Taking a Chance (23 page)

As always, she hesitantly got into the elevator and took a gulp of wine as the elevator made its way down.

She let out her breath when she walked out on the main level. The lobby was even more alive than when they had arrived earlier. She had not even noticed the catwalk around the second floor with additional tables and chairs. Maddie could feel the buzz of the entire place as people enjoyed the start of their Saturday evening. She took the last sip of her wine and saw Brad standing just off to the side.

There was no mistaking him, he was exactly as Austin described. Brad also seemed to know who she was instantly and he spoke into an earpiece as she approached him. She wondered why she would be part of a discussion. Something was up, but she was so excited to see Austin’s show that nothing else mattered.

“Good evening, Miss Prince.”

“Evening, Brad.” She smiled at him. His facial features remained the same and he gave the slightest hint of a nod.

He gestured toward the empty glass in her hand and then reached out for it. She handed it to him and he walked a few feet to set it on the counter at the main desk. He nodded to her and she followed as he made his way through a back hallway.

They went down a set of stairs and when Brad opened the door, she realized they were in an underground parking garage. The same black SUV they had ridden in earlier sat right outside the door. A couple of security guards were standing near the car and nodded to Brad. He opened the back door for Maddie and she slid in. Grateful there were no cameras or reporters, Maddie let out the breath she had been holding.

• • •

B
rad pulled up to the back door of the theater. He got out and walked around to open her door, offering his hand as Maddie stepped out of the SUV. Although there were photographers and fans surrounding the area, they were roped off and a good distance away from her. She knew they could still get a picture, but she was far enough away that she would not have to answer any questions.

“Thank you, Brad.” She smiled and nodded at him.

“You’re welcome, Miss Prince.”

Geez, so formal.

“Please, call me Maddie.”

“Yes, Miss.”

She shook her head knowing she was not going to get anywhere with him. He turned his head and spoke into the mouthpiece again. Within ten seconds, the back door opened and Charlie stood in the doorway. Brad nodded for Maddie to go inside with Charlie. As soon as she stepped in, Brad was gone and Charlie put out his arm for Maddie.

“Please come with me, Maddie. Austin and the band finished their sound check and he’s waiting for you.”

Charlie’s attitude toward her had changed; although he was still not exactly friendly, he was at least polite.
Maybe he just doesn’t like having to take care of Austin’s girlfriends. I’m sure there have been some high-maintenance girls in the mix.

Maddie gave Charlie the same polite smile but did not take his arm. She moved her clutch into her right hand, so it was not free. He did not acknowledge that she did not take his arm and started walking. It was a dim hallway lit by overhead bulbs every few feet. They turned the corner and walked through another door. When they entered that room, it was bright with people mingling about. Maddie noticed more men than women, but a few very pretty girls were hanging around.

Charlie crossed the room and she followed closely. Most people had a beer or drink in hand and one person had a cigarette. Charlie saw it and yelled at the guy to put it out. The guy looked a bit sheepish and put it out in his beer bottle immediately. Apparently Charlie’s authority was respected. Many curious looks were thrown her direction as they made their way across the floor.

Charlie opened another door on the far side of the room and ushered Maddie in. When she looked inside, she saw Austin and three other guys. He jumped up at the sight of her and made his way over with a huge grin on his face.

He looked even more gorgeous than she remembered from a couple hours ago. He had redone his hair but again managed to make it appear effortless and messy in just the right way. He had on jeans that fit his body perfectly. He was still wearing the same cowboy boots he’d had on earlier. He had changed into a white long-sleeve button down and had the sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows. His shirt was casually sitting just above his silver belt buckle in the front. She imagined it was for the benefit of the Texas crowd that his look was slightly more rustic than his edgier rock image.

