Rockin' Country: The Price Of Love Part 1

The Price of Love.

The Rockina Country Series.

By Laramie Briscoe.

Dedication.

Love & marriage is not always easy. It takes work, compromise, and a whole lot of forgiveness. Luckily for me, I have a husband who excels in all of those things and more. Heas one of the reasons I do this. If it wasnat for him, I probably never would have pursued it. Thank you, Michael! Youare my kinda bad boy, but youave definitely got the tattoos and piercings!.

Summary.

Wife.

Husband.

Superstar entertainers.

Two people completely in love.

Harmony and Reaper thought life would be easier once they sealed the deal. Stage personas put to the side, settling into marriage should have allowed them to be Hannah and Garrett to the world at large.

Boy, were they ever wrong!

Pressure from record companies, fans, and the people surrounding them put their brand-new union under the strain of the entertainment machine. Long nights apart, quick meetings in hotel rooms, and new faces on the music scene were not what either of them thought they would have to contend with.

When love is strong, emotions go haywire, and frustration is at an all-time high, everyoneas true colors are revealed.

Hannah and Garrett have a decision to makea"is fame worth the price of love?.

Chapter One.

Two weeks. Two long weeks. That was how long it had been since Hannah had seen Garrett in person. Sitting downtown at her favorite restaurant on McGavock with her mom, she was trying desperately to stay involved in the conversation they were having, but it was becoming harder and harder to keep her mind from wandering.

aHannah,a Elizabeth Stewart snapped her fingers. aAre you even paying attention to me?a aSorry, Mom, I zoned out there for a minute,a she apologized, looking down at her barely eaten sushi. What was normally her favorite meal when she was home just didnat hold the appeal that it usually did. aI didnat sleep very well last night.a aMiss your husband?a Hannahas face burned hot. How did she tell her mom that memories of the two of them together kept her up at night? Those little snippets of conversation here and there along with nightly talks over Skype and FaceTime werenat getting the job done anymore. She needed to feel his arms around her, needed to feel his lips against hers, really wanted to smell the spice of his cologne. She missed it all.

aYeah, I do,a she sighed, twirling her wedding ring on her finger with her thumb. Recording had amped up for both of them, and this was the longest stretch they had been apart.

aWell I guess itas a good thing he just got here, huh?a Her mom shrugged nonchalantly as she took a sip from her wine gla.s.s.

aWhat?a Hannah understood the words that were spoken, but her brain couldnat comprehend them. Garrett was thousands of miles away on the opposite coast. There was no way he was walking into a restaurant in Nashville.

aLook behind you.a Liz pointed behind Hannahas shoulder.

Still unsure of what was going on, Hannah turned around in her seat and a squeal ripped free from her mouth as she saw Garrett making his way into the restaurant. Not even caring who saw, she launched herself into his arms, squeezing him tightly around the waist. She felt her feet leave the ground as he tightened his arms around her and bent his knees to pick her up.

aYouare really here?a she questioned in his ear, almost like she didnat believe he would have made a special trip for her. She ran her hands through his hair, over the slight beard that covered his face. She even caressed the earrings in his ears, delighting as she felt the coolness of the metal. It was another reminder that this wasnat a dreama"he was here with her, holding her in his arms.

He pulled back so that he could look her in the eyes. aIam really here.a aHow?a aWhy donat we go sit with your mom?a He gently pushed her towards the table her mom sat at.

aNice to finally see you again in person, Garrett. I thought that from now on all of our conversations would be conducted over a cell phone line,a Liz laughed as she stood up and gave him a hug.

aMe too.a aWait? The two of you have been talking to one another?a Hannah asked as she sat back in her chair, her mouth hanging open in surprise.

aYou could say that.a Liz smiled, a conspiratory look in her eyes.

Garrettas arm went around her shoulder as he sat closer to her, pulling her as close to his side as he could with the arms of two chairs separating them. aI thought she was lying about you missing me, because when I talked to you, you seem fine, but then I realized how sad I was and figured you were just as sad. So I flew out to see you. I missed the h.e.l.l outta you.a aBut how did you even get his number?a Hannah questioned. She was very careful with all of his information. The last thing either one of them needed was for people who shouldnat to get hold of their private conversations.

aSh.e.l.l may have had something to do with it.a Liz winked.

Sh.e.l.l was another person who missed someone terribly. aPlease tell me that Jared came with you to see her.a Like her and Garrett, Sh.e.l.l and Jared Skyped, texted, and FaceTimed, but it wasnat the same as seeing a loved one in person.

aHe was on his way to check into a hotel for the night. Something about them having atime to themselvesa.a He used air quotes with his fingers, a mischievous smile on his face. He knew exactly what Jared wanted to do with their time to themselves.

