Fighting Me (15 page)

“
I
t’s so
good to be home,” Daisy says, stepping through the door ahead of me.

After the wedding, things sort of found a balance for the rest of our time on the island. Luke, Kionna, and Audrey left the day after the wedding. Now that Hunter and Chase’s big day was over, the stress level was gone and everyone really began to let loose.

During the day, I took care of the kids when they weren’t spending time with their parents and Henry maintained the secure perimeter along with lots of fun with the group as a whole in between. Every night after Jazz and Bran were asleep was spent in either Henry’s bed or mine. Now that we’re back in Nashville, and I have accepted the position on a more permanent basis, I have a lot of things to handle.

Leaving Mack in charge, Henry drives me over to check on my apartment and Gram before their meeting at Ironsound Records. Parking in the lot beside the large complex, he climbs from the Suburban and walks around, opening the door for me. “I should probably have warned you better about Gram,” I say, knowing that I haven’t told him all that much about her. She tends to be a bit over the top for some people. Okay, let’s face it, most people.

Henry chuckles. Wrapping an arm around me, he leads me up the walk, opening the front door for me. “Woman, do you see what I live with every day?” he asks, leading the way to the elevators. “She’s got nothin’ on Hunter. He’s damn near domesticated now so I need someone to keep me on my toes,” He winks.

Giggling, I shake my head and punch the button for the ninth floor. I lean into him as the numbers climb, his arm wrapping around me comfortably anchoring me to him. The doors open and I lead him down the hallway to my door, before pulling out my key. “This is it.”

Before I can put it into the lock, the door flies open and we’re met with all five foot nothing of eighty year old sass leaning her arms on her hot pink walker. Her gray hair is pulled up in rollers as she taps her house slipper covered foot on the tile of the entryway. “It’s about damn time you got…” she stops mid-sentence, eyeing Henry up and down, before smirking at me. “Aw, honey, it’s not even my birthday.”

“Gram, this is Henry Richardson. Henry, this is my grandmother, Iva Sloan.”

Gram reaches out and grabs his shirt, tugging on the white cotton. “Come down here and let me get a good look at you, big boy.”

“Gram!” I shout, shooing her away. “He’s security for Shaft, and…” I stop, not sure what to call him. Do you call a forty-year-old man your boyfriend? Manfriend? Fuckbuddy?

“He’s your beau?” she asks, waggling her brows suggestively. “Well, you should’ve said somethin’ before I got my hopes up. I thought you brought me home a hunk of the Florida Keys. You really shouldn’t disappoint an old woman like that, Rae Marie. If we weren’t in front of the stud here I’d take my spoon to your ass.”

“Can we come in now?” I ask, hoping to put an end to the hallway interrogations.

“Well hell, it’s your house,” she scowls, shimmying her walker to turn around. “I don’t know why in the hell you’re standin’ out in the hallway like you’re sellin’ Girl Scout cookies,” she mutters shaking her head as she turns and gets her bearings. The woman has osteoarthritis that makes it hard to do a lot, but it has no effect on her mouth.

“Do you need any help with that?” Henry asks, when she bumps her walker into the hall table, making my plant wobble.

Gram grips the handles of her walker. Turning the top half of her body, she arches a perfectly groomed eyebrow at him. “Let me tell you somethin’, you handsome hunk of human Sequoia tree. I’m not sick.” Tilting her head to the side, she shrugs. “I’m slow, I’m old, and my bones hurt like hell. I’m a grouchy ass old woman, but I’m not sick.”

Henry follows me inside, closing the door behind us. Gram makes her way through the house and into the kitchen. Settling herself in the chair in the corner, she turns and pulls a basket of snack cakes off the bar and sets it in front of her. Looking at Henry, she holds out the basket as we both take seats across from her. “You can tell everything there is to know about a man by what kind of snacks he likes.”

“That’s a lot of weight to put on one snack cake.” Henry chuckles, taking honey bun from the basket, he removes it from the wrapper and takes a bite.

