Chapter 18

The next morning, he woke up to the scent of bacon and coffee. He looked over and saw her, putting the tray on the counter. “Stop eyeing me like I’m dessert Jamie.” “Then get that sexy butt of yours over here.” She shook her head. “Coffee?” He nodded and brought both mugs over, putting them on the side table. She sat down beside him as he faced her, pulled her into his arms and flipped her to her back in bed, devouring her lips. “And where did you vanish to,” he asked. “Workout, made breakfast and coffee.” He kissed her. “Breakfast, shower then bed.” She shook her head. “You are…” He kissed her again. “Food.” She nodded and he got out of bed naked, grabbing the tray of breakfast and bringing it over, sliding back under the covers.

“I could’ve sworn you said you were going home,” she teased as he fed her bacon. “Didn’t want to leave. You just looked too dang good in the moonlight.” “I bet,” she teased. He kissed her. “You mad?” “We’re supposed to be doing things slow.” “Sorta got in over our heads,” he teased with a smirk. She shook her head. “We’re doing this right this time Jamie.” “I totally understand. Honestly, I still have that stupid nightmare. I actually sleep better with you.” “I’m safe here Jamie.” “It’s a stupid feeling that something else is going on.” “We need to fix this Jamie. Fix us.” “If we tried dating again?” “We barely did the first time.” He smirked. She was 100% right. “You definitely have a point.” She smirked and he snuggled her to him as they finished the last bite of the omelets.

“By the way, why does Jackson think you’re coming on the bus?” “Kinda planned to. Even if it’s only a few days.” She shook her head. “Jamie.” “I want to be there to cheer you on. For you. Also, makes me feel better if I’m closer in case something happens. I know it probably won’t because you have things handled, but I kinda want to be there.” “Jamie.” He kissed her. “What are my other options,” she teased. “Could fly into the stops.” She shook her head. “This is all work stuff.” “If I flew in to meet you on Saturdays?” “Negotiation.” He nodded. “I’d kinda like to be there the first weekend you’re back.” “Fine, but after that, every other week.” He kissed her and peeled her workout clothes off. “You’re way too dressed to be in bed wife.” “Shower.” He shook his head and kissed her. “I have work to do and so do you handsome.” “I can think of better distractions,” he said as he leaned into her arms and kissed her. She smirked and slid out of his arms. She peeled her clothes off, almost taunting him, and threw them in the laundry on the way to the master bath.

Jamie shook his head and followed her, closing the bathroom door behind him and slipping in behind her in the shower. She turned to face him. “What?” He kissed her, devouring her lips. “You know why I want to be there right?” “I get it. I just don’t want you to put your life on hold to be at the shows. You deserve a life here too.” “I want you safe. If that means that all of you fly from one stop to another, so be it.” “Jamie.” “All of you need to be safe.” “Firstly, not my plane. Second, we’re not gonna fly and leave the driver to go stop to stop.” He kissed her, sliding her under the water and washing her hair. “I need you safe. If I had to carry you on my back I would.” She nodded. He rinsed the shampoo and combed the conditioner through her hair with his fingers, almost massaging her head as the cream slid through her tresses. “Jamie.”

He kissed down her neck. “You’re taunting.” “And?” He snuggled her to him and she shook her head. “I love you. All I want is you to be safe.” “I know, and I love that you want that.” “We’ll figure it out together.” She nodded. “Better.” He shook his head and kissed her. “Now, we need to wash your hair,” she teased as she grabbed her shampoo and washed his hair with his arms still tight around her. She turned him and slid him under the water and the minute his hair was clear of shampoo, he picked her up and wrapped her legs around him, sitting down on the bench.

“What,” she asked. “I missed this.” “Jamie.” “I mean it. Living without you was another level of hell.” “I don’t want to have to do all of that again Jamie. I really don’t. We need to take our time.” “Date night.” “We tried that,” she teased. “Name it.” “Dating. No moving in stuff yet.” He looked at her. The fact that he was that close to her and not having sex was enough to turn him on, and now she brought that up? “Piper.” “We can still have fun Jamie, but we have to take time.” “Name it and we’ll go.” “Olde Pink House. Study.” He smirked. “As you wish,” he teased. She stood up and rinsed her hair out as he kissed her. “Is it bad that I want you right now?” She smirked. He loved that smirk. He shook his head and picked her up, wrapping her legs around him and leaned her up against the cool tile wall.

