It’s not good for either of us right now. We have almost a week to get through. Fuck the negative shit. We don’t need it. Let’s make the best of this, yeah?” I push away from the tree and turn to face Natalie. “Come on.”
She nods and falls into step beside me as I take us farther into the woods. “How do your parents feel about seeing you all over social media and hearing your voice on the radio?”
“My father loves it while my mother complains I cuss and drink too much. She’s not wrong.”
“Definitely not,” Natalie says with a hint of humor. “I’ve seen plenty of videos and interviews, and I’m not sure any of them were profanity free.”
I stop and smile, causing her to bump into me. “Have you been stalking me online?”
She clears her throat and pushes my shoulder, before walking past me. “Absolutely not, rock star. Keep walking.”
“You don’t have to be ashamed, Nat. Most females are obsessed with me. I’m used to it. My brother never has to kn—”
She elbows me in the side, cutting my words off. “You’re a moron, Madden. I am not obsessed with you like ninety percent of the female population is. I enjoy your music. RISK is one of my favorite bands. There, I admit it. Are you happy?”
“Hell yes I am, babe.”
“Must you really call me that in private?”
“The more I call you it, the more natural it will feel and sound to others, so yes.”
She rolls her eyes and heads back the direction we came from. I let her lead the way, knowing she’ll most likely get lost like everyone else does. The truth is, I’m enjoying being alone with her and away from Alana. I want to make it last a bit longer, so I continue to follow her even after she takes a wrong turn.
“I don’t think any of this looks familiar,” she finally says after a while. “What the hell, Madden?” She turns to face me, her expression annoyed. “I’ve been going the wrong way this entire time, haven’t I?”
I nod and risk a smile, knowing there’s a chance she may physically hurt me. There’s also a chance I may like it.
“See…” She turns to walk back the direction we just came from, bumping my shoulder in the process. “Annoying.”
“With a side of adorable,” I point out as I pass her to lead the way. “Don’t forget that part.”
She rolls her eyes, but I notice a hint of a smile that she attempts to hide as she falls into step beside me. She may never admit it out loud, but she’s having fun being alone with me.
“How long have we been out here?” she questions once the cabin comes into view.
“I don’t know. Why?”
“Just wondering if anyone is awake yet.”
“We’ve been gone long enough, so I wouldn’t be surprised if someone wakes up soon.”
“I think I’m going to jump in the shower now so I’m not in anyone’s way when they do.”
I nod and roll my sleeves up. “I’m gonna stay out here and get some air. There’s soap and shampoo in the small compartment of my suitcase in case you need some.”
She makes an ‘oh crap’ face and shakes her head. “I knew I was forgetting something when I packed. Are you sure it’s cool if I grab them myself?”
I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s asking because my brother doesn’t like her going through his things. He’s always been extremely private, even when it comes to his only brother.
“I don’t have anything in my suitcase to hide, except maybe my underwear, but you’ve already seen them anyway. Considering I gave a pair to a complete stranger once, I guess you could say they’re not secret.”
She rolls her eyes and begins walking backward. “I won’t be going anywhere near your underwear, so we’re good there.”
After she disappears inside, I walk to the picnic table that’s setup right outside the trails and light up a smoke. It feels good to be out here alone, taking in the trees and morning air.
No cellphone.
No social media.
No screaming fans.
No manager barking orders at me.
And most of all, no pressure.
“What the hell, Madden!”
At least, I thought.
My stomach twists into knots the moment I hear Alana’s pissed-off voice coming toward me, but I refuse to show her the affect she still has on me. “How can I help you on this beautiful fucking morning, Alana?”
She makes it a point to walk around the table so that we’re facing each other. I