Chapter 9

Chase walked with her to the side of the stage. “You got this sexy,” he teased. One quick kiss and she slid her ear monitors in and headed on. He watched every detail as the crowd cheered her on and sang along with every lyric. He was still in awe. She was amazing. She wrote every lyric for that feeling that she had on that stage. For the people that had spent money on each ticket. He shook his head as he looked out and spotted Mayne. He shook his head and grabbed a bottle of water, standing out of his line of sight intentionally. When it got to a new song that he hadn’t heard at all yet, she looked over at him. “This one is a song that I wrote a week ago after being in this stadium singing the anthem. That day was one of the best that I’ve had in a very long time and turned into a day that I won’t ever forget. It was also the day that one of my most favorite football players in the world signed my jersey. The first day of a crazy few days. Y’all know who I’m talking about don’t you? Come on y’all.” When she got the crowd chanting his name, he shook his head and she stepped off the stage, grabbed his hand and walked him on.

“Y’all remember this amazing guy don’t you? The QB for the Atlanta NFL team.” Everyone started cheering. “Well Chase, I guess you inspired a country song.” He shook his head and kissed her cheek. He headed off, shaking his head and Caroline sang that song to him that he had never even got a hint of. When he looked over, Mayne was with some random woman that he’d never seen before. He felt his phone buzz and with one look, he almost laughed:

Well dang dude. Nice stage routine you two have goin.

He shook his head, almost rolling his eyes:

No routine. Stop being an ass about this. Just watch the show.

The show continued and a half hour later, he felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned and saw his mom, he wrapped his arm around her. “What do you think?” “She’s amazing. I’ve never seen you smile the way you do around her. You know that right,” his mom asked. He nodded and gave her a one arm hug. “Well done son,” his dad teased. “You like her?” His dad nodded. They all watched together and Chase got them each a drink, handing them each a soda. His sister came up behind him and smirked. “What?” “Chase and the superstar,” she teased. He shook his head. “Quit.” “I saw Jake. I think he’s kind of in shock.” “Good.” His sister shook her head.

When Caroline looked over and saw them all, she almost got a sense of security. He watched the end of the show and when they got to the last song, she intentionally dedicated it to Chase. “This one is called Backroad Envy.” He shook his head and they all watched the end. His folks walked backstage with Lauren to grab another drink, leaving Chase on his own. As soon as she was off the stage, Caroline ran straight over to Chase, slid out her ear monitors and handed off the mic, walking straight into his arms. “I had to,” she teased. “Why?” She kissed him. “Because I got the idea when we were on the phone every day. You kept talking about all the places we could go when I got here.” “Seriously?” She nodded and they walked over to where his folks were hanging out. “Well, what did you think,” she asked as Chase’s arm wrapped around her. “I’m in awe,” his mom said. “I think that’s good,” Caroline teased. “It is. We haven’t been to concert in a long while, but that was absolutely amazing,” his dad said. “Thank you.” “It was even better tonight then last time,” his sister replied. Chase snuggled her to him. “Better mood than last time too. You realize that Chase is kinda a big inspiration right?” “I see that. Honestly, I’m glad that he’s actually happy. I mean, winning games makes him happy too, but there’s just something very different about him,” his mom said. “Hopefully that’s a good thing,” Caroline teased. “Very,” she replied.

His folks headed out with Lauren a little while later, Lauren’s giant pile of merch in hand, and went back to their place. Caroline took Chase’s hand and walked him back into the dressing room. “What’s up,” he asked. “Getting changed so we can head out.” “You do realize that you could just wear that back to my place.” “Nope.” She slid out of the leather pants, slid the jersey off and got changed into her jeans and tee. He handed her his hoodie and kissed her. “You brought me a hoodie?” He nodded. “Figured you might need it. Thank you for all of this today by the way.” “For what? Inviting them?” He nodded. “I’ve never seen them like that. They were dancing in their VIP box.” She walked over to him and gave him a massive hug. “You were amazing tonight by the way.” She kissed him and he picked her up, wrapping her legs around his hips. “What?” “Are you starting?” She smirked.

