Page 30 of The Comeback Tour

Jax looks deep into my eyes and asks, “Can I hug you?”

Goosebumps spread across my arms as I reply, “I would love to give you a hug.” Is that allowed? Can a publicist hug their client? I never really had a client want to hug me before. Maybe this is just normal in the music industry. I still do not believe it’s possible that Jax is like, interested, interested in me. He just likes to flirt. But I am not going to pass up a hug.

Jax sweeps me into his arms and squeezes me tight until I feel breathless. I never in a million years would think that my head would be on Jax Slater’s chest. I must savor this moment. I bury my face into his chest because, why not? My head lands over his heart and I can feel quick beats. His pulse, I can tell, is racing as fast as mine. I take a deep breath and take in his woodsy, aromatic cologne. There are hints of lemon and maybe some pepper. Whatever the ingredients, it must have pheromones because I’m immediately feeling wild.

“Damn, you smell good girl,” Jax says. I made the right decision to bathe myself in scented lotion.

“But you’re pretty short.” Apparently Jax has a humorous side. I wonder what else I don’t know about him.

“You’re pretty tall.” I, on the other hand, state the obvious when I am at a loss for words. “So, what now?”

“Now, I’m going to get my suitcase and lock up the house. You’re going to head over to the meetup. When I see you in a little bit, I’ll shake your hand, and we’ll pretend we never met. I’ll act like there isn’t some undeniable force pulling me to you, apologize for the delay, retreat to my bus, and we can hit the road. Then, I’ll figure out how to survive the hour I’m going to be locked away in solitude as we sit in traffic on the way to the venue, trying to remember what you smell like and pretending I don’t want to know what you taste like.”

Lightheaded and trying to comprehend this tilt-a-whirl I’m coming off, I simply say, “Sounds like a plan.” I turn one more time to look at Jax before I walk out and feel his stare burning down the curve of my spine, over my backside, and sliding down my legs. We might have a plan, but can we pull it off so I don’t risk my job?

* * *

There are five large tour buses lined up in the parking lot. Signs are taped onto the door of each bus. One reads, Jax Slater. Another, Road Crew. Then there are buses for Band, Management, and Publicity. I’m the last of the crew to arrive. Stan helps me with my luggage and I haul it over to meet everyone. Harry greets me immediately. It’s nice to have his familiar face because I’m kind of intimidated right now. This is my first tour and these are all seasoned vets. I wonder if Harry knows that I just went to see Jax. Can they tell by looking at me that I’m glowing in a new light? Did his cologne rub off on me and betray our secret? I’m totally dazed and confused.

“Cailin, you made it,” Harry says. “How was your flight?”

“Hi, Harry. Great to finally meet you. My flight was fine. Just a little jet-lagged, but nothing a good nap won’t cure.”

“No worries there. We have about an hour’s drive to the venue to load-in and then we’ll all check into one of those hotels I promised you, so we can all shower. You’ll have some downtime while Jax and the band soundcheck. Here, let me introduce you to everyone.”

Harry walks me over to a circle of people conducting multiple conversations. “Everyone, this is Cailin. She’s with the PR team. She’ll be coordinating all the media for tour.”

Everyone cordially waves and greets me. Then Harry introduces them individually. There are a bunch of roadies, who load and set up the equipment. There are members of the backing band for when Jax does his melody tribute to 5 Leo Hearts songs. Hayley, the merch girl, is the only other female. I’m interested to get to know her and hope we’ll bond.

Hayley walks over to me and pulls me aside. “Hey, it’s just us girls here so we’ll need to stick together. The testosterone gets a bit much at times.”

Like she read my mind. “I bet. How long have you been doing tours?”

“Since I was eighteen. I started out photographing bands, but soon realized it’s easier to get photo passes to shows if you are actually part of the crew. Plus, I needed money. I started touring with punk rock bands and that’s how I met Jayce and we’ve been together since.”

“You’re dating one of the band members?” I ask slightly relieved. This means Hayley will be off on her own a lot and I’ll have space to sneak and see Jax. Even though I should stay away.

“He’s all mine. I’ll be on the bus with the crew.”

“Well that’s great that you get to do what you love, with the person you love.” It truly sounds like a dream.

“What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

“Me? Oh no. I’m recently divorced. Just focusing on myself right now.”

“Oh, wow.” Hayley looks at me with a little remorse.

“No, it’s not like that. It was mutual. I’m totally happy and ready to move on. When I meet someone, of course.”

“Well, there’s no better place to get a divorce out of your system than on a tour. Meet a dude, hookup, and leave him for the next city. Or, maybe one of these guys.” Hayley points to the crew.

Hayley doesn’t have a bad idea. In fact, if I wasn’t in the middle of this surreal courting from the boy band member of my dreams, I would probably do exactly what she’s suggesting. I’d live it up a little and enjoy my single status. Each city would bring a different type of man into my orbit. Cowboys, southern gentlemen, athletic types, tech nerds. Wait, backup. No more tech nerds. The point is, I’m set on a different adventure. One that’s forbidden.

“Good ideas, really. But I’m just focusing on work while I’m here. Big tour, lots of responsibility. Can’t get sidetracked.”

“I get it. But I’ll be your wing-woman if you want.”

Hayley smiles and walks away as a black SUV pulls up. My heart starts to race. It’s Jax. The butterflies are back.

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