Chapter 4

“And how was sound check?” “Long. We got everything ready for the show tonight. I may be a little hoarse tomorrow. I always am after a show.” “I’m the same way after the games on occasion too. Depends on how much yelling goes on.” “I’ve seen those games remember? Big fan?” “If you heard how loud it was on the field, you’d laugh. Luckily I haven’t lost my voice yet, but after a huge game and if we actually tank one, I may lose it.” “Remind me to get you tea after that.” “How big is the show tonight?” “Almost as many as going to a game. ¾ of the stadium is full tonight. There isn’t a seat left. A complete sellout.” “That’s good though right?” “Let’s leave it at I stopped asking how many.”

The longer they talked, the more nervous she got. Hell. She was talking to the dang QB of the team she’d loved since she was a kid. She had more team gear than half the dang team. She had every version of every jersey. Every hat they’d ever had. Everything. If he knew how big of a fan she was, he would’ve laughed when he met her. How in the world this man was making her that nervous, she’d never know.

“You seriously have that many?” “I mean, all the ones you’ve had since you started on the team and a few others.” “And which is your favorite?” “The white out ones. Clean and comfy.” “So, it’s a good thing that we’re wearing them the first game we’re back?” “Funny.” She was starting to sound ridiculous. Who’s to say she wouldn’t sound that ridiculous when they had that date. She could scare him off by a mile. “I am kinda looking forward to seeing you at the show. How did it go breaking the news to your sister that the meet and greet isn’t happening?” “Kinda guessed that maybe she could come to the first one and I’ll come myself to the others.” “If that’s what you want.” “Just let me know when you get to Atlanta.” Her stomach flip-flopped again. “I’ll give you a shout. I have to head in to do soundcheck.” “Alright. Have a good show tonight.” “Thanks.” They hung up and she shook her head. He was making her feel like a dang school kid. She got up and did a quick sound check then went into hair and make-up to get ready.

She finished the show that night and headed straight into the dressing room, got changed and hopped on the bus, sending a quick text to Chase. It was becoming a habit, and it was one that made her nervous like she’d walked onto a stage naked:

On the way to ATL. See you tomorrow.

She put her phone down and got freshened up, washing off the makeup and the sweat from the show. She needed the fresh water. She needed the cold splash of reality that there was no way that she could make a relationship work even if it was with the football star. She hadn’t even had a first date yet and she was thinking like that. She stared at herself in the mirror as she toweled her face off. “Stop. It’s not gonna work anyway.” When she heard a ding on her phone, she shook her head. She totally figured it would be her manager, but when she saw Chase’s name on the phone, she smirked and read:

Looking forward to it. Even have a little surprise coming. PS don’t be surprised when you see something I left for you at your hotel. Got it delivered for tonight.

She shook her head, went back to the stateroom and closed the door, curling up on the bed and texting back:

Are you really still awake?

Within a few seconds, he replied to her:

You could call.

She smirked, got a drink and sat back down in the stateroom, siding her AirPods pros in.

“Hey beautiful.” “What are you doin up this late?” “No practice tomorrow. Just getting caught up on laundry and that kind of thing. My sister has called more than once already figuring out what to wear to meet you.” “And is her brother doing the same?” She almost laughed. She’d already determined what to wear when he came to the hotel, to the show and after the show. “Sort of. I had to do laundry. I had a bunch of stuff to get done today and I managed to get it finished and get a little surprise put together for you.” “Do I get a hint?” “Nope. You’ll see when you get there.”

“And what did you have planned for our date?” “Lunch, we can hang out and talk without the phones.” “How are you gonna get past your sister?” “I told her that she had to get her own way down there. I’m sending a car for her, but I’d kinda like to hang out alone just us.” “That could work. I have my own suite anyway.” “Really?” “I can’t exactly go out shopping or anything, but I can hang out.” “That could work. It means we can talk more and get to know each other even more. Texts are nice and so are calls, but I kind of want to hang out and really get to know each other.” He was reading her mind. Telling her exactly what she wanted to hear. Hell. The man was an athlete. He could have a million girlfriends in different places all over the country.

