As promised, Corbin arrived at Jolie’s house late that night. They talked until the wee hours—weighing the pros and cons of signing the contract—until they both fell asleep around dawn. After his drive and their long conversation, neither of them had been in the mood to do anything besides sleep.
But the sun was shining, and today was a new day.
After a particularly vivid dream, Corbin awoke to find Jolie straddling him in bed, wearing nothing more than a thin tank top and a pair of boy shorts.
“Good morning,” she whispered against his lips.
He didn’t get the chance to say it back before she kissed him hungrily. With a groan, he grabbed her hips as she shifted against him. Jolie took his moan as encouragement, and within seconds, she was on her back, and Corbin was kissing her with an intensity that surprised and thrilled them both. He’d always been so careful . . . so hesitant with her, but this morning’s kisses were different. They were filled with desperation and hunger and a longing that was sweet and sad all at the same time, because they knew their lives were about to change.
The details had to be finalized, and the lawyer still needed to give his approval, but in the wee hours of the morning, Corbin and Jolie had made their decision.
But they’d deal with that later.
For today, they could give each other this.
It was only when their kisses had slowed, and their breathing returned to normal, that they finally heard the pounding on Jolie’s front door.
With a groan, Jolie glanced at her bedside clock.
“Seriously? It’s seven o’clock!”
Corbin chuckled as she jumped out of bed and found a pair of jeans. She raced to the living room door while Corbin laid back and closed his eyes, giving him the chance to catch his breath and calm his body. After a few minutes, he got dressed and headed for the living room, but then he heard Jolie’s sweet laugh echo from the kitchen. Turning the corner, he stopped abruptly when he saw that she wasn’t alone.
Corbin had seen his picture, of course. Jolie had family photos all over her house. Still, there was something about seeing her brother—the sheriff—sitting at the table in his uniform that made Corbin’s blood pressure spike.
The gun on his hip might have had something to do with it, too.
Law enforcement had never been Corbin’s friend, and he doubted this particular policeman would be happy to see some guy waltzing out of his sister’s bedroom.
“Keith brought breakfast,” Jolie said with a grin. “Wasn’t that nice?”
Corbin nodded and offered his hand.
“I’m Corbin James. It’s nice to meet you.”
Keith slowly rose to his feet and scrutinized Corbin’s face before shaking his hand.
“Keith Daniels. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I bet. My background check and rap sheet were probably some interesting reading.
Corbin nervously cleared his throat and sat down at the table. Jolie busied herself by pouring coffee and juice while Keith passed the box of doughnuts to Corbin. Thankfully, Corbin didn’t have to try to make conversation. Jolie and her brother talked nonstop about everything from the weather to the price of gas. It was obvious to Corbin that the two of them were close, and if he had any chance with Jolie, he’d have to get along with the sheriff.
Jolie finished her juice. “Well, boys, this was great, but I have to get showered and get to the bookstore.”
Keith turned to Corbin. “Are you working today?”
“Not until this afternoon.”
“Good. Then you won’t mind spending the morning with us.”
“Us?”
“Me and Dad.”
Jolie sighed. “Keith . . . don’t be a jerk.”
“Not being a jerk. I’d just like to get to know this guy you’re so crazy about. It’s a brother’s prerogative. I bet Corbin understands that.”
Corbin thought about his own sister and nodded. He did understand. Didn’t mean he had to like it, but he understood it.
Jolie reached for Corbin’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
“You don’t have to do this.”
He smiled. “I want to.”
“Good, then it’s settled,” Keith said, rising to his feet and kissing his sister’s cheek. “I’ll drive. Meet you out front?”
Corbin nodded. “Be right there.”
Jolie and Corbin stood up from the table.
“I’m really sorry about this,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.
“I’m not. I want to meet your dad. Family’s important.”
“They are, but . . . they’re just being overprotective. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“That’s what brothers and dads are supposed to do.”
Jolie sighed adorably.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll see you this afternoon. And don’t forget. Dinner with my family tonight.”