Gram sets the basket in front of her, knowing that I won’t eat one, and digs herself out a honey bun as well. “It’s a gamble,” she says, ripping open the paper and taking a bite. “But, I’ve never been wrong about a man, yet. Don’t plan to start now.”

Sitting down her cake on a napkin, she grabs a deck of cards off the tray on her walker, and shuffles them between her fingers. “You any good at cards, hunk?” she asks, and I glance over just in time to see Henry’s cheeks flame.

“Gram!” I scold her, pushing to stand from the table. “I need to grab some things and then we’ve gotta head out. The guys have a meeting and I need to be there to handle kids.”

Waving me on, Gram starts dealing again. “You’re a grown ass woman, handle your shit. Be a dear and hand me my purse and leave us alone.”

Standing up, I look at Henry who is biting back a laugh, but takes the cards anyway. Gram peers over hers, as I slide her purse across the table. Pulling out her wallet, she tosses two twenties down and grins at Henry as I walk out of the room to pack up more of my stuff and dig through the last three weeks of mail that is piled up on my bed. I can hear Gram laughing, and even Henry chuckling from the kitchen while they bet and trash talk.

Grabbing a duffle from the closet, I pack up more of my diabetic supplies, clothes, and some personal items that I’ll want at the house since I’ll be there on a more permanent basis now. Walking down the hallway, I stop in the living room and stare at the mantle above the fireplace. The center of it all is Joshua and my wedding photo on the beach. Our arms wrapped around each other as we stare into each other’s eyes. So much love in that photo you can’t look at it and not feel it.

Dropping the bag to the floor, I walk over and pick up the frame, staring at the past that used to be unbearable to even have out for anyone to see. Closing my eyes, I smile at the memory of that day. I don’t know how long I stand there, but I feel Henry’s body press into mine as he wraps his arms around my middle. “Your Gram cleaned me out,” he breathes into my ear. “You have everything you need? We should go pick up that damn wiener from the kennel while I still have my credit card.”

“Yes, I’m ready,” I say, replacing the picture on the mantle and grabbing the duffle at my feet, causing him to release me from his embrace.

After saying goodbye to Gram and telling her that I’ll be by on Sunday to check in on her, she basically kicks us out after giving Henry’s ass a little pinch. “Don’t show up after six,” she laughs. “That’s when I entertain.”

“It was nice to meet you, Iva.” Henry says, stepping out into the hallway and taking my bag from my shoulder.

“Lucrative for me,” she winks, before looking at me. “Nice tush too.”

“Gram!”

Laughing, she slams the door closed while Henry blushes for the second time in as many hours before leading us out to the Suburban to get the evil wiener from the vet.

“‘
B
out damn time
, fucker.” Hunter says the minute I turn off the engine. “A man should never be separated from his wiener. Next time, he comes with us.”

Walking around the ‘Burban, I take Rae’s hand as she slides down to her feet onto the pavement. Watching her with her Gram was something. The woman is a damn card shark. But, walking into the living room and seeing her standing in front of the fireplace holding her wedding photo was something I wasn’t prepared for. So what did I do, I ignored the situation completely.

She’s been quiet the entire ride.

Hunter walks around and opens the back hatch, pulling Bits free of the carrier. “Hey, buddy.” The little bastard’s tail wags furiously as he tries to lick Hunter’s face. “Dude, calm down, I’m a married man.”

“Bits!” Jazzie squeals running down the walkway. He starts barking and struggling to get to her immediately. Hunter settles him on his feet and instantly his stumpy little legs start flying. He collides with Jazzie, knocking her back on her ass in the grass, covering her in kisses. She squeals in excitement, wrapping her arms around the furry menace. Jumping off her, he rolls to his back for his usual tummy rub and lets out a string of barks.

Leaning over, Jazzie pets him before screaming. “Daddy!” she cries, staring at the dog. “His marbles fell off!”

“What?” Hunter asks, walking over and kneeling beside her.

“He’s hurt! Oh, Daddy, Bits is hurt.”