He shook his head and put her down, grabbing her purse and phone, handing them to her as he walked her out to the SUV. “Whatever happened to the locker room?” “I swear, you need to quit taunting.” “Just in a mood.” “One that means you controlling your hands until we get to the house.” “Hmm.” “Don’t even.” He pulled out, managing to get through the mass exodus of cars leaving the lot. Security held everyone else off and let them through. When she leaned over the center console and kissed him at the light, he almost had to pull over. “Taunting again are we?” She nodded and went for the button of his jeans. “I have to drive.” “Then pull over.” “5 minutes.” “You sure you can wait that long,” she teased. He shook his head, made it down his street then into the subdivision. He got past the main gate, then his, then pulled into the garage. He shut the SUV off and closed the garage door. “You are seriously causing…” She kissed him and he hopped out. He came around her side and got her door and her legs slid around his hips.

“What are you up to?” She kissed him, devouring her lips. “Nothin.” She went for the button of his jeans, undid the belt and he stopped her. “Not in here.” “Chase, I want you now.” He shook his head and she undid her jeans, sliding them off. When he noticed that she had nothing on under them, he shook his head. “Misbehaving.” “Just for you.” He kissed her and she pulled him closer. “What?” “Now.” She pulled his shirt off and went to undo his jeans. “Here?” She nodded and he shook his head.

He kneeled down and kissed up her leg. When he saw her toes curl and her legs start to tremble, he knew. There was no way they were making it up the flight of stairs. He nibbled her inner thigh and then went to kiss her warmth when his phone buzzed. He kept going until he could feel her almost trembling. He nibbled, licked, kissed and teased until she was almost screaming his name. “Chase.” He kissed his way up her torso, sliding the shirt, hoodie and bra off and throwing it in the footwell of the SUV. He devoured her lips and she wouldn’t let go. “You okay?” “I want you now. Right now,” she said as she pulled him closer and wrapped her legs around his hips. “Right now?” She nodded and nibbled at his lip. She pulled his jeans down and they had sex on the seat of the SUV. He kept going until her body was throbbing around him. He kissed her again and she wrapped her arms around his neck. It got hotter, almost more intense and he couldn’t stop himself from reacting. He was as turned on as she was. He finished and she wouldn’t let go. “Upstairs,” she said. “Seriously?” She nodded and he pulled his boxers up, stepped out of his jeans and grabbed them. He carried her upstairs, closing the door to the SUV, locking the garage door behind him and walking up the steps to the master bedroom.

He leaned her onto the bed and she slid his boxers off. “Hold on. Why is the room clean like magic?” “Long story.” He kissed her, devouring her lips and kicked his boxers to the floor. “You okay?” She nodded and kissed him. He slid her back on the bed so her head was on the pillows. “What has got into you tonight?” “You.” He shook his head and leaned into her arms, devouring her lips. “Not what I meant.” She shook her head with a smirk and pulled her legs tighter around him. He kissed her and she leaned him onto his back and took full advantage. “Caroline.” “Chase.” “What are you up to?” “Payback.” “For what?” “Locker room threat.” He shook his head. “If I took you in there, you’d never look at me the same ever again.” “So, I have something to look forward to tomorrow.” He shook his head and leaned her onto her back. “You are so bad.” All it took was one kiss and he was hot and turned on all over again. They did it again, and again until neither of them had an ounce of energy left and her legs were tangled with his under and around all of the blankets. He pulled them over them as she curled into his arms. “Chase.” “Sexy girlfriend of mine.” She kissed him. She curled up against him and her hair rested along the pillow like it was satin. He nodded off, looking down at her. How he’d managed to do the one thing he promised that he never would during a season, he had no idea.

When he woke up the next morning, she was asleep in his arms. He looked at the clock and it was almost 8. He never slept in. Even when he was sick he was awake at 6 at the absolute latest. He went to slide out of bed and she linked their fingers. “Are you awake?” She kissed him. “Yes.” “I was gonna go hit the gym.” “Party pooper.” He kissed her. “Have to or your favorite QB isn’t gonna play that well.” She kissed him. “Fine, but you have an hour before I come to distract you.” He kissed her, devouring her lips. “Sleep. I’ll bring up coffee.” She kissed him and nodded back off. He smirked, changed into workout gear and headed downstairs.

