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  Beyond the Lights

  by Casey Peeler

  Also by Casey Peeler

  FULL CIRCLE SERIES

  Losing Charley

  Finding Charley

  Loving Charley

  TUTUS & COWBOY BOOTS SERIES

  Tutus & Cowboy Boots Part 1

  Tutus &Cowboy Boots Part 2

  DRAKE BROTHERS SERIES

  Everett

  Jeremiah

  Colby

  Beckett

  STANDALONE NOVELS

  Crashing Tides

  Southern Perfection

  Boondocks

  Lion Eyes

  Worth the Ride

  Contents

  BEYOND THE LIGHTS

  Also by Casey Peeler

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Books in the Wanted World

  Chapter 1

  Addie Mae

  TAKING MY PALATE OF EYESHADOW in my hand, I look at the canvas in front of me as I work my magic on the hottest actress in Hollywood these days. Callie Marks is scrolling through her phone as I try to apply the perfect shade of smoky topaz to her.

  “Callie, can you like put that down for two seconds?” She rolls her eyes and tosses it on the vanity.

  “Sorry, those damn tabloids are terrible these days and my sister won’t let them go.”

  Shaking my head, I take the fanned brush in my hands and work magic. Within a few moments, her makeup is complete. Taking a step back, I smile. Damn, I’m good. Spinning her around, she looks in the mirror.

  “Shit, girl! You are amazing! By the way, I’m loving that hair. Platinum is totally you.”

  “Thanks,” I say as there is a knock on the door. They give her five minutes and I touch up her lipstick quickly as she stands.

  “So you won’t be here this weekend?”

  “Nope. Heading home. My bestie is about to birth a baby!” Giving me a hug, she walks out the door and I take a moment to clean up my station.

  As my phone pings, I glance down and see it’s Madelyn. She has no clue I’m coming home to Mason, but I’ve been working on this couple’s baby shower for over four months with the help of her brother, Sawyer.

  “Hey, girl. What’s up?” I question as I hold the phone against my shoulder and continue to work.

  “Not much, but Tate and I were talking about you and I was wondering when you thought you might come home?”

  “Maddie, I’m not sure. The schedule on production is crazy right now and I can’t just leave. It’s a little harder getting a replacement in this biz.”

  I hear the sadness in her voice, and I do my best to refrain from laughing by covering my mouth with my hand. She’s going to piss her pants in less than twenty-four hours, and word on the street is that is super easy to do when you’re preggo.

  “I’ll be home before the baby comes, I promise.”

  “You better, and you’re not going to believe this. Did you know they moved Sawyer to the head coaching job?”

  “Shut up!” I almost yell and then calm myself. “He’s been waiting on that forever. Lord help, though. That’s going to go to his head, I’m sure.”

  “Probably, but you know he deserves it. I swear he’s given that team his entire life and I can’t wait to see my big brother under the lights. Plus, Tate’s the new defensive coordinator. Looks like I’ll be spending every free minute at the field.”

  “You’d be there every Friday night anyways. It’s what we do.”

  “True, and these days I’m there Thursday nights, too. Well, girl, I’ve got to run, but let me know when you think you can make time for little ole me.”

  “Hush, I’ll be home before that cute little boy arrives.”

  Disconnecting, I grin ear to ear and make sure that everything is back in place. I wait for the next touch-up while counting down the moments until they wrap up this season, then I’m on the first plane to Mason.

  Taking my phone, I quickly text Sawyer and make sure that everything is good to go for Saturday morning. He assures me that everything is right on schedule, but I doubt that. He’s a guy, what does he really know about a baby shower? All he heard was beer and he was game. After three more touch-ups, it’s time to call this season a wrap.

  “Hey, Addie, we’re heading out to Next Door tonight. Do you want to go?” Callie asks as she changes out of wardrobe.

  “Girl, I’d love to, but I’m leaving for home in the morning and I’ve yet to pack a thing.”

  “One drink. I won’t see you for forever! Not to mention, I’ve got the in.”

  I laugh, “Callie, you’re like the best thing since Reese Holden. All you have to do is walk up and they will let you in.”

  “Exactly!”

  “Fine. I’ll meet you there.”

  “Oh, no. My limo will pick you up at seven. We’ll grab a bite to eat and then head over. My treat. It’s the least I can do for making me look fab.”

  “Well, when you have an awesome face to work with, it makes my job super easy.”

  She grabs her purse and phone before giving me a quick hug and hurries out the door. Turning off the lights, I close the door and walk toward my Jeep. Pulling the top off, I pull my hair into my Mason ball cap and peel out of the parking lot for my apartment. I can’t wait to go home and plant my feet on that perfect Texas soil.

  * * *

  Sawyer

  Seeing Addie Mae’s name reply to my text, I hold my breath. That girl has always been a pain in my ass, but she’s my sister’s best friend. The moment she asked me to help her with this baby shower, I was like hell no. What’s a guy got to do at a baby shower anyways? She quickly informed me that it’s very kosher for men to come, hang out, play games, and drink beer. She had me at beer, and if I’m being honest, I’d do anything for my little sister. Not to mention, my nephew is going to be amazing on the football field like I was back in the day. I can’t wait to coach him on the Drew Mathews Field at Mason High or even Pop Warner when he’s big enough to walk. He’s got football running through his blood, and for me that’s all I’ve ever been able to focus on.