Jazzie is crying, tears falling down her face. Rae slips from me and goes over, lifting the little girl into her arms. “What are you talking about, honey. Bits is just fine.”

“The hell if he is,” Hunter deadpans, standing and staring at me. His eyes harden and his mouth presses into a hard line. “You cut off his nuts. You cruel bastard. How could you?”

“It was easy,” I shrug. “We had a vote one morning when you decided to sleep in. You lost. The dog is an evil, humpin’, chewin’, fuzzy demon spawn from the deepest circle of hell. I saw an opportunity, I took it.”

“Stop cryin’ over your wiener, Hunter,” Aiden shouts. Gray, Chase, and Cam follow out the door and head our way. “Thirty-nine minutes until we need to be at Ironsound Records’ Offices. Need to load up.”

“Mack!” I yell, walking over to where Rae is holding a still sniffling Jazzie. Mack peeks his head out the doorway. “You’re in charge, keep it tight.”

“Like your momma’s ass!” The minute he says it, his eyes widen. Holding up both hands in surrender, he shakes his head. “Fuck, I didn’t… Oh shit… I…”

I take a deep breath, “Ah, what is that I smell?” Wrapping an arm around Rae and Jazz, I chuckle. “Oh yeah, it’s fear.” Looking at Mack, I lift my shades and grin. “It’s best you sleep with one eye open, fucker. Tennessee has way better things to play with than crabs.”

“The ladies at the grocery store are gonna start callin’ Big Mack a little bitch.” Hunter laughs, slapping Gray on the back.

“Oh, little bitch doesn’t like it when the crabs drag their teeth!” I say, pressing a kiss to the top of Rae’s head before releasing her.

“One of these days, y’all won’t have anything to pick on me about,” Mack huffs. “Then what’ll you do for fun?”

“Hey, Uncle Mack, can we watch a movie?” Jazzie asks, wiping her face with the sleeve of her princess dress.

Mack grins at her. “Sure thing, beautiful. We can even have tea and cookies as long as I get the good feather boa and the cheetah print hat.”

“Yeah,” I snort, walking towards the ‘Burban as the guys and Chase climb in. “Our list is gettin’ short quick.”

***

Walking into the conference room at Ironsound Records, you could hear a pin drop. Everyone is anxious about the new changes. Especially me. Whatever they have planned beyond adding additional security while on tour, I don’t know, but it has me concerned.

Abby Irons, the head of Ironsound, is seated at the head of the table. Beside her is her husband, Jameson, and across from him is a girl I’ve never seen before. She has long brown hair with bright purple streaks and freckles along her cheek bones. Her clothes are ripped and held together with big ass safety pins from what I can see, with one knee high black leather boot crossed over the other causing her slashed up black jean skirt to ride up higher that I’d be okay with if she were under my watch.

“Chase, Camaron, Hunter, Aiden, Grayson, Henry, I’d like you all to meet Ireland.” Standing up, Abby walks around the table and greets us all before gesturing for us to sit. “Ireland Tyler, meet Shaft. Ireland used to play bass and sing back up for Cuntpunting Cassandra.”

“Great,” she says, sounding super fucking excited. Not.

“Cuntpunting Cassandra?” I chuckle, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Cassie’s a whore,” Ireland blurts, cracking her knuckles. “After you ask Alexandria, and break Benjamin, you cunt punt Cassandra and move on to de-balling Dominick.”

I bite back another laugh, because wouldn’t Mack have fun with this chick? Too bad he isn’t here, she’d put him in his place.

“As you guys know, we’ve been wanting to make some changes. I can see Shaft being on a completely different level, which is why I want Ireland to come on board as your new bassist.”

The pin that has been dropped was more like a stick of dynamite.

“I play bass, Abby. That would mean two bassists?” Hunter asks, cocking his head sideways as she sits back down. “I don’t think that’s necessary,” he adds, his tone starting to turn pissy.

Aiden laughs. “Hey, look, Hunter can math.”