After an hour and a half workout, he was covered in sweat and completely exhausted. He toweled off a little, made coffee and brought a mug upstairs for her with cream and sugar. She was already awake, in his tee and writing. “What are you up to over there.” “Writing out lyrics. Thank you for the coffee.” “Welcome. I’m gonna put breakfast on in a minute.” She kissed him and he headed downstairs and made breakfast while he guzzled down a protein shake. When she made it downstairs, he had just put out the fruit, the bacon and eggs and the juice. “Wow.” “Like?” She nodded and kissed him. “Chocolate?” “Protein shake.” She kissed him again and he sat her on the kitchen high top chair. “Eat before you starve.” She smirked and had a piece of bacon. “Taunting doesn’t help.” He kissed her and they had breakfast together.

As soon as they were done, he put the dishes away and she slid off her chair and came up behind him. “Yes.” “Nothin.” “Caroline.” She hopped up on the counter. He finished doing the dishes, sliding them into the dishwasher and flipping it on. “Now, what are you doin up here,” he teased. “Taunting.” He shook his head. “Bad. Very bad.” “So, you don’t want a do-over from the SUV last night?” “Still kinda stunned that you did it. I mean, what was that all about?” “You started it with all that locker room talk.” He kissed her and her legs slid around him. “That could still happen.” “You sure about that?” He nodded and kissed her. When he felt her sliding his shorts off, he shook his head. “Here?” She kissed him and pulled the t-shirt she had on off. He went to pick her up and she shook her head. “In the middle of the kitchen?” She kissed him and he picked her up anyway, walking into the TV room and leaning her onto the massive sofa.

“Party pooper.” “Just didn’t think the neighbors wanted the view,” he teased as he kissed down her torso. “Chase.” “You started it.” One nibble, one lick and her body was humming all over again. When she was about to turn her toes into knots, he pulled her on top of him and they had way beyond hot, intense, almost carnal sex on that sofa. From the sofa, to the floor to the stairs and all the way back up to the master bedroom floor. They kept going and going until neither of them had an ounce of energy left. When he finally managed to regain his footing, and the energy to move, they curled up together on the bed. “Better,” he teased as she laughed. “I don’t think I can move,” she said as she leaned her head on his shoulder and curled up to him.

“What happened to wanting to go to Savannah?” “Might not make it today.” He shook his head and kissed her forehead, snuggling her. “Something tells me that the fans would be beyond irate with me if you didn’t show up.” She kissed him. “I guess that means that we have to relax for a while today.” “Never.” He shook his head. “Name the place.” “What if we went to a market or something?” “Well, it’s almost 10. We could if you want to. I think the market was yesterday though.” “Big wheel?” He smirked. “I could give you a personal tour of the stadium.” “Chase.” “Later then. We can go for lunch somewhere.” “Movie?” “Whatever you want to do baby.” She smirked and kissed him. “Shower maybe?” “Good first step unless you want to go swimming in the tub.” “Tease.” “Whatever you want to do.” He kissed her and they had a little cat nap for a half hour. When he woke up, she was out cold. He smirked, kissed her shoulder and slid out of bed, checking over emails. When a text came through, he almost laughed:

Well, you’re not answering so I know that she’s there with you. We have practice Tuesday to Thursday. Don’t forget. – J

He shook his head and laughed. He got up, walked into the bathroom, putting his phone on the wireless charger, and turned the shower on, putting two towels on the warmer. He knew better. He slid under the stream of hot water, trying to get his energy up enough for the rest of the day. He washed his hair and was washing up when he heard someone stepping in behind him. “I was wondering when you were coming in here,” he teased. “Tempting me.” He turned and kissed her. “Just needed to wake myself up.” “What’s the plan?” “Well, there’s a few options. One, we go shopping, two we can go walk around the botanical gardens or last option is that we just hang here and watch movies or make something special to take tonight for the band.” “Chattanooga.” He smirked. “You sure?” She nodded. He kissed her. “You do know it’s 2 hours away right? Two hours there, two back. We might be late to the stadium.” “Then we’re going tomorrow or Tuesday.”