Corbin kissed her gently before grabbing his phone and wallet and heading outside. True to his word, Keith was waiting in the front seat of his car.
His patrol car.
Corbin chuckled as he climbed inside and shut the door.
“This is new. I’ve never ridden in the front of one of these.”
Keith smirked as he pulled out of the driveway.
“Not very subtle, am I?”
“No, but it’s to be expected,” Corbin said with a shrug. “I know I’m probably the last guy you’d pick for your sister.”
“True, but that doesn’t really have anything to do with you. There’s not a man on this planet good enough for her.”
Corbin nodded. He couldn’t agree more.
“But I’m the least of your worries. Dad’s the one you have to impress.”
He figured as much. “Any advice on how to do that?”
“Be honest with her. Be good to her. Be worthy of her.”
“That last one’s gonna be tough. I’ll never be worthy.”
“The fact that you realize that means you probably already are.”
I can only hope.
With a sigh, Corbin leaned his head back against the seat as Keith continued to drive.
Thomas Daniels was waiting on the front porch when they arrived.
“Picked him up in the patrol car? Nice touch, son.”
Keith smirked. “I thought so, too.”
Corbin didn’t know whether to laugh or puke. Both men were grinning, so he chuckled nervously and offered his hand to Jolie’s father.
“It’s nice to meet you, sir.”
“Call me Thomas.”
Keith slapped his dad on the shoulder. “Well, I’m off to the station. You two behave yourselves.”
Corbin was surprised the sheriff wouldn’t be joining in on the interrogation, but he thanked him for the ride and walked up the steps. He spotted a guitar resting in the porch swing.
“You play?” Corbin asked as he sat down in one of the chairs.
“Not as well as you do.”
Without another word, Thomas strummed the guitar. Corbin didn’t recognize the song, but that didn’t matter. It was soft and relaxing, and he immediately felt at ease.
“My daughter loves you,” Thomas said quietly.
Corbin didn’t know what to say, but he couldn’t hide how happy the thought made him.
“And that smile tells me you love her, too. That’d be proof enough for me, but I have some additional information that pretty much solidifies it.”
“What proof’s that?”
“I had a long talk with your parents yesterday. They told me about the recording contract and what you want to do with the money. That’s really something, Corbin. I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything, sir.”
“It’s Thomas. And yes, I do. What you’re doing for Jolie . . .”
“It’s not just for her. It’s for me, too.”
“Still. I know you probably wouldn’t even consider it if it wasn’t for the fact that she’s losing her bookstore. I want you to know I appreciate it.”
Corbin nodded.
“I can’t lie, though. The fact that the famous bad boy musician is in love with my daughter is something that worries me.”
“I understand. I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories.”
“I have. How much is truth and how much is gossip is anyone’s guess. Your past is none of my business, Corbin. But what you do now . . . that’s very much my concern.” Thomas sighed deeply. “No one knows better than I do that there are few guarantees in life. We pay taxes and we die. That’s pretty much all we can bank on. But, in order to sleep at night, I need to know what you’re thinking when it comes to Jolie. I know it’s not fair to ask your intentions so soon, but I guess that’s what I’m doing. You’re going on tour. I need to know if you plan on coming back.”
Corbin chose his words carefully.
“You have no idea how much it’s killing me to leave her. And truthfully, if it wasn’t for the fact that she’d lose the store, I would probably try to find another way to do the things I want to do. But this is the quickest solution. I’ve been very honest with the label. Three months on the road and then I’m home.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Thomas nodded. “Speaking of the things you want to do, your dad said you’re interested in some land out on Echo Point?”
“I am. Eight acres for sale right along the river. I want to build a house there.”
“Why haven’t you contacted the owner?”
How does he know I haven’t?
Corbin shrugged. “I figured there wasn’t a reason to call the realtor until I had the down payment.”
“There’s no realtor. They like to increase the asking price to cover their commission. I like to cut out the middle man and sell my properties myself.”
Corbin eyes widened. “That land is yours?”
Thomas chuckled. “It’s funny how things work out, isn’t it?”