“I need to ask one thing and you can laugh at me if it’s ridiculous.” “Go ahead.” “When was your last girlfriend?” “2 and a bit years ago. Long time. I sorta opted to concentrate on the game instead.” That long and he had no girlfriend? Seriously? “You’re joking right?” “Went and got a new house and sorta helped mom and dad and my sister instead. More family time.” “The ultimate good guy?” “If that’s what you want to call it. My mom is determined to make me come to family dinner every Sunday since she forgets that I know how to cook.” “That is kinda nice. I miss that when I’m away.” “New tradition for you,” he teased. “Seriously?” “If you want to. If you aren’t doing a show Sunday, she’d be happy to feed someone extra.” “I’ll see what I can do.” “You could always fly out to wherever you’re headed. She’d love to have you.”

Now he went as far as inviting her to family dinner? Was he even real? She knew about southern moms because she had one, but inviting her to dinner? The food would be out of this world, but it would mean being beside him and being face to face with his family. It might’ve been too much, but for a guy who hadn’t dated in years, he might’ve forgotten what a big step that was. “Well, if you really want to take that step.” “Either that or I can bring you takeout from mom’s.” “You’re tempting me.” “That’s the plan. She’s making seafood pasta this weekend too. I told her I’d drop off the fresh seafood for her.” “Fresh?” “If I have time to, I’ll drive out to Savannah and get some fresh for her.” “If you do, I’m coming with you.” “Deal. That mean you want to come to church too?” Hell. He’s a church guy too? Really? “Well, that could definitely be arranged.” “Then we’re leaving early. The first morning service is a heck of a lot quieter. We can blend in.” The man knew what to say. Either he was the ultimate good guy, a goodie two shoes or he was trying way too hard. Either way, she kind of liked it. Having a good guy for once would be kind of nice. Where she didn’t have to worry about cheating, or lying, or him breaking her heart. It had been a long while since that happened last.

She’d had her share of heartbreakers in her life. Ones that cheated the minute she left town, the ones that lied to her face, the ones that tried to steal her credit cards, the ones that destroyed her vehicles and the ones that ate her out of house and home and vanished. She’d had her fill of bad boys, and bad boy wannabe’s. She wanted a guy who’d cheer her on instead of taking advantage. She didn’t want the choir boy who would be standoffish. She wanted the guy that would have her back, be at her side and would love her until the end of time. That old fashioned kind of love. Opening doors, pulling out chairs, taking her hand, asking her to dance, and holding her hand through events. It wasn’t that much to ask…or was it?

Maybe Chance was that guy. The good guy that is willing to take a chance on her just like she’d be taking that chance that he wouldn’t be the bad guy. Maybe that’s why she’d gone through the bad….

“You sure you want to go to church?” “Sort of the plan when I go into Savannah. I can’t resist that church.” “Then I guess that means we’re going to church on Sunday.” “I’ll do my best to make sure we’re out of the spotlight.” “I appreciate it.” “We could always grab some extra treats while we’re out there.” “What are you suggesting,” she teased. “Well, Byrd’s cookies, Savannah Candy company treats, Leopold’s Ice cream.” “We could do lunch at my place.” “You live out there?” “Yep. Outside of the historic district. Near Richmond Hill.” “That could work too.” “I’m just happy I don’t have a game. Gives us time to relax.” “I’d have to be back by 3 at the latest. Still have to do soundcheck.” “Won’t be an issue. I’ll get you back in time.” “Alright then. It’s a date.” “Good. Honestly, I kinda love the drive out there.” “It’s too bad peach season is over.” “Girl, we have tons. They get frozen at my place. Works for smoothies and desserts and stuff.” “And he bakes?” “Blame that on my mom. She said it was supposedly important.” “It is. Impresses all those ladies who want your attention.”