  Thank goodness I remembered to text her or she’d have blown up my cell phone all night. I don't have time for that while I’m on the field. I’ve got to focus on football not baby showers. If I have to keep this up much longer this woman is going to be the death of me.

  “Damn, Jackson. Who’s got you checking your phone before a game? Please tell me it’s not Lori.”

  Laughing, I turn to Kyle, my offensive line coach. “Heck no. That girl tried to change me one too many times. It was Addie Mae. That girl has gotten on my last nerve for as long as I can remember. I can’t wait for the stupid shower to be over so I can delete her from my contacts.”

  “That’s right. I about forgot. What are we supposed to bring anyways?”

  “Beer, yourself, your wife, and a gift. I’m betting fifty bucks that Jessie’s already got that covered for you. Now, can we forget about this until tomorrow? We’ve got a game
to win.”

  “Damn right,” he says as we both make our way on the bus.

  Chapter 2

  Addie Mae

  GOING THROUGH MY CLOSET, I grab the perfect outfit for the shower along with a few others. I can’t wait to get home and chill out a few days. I love this life, but sometimes I just want to be in Mason, cheering the boys on a Friday night, or fishing at the Jackson’s pond with my hair pulled through a ball cap and no fake eyelashes. A smile spreads across my face as I daydream about returning home.

  Once I’ve gotten everything thrown in my suitcase, I pray that it doesn’t cross the fifty-pound limit and then hurry to get ready for the night. Quickly, I shower and straighten my platinum blonde hair before carefully applying my makeup. Looking in the mirror, I focus on every detail and once I’m pleased with every inch of my face, I take a step back and smile. There aren’t many things I can do right each and every time, but makeup is one of them.

  I grab a beer from my refrigerator and take a seat while I wait for the limo. As my phone begins to ring, I see that it’s my mom.

  “Hey, suga! How are things?”

  Giggling, I shake my head at her. “They are perfect and will be even better tomorrow.”

  “Exactly. Now are you sure you don’t want us to come and get you at the airport? I really hate for you to rent a car.”

  “Mama, it’s fine. Plus, I’ll need something to drive while I’m home. I know that y’all have stuff to do and don’t need to chauffeur me around town.”

  “Bless, you know it’s no big deal. I wanted to let you know that everything is perfect for the shower. I talked to Betsy and she said that Sawyer has everything under control. She also said that she’s been thoroughly impressed at his excitement for this shower. Are you sure this couples thing is a good idea?”

  “Yes, Mama! It’s the newest trend and I can promise you beer is acceptable, too. No worries. Now, my flight leaves at eight fifteen tomorrow morning. I figure by the time I get landed, grab the car, grab a few items for the shower in town and make the drive, I should be in Mason by three.”

  “Be careful, please.”

  “Of course, Mama. I’ll see you tomorrow! Love you.”

  “Love you, too, suga.”

  Taking a long pull of my beer, I think of how tonight and tomorrow will be so different. Tonight, I’m going to one of the hottest clubs in LA, but tomorrow, I’ll be in the middle of nowhere and the only bar sells longnecks and house liquor.

  As lights shine through my window, I see the limo pull up and hurry out the door for a night of fun with the one and only Callie. How did I get to live this amazing life?

  * * *

  Sawyer

  As the clock ticks down the final seconds of the game, I feel the excitement of a win build in my veins. This is my first year as head coach at Mason High. I’ve dreamt of it my entire life, and now it’s a reality. Looking to the scoreboard, the numbers dwindle to zero and as the buzzer sounds, I look to my boys and staff. They erupt with excitement as we head toward the middle of the field to shake hands and take a knee to give thanks for the victory tonight.

  Tate, my brother-in-law and bad ass defensive coordinator, walks toward me and slaps my shoulder. “Good job, Jackson.”

  “Same to you,” I say as I look into the crowd and see my parents along with my very pregnant sister who has the biggest smile on her face. She waves at us and I smile up to her before hurrying off the field and getting these boys home to Mason.

  After the last player has been picked up, I turn off the lights to the field, lock up the field house, and jump in my Jeep, letting out a deep breath that tonight’s game was a victory. Now, tomorrow is a new day, different players, and a new league. To some folks it’s just a sport, but in Mason, it’s a way of life. If I don’t give them a kick ass season, I’ll be gone in a year. It doesn’t matter that I’m homegrown or a previous star. All that matters is another “W” in the record book.

  Chapter 3

  Addie Mae

  THE MOMENT THAT MY HEAD hits the pillow I’m gone, but it’s only feels like a few moments before my alarm sounds and I’ve got to get ready for my flight. Why did I book this early of a flight? Then I remember it’s because there’s a home game tonight and I need a little time to get the final details ready for Saturday evening’s shower.