The shower was heating up the entire room and neither of them even cared. When he was about to taunt her, her phone went off. “I seriously…” She kissed him and slid to her feet. “Work.” “You sure,” he asked. She nodded, kissed him and stepped out, wrapping herself in a warm towel. He finished washing up and stepped out, grabbing the extra towel. He wrapped it around his waist and came up behind her at the sink as she was brushing her teeth. “I do kinda love this position,” he teased. “I swear you are like a teenager with raging hormones right now.” “And you love it.” Her toothbrush slid from her hand and falling into the sink as he turned her to face him. “Jamie,” she said flipping the sink off. He sat her up on the counter. “Jamie, what are you up to?” He kissed her, tasting the mint of the toothpaste. “Getting my fill of kisses for the day until I see you tonight.” She shook her head. “You are such a romantic.” “Something like that.” “You’re horrible. I swear you have a dirty mind 24-7.” “Yep.” “And he doesn’t deny it,” Piper joked. He kissed her again and she slid to her feet. “Go get dressed so I can get some actual work done.” He kissed her again and stepped out of the bathroom. He pulled his jeans on and when she came into the bedroom in a robe, he knew. He went into the bathroom and saw a second toothbrush, still in its packaging, and freshened up. When he came back into the bedroom, she was in a bra, lace panties and sliding into her jeans.

He just sat and watched as she slid into her jeans, pulled a dress shirt out of her closet and turned to face him. “Are you seriously standing there just watching?” He nodded, almost tongue-tied. She shook her head, walked over to him and handed him his dress shirt. “What?” “Get dressed. You have work remember?” He nodded and kissed her, pulling her to him. “You sure you want me to go home?” She nodded. “There are way too many rooms left to christen in this house.” “Jamie, behave for once,” she said with a little giggle. “Never.” He kissed her and slid his shirt on. She put some lip balm on and pulled her hair into a loose bun. “Sexiest woman I know.” He cleaned up the dishes from breakfast, grabbed his phone and followed her downstairs, putting the dishes on the counter. “Thank you,” she said. He kissed her again, sitting her up on the counter. “Promise me.” “What?” “That we figure this out. No more walking away from each other.” “And no more secrets.” “And no more secrets. I promise.” She nodded. He kissed her again and his phone buzzed with a call from his assistant. “Take it.” He shook his head. “She can wait.” “Jamie, it’s almost 9. Take it.” He looked. “Amanda.”

“Sir, the contract came for the house. I cleared it through legal. Did you want to sign it?” “I’ll be in within the next hour or two.” “Alright,” she said. “Thank you.” “Most welcome sir.” Amanda hung up and Jamie looked at Piper. “It’s up to you.” “What is?” “The house.” It really was up to her. Her choice. If she said yes, they were going to be alright. If the answer was no, he had to find an alternative. “It’s yours. You choose.” “Ours. Both our names on it. I’m not the only one making the decision.” “You sure?” He nodded. “Fresh start for you and me. We do it together.” She caught herself nodding. “Okay.” He kissed her. “Okay. I’m going to get work done and I’ll see you tonight to do the paperwork. What do you think?” She kissed him. “Do I need to sign it?” Jamie nodded. “I can get Aiden to bring it over later.” Piper nodded smirking. “Go.” He kissed her again and she walked him to the door. “Tomorrow night we’re having a date night.” “Alright husband.” He kissed her with one last, mind-blowing kiss and headed off.

When he got home, he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. “Sir, in future…” “You can drive. I needed some alone time with my girl. It’s fine.” “And we have a few other issues.” “Such as?” “The text you got last night was from Amy. She knew Piper was here. I have no idea how, but she knew.” “That house is bugged.” “We eliminated what was there that we didn’t install ourselves. I don’t know how she’s getting that intel.” “Jackson, I can’t get her to come back here, and to be honest with you, I don’t exactly think that she can’t get in here too. Something’s fishy. We both know that.” “She can’t get in here.” “And Piper won’t come back to the house. Not anymore.” “I’m gonna do a full check of the cars. She can’t put anything on them without someone here knowing.” Jamie nodded. He walked upstairs, changed into his suit and within maybe 10 minutes, they were heading to the helipad to head to the office.

