Unable to Resist (46 page)

I shrug a shoulder. “I’m truly sorry there was only enough time for me.”

He traces my bottom lip with his thumb and my mouth seeks it.

“It’s okay. Tonight is about you,” he brags.

“It is, is it?”

Eddie opens our door and I silently thank Duane for not removing the blindfold yet. I can only imagine the look and smile on his face; he totally has to know something went down back here. Thank God I don’t have to look him in the eye.

Duane kisses my forehead. “Absolutely. Now, let’s go.”

Stepping out of the truck, Duane removes the blindfold and I look up.

“We’re at Chords?” I ask, shrieking louder than I intended.

It’s difficult to get tickets here. Liv told me Aiden works with the staffing coordinator and that’s how he was able to get in.

“Wait; are Liv and Aiden here, too?”

Duane places his cowboy hat on his head and shrugs. “Probably. I doubt we’ll see them though. The place is huge.”

I give him a suspicious look, but say no more.

The line outside wraps around the building and, yet again, we pass right by. I wonder how this became my life; I used to be the girl outside waiting for the important people to go in first, just waiting for my turn. Since meeting Duane, he’s found a way to get us in, no problems.

“Wait. Holy shit—,” I say, comprehending something. “You’re the one that got Liv tickets to The Rhinestone Cowboy, huh?” It makes sense. She’s sly, but I didn’t think she could pull that off. Two clubs in a row, I don’t think she lives some secret life.

He flushes.

“I knew it!” I bounce from foot to foot.

He pulls on my hand, leading me to the door. “Don’t tell her I did that. I made a few calls and had the owner contact her.”

“Duane, you really have this city in the palm of your hand, don’t you?” I accuse, jokingly.

He gives me an incredulous look. “Not really,” he nods to the bouncer, who gives him a salute as we pass the threshold. “I represented him in a lawsuit a few years back. He lets me into his clubs whenever I want. It’s no big deal.”

I beam. “You’re pretty amazing, Cowboy.”

He pulls me to his side, and kisses my cheek. The long hallway echoes with music coming from the main stage. The blue walls vibrate with bass, and I cling to Duane’s arm, already feeling intoxicated.

The hallway opens to the main floor. A huge stage sitting in the back of the room looks big enough to fill a stadium. Duane wasn’t kidding when he said this place was big.

I recognize the band immediately. They started here in Nashville a few years and hit it big just a couple months ago, getting the chance to open for Blake Shelton.

The Tellers, they call themselves.

Their music is a mix of country and pop, with a slight blues feel. I have their CD in my truck right now. Mouthing the words along with the band, weightless, my limbs let go and move to the music as we approach the bar.

Duane orders a few drinks and motions for me to sit in the empty seat next to him.

This bar experience is less dramatic than the one at The Rhinestone. The woman bartender did look at Duane a little longer than necessary, but she quickly moved on when Duane full-on kissed me.

Lightheaded from the kiss and the bit of alcohol already flowing through my system, I relax and enjoy the band.

Duane’s hand never leaves my body. Either on my leg, my back or playing with my hair, he never lets go of me. Always touching, whispering loving words in my ear.

“Your voice is amazing, baby,” he tells me.

I turn to look at him, wondering how he possibly heard me over the loud playing of the band. “How can you even hear me?”

“I only hear you,” he says as the band quiets for the last time.

Duane’s hand moves away from my body and the lights dim on the bottom floor. Only blackness and applause fill the bar.

A soft melody makes its way through the speakers as my eyes strain to see the performer. I thought The Tellers were done.

The stage is still pitch black and whispers begin to fill the once-silent space, wondering what’s going on.

I reach for Duane, but I find his bar stool empty. I tear my eyes from the black stage and stand up, in search of him. It’s in vain, though, I can hardly see the hand I’m waving in front of my face.

The smooth, melodic music grows in cadence as the guitarist’s skillful hands work the strings.

Who is that? Rylie? I know he plays here sometimes, but last I heard, he has an ongoing gig on Fridays at The Spinner—the same honky tonk where I saw Duane the first time.

It can’t be Rylie.

And, where the hell is Duane?

Forcing myself to calm down, I return to my seat and listen to the haunting tune coming from the still-dark stage. I close my eyes and absorb the soulful harmony when the one voice I know better than my own speaks through the microphone.

“Evening, y’all,” he drawls, ever so sexy.

I’m pretty sure every woman in the room just swooned, myself included.

He continues to play, never missing a beat as the spotlight descends onto him.

Duane’s beautiful eyes squint at the offensive light, but he begins to scan the mass of people to seek me out. A broad and stunning smile appears when he does.

I blush. He has me in his grasp and I don’t want to be anywhere else.

But seriously, what the hell is he doing?

Jesus, he looks gorgeous up there. I didn’t even know he played guitar.

He chuckles into the microphone and lowers his head, looking at me with his tension-building eyes.

An older woman sitting next to me yells, “You’re gorgeous, honey!” She shoulder bumps her friend, and they both laugh hysterically at each other.

I’d roll my eyes, but I can’t seem to move. Besides, she isn’t wrong. He looks amazing up there.

Duane’s eyes never stray from mine, but he winks and says, “Why thank you, ma’am.”

I then have the pleasure of hearing bits and pieces of the plans to seduce him after he gets done singing. All of which entail a well-thought-out plan to flash him as soon as he gets off stage.

“He’ll fall at my feet at that point,” the old lady shouts, proud of herself.

Not a chance in hell.

With one last chord, Duane stops and slides his hat off. Running his hands through his thick brown hair, women physically move closer to the stage.