“Mad, you look stunning. I love that you wore the boots,” he whispered in her ear. He pulled back and gave her a quick kiss before he turned to introduce her to the guys. “These are the boys,” he said with pride in his voice. He pointed to the left. “This is Tommy, our guitar player. Chris, our bass player. Stu, our drummer. He’s filling in for Anthony while he heals. He’s doing a kick-ass job,” Austin said proudly. Maddie shook each of their hands as he introduced them. They all smiled making her feel welcome.

“We certainly have heard a lot about you Maddie. Austin doesn’t shut up about you.” Tommy smiled and winked. “I do mean that in a good way. Glad you could join us for the show.”

“Thanks. The only other show I’ve been to was at the House of Blues in Chicago.”

“Yeah, I remember that. Sorry about what happened after the show,” said Chris.

Charlie stuck his head in the door. “Guys, I need you all for one more photo.”

They walked out and Maddie stayed to wait for Austin.

Charlie brought her a glass of champagne. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you for the champagne.”

“They should be back in a few minutes. Make yourself comfortable.”

Maddie sent Molly a quick text telling her she would call her tomorrow when she was back in town. She was finishing a text to her mom when the door opened. She looked up to smile at Austin, but immediately realized it was not him. A large man was hovering in the doorway. He had curly dirty blond hair that hung to his shoulders, and was wearing torn jeans and an old T-shirt. She didn’t know who he was or why he was there, but he closed the door behind him.

“Are you looking for someone?” Maddie asked, a bit anxious.

“Howdy, Miss. I think I’ve found what I’ve been looking for my whole life.” His lips curled into a slow grin.

He made her skin crawl and when he walked over she could smell the alcohol and cigarettes on his breath. She continued to back up as he stepped closer.

“So, what do you say?” He put his arm around Maddie, but she could not back up further as she was now pinned between him and the wall.

When she tried to push him away, he did not budge an inch. He was like a solid brick wall against her attempts.

“Leave me alone.” The panic in her voice rang in her own ears. She tried to peer past him, willing someone to open the door. Her eyes were wide and she knew he could sense her fear.

“Aw, come on. I’m not that bad of a guy. Give me a chance.”

She tried to push him away again. The smell of his breath, so close to her face, was making her sick. Her world began to close in around her. It was a feeling she was too familiar with and did not welcome. Her legs were weak and her breathing had become shallow.

She took in the biggest breath she could manage and yelled, “Get away from me!” At the same time, she pushed with both hands as hard as she could. Although the door opened she was barely aware of it. Austin’s laugh stopped abruptly.

Maddie’s wide eyes darted his direction. Austin was across the room in two seconds. Grabbing Maddie around the waist, he pushed the guy away as he pulled Maddie close.

“Get the hell out of here!” Austin yelled.

“Hey, who do you think—” The man stopped short as he recognized Austin. “Hey man, I’m sorry.”

Austin pushed him hard again. The man stumbled back against the counter but caught himself before falling. Maddie had put both her arms around Austin to keep herself upright.

“That’s my girlfriend you’re harassing!”

“I’m sorry, Austin. I didn’t realize she was your girlfriend.”

The man turned on his heel and made his way out of the room. Austin moved to scoop Maddie up. He carried her across the room and set her on the couch. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and stood up.

“No,” she begged. “Please don’t leave me alone again.”

“Baby, I will be right outside the door. I just want to make sure Charlie kicks the guy out of here.”

The look in Austin’s eyes was pure rage. He stepped to the doorway. “Charlie!”

“Shit,” Charlie muttered. “What’s wrong, Austin?” he asked with concern in his voice.

“What’s wrong? Why was no one watching this door? Where the hell is Brad? Come on, Charlie, you know someone needs to keep an eye on her at all times. That maniac just assaulted her and could have done far worse!”

“What!” Charlie was clearly alarmed. “What the hell happened?”

“I don’t know, but the bastard had Maddie pinned against the wall with himself pushed up against her. She was frightened, Charlie. Find Brad and tell him not to let Maddie out of his sight. I don’t care if he has to pee, he can do it on the floor!”