Hannah played with her chopsticks. aShe tells me how much she loves him every single time I talk to her about him. Iam glad he came to see her.a aDo you want to order something?a A waiter asked Garrett as he came over to the table.

aAre we gonna be here long enough? Iam about to starve.a His belly picked that moment to growl loudly.

The ladies laughed and Hannah put her hand on his. aI think weall stick around for you.a aYou know what I like, order me something.a He indicated for her to speak to the waiter.

aWith whatever she orders, Iall take whatever beer you have on tap.a Hannah quickly ordered, and the waiter promised to have it out as soon as possible.

aSo what have you two ladies been doing today?a he asked as he looked between the two of them, situating himself so that he had Hannah next to him, his arm lazily slung over the back of her chair.

aWeare having lunch and then weare shopping.a aYou donat have to do that now,a Liz protested.

aNo, Mom, I want to! Garrett can come with us.a She grinned as she b.u.mped his side.

aIam sure he doesnat want to do that.a aI have a sister,a he deadpanned. aI do lots that I donat want to do, but I daresay it would be a pleasure to go with the two of you.a Hannah pursed her lips and looked at her mom, shaking her head. aHeas a charmer and he canat even help it. I can see that youare falling for it too.a She shook her finger in her momas direction.

aHe is very good,a Liz laughed. aI can see now why you were missing him and why you married him.a * * *

aWhat do you think of this?a Hannah asked Garrett as he stood in the middle of one of her favorite boutiques. She held up in front of her a sundress that was a bright yellow color.

Glancing around, he noticed that Liz was on the other side of the store. He approached Hannah with a smile lifting up the corners of his mouth.

aWhat?a she asked, tilting her head to the side.

He reached in and traced where the vee of the neck would lie on her chest, running his finger along the exposed skin there. aLooks like it might be a little low-cut.a aOh yeah, Iall wear a tank top underneath it.a She licked her lips, looking down at his finger.

Leaning in so that his mouth was even with her ear, he said, aYou wouldnat have to do that with me. You wouldnat even have to wear unmentionables with it.a The smooth, dark tone of his voice caused her to close her eyes and lean heavily against him, her knees no longer able to hold up her weight. She turned her face into his neck and nipped him there with her sharp teeth. aI missed you,a she whispered.

aMissed you too,a he answered her back, running his hand through her hair. aMore than you f.u.c.king know.a He moved away from her when he saw Liz approaching and cleared his throat. Didnat matter if he had put a ring on it, he still felt weird showing the kind of chemistry they had in front of their parents. aSo youare gonna get that one?a aYeah. Mom, what do you think?a aI love the color; the yellow will go well with your darker hair. Itas a little low-cut though. I think youare gonna need to wear a camisole or something underneath it.a Hannah hid her smile. aI was planning on it.a Lizas phone went off, and she struggled through her bag to find it and answer it. aItas your dad, I better take this.a They watched as she walked off for some privacy.

aI really hope that heas calling her and asking her to come home. I love her, but I havenat seen you in weeks,a she blurted out, causing Garrett to laugh.

He put his hands in his back pockets and rocked back on his heels. aWeall be alone soon enough. It was really nice of her to set this up for you. I donat think you would have been honest with me about how much you missed me.a aThere was nothing that we could do about it. Record companies are record companies.a aTrue, but we could have asked for a few days off.a He put his hands on her shoulders and rubbed there. aIave been dreaming about you for the last week. I feel like Iam not sleeping at all.a aFunny that you should mention that. Iave been having some prettyavividadreams myself.a His dimples appeared in his cheeks, and he ran a hand down her arm before clasping their fingers together. aI canat wait to hear this.a aI donat know that youall ever hear it.a Her face flamed. aBut know I had them, okay.a He opened his mouth, but quickly shut it as Liz made her way back over to them. aI need to go. Your dad needs help at the shop.a aOkay, Mom, I had a good time today.a Hannah hugged her tightly. aIf you wanna get together tomorrow, just let me know.a aIall talk to your dad and see what he wants to do,a Liz commented, holding her arms open for Garrett.

aIt was a pleasure seeing you again after spending so much time talking on the phone.a He gifted her with a smile.

Hannah noticed her momas cheeks getting red. She couldnat help but shake her head. Even her mother wasnat immune to Garrettas charms. They watched Liz walk away, and Hannah pinched his side. aYou are way too cute for your own good,a she laughed.

aWhat can I say? Women want me.a

Chapter Two.

