Chapter 49
"Are you coming tonight?" I asked Logan as I slipped into a shimmering, black top and matching black jeans the next evening, preparing for my first gig. Since we both had gigs, we spent the day in bed.
He kissed me on the forehead. "That just depends. Are you coming straight home?"
I caught his double meaning. "Ha, ha. I mean, are you coming to my gig tonight?"
He shook his head. "We have to be at the Double Shot Saloon soon."
I let out a deep breath. "I'll see you later tonight, then?"
He took me into his arms and pulled me between his legs as he sat on the bed and looked deeply into my eyes. "You can count on it." Then, he placed his head on my belly and gave me a gentle hug.
I smiled thoughtfully as I ran my fingers through his sun streaked hair. "I wish we were going on tour together."
"Yeah; me, too," he said without looking at me. Then, he released me. "Well, I should get ready. Good luck tonight."
I smiled. "Good luck to you, too."
His lips descended upon mine as a thrill coursed throughout my body. A moment later, he pulled back, leaving me breathless. "I'll see you later?"
He kissed me gently on the lips. "You can count on it."
I took my guitar and my purse, and then closed the door behind me. When I looked back at Logan standing shirtless in the bedroom, it was tempting to blow off the gig and stay home with him, but I knew that wasn't possible. After all, this was why I'd come to Nashville.
As I quickly headed out the door to my car, I started getting into my gig mindset. Adrenaline filled my body as I started the car and headed toward the Powder Keg Tavern. I turned down a few streets, and a few moments later, I pulled into the parking lot.
As I got out of my car, the parking lot was full and loud noise came from inside. It was packed. I reached for my guitar and then adjusted my black silk blouse that came up slightly in the back, exposing my lower back.
"Well, here goes nothing," I said as I took a deep breath and headed toward the nightclub.
Loud music roared from inside, and was even louder when I walked in. It was standing room only.
"ID, please?" a burly bouncer asked as I stepped in.
"Jaxon, she's with me."
When I looked over, Craig was approaching. I gave him a friendly smile.
"Sure thing, Mr. Savage," Jaxon replied, and then turned to me. "Go right on in."
I nodded as I passed. "Thanks."
He forced a smile that I was sure would crack his stern face. "Don't mention it."
Craig placed his hand on the small of my back and led me backstage. It felt a bit uncomfortable, but not as much as it had before. I guess I was getting used to it.
"I'm glad you saw me, or I'd still be standing in the doorway." I smiled at the image of me standing in the doorway, unable to get in to lay my first gig.
A slow smile spread across Craig's face. "I was watching for you. I had a feeling that might happen. Besides, I left your name at the door. Next time, just tell him who you are."
"Thanks," I said as I climbed the stairs and stepped into the greenroom.
Vanities lined the walls on either side, above wall-length mirrors. "Wow."
Craig laughed. "Well, you'd better get used to it, kitten. This is just a small taste of what's to come."
I forced a smile, wondering if I should say something about the new nickname. But I knew that he didn't mean anything by it, so I let it go.
The backstage was suddenly buzzing with excitement when cheers came from the stage down the hallway.
Craig reached for my purse, and I gave it to him. "You'd better hurry. They'll have an encore, and then it's your turn for the night."
I set down my guitar as my stomach started to flutter. "Who are they?"
Craig shrugged. "Living Daylights."
I pulled my eyebrows together in concern as I slipped the guitar strap across my shoulder and quickly tuned my guitar. "Never heard of them."
"They're an up-and-coming band," Craig replied. "I manage them."
I nodded as I gave my guitar a strum to check the tune. Satisfied, I let my fingers fly up the neck of my guitar to check it again, half paying attention. "Who are they? Is this their gig?"
He smiled as he shook his head. "They're opening for you."
My mouth flew open as I watched him walk away. I thought for sure that I would be opening for them.
"Come on!" Craig motioned toward me when he stopped short and I was still standing in the same place. "They'll be off in a minute! You need to be waiting in the wings in plenty of time."
I nodded, too dumbfounded to reply as I hurried to catch up.
Craig placed his hand on the small of my back again, and pushed through the crowd that had gathered in the wings. One woman looked perturbed to have been disturbed from her place and rolled her eyes, but stepped out of the way.
Craig positioned me on the side of the stage. The view was fabulous as I took in the band playing their hearts out and glanced over the crowd. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach.
"I think I'm going to be sick." =
On the stage, the lead guitarist was just finishing an elaborate rift, and the lead vocalist approached the mic and belted out a fast-paced tune, giving it his all as the crowd roared their approval.
Craig paid no attention as he placed his hands on my shoulders. "Now, you listen to me," he said, forcing me to look into his eyes. "Alyssa, you're a natural. You were born for this. This is your time. Believe me."
Suddenly, their song came to an abrupt end.
"You got this. Now, go get 'em," Craig said, pointing me toward the stage.
