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  “He knows all about your background, so our boss won’t be pushing you to get to know either of them.”

  They ate in companionable silence for a few moments until a Chad Hunter song came on, filling the space with his deep, rich voice. Mandy giggled. “And there he is.”

  “Yep.” Sophia couldn’t help but listen to the lyrics depicting two people embracing in the dark, allowing only their emotions to communicate the depths of their feelings. It was a beautiful song.

  Being away from her house where packing for the trip loomed entered her thoughts. She also had to make sure to clean out her refrigerator. Then she had to ask her neighbor to collect any boxes left on her doorstep while she was gone for a week or two in Atlanta.

  Addicted to Etsy and other online shopping, she had regular deliveries.

  “We need to get some pretty beachy dresses for the lake,” Mandy announced, bringing her back to the present. “I might have to get some new walking shoes and shorts because I plan to explore the area.”

  Sophia held up a bag. “I’m ahead of you on that one.”

  “No fair.” Mandy attempted to peek into the bag. “Wherever you bought that, you’re taking me and I’m going to buy something, too.”

  It was nice to have one good friend she could trust. Before everything happened, she’d always had a large group of friends. Her life was so achingly normal that it never occurred to her that one day she’d struggle to keep even one friend.

  She’d always had many circles of friends, was popular at the advertising firm she worked in and dated regularly.

  Sophia’s life had been so busy. Any plans with friends or colleagues were setup first with numerous telephone calls to coordinate who would be where and how many planned to attend meals, outings and such. Most weekends were booked solid, actually, most evenings as well. It got to the point she’d had to schedule down time in her planner.

  Now, the only thing she used a planner for was work. Living a life that didn’t garner attention, rarely attending any functions for fear of being recognized, had become her new normal.

  It had taken Don, her boss and second cousin, threatening to fire her before she’d agreed to give the speech at the Nashville women’s networking event. That was the one Chad’s sister had mentioned.

  A smile curved her lips at how she’d almost joined Chad and gotten sick earlier. It would definitely have been a memorable first date. If only she could have accepted a second date. Damn it. Why did she have to find that man so irresistible?

  Probably the same reasons thousands of women did. He was drop dead gorgeous, with a killer body and a beautiful voice to boot.

  And here she was, lucky enough to get asked out by him. Of course, it would happen. The one man she wouldn’t hesitate to try a relationship with. The one guy she’d had a crush on since running in to him at the grocery store. From under the lowered ball cap, his eyes had sparkled with mischief when reaching for a bundle of cherries. “This isn’t yours, is it?”

  She’d laughed although it was a corny joke. At first, she’d not recognized who he was. To be honest, she’d been floored by the hunk and had barely been able to formulate clear words. They’d chatted a bit about what he needed to get to make a salad and when he’d asked her for her number, she’d gladly rattled it off.

  It wasn’t until he introduced himself and the name sunk in that she realized who he was.

  “Oh, you’re him.” Her words garnered a crooked grin.

  He’d brought a finger to his lips. “Shhh.” And in romantic movie fashion, he’d sauntered off with a hand basket full of salad fixings.

  “Earth to Sophia.” Mandy snapped her fingers. “Where are you at?”

  “Thinking of salad ingredients.”

  “What?”

  Sophia laughed. “You know, what all I need to make a salad.”

  “Right.” Mandy didn’t look convinced. “Anyway...you ready?”

  Chapter 3

  Chad avoided Charley’s pointed stare over their dinner plates. “Stop looking at me like that.”

  Tom, oblivious as usual, continued eating, not seeming to notice the strained exchange that had gone on for several minutes between the siblings.

  “All I’m saying is that you need to back down. You already passed creeper level a long time ago.” Charley pointed her fork at him. “If you go to Lake Lanier with Brant Montgomery, you’ll only make a fool out of yourself. Give it up. She’s not interested.”

  Tom’s head popped up. “What happened? You strike out, Bro?” He began chuckling. “The puke was probably a total turn off.”

  Charley huffed. “That and him going to her church, joining her gym and then finagling a way to get invited to Atlanta and the lake house.”

  “When you say it like that, I sorta sound like a stalker.” Chad placed both elbows on the table and covered his face with both hands. “What the fuck is wrong with me?”

  The hand on his shoulder did not make him feel better. If anything, it emphasized how pitiful he was and how low he’d sunk in an effort to get Sophia’s attention. “Even in high school, I had more game than this.”

  “Perform in Atlanta, then come back. Find a way to tell the bull rider you can’t go to the lake.”

  Tom chugged water to help his food down. “Oh, hell no. I am playing golf. We gotta go. Have you seen that course?”

  “You’re not helping here,” Charley snarled. “Don’t you see he’s in way too deep with this girl? And she is not at all interested. Better to stop him now before he does something even more stupid.”

  Chad gawked at his sister who was having a grand time making fun of him.

  She continued. “Next thing you know, Chad will have billboards put up with pictures of him holding a ring and a puppy. He’ll have an airplane circling her house with a banner saying ‘It’s Me, Chad’ making pink hearts.” She and Tom burst out laughing as he fought not to join in.

  His lips twitched and he groaned. “All right. I get it. I overdid it. Can we drop it now?”