Hannah gripped Garrettas hand as they walked down West End towards his car. She loved being in Nashville, even though it wasnat exactly easy for the two of them. Here, they didnat have to worry about paparazzi, and people werenat surprised to see them walking down the street. They could be more free here.

aIam so excited youare here,a she said again, gripping his arm with her free one. She clasped his left hand and gingerly ran her finger over his wedding ring. It still gave her a secret thrill that he was the type of man who liked to wear it and didnat take it off.

He swung her bag in the opposite hand and smiled down at her. aIam excited to be here too. It only sucks that Iam not here for longer.a aHow long did you get off?a she asked as the two of them approached the car.

Garrett walked her to her side and opened the door for her, playing the gentleman for her, before walking over to the driveras side and having a seat behind the wheel. aI flew in today; Iam here all day tomorrow, and my flight leaves at eight p.m. the next day.a Not long enough at all, but they would do what they had to do and enjoy the time that they could get together. She bit her lip to keep her emotions at bay. The two of them had chosen this life and they had chosen to get marrieda"no one had forced them to do either of those two things, but sometimes being responsible really sucked.

aI guess Sh.e.l.l already left,a Hannah laughed, seeing a note on the kitchen counter. She leaned down, reading the hastily scribbled handwriting, as she put her bags atop the granite.

aIs it weird for you that she still lives with you?a Garrett asked, throwing the car keys next to the bags and having a seat on one of the bar stools that made up the kitchen area.

aWhy would it be weird?a She shook her head. aDo you not want her living with me?a This was a slippery slope, Garrett realized, but head already opened his mouth. aWhen I come here, I kinda just want to spend time with you; we get so little of it.a She could see where he was coming from, but she couldnat kick Sh.e.l.l out; shead lived here ever since Hannah had bought the little craftsman bungalow. aI donat know what the solution to this problem is.a She laughed nervously.

He got up from where he sat and walked around the counter. aMaybe itas time for me to put roots down here too. I think itas time for us to take the step of finding something together.a This was big, huge in her mind. Even though the two of them had been married for almost four months, theyad never bought anything together. Purchasing a home together signified something she had been scared to hope for from him. Ridiculous, she knew, but a slow smile covered her face.

aWhat?a he asked, smiling back at her.

Hannah walked over to where he stood and slipped her arms around his neck. aBuying a house is something that married couples do!a He chuckled, one dimple showing in his cheek. aWell, babe, we are married.a He held his left hand up to show the wedding ring shead put on there.

aI know, but we donat get to do too many of the things that normal married people get to do.a Garrett smiled slowly. aThen weall do this, and weall devote ourselves to it while weare recording. I want to do every imaginable married thing possible.a That warmed her heart; it always did when he said things like that. There was a part of her that worried he would get sick of her, that he hadnat honestly been ready to settle down and be with one woman for the rest of his life. Every time he said things like that, it chipped away at one more little piece of resistance.

aI love you,a she told him, reaching up and capturing his lips with hers.

aI love you too,a he mumbled against her lips.

Garrett buried his hands in her hair, sighing when he tilted her head to his liking, finally able to capture her lips the way he wanted to. It had been a couple of hard weeks in the studio. He and the guys were being rough on each other, and he had a ton of tension he needed to release. Before Hannah that had meant going out to their favorite bar, drinking themselves into oblivion, and finding some random chick to go home with. Now, he didnat have that but he needed it. He needed his wife like head never ever needed her.

Grasping her hips, he lifted her into his arms, taking a moment to thank G.o.d that shead worn a dress. He pulled his lips back from hers, burying his face in her neck and inhaling deeply. He had missed her scent terribly. That scent let him know that she was with him and she wasnat going anywhere. Running his hands along her thighs, he clasped them around her back and walked them over to the counter. Once he sat her there, he pulled back, his green eyes connecting with hers. He loved when she looked like this, her eyes hazy, her lips swollen, and her cheeks red, because head done that for her, to her.

aI missed you so d.a.m.n much,a he whispered before grasping the back of her neck in his hand and melding their mouths together again.

Hannah wondered what had happened in the weeks since they had seen each other, usually their time together like this wasnat so intense. He wasnat as finessed as he normally was, he was taking her the way he needed her. She wanted to question him, but it was obvious that he didnat want to talk.

Running his hands up her smooth legs, Garrett separated her thighs, making room for his body in-between them. With rough movements, he unbuckled his belt, pushing his pants down just far enough so that he had room to work. His long fingers grasped her hips and pulled her to the edge of the counter, pulling her panties aside. aSorry, but I need you,a his voice was guttural as he pushed into her.