As Jamie walked into his office, coffee in hand, he got a message from Piper:

Take a listen and tell me your honest opinion. We may need to do something about this.

He slid his AirPods in and pressed play. The woman was mind-blowing. The song was amazing. At least it was a happy song instead of an I hate Jamie song. He replied back:

Record Monday?

He called her. “We can christen the studio with this one. What do you think?” “Up to you.” “Jamie, if you’re busy with work stuff, tell me.” “And if I said that short of date night with this gorgeous woman I married, this is relaxation for me?” “You sure?” “If it goes well, we can work on the rest for the CD.” “I’ll talk to the guys.” “Okay. What are you doing for dinner tonight by the way?” “Working.” “And what did the guys say about flying in?” “Harley and I are flying, they’re having guy time.” “Good.” “I’m staying home and catching up on sleep tonight. Can you live with that?” “No, but I’m not about to fight you on that.” “Good. I need that big ole bed to myself while I can.” “I love you too wife.” “Talk to you later handsome.” “Go write. Have a good day beautiful.” “You too handsome.” They hung up and Jamie couldn’t wipe the grin off his face.

When Jamie finished off his meetings, he opted to head home early. Getting home to call her was his only concern. He worked his way back and the minute he landed, another text came through:

You want this over? A life for a life.

Jamie couldn’t even handle his phone. He handed it to Jackson, hopping off the helicopter and getting in the SUV. “Sir, this isn’t just an idle threat.” “Call them and tell them to come to the house.” Jamie leaned back on the seat trying not to lose it and call her. He looked at his watch and took a deep breath. “Well, the woman has a new phone. It’s coming from an iPhone. Makes it a little easier to track.” “My phone’s safe?” Jackson nodded and handed it to him. They pulled into the house and Jamie saw officers at the gate yet again. “Are they really necessary?” “After that message, yes. They’re doing a sweep with the rest of the security team.” “Just don’t let Piper see it.” “I asked her security team to do a full sweep of her place.” “If something happens to her, I’d never forgive myself.” “I know sir.”

Jamie went inside to see Miss Jones setting out the roast beef dinner. “And what’s all of this?” “Since you’re in a much better mood, I thought we needed to celebrate.” “I appreciate that.” “Is she moving back?” “Not yet anyway. We’re workin on it. We found a new house. Huge kitchen. You’d love it.” “So, you’re moving?” “I think so. We may just sell the house here.” “Wow.” “She’s more important than anything else I know.” Miss Jones smirked, handed him a glass of wine with his dinner and saw the change in him. He was calm and peaceful again. He finished up dinner, cleaned up and refilled his wine, opting to finish it on the patio.

He looked at his phone and smirked, calling Piper. “Hey.” “Hey yourself sexy wife. What are you up to?” “Bubble bath.” He could hear the water and shook his head. “Taunting me as usual. So, I went through stuff. We can record Sunday and Monday if that’s good.” “I’ll let everyone know. Should be good.” “And what did you want to do tomorrow night?” “Dinner. Maybe a movie.” “You willing to stay with me?” “Still going home.” “You could just stay at the house.” “Jamie.” “What? Just come and stay. One night.” “Maybe.” “Piper.” “I’ll think about it.” “Good. The studio stuff is full speed ahead. As long as they’re good with it. I figure we do church then start.” “Works for me.” “Babe.” “Yes handsome.” “I love you.” “I know.” “Party pooper.” “Did you get the papers?” “Had to do a formal offer, but both of our names are on it.” “Okay.” “Babe.” “Yes handsome.” “See you tomorrow.” “Sweet dreams.”