“Well, there’s a wrench in that plan.” “What?” “Practice Tuesday to Thursday and probably Friday then we fly out Saturday.” “Then we have tomorrow.” He nodded. “Go for a walk?” He kissed her. “Works for me.” He rinsed off and she slid under the water, washing her hair out. He smirked and kissed her then stepped out. “Where are you going?” “Dry off and make a quick call.” “About what?” “That grand tour.” She smirked and shook her head, getting back to her shower. Chase wrapped a towel around his hips, walked into the bedroom and called the coach.

“And how’s superstar,” his coach asked. “Tired. Overdid the workouts the past few days.” “I heard about the stage debut. Nice one. So what can I do for you?” “Well, who do I get in touch with about giving someone a tour?” “Meaning the lady that did the anthem.” “Yep.” “I’ll put the word in. Shouldn’t be an issue.” “One other thing. Are you okay if she comes to practice part of next week?” “She has a show Friday right?” “In LA. She’s in the same hotel we are.” “So long as you don’t get distracted fine. If you’re determined, just let me know what floor you’ll be on and the room number.” “Will do coach.” “I’ll send over some stuff for you to go over. I came up with a couple other plays.” “Yes sir.” “See you Tuesday. We’re heading in at 9am.” “I’ll be there warming up when you get there.” “Alright. Enjoy.” They hung up and Chase went and figured out what to wear. When she stepped out, he heard the water stop and heard her padding across the main bathroom.

He turned to see her in nothing but a towel, that he was now jealous of. “How was the shower?” “I didn’t want to get out.” “Is that good?” She smirked. “What were all the calls about?” “Had to call coach and make sure that the grand tour was alright, plus I had to make sure you could come to practice.” “And?” “Door wide open. Have to follow up with the stadium staff, but he said it should be fine.” “So that’s what you meant by a walk?” He smirked. “And the dome is closed, so we can hang out and run stairs if you want.” “Great. More workouts.” He kissed her. “Or we could just wander around. Nobody else is in that area anyway.” “Coffee, walk then stadium.” He nodded and kissed her. She went and got changed into jeans and a shirt that she’d left intentionally in her bag. She did her hair, put on a little makeup and he brought a hoodie over for her. “Just in case.” “You’re just determined to get me wearing your hoodie.” He smirked and got shaved and freshened up.

When he came into the bedroom again, she was bent over, putting her sneakers on. “Well dang.” “What?” “Lookin pretty sexy there babe.” Just hearing the pet name got her grinning. “Well thanks.” He smirked, put on some aftershave and walked over to her. “You always smell so good,” she said. “Back at ya. That perfume is amazing.” “That is one of the ones I kinda like. It has that magnolia scent I love.” “I didn’t show you the yard did I?” “Why?” “Well, I kinda have 3 magnolia trees in the yard.” “You what?” “The teacup ones. I put them in a couple years ago.” “You do realize those are literally my favorite ones right?” “I always kinda loved the scent of them in the summer when I actually have time to enjoy them.” “Now we can enjoy them together.” He smirked, sliding his arm around her and kissed her forehead. “You ready for your walk?” She nodded and they headed out to the SUV. She almost laughed when she saw the clothes still on the floor. She grabbed them, put them in her bag and hopped in, sliding her bag into the backseat. “Where did you decide we’re goin?” “Well, coffee then we can go drive around in the blue ridge mountains for a bit, then we can head back in and go for the tour of the stadium.” She got a silly grin that was completely and utterly contagious. “Would you get your mind out of the gutter,” he teased as they pulled out and headed towards the caffeine goodness otherwise known as Starbucks.