“You never told me how the show went.” She knew a mile off that he was intentionally changing the topic. “Insane, loud, way too many fans out there and only 6 fights in the pit.” “So it’s that dangerous?” “Just when the alcohol kicks in. Guys get handsy, girls smack them, drunks push their way in closer. That’s kind of the norm. How long has it been since you went to a concert?” “Too long. Too much time on football and not much down time.” “Well I’m honored to be the first in a long while.” “Should be good. I know this lady that’s performing that night.” “Do I know her?” “Probably. She’s an amazing lady.” “You could hang in the pit for the whole show if you want to.” “I might for a chunk of the show. Come up side stage for the rest.” “That mean I can bring you on stage?” “Depends. You wearing a jersey that night?” “Could be arranged.” “Maybe the night my sister isn’t there.” “We’ll see. You may be having too much fun in the pit.” “What time are you gonna be checking in?” “Probably late. We were in Charlotte tonight. At least another 3 or 4 hours.” “I’m gonna get some rest so I can stay awake through tomorrow. You need rest too. Lean back and relax, and if I forget to tell you tomorrow, good show.” “Well gee. Thank you handsome. I will see you in the morning.” “Alright girl. Sweet dreams.” When they hung up, she had a grin she couldn’t wipe off her face.

He had to have a bad side. Something. Anything. He couldn’t be this good. He was so nice and sweet it was making her teeth hurt. He had to have a little bit of bad boy in him. Somewhere deep in that way too nice exterior had to be bad, yelling, angst of some kind guy. She shook her head and leaned back attempting to relax. When she couldn’t, a simple google search was all she needed. She dug through it all and still found nothing. He donated to charities, he worked with kids at practices. He invited sick kids to the stadium all expenses paid. The only one thing she found that was bad was that he blew a gasket when he saw someone strike their girlfriend. That’s it. He interfered, jumped in between them and pushed the guy away from the woman until the cops came. Even bad he was still a good guy.

She shook her head, leaned back and tried to get comfortable. When there was a knock at the door, she knew. “Hailey.” “What’s shakin?” “Nothin.” “And how’s Super Bowl hottie?” “Chase is good. Just figuring out what to do tomorrow.” “What’s tomorrow?” “You’re in your own room. Chase is gonna come hang out.” “Date?” “Sort of. He’s gonna hang out at the stadium too.” “You like him.” I do, but still, he’s in no way a bad boy.” “And that’s bad why?” “Hailey, he’s not my usual type. I just thought that maybe he’d be a little bit bad.” “The only guys that are football players that are bad are ones you’d never go near.” “I know.” “So now I’m getting a separate room?” “Just while we’re in Atlanta. Go from there after.” “You like him that much?” Caroline nodded.

“Girl, more power to you. You haven’t had a date in a billion years. 6 tours, 3 years of award ceremonies and I was always your sidekick.” “Don’t read more into it. I don’t know what’s gonna happen. We’re just hanging out instead of texting.” “That mean that he’s coming to sound check and stuff?” Caroline nodded. “I invited him.” “Girl, he has no idea what he’s walking into.” “Just remember that he’s 6 foot 6. I’m gonna feel really short.” “So you’re gonna wear heels during the show?” “I highly doubt it.” “Then relax and enjoy yourself. You’ll have fun regardless. He is your favorite player.” “I just hope that it doesn’t turn into a press storm.” “As far as we’re concerned, he’s a friend until you say otherwise.” Caroline nodded. “He makes me nervous every time I talk to him.” “Then enjoy it. Let him get your mind off of the stress and just have a few days of fun. Who cares what happens.” “Hailey, if you say don’t do anything I wouldn’t, I’m gonna throw popcorn at you.” Hailey gave her a hug and curled up in her bunk, closing Caroline’s door.