Duane sees the shift in the crowd, too. He grins at me and slightly shakes his head. He can’t help it, women beg for his attention. This isn’t news.

“I’ve never done this before,” he admits.

The crowd cheers to encourage him and he smirks. Loving the effect he has on everyone, he says, “But, I know my girl would love to see me sing a song I personally wrote just for her.”

I gasp.

When did he even have time to write anything, let alone a song?

He pauses to straighten the strap on his guitar. Showing nothing but confidence, he looks away from me for the first time since he was visible on stage, wipes his hands down the sides of his tight jeans and places his fingers on the strings of the guitar. Satisfied with the placement, he finds me again in the sea of women and licks his lips.

“This one is for you, baby,” he says.

The woman who so lovingly wanted to flash Duane huffs under her breath. “Well shit.”

Suck on that.

The light, staccato notes resonating from Duane’s fingers and guitar bring the remaining patrons to their feet. Quietly, not wanting to miss a note, people from the upper floors file into the main dance floor to hear Duane play up-close and personal.

Pure and soft, the melody is entrancing. Haunting. I’m glued to my seat, waiting, hoping for the next enthralling sound. I’d close my eyes if I weren’t afraid I’d miss a second of his performance.

Closing his eyes, he bows his head, and engulfs himself in the song. Playing a few bars of intro, he prepares himself to open that perfect mouth.

Keeping your own head above water

You’re always worried about breaking me

Love, stop fighting so hard alone

A beautiful life is right in front of you

I’ve reached my breaking point

I’m unable to look away

Maybe this, maybe me, maybe it’s your second chance

Unable to resist, it’s you and me

Always and forever

Worthy of love

You’re safe with me

Baby remember, you’re not broken

Strength is something we’ll learn together

Take my hand, there’s no more hiding

His eyes, unwavering, glow in the spotlight. He’s speaking straight to my soul. I can’t deny his words break my heart and put them back together at the same time. I desperately want to be the woman he sees in me.

I’ve found me in us

Our happy ending is just beginning

I’m unable to resist…

It’s you and me

Always and forever

Forever

Forever

“I love you, sweet girl. Forever,” he promises into the microphone as the lights dim.

My head is fuzzy. I’m clutching my heart and tears are running down my face. I’m bursting. I love this man. I can’t believe he did this. How is it possible I’m so lucky? How has my luck changed so drastically?

No worry for those around me, I’m on the move. I walk with purpose to the front of the stage, as the spotlight knowingly follows. The crowd parts, like the red sea, for me. When I approach, Duane lifts me under my arms onto the stage and hugs me tight.

Ever so softly he questions, whispering in my ear, “What do you say, Red?”

I pull back and blink, forcing my wet eyes to focus. Bringing my hand to the side of his face, I caress softly.

“I love you, too.” I say out loud for the first time since the thought crept into my mind weeks ago. I need to say it again. “I love you with my whole being. My life, Cowboy. Forever.”

Relief and a triumphant smile spread across Duane’s face, and he steps away from the microphone. I had totally forgotten we were on stage. In front of hundreds people. Before I let my nerves get the best of me, he sweeps me into his arms and plants the most complete kiss we’ve ever exchanged. My arms circle around his neck as he dips me, just like an old movie couple.

The crowd hoots and hollers at our display. I shyly pull my lips away from paradise and cover my mouth with my hands. I’m smiling so big I think my lips might fall off. Ducking my head into Duane’s chest, I feel the vibrations of his silent laughter.

With one last kiss, he waves to the crowd and leads me to the side of the stage. Once we are out of the crowd’s eye, Duane stops me and pulls me to him. “I love you, so damn much, Red.”

I kiss his neck. “I love you. I have for a while now,” I confess.

He plays with his bottom lip in the way that makes me want to climb him. “Me too. I think I’ve known since Arizona. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought it,” he admits.

“Right back at you, sweet boy,” I say, right before I take that damn lip into my mouth.

He leads me down a hall backstage when someone grabs my arm. I turn around to find Liv and Aiden, both grinning something fierce. I squeal and hurl myself into Liv’s arms.

She lets go of Aiden’s hand and wraps her arms around my shoulder. “I told you so,” she whispers into my ear.

I choke back a sob. “You did.” I wipe at my face.

She pulls back and looks into my eyes. “Now go be happy, you deserve it.”

I hiccup and nod my head. I think she’s right. I finally believe I’m not broken. I just needed someone to help me heal.

“I love you, dillhole,” I say with playful eyes.

Both Duane and Aiden sputter behind us.

“I love you, too, noob,” she says, leaning in further, cupping her hand around her mouth.

With one last squeeze, we let go and Liv goes back to Aiden’s open arms, wrapping her arms around his middle. I go back to Duane, mimicking her movements. Together with our men, we pass each other to head in opposite directions. She winks at me and we part ways.

“Let’s go home, Cowboy.”

It’s time to make good on my promises.

“Yes ma’am,” he swallows, eyes wide, knowing.

Eddie is, of course, waiting for us in the back when we open the door. The ride back to Duane’s house is silent. I’m so insanely hyped up from tonight’s events my mind is going a mile a minute.

He loves me. Me. Duane wants me. I can’t believe it.

I caress his face. “I love you.”

What better words to break the silence.

He turns his face to the palm of my hand. “As I love you,” he says.

We arrive at his house in no time. Suspiciously, it took us less time to get home than it did to get to the club. Eddie made our drive longer because he knew, or Duane asked him. Either way, I might have to give him a serious tip for that.