Montana
I marvel at Carson’s patience in corralling his band mates from Nobu into the limo. The three are easily distracted by other patrons, hot women, and their cell phones as we exit the restaurant.
Warner informs the group he wants to head to a poker table instead of the night club.
Carson reminds the group, “Meredith scheduled an appearance for us tonight. We can’t back out.”
“Two hours,” Jake pats Warner on the back. “After two hours, we’ll head to the casino.”
They don’t look to Carson for approval.
While the others climb into the limo, Carson turns to me. “Meredith is supposed to be with us for all public appearances. I’m gonna let her have it about ducking out tonight.” He shakes his head in frustration then motions for me to climb inside.
****
Upon exiting the Hummer, a hotel staff member immediately greets us and instructs us to follow her. She leads us through a maze of ha
Carson I refuse to high-five Eli’s antics. I worry Montana will believe all of us act like him.When he plops in the booth next to me, he adjusts himself. “It was an eight on the BJ scale,” he loudly announces.Peyton giggles beneath her hand, her eyes on Montana. Mine are, too, as I attempt to read her reaction. Her eyes stare at the beer in front of her.It’s hopeless. No amount of apologizing for the band’s actions will erase their crazy behavior. I’m living in La La Land if I think she won’t be bothered by them and will want to spend more time with me.“I have to admit that’s one of the best bathrooms I’ve ever fooled around in.” I shake my head at Eli.“So,” Montana bumps her shoulder against mine. “Have you enjoyed many BJs in public restrooms?”Jake spits bourbon over his lap and onto the table. Peyton, now sitting on Warner’s lap, leans so far back that Jake has to support her head in front of
Montana When the limo stops at our hotel, I breathe a sigh of relief. Crowds are not waiting for us. One by one, we climb from the back. Eli and Warner require help, having had much more alcohol than the rest of us.“The poker tables will have to wait until tomorrow.” Meredith informs Warner. Surprisingly he puts up no fight.“Party in the penthouse,” Eli cheers.“Count me out,” Carson replies. “I will walk Montana and Peyton to their room then write lyrics in my room the rest of the night.”“Actually, if it’s alright with you,” Peyton places her hands on my shoulders, “I’d like to join them in the penthouse for a while.”Her green eyes search mine while pleading for me to agree. When I nod, she kisses me on the cheek.“You’re the best.” Then, she turns to Carson. “You’ll see she’s safe in the room?”“Of course,” he promises, his hand taking mine.“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” I warn Peyton
Carson The next morning I’m on the sofa, watching Eli and Jake argue over the ingredients in an old fashioned at the bar in their large suite. We’re waiting on Warner to emerge from his room for the day. He kicked two women out an hour ago, so at least we know he’s awake.“You’ve got to open that notebook and pick up the pen in order to write lyrics,” Eli spouts sarcastically, pointing at the green notebook sitting on the cushion next to me.I flash him my shit-eating grin then open it, flipping through five pages of new lyrics written last night.“No way!” Eli sputters. “Atta boy!”“How?” Jake asks, astonishment upon his face. “What’s changed? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad your writer’s block lifted.”Eli smirks at me. “She really has an effect on you, doesn’t she?”Jake looks from me to Eli questioningly.“After meeting her yesterday afternoon, he said lyrics flooded his head,” Eli explains.
Montana Peyton enters the elevator first, presses the button for the casino, then leans against the rail on the left side of the car. Carson’s hand never moves from the exposed skin at the small of my back. The warmth from his strong hand heats my entire body.Man buns were never my thing. However, Carson sports one today, and I’m loving it. Holy hotness. Who knew he could look even better than yesterday?His dark dress pants cling tight to his thighs and glutes. His button-down, royal-blue dress shirt accentuates his athletic build. His biceps bulge against the silky fabric. My breath catches at the thought of that fabric brushing against my bare skin.“Everything okay?” Carson asks me.As we descend to the casino level, I cover my mouth to hide my giggle. In the metal reflection on the opposite wall, I see Carson raise an eyebrow and erupt with laughter.“She’s always uncomfortable in qui
Montana The next morning dawns bright… a little too bright.“Make it stop,” I groan, placing a pillow over my face to block out the much-too-bright sun as the incessant pounding in my head continues. “Uh,” I whimper, clutching the pillow tight. I’ve never had a hangover that caused such a loud pounding in my head.“Montana,” a woman yells. “Open your door.” Immediately, the annoying pounding resumes.I throw the pillow from my face, moaning as I roll to place my feet on the floor of the spinning room.“Hey, why’d you do that?” Carson grumbles from the other side of my bed. I freeze, staring dumbfounded.Well, I guess that happened. I search my foggy brain. I can’t recall the two of us returning to my room.“Montana,” the woman’s voice calls again from the other side of the door.I grab a t-shirt from the floor, pulling it over my head while approaching the door. I quickly check to ens
Montana I lean my forehead against the cool window glass. Though my eyes peer toward the Vegas Strip, I see nothing. The cool air-conditioner feels good on my face. I’m married. I got drunk and married to a guy I met only two days ago. I married a freaking rock star.My parents will be ashamed. They raised me better than this. They instilled in me that marriage isn’t a frivolous decision and should be a lifelong promise.My older brother will kill me. I fear his impending lecture more than my father’s. An annulment is a quick fix for a fuckup. Carson’s too good to be a fuckup. He’s so sweet.When he sat by me in the hallway, a cozy, warm feeling surrounded me. Not a temporary sensation, a full, complete feeling. I’m me with him. I’m not fake. Carson is a gentleman. I haven’t had a first date since high school that the guy didn’t try for more at least once. Two days together, dates of sorts,
Montana I do my best to concentrate on his words as he shares his idea with me, but I fail. My body’s reaction to his gentle touch grows exponentially. My mind drifts to him caressing other parts of my body, causing me to miss his entire plan.“So,” Carson drawls out, “what do you think?” His eyes ping pong back and forth, searching mine.I blow out a long breath as I search my brain for any clues to the plan he shared. I’ve got nothing. “Sounds good to me,” I lie. Well, is it a lie if I don’t know what I’m agreeing to?“Awesome!” Carson taps on his phone several times, then his thumbs type. “I’m scheduling a band meeting in my room in fifteen minutes. I need to apologize to the band for the negative publicity. We’ll share the plan with them and see if they’ll agree.” **** Carson Of course, Meredith shows up early for the meeting. I don’t want to deal with
Carson I scan my band members’ faces. “First, I want to apologize for the publicity storm you woke to this morning. I’m sorry my actions last night might have placed you in a negative light because of your association with me.”Lying starfish-style on my bed, Eli raises his head. “Negative, dude. Your marrying Montana did not put a blemish on Communicable.” He scoffs. “There’s a bit of speculation, but your ‘Prince of Rock’ image remains untarnished. Fans want to know all about the girl that stole your heart.”“Well, trust me when I say my actions last night were careless on my part. I would have liked to drink less and remember every second of it.”Laughter fills the room.“You don’t…” Jake laughs.“Neither of us remembers much from the time we left the club,” Montana confesses.“Seriously?” Peyton asks, voice rising as she moves to stand beside her friend. “You didn’t seem wasted. Did she?” She looks to Eli