  Pulling myself from the warm covers, I quickly shower and get ready as if I’m going to work. In my line of work, you must always look your best. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to the grocery store or to a red carpet event. I’m a makeup artist and I must look the part at all times because if don’t, my job could be at stake.

  Straightening my hair, I put on the finishing touches, glance in the mirror at how flawless my skin looks and make sure that there are no bags under my eyes after being out a little too late last night. Tossing the last-minute items in my suitcase, I double check the apartment and then load my suitcase in my Jeep. Securing the top in place, I climb in and drive to the airport.

  Arriving at the airport, I park and take the shuttle to check-in. Flashing my ticket and passport, I quickly make it through security, find the closest coffee shop, and order the biggest coffee available.

  Taking the warm liquid in my hands, I grab a seat, pull out my notebook and gather my thoughts on the shower. With the tailgate theme, this has been super easy. Mom has made sure that the cake is ordered and has taken care of a few little details that I knew Sawyer couldn't handle like decorating. Then it hits me. That sweet little boy needs some Mason High apparel.

  Sliding out my phone, I dial Sawyer. It rings but there’s no answer. Seriously?! We’ve got a baby shower in twenty-four hours. I leave a voicemail and go back to my list. It seems too good to be true, but I think tomorrow will go off without a hitch, then I get an idea. Maybe I can take Madelyn for a girls’ day at the salon. Shaking my head, I think that could be dangerous since it’s Mason and they aren’t exactly up on the newest trends. Searching on my phone, I’m shocked to see a quaint little salon has opened up right outside of Mason. Dialing the number, I ask for more details, what they offer, and then decide to book us an appointment for a manicure and pedicure. Madelyn deserves a day of relaxing before little man arrives.

  As I hang up, my flight begins to board. I power off my phone and take my seat in first class. Once I’m situated, I finish my coffee, close my eyes, and dream of the most perfect baby shower around.

  The three-hour flight is relaxing and exactly what I needed to detach from my chaotic lifestyle. As the pilot comes over the intercom, I realize I’m almost home and can’t wait to have my feet on that Texas dirt.

  As the wheels hit the runway, I take my list and put it in my pocket, make sure that I have everything and exit the plane as soon as possible. Waiting at the baggage claim feels like it takes forever, but as my aqua suitcase slides around, I grab it and go straight to rentals. Walking up to the counter, I give my confirmation number and the clerk informs me that my vehicle isn’t ready.

  “What do you mean, not ready?”

  “We’ve got other vehicles, but not a Jeep like you’ve requested.”

  “Well, what do you have?”

  “We’ve got a Mercedes SUV or a Lexus SUV.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Sorry, but we’re not. Will either of those work?”

  “I’m afraid not. I need something with some room and able to go in four wheel-drive. What trucks do you have in?”

  The clerk looks at me funny. “Ma'am, they do have four-wheel dive.”

  “I know, but I need something that can get dirty. Those are for city girls.” She looks at me with uncertainty and then turns to her screen. Oh heavens, here I am looking like a girl straight out of the city and I ask for a truck. I guess you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. “Just because I look like a city girl doesn’t mean I am,” I say with a smile and my strongest Mason accent.

  “I’ve got a Chevrolet Silverado and an F-150.”

 
“Great. Either of those will be just fine.”

  Once I sign a few papers, I take the keys and walk to the parking lot. Tossing my suitcase in the back seat, I climb inside, get my seat situated and put the Chevy in the wind for Mason, only making one stop in San Antonio for all the perfect party decorations, plates, napkins, and a few surprises.

  After the two-hour drive, I see the most beautiful sight I’ve seen in a long time. A purple water tower with Mason written in white. Man, it feels good to be home. Glancing at my phone, I see that I don’t have a message from Sawyer yet. Looking at the time, I know I better get to him now or I’ll never get to talk to him later today with the varsity game. I text Mom and let her know I’ve made it to town and will be there shortly, but first, I’ve got to pay Sawyer a visit.

  Turning toward Mason High, I take in the sights and thank God I grew up in such a beautiful place. It might be small, but this place is where my heart belongs.

  * * *

  Sawyer

  Hanging up my office phone, I take a look around and then head toward the field. We’ve got a pep rally in an hour, and my boys are ready for a run through.

  Walking out to the field, I have the boys huddle up and call for the first play. They move through it with ease, and we continue to do this for the next twenty minutes. Looking at my clock, I know it’s time for us to head to the gym when a black Chevy truck comes tearing into the field house parking lot on two wheels. Looking to Kyle, I say, “Get that kid’s tag so we can let Officer Jenkins know to call their parents.”

  “You got it,” he says as he starts to walk off and that’s when the door opens, I see a pair of heels, tight as hell jeans, a shirt that would make any man look, and the whitest hair I’ve ever seen. As she closes the door and turns my way, I do a double-take. There’s no way.

  “Wait a minute, Kyle. I’ll handle it.” Looking over my shoulder, I see that every male around is drooling and there’s something about this moment that makes me want to protect the biggest pain in my ass. “Boys, quit staring or y’all are running suicides.”