Burning for the bodyguar.., p.1
Burning for the Bodyguard, page 1
Burning for the Bodyguard
Galentines Groupies
Violet Rae
Burning for the Bodyguard
Published by Violet Rae
www.authorvioletrae.com
Copyright © 2024 Violet Rae
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions, contact: violet@authorvioletrae.com
Cover Image: Nichole Rose
Editing & Formatting by Violet Rae
Created with Vellum
Contents
1. Chastity
2. Chastity
3. Xander
4. Chastity
5. Chastity
6. Xander
7. Chastity
8. Xander
9. Chastity
10. Chastity
11. Xander
Epilogue - Xander
Epilogue - Chastity
Bonus Content
Bonus Content
Chapter 1
Chastity
Twin Pines, Colorado
I wave at Sandra behind the counter as I enter the coffee shop and nod when she mouths, “Usual?”
It’s been a long day, but what day isn’t? My job working with children with additional needs is wonderful, rewarding, and exhausting. I love “my” kids, but the demands of the job are varied. It doesn’t pay well, but it’s the job of my heart. I love kids and want half a dozen one day. Okay, maybe not six because I’m not sure my vagina could handle it, but three, for sure.
Grabbing my usual seat in the corner at the back, I pull out my phone. Ireland messaged our group chat on my way to work this morning, announcing that her sister, Shelby, had some exciting news for us all. When you read “exciting” and “news” in the same sentence, you instantly think “baby.” Or at least, I did. Not that I know Shelby well, so I have no idea if she has a boyfriend or regular man in her life. Maybe it’s not a baby. Maybe she’s moving to the Andes to milk mountain goats.
But I jest. Because we’re all hoping it’s the news we’ve been waiting ten years to hear. And by “we,” I mean our group of diehard Soul Obsession fans. So what if the boy band that catapulted to fame when our teenage hormones were on overdrive split up ten years ago? It hasn’t stopped us from fangirling over them and hoping for news of a reunion.
In fact, my love of all things Soul Obsession is how I met the other seven girls—on a social media platform dedicated to all things Soul Obsession. Since then, we’ve formed friendships and talk regularly in our chat group and online. Amazing how you can make firm friendships with a bunch of girls you’ve never met, but that’s what happened with us.
I thank Sandra with a smile as she places my blueberry muffin and skinny decaf latte in front of me. It’s the only skinny thing about me. With my wide hips, wobbly belly, red hair, and freckles, I look exactly what I am—a nerdy bookworm with a demanding job and no social life. I’ve been told my green eyes are striking, but I have no illusions about myself. I’ve been overweight my whole life because I love carbs too damned much.
I was the girl who never had a date for prom. Hell, I was the girl who never had a date in high school, period. And the dates I’ve been on since have been disastrous, to say the least.
One guy spent two hours telling me all the things he’d learned while in prison—the most important of which was never to eat something that looks like a raisin.
Another guy took me to a movie. Turned out it was a porno in 3D. Nothing like watching spunk shoot at you from the screen while wearing cardboard glasses.
Oh, and let’s not forget the guy from Tinder who drove me to his grandparents' house after the date and woke them up to introduce me. Poor grandad didn’t even have time to put his teeth in.
But apart from that, most guys seem to want a slender supermodel with filler lips and fake tits. I’m happy to say that nothing about me is fake. Not my DD boobs or my chunky butt. Thank goodness for my parents, who instilled in me a firm sense of self-worth: no matter my size, God love ‘em. I miss them since they moved from Denver to Omaha, but we always get together for the holidays.
Sipping my latte, I pull up the chat on my phone to see Shelby has already messaged the group with the link for the virtual chat room. I pop in my earbuds, knowing that our conversations are rarely fit for public consumption, and hit the link.
Eight windows, including my own, pop up on the screen one by one, each framing a friend miles away.
Shelby is front and center, her huge grin lighting up the screen. “Hey, ladies! The Soul Obsession reunion tour is a go.”