  “No way, this is way too much fun.” Charley wiped tears of mirth. “Oh boy, my stomach hurts.”

  “Happy to amuse you both,” Chad grumbled. “Tom’s right, we can’t back out of the lake trip. But we’ll be staying at his house and, other than the golf course, we’ll keep a low profile. No doubt, Sophia and the filming crew will be staying at a hotel and only meeting Brant wherever they’re filming.”

  “If they come to the house, I’ll act as a buffer,” Tom added, excited at the prospect of the trip not being cancelled.

  “Mmm hmm.” Charley eyed him. “I may have to come along and witness how aloof you two will remain.”

  Chad gave her a droll look. “I handle women all the time. I know how to keep a distance without coming across like an asshole. No difference.”

  “Big difference. You don’t stalk most women.”

  “I am not a stalker.”

  Once again, Tom and Charley burst out laughing. “We need to make that the title of our next album,” Tom said between breaths.

  Hearing it out loud, he realized how absurd it all was. To go so far for a woman who wasn’t remotely interested in him. The challenge had been thrilling, his interest in her real. It had been a long time since he’d felt so drawn to someone. That it turned out to be a woman who didn’t return the feelings was crushing.

  She wasn’t seeing anyone. As a matter of fact, the glimpses he’d caught of her had always been with one close friend. The friend was married, so he didn’t consider the possibility of her preferring women. From all outward appearances, Sophia was married to her work. Several times, she’d remained on her cell phone while working out, talking about projects. Her headset was always in place as she’d jogged on the treadmill. She either listened to music or pretended to. It kept anyone who wished to speak to her at bay.

  He’d always kept his distance when going to the gym. As a matter of fact, he usually went very early so he wouldn’t be recognized. It was annoying to t
he other people there to exercise when groupies would show up to take pictures of him and with him, or ask for autographs.

  Whenever she’d spotted him working out, there had been no question in his mind that she found him attractive. On several occasions, her gaze lingered on his body when she thought he didn’t notice. If he spoke to her, a soft blush would color her cheeks and her teeth would inevitably sink into that plump bottom lip.

  Then again, what the hell did he know?

  When his cell phone dinged, the alarm reminding him of an interview on a popular Nashville show, he stopped musing and stood. “Time to work. Tom, let’s meet at the studio early tomorrow to practice.” He looked to Charley. “Get the guys there, will ya?”

  His home office was his favorite space. With guitars on stands and frames holding his gold and platinum albums on the wall, he felt at home. In the corner was an old, leather recliner that had once belonged to his dad. On a modern desk was his laptop, several piles of papers and a cup with pens. Across from the recliner, against the wall, was a wall unit that held gifts from fans. Some on the shelves and some tucked in wooden boxes he made when he was bored or needed time alone to think about his music.

  He lowered to the recliner, placing the headset on just as the phone rang.

  “Hey, Buddy. Ready to start?” The vibrant voice of the radio host was loud and clear.

  “Ready as I’m gonna be,” Chad drawled.

  The drumbeats started them off to the first song. Although Chad was pissed at their regular drummer for not being there, Tom did a good job of substituting. It wasn’t that he expected too much of his band, but after a long, seven day break, one would think everyone would be on time.

  The song ended and he walked to his cell phone only to look up as an ashen-faced Charley walked in. Her pale face devoid of color, she wiped a tear that trailed down her face.

  He rushed to her along with Tom. “What happened? Mom and Dad all right? Beth?” he asked referring to their parents and older sister.

  Although she nodded, relieving him, the fact she could barely speak did not bode well. “Ty was in a horrible car accident. He’s not expected to make it.”

  The drummer, who’d been with him since the beginning, Tyrone Biggs was not just a band member, but also one of his closest friends. “Where is he?” Chad was already heading to the door knowing the rest of the guys followed.

  The four bandmates, along with Charley, all crammed into an SUV. At times like, this no one wanting to be alone. Each of them needed the company of others who were just as worried.

  Not even half an hour later, they arrived at the hospital and raced to the ER doors. Once inside, they were ushered to a private waiting room. Other than the band, none of Tyrone’s family would arrive for a few hours yet as they lived in Illinois.

  Charley remained on the telephone with them, helping them with flights and ensuring to inform them of any news.

  A grim-faced nurse walked in and they all rushed forward, circling her. “He is in surgery, it could be a while. There is mass internal bleeding.”

  Chad swallowed. “Tell the doctors he has to live. To do everything they can.”

  Her warm gaze met his. “Of course they will do everything to save him. I will inform you of any developments.”

  Charley went to the nurse and had her repeat the information to Tyrone’s parents. From the woman’s end of the conversation, they peppered her with questions.

  It was a long day. The family finally arrived and, although Tyrone survived the surgery, it would be some time before they’d know if he would live or not. The band remained steadfast, not one of them willing to leave the room.

  Charley sunk into a chair next to Chad’s. “I’m turning off my cell for a bit. Too many calls from the media. I know people are curious, but there’s nothing I can tell them.”

