Page 20 of Rumor Has It

Which is funny because I’ve spent a significant part of my career pondering whynotme?

Chapter Eight

ISAIAH

“She’s beautiful. Nice, too,” Monty says, loading the two sacks of leftover food we had packed up into the trunk and slamming the lid.

“She is.” My cheek pinches, contorting my face.

We’re standing outside in the parking lot waiting for Cassidy. She asked to freshen up before the trek home. Darkness looms and Monty’s got my six, so I’m not concerned about what happens if I’m recognized.

I rest my ass against the side of the car and shove my hands in my front pocket, fingering the suite key and the wrapped peppermint I swiped from a bowl at the hostess station.

“Are you enjoying the time away, boss? Everything working out?”

“Apart from the pretty girl? Yeah, everything’s fantastic. You don’t mind that I pawned you off on your sister for another night, do you?”

“Not at all. It’s been a while. Nice to catch up, and…” he hesitates.

“Just say it, knucklehead.” I trust Monty. My bodyguard has been with me for too long for him to pull any punches.

“It’s not that I want to be on guard all the time, but my job hasn’t been a helluva challenge with you holed up in the house. You’ve been paying me to work out and play video games with you for months. The change of scenery is nice.”

“Are you ready to leave me?” The idea Monty would drop me out of boredom hits me in the solar plexus.

I’ve struggled with depression since Kylie’s accident. At my lowest, Monty kicked my butt out of bed when I’d rather keep the covers pulled over my head. He dragged me into my home gym for the endorphin rush, which is how my abs got cut. Monty’s also gone on emergency midnight runs to get me some of the stupidest shit I could imagine having to buy. I don’t know how I would’ve made it through the past few months without him.

“Nah,boss, I understand it’ll pick up again when the tour starts. Plus, what I was actually trying to get at is the fact that you’re a different man from the sad sack I dropped off yesterday. I think meeting this girl might be good for you, if what happened with Kylie doesn’t fuck it up. Don’t drown in her baggage trying to do the right thing.”

I huff. “Thanks for the advice.”

It’s obvious I need to open up to Cassidy about who I am. I’ve already gotten the impression fidelity is important to her—not that it isn’t to me. I don’t think anyone goes on a date wondering who else they’re having sex with the following night.

Maybe they do and I’m a dumbass. I guess I keep asking Cassidy about herself instead of volunteering details about me because I need her to understand it’s her I want.That I’m certain I want to pursue.

I don’t know how to sidestep mentioning that my wife and I spent months at a time apart. Cassidy thinking I don’t have time for a relationship won’t do me any favors either. All it’ll take to plant a seed of doubt is admitting how untraditional a marriage we had.

The craziest thing is, I put Cassidy first without her even knowing. I came to Kingsbrier to strike a deal with Cris and Jake, and I’m the one who cut a fantastic writing session short to see her tonight. When I said I had another commitment to get to, I expected Cris, Jake, and I to go our separate ways. These are busy guys and Christmas is three days away. But they were both willing to continue to work on the lyrics and harmonies tomorrow, if I was willing to stick around.

Like they’d have to offer twice?

In the next day, we could have three solid songs to choose from for the next album.

Back at the estate, Monty has Cassidy and me wait in the car while he checks the Tudor.

Through the window, she watches the lights flicker on and off in the front rooms. “He takes this bodyguard thing seriously.”

Kingsbrier uses the security and surveillance company I do. I’ve yet to feel unsafe on the grounds. It’s quite the opposite. Walking outside in the open fields, I felt invulnerable. That makes it easy to tease Cassidy.

“Monty’s thorough. Likely going through your drawers searching for contraband as we speak.” I shrug with a smirk and pop the mint into my mouth.

“Let’s hope not!” She feigns indignation, but I catch her faint chuckle and side-eye.

Cassidy is a good sport, so I keep my curiosity about what she keeps in her nightstand on simmer.

Like at the steakhouse, Monty reappears, giving me the all clear. I agree to update him on our departure time tomorrow, and he drives away to spend another night at his sister’s.

“Does he have to do this extra checking at your house?” Cassidy asks, locking the front door.

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