Never Say Goodbye (Rebel Walking #6) (23 page)

Chapter Two

Luke

"I just found out we're heading out on a private jet if we can be there within the next hour.  Will you and Kimber be able to make that?"  Holden hasn't changed one bit.  He's still the same organized guy who can pull insane shit out of his ass.... like a private jet.

"How the hell did you manage that one?"

"Let's just say I've met a few people since you've been gone."

"Well, I expect a full report on your ass before too long."

"Sounds good.  I'll see you in a few minutes so we can make this flight."

"Give us ten."  I hang up with Holden and glance over at Kimber.  She's pulling me in with her sexiness as she brushes out her hair over her shoulders.  I sit on the side of the bed and enjoy the view of her getting ready for a few minutes, knowing time is running out before Holden will be all over our asses.  Moments like this shouldn't be rushed.  

She turns to look at me and notices my stare before she turns off the blow dryer.

"Why are you staring at me?"

"Because I can."

"Remember that."  She steps into her dress, sliding panties on after and making me wish we had more time.  I know we have plenty of time to come, but I also know things will never be as simple as they are right now.  We are both in limbo in our lives, getting ready to take a step in a direction that will forever change us.  I just hope we step in the same direction.  I've really fallen for Kimber.  I don't think she has any idea how much I care for her.  After Lilly, I can't hold back things.  That's one thing I'll never forgive myself for.  

"You're fucking sexy."  I step close to her, pulling her in close to my chest as I wrap my arms around her waist.  "Kimber.  I want you to know we have so much to look forward to and we will have so much coming at us when we get there.  Just remember I love you and this is the start of us.  We will have forever to be us.  We will have forever to learn who we can be when we're together and I can't wait to see what we pull off."

"I love you too, Luke."  She steps up on the tips of her toes to kiss me and I pull her tighter, loving how she feels in my arms.  

We're interrupted by an obnoxious knock on the door and I don't even have to answer it to know who's on the other side.  I turn the handle and open the door to see Taron.

"What's up, brother?"

"Nothing.  Just getting ready to throw the last of our shit in suitcases to meet you guys."

"Yeah.  I thought I'd see if you need any help."  He walks past me and into the hotel room without an invitation.  It's Taron.  He doesn't need an invitation, but I'm glad she's already dressed.  

He bends down to pick up her lacy panties from last night and I look over at Kimber's red face just as he does.

"Shit.... In my day, do you know how many of these I used to sniff?  I'd put these lil’ bitches in my pocket from all the girls I'd take to the back.  Now, I'm with a woman who doesn't even fuckin' wear 'em.  How does shit like that change, Luke?"  He hands her the red lace and she rushes to tuck them into her bag.

"Ahhh.  Don't worry, Kimber.  I won’t sniff yours."  Her eyes go wide and she turns around to walk into the bathroom and I can't help but laugh.

"Nah, seriously.  How does shit like that happen?  I was never going to be trapped with one pussy for the rest of my life and now... I can't wait to get back to her anytime we're apart.  I'm pussy whipped and I fuckin' like it."

"I'm glad to hear the two of you are still doing so well."

"Yeah.  If we were doing any better, we'd be pregnant again.  I mean shit... I still can't keep my hands off of her."

"How's that baby?"

"Heaven is her daddy's girl.  She will get anything she wants from me.  I just can't help that shit.  I'm so far gone with those two I don't even know when I went south, but I wouldn't change any of it for the world."

"That's awesome.  You deserve to be happy with her.  Did you two tie the knot yet?"  The night of their engagement will forever be the worst night of my life.  Lilly died on the way home that night.  My heart thumps a little harder with the memories of the accident.

"Nah.  She hasn't wanted to rush into it with everything going on.  She wants it to be a good time in our lives."  He turns to face Kimber as she walks out of the bathroom.  

"Are you ready to get your ass on a jet plane to meet some people who are dying to see you?"  Her face lights up slightly and the smile on her face tells me she's trying very hard to not be nervous.  I understand why she would be.  She's basically moving into my past.  A past that was very chaotic and tragic.  One that I'm not even sure I'm ready to face.  I just hope together we can make it our future instead of the past overwhelming us.  

If it does, we'll move.  I'm not afraid of making a change in my address if it means we get to see where this takes us.

"I think you helped me pack the last thing, so I'm ready."  She puts the strap of her make up bag over her shoulder and smiles a huge smile at Taron.

"I have a taxi waiting for us.  Holden and Talon went to the airport to make sure the bird is ready and waiting, so let's get our asses on the road."  He walks out and my eyes meet hers.  She appears ready with her head held high and her body language showing me the confidence I love to see in a woman as she passes me to follow Taron.  I grab the last suitcase and follow behind.

"So Kimber, what the hell do you see in this fucker?  He's all bruised up and uglied.  I'm not even sure he could land him some groupie ass lookin’ like this."   

"Shit.  Groupies don't care what I look like."  Her head drops when I start talking.  I realize really quickly that this is going to be a challenge.  