Corbin couldn’t believe it. What were the odds?
“It’s a beautiful piece of property,” he said.
“You want to live there? With my daughter?”
“Someday. If she’ll have me.”
“Then I’m afraid I can’t let you buy it.”
Corbin closed his eyes as misery flooded him.
“But I’d give it to you. And to her.”
Corbin blinked rapidly. Did he just say he’d give him the land?
“Sir . . . I mean, Thomas . . . that’s so generous, but I can’t let you do that.”
“Why not?”
“Because I want to earn it. I want to deserve it.”
Thomas leaned back in the swing and stared at Corbin for a long time before finally nodding.
“I respect that, Corbin. I really do. But there’s something you have to understand. Jolie is my daughter. She won’t let me help her with the bookstore. Absolutely refuses. But she’ll let you. I don’t know how you convinced her, but I’m grateful. So, let me do this. Let me give her the one thing I’m capable of giving.”
“I still think it’s too much.”
Thomas shrugged. “I could say the same to you. You’re risking an awful lot by going back out on the road.”
“She’s worth it.”
“Yes, she is.”
That’s when Corbin truly understood what Thomas meant. The land. The tour. They weren’t too much. Nothing was too much for her.
“So, go on your tour,” Thomas said, handing him the guitar. “And when you come back, I’ll sign the deed over to you and Jolie. If she’ll have you.”
“That’s a big if.”
“I don’t believe it’s as big as you think.” Thomas smiled and nodded toward the guitar. “Now that the interrogation’s out of the way, why don’t you play me a song?”
Corbin didn’t know what to say, so he chose the simplest words he could manage.
“Thank you, Thomas.”
“Right back at ya, son. Now play me something.”
Corbin smiled and strummed the strings.
“Dinner was delicious,” Samuel said, wiping his mouth with his napkin. “And Jolie, that cheesecake was incredible.”
“I’m glad you liked it.” Jolie smiled softly.
Pressing a kiss to her temple, Corbin sighed with contentment and thanked his lucky stars that today had been a perfect day. He’d survived meeting Jolie’s family, and tonight, she’d held his hand while he officially announced to his family that he was going back out on the road. Their faces had been a mixture of apprehension and pride, which was understandable considering that’s exactly how Corbin felt, too.
“Dinner was great, but I have got to get out of this chair,” Kellie said with a groan. Ben immediately jumped to his feet to help his pregnant wife maneuver her way to the living room. Full of energy, the twins followed them.
“Jolie, I have to warn you,” Maggie said as she started to clear the table, “the girls are very excited about movie night.”
Samuel laughed. “Hope you like Disney movies.”
“Love them. But we’ll help you with the dishes.”
“Nonsense. You two go spend time with the girls. We’ll be right there.”
Samuel stayed in the kitchen with his wife while Corbin and Jolie headed to the living room. Just as he predicted, The Little Mermaid was already playing on the big screen.
“Sit with us, Jolie!” Faith said.
Corbin chuckled as Jolie headed to the recliner and sat down right in the middle of the twins. He still had trouble telling them apart, but that didn’t matter. The joy on their faces was infectious, and he couldn’t hide his smile as he watched the girls snuggle close to Jolie as they watched the movie.
Walking across the room, Corbin sat down next to Kellie on the sofa and stared, mesmerized, at Jolie and the girls.
That could be your future.
Could he really have that someday? A wife and kids and Disney movies? Five years ago, the thought would have sent him straight to the bottle, but today . . .
“Ben told me, but I didn’t believe him.”
Corbin’s mental musings were interrupted by Kellie’s whisper against his ear. Without taking his eyes off Jolie, he leaned closer to his sister-in-law.
“Didn’t believe what, Kel?”
“That you’re in love with that girl. But you are. You totally are.”
Corbin smiled.
“Come sit on the porch with me?” she asked. “I’m sweating like a pig. Plus, I can recite this movie by heart.”
He chuckled. “Sure. Let me help you up.”
