A Slow Burning Fire Page 17

  He took in a deep breath. “Well, let's get this started, shall we? We don't go on first, but we should at least do some talking before the whole thing begins.”

  She chewed on her lower lip, so he got a feeling she wasn't too sure whether she approved of his plan or not. Then again, she hadn’t done as well with the paparazzi back in California. He’d noticed how much she had stumbled with her words and stumbled in general. They’d liked to pick on her clumsy, sometimes nervous behaviors. Of course, that was about all they could tease her about outside of her lack of a love life. No one had ever flat-out insulted her for being so pure, however, because deep down, he believed even the paparazzi realized how difficult and noble it was for her to maintain. How could they fault her for wanting to take care of her heart? It was the one thing everyone coveted the most.

  Essentially, the media had grasped at straws for ways to bring her down. They were far nicer to him, of course, but men tended to get it a lot easier, he'd noticed. If he got any grief, it was when he had been with Katie, and she’d sometimes done things that embarrassed even him. Panty-less dress nights, drunken parties at the club, and other scandalous behavior that had always left him on edge. He'd always attributed it to her need to unwind and let loose. He'd have preferred she did it in his arms, but it all factored into how blind and stupid he'd been. Even the paps knew. That's just… sad. He would not be making the same mistake twice.

  There would be rumors and speculation by the media. If they weren't making something up, then the apocalypse would be at hand. All Bryce had to do was keep his love for Arial strong and make sure there was no doubt in her mind about how deeply he cared for her. Everyone else could think whatever they wanted. She was the only one whose opinion mattered. The moment he made her insecure with his actions was when he failed. He refused to fail again.

  As the two made their way behind the stage, he noticed how much Arial clung to his side, as if she needed his protection. He liked it, but he didn't like the fact that she was so afraid of the cameras. That wasn't like her. We've both changed in a lot of ways. His guard was up, too, but for other reasons. Ohio had made him vulnerable and human again. Hopefully she felt the same way, if only because then she would be open to seeing the truth inside of his heart.

  “I don't know if I can talk to them,” she whispered. “I have no idea what to say and —”

  “Don't worry about it,” he said and nudged her forehead with his own. He wanted to kiss her, to show her everything was going to be fine, but didn't think that was a boundary he could cross quite yet. She didn't need the added pressure right before such a pivotal moment in her career.

  She exhaled slowly. “I am going to worry until this whole thing is over and done with.”

  “Well, don't.” He winked. “Because I have the whole thing under control. Trust me and follow my lead. Only look at me. The two of us are all that matters. Forget about what everyone else thinks. We're going to do this for you, for us. Okay? This isn't about them. They're just lucky enough to witness it.”

  There was doubt in her gaze when he stared into her eyes. Doubt, but a small hopeful glimmer as well, like somewhere deep down inside she wanted to believe him. He couldn't let her down.

  Taking in a deep, confident breath, he walked faster. “Come on.”

  A light flashed in front of his face, catching him off guard. He had to stop walking for a moment to regain his bearings before moving forward again. Putting on his best smile, Bryce waved for them to calm down and follow him off to the side and away from all of the townsfolk having a good time at the fair. He didn't want to be a distraction.

  ****

  “Wow, I'm flattered you all came out this way for the show,” Bryce said. He spoke with flawless charm, and Arial envied his ability to push his nerves aside so easily.

  “Bryce, can you tell us why you're here? Are you and Arial Oakley an item? How do you feel about the recent developments of your ex-girlfriend Katie Daniels’s love life?” One reporter got straight to business. They were clearly from California with their designer clothes and sunglasses. The lack of an accent was another dead giveaway, along with the lack of manners.

  She watched as Bryce's eyes darkened a bit, though his smile never faded. “I'm here because I wanted to enjoy my free time with some peace and quiet, as well as try some new things. But we can talk all about my farm adventures at another time, along with my personal life. The reason we're doing this show isn't about me. It's about the town and thanking them for being so hospitable to me, welcoming me in like this was my own home. It's also a test run for Arial's music.”

  Her face was growing hot. He just had to mention her music. The rumors of her writing an album were circulating around. She'd fanned the flames of a few of them herself, but being so blunt about it wasn't her style — especially since she didn't have a signed contract just yet. The cameras took pictures of her, and she forced a smile, trying to be as poised and confident as he was.

  One of the local reporters spoke next. “Are you going to be performing one of your own songs, Arial? What is it like to be back home again after so long? Have you been here for awhile? Does it feel any different than when you first left?”

  “I am,” she said, then paused to take a deep breath. Be natural. Show them you're real. “I mean, I am goin' to be performing an original song I wrote awhile back. I hope you'll enjoy it. This is a big step for me. Bein' back home again has been…” She paused again, searching for the right words to adequately showcase the truth in her heart. “It's been eye-opening. I was last here only a few years ago, but I haven't actually returned home since I left as a child, until a month-and-a-half ago. Bein' back this time around has been one of the most freein' experiences I've ever had in my entire life. I'm happy to relive all of the fondness I had as a child.”

