Taking a Chance (24 page)

Maddie sat down, leaned back into the couch and closed her eyes. She wanted Austin; of that, she was positive. However, she needed to decide if she could live his life. She did catch the fact Austin had said Stu’s wife. Her ears had perked up at that. Even though Stu was their temporary drummer, it was nice to hear he was married and had another life besides the road. She grabbed her phone to call Molly. She wanted a piece of her normal life. The call went into Molly’s voicemail and she left a quick message. Just hearing Molly’s voice on her greeting was familiar and felt like home.

A few minutes later, Charlie opened the door. Another part of the life she did not enjoy was being handled by men she did not even know.

“Brad will take you to your seat.”

Maddie got up to follow Charlie.

“Hi, Brad,” said Maddie.

“Miss Prince.”

“I think if we’re going to watch a rock concert together, you can call me Maddie, a little less formal.”

“As you wish, Miss … um, Maddie.”

“I’d like to watch the show from the box for a while.”

When Maddie walked into the box, there were six other girls. They were friendly enough as she introduced herself but she did not give a real warm vibe. Assuming they had hung out with many of Austin’s girls she didn’t blame them if they did not want to invest time in her. Either way, she didn’t care because all she wanted was to listen to Austin.

The crowd was lively. They cheered at a deafening level when the band hit the stage. Maddie was in awe listening to thousands of people sing along to Austin’s songs. Hearing his voice throughout the entire arena with the crowd singing along and screaming was surreal. She could not imagine what that would feel like. They were playing in a large arena and the box she was sitting in was far from the stage.

She watched him effortlessly engage the crowd and move across the stage with complete confidence. Normally oblivious to his star quality, she laughed as she noted the swagger in his steps on stage. When she was with Austin, she did not even think about that side of him, but his presence on stage was natural. It was impossible not to be drawn to him while he was singing. He truly was a star and she could not imagine him giving that up.

Late in the show, she asked Brad to take her back downstairs, so she could watch from the side of the stage. None of the other girls had a security guard escorting them and she hoped Austin was just being overprotective at the show. Her heart ached at the possibility there was more to it. Possessiveness she could not handle and would not accept, even from Austin.

She stopped to use the restroom on her way back. Brad was hesitant to let her go in, but she insisted she had to use the ladies room. “Geez, a girl’s gotta go,” she mumbled to herself.

“What?”

“Nothing, Brad. I’ll be right back.”

Why would he even be worried if I go in the restroom by myself? It’s not like random men are going to be inside waiting for me.
That seemed a bit extreme to her. She stopped at the mirror after washing her hands. She reached in her clutch to pull out her lip-gloss.

“I love your dress and those boots are awesome,” an adorable petite blonde-haired girl said.

“Thanks,” said Maddie. She smiled at the girl. Maddie thought she was about eighteen. “Are you enjoying the show?”

“Oh, it’s the best. I wish I could watch Austin sing every night.” She had stars in her eyes. Her smile was lazy as if dreaming about more than just Austin singing.

Oh my God. These young girls are all in love with my boyfriend
. “Enjoy the show.”

“Thanks, ma’am.”

Do I really look that much older?
As she walked out of the restroom, a man sauntered toward her.

“Hey, beautiful.”

Brad was at her side faster than she could blink. He shoved the guy aside and steered Maddie in the direction they were heading.

“Thanks, Brad.” Maddie smiled and saw the relief wash over his face.

Charlie was at the side of the stage watching the show. He was on his cell phone when they walked up. Maddie had no idea how he could hear anything, but he appeared to be deep in conversation.

Charlie saw Maddie walk up with Brad.

“I have to go,” Charlie said into his phone. “I’m sorry. I’ll call you later.” Charlie paused again. “Please, just trust me. Everything will work out.”

He clicked his phone off and smiled at Maddie.

“Are you enjoying the show?”

“Very much.”