When they made it up to the mountains, she put the window down letting the breeze from the warm weather fly through her hair. He took her hand and kissed it as they drove. When they slowed down a bit, she could hear the leaves crackling in the wind. The colors were even more vibrant after the cool night previous. “Is it me or do they change color continuously?” “A little every day. Honestly, the only ones that I’ve never seen really change were the live oaks in Wormsloe.” “You’ve been?” “A couple million times. It’s a beautiful place.” “My house is maybe 10 minutes away from it.” He smirked. “It’s a really pretty area. Honestly, it’s kinda nice that it’s that close by. You can go whenever you want to.” ‘It’s one of those places that I can go hang out and write when I get a little writers block.” “I never would’ve guessed that you get stuck on lyrics. Some of those songs are just amazing.” “Just because it was dedicated to you?” He smirked. “Not necessarily.”

He watched her like a child enjoy every one of the autumn scents. When they got to a certain point, they could almost smell campfire wood burning. It was beyond amazing. Even the view was amazing. They drove up and down every hill, every road until he started heading back towards the stadium. “You’re staying tonight right,” he asked. “Of course. Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” He smirked and kissed her. By the time it got to lunch, they were both ravenous. He intentionally stopped at a little out of the way market and grabbed them some lunch, opting to sit in the park.

“Why do you always know where the best places are?” “Because I’ve lived here for years. I always find places like this to prevent all the media from swarming.” “Are they seriously that bad?” He nodded. “Especially right now. My agent got 50 requests for interviews since that last show.” “Less than 24 hours.” He nodded. “I told him before that if it’s not football related, I’m not doing it.” “Chase, if it means one interview with both of us, are you okay to do it?” “Depends.” She shook her head. “On what handsome?” “If you’re there, fine. If it’s just me, no.” She kissed him. “I get that you want privacy. I do. Just be prepared that it may happen down the road.” He nodded and finished his sandwich then gulped down his ice water. “I’d rather have them concentrate on your music instead of talking to me.” She smirked, finished her salad and kissed his cheek. “We heading to the stadium?” “Up to you beautiful. Scenic route then tour or straight over there the fast way.” “Option one.”

He kissed her, handed in the plates and he took her hand and walked with her back to the SUV. He got her door for her then hopped in and they headed off. He put the windows down so the breeze could go through the vehicle. He loved the scent of fall. Every single thing about it was amazing to him. Now, being with her while he went through the backroads and made his way back into Atlanta. She slid her hand in his and he kissed her hand. “Am I allowed to flip the radio on?” “XM?” She nodded. “Go for it.” She turned it onto the station that always played her music. Was worth a try anyway.

“And the new number one song this week…no surprise here. I can’t wait to be at the last Atlanta show tonight. This one is the fan favorite. The one she dedicated to her new man, the one and only QB1 Chase Cooper. This one is Backroad Envy.” He shook his head and she turned it up. “I still can’t believe that you did that last night.” “I had to. You kinda did inspire it Chase.” “And what are you doing to top it tonight?” “Well, I was thinking maybe making you come out and stay on stage with me while I sing it.” He shook his head. “Nope.” “I think I could probably talk you into it.” “Not happening.” She leaned over and kissed his neck. “This is your world Caroline. Mine is football.” “I got to be part of your world doing that anthem. Your turn.” He shook his head and smirked. “I had my turn last night.” “Nope. I’ll figure something out tonight.” He shook his head. “Whatever you say sexy.”

He intentionally took the long route and by the time they pulled in, it was almost 1:30. “How long is the tour?” “Depends on how long you want it.” She shook her head. “By the way, I know exactly what you’re thinking. That’s intentionally gonna be the last stop.” “Chase.” He kissed her. He hopped out, got her door for her and locked up the SUV, sliding his hand in hers and kissing it. He showed her through the offices, the restaurants, the press area, walked her onto the field then she smirked. “What,” he asked. “This place has a ton of good memories doesn’t it,” she asked. He nodded. “Signed to my first NFL team here, my first team, my first Super Bowl, my first touchdown, meeting this very sexy woman I know.” “What was your second choice for a team?” “I didn’t have a second choice. This was the only place I wanted to be.” “And now?” “Wouldn’t change a thing.” He kissed her. “Never would’ve met you if I hadn’t been here.” “You have a point.” He walked her into the visitors’ locker room and she looked around at the spotlessly clean area.

