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  When Callie spun around, there stood Tucker in all his Tuckerly glory.

  Could a tux be made for a man that fit any better than it did for Tucker Hawk? There wasn’t an inch of him that wasn’t perfect.

  “Hi,” Callie said.

  He smiled, and the world fell away. “Hey, mind if we have a minute?”

  Yeah, she minded. He was going to try to talk again. She didn’t want him doing that. Not yet.

  “No,” she said as her feet propelled her forward. It was like she was mesmerized and on autopilot, his gorgeousness like a wispy finger pulling her by the nose.

  When she reached him, he took her hand and led her out of the room and into an empty room down the hall where no one would overhear them.

  “Callie, you look…amazing,” he said as he shut the door.

  “Says the walking Gucci model.”

  Tucker laughed and leaned in closer, holding her gaze. His smell made her brain melt, and she fought the urge to take a deep breath. “Want to know what I like most about you?”

  “What?” she whispered.

  “Your humor. You’re smart and beautiful and sweet. If I’d known my manager spoke to you…I’d have done just what I did because I was too focused on myself to see anything outside of my bubble. I shouldn’t have been, but I was. My manager talked to me too and convinced me that I needed to move on to be successful.”

  Callie held up her hand. “Don’t, Tucker. Please, don’t.”

  “I want to tell you.”

  She shook her head. “Please—”

  “Petra never loved me. She pretended to like me from the get-go to further her career. I was stupid and didn’t see it because she was really good at acting. And because I’d surrounded myself with people who didn’t give two nickels about me, I didn’t have anyone to call her out on it or set me straight.”

  Callie’s jaw dropped. She should tell him to stop, but he looked so earnest and vulnerable that she couldn’t.

  “Oh, Tucker. That’s awful. Why would anyone do that?”

  “I think Derek was behind it.”

  “Why?”

  Tucker rubbed his mouth with his fingers and leaned even further in. “I think he wanted something bad to happen so he could sign me again. I’d been thinking of going with a different label. I’ve never liked Derek. I’ve been civil with him, but it’s never been a secret that, given the opportunity, I’d leave Reckless. Without Harris, the former CEO, it’s not a place I want to be.”

  “I can’t believe he’d do that to you. What a creep!”

  “And I think…I think Stacey might have helped him.”

  Dumbstruck, Callie gasped. “What makes you think that?”

  He took a deep breath and let it slowly. “She said she signed a contract too, for this whole fake marriage thing, but now that I think about it, it doesn’t make sense. When I signed her as my agent, there was a confidentiality agreement. Why would she have needed to sign another contract? Other than my skin, that’s all she has in this game.”

  Callie pulled her bottom lip in as her thoughts ran wild. “Maybe Derek wanted her to be under his thumb too.”

  “I don’t think so. She was part of that party where I met Petra. I think they worked together to have Petra there at the right time because after that, wherever I was, Petra was there too. That’s why it was so easy to be with her. Most of the time, those parties were boring. I didn’t drink. I didn’t smoke. I had no interest in either. I wasn’t even interested in the women they’d invite to those things. So, when she was there, I had nothing better to do than talk to her.”

  “And you didn’t think that was odd at the time?”

  Those endless pools of blue staring her down turned pensive. “I was so full of myself that I didn’t take the time. I was on top of the world. All I had to do was ask my friends, and they’d agree.”

  To have no one love him enough to look out for him? Callie’s heart ached for him. “I’m so sorry.”

  “I should have known. We had so many things in common…and now that I’ve taken a hard look at her, there’s no way she was into the things she said she was. Plus, she was always pushing me to drink and smoke to have fun. I was a boring guy because I never did anything.” He said the last sentence in a mocking tone. “I started drinking here and there. By the time I found out who Petra really was, I was drinking anything and everything. Finding out she’d used me just fueled that. I lost myself because…I didn’t have anyone.”

  Callie took one of his hands in hers and used her free hand to cup his cheek.

