Colliding With You

  Both she and Jamie watched him stand from the couch, slide his arms in his coat, and walk out the door. When the screen door closed, Jamie faced her once more.

  “I still can’t believe you’re working for him. He’s such a butthead sometimes.”

  “It’s not as bad as it seems. He’s been fair and kind. I have no complaints.”

  Jamie’s brows knitted together. “Fair and kind aren’t words too many people use when they mention my brother. I think of him that way, but most people don’t know Jesse the way I do.”

  “I agree. There’s definitely a side to Jesse that he doesn’t show many people.”

  Jamie nodded and turned to the window, most likely staring at Jesse. He was in the middle of getting their bags from the car. It seemed as if she were studying him, or she was deep in thought.

  “Women have always flocked to my brother. No joke. Even when we were in high school, the girls liked Jesse. He just has one of those personalities.”

  She needn’t remind Cori of the girls who were crazy over him in high school. Most of their friends were. Even Mariah crushed on him at one point.

  What happened with the ladies after he left Savannah was still a mystery. She didn’t pry into his past any more than he pried into hers. Still, she knew Jamie had followed him to New Orleans right after she and Cori graduated. It was only within the last couple of years that she’d relocated to Nashville. Up to that point, she probably witnessed a lot.

  “Most of our friends had major crushes on your brother.”

  “I know, and it didn’t stop over the years. Jesse didn’t date all of the women who liked him. Some he tried to ignore. But the way they looked at him . . .” Her brow rose. “Even the girls he dated never saw his softer side. Jesse’s always been reserved. I can’t think of one time he looked at any of them with the same level of desire . . . until today.”

  By the time Cori understood what she had meant, Jesse walked back inside. He glanced at both of them then motioned toward the hall. “I’ll put this stuff in the guest room.”

  When he disappeared, she didn’t miss the cheesy grin Jamie gave her. She wanted to ask Jamie about her comment, but her friend stood from the couch. “Come on. Let’s grab some beef stew. In a little while, I’ll show you the neighborhood. We’ll save the city for tomorrow, but Jesse can still take us to dinner later. Then, we’ll come back, have a couple of drinks, and camp out in here.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Jamie grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the kitchen. She was somewhat relieved her friend suggested a campout in the living room. There would be no awkward conversation about where she and Jesse were sleeping. She didn’t doubt he would have offered to sleep on the couch.

  Even after everything that happened on Christmas Eve, Jesse still came to her room to watch movies with her. He didn’t initiate anything physical, even though lying beside him made it hard not to think about what happened between them earlier that evening.

  The best part of all was waking up Christmas morning, nestled in his arms. He’d been a perfect gentleman. Knowing that made him more endearing to her. She couldn’t help it.

  Each day she spent with him, she fell a little harder.

  Jesse looked up from his phone and watched his sister place a blanket over Cori. He’d been so caught up in his social media accounts that he hadn’t noticed her getting sleepy. Now he regretted not talking more. The only reason he hadn’t was to give Cori and Jamie time to catch up.

  When they reminisced about the past, he had listened carefully. Some of their memories were ones he shared with them. Others were ones he’d heard about after they both graduated and Jamie joined him in New Orleans.

  Other parts of their conversation turned to the present and the past few years he’d been away from Savannah. He did his best not to listen to everything and give them privacy. Guess Cori wouldn’t have said anything she didn’t want him to know.

  She didn’t seem like she had many secrets. Aside from what happened with Theo at the nightclub, there was only one other secret he knew she had, and he’d managed to get himself involved in covering it up. He did take an interest in other little stuff she revealed, like her favorite things, likes and dislikes, and some of her fears about failing at reaching her goals.

  The hardest part was hearing her explain to Jamie about her father’s reaction when he found out about her dance classes. Never once did she place the blame on him, not that she needed to. He did it enough for both of them.

  “I can’t believe you’re still awake.”

  He glanced at the time on his phone and then to his sister. “It’s only one. I’m up until two some nights. When we’re out doing shows, it can be as late as three or four. I always make up for it.”

  She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “You’re not superhuman, Jesse. Everyone needs downtime. What scares me most is that Southern Scandal is just getting out there and you’re already so popular. What’s going to happen when the rest of the world knows who you are?”

  “I’ll be fine. There’s nothing for you to worry about. We have great security. Josh told me that he’s working to get bodyguards. We’ll have everything in place before we get that big.”

  Jamie sat on the ottoman in front of him and leaned her arms on her knees. “I’m glad to hear you’re being protected physically. What about emotionally?”

  “Beg your pardon?”

  She turned to Cori then back to him. “I’ve seen the way you look at her. You’ve got it bad.”

  “Do not.” He sounded like a child. Hell, this reminded him of the fights they had when they were kids. Even Jamie chuckled at his response. Then the smile faded.

  “You gave her a job because you felt guilty over the slipup with her dad.”

  “It’s my fault he turned his back on her. I can’t imagine doing that to my daughter. I’d never treat any of my kids that way, if I have kids . . .”

  Jamie focused on Cori again. “Oh, I think you will one day.”

  “What are you implying?”

