article is an insensitive piece of shit. Like Aspen needs more on top of everything else she’s going through.
My phone rings in my hand, Bree’s name flashing on the front. “Please tell me you have something.”
“I talked to the PR person, but they’re being tight-lipped on everything. I was told the family is all together, and they’re only wish is for privacy. How’d the conference go?”
“It was fine. Typical,” I answer to appease her, but business is the last thing I want to discuss right now. “Did you see what’s on page six today?”
She groans. “Yes, I’m already working on getting that taken down. Maybe Aspen’s PR rep will offer more info when she sees it too. We have to get ahead of the story, but that means we need to talk to find out where you two stand to do that.”
It grates on my every last nerve that my love life has turned into a story and updates have to come through our PR people. This is ridiculous. Why hasn’t she called me? A couple men in suits walk into the Admiral’s Club and nod as they pass me. I force a smile in return but as soon as they pass, I sit forward, leaning on my knees and drop my chin so I don’t have to make eye contact with anyone else.
“Listen, you only have three more days on the road. Focus on that and I’ll do everything I can to get in touch with Aspen.”
They announce the boarding for my flight so I hang up and gather my things. Thank god my gate is right outside the club. Bree might have been able to control interviews by instructing them to not bring up Aspen, but she sure as hell can’t stop the random person. And they have been asking, everyone wants information on Aspen.
What they don’t know, so do I.
A fucking road trip?
“Where is she going?”
She was in New Orleans a couple days ago. I had no idea she was driving everywhere. It’s a relief knowing she has Secret Service following her.
“I don’t know. All I know is she’s with Mila Malone. And she got into Nashville today,” Bree says.
Watching her press release a few days ago, refueled my desire to be with her. The confident woman I’ve fallen in love with took hold of that stage and owned it. I’ve never been so proud of someone in my life. Her tan has faded, showing off her adorable freckles, natural red lips and intoxicating whiskey-colored eyes. She’s addicting, and the world feels it too. They’ve welcomed her with open arms and everyone wants a piece of her. But I want all of her. Her heart. Her mind. Her body.
I’d settle for her voice right now.
And then the question about me. My heart stopped beating, my eyes glued to the TV, waiting for her answer. It figures her rep cut her off. I should have seen that coming, it’s what Bree would have done too. I rewound that moment a million times, trying to read her expression. It looked like she was mad. She definitely saw the picture with me and Bree. If she would just call me, I’d explain.
I glance around the room and feel like I’m trapped in a time warp. Talking to Bree inside the Admiral’s Club. Might be a different airport, but it all feels the same.
At least this time, I have information.
And I’m tired of waiting for Aspen to come to me.
“Thanks, Bree. Gotta go,” I say, with an idea, walking to the service desk.
“Good morning, Mr. Dallas, how can I help you?”
I flash a smile to the customer service agent. “Do you have any flights to Nashville this morning?”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Aspen
“You expect me to get on that thing?” I point to a machine that is supposed to replicate a bull. Or part of one, surrounded by a padded floor to cushion your fall when you’re inevitably thrown off.
The crowd chants my name. This is the problem with everyone knowing me. All along our trip, everyone has talked to me like they’re my long-lost friends. It’s weird.
“C'mon,” drunk Mila says, hip bumping me. I glance behind her to Halli and Dean, sitting at a table, keeping their hawk eyes on us. Halli shrugs with a laugh. “It’ll be a fun experience.”
Mila has been all about new experiences for me, and it’s been great, until now. Our trip, so far, has been unforgettable. But Nashville has been my favorite so far. Music and dance is