The three of them continued to watch the show from the side of the stage. Brad and Charlie were deep in conversation about something and Maddie was not sure how they could even hear each other. The volume was not as loud at the side of the stage but still above talking level. She wandered over closer to the front of the stage, so she could see the crowd and the band on stage. She leaned against the wall. She could watch Austin all day. He was also playing guitar right now. The band ended the song and headed off stage. Austin took a beeline route to Charlie and Brad. It was dark backstage and he must not have seen her standing near the front of the stage.

“Where the hell is Maddie?” he yelled at Charlie.

Charlie and Brad turned in unison to point behind them. Surprise registered on both of their faces when they realized she was not standing in the same spot she had been.

“Austin, I swear, she was just right here!” exclaimed Brad.

“Well, obviously she’s not!” Austin approached Brad and looked like he was about to hit him.

“Buddy, just relax, she’s right over there,” said Tommy.

Maddie had begun walking toward the group when she realized they were looking for her.

“God, Maddie, please don’t scare me like that,” Austin said as he grabbed her and pulled her close.

“Austin, I was just watching the show from over there. Why are you so worried about where I am at all times?”

Maddie now worried he was possessive. She didn’t want him controlling where she was or what she was doing at all times. She could not take another relationship that made her feel smothered. Maybe she didn’t know Austin as well as she thought she did. At first, he had seemed much more carefree and relaxed. However, he had been acting different since she had arrived in Austin. Maddie could not help but remember how George had changed just like that, overnight. Maddie could feel her heart breaking. That was a non-negotiable. No person, not even Austin, was going to control her every movement. She could appreciate him being protective and even jealous once in a while, but the possessive behavior was too much.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t like not knowing where you are.”

“Why?”

She didn’t bother hiding the anger in her tone. He needed to know she was upset by the change in behavior.

“We’ll talk about it later, okay?”

Austin didn’t wait for her to answer. He leaned down and gave her a kiss before the guys went back on stage to play their last couple of songs.

• • •

T
he guys all showered and changed quickly after the show. They looked fresh and ready for the evening even though it was late.

“The show was fantastic,” Maddie said to all the guys once they were in the back room.

“Yeah, it was a pretty good set. Only a few minor issues here and there,” said Austin. “Well, guys, I think we’re going to head back to the hotel.” He turned to Maddie, “I’m sorry, I should have asked you first. Do you want to go out with everyone?”

“No, that’s fine. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

“I’m not exhausted, not even a little bit.” He winked at her.

Maddie blushed.

Tommy started laughing. “All right, we get it, Austin. It was great to meet you, Maddie. I hope we get to see more of you and maybe even spend more than three minutes with you next time. That is if Austin will share any of his time with you.”

The other girls from the box came up to the group just as Maddie and Austin were turning to leave. Maddie watched Tommy’s girlfriend look her up and down and then turn to Austin and shamelessly seduce him with her eyes.

“Hey, Austin, that was a fantastic show. Best one I’ve been to yet.” Her eyes narrowed slightly and she slowly smiled at him. She threw her arms around him and hugged him tighter and longer than seemed appropriate. Maddie turned to see Tommy’s reaction, but he was either oblivious to it or didn’t care. She still had her arms around Austin even though he had dropped his. She whispered something in his ear that Maddie could not hear.

Geez, could she make it more obvious she wanted him?
Maddie rolled her eyes to herself. Austin reached for Maddie’s hand and pulled himself away from Barbara.

“See you later guys. I’ll call you in the morning.”

B
efore they stepped out the back door where Brad would be waiting with the SUV, Maddie pulled Austin’s hand to halt him.

“Austin, before I get in that car, I want you to tell me what’s going on.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the security and you freaking out when you didn’t know where I was for only three seconds. I’m not going to be controlled by another man.”

Austin ran his hand through his hair and let out a long sigh. “I receive threats all the time. They are usually harmless accusations, so it’s not a big deal. But, last night I received a threat against my girlfriend.”

“How would anyone know we’re dating? Did they even use my name? Maybe they think you’re still dating Tiffany.” Even saying her name bothered Maddie and the feeling she got thinking he could still be seeing Tiffany made her shiver.