  He studied Cori a moment before Jamie faced him. “She’s crazy about you too, you know. Cori’s ambitious, and I have no doubt she’ll succeed at opening a dance studio. The thing is, she’s my friend. Since she was a little girl, she talked about having kids. She’ll want a family at some point.”

  As he realized what she was saying, she patted his knee. “You two would make some beautiful babies.”

  “Getting ahead of yourself, aren’t you, sis?”

  “Don’t tell me it hasn’t crossed your mind.”

  Heat rose in Jesse’s face. He couldn’t deny her accusation, but he couldn’t admit to it either. “I’m here to help Cori succeed at her—”

  “Yeah, yeah.” She waved him away. “I know you’re helping her. I commend you for that, but there’s more to it. You’re doing this out of more than the guilt you feel. You’re doing this because you’re in love with Cori.”

  Her words hit him in the gut. A knot formed inside, but it eased the second he looked at Cori. “I’ve never been in love with anyone. I’m not sure I’m capable.”

  “Bullshit.” Jamie leaned closer. “You forget who you’re talking to, Jesse. I know damn well you’re capable, and so do you.”

  “It hasn’t been a month since she and I reconnected. You can’t fall in love with someone that quick.”

  “You can if she’s the one.” Her gaze drifted to Cori. “It’s not like she’s a stranger. We’ve known each other since we were kids. Besides, I saw the way you used to flirt with her.”

  It was another accusation he couldn’t deny. She wouldn’t have given him a chance anyway. Her mind was still drifting down memory lane.

  “Cori has always felt like a sister to me. Maybe there’s a reason.”

  “You’re a typical woman living in a fairytale with this grand idea that there is someone for everyone.”

  She punched him in the thigh, making him wince. “There is someone for everyone. I bel
ieve that with all my heart, just as much as I believe fate brought you and Cori together. It’s been in the works for years.”

  All he could do was grunt and shake his head. Part of him didn’t believe a word she was saying. The other part hung on to the possibility. Still, he wasn’t sure how Cori would feel. Once she graduated, she’d be ready to focus on her career. She wouldn’t have time for him.

  Unless . . .

  “Think about what I’ve said.” Jamie tapped his jaw with her fist in a playful punch, then she stood. “I’m going to grab our blankets then I’m going to sleep. Tomorrow, I have a big day planned with my future sister-in-law.”

  Covering her mouth as she laughed, she ran away from him when he sat up. Once she disappeared into her room, he gazed at Cori. He hadn’t forgotten the way she looked the day of her sister’s wedding, the fact that she caught the bouquet, or the way her silky legs felt when he slid the garter up her thigh.

  She would be even more beautiful on her wedding day. He knew it in his heart. But was Jamie right?

  Would he be the lucky man standing next to her?

  Chapter 18

  The downtown lights of Nashville sparkled for miles below as Cori stared out the window. The sight was just as breathtaking as it was the night before when they arrived at the hotel. When Jamie took her on a tour of the town and showed her where she and Jesse would be staying, Cori never imagined how beautiful the city would look twenty-seven stories high.

  She didn’t expect to see so many people out on the streets. Jamie said it was more crowded than usual, which was normal for a holiday. Parties were happening everywhere. Big name bands, smaller bands, even complete newbies like Jamie were performing at specific locations throughout the town.

  Hanging with her old friend had been more fun than she thought. The last few days were great, and Jamie didn’t hold back on her tour. Cori saw and learned much about the area.

  She still couldn’t drive around if she tried. There were too many lanes on the interstate and exits everywhere. It was one jumbled mess. How Jamie had learned her way around was beyond her.

  At least they got to spend time together. She was surprised that Jesse agreed to stay with his sister a few extra days. There wasn’t any rush to get to the hotel, but now that they were there, she was enjoying it.

  Unfortunately, Jesse had been too tired from his rehearsal last night to stay awake and talk to her. Once she found him fast asleep on the couch, she didn’t have the heart to wake him. He’d lost some sleep during their stay at his sister’s house. God knows she and Jamie kept him awake a few nights while they stayed up gossiping about some of their old classmates.

  As she turned from the window, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. She smoothed the bottom of her dress, appreciating the way it showed off her curves. The creamy color was a stark contrast to her red locks, but it seemed to draw out the blonde highlights. Add in the silver heels and necklace, and she felt like she was ready for the red carpet.

  Not that she deserved to be here. She wouldn’t be if not for Jesse. This was his world. Most days she felt like she was on the outside looking in.

  “Holy hell.”

  The sound of his voice had her scanning the suite for his face. He stood just outside the bedroom door, dressed in his typical rocker attire—jeans, boots, and button-down shirt layered over a t-shirt. It wasn’t anything as fancy as what she was wearing, but he was dressed for his job—bass guitarist for Southern Scandal.

  Everything about him made her heart race a little faster.

  “Something wrong?”

  His face scrunched and he took lazy steps toward her. “Hell no, there’s nothing wrong. You just look . . . You’re beautiful, Cori.”

  She felt her body flush with heat at the sound of his voice. How could someone as sexy and sweet as him still be single? It didn’t seem right, and the more she tried to reason it, the more she thought about Jamie’s words. Did Jesse look at her differently than the other women he’d dated?