Kellie muttered her thanks as he took her by the hand and helped her off the sofa. On their way to the door, Corbin leaned down and kissed Jolie on the forehead before following Kellie outside. She stood against the porch railing and lifted her face to the sky.
“The breeze is so nice,” she said with a sigh. “I don’t remember being this hot with the twins. This is my last baby. Mark it down.”
“Got it.” Corbin laughed. “Need help getting into the rocking chair.”
“Nah, takes too long to get back up.” Kellie turned in his direction and gave him a sad smile. “I owe you an apology. I wasn’t very welcoming when you came home.”
“I get it, Kel. I really do.”
“No, I need to say this. But first . . . I think I’ve changed my mind about the chair.”
With a grin, Corbin helped her into the rocking chair next to him.
“Thanks,” she said. “Corbin, I didn’t welcome you home, and I’m sorry about that. I honestly didn’t expect you to stay. It was just a defense mechanism. I’ve been here all these years. I’ve seen how much your family misses you and worries about you. I’ve watched your mother cry because she hadn’t heard from you in months and didn’t know whether you were alive or dead. I’ve listened as your dad and my husband defend you to anyone who dared say a bad word about you. I’ve had to promise my girls that Uncle Corbin loves them, even though he never comes home. And I’ve watched Lacey’s heart break every time she came home from school for Thanksgiving or Christmas only to find your empty seat at the dinner table.”
Corbin bowed his head in shame.
“So, when you showed up this time, I didn’t trust it. I didn’t trust you. But what you’ve done . . . and what you’re doing for Jolie . . . it’s incredible, Corbin. I really, truly think you’re going to make it this time. But hear me when I say this. I’ve had to watch your family miss you—painfully, heartbreakingly miss you—year after year.” Her voice broke as tears streamed down her face. “I swear, Corbin, if you don’t come home this time . . .”
Corbin reached for her trembling hand.
“Please don’t cry. It can’t be good for the baby. I know I’ve put everyone through hell. I know I have years of apologies to make and so many things to prove. I’m trying, Kel. I really am.”
She wiped her eyes. “I know you are. I see that you are. I’m just so scared for you.”
It touched his heart, seeing how emotional she was. Corbin and Kellie had never had the best relationship, and that was his fault.
“I’m scared for me, too. I can’t promise I won’t mess up. I’m an addict. I’m always going to have demons to fight. All I can do is try. My dreams have changed. I still love my music, but the road is hell. I want to be home. I bet you never thought you’d hear me say that.”
Kellie grinned. “No, I never did.”
“I want to finish the tour, come home, build a house, and spend time with my family.”
“And Jolie.”
Corbin smiled. “And Jolie.”
“What you’re doing for her bookstore . . . it’s really wonderful.”
“I’m not trying to be wonderful, Kel. I’m just trying to be worthy.”
Corbin didn’t know if it was his words or the pregnancy hormones, but Kellie burst into tears. Within seconds, Ben was on the porch, cradling his wife in his arms.
“What’s wrong?” Ben asked, concern lacing his voice.
Kellie laughed through her tears. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just realizing that your brother isn’t a jerk after all.”
Corbin smiled. It was a backhanded compliment, but he’d take it.
It wasn’t a surprise when, the very next day, Corbin’s lawyer gave him the okay to sign the management contract with Karin Gracin. Corbin was happy to let her contact Callum Records and Ashton Rhodes to work out the specifics with the label. With his manager handling the negotiations, Corbin devoted the rest of the week to his family, and to Jolie, hoping to spend as much time with them as possible. He knew enough about the music business to know that things moved fast once contracts were signed, and Karin had warned him that he could be asked to hit the road at any time.
But he couldn’t leave. Not yet. Not until he took care of one very important thing.
He had to tell Jolie that he loved her.
Corbin was a songwriter, so he knew the importance of words. He’d written love songs for years, not realizing that he really wasn’t an expert on the subject. It was obvious to everyone in their lives that he loved her, but he hadn’t told her. Corbin knew that was a situation he needed to rectify immediately.
Still, he wanted to do it right.
