Chapter Twenty

The distillery tour had been a blast. The tour guide was awesome, full of interesting facts, and it had felt a little like walking in history’s footsteps, especially because they had to turn off their cell phones and weren’t allowed to take pictures. Fredi had asked a million questions and, true to form, had gone a little overboard in the gift shop. They engraved the commemorative bottles so Fredi had bought six bottles and had them engraved with the days of the week, Monday through Saturday. The cute cashier had asked about Sunday and, in her best Southern drawl, Fredi replied, “Sunday’s the day of rest, sugar. I drink wine on Sundays.”

Celia had practically gone into withdrawal, not being able to use her camera. When it came time for the sampling portion of the tour, she had shot the first glass on the whiskey flight, rather than sip and savor. Then, after a sharp inhale of breath, she’d grabbed her second glass and shot that, too. The distillery employee had just handed Celia a glass of water and moved on.

Ava had bought herself a cute tee and was incredibly touched when Chase handed her a bottle of Tennessee Honey engraved with her nickname. “Sweetness for the sweet one,” he said. She had to pull him into a corner and kiss him to say thank you.

Chase had been amazing the entire morning. She’d watched him and couldn’t detect an ounce of frustration. He fit in so well with her friends and didn’t seem at all fazed by any of their craziness. He was one hell of a special man and she thanked her lucky stars she met him.

Now, back at the hotel, it was time to part ways. At least for now. He had to head to the studio and they were going to take a short break before heading out to lunch. But she didn’t want to say goodbye. It made her heart hurt.

It felt too real.

Her friends swung their doors open and Chase jumped out to grab their purchases from the back while Ava waited in the passenger seat. Bonni helped Fredi carry her whiskey and they all told Chase goodbye, Fredi even deigning to kiss him on the cheek. Celia popped her head back into the truck. “Ava, you coming, babe?”

“I’ll be right in, just give me a second,” Ava said. Celia gave her a searching look before reaching forward to pat her on the shoulder.

“Take all the time you need, honey. We won’t be far.” And she was out of the truck.

Chase slid back into the driver’s seat and Ava stared at the dashboard rather than meet his eyes. They were cocooned in silence after an afternoon of being with her friends.

“That was fun,” he said as he reached up to tilt his hat back. “I’ve done the tours a bunch of times but you guys made it seem like the first time.”

He looked quite content and happy, which made Ava feel wonderful. “We do bring the magic. I had a good time.” She wanted to reach to take his hand but knew they couldn’t stay parked for ever. He was already getting curious looks from the valet guys but he didn’t seem in much of a hurry.

“So you all have the evening planned?” he asked.

“We’re going to the concert in the stadium tonight. We have that suite so if you find yourself kicking around the area, come on up and see us. I’m sure a hotshot like you can get through security.” Ava began to reach for her purse, knowing that the time was coming when she was going to have to rip the Band-Aid off and get out of the truck.

“I’ll do my best to try and pop by, but I have some engagements later as well. I’m doing a stand-up interview for CMT at one of the smaller venues and I promised a buddy I’d catch his set. Oh, did I tell you about the party tonight?” Chase asked her, draping his left arm over the steering wheel as he faced her.

“I think so. It’s not until much later, right?” She furrowed her brows, trying to remember what he told her last night.

“Yep, it won’t really get underway until the Fest is over. Did you want to come? It’ll be fun.” The earnest look in his velvety brown eyes made her catch her breath.

“Yes, I’d very much like to come, but I’m not sure what we’re doing later. Our days of being able to stay up all night partying are far behind us.” Ava was torn. She wanted to be with him so badly but she also had about three hours of sleep last night, thanks to his insatiable desire, and walked all over creation this morning in pursuit of Fredi’s one true love. A quiet night in close proximity to a bed sounded just a little more appealing than a party with strangers.

“Your friends are welcome, too. My buddy won’t mind. I think Fredi would have a blast.” Well, that settled that. Love me, love my friends, she always said. Not that she was implying Chase was in love with her. Or that she was in love with him. The latter might be getting more and more likely, except Celia’s picture of the two of them had started to spread. Celia hadn’t tagged either of them but one of her followers had liked it and tagged Chase in a comment. The initial comments about Ava were…not incredibly kind. Would she really want to expose herself to that twenty-four/seven? Not to mention, she dealt with many conservative types in her job. There was the possibility her professional reputation could take a hit if her face and name were blasted all over social media and online gossip sites.

“I could ask them.”

“Yes. Do that and let me know.” Chase glanced out the front window.

The valet guys were starting to get braver and edging closer to the truck. Chase finally noticed them so he opened his door and exited the truck. Ava reached for the handle on her door so she could get out.

“No, wait there,” he told her as he walked around to the back of the vehicle. She turned and watched him lift the tonneau cover and take out her bags before coming to her. Opening the door, he reached in for her so he could help her down from the high truck.

“Really looking forward to seeing you tonight, Boots.”

She searched his eyes and smiled when she saw the emotion she’d hoped to see reflected in them. “Me too, superstar.”

He pulled her into an embrace, the bag bumping gently against her butt, and she tightened her arms around his waist. She looked up at him and he lowered his head for a kiss. He didn’t seem the least bit concerned that they were standing in the lobby driveway of the Opryland Hotel and that everyone could see them.

“Okay then.” He lifted from the kiss. “Keep in touch before tonight?”

Ava nodded her head, still recovering from their passionate kiss. He handed her the bags and she reluctantly walked across the driveway to the front doors of the hotel. Chase raised a hand in farewell before getting back in the truck and driving off. Ava stared after him until there was a discreet cough and she startled. A doorman was waiting on her to enter the hotel. Fumbling with her purse, she gave him a tip—how long had he been holding that door?—and finally went inside.

Feeling oddly bereft, she went up to the room, uncharacteristically oblivious to the gorgeous hotel. When she opened the door her friends were in the living area waiting for her.

“There she is!” Celia cheered, waving around a bottle of beer. “I’m kinda surprised he didn’t just kidnap you and whisk you away.”

“Oh, guys!” She broke down into tears and they swarmed in on her for a group hug.

“I knew it,” Fredi said, but she hugged Ava the hardest.