“This is huge.” “Regardless of who is in here, they have some of what we do, but not all of it. Ours is pretty much double this size. Just big enough for them.” “No gym?” “Our side has it.” “What else?” He walked her around the lower level where the catering area and the other locker room for his team was. He walked in and closed and locked the door behind him. He didn’t need any interruptions. She saw the areas for each of their stuff, their lockers, the gym, the game area, the benches and the showers. “This is like almost triple the size of the other team.” “Home is always best.” He sat down on the bench and she leaned over and kissed him. “What?” “Nothin. It is kinda cool in here.” He shook his head. “Coach’s office is right over there,” Chase said as he pointed out the office. “He’s not here?” “Bye week. I let him know that I was taking you on a tour.” “Chase.” “Sexy.” “Thank you.” “For what?” “Being the only gentleman other than my dad that has ever treated me the way you have.” He kissed her, holding her face in his hands.

“Like I told you baby. That’s who I am. That’s how I was raised.” Her arms wrapped around him and she hugged him and felt his arms wrap around her just as tightly. “I don’t want to leave. You know that right?” “You have a few more days.” She kissed him. “I only have 3 months left. Christmas we can hang out together.” He kissed her. “For the first time in forever, I actually don’t have a game on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.” “When?” “Day after. Luckily it’s in Charlotte so it’s not that far away.” “But you’d be flying out on Christmas day.” “Night game. We’d fly out in the morning of the game. I could even drive up and meet the team there.” “Luckily we have a couple days.” “When do you have to fly out?” “Thursday morning. They’re heading out Wednesday morning on the bus.” “Babe.” “I want to be here as long as we can.” He kissed her and devoured her lips. “We’ll be fine. You know that right?”

She kissed him and slid into his lap. “What?” She kissed him again. “I want you with me.” “I know. Trust me.” She looked at him and slid her fingers through his short hair and he kissed her, devouring her lips until she was peeling the hoodie off. She went for the t-shirt and he broke the kiss. “Babe.” “What,” she asked as she slid the t-shirt off and put it on top of her bag. He shook his head, picked her up and walked her into the one area that he knew would be completely private. Her legs tightened around him and he devoured her lips. “Chase.” “Yes.” “I don’t want to ever lose this.” “Either do I,” he said as she pulled his shirt off. When she went for his belt buckle, he tried to stop her. “Mine,” she said. “So bad.” She kissed him and he undid her jeans. Just as he was about to slide them off, he felt her phone buzz in her pocket. He kissed her and she shimmied out of her jeans. “Your phone.” “Don’t care.” He kissed her again and she pulled his belt right off.

He leaned her onto the massage table and she pulled his jeans undone. “Caroline.” She didn’t want to talk. She didn’t want another moment to pass. She just wanted to feel as close to him as she could. Knowing that it was only a matter of days until she was without him again almost killed her to her core. “Are you sure?” She kissed him and he felt her nails graze his back. He knew that she was becoming an addiction. He also knew that he didn’t care. They had hot, intense, passion-filled and almost urgent sex like they were about to be caught. She didn’t care. At that point, either did he. They kept going until her body was throbbing around him. When he went that much further, her body almost exploded around him to the point that he gave into that heat. When they managed to catch their breaths, he kissed her again. “Promise me something,” he said. “What?” “Nobody else.” “Couldn’t even if I wanted to.” “Caroline.” She kissed him. “Alright. Honestly, I couldn’t even think it.” He kissed her again. “Good.”

When they managed to calm their racing hearts, he pulled his jeans up and handed Caroline hers. “Chase.” “Yes sexy.” She slid something in his jeans pocket. “What is…” “You can’t look until after I go on.” “You’re intentionally taunting?” She kissed him. “Yep.” He shook his head. “I meant what I said.” “So did I.” She got re-dressed and slid his hoodie back on. “You okay?” “Legs are a little shaky, but yeah,” she said as she kissed him again. He smirked. He went and freshened up as she slid onto the bathroom counter beside him. “Chase.” “Yes beautiful.” “Is it bad that I want to delay flying out as long as I can?” “I get it. Honestly, if I could bring you to every game I would. If I could be at every show I would.” She slid her arms around him and hugged him as he bear-hugged her back.