Daisy squeals. “Oh, my gosh, I can't believe it's finally happening! I've been waiting for this day since, well, forever!”
Ireland, Shelby’s sister, adds her shriek of excitement to the mix, begging Shelby to tell her she can go too. “Please say you guys are going, and I get to come,” she pleads.
“I can’t believe it’s been almost ten years since they broke up,” Resa exclaims. “Daisy, you look the same as when we were teenagers.”
I snort. “Have you been cryogenically frozen, Daisy?”
Daisy laughs. “I moisturize. But you're one to talk, Chastity. What's your secret?
“Rainwater and sheep's milk.” I grin. “Works every time.”
“You look amazing,” Dani says, making me flush.
God, I love these girls, but I’m the closest to Dani.
“So, about the reunion,” Dani continues. “I have some news. Remember my grouchy neighbor? Turns out he’s Jax… Bad Boy Jax!”
Luna’s eyes widen. “How didn’t you know? Oh, no, are they all old and bald now?”
Dani shrugs. “I don't know. The beard made him look different. But there’s more. I'll be seeing you guys because we’re kinda getting married!”
I almost choke as I sip my latte. “You’re marrying hunky, bad boy Jax Porter?” Dani and I talk all the time. How did I not know this?
“Long story. It’s not how it sounds,” Dani says hastily. “I’ll explain when I see you guys.”
“That’s got to be some explanation,” Brielle says, shaking her head in disbelief.
Resa laughs and rolls her eyes. “Wow! So much happening. I can’t wait to see you girls. It's been way too long.”
Daisy nods, reminding us how we all stayed up late at night on three-way calls analyzing Soul Obsession's lyrics back in the day.
Brielle snorts. “And dreaming about jumping their bones.”
“And debating who was the cutest band member?” I remind them. “I was always team Jameson.”
“No way,” Resa objects. “It was obviously River. That sultry voice, those dreamy eyes...”
We all debate who our favorite is. It’s damn hard to choose between them.
“You guys are unbelievable.” Shelby laughs. “I see some things never change. Can we please focus for a minute? One thing I need you to remember–I'm the band’s tour manager, not your babysitter.”
I twirl an unruly copper curl around my finger. “And here I was, hoping for bedtime stories, Shelby.”
Daisy waves a hand. “Shelby, we appreciate you getting us VIP access on the tour. Backstage passes–so amazing!”
Shelby beams. “Of course. Anything for my sister and her dearest friends. I know how much this means to you, but try not to completely embarrass yourselves meeting them, okay?”
“Does that mean I get to come?” Ireland asks excitedly. “Holy crap. You’re the best sister ever, Shelby.”
“I might get overwhelmed and faint like Daisy did that one time,” Resa says with a smirk.
“Oh, no, we are not bringing that up again!” Daisy huffs. “I got a little lightheaded, that's all. The venue was hot that night.”
“Sure, Daisy, it had nothing to do with Jameson serenading you in the front row,” I tease. “Your knees went weak for no reason whatsoever.”
Daisy pretends to look offended. “Chastity! Why do you always have to tease me about it?”
“Because your reactions are priceless, love. I can't help myself,” I say, trying and failing to smother a smile.
Resa laughs as she recounts an overwhelmed Daisy clinging to her while sobbing during Soul Obsession’s power ballad.
“I thought we were friends.” Daisy glowers. “Fine, but if I cry during "Heartstrings,” no teasing this time.”
“Aww. I won’t tease. I promise,” Ireland says, taking pity on her.
“Oh, Daisy, we have waterproof mascara and a box of tissues just for you,” Resa promises.
“It’s an amazing chance for us to reconnect in person. I’ve missed you guys,” I say.
Daisy nods. “This tour is going to be so awesome. Fangirling like the good old days.”
“I can’t wait to see you all. And the band, of course. Think they've still got it?” Resa asks.
