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at Katie’s obvious enjoyment.
    The day’s travel, preparation, and show had drained Katie’s energy. She was so thankful that they were playing two nights in a row at the same venue. Life on the road might take a bit of getting used to.
    Katie felt her eyelids flutter closed as she luxuriated in the soft pressure and steady rhythm of Blake’s foot massage. She let herself drift off as she imagined how nice it would feel to sink into a hot bath and then tuck herself between the cool clean sheets of her bed in her hotel room. She hadn’t slept on the tour bus yet, but she was pretty sure that it wouldn’t be very relaxing. In such tight quarters, each band member would have to be mindful of the others to avoid major tensions on the road.
    Sterling had played countless shows, but Orange Blossom, Texas was so close to the Austin clubs where they were usually booked that they had always been able to hit the road in their van. They had played in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas as well, but everywhere was within driving distance and they had never been gone long enough to justify the expense of leasing a bus. The bus the label had provided for them for this tour was actually very nice, if a bit crowded, with curtained-off bunks, two lounge areas, and a little kitchen area. The tight quarters and sparse amenities did nothing to dampen Katie’s enthusiasm for being on the road, finally touring with a major act.
    “ … Tuscaloosa?” Blake’s voice snapped Katie out of her reverie.
    “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
    Blake chuckled. “Am I boring you, sweetheart? I just asked if you’d been to Tuscaloosa before. You must be exhausted. I think you would’ve fallen asleep on this couch if I hadn’t woken you. Let me walk you to your room so you can get a little rest. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.” Blake stood up and helped Katie to her feet. His hand lingered at her elbow a bit longer than necessary.
    When they reached Katie’s room, she fished her room key out of her handbag and looked up into Blake’s eyes. “Thank you for tonight, Blake. I had a great time.”
    “Me, too, Katie; I’d like to do it again soon. You get some sleep tonight, all right? I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, his lazy drawl sending a frisson of electricity through Katie. Blake leaned in as if for a kiss but stopped at her forehead where he planted a tender peck before turning and walking back down the hall.
    Katie sighed and let herself into the cool sanctuary of her hotel room. With her back against the closed door, she didn’t see Blake return, hold up one hand to knock, and pull it back before turning around and heading back to his own room.

Chapter Three
    The second day on tour was a blur of activity as the bands were shuffled between interviews and photo sessions. Katie had hoped to spend more time with Blake and maybe build on what they had started the night before, but she barely caught sight of him as the musicians were rushed from one commitment to the next.
    Katie attended a band interview for the local paper, smiled and chatted her way through a couple of radio station events, signed autographs, and posed for pictures with fans. She was sure that most of the people crowding around her were more familiar with Blake Jackson, but the publicity was great nonetheless. As the lone female in the band as well as the principal songwriter, Katie generated plenty of interest. Most of the questions Katie answered were about the band, the album, or the tour. Only a handful of people mentioned Blake Jackson, and even fewer actually asked Katie anything about him.
    Katie reluctantly headed to her dressing room where the hair and makeup team were waiting. She had hoped to see Blake again and had let thoughts of him distract her all day. Blake had been the first thing she thought of when she woke up and all she had thought of during the day. She had been on edge all day, expecting a phone call or a quick visit with him. That seemed