“Okay. Please try to calm down. Either Brad or I will be by her side for the rest of the night. Just go take care of her.”

Austin closed the door before he made his way back to the couch. Maddie’s shoulders were slumped. When she finally looked at him, he grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap. She laid her head on his chest and snuggled into his hold.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he whispered. “That should never have happened to you. Are you okay?” He held her tight and stroked her hair and back. “The look on your face scared me. I promised you no one would ever hurt you again and I feel like I failed.”

“He didn’t hurt me and it’s not your fault,” she whispered.

“Do you still want to stay for the show or do you want to go back to your room?”

She sat up straight and looked at him. “Of course I want to stay for the show. I’ll be fine. It just caught me off guard and I panicked because I was in an enclosed room. Why were you talking about having someone watch me at all times?”

“Can we talk about it later? It’s just so I know you’re safe.”

He leaned down to kiss her successfully distracting her. His muscles flexed around her. He ran his left hand up her leg under her dress. Everywhere his hand touched left a scorched path. Her skin was sensitive to every brush. Her stomach tightened and she sighed as his left hand gripped her hip pulling her even tighter to him. He ran his index finger across her stomach and she took in a sharp breath. Maddie startled when she heard the door open.

Austin didn’t move his head but slid his hand back down to rest on her thigh. Finally, he pulled his head back and slowly moved his eyes from hers to acknowledge whoever had entered the room.

“Sorry to interrupt.” Tommy laughed. “Are you ready for pre-show?” Tommy nodded to Maddie with a smile when she worked up the courage to look his direction. She smiled and turned back around.
God, this is an awkward situation.

“Yeah, bud. I’ll be there in a minute.” He turned back to Maddie. “We have some stuff we do before each show and I guess it’s time. However, tonight I’m looking forward to the post-show.”

“I can’t believe how comfortable you are with this. I suppose you’re used to it, but I’m not used to people walking in on me during—ah—an intimate moment.”

Austin shifted forward on the couch. He cupped her backside and lifted her with him as he got up. He lowered her so her feet were on the ground. He gave her a long kiss before he released his hands from her.

“Mad, I’ve never had a girlfriend backstage before a show.” When he turned as he opened the door, Maddie stood with her mouth open. He smiled. “Charlie and Brad will take you to the box available for you. Tommy’s girlfriend and Stu’s wife will be in the box along with a few of their friends. You can also watch the show from the side of the stage. It’s what you prefer, but either way, I will find you.” He winked and was gone before she could utter a single word.

Charlie walked in a few moments later with another glass of champagne in hand.

“In case you would like another drink before the show. I’m sorry about what happened. Brad will be right outside the door. We’ll head to your seat in a little bit.”

What am I thinking? How can Austin’s life accommodate me?

Maddie knew Austin was not giving up his career soon, and she would not ask him to give it up. But a relationship that was long distance so much of the time would be difficult. There could be gaps when they would not see each other for weeks, possibly months, at a time. Maddie would miss him, and would also have to worry about other girls, younger and hotter, around Austin. The girls backstage right now would catch the attention of any man.
God, these girls are willing to throw their bodies at Austin. What if he finds someone new and forgets about me
?

Panic and fear of losing him rose up in her.

Maddie still could not believe Austin was the same guy she had listened to on the radio. She had fallen in love with his music and voice long ago. Now, she was head over heels in love with the actual man. She did not know if she could walk away at that point. But if she did it now, she would eventually heal and move on with her life. If she waited too long, she wasn’t sure if she would ever be able to forget him. She didn’t want to have to forget him, but his world was so beyond her.

The public and tabloids could put a strain on their relationship. It was fair for them to go after Austin, but she did not want to lose her private life. Her name would be out there soon, and she feared her world being turned upside down. More importantly, she did not want her family put through anything. He had signed up for that life, but she and her family had not. The problem was he had successfully won her heart and he had done it swiftly. He was everything she needed in a man.