I wink. “Maybe they’ve traded skinny jeans for dad bods. Fame isn't always kind.”
“Hey, I wouldn’t mind a bit of dad bod.” Daisy laughs.
“I don't know, Jax looks the same, just… better.” Dani sighs. “He’s aged like an amazing bottle of wine.”
Brielle fans herself as she tells us that she saw Asher in a recent interview looking hotter than ever.
“River doesn’t have a dad bod,” Ireland says dreamily. “Do you think I’ll be able to convince him to give me an interview? My journalism professor would freaking die.”
Shelby purses her
We reminisce over their songs, which hold precious memories for all of us.
“They were the soundtrack to our teenage years, weren't they?” I ask, remembering the good times. “I still have all their albums and listen sometimes when I need a nostalgia trip.”
“Their ballads turn us all into puddles.” Daisy sighs.
“Do you think they’ll have new music?” Dani asks, looking hopeful.
“That would be amazing,” I say, wondering how their music has matured. “Either way, the concerts will be brilliant, but you know what I'm looking forward to most, my loves?”
“Watching Daisy pass out again?” Brielle deadpans.
“No, just soaking up time with you girls,” I say, a little emotional at the thought.
“Aww, Chastity, you ol' softie!” Resa teases. “I couldn't agree more. Our little fangirl squad is going to be the best fun.”
Daisy smiles. “Yeah, the tour is like the sprinkles, but our sisterhood is the cherry on top.”
“It's like we're fifteen again, but with better fashion sense.” I chuckle.
“And a little more money,” Dani adds.
“And we don’t have to use fake IDs,” Brielle points out.
Shelby smirks. “Someone’s got to keep you troublemakers in line.”
“So, which band member are you secretly crushing on, Shelb?” Resa asks curiously.
“I'm just there to work, thank you very much,” Shelby states matter-of-factly.
Daisy cackles. “That’s not a no.”
“I feel like there might be something there,” Dani says in a sing-song voice.
“My Spidey senses are tingling. I’m pretty sure there’s a juicy story here,” Brielle says with a knowing smile.
Shelby rolls her eyes. “I’m surrounded by hopeless romantics.”
Ireland grins. “Here’s to reunions, new adventures, and Soul Obsession!”
We all say goodbye, and I end the chat.
Excitement bubbles in my stomach as Shelby sends the tour schedule to my phone. Well, what are the chances? The tour kicks off in Denver in a few weeks. Twin Pines is a six-hour drive from there, and Shelby, miracle worker that she is, has secured tickets for the four nights that Soul Obsession is in the city.
Holy crap. Can I get the time off work? I love working with the kids, but I could use a break. Let my hair down and go with the flow. I never take time off and have enough vacation days saved to have a month off if I wanted, not that I would leave my boss, Mandy, in the lurch like that. I only need ten days or so—four nights for the concerts and travel time.
The thought of getting out of town is extremely appealing. I haven’t had much peace of mind lately. The bouquet of lilies outside my door this morning pops into my mind, and I shiver. Not that I don’t like lilies, but it’s unsettling when I don’t know who they’re from.
Sadness fills my chest. I used to be the one rounding everyone up to go on random adventures. I was the one with all the ideas. Lately, I’ve been so focused on work that I didn’t notice pieces of myself slipping away.
Fuck it. I’m going. The girls expect me to grab this opportunity with both hands. I’ll talk to Mandy at work and make sure it’s doable.
“I don’t see why I can’t give you the time off,” Mandy says, standing from behind her desk. “Kate has asked for extra hours so she can cover your sessions. And we have some interns who need to log hours. You deserve it, Chastity, so take your time off.”
I follow Mandy back into the break room. “You’re sure? I know it’s not much warning.”
She waves me off and grabs her shake from the fridge. “I’ve been trying to force you to take your vacation days for ages, so this makes me happy.”
I let out a groan and drop into the small loveseat. “I’ve been trying to keep my life simple. Easier to know when something is wrong.”
