Chapter Eight

Bowie

I woke up to the soft glow of late afternoon sunlight spilling into the room, bathing everything in a warm, golden hue. Angie was nestled against me, her head on my chest, her body perfectly molded to mine as if we were two pieces of a puzzle that had finally found their match. Her hair fanned out across my skin, silky strands tickling my bare chest with every rise and fall of her breathing. The calm after our earlier storm of passion was a welcome change, a quiet intimacy that felt both fragile and powerful.

For a moment, I didn't move. I just lay holding her, savoring the simplicity of the moment. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this content, this at peace. Everything about her felt right, like she belonged here in my arms, and I couldn't help but wonder how I got so lucky. She was a mystery to me, this woman with the voice of an angel, and I wanted nothing more than to spend every waking moment discovering every little piece of her.

Angie stirred, her eyelids fluttering open as she shifted against me, her body stretching out in a languid motion that sent a ripple of warmth through me. Her lips curved into a sleepy smile when our eyes met, and for a second, I forgot about everything else—every worry, every obligation—everything except her.

"Good morning…or, well, afternoon," I said softly, my fingers brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

"Afternoon?" she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. "I didn't realize we slept that long."

"Neither did I," I admitted, letting out a soft chuckle. "But I think we both needed it."

She nodded, a contemplative look in her gorgeous green eyes as she snuggled closer, resting her head against my chest. I could tell she was already slipping into her thoughts, that the reality of the world outside was creeping back in, but I wasn't ready to let go of this moment just yet.

"We should probably eat something," I said, my voice low as I pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I'm starving, and I bet you are too."

"Yeah, food sounds good," she replied, her stomach giving a small rumble as if to agree. She laughed softly, the sound like music to my ears. "I could really go for some pancakes, as weird as that sounds."

"Pancakes it is," I said, reaching for my phone on the nightstand. I pulled up the menu of a bakery I knew nearby that served the best all-day breakfast, tapping in an order for a stack of pancakes, crispy bacon, and scrambled eggs. "There's this place that does fancy pancakes—really thick, fluffy ones. I'll order the works for both of us. You'll love it."

"Perfect," she said, shifting to sit up, the sheet slipping down her body, revealing the smooth curve of her back. My eyes followed the movement, captivated by the way the light danced across her skin. She caught me staring and shot me a playful look over her shoulder. "Care to join me for a shower while we wait?"

My heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, the memory of our passion still fresh in my mind. "I'd love to."

We moved together to the bathroom, the air between us charged with the same electricity that had been there since the moment we first met. The bathroom was soon filled with the sound of water cascading down, steam rising as we stepped under the hot spray together. The water was a welcome sensation, washing away the remnants of sleep, the tension that still lingered in our muscles. I reached for the soap, lathering it in my hands before running them over her shoulders, down her arms, and across her back.

Her smooth ivory skin was like silk under my fingertips, and I couldn't resist leaning in, pressing my lips to the nape of her neck. Angie let out a soft moan, tilting her head to the side to give me better access as I trailed kisses along her collarbone, up to her jawline. The sound of her voice, the way her body reacted to my touch, sent a jolt of desire through me that was impossible to ignore.

"Bowie…" she breathed, and I recognize the mix of longing and need and in her voice.

I turned her in my arms, our bodies sliding against each other as the water continued to pour down. Her lips found mine in a kiss that was both tender and urgent, her hands tangling in my hair as she pulled me closer. I could feel the heat building between us, the same fire that had consumed us last night, and I knew there was no stopping it now. We were like two magnets drawn to each other, the pull between us undeniable.

My hands roamed the soft curves of her body, memorizing every curve, every dip of her skin, as our kiss deepened. Her fingers grazed over my shoulders, down my back, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. I couldn't get enough of her, the way she felt, the way she tasted. The shower, the water, everything else faded into the background, leaving just the two of us lost in each other.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us breathless, I rested my forehead against hers, trying to catch my breath. "I don't think I'll ever get enough of you," I murmured, my voice rough with desire.

"Good," she whispered back, her lips brushing against mine. "Because I feel the same way."

We moved together again, this time slower, more deliberate, savoring every touch, every kiss. The water cascaded around us, creating a cocoon of warmth that only added to the intensity of the moment. Every touch was electric, a promise of something deeper, something more. I wanted to memorize every inch of her, to make sure she knew just how much I wanted her, how much I needed her.

