Montana
Stepping out of the elevator, Carson motions for me to walk toward the casino floor. His palm rests on my lower back, just above my bottom. The heat emanating from his touch nearly brands me.
He’s being such a gentleman. If I weren’t as careful as I am, I might start to swoon. I’m sure underneath his protective politeness he wants to drop me off with Peyton and get back to the privacy of his room.
“I think we’ll find Peyton near the tables,” I say, looking around us.
“What?” he inquires, turning to face me.
The loud bells, whistles, and conversations of the casino surround us. That combined with how close he is standing to me makes my head spin. I lean in to repeat myself. I get a heady whiff of his cologne and what I assume to be his own masculine scent.
My God. This man is sexy. I breathe him in and lean in closer. In my heels, I don’t have to stretch much to speak near his ear.
“I need to find Peyt
Carson After introductions, Warner demands we hang out at the MGM Grand before we do anything else. He’s the stereotypical diva, an attitude that comes with the territory of being a lead singer in a popular band. As far as he’s concerned, he must always get his way. Apparently, he promised some drunk millionaire last night that he’d return to play poker tonight, so we head across the street.The Vegas heat has cooled off as the sun sets. The energy of the city is alive and vibrant as crowds of tourists hustle around us. Strolling models with huge, towering feather wings stop for photos and other entertainers amuse passersby.Montana and I hang to the back of the group while her friend seems at home, entertaining the rest of the guys with her quick wit and wide smile.“We’ll give him an hour or two tops,” I promise Montana. “And, we don’t have to stay with him at the poker table. There’s plenty to do and see in the MGM.”Sh
Carson A commotion in the far corner of the casino bar draws my attention away from Montana’s pretty face. A DJ sets up his gear, preparing to entertain the growing crowd. The overhead music pauses for a moment, then the DJ starts his first song. It’s no surprise it’s a country song. The decor of the entire place screams wood, cowboy, and country. Patrons around the bar begin moving to the music and singing along.“The two of you should feel right at home,” Eli states.“Not everyone in Iowa farms potatoes and loves country music,” Peyton snaps, clearly offended by his assumption.“What’s the line in The Beach Boys’ song?” Eli presses his luck. “Midwest farmers’…”“Finish that statement and I’ll demonstrate a city girl kicking your ass.” Peyton raises one perfectly shaped eyebrow in a challenge.Montana bites her lip, trying not to laugh.“I’m sorry,” Eli lies. “I didn’t mean to tease you.”Eli loves to
CarsonSliding back onto her barstool, Montana thanks us for ordering another round, noting glasses of water are now on our table.“What’s in the bags?” Peyton asks, eyes glued to the large bags at Eli’s feet.He dips his hands into one, handing red cowboy boots to Peyton. From the other bag, he passes brown boots with jade embellishments to Montana.“Why did you buy us boots?” Montana asks, her head tilted to one side, eyes like lasers on Eli.“I dare you to perform your state fair winning routine.” He smirks back at her. “You mentioned you can’t dance in sandals, so I found you boots.”Montana shakes her head. “You didn’t just find us boots. You bought us boots. And I can tell these are expensive, too.”“Don’t mind her,” Peyton says, patting Eli’s arm. “I absolutely love them.”“So, you’ll dance?” he asks, face lighting up with the possibility.“Um…” Montana hops back into the conversation. “New boots give blisters, especially without socks.”Clearly, she h
