TJ clutched onto my arm as we walked towards the table. Her eyes were looking around the room at every unknown person she saw in front of her.

"They all sign NDA's," I whispered, noticing her nerves, "Don't worry."

"It's not that. I just look like shit."

I looked over at her. "I think you look quite good in my shirt and sweats."

I pulled out the chair and motioned for her to sit, before taking the spot next to her. There was a display of food, quite a large assortment of things, already on the table. TJ reached for the pot of coffee and filled her mug. She leaned back in the chair, her hands gripping the cup.

TJ must have noticed me looking at her empty plate as she said, "I'm not hungry yet."

"Well, if you are, later on, everything will still be here. Or, have someone call down to the front desk and they will-"

"Carter," TJ placed her hand over mine. Warmth radiated from her touch. "I promise you I will eat."

"Right," I said, "I know you will. I'm just..."

"Thoughtful."

I was thankful she had chosen a word like that. Although, I felt it gave me too much credit for something I didn't deserve. She had some type of relationship with food - I wasn't sure what that necessarily was. And speculating felt wrong of me to do. Especially when it wasn't my place. Nor something she had ever brought up to me.

TJ leaned forward and gave me a quick kiss. She immediately pulled back with reddened cheeks.

"They all signed-"

"NDA's, I know," she whispered back. "That was just our first kiss in front of other people."

I was glad she wasn't worried about the others in the room seeing us together, as I knew there was nothing to be worried about. There was little I knew about the types of contracts Jeff handed out. However, from what I did know, they were ironclad. It felt like the less I knew about them, the better.

"We should've given them a real show then. Full-on make-out and everything."

TJ rolled her eyes at my teasing and gently swatted my chest with the back of her hand. The playful smile of hers, I noticed, began to falter slightly as Jeff took a seat on the other side of the table.

Jeff opened his binder and pulled out a piece of paper, sliding it on the table towards me. "Here is your schedule for the day, and-"

"This is way longer than what we had planned."

Jeff cocked his head to the side. "No, that's the schedule, Carter."

"This can't be right. This has me coming back after midnight." I turned to TJ, placing my hand on her thigh, "I didn't think I'd be gone for so long."

"It's okay."

"No, it's not. You're going to be here alone for, what? Nineteen hours?"

TJ placed her hand on mine. "Carter, stop. I'll be okay. You're here to work, remember? So, while you do that, I'll keep myself entertained. And later I'll watch you on," her head quickly turned towards the sheet of paper, "Jamie Camelle Tonight. Then once you're all done charming the crowd, I'll be here waiting for you."

"You sure?"

She leaned forward with a smile. "I'm sure." She dropped her voice to a whisper and added, "If you're a good boy today, I'll even give you something special when you get home."

"Oh really?"

The corner of her mouth tugged, forming her famous smirk. "Really."

I cleared my throat and looked at Jeff. "The schedule is fine."

"Excellent." Jeff was clearly happy with my quick attitude change.

"I'm going to get Big Mike to stay back with you," I told TJ, before putting a forkful of eggs into my mouth.

"Are you sure? You won't need him today?"

Grabbing a napkin, I wiped the corners of my mouth. "There are other guys. Besides, I think you will feel more comfortable with someone you have already met."

Well, met was a loose term considering most of their interactions had been while she and I were getting up to some promiscuous activity. However, there was that time we snuck out during the last trip in this very city when Big Mike escorted us during the very early hours of the morning while we took in the sights that New York had to offer.

"And if you need anything, tell him and he will make sure someone gets it for you," I continued. "Or, if you want to go out somewhere, he will take you."

"I don't think leaving is a very good idea," Jeff interjected.

"Why? You can't actually expect her to stay inside all day."

"There are paparazzi everywhere, Carter. I'm still surprised we got her in without anyone noticing."

"You can't be-"

TJ resumed her touch, placing her hand on mine once again. "Carter, stop," she said softly. "I appreciate your worrying but this week isn't about me. It's about you. I'll be okay." She gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "If I'm being honest, all I really want to do today is lie in that bed - that's one of the comfiest beds I've ever been in."

