Free Rock and Roll Country (Jesse's Girl #1) by Kandice Michelle Young

winks, green eyes full of light.
     

Jesse 
     
    The bulb lights of the makeup mirror shining in my eyes, I stare at myself. This is what I love, what I was born to do. So why do I feel so lost? Glancing at Sophie’s letter on the vanity, shake my head. No, I’ve already decided not to have a go at it until after the show. The last thing I need right now is for anything to fuck with my head.
    “Pony up,” Tag says, dropping by to let me know it’s time.
    Walking through the corridor leading to the stage of the Verizon Arena, I hear the crowd chanting as the opening act closes and starts introducing us. Reaching the stage entrance, I welcome the flood of adrenaline as the stage lights go dark signaling the changeover of sets. Taking my place at the mic stand, I smile. For the next ninety minutes at least, Sophie Westbrook and the enchantment she has me under will be nothing more than a distant memory.
    “That was awesome,” Lacey says, latching onto me as I exit the stage.
    Slinging my towel over my shoulders, I nod. “Thanks.”
    “Care if I hang with you for a bit?” She asks, handing me an unopened bottle of water. 
    “I don’t suppose I do, but I thought you were here with Tag.”
    “Ugh,” making sure to keep her head forward, she shoves her hands in her pockets, “it’s part of our agreement. He gets to indulge in whomever and whatever he wants after the show, but I’m the only one allowed in his bed at night.”
    Deciding it’s best not to touch that one, I open the door to my dressing room. “Help yourself to whatever you like. I’m going to grab a quick change in the loo.”
    Grabbing a bag of Cheetos, she shrugs. “Take your time.”
    Collecting a change of clothes and my toiletry kit, I step into the private restroom. Post show enthusiasm rapidly draining from my system, I have a quick wash up and change into a more comfortable pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Lacing my sneakers, I gather my my belongings and step back into the dressing room. Lacey has made herself comfortable with one of my Xbox controls and is now having a go at FIFA.
    Socked feet tucked under her, she looks over at me and smiles. “Wanna join me?”
    “Maybe in a minute,” I answer, taking hold of the last piece of Sophie that’s within my reach. “I have to take care of something first.”
    Grabbing the letter, I step back out into the hallway. All around me, the crew works tirelessly to get us packed up and on the road to Louisiana. Nodding my appreciation to our sound manager, I lean against the wall and unfold the letter.
    Taking a deep breath, I read:
     
    Prince Jesse,
    I didn’t expect you to be my Prince Charming when I made the joke in the bar. In fact, I thought you’d be just like every other arrogant asshole who has ever sat at that table hoping to score with me. And, I think we can both agree that for a while you were.
    That changed last night, and it only got better this morning. I see you for more than just the leather and the groupies. When I look in your eyes I see a broken man, begging for someone to fix him. I know what that looks like, because for a long time now I’ve been a desperate girl praying for someone to save her.
    I think you’re that someone, Jesse. At least, I want you to be. That’s the part that terrifies me. I don’t have the best track record when it comes to relationships. For the most part they all end in ashes. I have no doubt that loving you will destroy me, and yet I can’t shake this feeling that loving you is something I’m meant to do one day.
    Something about you has the power to bring me to life, Jesse Lee, and after a long time of feeling nothing I’d love the chance to feel something again. It’s crazy to even think about, your life is on the road and mine is here. I have no idea how we’d even begin to make it work. You’ve seen all I have to offer. I know you’re used to so much more, but I’m hoping you can forget that.
    I want to know you, Jesse. I want to