  “Well, you have me now.” She held his gaze. “And I want to talk more, but if I don’t get back in there and finish getting ready, Georgia will murder me.”

  “After the wedding, though? We can talk more, right?” Tucker’s pleading eyes searched hers.

  “Yeah, we can talk then.” She was going to tell him, even if he did hate her and never trusted her again. At least one person in the world would be putting his interest above their own. Yeah, it was scary to think she’d never write another article, because of how much she loved it, but she loved him more. If she got sued, she got sued. So be it.

  He smiled and bent down, quickly brushing his lips across hers. “Okay.”

  Oh, she wanted to wrap her arms around him and kiss him, but after…after they talked. If he didn’t throw her out.

  Once they exited the room and parted ways, she found herself back at the dressing room door. She bit her lips with worry. The second Tucker was out of sight, she rested her forehead against the door, taking a deep breath.

  The hospital…she wanted that money to go to them, but Tucker needed her, and she wasn’t lying to him any longer. Nope. Her mind was made up. On the plane ride to LA, she’d come clean. If he was mad, then he was mad, but she’d be free. Maybe he’d even see it as a good thing that she broke the contract. He’d see that she cared about him…loved him. Maybe that would be enough.

  Chapter 22

  With a sigh, Callie shifted as she slept with her head leaned against Tucker. His plan to talk had failed the moment Callie sat down. Apparently, Georgia’s rule about going to bed at a decent time had only applied to the men, because the bridesmaids were exhausted by the time the reception was over.

  He had to admit Georgia was a beautiful bride, and the wedding was a nice affair. He’d even had time to tweak the song she’d requested, and her smile at the end of it was the best thank you he’d had in a while. All in all, it was one of the best weddings he’d ever attended. Even the food at the reception was enjoyable.

  They’d reached the plane at nearly midnight, and he couldn’t say he wasn’t feeling the day’s activities too. He should be asleep, but he was so wired about seeing his parents that he couldn’t. Most of his worry was concentrated on being back home, not introducing Callie, which was weird. It should have been the other way around.

  His phone rang, and he quickly answered it to keep it from waking Callie.

  “Hello?” he asked in a low voice.

  “Tucker, there’s a problem,” Stacey said. “I know you want to see your parents and introduce Callie, but you can’t.”

  Tucker growled. “Yes, I can.”

  “Derek wants you in LA tonight. He doesn’t want to risk something happening and you not being here for the press conference.”

  Furious, Tucker pulled his hand away from Callie and balled his fist. “Look, I know how important all of this is, but I need to see my parents.”

  “I know, and I get it, but this press conference is a big deal. If you give us tomorrow, you can visit them and not be on a time crunch.”

  “No, I’ll make sure I’m there.”

  “Derek isn’t going to be happy if you don’t change directions.”

  “Let him be angry. I’ve bent over backward at this point to do whatever he’s asked. I’m seeing my parents, and I’ll be at the press conference on Monday.”

  Stacey sighed. “I know you’re upset—”

  “A
re you listening to me? I’m going to see my mom and dad. I’m not arguing about this with you. You’re my manager. You’re supposed to be fighting for me.”

  “I am fighting for you. Who do you think got you this chance?”

  He scrubbed his face with his free hand. How much did he trust her? He softened his tone and checked his anger. “You’re right. I’m just tired. I miss home, and it feels like there’s nothing but chaos right now. Just let me see my mom and dad, and you’ll get the best performance out of me you’ve ever seen.”

  She stayed quiet a minute. “All right. I’ll tell him I couldn’t reach you, but you’d better be here. If you aren’t, Derek won’t be happy.”

  “I will. I promise.”

  “Okay, enjoy your visit.”

  It was just like Derek to try something like that, but Tucker wasn’t falling for it anymore. Tucker was the name. They needed him, not the other way around, and he was done taking orders.

  Life was about building something with someone he loved, and he intended to tell her he loved her as soon as he could.