  Weariness sketched on his sister’s face and he imagined it mirrored his. It wasn’t a physical tiredness, but more a spiritual and mental one. Scenarios of what could be done, what would come next flashed one after another. “Mom wanted to come, but I told her to wait. Of course they ignored me. She and Dad are on their way now.”

  The doors opened. He was shocked to see Sophia walk in with a large tote of sorts hanging from her shoulder and trays of drinks in both hands.

  Charley sighed. “She’s the only one who called not to ask questions, but to offer help.”

  After offering him a soft smile, Sophia went to a table and began setting out food. Without hesitation, she lowered next to Tyrone’s mother and spoke to her in soft tones, pressing a cup into the woman’s hand. She followed by doing the same for his father.

  She then moved about the room to each band member offering coffee or cold drinks that were in the tote, which turned out to be a cooler of ice and drinks.

  Charley went to Sophia and hugged her tight. “You’re so thoughtful. I wanted to go get something, but we’re all afraid to leave. The coffee here is not that bad but, after a while, it’s nice to have choices.”

  “I made tea and cold fruit juice either are much better than soft drinks,” Sophia said just as Chad neared. “Would you like some coffee or juice?”

  “Juice...please.” She poured the juice from a jar into a tall cup and handed it to him.

  “I know most of you don’t feel like eating right now. I brought fruit and some protein bars.”

  No one took the food. Charley rushed to sit with Tyrone’s mother, who sniffed loudly as she ended a call.

  “Would you like to sit with us for a bit?” Chad motioned to the chair Charley had just vacated.

  “I better go.” She took a step toward the table. “This is time for his close friends and family. I’ll pray for him...and everyone.”

  Not giving her a chance to say no, he took her elbow. “I’ll walk you out.”

  Once outside the waiting room, the air seemed lighter. Nurses rushed to and fro as they were in the trauma center where no one bothered to look at him long enough to notice who he was. There were much more important things to be done there.

  “Thank you,” Chad said and was surprised when Sophia hugged him.

  She looked up at him with understanding in her gaze. “I’m so sorry. I hope he makes it. I heard it looks dire right now.”

  Chad could only nod, words unable to get past the lump in his throat. Pressing his lips together he looked to the ground.

  “If you need anything.” She placed a hand on his shoulder. “Please have Charley call me.”

  When he lifted his gaze to hers, a current traveled down his body and he cupped her face with both hands, needing the physical contact. “Thank you for everything.”

  Unable to stop himself, he pressed a kiss to her lips. He pulled back just enough so that their mouths still touched for just a moment longer.

  With a shaky breath, she nodded and stepped back. “You’re welcome. Wish I could do more. ”

  She dashed away without looking back.

  Chapter 4

  Two weeks later

  Mandy pushed Sophia back to peer out the airplane window. “I still think we should have driven. You’d think the windows would be cleaner as much as it costs to fly nowadays.”

  Sophia chuckled. “Stop complaining. Order a vodka or a rum drink so you can relax.”

  Although it was a short flight to Atlanta, Mandy would make it seem much longer if her nerves got the best of her. Flying wasn’t Sophia’s favorite thing, either. But, in her opinion, it beat fifteen hours on the road. “We’ll have a rental car in Atlanta.”

  “We’re flying again back home in a few days,” Mandy said, lifting up to search for a flight attendant. “We should have driven.”

  Pretending not to hear her, Sophia popped ear buds in and scanned the display for something to watch. She expected the trip to be eventful, between a concert, a rodeo and filming a commercial.

  Hopefully, it would not leave any time to run into Chad if at all possible. He would be at the lake house. But other than in a p
rofessional capacity, she’d not be socializing or anything close to it with the bull rider’s guests.

  The kiss repeated again in her mind. Although it had been chaste and sweet, the touch of his lips had sent every nerve ending in her to high alert. The feel of his body when they’d hugged should not have felt so sensual. It was just a comforting action between two people and, yet, to her, it was special. And it had to be the one and only time she could afford to allow it to happen.

  Her nerves were always so tender during the month of May, especially the closer it got to May tenth. She couldn’t help but huff at the idea of that specific date, how ironic she’d lose her mother that day. In Mexico, where her mother was born, Mother’s Day was always celebrated on May tenth. Now, instead of celebrating, it was a day that forever changed her life.

  Mandy covered her hand. “I know today’s hard for you.”

  “I went to visit her grave this morning,” Sophia replied, her gaze moving out the window to the blue sky. “As usual, I got a message from the prison. Why won’t he let up? Leave me alone.”

  “Probably guilt.”

  Sophia’s chuckle was anything but cheerful. She leaned closer to Mandy so no one could overhear. “He killed my mother because she was going to turn him in. My father, the serial killer, is not prone to guilt. If anything, it’s probably his way to get back at me for testifying against him.”

  Her friend’s shiver was understandable. If she’d not lived through the nightmare, she, too, would be hesitant to believe such families existed. “I’m so glad there is no possibility he’ll ever get out.”

  “None,” Sophia reinforced. “Thank God.”

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, please prepare for landing...” the announcement brought them out of their dark musing and Sophia grinned at Mandy. “At least I made you forget how much you hate flying.”

  Mandy’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the handrail. “But not how much I hate landing and taking off.”