He tempts with a lick of his bottom lip, and says, “I’d love to play doctor with you. You have any openings… in your schedule?” One of his hands slinks under my shirt, getting dangerously close to the underside of my boob.
As his thumb strokes back and forth, taunting, teasing, I repeat my earlier invitation, “I have several openings you can fill.”
Standing upright as if shocked by my response, he says, “You are a very dirty girl, Holliday Hughes.”
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes. “You led me straight into that trap.”
“I’m gonna lead you into more later. Let’s go.”
We say our goodbyes and make a quick exit, heading back to his place to fill those openings… in my schedule.
“I’ve discovered the quiet ones are usually the loudest. You just have to take the time to listen.” ~Johnny Outlaw
I’ve been good about not searching online for information regarding The Resistance or Dalton. I want to hear him tell me about his adventures and where they’re traveling. It feels more personal, more real that way. Anytime a story about them comes on TV, I quickly turn the channel. Once, I caught a story about who the press thinks he should hook up with. I felt numb and disconnected from him for hours afterwards. So I avoid the media when it comes to him.
What I can’t avoid is business, which is picking up. Tracy is working in my office more to avoid miscommunication and scheduling conflicts. She has access to my online planner, but twenty phone calls a day to confirm or make a decision was getting old, so we started working together in person until we get everything under control.
I also find it easier to focus on work when she’s here. Other times, I’ll call Dalton or start to slack and daydream. Discovering that bliss comes with a price, my responsible side is being overrun by my ridiculously happy side.
Resting my head on my hand, I look at the calendar pinned to the corkboard in front of me. Two days until Dalton comes home for two weeks. The break was scheduled into the tour so the band can rest before touring France, Italy, and flying to South America. Their schedule makes no sense to me. They’re also supposed to record a song they’re working on that they want to debut at a big music festival down in Brazil.
“I took Adam back.”
Surprised to have the silence broken, I look at Tracy, shocked by her confession. “Okay,” I reply.
“I love him and realized I’m punishing him over something that happened too long ago to worry about now.”
“That sounds reasonable.”
She stands and walks to the patio door. “Don’t get me wrong. I put him through the ringer and told him to tell me anything and everything because once this conversation was over, it was over for good and I want to move forward.”
“More than a fair request. Logical. I think I’m seeing a new side to you, Trace. You usually run off of your emotions.”
“My heart hurt too much, so I started using my head.”
“What was his reaction?”
She giggles, revealing her joy. “He said we should fly to Vegas and get married this weekend.”
“Really?” I ask, sitting up. “Are you gonna do it?”
“I’m tempted, but I told him no. I still want the big wedding and everyone there. Call me selfish, but I want my special day with all my friends and family with me.”
“Eloping is romantic, but you have to do what feels right for you two. I think sharing your day with everyone you care about is beautiful. I’m so happy that something so good has come from the bad.”
She sits down on the couch, and pulls her files onto her lap again. “Thanks for not pressuring me about it.”
“Pfft.” I wave my hand nonchalantly. “I knew you would go back, but I’m glad you did it when it felt right. You guys are gonna have a great life together.”
“We already do. Now we just appreciate it more.” She grabs her phone and starts scrolling on the screen. “And by the way, the wedding is in seven weeks and you’re my Maid of Honor, so get ready.”
“Seven weeks. Um… okay.” I take a deep breath. “You’re gonna have to be very organized. I can help however you need me.”
“Thank you. I knew I could count on you. Now,” she says, holding up a contract, “we need to get these signed and our banners to the printer for the convention next month.”
An exasperated sigh escapes before I can stop it. “Damn, I forgot about the convention.”
“It’s been on your schedule for six months. It’s only one day of face time, but it will be a long one and I need you ready. These are the people we want to carry the brand and they’re gonna want to meet you.”