The truth of the matter was, she needed him too, any way he needed her. Hannah loved to be whatever he needed her to be, thatas what she had always dreamed of when she thought of marriage. Digging her nails into his shoulders, she hung on for dear life as he took her hard. She moaned when his arms came around her back, holding her in place for him, to keep her from sliding.

Garrett buried his head into the crook of her neck, nipping the slope of her shoulder with his teeth. He brought one hand back up to her neck, digging his fingers into her hair and tilting her head back to expose her neck to his mouth.

ad.a.m.n, Han,a he groaned as he used his teeth to nip at the strong column of her throat. When she sighed the s.e.xiest sigh head ever heard from her mouth, his release hit him like a punch in the gut. He couldnat stop it any more than he could stop the earth from spinning, the sun from shining, or from loving this woman that he held in his arms.

Hannah was right on board with him, thrusting her hips against his, leaning up so that she could bury her face in his neck. She had thought this would enda"the feelings that she got whenever they were together, the almost painful way her heart constricted when he held her like she was the most precious thing in the world to him.

He felt the rush of her breath there and sighed, clasping his arms more tightly around her. aI f.u.c.kina missed the h.e.l.l out of you,a he breathed, willing his heart rate to slow down.

aI got that.a She grinned, pulling back and gazing up at him. aAre you sure nothing else is wrong?a It wasnat the fact that he had taken her quickly, or even hard; they had done all of that before. This time, there had been a desperation in his movements, like he was scared of not holding her close enough, scared that she would leave.

Garrett had to look away from her probing eyes. He pulled out of her body and hitched his jeans back around his hips, before turning away from her.

aWhatas wrong?a she asked, trying to hop down from the counter, but her legs were too short and she struggled before finally making the leap. It wasnat graceful, and she was grateful that his back was turned to her.

How did he explain to her, when he wasnat sure himself? aI feel stifled.a aBy me?a she whispered, her heart stopping. Surely to goodness after what they had shared, he wasnat going to ask for a divorce. Right?

aNo, no, no.a He held his hands out in front of him as he turned back around. aI want to make a record thatas completely different from anything weave ever done before. The rest of the guys are with me, but the record company isnat. Our producer is even liking the stuff weave brought to the table, but they donat want to budge. They donat want to give us that freedom.a The politics of having a record deal. Now that she could understand. aWhat are you gonna do?a aI donat know,a he sighed.

She could tell it was weighing heavily on him. The one thing, as an artist, that you didnat want to do was compromise, but at the same time, your family still had to be fed. aHave you thought of making the alb.u.m you want to make and then giving it to them? Letting it stand on its own merit? You guys are big enough that you arenat going to have an exec with you in the studio, over your shoulder, every day. Finish the alb.u.m, hand it to them, and then be like, apeace outa.a A smile spread across his face and he laughed. aPeace out?a aYeah,a she giggled right along with him. aPeace out. Letas face it, the fans that love Black Friday are probably going to gripe that itas not the same music that youave put out before, and theyall complain for weeks about it, then that song will hit number one, and the alb.u.m will release at number one. The record company will then wonder why they ever doubted you. Just keep what youare doing under your hat until youare done. Use some of your old demos that they havenat heard before.a aG.o.dd.a.m.n, youare a genius sometimes.a He reached over, kissing her on the cheek.

She shrugged, her eyes avoiding his. aI may have done it once or twice myself. Sometimes, as an artist, you just know. It may be the worst mistake youave ever made in your life, but Garrett, your fans are so rabidatheyare gonna love anything you do.a This, right here, was exactly what he had been missing. Someone who believed in him no matter what he wanted to do, no matter how bad of a decision it might be. He needed her confidence in him. There were only so many times he and the guys could try to pump each other upa"at some point, it had to come from an outside source. At that moment, he yawned loudly, his jaw cracking from the force of it.

aYou tired?a she asked, reaching her hand up to cup his stubbled cheek.

aYeah, Iave been worried, so I havenat been sleeping.a Grabbing his hand, she led him through the house, to her double-headed shower, turning it on before he even had a chance to speak. aLetas get cleaned up and go to bed.a aAt,a he checked his watch, asix oaclock?a aWeare on our own time here.a She waved him off. aBesides, itas been way too long since I got to sleep in your arms.a aTomorrow, maybe we can talk more about getting a house?a She grinned. aYeah, we can talk more about you buying me a house.a The light-hearted joke did more for him than anything could have, and he knew without a shadow of a doubt that working in some days off was exactly what he had needed. He vowed he would make the most of ita"time with her was precious and he wasnat going to waste it.