Montana I can’t wash the huge smile from my face, and there’s an extra swing in my hips as I walk towards the band’s table. Peyton’s already there. Everyone’s attention is glued on her, except Carson’s. His eyes scan me head-to-toe multiple times as I approach.He extends a fresh beer to me. When I grasp it, he pulls me tight to his side before I can take a sip.“I owe Eli huge for talking the two of you into dancing,” he murmurs huskily near my ear. There’s a sexy smirk upon his face. When his tongue darts out to wet his lower lip, heat floods my belly. “I should have recorded it to watch over and over again.”I playfully tap his forehead. “Guess you’ll have to rely on your spank-bank material up here.” I look up at him through my lashes. His whiskey-brown eyes darken with desire.The rest of the band turns their attention on us. Eli wraps his arm around my shoulders. “You didn’t disappoint.”“Oh, we never disappoi
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 Snuggled close, my head on Carson’s chest, my mind rewinds the past twenty-four hours. What a day it turned out to be. “Are you ready to talk about our news?” Carson asks, tucking hair behind my ear to reveal my eyes. “This baby has made me so happy, love.” “What will I do while you go on tour?” I ask, feeling nervous. “Stay in Des Moines or LA?” “What do you want to do?” he asks. “I don’t know,” I confess. “Well, I’d prefer if you were with me in LA while we prep for the tour. Then, I’d love to have you on tour with me,” he says, pulling me closer. “How would that work? Would I drive my own RV and follow your tour busses or be on the bus with you and all the guys?” I inquire. Carson shrugs. “The guys have had women ride the bus with us from time to time. Most of theirs were one-night stands. But I’m sure we could lobby to sleep in the actual bed at the rear of the bus. The guys love you, and as long as you could tolerate al
Carson When Tony joins us in the emergency department, Montana’s still unconscious. I share the information Fran told me. In her motherly tone, she tries to calm my nerves.I watch as the nurse replaces the empty IV bag with another. She promises Montana’s improving with the fluids in her system.Later, a rustling sound near my head wakes me. I lift it from the bed, finding Montana looking down at me.“Kiss… Beth…”I barely make out her raspy whispers.“What?” I ask.Tony appears on the opposite bedside.“Kiss…” Montana’s eyes flutter closed. “B-e-t-h…”And she’s out again. Neither Tony nor I understand what the two words mean. We attempt to work through it out loud, but we’re too tired. The wall clock reads six a.m. We need Montana to wake up. Then, we need to go home and sleep. **** Hours later, the nurse returns, taking Montana’s vitals. At her movement and tou
Montana I wake deliciously exhausted from our session in the studio followed by hours of lovemaking here in our bed. I take my time stretching my arms over my head then pointing and flexing my toes. Beside me, Denali groans as he stretches, too. He takes up more of the bed with each passing week. He’s going to be huge.My phone informs me it's nearly ten o’clock. Carson’s already in the studio. I’m surprised Denali let me sleep so late. I guess we kept him up late last night, too.“Let me go potty, then I’ll take you outside,” I tell him as he nuzzles my neck, and I scratch his belly. Never far from my side, he follows me into the bathroom, whining as I wash my hands. It’s hours past his usual potty break, so I don’t delay him any longer.Every muscle aches as I descend the stairs, and my head hurts. Once outside, I take a seat on a patio chair as Denali does his business then runs to greet his friend, Snoopy, now on my lap.