When they pulled into the hotel in Atlanta, everyone was exhausted including Caroline. They got their bags and headed into the hotel, up the back elevator and when Caroline walked into her suite, flowers were there waiting along with a bottle of fresh squeezed orange juice and a hotel fruit basket. When she saw the card, a grin came across her face:

Get some rest. See you tomorrow. Looking forward to finally hanging out. – CC

She smirked. If only he knew the real reason for her stage name being CC Heart. His initials and hers. She shook her head, sliding the card into her purse. She showered, changed into her tee and shorts and plugged in her charger. She sent off a quick text to let Chase know she was in Atlanta and to thank him for the surprises, closed the curtains and slid into bed, falling asleep a matter of seconds later.

When she woke up at 9, she did a quick workout and came upstairs to see a text from Chase:

Good morning. Glad you liked the flowers. Hopefully the juice helped post workout this morning. Let me know when you want me to pop over.

She smirked, poured out a glass of juice and guzzled it down while she waited on breakfast and hoped into the shower. When she stepped out in her robe with her hair wrapped up in a towel, her security was putting breakfast on her table for her. “Thank you Calvin.” “Welcome Miss Caroline. You said Chase Cooper was coming today?” “Probably before lunch. I figured we could bring him to the sound check and stuff.” “Alright. Is he bringing his security?” “No idea. Probably not. Sounds like he’s a little more laid back.” “Alright. I’ll get extra security with us just in case. He’ll need security at the venue too.” “He’s also bringing his sister to the meet and greet. Just leave it at that.” “Fair enough. It’ll be handled. Did you need anything else?” “My coffee?” “On your tray. I got your Starbucks the way you like it.” “I appreciate it. I could’ve ordered it myself.” “I was up early.” Caroline smirked. “Thank you.” “Most welcome.” He headed out and Caroline sat down and inhaled the food. Ravenous was an understatement.

Once she was dressed and did her hair and makeup, she called Chase. “Good morning,” Chase said. “Good morning to you too. Thank you for that. You have no idea how much better that juice made me feel.” “It’s always a must when I have to be on the road for games. Something about it. How was your morning?” “Since it’s only 10:30? Good. What are you up to?” “Just going over plays to make sure I have them down.” “Can I tear you away?” “I can be there in 30.” “Alright. Presidential suite. My security will meet you.” “See you in a few.”

As soon as they hung up, she was almost shaking. She was past nervous. Way past. She had butterflies. She shook her head, got some bills paid and got caught up on emails and about 10 minutes later, Hailey knocked. “Hey,” Caroline said. “And when’s he coming?” “Soon. He’s on his way.” “So that’s why you look like you’re a nervous wreck.” “Girl, it’s been a while since I had an actual date, but a date with Chase Cooper?” “Breathe. Have fun and just be yourself. Is he coming on the bus to sound check?” “I think so.” “Well dang. Y’all might want to take a SUV over instead.” “Might be necessary.” “Stop freaking out and have fun. I just wanted to check and see how you were.”

When Hailey headed out, Caroline attempted over and over to distract herself. She finished up emails, got the last of her social media organized and posted and just as she was about to get up and pour a drink, she heard a knock at the door. Her heart almost jumped. It went from calm to racing in a matter of minutes. “You have a guest,” her security said. “Tell him to come on in,” she said as she sat down, trying to make herself not look like a superfan.

When Chase walked in, it’s like she was holding her breath. “Wow,” he said as he put something down on the table. “Back at ya,” Caroline joked. She gave him a hug and almost melted into his arms. “About time right,” he teased. The butterflies in her stomach just got butterflies. “Did you want a drink or anything?” She knew she needed one now. “Water works,” he said. Caroline smirked and grabbed them each a big glass of ice water, handing one to him and sitting down. “Ok. What’s in the dish,” she teased. “That’s a surprise for later. Sort of a care package from my mom. I swear, asking her to make it was getting her nervous.” “Why? I’m just a normal person.” “I tried to tell her that. Just like me except that you do music and not football.” “You have a point. What is it?” “You really want to see?” “At least give me a hint.” “Dessert.” “Tell me it isn’t cobbler.” He smirked and it told her that she was completely right. “Then we are saving it for later.” “This mean we’re hanging out after the show?” “That’s completely up to you.” She was beyond nervous, and his cologne that was almost intoxicating wasn’t exactly helping.