  Not that they were dating.

  “What’s going on in that mind of yours, girl?”

  By the time she found the courage to speak, Jesse had stopped a foot away from her. She took in a deep breath, letting his scent calm her nerves.

  “I’m just imagining how you will look tonight when you’re performing for such a large crowd. You really get into the music when you play. I like watching you.”

  “Music’s important to me. It always has been, which is why I’m grateful to be here tonight.” With his next step, he reached for her hand. She gave it to him, enjoying the way he laced his fingers with hers. “I, uh . . . I just want you to know that I’m also grateful for everything you’ve done to help me. Your being here means a lot.”

  When he caressed her face, she leaned into his hand. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, Jesse. Thank you for bringing me.”

  The silence that fell between them was fueled by sexual tension. Cori sensed every ounce of it in herself as much as she did in him. The way his eyes roamed her body, stopping at her curves, her breasts, and her lips was all the proof she needed.

  For half a second, she thought he would kiss her, but a knock on the door interrupted them. They still had an hour before Jamie’s performance and several more before Jesse’s. No one should be at their suite. Twice in the last week they’d had uninvited guests. Why couldn’t everyone just leave them alone?

  “I can ignore it if you want.” Jesse’s lips crooked, causing hers to do the same. When he pulled her closer, she leaned into him. It was only a second later that his mouth covered hers.

  The butterflies in her stomach no sooner began their dance than he eased back. She wished he’d kissed her longer, but another knock rattled the door.

  “Maybe you should just answer it. It could be important.”

  He pressed his lips together and leaned his head against hers. Then he sighed. “Yeah. Guess I should.”

  The heat building between them faded. A chill spread through Cori’s body as she steadied her breathing. She didn’t want whoever was on the other side of the door to know they’d interrupted something.

  Was it something or just a kiss?

  Jesse glanced back at her once more as he pointed to the door. When she nodded, he opened it. Seeing her sister and Theo on the other side didn’t surprise her in the least. She swore Cassie had some type of bug planted on her body, tracking her every move.

  “Hey. Sorry to intrude, but we were about to head upstairs. I wanted to stop in and see my sister first. Is she here?”

  Opening the door wider, Jesse moved out of the way and motioned Cassie inside. She was halfway into the room when she paused. She studied Cori from head to toe and smiled.

  “You look amazing. I love that dress.”

  “Thanks.”

  Cori ran her hand over the lace again. The form-fitting material seemed to hold her together, even on the inside. Seeing her sister sure had her heart twisting. Jesse remained by the door as Theo spoke to him, but she held his attention.

  Cassie continued through the living room of the suite until she reached Cori. Her face didn’t contain the worry it once held, and the tension that was palpable had disappeared.

  “I won’t keep you long. I just . . . I haven’t seen you for a few days. I wanted to make sure everything was okay with us.”

  Though part of Cori still resented some of the things her sister said, she didn’t want to lose her either. Cassie was the only family she had left. She couldn’t afford to lose her like she had her relationship with their father.

  “You said some hurtful things to me, Cass. I know I’m no angel, but I do have feelings. Nevertheless, I forgive you. I’ve already told you that.”

  Cassie reached for her hands. “I want true forgiveness, not something you feel obligated to say.” She choked up. “I love you, Cor. I’m sorry for reacting the way I did. I’ve been insecure.”

  “You have nothing to worry about from me. I made
mistakes. I’ve learned from them, and I’m moving on.”

  She didn’t miss the way Cassie peered at Jesse over her shoulder. When she turned back, she nodded. “Just for the record, I don’t think you’re using him. It’s obvious you two care about each other. All I want is for you to be happy.”

  “I want the same for you, Cass.”

  Squeezing her hands, Cassie cocked her head to the side. “Bygones?”

  “Of course.”

  Her sister pulled her in for a hug. It was more like a neck squeeze with Cassie’s round belly preventing them from getting close. Either way, it was just what Cori needed.

  “Love you, little sis.”

  “I love you too.”

  Cori spotted Jesse and Theo observing them from the doorway. Both seemed relieved at seeing her and Cassie hugging. Theo even nudged Jesse in the arm and shook his hand a second later.

  When Cassie released her from her embrace, she wiped the corner of her eyes then chuckled at Cori. “I should have used waterproof mascara.”

  “You still look great, like a rock star’s wife. Me . . .”

  “Hush your mouth. I’m huge, and you’re perfect. You’re going to have all the guys staring at you.”

  “Then why do I feel so nervous?”

  As Cassie wrapped her arm around her shoulder, she hugged Cori close and escorted her toward the door. “What you’re feeling has nothing to do with the party, sis, but it does have something to do with Jesse Woods.”

  Jesse grabbed his shot glass and kicked it back as Allen did the same. The heat of the liquor numbed his throat, but it did little to quench his thirst for Cori. Nothing would satisfy him except the real deal.

  He glanced over the crowd of people in the club, spotting her across the room in a huddle with Jamie, Cassie, Ally, and Nora. Theo and Jonah hadn’t returned from talking with Josh, which meant they weren’t around to occupy their wives’ attention.