“Were you intentionally trying to make him think you’re dumping him?” Colt asked.
“What?” I pushed away my seatbelt slightly so I could look around at Colt. “That’s how it sounded?”
“If Mallory called me and told me she had to tell me something, I’d think either I messed up or she was pregnant. I guess he might assume the second one too.”
“Oh my god. I need to call back.”
“So you can make him sweat it more? If he sees two missed calls, he’s just going to worry more.”
I sighed. “Next time I’m having someone else leave the message.”
Colt laughed. “Or try just saying ‘Hey, it’s Cara. Call me.’ That’s all you needed to say.”
Thirty agonizing minutes later, we were still hours away, and my phone was still silent. I was about to try him back when my phone finally rang.
“Sorry, I was in sound checks. What’s going on? Are you okay?” He sounded just as worried as Colt predicted.
“Nothing, I just. Well, I was originally calling to see if you could set some tickets aside for me tonight, but it doesn’t look like you’ll have to now.”
“Tickets? Why would I do that? Are you in Tennessee? And why shouldn’t I do it anymore?” His voice was a mix of alarm and slight excitement.
“We’re stuck in traffic. We’re not going to make it.”
“Not going to make it to the show, but you’ll still be here in Nashville tonight?” Now his voice was all excitement.
“That’s the plan.”
“Wow, that’s awesome. I got so nervous when I heard the message.”
“Colt thought you’d think I was dumping you or telling you I was pregnant.”
“My mind actually went immediately to Aaron. I was afraid he did something to you.”
“Ugh. No. I’m safe and sound with my friends.” I hated even hearing his name.
I heard muffled talking before Chase continued. “Is Jade with you?”
“Why? Is Len asking?” I winked at Jade.
“Yes.”
“She’s here.”
“I’ve never seen Len this excited to see a girl he’s not going to sleep with, so that’s cool.”
I laughed. “Where should I meet you? We got rooms at the hotel you’re at.” It sounded stalkerish, but Chase usually kept me in the loop in case of an emergency. Really he was worried about Aaron. He’d also given me Len’s number for the same reason.
“I guess it depends on what time then. Call or text me as soon as you’re here.”
“I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me either. I miss you like crazy.”
“I miss you too.” I hung up.
“Awww, you guys are so cute it makes me sick.” Juliet made a face.
“I’m not going to argue. We are cute.”
She laughed. “Doing long distance last summer with Reed was hard. Spending the early stage of a relationship apart would be even harder.”
“Tell me about it.” I leaned back in my seat.
Colt turned on the radio as we continued to crawl. A few songs later, Chase’s familiar sexy voice filled the speakers. Sex on the Beach was flying up the charts.
At nine o’clock, the traffic finally opened up and we started to move. We stopped for food and restrooms about an hour from the city, and I discovered that I still had one problem.
Finally we reached Nashville and found the hotel. I’d been sending Chase text updates over the past hour, but I happily sent one last one as we pulled into the lot. We’re here. He’d assured me he was leaving right after the show to head back to the hotel.
Without waiting for a response, I got out and went around to the tail gate where Colt was pulling out our bags.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes.” Chase’s arms came around my waist and his face nuzzled in my neck. “I’m not dreaming, right? You are actually here?”
I turned in his arms. “Considering how many hours we’ve been in the car, no it’s real.” I kissed him lightly on the lips.
“Completely worth the wait.” The hunger in his eyes was intense, and my problem seemed even worse.
“You need to meet Colt. He put up with us nagging him for hours just to get me here.” I gestured to where Colt stood watching.
Chase turned, keeping an arm around me while he shook Colt’s hands. “Nice to meet you, man. I owe you.”
“Not a problem. Cara’s a cool girl and from what I understand, she’s been missing you.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve been missing her too.” He pulled me into his side. “You guys must be exhausted.”
“More like ready to do anything but sit in a car.” Juliet slung her duffel over her shoulder. “I’m still bummed we missed you guys perform.”
“Yeah, I understand. It sucks that you hit so much traffic. It’s going to sound like a lame offer, but if you guys come up to the suite, I can play some stuff for you. Would that help?”
“Yes, it definitely would.” Jade smiled. “I’ve been hearing all about your new material, but I’ve only heard the ones you played in Charleston.”
“All right, then. Let’s head in.”
Chase refused to let Colt pay for two rooms. He talked to the clerk at the desk, and we all headed into the elevator.
Chase hadn’t even inserted the key into the door when it swung open.
“Jade, my girl!” Len pulled a surprised Jade into a hug. “I’ve missed you.”
She put a hand on her hip. “I know. You called me at three a.m. the other night.”
“Yeah… sorry about that. I just wanted to talk to someone normal.”
“I’m going to pretend that doesn’t imply that we’re not normal.” Jessa gave me a surprise of my own by hugging me. “Nice to see you again, Cara.”
“Yeah, same to you.”
We walked further into the suite. Set up with several couches and tables, it was far bigger than I expected. I glanced around at the doors located on each wall of the room. “Nice room.”
“It works for us.” Chase smiled and picked up his guitar. “Not to rush things, but if I’m performing anything, it’s gotta be right now. Afterwards, no one’s seeing me until tomorrow. Well, besides Cara, of course.” He winked and patted the space next to him on the couch.
“Thanks for that.”