Jamie hung up with her and Jackson came outside. “What’s up?” “She’s doing another leg of the tour.” “It’s her career. All I can do is cheer her on.” “It was announced. You do realize what that’s gonna mean.” “I have it handled. We’ll figure it out tomorrow.” Jamie took a deep breath and Aiden came outside. “What’s up,” Jamie asked. “That tour that she is signing up for means she’s gone at least 60% of the year next year. It’s 10 months of touring.” “And you know how?” “Harley showed me.” Jamie shook his head and called Piper. “Yes handsome.” “Aiden just told me.” “Okay.” “Are you planning on the entire tour?” “That was kind of the plan.” “Yes or no?” “I’m not playing the game Jamie. This is my job just like yours.” “I just…” “Don’t bother trying to talk me out of it.” “I wasn’t going to. All I’m saying is maybe we should fix the Amy stuff first.” “I’m not putting my career on hold.” “I’m not saying…” She hung up. He shook his head and texted her:

All I was saying is that we should talk about it. We can talk in the morning. I love you.

He tossed and turned most of the night and when he woke up at 4, he went straight to the gym and messaged her:

When you wake up, call me. I love you.

Jamie called her security and they told him she was still asleep. He must’ve called 30 times with no answer. He finished his workout and called Eleni, noticing that he got no return call and it was almost 6:30. He shook his head and got showered, pulling his jeans and tee on. He came downstairs to see Jackson finishing his coffee. “Sir,” Jackson said. “Going to her place.” “Does she know,” Jackson asked knowing that the answer was no. “With or without you.” “Sir, maybe waiting until she’s ready to talk.” Jamie slid his jacket on and went to grab the car keys. “Sir, I really don’t…” Jamie walked out, got the car and took off to Piper’s.

“Sir,” Eleni said as she answered. “Is my wife awake?” “She’s in the shower. Sir, I really don’t think that she’s up for company.” “She’s not replying.” Jamie walked upstairs and heard her in the shower. Instead of making one heck of a scene, he sat down on the edge of the bed. He took a deep breath and when he looked up, she was coming out of the bathroom. “What on earth?

“You didn’t answer your phone.” “I turned it on silent. There’s no point in answering is there?” “Piper.” “What?” “You’re in danger. The reporter just spilled that you’re going back out on the next leg. She knows. If you go back, you’re right in her sights. I don’t want you coming home in a body bag.” “Jamie, leave it alone.” “You’re in danger.” “She’s mad at you Jamie. Not me.” “Piper.” “I’m not playing this game. This is my career that I’ve wanted forever. I’m not giving it up because you want me to.” “Piper, you complain and fight back just for saying you need security.” It was too early in the morning for a fight. “This is my career. I’m not asking you to give the company up. I’m not gonna stay home because you say so. I’m not that woman. I never have been and never will be. You don’t like it, fine. Accept it. We figure it out and find a way to make things safe.”

“It’s not like she won’t know where you are.” “We had this conversation. Jason agreed. If I skip a show, nobody knows until the show starts. We’ll know and it’ll be easier to find her.” “If she shows up with a loaded weapon, she’ll shoot first.” “And if she shows up at your place, it’s the same problem.” She walked off and got dressed, shaking her head. “You don’t run my life Jamie.” “I’m trying to keep you safe wife.”

“I get that. You sit there and tell me things are gonna be different. We are or were good. This ring you handed me. The one where you said it was our do-over. It means nothing.” “Piper.” “Jamie, stop treating me like I’m a piece of property.” “You aren’t safe. Did you not get that?” “I get it. Stop pulling a control freak moment. This isn’t the Jamie I was with yesterday.” “I love you. I’m trying to keep you safe. She’s unstable. She’s gonna keep coming until she gets you.” He knew from personal experience. “And I’m not gonna stop my dang life because she’s crazy.” “Baby.” “Jamie, just don’t. Don’t baby me.” I love you. We’re starting over. I trust that you want this your way. I just don’t want your life in jeopardy. We both have nightmares.” “Jamie, this ring means respecting each other. You don’t…” He kissed her, pulling her to him. It was his only way of getting her off her tangent. “Stop.” “What?” “Piper, stop. I’m scared. I’m worried every dang time you’re away, I’m petrified that she’ll find you.” “Tell me what you want,” she said as he sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled her into his lap.

