“This isn’t fun.” Jason groaned. “Why did I let you talk me into this?”
His brother grinned down at Jason’s prone body as he lay gasping for breath. He’d barely seen Nick since he’d arrived in Seattle. Even though he’d rather sleep in and spend some time with Rusty, he took Nick up on his invitation to come work out at the Emeralds’ practice field with Hugh. It would be good to work off some of the stress from the last week and his pent-up frustration. His attraction to Joy grew each day he’d spent with her over the past week. She was the first person with whom he felt like he could share both the good and the ugly side of fame. A couple of the women he’d dated recently only wanted to quiz him about the glitz and glamour, asking him about other musicians he’d worked with. One woman flat-out asked if he could introduce her to her celebrity crush, confessing that was the only reason she’d gone out with him. Joy listened without judgement and asked thoughtful questions. The questions she asked about his safety revealed Joy was still nervous about her own exposure to his fans. He did his best to ease her concerns without voicing his own worries. His protective instincts were in overdrive after seeing some of the vile things people had posted about Joy on social media. Guilt gnawed at his gut. He’d promised her dads he’d take care of her. Jason made the same promise to his wife when they said their wedding vows, a promise he hadn’t kept. He wasn’t going to let that happen again.
Joy’s family dynamic reminded him a lot of his own family, even though it was just three of them compared to life with four siblings. After some coaxing, he’d convinced Joy to share what had brought on her meltdown last Christmas. Jason wasn’t sure who he felt sorrier for, the doctor or Joy. Yes, Joy was a dating disaster. In Jason’s opinion, it wasn’t because she didn’t know how to read the signs; it was because she hadn’t learned to listen to her heart. Joy was convinced he’d be horrified, but her honest reflection on what had happened made her more endearing.
His brother’s face appeared, hovering over him. “You’ve been on the road too long. You’re out of shape.”
Jason grasped his brother’s outstretched hand and hauled himself to his feet. He wasn’t going to admit his brother was right. He’d spent too much time cooped up in a tour bus. He’d have to make sure he built time into his schedule for working out when he went back on the road.
Hugh jogged over. They continued running reps on the field, and while Jason thought his heart was going to explode after just a couple of trips up and down the field, Nick and Hugh barely broke a sweat.
Hugh clapped Jason on the back. “Don’t forget, we’ve been conditioning for the playoffs.”
“You better win after the workout you just put me through,” Jason said, still trying to catch his breath.
He gratefully took the water bottle his brother offered, chugging half its contents.
“Remind me, why did I agree to work out with you?”
“Because you need to work off the stress from the last few days,” Nick said matter-of-factly.
“Fair point.”
“How is Joy handling everything?”
Jason’s mouth curved into a smile, something he did any time Joy’s name came up. “She’s amazing. I don’t know anyone who could have handled the situation better.”
“I hope you’ve figured out some way to make it up to her for all the trouble you’ve put her through.” Nick cocked his head, contemplating him. “Is there more to this fake engagement that we should know about?”
Was there more? The chemistry between them was undeniable, but that wasn’t enough to start a relationship he couldn’t commit to.
“You know I’m not interested in a serious relationship. As soon as the holidays are over, I’m back on the road.”
“And what happens to Joy?” Hugh asked.
“I’ll make sure it looks like the breakup was my fault. I don’t want Joy to catch any more heat than she already has.”
Hugh scowled. “Some of those comments online were brutal.”
“Holly was really upset,” Nick added.
“I didn’t know I could get as angry as I felt seeing those posts.” Jason’s hands balled into fists. “I had a moment where I was ready to walk away from touring, recording, all of it, if that’s who my fans were. Getting the positive messages from other musicians and the fans who aren’t rabid racists helped a lot.”
“What about Madison? Have you heard anything from her?”
Jason shook his head. “Nothing yet, but I have a feeling she’ll turn up again.”
“I’ll be glad when the family gets here and we’re all at the house together.”
“What difference will that make?” Jason asked.
“Don’t know.” Nick shrugged. “Strength in numbers, I suppose.”
Jason rested his hands on his hips, shaking his head as he laughed. “I wouldn’t mind seeing Beth, Amanda, and Melissa take on Madison.”
Nick laughed with him. “I’d pay money to see that.”
“What’s going to happen with Madison when you go back out on tour?” Hugh asked.
“I don’t know what she’s going to do, but she won’t be on stage with me.”
His jaw ticked. The record label was still trying to convince him to keep Madison as the opening act. Someone had started a #Madison&Jason4evr hashtag, and even though only a tiny group were using it, the label was concerned about alienating any fans.
“Glad to hear it.” Hugh nodded.
Jason stretched his hands over his head, trying not to wince as his muscles protested. “All I want to do is enjoy the next couple of weeks with my family and Joy. What about you, Hugh? What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”
Hugh grinned. “I finally convinced Noelle to come home to San Diego with me and meet my parents.”
Nick let out a low whistle. “That’s a big deal.”
“Getting Noelle to go on that first date with me was the hard part. You know how shy she can be, but we’ve been FaceTiming with my parents, and she’s looking forward to meeting them in person.”
“Who would have thought we’d get Holly and Noelle to look forward to the holidays?” Nick said.
Jason kicked the soccer ball lying at his feet. “And here I am, ruining Christmas for Joy.”
“How are you ruining her Christmas?” Hugh asked.
“We’re going to announce that our engagement is over between Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
Nick gave him the same look he got from their mom when he got caught sneaking out of the house. “What difference does it make if it’s all for show?”
“It doesn’t. I just—” Jason sighed. “Joy is special, all right? I don’t want anyone to think our fake engagement ending is her fault.”
Nick’s eyebrows rose. “Just how special is Joy?”
“Don’t be like Mom and start playing matchmaker and reading Rumi poems. This isn’t going anywhere. I’m going back on the road, and someone is going to come along who can care for Joy the way she deserves.”
Hugh stifled a laugh and exchanged a look of disbelief with Nick.
“What’s so funny?” Jason growled.
Nick flung his arm around Jason’s shoulders. “Bro, you should have seen the look on your face just now.”
“You looked like you’d swallowed a lemon,” Hugh added.
Nick nodded. “You spit those words out like you had a foul taste in your mouth.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I think you hate the idea of Joy dating someone else,” Hugh said.
Fuck. They were right. Deep down, Jason already knew he couldn’t stand the idea of Joy moving on with some other guy after he was gone.
“Listen.” Nick exchanged a look with Hugh. “Holly, Noelle, and Joy are good friends.” He gestured between himself and his teammate. “We’ll never hear the end of it if Joy gets hurt.”
Hugh nodded in agreement. “And if you could try not to ruin her Christmas, that would be a bonus.”
“Hey, I’m Santa, remember? I’m here to make all your Christmas wishes come true.”
He earned a brotherly smack on the head from Nick for that cocky remark.