  An idea sparked. He’d take her back to his parents’ place in Kentucky and plan something special. Then he’d tell her he loved her and hope she loved him in return. It was a risk, but it was one he was willing to take…with her.

  A few hours later, the plane touched down in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Callie sat up, bleary-eyed. No, he wouldn’t be talking to her yet. She’d be asleep again the second the car was moving.

  And he was right, once they were on the road, she was out. The truck he’d rented at the airport was nice, but her head would bounce from time to time. Eventually, she leaned over and curled up on the bench seat, using his thigh as a pillow.

  The sun peeking through the trees gave him a view of the scenery he’d missed. He should have come back home before now. A sense of peace filled him as he stroked Callie’s hair with one hand and steered with the other. This is what he wanted from life. Peace, comfort, and someone who loved him. What was the point of singing if he was miserable? And now that he knew he’d been miserable, he didn’t want that feeling again.

  By the time he pulled into his parents’ driveway, he made up his mind that once this current tour was over, he was taking a break. Whether for a short time or not, he wasn’t sure. But he needed balance, and that wasn’t going to be found on the road.

  Their modest home showed a humility he missed. The homes in his neighborhood back in LA were opulent and oversized.

  “Hey, Callie, we’re here,” he said, gently shaking her.

  Callie yawned as she pushed herself up. “Oh, I slept the whole time. I don’t even remember getting in the truck.”

  He grinned. “That’s because you were mostly asleep.”

  She touched his arm. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay. Let’s go meet my parents.”

  “You think they’ll like me?” The early morning sun filtered through the tinted windows, giving her an angelic look. Even mussed from sleep, she was beautiful.

  Tucker nodded. “I think they’ll love you.” As he said it, he realized they weren’t the only ones. Over the course of a week, his feelings had done a one-eighty, and he was thinking his fake marriage didn’t have to be so fake anymore.

  He got out of the truck, jogged around the front, and opened her door, helping her out.

  She yawned and fussed with her hair. “Oh, I’m so nervous.”

  “Don’t be. Everything’ll be fine,” he said as he took her hand and kissed the back of it.

  Before they could get to the door, his mom was flinging it wide open and running down the steps, furiously hugging him.

  His mom took his face in her hands. “I’m so glad you’re home! I’ve missed you so much.”

  “I’ve missed you too, Mom.”

  His dad stood in the doorway. “Elise, at least let the boy get inside.”

  His mom ignored him and shook Callie’s hand. “Hi, I’m Elise Hawk. It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “Hi, I’m glad to meet you too,” Callie said.

  His mom smiled wide. “Well, come on.”

  Tucker and Callie decided to get their luggage later and followed his parents into the house. He wished he’d fought harder to stay longer than just an overnight.

  Once inside, he looked around his house. “Nothing’s changed, except the carpet and the paint. Wasn’t that couch on its last legs the last time I was home?”

  His dad smacked him on the arm. “And that’s the first thing you can think of to say? Betsy is a member of the family. You better not have hurt her feelings. It’ll be a week before I can get her to recline again.”

  “You named it?”

  “After ten years, I felt obligated.” His dad grinned and then pulled Tucker into a hug. “It’s good to see you, boy.”

  “You too, Dad.”

  They let each other go, and Tucker promised himself he’d never stay gone so long ever again.

  Tucker laughed. “Dad, this is Callie Chapman Hawk,” he said, motioning to her. “Callie, this is my dad, David. He’s weird but harmless.”

  “Hey! Who you calling harmless?”

  Callie shook hands with his dad. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

  His mom looked from him to Callie. “Are you two hungry?”

  “If I say yes, will I get blueberry pancakes?” Tucker asked.

  “I got blueberries just in case,” she replied.

  Callie lifted on her toes, her eyes twinkling. “I’m in for blueberry pancakes.” Her stomach growled, and her cheeks turned pink. “You might need a double batch.” She laughed as she flattened her hand against her stomach.