  Bryce's arm moved around her, and he slowly rubbed her side. “Again, thank you for coming. We're going to enjoy the opening acts of the show, and you should, too! And the more people who want to come on over, the merrier. Gloriana is a great town.”

  She waved and followed his lead towards the police, who had a small barrier around where the performers were getting ready to get on the stage. While everyone got into order, she and Bryce took the time to pose for pictures and sign some autographs for bystanders. Everyone was friendly; no one was shoving, shouting, or disrespecting them. Such a nice change from what she encountered any time she made a public appearance out in California or something organized by her publicist.

  She loved her fans, and most were wonderful to her. A few got a little out of control, however, which was only natural in a setting of thousands of people all vying for her attention. Only twenty wanted it now, and once everyone was organized and the show started, Bryce put the whole thing on pause. He didn't sign one autograph or give so much as a hug while anyone performed.

  “This is a lot of fun,” he said quietly as they watched a five-year-old girl do a hula-hoop routine.

  Arial nodded, afraid of speaking for fear of losing the corndog she had eaten earlier.

  He glanced down at her. “Are you okay?”

  I kind of hate that this is happening. Why did you have to tell everyone about it? Why couldn't we just do this nice and quiet without the whole world watching? That was what she wanted to say, but instead she shrugged.

  “Would imagining everyone in their underwear help with the nerves?” he offered with a playful smile.

  She shook her head vigorously, swallowing. “I just need to remember what you said. This isn't about anyone else but you and me. We're doing this for us. I know you had noble intentions, hoping to draw in a crowd to keep Gloriana alive. It was sweet of you. The pressure is a lot, but I think I can get past it if I don't focus on that as the goal.”

  “So what is your goal?” he asked.

  “To sing my heart out and be me. And…” Her eyes met his. And hopefully to be able to say to you through my song what I can't seem to say with words to your face.

&nb
sp; One of his eyebrows lifted, and a soft sparkle appeared in his olive-green eyes. “And?”

  Arial shook her head again. “And that's it, really. I just want to be honest. Do you know what I mean?”

  “Those are good things to focus on. Let's show them you, then. Everyone needs to see you shine.”

  A faint warmth spread across her face. “I don't want to fail.”

  “You won't.”

  “There's so much at stake here. Not just my feelings or my image.”

  “This will be amazing,” he stated, so firmly she actually did believe him.

  It would be amazing, and her hometown would see the kind of person she truly was instead of whatever crazy version they concocted in their imaginations. She was real, not an elitist. Home was still just as important to her as her career, regardless whether she felt like she belonged or not. Bryce was going to see that her song was for him.

  The stagehand waved for them to come over. “You're next.”

  Arial swallowed and picked up her guitar. “Let's do this.” Bryce moved his hand to the small of her back, and his touch comforted her. All of the butterflies were gone.

  “And now for our special celebrity guests, Bryce Valentine and our very own Arial Oakley!”

  The MC's announcement rang loud and clear. Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Cameras flashed as she stepped out onto the stage. She squinted as she made her way to the microphone. Bryce helped her sit up on a stool. The cameras especially went crazy then. He didn't seem to notice because he took extra care to make sure she was settled, even rubbed her back a little, before taking his own microphone.

  “Thank you,” she said. “This is somethin' I wrote myself.” They exchanged a glance and then she began to play the opening chords of the song.

  She closed her eyes, not wanting to see the crowd in front of her while she sang. It went against everything she'd ever been taught about performing, but she didn't dare see the reaction of the audience to witnessing the depths of her soul. Once again, Bryce placed a hand on her back. The warmth of his touch and the smooth sounds of his voice continued to ease her. Soon, she was lost in the song, lost in him. They were the only two people in the world.

  When Arial dared to open her eyes, she made sure to look at him and no one else. Turning slightly in her chair, she faced him. Their gazes met and lingered on each other. She faltered slightly as she absorbed the tenderness in his olive eyes. Arial was singing the lyrics to him, and her stomach started to bubble over at the realization that he might be singing to her as well.

  The last note was sung, and their voices resonated in the air. There was no sound coming from the audience, not so much as a cough, and she couldn't tell if that was a good sign or not. After a few seconds passed, the thundering applause from before returned along with a number of whistles and shouts. Bryce grinned down at her, the light sparkling in his eyes.

  “Take a bow,” he said, helping her down from the stool. She did so and then waved, wanting to be off the stage and out of the spotlight again. For some reason Bryce lingered to the point where she had to grab his hand, if he was ever going to get the hint that it was time for them to go.

  Waiting for them backstage once more were the photographers and news reporters. Instead of staying to chat, she held up a hand and pressed onward, looking for a quiet place for her to stop and absorb the moment.

  Bryce hurried after her. “Where are you going? They're waiting for us.”

  “I just need five seconds,” she said. They ran out of the fair. Turning the first corner she could find, she ducked behind one of the businesses nearby. “I can't believe that happened. I can't believe I sang one of my songs in front of everyone.”