"Yeah, but it doesn't hurt to look as good as we do.  Not that we'll be dealing with any of that anytime soon."

"Groupies, huh?  I don't even want to know the details of that one."

"Yeah.  You probably don't."  I speak under my breath as I send a glare to Taron, hoping he will get my drift and change the fucking subject.

"Eaven and Ivy have already called twice this morning to make sure I'm taking care of Kimber.  I have a feeling they're gonna help you get everything you need when we get there."  He steps next to her and places his arm over her shoulders.  I visually watch as she tries hard to accept his abruptness.  He's always been one to be straight in your face.  You just have to learn to take him as he comes.  He's one of the best guys I know and it's great to see him in action again.

"Shit.  I'm not ready to hear the two of them ripping my ass over leaving.  I know it's coming."  I know for a fact that it's coming.  There were many times I thought about calling Eaven to let her know I was doing okay.  But the truth is, I wasn't doing well and she would've picked up on that immediately.  We've always been close, so Ivy knows me well too.  It was just best to stay away from everyone until I figured out me first.

"Oh.  It's comin'.  They've been worried about you."

"I know."  I have nothing better to say, because I know they've been worried.  I knew they would be the second I threw my phone into that river, but honestly I needed to take the time to heal.  Hell, I'm not sure I healed much, but the fact that I can face people is a huge step for me in that process.

We get to the taxi and hear a few screams from behind us.  My heart skips knowing I'm being thrown right back into that.  I could get away with it alone, in a hoodie, but when I'm walking with the lead singer, I'm not going to get to hide.

I guide Kimber into the back seat of the car and move quickly in behind her as Taron does what he does best.  He signs a few autographs and asks the girls to let us be on our way before we miss our flights.  I keep my eyes focused on her hand in my lap where her fingers are laced between mine.  Her squeeze reminds me that she's here and I take a deep breath, trying not to get out of this taxi and go back up to that room we were just in.  It was safe.  It was peaceful.  It was just us.

Chapter Three

Kimber

He's going to have a hard time with all of this.  I can tell with the way he responded to the first sign of him returning to his celebrity life.  A few screams and he's hiding.  I know from the research I've done on him that he's a people person.  He loves his fans.  This will be tough for him.  I wonder if it reminds him of her?  How could it not?

She was such a huge part of this life.  I'm going to have to be strong for him through this until he learns to cope with all that his old life represents.

"You okay?"  I whisper just before Taron sits beside him.  His nod should make me feel better, but it isn't exactly reassuring.

"Alright.  We're ready.  Hurry or Holden will have my ass."

"I'm surprised he left you to get us there on time.  I mean, the last person I'd give that job to is you."

"You and me both.  Shit, I'm never on time.  But I told him I'd make this one happen.  It'll be close.  They can just hold the damn bird for us.  I mean shit.... We're fucking rock stars."  It's strange hearing that.  I don't know him like this, but I'll enjoy getting to know this side of him.

The ride to the airport is intense, but I'm used to taxi drivers in California.  They're always a little on the crazy side.  Taron's constant yelling made this one move his ass.  I can already tell things won’t be boring around him.  Honestly, I may have to take him in doses.  He's full of energy and I could see him being the life of every party and that's completely the opposite of how I like to be.

"Pull right up to the hanger there on the left.  Holden has us cleared."  We're in a small airport.  I didn't even know it existed and I've lived here my whole life.

"Thanks, man.  Here's a tip; I told you I'd take care of you if you got us here in time."  Taron hands the driver a few one hundred dollar bills as a tip and I start to realize what I'm getting myself into.  

Holden opens the door for me and I take my final steps on California land for what could be a very long time.  I really don't have intentions of rushing back any time soon.  The few friends I have understand that I need a clean break from this place and I'm sure they'd come see me once we get settled into our new life.

I step onto a private jet with a stewardess moving quickly to make sure everything is perfect.  I sit on the long bench seat, leaving plenty of room for Luke right behind me, and latch my seat belt.  Holden sits in the seat directly in front of me, Talon beside him, and Taron slides in next to Luke.  

I begin to prepare myself for this ride.  I'm not so worried about the one that will fly us to Missouri, but I can't help but still have uneasy feelings about the ride we'll take once we land.  I hope Luke is really ready for this.  If he's not, I'll find a way to move on myself.  It's what I have to do now.  

"It won’t be long now.  We'll have you completely overwhelmed with everyone when we land, but just hang tight and it'll all calm down after the buzz of Luke returning calms down a bit."  I really like Holden.  He seems like he's the one that takes care of everyone.  He has a way about him that just makes me feel like he's a safe friend to have.  Someone who would never betray.  That may not be the truth, but it's definitely the vibe I get from him.  

"I can't wait to get a guitar in this guy's hands."  Taron leans over Luke to talk to me as he points his thumb at Luke.  "He's a badass.  I've never seen anything like him."

Luke sits back and allows him to talk, but I can see his demeanor change instantly.  