Mandy sits across from me. “That’s no way to live a full and happy life, Chastity. You need to let yourself live and experience things.”
“I don’t know when I changed so much.” That’s a lie. You know exactly when it happened. Two years ago, when some weird-ass freak started following you around.
If I stick to a routine, I can pick out when and where people seem out of place. This keeps me safe. It keeps me aware. I don’t even enter my own home without my well-designed routine.
“It was a few years ago,” Mandy says knowingly. “You seemed to lose yourself.” She seems like she wants to say more but bites her tongue.
Her words cause a ball of emotion to lodge in my throat.
“Maybe this trip will help me find myself again,” I say hopefully. And shake off my persistent stalker.
The door opens, and I gesture for Mandy to stay where she is. I can handle whoever just walked in. My student, Lacey, and her brother are waiting at the desk for me.
“Mark, Lacey, I’m so glad you’re here. I know you weren’t feeling so well last time.” I stare at the blonde girl and smile gently. “Mark. Nice of you to bring your sister in today.”
Lacey is twelve, ten years younger than Mark, her step-brother. Neither of their fathers is on the scene, so their mom has raised them alone. Lacey has Asperger’s and lives in her own world a lot of the time.
“Mom’s been busy lately. I figure I should pick up some of the responsibilities.” Mark shrugs and smiles self-consciously.
I smile. “What would she do without you, huh? Are you staying today?”
Mark nods and winks at his sister. “I’d love to stay.”
I guide them into my larger workroom, where the piano is set up. Lacey responds well to music and melody. It seems to calm her, and she’s been working hard on her piano piece.
“You’ll get to work with Kate in a few weeks,” I explain as Lacey settles on the piano stool. I want to prepare her now so it isn’t a surprise. Lacey needs a routine and plenty of notice if anything changes or she becomes anxious. It’s one of the reasons I rarely take time off. My kids' welfare is important to me, and I won’t mess up their routines unless I absolutely have to. But I need this break. Besides, Lacey loves Kate, so I know I’m leaving her in good hands.
“Finally taking a day off?” Mark asks with a grin.
“Taking a few weeks off. I have a ton of vacation time to use up, and I’m off to Denver to see Soul Obsession.”
“Ah, the reunion tour.” Mark nods. “Should be good. They did some great stuff back in the day. Rumor has it they’ve written new material for this tour.”
“Don’t tell me you’re a fan too,” I tease.
“Nah. They’re more of a chick band.” He gives me a sheepish look. “No offense.”
I laugh. “None taken.” I turn my attention to Lacey. “Okay, sweet pea. Let’s listen to this masterpiece.”
Chapter 2
Chastity
I cast my eyes around my apartment to check I haven’t missed anything when Dani calls. I tuck the phone into my pocket and quickly connect my earbuds before answering.
“Are you packed? I’m so jealous you get to see them first,” she squeals.
“Well, hello to you, too. Dani,” I say sarcastically.
Dani snorts. “Sorry. I’m just excited for you.”
I chuckle. “I know, love. I’m excited too. I’ve been running around my apartment like a crazy woman with a broom up her ass. I keep thinking I’ve forgotten something. I don’t want to leave anything to chance. Oh, and I need to remind Miss Carter to grab my mail. No need for it to be piling up while I’m gone. Give me a sec, Dani,” I say, pushing my luggage into the hall and knocking on Miss Carter’s door.
My elderly neighbor opens the door as if she were poised there, waiting for me. “Yes, I know. The mail.” Her blue eyes crinkle as she smiles at me and winks. “I got you some snacks.” She hands me a giant cloth bag of food. “Enjoy yourself. It will all be here when you come back.”
“Thank you, Miss Carter.” I quickly kiss her wrinkled cheek and add her bag to my luggage.
“Maybe you’ll come back with some juicy stories for me,” she says, patting my hand.
“I doubt there’ll be anything juicy, but I can always make something up,” I reply with a grin.