Montana When his parents come into view through the large, glass window, separating the production area from the recording studio, shock and worry flood Carson’s face.“What’s wrong?” he asks through the studio mic, filling the booth.I open the door to the studio. “Nothing’s wrong. I asked your dad to help me with some marketing—I didn’t plan to mess with your recording schedule. I’m sorry.”He shakes his head, smiling. “It’s okay. A break will be good for the four of us. We’ve spent too many hours in this little space without windows to the outside world.”I wrap my arms around his neck, looking up at him through my lashes. “I love you,” I whisper.“I know,” he teases, guiding me into the booth. “Let’s break for the day.”“I’ll be at the pool,” Eli announces.“Remember sunscreen,” I tease him. “Set an alarm on your phone.”“Yes, child bride,” he sing-songs.I hear Jake murmur to Warner,
Montana It’s Wednesday of the next week, and I’ve a billion things to do. Carson’s already in the studio when I wake up. I forego a shower, grab a quick bite, then lock myself in the office. I reached out to Carson’s father last night, hoping to get some ideas on marketing our product. We’re set to meet in a videoconference on Monday.I swallow my last bite of cherry toaster pastry as I enter the office. What a mess. I take in the piles of papers I’ve spread out on the floor. Today, I need to focus on a presentation for Carson’s father, explaining our product so he can best help me with a marketing strategy. The piles on the floor will need to wait.I settle myself in the large, leather office chair behind the desk. I move a stack of papers, freeing up room to open my laptop. While I wait for my presentation software to open, I check my cell phone calendar for today through Monday.Crap! I have my annual doct
Montana When we return to the backyard, I pull on my swimsuit coverup. I find that Carson and Eli are manning the grill full of burgers and chicken breasts.I join my brother near the kitchen door, placing all the fixings on the long table. Working as a team, we position the buns, condiments, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, chips, and dips. Mom and Dad set up a cooler of water, beer, and pop.Taking turns, we fix our plates soon after then scatter around the patio and poolside, gathering around tables and chairs. Sporadic conversations continue while we enjoy dinner. Dad commends Carson on the burgers and asks which seasoning he used. The two discuss the best flavors of seasonings and barbecue sauces. Luckily for me, the band is on their best behavior, and we enjoy hours with my family.“Time for gifts,” Mom announces.Carson takes my hand and leads me to the round table by my parents. He pulls out a chair for me, kissing my ex
Montana “You know, many couples get a dog to prepare themselves to become parents,” Carson’s mother tells my mom.I’m lounging in the sun in the chair next to theirs. My eyes are closed, and they believe I’m asleep. Wanting to hear what they say next, I keep pretending.“A grandbaby may be in our future.” My mom claps excitedly.“They rushed into marriage,” Carson’s mom reminds mine. “It would be okay if they took their time in starting a family.”“Do you have any grandchildren?” Mom inquires.“No. Do you?”“No. I can’t wait. I do look forward to it,” Mom states excitedly. “I assumed my son would give me my first grandchild, but he doesn’t usually stay in the US long enough to meet a girl. Although, I don’t know what to make of Starr traveling from Africa with him.”“She knew the band. Maybe she tagged along to see them,” Carson’s mom offers. “I’ve got another son and a daughter, both married, but they
Carson Fresh from my shower, I towel dry my hair then secure the towel around my waist. I smile at my reflection. I can’t wait to wake Montana and reveal my plans for us today.A female scream tears through the house. I lean into our bedroom. She’s gone. It’s Montana! I sprint from our room and down the stairs, hopping from the third step to the tile floor below.I narrowly miss falling from water dripping off of me onto the marble of the front room. I use a Scooby-Doo-like maneuver until I gain traction and run into the kitchen.I’m unable to speak or catch my breath when I stand in the doorway, finding Montana wrapped in another man’s arms as Fran and another woman watch.She pulls away, wiping tears from her eyes. “What are you doing here? And why didn’t you call me? I could’ve picked you up at the airport.” Before the man can respond, she asks, “How did you get here?”“Mom brought me ov
Montana I feel like I’m right in the middle of an entertainment show publicity scandal. Like Jake said, “This sucks!” I understand the woman’s need to seek the father of her unborn baby. On the other hand, though, I can’t imagine Warner’s fear that he might be the father. I suspect he fears the DNA result, and that’s the reason he’s protesting it so.I try, but my mind can’t help but wonder how many women Carson slept with while on tour. Having witnessed the women throw themselves at the guys while in Las Vegas, I’m not sure Carson could have refused many of them.I refuse to sit here and wonder about this all night. I snag a bottle of vodka from the bar and head toward Warner’s room. I knock lightly three times.“Leave me alone,” Warner snarls.I ignore his demand, turn the knob, and find it’s unlocked. I slip inside, shutting it behind me.“I come bearing a gift,” I state, extending the vodka bottle for him.