He rumbles with laughter and holds his hands in the air. “I’ll do my best.”
“Good luck tonight, hon.”
“Thanks.”
The jitters pop up as soon as she leaves.
“Come here,” Rooster says softly.
“You heard Cindy,” I say as I approach.
“I’ll behave.” He holds out his hands to me, and I curl my fingers around his. “You look amazing. How’s your throat feel?”
I hum a few notes. “Okay.”
“Good.” He pulls me down into his lap, draping my legs sideways over his. Carefully, I rest my head on his shoulder, the steady thump of his heart grounds and reassures me.
“I could go to sleep like this.”
He kisses my forehead. “Relax for a few minutes.”
“Okay.”
My set list, the things I want to say to the crowd tonight all float through my head. I picture myself strong, and hitting every note perfectly. Eventually, I drift away, hovering somewhere between sleep and awake.
Vaguely, I’m aware of someone knocking and the door opening.
“She feelin’ all right?”
Dawson’s voice.
“Yeah,” Rooster rumbles.
I drag myself back to consciousness, blinking and sitting up. Only mildly embarrassed to be caught taking a catnap in my boyfriend’s embrace.
“You all right, little lady?” Dawson flashes me a warm smile.
Great. The last thing I need is him thinking I can’t handle the stress of the tour. “Just resting before my set. What’s up?”
He closes the door behind him and drops into the chair across from us. Guess he’s sticking around to chat.
Feeling a bit unprofessional sitting in Rooster’s lap, I slide down until my butt hits the couch cushions and face Dawson. “What’s on your mind?”
He shoots a look Rooster’s way before speaking. “Would ya be offended if I took the stage with you instead tonight? Last song. Mix things up a little?”
I blink and sit back, trying to digest that.
Dawson Roads wants to perform with me? During my set?
The star of the tour is lowering himself and going on stage early? With the opening act?
He seems to take my hesitation for disagreement, sitting back and holding up his hands. “Won’t cut you short, promise.”
“No, no. It’s not that. Just…why? I’m the opener. Seats aren’t even full during my slot.”
“Let’s teach those fuckers a lesson.” He grins. “They oughtta be here earlier.”
Next to me, Rooster chuckles.
“Sure. Of course,” I answer. Why the heck am I questioning Dawson Roads, anyway? I work a little more graciousness into my tone. “I’m honored to share the stage with you anytime.”
He rubs his hand over his chin and leans forward, resting one elbow on his knee. “I didn’t get a chance to discuss this with Greg yet, but you’re going into the studio right after we get off the road, right?”
“Uh, yeah.” I glance at Rooster. “Planning to spend a few days at home. Visit my momma first.”
“How would you feel about recording something together?”
“I’d love to!” I wince from the enthusiasm in my voice and try to settle down. “That would be great.”
“Not ‘Let the Night Go.’” He lets out a humorless laugh. “Glenna would sue me to hell and back if I re-recorded it with someone else.” His expression turns sour for a second before his gaze lands on Logan. “It was good seeing your friend the other night. Got in touch with his people. Going to see if we can work on something together.”
Rooster’s eyes widen a touch, then his expression flattens. “Wasn’t aware Chaser had ‘people,’ but that sounds good.”
Dawson shrugs. This is all kinds of weird.
“Dawson, I appreciate the opportunity. A lot.” I drop my gaze. “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but you’re not just offering to work with me to, you know, piss off Glenna, are you?”
When he doesn’t answer, I lift my gaze and find him stroking his chin, staring at me in a thoughtful way. Not mean or angry at least. “Shelby, I think you’re one of the most talented singers to come offa one of those foolish reality shows in years. You got chewed up and spit out in the name of drama and ratings. Hated to see it.”
I wasn’t aware he’d actually watched Redneck Roadhouse, and I cringe, remembering some of the worst moments.
“You attract a slightly younger audience,” he continues, “and you’re getting some mainstream airplay, which I’ve never really managed to crack.”
I blink and stare. He’s dominated the country charts for close to fifteen years. Who knew Dawson Roads gave a crap about mainstream anything?
“And I think you working with me helps expose you to an older audience, so they can discover you’re more than