  “Great!” His mom seemed to glow.

  They talked as they followed his parents into the kitchen. Callie took a seat at the kitchen island along with his dad as Tucker pulled on an apron.

  “You cook?” Callie asked.

  His mom was so animated. “Oh, he cooks, he cleans, all of it. He’s even done windows.”

  Callie held his gaze and smiled. “Well, if I’d known I was marrying a domestic god, I’d have said yes quicker.”

  Tucker rolled his eyes and laughed. “You hush and get ready to eat the best blueberry pancakes you’ve ever put in your mouth.”

  Callie chuckled as he and his mom got to work. And while it’d been some time since he’d made pancakes with her, it came back quickly. He loved cooking with her and the ease in which they talked and how they teased each other here and there.

  Once the food was cooked, they took it to the table and plated it. Man, he’d missed his mom’s cooking―well, their cooking.

  “This is so good. Thank you,” Callie said.

  “No problem,” his mom said and eyed him. “Callie, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself?” his mom asked.

  Callie set her fork down. “I’m from Wilmington, North Carolina. I studied accounting at Vanderbilt in Nashville. I have four sisters, each of them in a professional field. My dad is a lawyer, and my mom is a CPA.”

  “Wow, a whole family of professionals. I bet holidays are filled with interesting discussions,” his dad said after taking a drink of juice. “Tucker said your sister got married?”

  “Yes, sir. She was married yesterday in Carolina Beach. We have a vacation home there that the family is free to use whenever we want. You both will have to go with us someday. I bet you’d love it,” Callie said and caught Tucker’s gaze.

  A small smile spread on his lips. The way she talked, she didn’t see their marriage as fake any more than he did. “I bet you guys would love that. There’s a boathouse full of jet skis, and her parents are great people. Well, her whole family is.”

  Callie touched his mom’s arm. “I have to brag on him.” She went on to tell his mom about their talent contest and how he danced on stage with Mary. By the time she was done, his neck and face flushed from embarrassment.

  The smile on his mom’s face looked almost painful. “He was always a sweet boy. Last year
…all those…things. Well, that wasn’t really him.”

  Callie touched his mom’s arm. “Oh, I know it wasn’t. He’s a good man. Always has been.”

  “Did you ever see him play in Nashville?” his dad asked Callie.

  Tucker was interested in how she was going to answer this too, so he set his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers, laying them against his lips and waiting for her answer.

  Callie chewed her bottom lip a second, and he could see the debate raging. Inwardly, he chuckled a little.

  “I followed him from the first time I heard him sing at Tex and Song. He was…” she lifted her gaze to his, “…incredible. He had the most beautifully written, soul-touching songs I’d ever heard.”

  Tucker felt the heat in his face rise a little more.

  “From that moment on, I was hooked. I’d stay for the entire show. When he had early evening shows, kids would come in, and he’d help them, if not with their guitar playing then with their songwriting. He was so sweet and generous with his time.” She caught Tucker’s gaze and held it. “You raised an incredible man.”

  Tucker blinked and looked away. There was no way she was talking about him like that and didn’t feel something for him. If he…loved her, she had to love him. Either that, or her brand of friendship was friendlier than any he’d ever encountered.

  His dad took a deep breath and said, “Tucker, why don’t we take our breakfast to the back deck and have a talk?”

  Tucker nodded, knowing by the tone that it wasn’t a request but a command. “Yes, sir.”

  He and his dad picked up their plates and drink and went outside. They each took a seat at the round table off to the corner. His dad had changed so much in the past year. He was a little rounder around the middle, grayer, and a little slower.

  “So, how have you been, Tucker?” he asked.

  Tucker smiled. “I’ve been good, actually. Writing new songs, feeling better. You?”

  His dad took a few bites of his food and washed them down. “Wondering why it is that my son won’t come see his mom and dad.”

  “I didn’t mean for so much time to pass. It just got away from me.”