By the time we stepped out of the shower, both of us were thoroughly spent, our bodies humming with satisfaction. I wrapped a towel around her and pressed a kiss to her damp hair before letting her go.

"I'll grab the food," I said, giving her a smile. "It surely must have arrived by now. Meet you in the kitchen?"

She nodded, her eyes still a bit dazed from the intensity of our time together. "I'll be there in a minute."

I watched her as she turned to the mirror, grabbing a brush to run through her hair. She was beautiful, the kind of beautiful that took my breath away every time I looked at her. And even though I knew there were a million things we still had to figure out, I couldn't help but hope that this was the start of something real, something lasting.

As she picked up the blow-dryer, I headed out of the bathroom to collect our food. The delivery person had left the bags on the porch, and I grabbed them, carrying them into the kitchen. The space was filled with natural light, the large windows offering a stunning view of the ocean beyond the canyon. It was one of those scenes that made you stop and take a breath, made you appreciate the beauty of the world around you. Part of me was still coming to terms with the fact that this place, this view, was really mine. One thing I knew for sure was that there would never be a moment when I would take it for granted.

I laid out our meal on the table in the bay window, the slanted rays of the setting sun making everything look even more inviting. The pancakes were thick and golden with fresh strawberries and whipped cream on top, the bacon perfectly crisp, the eggs fluffy and steaming. It was the kind of meal that made you feel good just looking at it, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

A few minutes later, Angie joined me, her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders, her cheeks still flushed from the shower. She smiled when she saw the spread of food, and I couldn't help but return the smile, feeling a warm sense of satisfaction settle in my chest.

"This looks amazing," she said, taking a seat at the table.

"Only the best for you," I replied, sitting down across from her. There was a deeper meaning to my words, and I hoped she could sense it. I wanted to give her more than just a good meal—I wanted to give her everything.

We started eating, the food as delicious as I'd hoped. Each bite was a little piece of heaven, the kind of comfort food that made you feel at home, no matter where you were. I watched Angie as she savored the pancakes, her eyes closing in appreciation with each bite, and I felt that same warmth in my chest grow stronger. This was what I wanted—simple moments like this, filled with laughter and good food, shared with someone who made my world feel a little brighter.

As we ate, the conversation flowed as easily between us as ever. We talked about everything and nothing all at once, the kind of conversation that felt effortless, like we'd known each other for years instead of just a short time. There was something about Angie that made me want to open up, to share parts of myself that I usually kept hidden. And I could tell she felt the same way, that she was letting me see pieces of her that she didn't show to just anyone.

But as we neared the end of our meal, that peaceful bubble we'd created started to fade. Angie's phone buzzed on the table, pulling her attention away from the conversation. She glanced at the screen, her expression shifting from contentment to something more guarded as she read the message.

"It's my manager, Miles," she said with a sigh, setting the phone down. "He says he covered for me last night, but he wants to meet right away. He's asking if I'll be able to sing tonight."

I watched as she rubbed her temples, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. I could see the conflict in her eyes, the way she was torn between what she wanted and what she felt she needed to do. I didn't want to push her either way, but I also knew she needed to talk it out.

"What do you want to do?" I asked, keeping my voice gentle. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

She looked up at me, her expression softening at my words. "I'm not sure yet. I need to talk to Miles first. I want to tell him that Trace is out of jail, and maybe he can arrange for extra security. But…I don't know if I'm ready to perform tonight."

I nodded, understanding the weight of her decision. "That sounds like a good plan. Talking to Miles is the first step, and if you decide to go ahead with the performance, I'll be there. You won't be alone."

She smiled, a small, grateful smile that tugged at my heart. "Thank you, Bowie. That means a lot to me."

We finished our meal in a quieter mood, the earlier joy tempered by the reality of the situation. But even in the midst of that uncertainty, there was still a connection between us, something that felt solid, like a foundation we could build on.

As I started to clear the table, Angie gathered her things, getting ready to meet with Miles. I could tell she was trying to stay focused, but there was an underlying tension in her movements, a sign that she was still grappling with her decision.

"I'll drive you back to the festival," I said as I stacked the plates. "We can figure things out from there."

"Thanks," she replied, slipping her phone into her bag. "I appreciate it."

Just as I was finishing up in the kitchen, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, expecting maybe a message from one of my buddies, but instead, it was Lila.

"Everything okay?" I asked as I answered, my voice casual.

"Not really," she said, and I could hear the stress in her tone. "There's an issue at Sunset Vines, and I don't know how to handle it. I need you to come in right away."