One more kiss and they headed back hand in hand. They talked, trying to come up with a solution to the only problem they had – time. He went through the list of games. Most of them were doable. Most of them she was either off or doing a show the same night. They had a solution. They had ways to get where they needed to go to be together. There was a solution that they could actually put it place. “We can do this. If we want this, we can figure it out. Until the end of the season, I can’t even plan out January, but this I can,” Chase said. “I’m not touring in January. The tour’s done.” He kissed her. “We can figure it out. If we do make it to the Super Bowl, you’re gonna be really busy that night.” “Hmm. I think I could probably take that night off.” He smirked and kissed her hand.

When they made it back over to the bus, the band was sitting out the side of the bus watching the game. “Who’s playing,” Chase asked. “Carolina against New Orleans.” “Guess we’re becoming Carolina fans for the game then,” Chase said. “What’s with that rivalry anyway,” Hailey asked. “No comment.” “Come on Chase,” one of the guys of the band said. “When you walk into a stadium to play, the goal is winning not making the other team check into the ICU.” “Gotcha,” Hailey said as Chase went to sit. Caroline motioned to follow her. She slid her hand in his, walked onto the bus and walked back to the stateroom.

“And what are we doing back here,” he teased. “Come sit with me.” They sat down on the bed and his arms almost instinctively wrapped around her shoulders. “What’s wrong?” “Nothin. Just wanted you to myself for a while.” He almost laughed. “You realize you had me all to yourself all morning right?” “What are you doing tomorrow?” “Taking you to Savannah. Why?” She smirked and kissed him. “You sure?” He nodded and snuggled her to him. “That was my plan. If we manage to get out of bed before 10, we can hang out all day.” “Funny. Honestly, you’ll love the house I have there.” “I kinda love the change of scenery.” “Good. I figure we can go for a walk by the water, hang out at the house for a bit, maybe Wormsloe then head back?” Chase nodded. “As long as my woman is happy.” She kissed him. “Very good answer.” He smirked and snuggled her to him. “Walk around?” She nodded.

He was beyond antsy. He couldn’t sit still. Not when he had to start getting back into the proper head space for football games. He needed to win that game. Hell. He needed to win every dang game coming up or the guys would be teasing the crap out of him and blaming the loss on Caroline. She stood up and kissed him. “Chase.” “Yes beautiful.” “Thank you.” “For what? I didn’t do anything.” “For being a good guy. For not lying to my face when I ask something.” “Like I said before, I’m not that person. Some conversations aren’t easy, but we talk until it’s handled. That’s the way it is.” “Even when we both worried,” she commented as he pulled her into his lap and she leaned into his arms. “We can worry, but if we don’t talk then we can’t make it right. I’m not losing you. You aren’t gonna lose me either. That’s just how it’s gonna be.” She kissed him. “Come on. We’ll go for the walk.” He picked her up, wrapping her legs around him. “No more worrying okay?” She nodded.

She slid to her feet and they headed outside. “And where are y’all headed,” Hailey asked. “Going for a walk.” They walked around a bit then went and sat on the stage. “I still can’t believe that you do this every night. I’d be completely nervous as all get out.” “Chase, this is your stadium. It holds more than will be at my concert tonight.” “I know, but it’s just you. With the games, it’s the team.” “They’re sorta like a team,” Caroline said as she snuggled up to him. He kissed her. “Babe, this is your wheelhouse. You see a ton of places that I have probably never even been to. I see stadiums and hotels and buses and planes.” “Chase, I see the buses, the planes and everything else. I just have to sing to all of them.” “Good point.” “We have similar lives with all the travel and stuff. We can try and make them sync up somehow.” “Much better than the other day baby.” “For both of us. Are you gonna be mad if you get dragged on stage tonight?” “Mad? No. I want the show to be about you. That’s what I’ve always said. They aren’t here to see me. They’re here to see you guys. Honest. I just want to be here for you instead of for the fans.” She kissed him. “Sweetest ever.” “Pretty amazing yourself.” She kissed him again and got an idea.