“It is, actually,” she presses. “This would get you out from behind the guitar, giving the chance to show more of the chemistry with Chase. It also makes it easier for you to engage with the audience without focusing on keeping a grounded rhythm. Ireland also would provide a raspy female backup to balance out Chase’s lead during duets. We’re not subtracting here, Hunter,” Abby says, leaning up in her chair. “This is only adding to making Shaft the best it can possibly be.”

“That’s the main priority here,” Aiden says, scratching his chin. Gray and Cam nod in agreement. Chase has a grin playing across her face while she stares at her husband who is damned close to pouting.

I can only sit and watch this scene play out, knowing that it can go either way. This was the last thing I expected from the record label. Shaft had always been the boys, until they added Chase for duets. Adding in someone we don’t even know isn’t going to be easy for the boys. Okay, it won’t be easy for Hunter. The man would have married his bass if he could have gotten around dick splinters.

“Dude,” Ireland stands to her feet, yanking a bag on her shoulder. “If they don’t fuckin’ want me, then I’m out. Their fuckin’ loss.”

“Sit down, Ireland.” Abby says, pushing to her feet again. “Listen, I get that this has been dropped on your lap and everything, but we wanted to get things underway before the tour kicks off. How about this, why don’t you go jam out in one of the studios for a while? Ireland has played around with some of your stuff, so see how you guys work together. It can’t hurt. I honestly believe that this is a step in a direction that will be huge for Shaft.”

“It can’t hurt,” I say, causing Hunter’s eyes to snap to mine. “What?” I ask, shrugging my shoulders. “Movin’ that Fender out of the way just gives the ladies more of an eye full the next time you lose a bet.”

The entire table laughs, except Hunter. Yanking a hand through his hair, he leans back in his chair, rocking sideways. “Hmmm,” he says. As hard as the wheels are turning in his head, it’s a damn good possibility his brain will short circuit and set off the sprinkler system. Pushing to his feet, he walks over and looks down at Ireland. “You prepared to go up against me and my Fender, woman?” he asks, arching a brow. “You’ve got big ass boots to fill.”

Standing to her feet, her face goes from pissed off to completely relaxed and confident. “Bring it on. My rifts will leave you lying on the floor spent and shakin’.” Winking, she picks up her guitar case from the floor, gesturing toward the door as she pats the case lovingly. “Lead the way, my Ibanez and I never turn down a challenge.”

The guys and Chase stand and follow Hunter, Ireland, and Jameson out of the room. Sitting down beside Camaron, I laugh the moment the door closes. What’s so funny?” she asks.

“Ireland is Hunter with an Ibanez and a vagina.”

Cam’s eyes widen and she covers her mouth as she laughs. “You’re right. Oh shit, this will be interesting, that’s for sure.”

“I’ll be honest,” Abby says, taking a seat closer to Cam and me. “She’s a handful, but she’s got this raw talent that blew me away. I want her in Shaft. I can see her there.”

“If that’s the decision that’s made, and everyone is good with it, then we’ll make it work,” Cam says surely.

Abby turns her eyes on me. “Henry,” she says, tossing her red hair over her shoulder. “Another thing we need to get on now, is adding more security to your team. I know that you have said no before, but you and Mack can’t possibly be expected to handle things on your own on tour, and at home, along with adding Ireland to the mix. It’s just not possible.”

“I agree.”

Cam and Abby both smile at me. “Good,” Abby replies, sounding a bit shocked.

“Henry and I would like to sit in on the interviews, since ultimately, it would be Big Man putting together the team,” Cam adds.

“Of course,” Abby nods. “We can start the process immediately. I can even send them to the house, if you’d like.”

“Thank you, Abby,” Cam and I reply in unison.

After going over all the details and sorting a pile of possible candidates to decide which to meet with, we head down to the studio to check on things. I feel a lot better about putting more guys on security after having seen some of the potential. Ex-Navy, former police, even a few out of state firms that would be willing to put guys on immediately.