He took a deep breath. “I need you to hear this and it’s not because I’m trying to control things. I’m petrified that you’re gonna end up hurt and I won’t be there. That’s my biggest dang fear. What would happen if you got shot and I wasn’t there?” “Jamie, breathe. We have security.” “I need to be there.” “Jamie,” she said as she wrapped her arms around her. “Please just work with me and let things cool down.” “And if I can’t?” “Piper.” “Jamie, if I don’t do this tour, I could lose my entire career. I lose what I’ve spent years trying to have. I’m not doing that to Harley and the band, and I can’t do that to my career. Jason is family.” “Then we figure out an alternative. Take turns on weekends.” “I’ll talk to him if you’re that worried.” “Promise me that we can work on this together.” “Jamie, I’m not leaving you. I’m not letting go of who I am either.” “Please tell me that you can hear what I’m saying.” “If you stop trying to control everything, we’ll be fine.” He looked up at her and kissed her, giving her a hug and leaned her onto the bed.

“Pass me the phone.” He kissed her, devouring her lips and handed the phone to her. She called Jason. He listened to her negotiate it all like a pro. When she hung up, he kissed her. “So, every other show?” Piper nodded. “It’s not starting until May. We have time to handle the problem.” “Babe, I love you. You know that?” “Jamie, you’re a lot nicer when you actually listen.” “I’m just trying to make sure you’re safe.” “I get it. I’m not about to ruin that tour stuff because you’re worried. I am too.” He looked up at her and kissed her. “Babe.” “I’d never ask you to give your work up because you aren’t home.” “I may have gone slightly overboard.” She laughed. “Way beyond.” “I just worry. That’s all. I know you don’t want me on the bus, but I need to be there. Makes me feel like I can keep you safe. That way I can cheer you on too.” “And?” “And what?”

“I’m being serious. This is my career. I’m not gonna just put it aside to make you feel better.” “I get it. We compromise.” She nodded in agreement. “And about the whole showing up without asking?” He shook his head with a smirk. “What about it?” “You’re grounded.” “Piper.” “This is still my house.” He nodded as he pulled her on top of him and kissed her. “I shouldn’t have barged in.” “And being irrational.” “When it’s about your safety I will be.” “Excuses, excuses.” He kissed her. “What are you doing tonight?” “Nothin.” He shook his head. “Piper.” “I’m staying home. We’re working on music all weekend.” “Then I’ll make you dinner.” “Jamie.” “My way of apologizing.” She shook her head.

“What if we went and had a picnic on the beach?” “Jamie.” “I love you. At least let me apologize.” She nodded. “I just need time.” He kissed her. “We can work on the recording stuff. You can stay tomorrow and we start in the morning.” “Maybe.” He kissed her. “Would you let me do something today?” “Jamie, you have work.” “Piper.” “What,” she said giving up. “I want us to get a new bed.” She looked at him. “What?” “You and I can pick it out.” “Because it’s an old mattress?” “Because it has to be right for both of us.” “Jamie.” “What?” She shook her head. “That seriously what you want to do?” He nodded. “Alright, but I’m coming back to work on lyrics.” He nodded. “Could always bring the notebook.” She shook her head and he leaned her onto the bed. “Shopping,” she said. “Store’s not open for an hour.” “Jamie.” He kissed her. “Wife.” He devoured her lips and she wrapped her legs around him. He looked over and it was almost 9. “Jamie.” “Mm,” he said. She shook her head with a smirk and he kissed her again. “Fine. Up wife. Let’s go.” They got up and headed off towards the mattress store with Eleni and Andrews behind them. “Why are we really doing this?” “It’ll be ours. Not mine. We do everything 50/50.” She shook her head and kissed him. “By the way, I threw the contract in the glove box for the offer for the house. You have to sign it.” She shook her head, got it and saw the price. “Jamie.” “All you have to do is sign it.” She shook her head, grabbed a pen from her purse and signed it, putting it in the envelope.