By the time Friday rolled around, he was still trying to formulate a plan when Jolie sent him a text inviting him over for dinner. She’d told him not to bother knocking. Just to use the key under the mat and let himself in.
When Corbin stepped inside the house, he was surprised to find the place quiet and dark. He walked straight to the kitchen, only to find it dark, too.
“Jolie?”
Her voice echoed from her room. “Back here.”
He walked down the hallway and slowly pushed open the bedroom door. Candles flickered from the dresser, illuminating the room in soft light. Corbin heard the faint sound of splashing water coming from her bathroom.
“Could you come in here?” she asked, her voice soft.
Corbin hesitantly walked toward the bathroom, stopping in his tracks when he found her sitting in the tub, surrounded by bubbles. Her long hair was pulled into a messy bun on top of her head, and he was sure he’d never seen anything so beautiful.
“Hi.”
He cleared his throat. “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?”
“No. I’m trying to tempt you.”
“Mission accomplished.”
Jolie grinned. “We’ve had a stressful week. I thought we needed to relax.”
“We?”
“Want to join me?”
It took Corbin a total of ten seconds to rid himself of his clothes and climb into the warm bath. Once he was settled behind her, Jolie snuggled between his legs, pressing her back to his chest as he wrapped her in his arms. With a quiet sigh, Corbin placed a kiss on her bare shoulder.
“Is this okay?” she asked softly.
“You’re naked, wet, and in my arms. Okay isn’t the word I’d use.”
“What word would you use?”
Corbin reached for the soapy loofa and trailed it down her arm.
“Incredible. Amazing.”
“Those are good words,” she whispered.
“Words are important.”
Corbin closed his eyes, overwhelmed by the realization that this was it. The perfect moment. He couldn’t have planned it better if he’d tried.
He pressed a soft kiss against her neck before whispering the most important words of his life.
“I love you, Jolie.”
She gasped softly.
“And I’m not just saying it because we’re naked. It’s very important you understand that.”
Jolie tilted her head in his direction and sweetly smiled.
“I do know that. And I love you, too.”
He leaned down, kissing her gently.
“I’ve tried to tell you all week,” he murmured against her lips.
“Why didn’t you?”
“I just . . . wanted it to be perfect.”
“It would’ve been perfect no matter when or how you told me,” she said softly. “I mean, I know you love me. I see it in your eyes every time you look at me. And what you’re doing for me and my bookstore . . . I’ve never felt more loved in my whole life.”
Suddenly, Jolie untangled herself from his arms and climbed out of the tub. Corbin didn’t even pretend not to watch as she grabbed a towel. It was impossible to keep his eyes off her. Every curve, every sliver of skin was exposed to him, causing his heart to thunder in his chest.
Then, she let her hair fall down her shoulders, and the sight of her standing there—naked and beautiful—took his breath away.
Corbin had no idea how to react.
But his body knew.
And so did his heart.
A second later, Corbin was out of the tub. After drying off, he let his towel pool at his feet before tugging her by the hand and leading her to her bedroom. Without a word, they laid down against the pillows and wrapped themselves in each other’s arms.
“Jolie,” he whispered against her lips. “Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure about anything. I love you. I’ve been waiting for you my whole life, and now you’re here. And I want you. I’ve wanted you for so long that I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want you. And you want me. I know you do.”
To prove her point, Jolie slid her hand down his body, causing him to groan.
“You really are trying to kill me,” he whispered against her lips.
“I’m trying to love you. Let me?”
Corbin had never been a man of great willpower, but her soft plea, combined with the warmth of her body, crumbled what was left of his self-control.
As he covered her body with his, Corbin knew without a doubt that he loved this woman, and by some miracle, she loved him, too. He might be leaving her for three months, and he might be facing demons he hoped to never face again, but as they made love, Corbin promised himself that he’d do it. He’d face every ghost of his past if it meant that Jolie Daniels would be his future.
It was around dawn, as Jolie slept peacefully in his arms, that Corbin felt his newfound determination begin to waver, thanks to a text message from his new manager.
Just heard from the label. They want you in Los Angeles next week.