“Normally, I wouldn’t be too concerned, but somehow the person knew you were coming this morning and they referred to you by name. I didn’t want to tell you this morning because I didn’t want you thinking about it all day. I knew someone would be with you at all times. Even though you were not aware, I had Brad outside your room this evening while you were getting ready for the show. I didn’t want you to feel like I was invading your privacy and I was afraid if I said anything, you wouldn’t allow it.”

“Damn right, I wouldn’t have. Austin, you can’t have someone watching me and not even tell me about it. Do you know how that makes me feel?” Her voice had risen.

“I know, Mad. But please understand. If anything, I mean anything at all, happened to you because of me, I would never be able to forgive myself. Never.”

Maddie could understand it from his point of view, but she was still disappointed he had not been up front with her.

“So, that’s why you freaked out when that guy came in the room?”

“Yes.”

“Well, you must have intimidated Brad. I thought he was going to follow me into the ladies room after that.”

Austin laughed softly. “Yeah, he knew if he screwed up again, he would be fired.”

“Do you think I have anything to worry about? I mean, how serious of a threat was it?”

“The threat was nothing specific, just a warning that I should watch out and keep a close eye on you. It was strange, but Charlie and I both agreed we should make sure security was with you at all times. Charlie wanted me to cancel your trip. He thought it would be safer to keep you away. We continued to argue about it on our way to the airport this morning.”

“So, that’s why he wasn’t friendly. He didn’t want me here.”

“Yeah, I guess. But his attitude earlier today was still unacceptable. I’ll deal with him when you leave tomorrow.”

“Thank you for telling me, even though I wish you’d told me earlier today.”

Brad drove into the underground garage where Maddie saw a few security guards standing. Austin spoke to Brad and asked him to stop at the hotel bar to get a bottle of wine and two glasses. Austin and Maddie waited in the back hallway with the other guards until Brad returned. He handed the bottle and glasses to Austin and the group made their way to the elevator. Austin and Maddie stepped into the elevator and the guards and Brad stayed at the door to ensure no one else got on with them.

Maddie glanced around the elevator as the doors closed.

“Hey, why don’t you like elevators?”

Maddie looked up at Austin and swallowed the emotion in her throat. She simply shook her head at him. By the look that crossed his face, she knew she didn’t need to say more. She didn’t want to talk about George right now and was glad he understood it would be difficult for her to talk about.

“I’m sorry. It will be my mission to make you love elevators from now on.”

As the elevator started climbing, Austin dropped his mouth to hers. Hands full, his body guided her into the back wall of the elevator. He pressed himself against her and she moaned softly at the feel of his body.

“I’ve been waiting all night to do that,” he said, his voice husky with desire. “I’ve been thinking about kissing every inch of your body.”

“Hmmm.” Maddie wrapped her arms around Austin. “I think that can be arranged.”

They both turned at the sound of the elevator reaching her floor. Austin nodded for her to exit first. When they walked in the room, Austin set the bottle of wine and glasses down on the kitchen counter.

“Wow, you weren’t kidding. This room really is something. Much nicer than the room I’m sharing with Chris.”

“Well, if you’re lucky, maybe I’ll let you stay here. I think the large sofa over there would be very comfortable for you.”

“I don’t think you’d be able to sleep knowing I was in the next room. Come on, baby, you know you can’t resist me.” He laughed.

“Well, I wasn’t planning on getting much sleep anyhow.” She raised her eyebrow and walked over to the bottle of wine to pour two glasses.

“Ah, I see your bold personality has come out again.”

“Personality? There’s a lot more to the bold than just a personality.”
Well, at least there is now.
In the past Maddie would not have been bold, but no one had ever made her feel as good about herself as Austin did.

She handed a glass of wine to Austin and carried her own glass with her. He followed her as she walked into the bedroom.

“Maddie,” he said softly, “I don’t want you to rush into anything. There is no pressure on you for anything.”