She sat down and they made small talk, then started talking about real stuff. The butterflies were still there. Worse if anything. “It is nice to be back right?” “You mean playing a massive stadium in front of who knows how many people in my home state? Yeah. Means I can wear my jersey without people throwing things. Honestly, it always feels good. I just have a lot more to prove when I’m here.” “Why? You started here. What’s there to prove?” “If you knew, you’d laugh.” “You sang the anthem at the game, got a standing ovation for it and are busier than anyone. What do you really have to prove?” “It’s like asking you what you have to prove being a homegrown QB in an NFL team.” “I get it, but just between you and me, you have nothing to prove. I’ve seen and heard the interviews and the music. You’re great.” “Just like you. If you lose one game, it’s your fault not the team’s.” “Is it weird that we’re actually comparing football and music?” She smirked, the first of what seemed like a million that afternoon.

All of the silly conversations took them the rest of the morning. By the time they were ready to head to sound check, they’d had lunch talked until they had a quiet comfort together. They’d even watched a movie for a while. “Do you want me to come,” he asked. “Of course. I got an SUV to take us so we had a little privacy,” Caroline said. “One thing before we go.” “What?” He gave her a huge hug. “And what was that for?” “Because if I kissed you right now, you’d probably punt me out the window.”

She smirked and they headed down to the SUV and headed to the stadium. “You nervous?” “Honestly, more about you being here. Not so much about the show. You make me nervous. It was worse when I had to sing the anthem with you staring at me.” “I guess you didn’t see the smirk all the way through it.” She shook her head. “Still make me nervous. Even today.” “You do realize that I’m just a guy who happens to play ball.” “Doesn’t change that you make me nervous.” “What would fix that bout of nervousness?” “No idea.” When they got through into security, he saw the driver step out. “Say it.” She shook her head and he slid his hand in hers. “Caroline.” She smirked. “I don’t know.” “Then why do I have the feeling that you know what’ll do it?” She shook her head and hopped out. Chase shook his head and slid out behind her, sliding his hand in hers. “Y’all are just too cute,” Hailey teased. “Chase, my friend and guitarist, Hailey. This is Kelly, Zach and Scott. Guys, this is Chase.” She looked over at him and he was staring right at her. He made small talk with the guys and when Caroline headed towards the stage, he excused himself and followed.

She heard footsteps coming up behind her as she got to the front row of the seats. When she turned around, Chase was right behind her. “What are you up to?” “Getting rid of your nerves.” “Chase.” “Yep.” “It sounds insane, but you being here makes me more nervous.” “Why?” “Because it’s you.” “I’m just a guy.” “One that I’ve been staring at for a few years every game.” “That’s it?” She walked the two steps toward him. He was 6 foot 6. On a good day, she wouldn’t be able to meet his gaze. When he looked down at her, she almost melted. “One that I kinda had a girl crush on.” He looked at her. “Just say it.” “I don’t even know.” “Promise you won’t kick my butt?” “Why?” “If I do what I think will eliminate all those nerves, you can’t kick my butt. Deal?” “I guess.” He slid his arms around her and picked her up so they were eye to eye. “Still?” She nodded unable to say anything. All she wanted to do was kiss him. Saying it would just be… He kissed her. A sweet, unsuspecting, tasting the toothpaste kiss. She was trembling even more now. “Better?” “Try again?” He sat down in the chair as she straddled him and he kissed her again. That kiss wasn’t as gentle. It was all on her, and when they hadn’t come up for air for 10 minutes, she leaned into his arms.

“I take it the nerves are gone,” he teased with that pristine smile. “What nerves?” He kissed her again and she felt like someone was watching them. When they came up for air, she turned and saw the stage manager trying to pretend that she wasn’t interrupting. “Miss Caroline, we kinda have to get going on sound check.” “Can you make sure that Chase has backstage passes?” “Done already.” One more kiss and they were both grinning. “I take it the nerves are gone.” She nodded. “Kinda like your way of getting rid of the nerves.” “Oh really?” She nodded, gave him another quick, sweet kiss and got up. “Do you want me to stay here and watch?” Caroline nodded. “Let me know how it looks.” He nodded and she headed on stage while she noticed a big grin on his face.