"I'm not sure when I'll play again.  Right now, I'm just trying to get us settled in and work through a few things that I still need to handle."  

"Taron.  Don't rush his ass.  He'll be there when he's ready and not a minute sooner."  Talon seems so serious, very observant and one that just sits back and listens to everyone.

"Yeah, I know.  I'm just anxious to get back on that stage."

"You guys don't have to wait on me to get back to it.  I'm not sure how long it'll be before I'm ready."

"Nah.  We'll wait. We've been talking to a few bass guys.  None seem to fit the mold though.  We have one that'll be meeting us at the studio tomorrow."

"Yeah, I'm not doing that."

"You don't have to.  Hell, I'm sure it'll be another loser."    Taron sits back as Talon seems to take over the conversation.  "Look, we know it'll be tough.  Hell, I'm not sure any of us are ready when it comes right down to it, but she'd want us to continue.  So we'll work towards it and in the meanwhile, maybe we can prepare some kickass new songs to release when it all settles.  That's something you were always great at." 

Luke stays leaned back against the back of his chair with his arms crossed while I try to take it all in.  I want to understand all of this and I hope he actually opens up completely about it soon.  

"I have a few lyrics that I've been tossing around in my head.  I'll see if I can get them down on paper."  Luke speaks and we all look at him with a slight hope that maybe he'll be able to move forward even in the slightest with the band.

"Like I said, when you're ready.  I don't want any forced shit.  We all know that it doesn't work like that.  Creativity will only flow when you're ready and willing."  I'm really going to like Talon.  I can tell he's got a very big heart.  

"Kimber.  When we land, there will be so much chaos.  I want you to stay by Holden and let him keep you clear."  Talon leans forward in his chair and clasps his hands together, letting his arms rest on his knees.

"No there won't.  We're landing on a private air strip."  Holden begins to buckle his seatbelt as the sound of the engine starts up.

"Leave it up to this guy to make sure we're always protected.  You still haven't stopped covering their asses, have you?"  Luke reaches for my hand when the plane starts to move.

"I don't have any plans to stop anytime soon."

"He says that, but he's gone and shacked up since you've been gone.  Who knows where life will take him now."  Taron leans over to look out the window as we lift off the ground.

"What?  You've shacked up?"  Luke yells over the engine noise and I can visibly see Holden loosen up.  He's fallen hard for someone.  It's great to see a side to these guys that isn't typical.  I can see why Luke considers them family.  They're all so much alike.  I can feel myself drawn to find out about the women who have captured their hearts.  He holds back his reply until we're near full speed.  

"Yes I have.  You'll get to meet her tonight."

"Congrats, man.  I can't wait."  The plane begins to level off, so I relax just a little.  Luke's squeeze on my hand and his slight grin makes me feel better about everything.

"Yeah, it's all still really new, but we hit it off so I thought why the hell not."

"How's everything else?"  Luke talks toward Holden when he asks.

"I started a security business with Cowboy.  Business really took off right away."

"You might have to give your old friend Luke a job."  Luke is the only one laughing at that comment.  I can tell they all really want him back on stage, but I feel lost about how to help them make that happen.  I'm not going to push him into it, but maybe I can get him excited again some how.  

I listen to the guys begin to joke around, lightening the mood tremendously and by the time we've arrived in Missouri, Luke seems excited to land.  This is his homecoming and my first look at what home will be like for me.  For us.

The plane lands and we stand to exit down the stairs leading to the ground below.  There are two women racing toward us as we step out.  When Luke steps on the last step, they both wrap their arms around him tight.

"Luke.  I swear to you if you ever do that shit again, I'll find you myself and choke you to death.  Do you have any idea how worried I've been about you?"

"I know.  I'm sorry.  I just needed some time."

"I'll give you time, but don't you ever shut me out like that again.  How are we supposed to make sure you're alright if you disappear?"  The dark haired one steps back and puts her hand on her hip while the other one continues to talk.

"Now tell me everything.  Tell me how in the hell you became a fighter.  How does that even happen, Luke?"

"I'll tell you everything soon.  Right now I just want show Kimber as much as I can."  They both look behind him to see me.  Thankfully, they both instantly welcome me with smiles and a brief hug.  This has to be hard on everyone, but they're hiding it well.

"Hi Kimber.  Thank you for making sure my cousin made it out in one piece.  I had no idea he was fighting."

"It's probably a good thing we didn't know.  Can you imagine how we would've been?  Hell, your ass would've been climbing in with him."  The dark haired one speaks up.

"Hi.  I'm Ivy.  And this blabber mouth is Eaven.  You'll have to forgive us, we missed Luke."

"He had us scared."

"I'm sorry girls, but you'll have plenty of time to bash me.  Kimber doesn't need to know all about my issues on the first day home."  Eaven moves to put her arm around Luke once more, giving him a fake punch to his stomach.

"I better have plenty of time."  He wraps both arms around her and squeezes her tight, lifting her off her feet.

"You will.  Now, get us to the food.  I've missed those Walker BBQs."