Page 27 of The Publicity Stunt

"I guess I did," Bri says and stands.

She hugs the man wearing a nice pair of jeans with brown cowboy boots, a white t-shirt under a black suit jacket, and a cowboy hat rather than his standard issue baseball cap. Kace can't remember ever feeling star struck before, but damn if he feels it now.

Bri turns to his wife, who’s wearing a white, sparkly dress. "Hi, Maci. It's good to see you."

"You made it, kid," she says, her face beaming as she hugs Bri. "I knew you would."

Touching Maci's very pregnant belly, Bri smiles. "You did, too. I can't wait to find out if you're having a boy or a girl. I have a gift ready to send the moment I find out he or she is born."

"You're too sweet."

Bri turns to Kace. "Cooper, this is Kace Lyons. He's a newer fan of yours."

"You haven't listened to my second album yet, have you?" he jokes. "I've started following hockey, and you're a beast out there. Do you think the Bootleggers will make it to the Cup this year?"

"We're hoping to," Kace says. "And I haven't listened to your second album. Read online to skip it. Why the fuck did I just say that?"

Maci laughs as he clasps his hand over his mouth. "Oh, sweetie, nothing you said offended anyone. Including the curse word."

"The album's terrible. Trust me, you wouldn't continue listening to my albums if you listen to it."

Scrunching her face, Bri nods. "I try not to criticize, but it's not good. I'm sorry, Coop."

He laughs. "If I can be so bold, it's still better than your ex's album."

"Hunny, you dodged a meteor with that one," Maci says. "But I think you won out in the end."

Kace pulls Bri close to his side, his hand on her shoulder. "I hope so."

"Treat her right," Cooper says. "I may not be as big as you, but I grew up on a farm, and I played football."

"I will," he agrees.

"It was nice meeting you, Kace. And congrats, Bri. God, I'm proud of you."

They walk away, and he turns to Bri. "Oh my God, that was the coolest thing to ever happen in my entire life. The only thing better would be if we could summon a few dead artists to meet."

"I hate to run, but I have to hop on the plane for a show tomorrow, and I have to do the soundcheck in ten hours."

Shaking his head, he worries she'll burn out if she doesn't take a break soon. "Let's get you home before the carriage turns into a pumpkin."

"Nice Cinderella reference. For the record, though, I much prefer Beauty and the Beast."

"Noted."

Chapter Ten

Bri

The phone ringing wakes Bri from a deep sleep. Grabbing her phone, she doesn't even look before answering. "Hello?"

"You're not at the game?" Tessa asks.

Bri opens her eyes, suddenly aware of how off her best friend sounds. Sad. Looking at the clock, she groans. "Shit, I laid down to take a nap before heading out, and I slept longer than I meant to. What's wrong?"

"Were you sleeping? I didn't mean to wake you. I can let you go."

She sits up and grabs the water on the nightstand to help clear the brain fog. She arrived in St. Petersburg earlier that day after a three-show stint, and she was exhausted. Exhausted and slightly groggy.

---