She went and got the band as Hailey smirked. “Quit,” Caroline said. “Girl, you got a boyfriend. About dang time.” “Work first.” Hailey nodded and they all headed on. When she looked over at him, he made her nervous all over again. She almost wondered what was underneath that nice guy exterior but had to keep her mind on the music. She’d forget every lyric if she stared into his eyes.

She did a run through complete with staging and when she was done, heard him clapping. “And,” she asked as he walked towards the edge of the stage. “You were great. Honestly, I know I haven’t been to a concert in a while, but that was great.” “Glad you enjoyed.” She sat down on the edge of the stage and he pulled her into his arms. “You know, you’re gonna make me forget the words if you keep staring like that,” she teased. “What are you gonna do when I’m in the crowd?” She shook her head and he kissed her. He was her version of a Lay’s potato chip. Couldn’t kiss him just once. One kiss would always lead to another. “We have to go so the opener can do sound check,” she said almost giggling in his arms. He slid her to her feet and slid his hand in hers, following her as she led him back to where they were all hanging out.

“Was wondering where y’all vanished to,” Hailey joked. “Was just gonna show Chase around,” Caroline teased as Hailey smirked. They walked to catering and sat down so they could be alone. “So, this is catering. Aka, the food area.” “I see that. You alright?” “You did get rid of the nerves temporarily,” she teased. “We’re gonna need a better fix for that.” “I totally agree.” When she saw them setting up for dinner, she got up, taking Chase’s hand. “Where are we goin?” “I have to show you the bus.” He smirked and shook his head. “And you’re sure that’s a good idea?” “Yep.” They walked over to the bus and hopped on as she gave him the grand tour.

“The living area, back here is the bunks then back in here is the stateroom.” “Your room.” She nodded. Best part is that I don’t have to share a TV with them. I swear, golf is only so entertaining.” When he closed the door behind him, she turned and faced him. “How can you still be nervous?” He sat down on the edge of the bed and she walked towards him, practically into his arms. “All your fault.” His arms wrapped around her and she slid into his lap as she leaned in and kissed him. “You do realize that this is a temporary fix right,” he teased noticing her still nervous and almost trembling in his arms. “Kind of enjoying it.” “Oh really?” She nodded and he kissed her again. This time, she could feel his heart racing. It was almost a turn-on. Even his lips were soft. Hell. This man could’ve done anything he wanted at that moment, and all he did was kiss her. He was a gentleman. Something that Caroline swore was extinct.

When her phone rang, she did her best to ignore it, not wanting the kiss to end. “You should get that.” “They can wait.” Another kiss then it rang again. He kissed down her neck and she answered. “Yep.” “We need you for a radio interview in 15. Where’d you vanish to?” “I’ll be there in 10. Just working on something,” Caroline said as she hung up. “Appointment?” “Radio thing. Do you want to come with me?” “That’s up to you. Just don’t say anything about me being here in that interview.” “Why?” “So we can surprise people, namely my sister.” She shook her head, kissed him again and got up. They hopped off the bus and walked over to where she had to do the on-air interview and Chase went and sat with the band, watching golf.

“You’re playing for a sold-out crowd tonight CC. Are you nervous?” “I always am before big shows. More excited than nervous.” “Any surprises tonight?” “A few. Some new songs thrown in and maybe a few other surprises in store. I can’t believe that the show was sold out. Lucky me, I get to play in my home state for an entire weekend. It’s all for my Georgia peeps.” “We heard that you’re doing a duet tonight. Any hints on who that’s with?” “Well, y’all will just have to be here to see it. I’m not giving any secrets away.” “And when is the new CD coming out?” “Well, we have the new songs, the great producer and the best band in the planet. We’re looking to release it for the holidays. That also means another tour next year, so keep an eye out for new dates.” “The ultimate question that we’ve been asking all our favorite performers, who would you work with if you got to do half-time at the Super Bowl? It is gonna be in Atlanta this year y’all. That means go get your tickets.” “Wow. There’s a million great performers out there. Honestly, I’d say some of the old school country acts. Make it a reunion.” “Now that would be one heck of a Super Bowl half time. Thank you again. For all the listeners out there, we have two more meet and greet passes to giveaway for the show tonight. Be listening in the next hour.” The interviewer thanked her, got a photo and headed off.