  “Get used to it, because it'll be happening a lot soon. There's no way you won't land that record deal after they see how talented you are at songwriting.” He beamed at her.

  She exhaled slowly. “I will get used to it. For some reason, it's scarier here.” The town of Gloriana judged her the hardest of everyone.

  “But you did it, and it was amazing. I forgot how much fun it is to be live in front of everyone. It's such a rush.”

  “It is,” she agreed, though her stage experience was a lot more limited than his. She understood the appeal. There was a great deal of adrenaline running through her veins.

  He gazed down at her, and he held onto her shoulders. “You're amazing.”

  Before she could say anything, his lips pressed against hers. Softly at first, and then the kiss deepened. Her knees actually began to feel weak. She opened her mouth to his, slightly, returning the love she could feel radiating off him. No other kiss she ever shared with him compared to this moment. So this is what it's like. To truly be kissed. She leaned back against the wall, and her fingers tangled up into his hair.

  When their lips finally parted, he took in a few slow, deep breaths. “I've been wanting to do that for a long time.”

  “I'm glad you decided not to wait any longer,” she murmured.

  “The moment had to be right. This whole night has been incredible. I like not having to hide everything from you now.”

  She nodded. “Me, too. I've been wanting this for awhile, too, you know.”

  A small smirk formed on his lips. “I figured that out, too.” He sighed. “I can see myself marrying you.”

  “Really?”

  “Yup, I mean, if you'll have me. Someday. We can talk about it more. But I see us married, with our own farm, our own animals, just… being and growing old together.” He kissed her forehead. “It's amazing.”

  Arial's heart sank as she listened to him. He wants to live on a farm? Is he serious? What about our lives in California? She shook her head and pulled away from his grasp. “No.”

  “No?” He frowned. “What do you mean, no?”

  “I'm not going to grow old with you on a farm with a bunch of animals in the middle of nowhere!”

  “But —”

  “No!” Angry tears filled her eyes. “I've been working hard at what I do to get where I am now, and I'm not just going to throw that aside because you're too afraid to go home again. There's nothing you need to be afraid of back there, Bryce. Unless this is about Katie, still. I should have known better than to think you were ever over her. So you think that if we stay here and fade from the public eye, your life will be easier? It doesn't work that way. She's still going to have broken your heart, and you're still going to see her in some way, shape, or form. Grow up and stop running from all of your problems!”

  Bryce blinked, stunned. “Arial, I'm not running. If you would let me talk —”

  “There is nothing more to talk about,” she stated. “Excuse me, I have places to be.” She pushed past him and stepped back out onto the street. Pulling out her cell phone, she dialed a cab company to come and pick her up.

  Her phone started to ring. The temptation to just ignore it or smash it on the road was great. Thinking it was Bryce, she was ready to silence it and walk home if she had to. The caller ID read Marcus Markae.

  “Hey,” she answered with a lot of forced enthusiasm.

  “Well, hello there. I saw your name trending online, and I thought I'd give you another call to see if I can talk you into coming over to my party tomorrow night.” His voice was smooth and cool, as usual.

  Arial nodded. This was exactly what she needed. She'd forgotten who she was, and it had nearly destroyed her and everything she'd been working for. “I'll be there. My schedule suddenly opened up.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Arial slammed the door behind her as she entered the house. She still saw red any second her mind went back to Bryce and everything he’d said to her. Why would she want to listen to him talk any more about his dream of growing old with her on the farm? Of all the places he could have picked in the world, he’d chosen that one? He knew she still had problems with living in Gloriana. Things were getting better with her family, but she didn't want to settle back down in the middle of nowhere either.
She didn't have her future mapped out that far. Just saying that he wanted to grow old with her was more than enough for her.

  “Honey, is everythin' okay?” her mother asked.

  “No,” Arial said and made her way up to her bedroom so she could book a flight back to Los Angeles. The sooner she could get out of there, the better. She'd hoped her mother would just let the whole thing drop, but the woman followed her up.

  “What's wrong?”

  Scowling, Arial spun on her heel to face her. “Bryce told me he's in love with me.”

  “I'm not sure I understand how that's a bad thing.”

  “He then went on to say how we'll live here forever, and blah, blah, blah. Forget about going back to our lives in California where we both have work commitments. I should add it's work that I, personally, love to do.” She waved a hand in front of her face. “I told him he needs to stop running away from all of his problems and face the facts. And I refuse to be his replacement for Katie. I should have known better than to ever believe he was over her!”

  Her mother laughed, and that was the last thing Arial expected her to do. “Honey, I think you're overreacting. He's not interested in her anymore. I can tell because he looks at you like a man who's longing for love, not lust. If he was only lookin' to fill a hole in his heart that she left behind, he would be a lot slimier. He'd slip right through your fingers every time you touched. He sure is going a long way to impress you and respect you for someone who's only lookin' for a rebound to kill some time.”

  “So you've said,” she said. “You didn't hear what he said, or how he said it.”