Paddy pulled up to a beautiful hotel that looked more like a grand old mansion than a traditional hotel. Right on the river, so the views would likely be fantastic.

The valet came out, and a bellman came to collect the bags.

Turns out their room was a suite that overlooked the Willamette as well as downtown Portland. Once their stuff had been delivered, he turned to her. “You like?”

“This is fantastic.” There was even a wood-burning fireplace in the living room of the suite.

“I discovered River Place right before I ran into you again, actually. This is the first time I’ve stayed in this suite. It was booked when I was here before. But I love the park next door, and the views are beautiful.” He stepped closer. “Like you.”

“Oh, you’re good, Hurley.”

He grinned and kissed her slow and easy.

“First shopping and then when we get back, we’ll get massages, and then I’m going to f**k you so hard, no one is going to look us in the eye when we check out because you’re gonna make so much noise.”

“That’s a very bold promise.”

“One that’ll bring me a great deal of pleasure to keep.”

“Win-win for me, then.”

* * *

THEY HEADED INTO town to shop, walking hand in hand as they did. He wore a knit cap and sunglasses but even disguised he was gorgeous, so of course people looked twice, and when they did, they realized he was famous.

In Powell’s, arms full of books, they were beset by a group of college-age guys.

“You’re Paddy Hurley! Dude! We saw you guys six times on your last tour. We even drove to Utah for a show, and then we went climbing. But it was stellar. Can I get your autograph?”

Paddy gave her an apologetic look, but she smiled and took the books he’d been holding. One of the guys saw it and handed her the small basket he’d been carrying around.

“Oh, here. You can have mine. I’ll get another.”

“Thanks.” He even helped her put the books in.

“When are you guys doing a new record? Been nearly three years now!”

Paddy signed things but kept an eye on Natalie, not failing to notice the way one of the dudes in the group had helped her with the basket and kept sneaking looks at her. Not that Paddy blamed him or anything, but she was his woman, after all.

“Finishing it up right now. It’s set to release in January. We’re touring starting in early February.”

He signed for the next guy.

“Where are you going to be playing?”

“Keep an eye on the website. Announcements about all this will be coming soon.” The label was working on all that. They’d drop the album and start the tour right then. It worked best for them that way, and they’d be out and back by the time Mary got too far along to be away from home. It was either that or wait until later in the year and have the tour with an infant. Damien was nervous about security and how it would be on Mary, so they’d opted for early in the year.

“Awesome. Thanks so much, man. It’s an honor to meet you.” The third dude pumped his hand, his smile from ear to ear. “Plus, your lady is plenty pretty. Damn.”

“Totally agree, man. You guys have a good day. We’re going to keep shopping.”

They stumbled off, waving over their shoulders as Paddy took the basket. “Sorry about that.”

“Nah. Nothing to be sorry about. They were pretty sweet, actually. You’re good with them.”

Better it be a group of dudes than women. It would happen eventually; it was part of the gig, after all. One he appreciated. But one he didn’t want her to be freaked out by. That time in the grocery store was one thing, but that was a whole different sort of experience.

“Let’s pay for this. I have a few more places to hit, and then we’ll get lunch.”

They did, and he got stopped twice more. The last one being the least pleasant.

“Oh, hey, Paddy!”

He’d been walking down the sidewalk toward where they’d parked when he’d heard the voice.

His arms were full of bags, but he kept close to Natalie as the women approached.

One of them full-on pushed Natalie aside so she could stand next to him.

“Standing here.” Natalie’s voice was not polite, though he had to give it to her, she kept her temper.

The woman turned and shrugged before looking back to Paddy.

“Hey, there, you maybe didn’t hear. Or see. But someone is already standing there. Can you move, please?”

“Oh.” She turned back, gave Natalie the once-over and then stepped in front of him, keeping her back to Nat.

“What do you ladies need? We’re on our way to lunch.”

“Don’t you remember us? The Gorge when you were there with Adrian Brown?” She licked her lips and Natalie snorted.

“Okay, then. Well, I’m going to skip this trip down memory lane. Mainly because it’s pretty rude with my girlfriend standing here. You two have a good day.” He stepped around them, juggling the bags to put a hand at Natalie’s back as they left.

He heard one of the women call Natalie a bitch and he stiffened, turning.

“No.” Natalie shook her head. “Who cares?”

“I do.”

“But I don’t. They don’t mean shit to me. Or to you, which is sort of sad and all, but that’s how it goes. Come on. We have lunch, and you don’t need to defend my honor.”