“Is he staying for the show tonight,” her manager asked. “He got a ticket for himself and his sister. I’d assume yes. I gave them backstage passes.” “Just be careful.” Caroline nodded and headed back over to where they all were. “How’d it go,” Chase asked as he pulled an extra chair closer to his so they were sitting together. “Long. Almost ridiculous, but okay I guess.” “Nerves still?” She smirked. “Better. More excited butterflies. What are you doing after the show?” “Up to you. Dessert, movie. Whatever you want to.” She got up and took his hand, walking over to the tour bus. “What?” “Come with me?” When he followed, he knew they had time alone.

They walked back into the state room and closed and locked the door. “You realize that I’m really only here this weekend right?” He sat down and pulled her into his lap as she straddled him. “I have away games coming up and you have tour dates. Just means we can talk and FaceTime call each other when we want to talk.” “Chase.” “It’s up to you. I’m not making that decision for you. Let me know what you want to do.” “That’s a lot to even think about.” “Then we just relax and enjoy the time the next couple days.” Her scatterbrain was doing loops and he kissed her again. “You okay?” Caroline nodded. “How are you so dang calm?” “What’s there to be nervous about?” She shook her head and wrapped her arms around him.

“Do you want to try this?” “Try what? Dating?” She nodded. “I’ve been single a long while. I always told the guys that it was because I was waiting on the right person.” “Meaning?” “If you want to then we try.” Her heart started pounding in her chest and she wanted to kiss him again. Every inch of her wanted to feel his lips on hers again. When he kissed her, she was convinced that he was reading her mind. “If I said that I wanted to see what happens if we do?” “Then we do that. Honestly, you’re the first person I ever wanted to talk to every day. One text when I’m at practice puts me in a good mood. That’s why the guys keep teasing me.” “Well, we’re gonna have to do something about them.” “Funny.” She kissed him one more time and heard a knock at the door. “Bad timing,” he teased.

“Yep.” “We are heading off to catering then we’re getting ready to do hair and makeup. Are you coming?” “In a little bit. I’ll meet you in catering.” She listened to the steps go away from them and the door to the bus close, and within minutes he leaned her onto her back and leaned into her arms. “Now, what were you saying?” “You sure you can put up with me being on the road?” “Depends. You sure you can put up with me doing away games?” She kissed him. “Is it bad that I want to re-arrange the tour so we match up?” He kissed her. “We’ll figure it out. All of this is insane.” She kissed him and she got a smirk ear to ear. “What?” “We need to go eat before there’s nothing left.” He kissed her, got up and helped her to her feet. “Fine, but we get to hang out alone tonight.” She nodded.

The fact that they both came back with smiles on their faces when they walked into catering meant that Hailey and the guys were all laughing. “If y’all don’t quit, I swear I’m replacing all of y’all.” “Yeah right. You’d miss us,” the guys all joked while Hailey smirked, watching Caroline finally just be herself.

They had dinner and Chase grabbed a coffee and walked with her into the dressing room. “Still nervous,” he asked as she closed the door. “Yep. Unfortunately I still have to walk out on that stage and wow all of Atlanta.” “Won’t be that hard. You probably do that every show.” “Probably.” He kissed her. “You got this.” She nodded. One more kiss and she went and got changed, sliding a robe over her outfit. “Red?” She smirked. “And your red jersey.” “Good option.” She shook her head with a grin ear to ear. “You ready,” her hair and makeup team asked. She nodded and after a quick kiss, he called his sister.