A knot of worry tightened in my chest, but I kept my voice calm. "What's going on?"

"It's…it's complicated," she said, sounding flustered. "I'll explain when you get here. Can you come now?"

"Yeah, I'll be there soon," I said, glancing over at Angie. "I've got to drop a friend off somewhere first, but I'll head over right after."

"Okay, thanks, Bowie. I just— I really need you here."

"Don't worry sis, I'm on my way," I assured her before ending the call.

Angie looked up at me, concern in her eyes. "Everything alright?"

I hesitated, not wanting to add to her stress. "There's just a small issue at the bar. Lila needs my help, but it's nothing major."

"If you need to go, you can drop me off at the entrance," she offered. "I'll be fine on my own. You don't need to escort me all the way to my trailer."

I frowned, not liking the idea of leaving on her own, but I also knew Lila wouldn't have called if it wasn't important. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," she said, giving me a reassuring smile. "I'll be okay. You go take care of your bar. I'll handle things with Miles."

I studied her for a moment, searching for any signs of hesitation, but all I saw was determination. "Alright, if you're sure. But I'll text you as soon as I'm done, okay?"

"Deal," she agreed, standing up and slinging her bag over her shoulder.

We headed out to the car, the atmosphere between us still heavy with the weight of the decisions we both had to make. I wished I could stay with her, be there for whatever conversation she was about to have with Miles, but I also knew I couldn't ignore my responsibilities at Sunset Vines.

The drive to the festival grounds was quiet, both of us lost in our own thoughts. When we finally reached the entrance, I pulled over and put the car in park, turning to look at Angie.

"Good luck," I said, my voice filled with sincerity. "I know you'll make the right decision, whatever that is."

"Thanks, Bowie," she said, leaning over to give me a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you later."

I watched as she got out of the car and headed toward the festival, my heart heavy with worry. But there was nothing more I could do now except trust that she would be okay.

With a sigh, I turned the car around and headed to Sunset Vines, my mind still on Angie and everything that had happened between us. I hoped that whatever was waiting for me at the bar was something I could handle quickly, so I could get back to her as soon as possible.

When I arrived, the bar was already filling up with the usual happy hour crowd. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses greeted me as I walked in, the atmosphere seeming completely normal for this time of day.

Lila was behind the bar, chatting with a couple of regulars. She looked up when she saw me, her face lighting up with a relieved smile. "Hey, big brother," she said, her tone playful. "What's up?"

"Not much," I said, trying to keep my voice casual despite the knot of unease tightening in my gut. "What's the issue you texted me about?"

"Oh, that," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "It's nothing major. Just a guy who came in earlier, walked up to me, and offered me a thousand bucks if I'd text you and tell you to come to the bar as soon as possible."

My frown deepened, the unease in my chest growing stronger. "A thousand bucks? What did this guy look like?"

Lila shrugged, a dreamy look in her eyes. "Really good-looking. Built, like he spends all his time in the gym. Honey blonde hair, all-American type of guy. I might have slipped him my number," she added with a giggle.

My stomach dropped, dread pooling in the pit of my stomach. "Lila…what the hell? Why would you do that?"

She blinked, her smile fading as she registered the seriousness in my tone. "What? Is he not a friend of yours?"

"No," I said, my mind racing as I tried to piece together what was happening. "Did he say anything else?"

Lila's expression turned worried, her earlier playfulness evaporating. "No, just that he needed you here. Why? What's going on?"

I didn't answer her. I couldn't. My mind was already spinning, my thoughts racing ahead to Angie, to the trailer, to the possible danger she could be in. Everything clicked into place in an instant, and I felt a cold wave of fear wash over me.

Without another word, I grabbed my keys, the urgency of the situation hitting me like a freight train. "Call the police," I said, my voice rough. "Have them go to Angel's trailer at the festival. Now."

Lila's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my God, Bowie, I didn't mean to…"

"Just call," I snapped, already heading for the door. "I'm going to get there as fast as I can."

I didn't wait for her response. I sprinted to my car, my heart pounding in my chest as I fumbled with the keys. The moment the engine roared to life, I tore out of the parking lot, my mind a whirlwind of fear and adrenaline.

The drive back to the festival was a blur, my thoughts consumed with one thing and one thing only—getting to Angie. I pushed the car as fast as it would go, weaving through traffic with a reckless urgency that I hadn't felt in years. My mind was a chaotic mess of worst-case scenarios, my heart hammering in my chest with the fear that I might already be too late.