Page 98 of Bagging the Blueliner
“This whole situation is new to you, and I’ve been where you are. When Jaxon fell into my life, I didn’t know what love looked like—my parents didn’t have a loving marriage, and what I shared with Leo was the furthest thing from it. It took me longer than I care to admit to see it for what it was. Jaxon showed his love through everyday actions, like baking cookies with the kids, tucking Beau into bed, and making sure I ate balanced meals. It’s not always grand gestures, and if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can sneak up on you. This right here? What Cal did today? It’s a sign the size of a billboard that he’s in love with you.”
The way Natalie laid it out made so much sense. Looking back on our time together, I could pinpoint the everyday actions that were quiet signs that Cal might be in love with me.
The time he forced me to vent about my sisters, making sure I got it off my chest.
The time he went back to the Mexican restaurant when I forgot to tell him I liked my food a certain way.
The time he took care of me when I was sick, setting aside the risk of falling ill himself.
The time he held me when I cried, sharing his own insecurities so I knew I wasn’t alone.
Each instance added up, eventually culminating here in this recording studio.
The realization stole my breath away. Cal was in love with me.
All that was left to do was figure out if I shared those feelings.
I now knew what love looked like from him, but what did it look like from me? Was I already in love but hadn’t realized because I’d never loved anyone outside of friends and family?
I had a lot of self-reflection to do.
Smiling at my best friend, I admitted, “You make a pretty good Amy.”
Natalie smirked. “I don’t know how she pulls it off on a regular basis. It’s exhausting.”
We shared a laugh before she seated herself on the black leather couch against the wall in the control room. Carrying my set list, I crossed the threshold into the live room, making my way over to the microphone that was front and center.
Picking up the headphones, I slipped them over my ears, holding my hands over them to make sure this was real.
“Ready when you are, Hannah.” Holden’s voice came through the headphones nice and clear.
“I’m ready.”
Closing my eyes, I let the first notes of the song wash over me. There were no expectations, there was no pressure. It was me and the music. Just how I liked it.
Cal was so getting laid tonight.
Chapter 22
Hannah
Returning from the studio,I found Cal’s hotel room empty. That was perfect for what I had planned.
Natalie and I had stopped off at a boutique that carried Lucy’s lingerie line, Arabella Reign, and bought an outfit I knew would drive Cal wild. Lace bra and panty sets were the extent of him seeing me in sexy lingerie, so he was in for a real treat tonight.
Throwing the latch on the door in case he came back while I was getting ready, I flew into action.
Hopping in the shower, I made sure to keep my hair piled high atop my head and dry. Shaving every inch of my body—careful not to nick myself—I then gave my skin a quick wash. Drying off, I took a few minutes to apply the heavier makeup I usually reserved for the club.
Pulling my hair loose, the few minutes tied up in the steam had given it a beachy wave look. Walking naked into the bedroom, I smiled, thinking about how surprised Cal would be when he found me wrapped up like a sexy Christmas gift.
Plucking the excessive amount of tissue paper from the shopping bag, I removed the black one-piece teddy and put it on. The top featured a stretchy see-through lace halter top. At the waist, the material switched to satin and was no longer transparent. The bottom looped through my legs as a thong, with a black satin bow tied right above my ass.
Glancing over my shoulder into the full-length mirror opposite the bathroom door, I bit my lip.
I looked like a high-end hooker. He was going to love it.
Quickly unlatching the door, I hustled to the bed, arranging myself in a way that looked effortless and sexy—”looked” being the operative word. Holding this position for too long might become an issue.
