze holding mine. “I’m lost in you, Lennon Claire.”

My heart instantly takes flight in my chest and I grip the edge of the door, afraid that if I let go I will topple to the ground.

Taking a deep calming breath, I let it out slowly. The look in his eyes is so intense I’m not sure if I want to run to him or away from him. The way this man makes me feel is terrifying.

Realizing he’s waiting for me to respond, I do the only thing I know to do. I speak from my heart.

“I’m lost in you, Hudson Demasi,” I repeat his statement, enjoying the brilliant smile that takes over his entire face for a brief moment before turning and quickly exiting the room.