They got to the store and within maybe an hour or two, they’d picked something out and it was on its way to be delivered. “Come with me,” he asked. “For what?” “Drive. Walk. Something.” “Jamie.” “I wanna show you something.” “Jamie, I love you. We’re married. I’ve kinda already seen it.” “Funny. Now who has the dirty mind.” They left the store and headed to that bar where he’d finally got a chance to talk to her. The room was completely empty. “What are you up to?” “It’s closed. Just you and me.” He sat her down in that same booth.

“What on earth are we doing here of all places?” “Starting over.” He was just that sentimental. “Jamie.” “You looked pretty dang beautiful that night.” “I was about to leave and go home.” “Oh I remember. Honestly, I’m glad you didn’t.” “Jamie, what is going on? The truth.” “That day, it felt like this. Like we were the only two people in the room. All I saw and wanted to see was you.” “Jamie.” “Nothing’s changed. Not one bit. You’re all I want, need and the only woman I can even look at.” “What are you trying to say?” “I can’t let go. I can’t stop worrying and I can’t stop wondering what would’ve happened if we didn’t have security and everything else. That could’ve been the end.”

“I get it Jamie, but you have to realize that I’m alright. We have security. They’re there to keep us safe. I worry just like you do, but I know we’re safe.” “We aren’t. That’s the thing. She’s sent so many threats that I’ve lost count. Half of them said you’d never make it back to the tour. That she’d kill you before the end of the week or the month. I can’t ignore that.” “We have security Jamie.” He kissed her. “Just promise that we stick together.” “I’m not going anywhere. You need to let Jackson handle it.” “He is, but it doesn’t mean that I’m not scared that he’s not gonna be enough.” She shook her head. “What do you want me to do?” “Let me be there beside you so I know you’re safe. I’d rather have her hurt me before one hair got harmed on your head.” “As long as you’re there to be supportive.” “I am your biggest cheerleader remember?” “Jamie, just remember that this is my career. Yours is just as important. You can’t be trying to stop me from heading on the stage.” He kissed her. “I love you.” “I know you do. Just please try and stop worrying Jamie.” “I wish I could. I love you more than anything.”

She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug and he was tearing up. He needed to tell her, and he’d already delayed it way too long. “Tell me what you need me to do.” “Just hear me when I say that you aren’t safe.” She nodded and he kissed her. “Promise me,” he said. “As long as you promise to stop trying to control everything. You’re stressed out from the minute you wake up. You can’t even sleep. You need to breathe.” “I can’t without you.” She held his face in her hands. “You have to. For now, you have to.” “I can’t even sleep without you.” “What do you want me to do Jamie?” “Let me stay tonight or you stay with me.” “Jamie.” “We can still work on things, but I just don’t want to do it apart from each other.” “I don’t know if I can.” He kissed her, devouring her lips. “Please.” “We’ll see.” He pulled her into his arms and snuggled her tight to him.

“Tell me what you need me to do.” “I need to figure it out Jamie.” “Can we try to do this together?” “Maybe.” “Asking for more is kinda out right?” She shook her head. “Right now yes. We need time and you know it. I’m not giving up, but you and I both know things aren’t right.” He kissed her again. “They will be.” She nodded and he leaned in and kissed her again and snuggled her to him. “We can start over, but it takes time. If you want to be at my place, say it. Being at the house with you still worries me.” “Tonight?” She nodded. “As long as we talk things through.” He kissed her. “Are we allowed to go home?” “Depends.” “I’ll go into work and you can work on your stuff.” “Okay,” she replied. He took her back to her place and headed home to go into the office to get some work done before the weekend.

He took Piper home and when he got back to change for work, Jackson pulled him aside. “What’s wrong?” “This showed up at the house. The officer showed and got the original. This is a photo.” Jamie looked and Jackson could see his face going shades of red:

Nothing you do is gonna stop me bitch. You’re to blame for all of this. If he gets in the way, I’ll take him out.

Jamie took a deep breath. “Tell me that we are getting more security here and at her place.” Jackson nodded. “This is insane. You do know that right?” “Sir, we’re handling it. She’s still safer here.” “Obviously she isn’t.” “Sir.” “I’m not playing this game. I don’t care what happens to me. I’m not letting her get hurt.” Jackson nodded knowing that saying anything at all was going to get a bad reaction. Jamie went upstairs and called Piper while he got changed for work.