At the end of the hall we stop outside the studio and watch through the large glass wall with Jameson. Reaching over, Abby turns the knob on an in-wall speaker system, adjusting the volume so that we can hear better. They sound great, but I don’t need to hear to know things are good. Aiden is tearing up the skins while Gray plays lead. Hunter and Ireland are in the middle of the studio, dueling with guitars. When Chase belts out her solo, Ireland comes in on a nearby mic, freestyling in the background. Her voice is a blend of rough, sexy, and yet it comes off strangely smooth. Honestly, she really does balance Chase pretty damn perfect.

Once the song is finished, Hunter holds up a finger at Ireland. “Hold on a sec while we talk about you.”

“Don’t worry, Hunter,” she fires back. Holding up her black nail polish covered middle finger, she runs it along the frets of her bright purple bass guitar. “I’ll just be over here, being fuckin’ fabulous.”

Hunter chuckles, then joins Chase, and Grayson as they huddle around Aiden and the drum set, already in furious discussion.

“She’s really good,” Cam says, looking between Abby and me.

I nod, but don’t even have to; we all know she is good. She fits with the band while performing if what we saw was any indication. It’s pretty much a done deal, and judging by the look on Hunter’s face as he looks over at her, he knows it too.

“All right, it was a close one,” Hunter says, shrugging his shoulders.

“Hunter, don’t be an ass.” Slapping him on the arm, Chase pushes around him and smiles at Ireland. “It’s unanimous. Welcome to Shaft.”

After handling final paperwork and arranging practice time, both at the studio and at the house, we climb into the ‘Burban to head back home. Everyone seems to be on board with the changes, for the most part. It’s going to take some time for them to get their feel on stage with an extra body up there.

Adjusting to change. It’s a concept we are all going to have to get used to, especially now that we’re home. Things will be different now that we’re in Nashville. Soon enough, Jasmine starts school and the tour kicks off. That will put me in different cities every night with the group and Mack home with Daisy, Rae, and the kids. According to the schedule Ironsound set up, we should be able to come home every other weekend for the first leg at least, then who knows.

What does that mean for Rae and me? What does she want? I do know I like that it feels like my world slows down a bit when I’m with her. I also sleep. I haven’t felt this good in years and that’s starting to scare the shit out of me. It also is really good too.

Walking into the house, I hear laughing in the kitchen. Heading through the foyer, I make my way down the hallway, stopping in the doorway when I see Rae, Brannon, and Daisy making dinner while Mack and Jazzie are busy icing a cake.

“Hey,” Rae says, smiling up at me. “Dinner’s almost ready.”

“We made cake, Big Man!” Jazzie squeals then licks spoon.

Eyeing the crooked, frosting covered dessert on the cake stand, I smile at her. “You sure did, I bet it’s real good too.” Turning to Rae, I jerk my chin toward the hallway. “Need a minute with you.”

Slipping my hand to the small of her back, I lead her out of the kitchen and down the hallway. Opening the door to my bedroom, I shuffle us in and close the door behind us. “Henry, what’s going on?”

Spinning her around, I push her against the closed door and slam my mouth to hers. Wrapping my arms around her, I lift her from the ground as she melts into me. Rae’s arms wrap around my neck then she sighs into my mouth, giving me full advantage. I dive into her mouth, my tongue brushing over hers in soft swipes, slowly tasting the woman I have begun to crave like a fucking drug.

“Tour starts soon,” I say breaking the kiss.

“What?” she asks, staring at me.

“I won’t be here. I’ll be on the bus,” I begin. “Don’t know what that means for us.” Brushing the hair away from her face, I cup her jaw. “Because I’ve decided there’s an us.”

Burying her face in my neck, she breathes deeply. I tense, hoping that I didn’t just fuck up and say something stupid. My hands roam her back, wanting to feel her. Finally, she leans back against the wall and looks at me. She shakes her head, her lips quirking up into a smile. “Bear,” she whispers, pressing her lips to the corner of my mouth. “There’s been an us for quite some time now.”