I agreed with her, not wanting to keep pressing an argument for her that she appeared to be indifferent on. TJ seemed so sure in the way she spoke, but I couldn't imagine her genuinely not getting bored from being locked in a hotel room all day. I made a mental note to ensure someone on the team was always available to get her whatever she needed throughout the day. Maybe I could get Ryan to drop by at some point with some things for her.

"Carter?" The sound of Elijah's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Come on, we better get started on that bedhead of yours so you're out the door on time."

Rising from my spot, I gave TJ a quick kiss on the forehead and made my way over to where he stood. A chair was set up in front of a large mirror, which had large light fixtures on either side that Elijah turned on. Next to the chair was a round table that had been pulled over from its original position in the room and was now covered with various hair and makeup products.

Elijah stood behind the chair as I sat down, running his fingers through, what he kindly called, my bedhead. "Is that her?" he asked quietly.

I nodded, sneaking a glance at her through the reflection in the mirror. "It is."

Elijah turned his head over his shoulder. "Come join us," he called to TJ, waving her over.

As TJ made her way towards us, Elijah grabbed one of the loveseat chairs and dragged it closure.

"There you are, sweetheart. I'm Elijah," he greeted, extending his hand. "The only person alive that is trusted to style this superstar's hair."

TJ introduced herself and shook his hand. "I feel honoured to be in your presence then," she said, taking a seat in the chair.

"I like you," he said, turning his attention back towards my hair. "Can't believe I've been doing your hair since you were, what? Sixteen? Time flies," he looked at TJ, "And, boy, have I seen some styles on him."

"Oh really?" TJ drew her legs close to her chest, holding her mug of coffee close. "I'm guessing not all of them were good."

Elijah laughed, picking up a spray bottle. "No, my dear, they were not."

While time had flown, Elijah's brutal honesty was something that had never changed. Well, that and his bachelor lifestyle which he had continued into his late forties. I always thought Nadine would have been a good match for him, someone who could easily keep him in his place, but I never pried into their relationship.

"He's lucky he had a cute face to pull off that mop head of hair he had."

Tuning back into the conversation, I defended myself by interjecting, "Hey, that was the style back then."

"That doesn't mean it was good," Elijah quickly shot back before continuing to TJ, "And then he grew out his hair - which I really liked. But he wouldn't even let me give it a trim to keep it healthy!"

"Long hair?" She took a sip from her mug. "I bet you looked good with that."

"Maybe I'll try it out again soon."

The front door opened as Nadine busted her way through, pulling a clothing rack, filled with garment bags on hangers, from behind. She let out a dramatic sigh as she went her way into the room. "Don't fret. The clothes and I have arrived."

"Yeah, late," Elijah snipped, communicating in their usual teasing way.

"Oh, I'm sorry. You try getting that giant rack into those tiny-ass elevators during the morning rush and you see how long it takes you." Nadine turned her head. Her eyes lit up as she spotted TJ. "Oh! You're a cute little thing, who are you?"

"Careful there, Nad."

Nadine sat on the armrest of the chair, rolling her eyes. "Careful of what? That I'm going to scare her off because I said she was cute?" Nadine twirled a strand of TJ's hair around her finger. "I love your hair - this pink shade is so beautiful on you."

The hairdryer turned on, drowning out their conversation. From the corner of my eye, I could see TJ look at Nadine's brightly coloured tattooed arms and pointing to some of them. As Elijah continued to work his magic taming my so-called bedhead, I was happy to see Nadine and TJ continuing to get along. With their personalities, it felt like they would either become fast friends or each other's worst enemies. Thankfully, friendship appeared to be the route they were heading down. Or, at least civil acquaintances.

Nadine reached down into her bag and pulled out a magazine. Flipping through the pages, she landed on something and showed it to TJ. "You definitely need to wear something like this," I overheard as the hairdryer turned off.

TJ's eyes widened at whatever image Nadine was pointing out. "I wish," she said quietly. "I don't think I could ever afford something like that."

"I'm sure I could pull some strings."

"I can't ask you to do that."

"How about this," I heard Nadine say to her, "Keep this, and if you see something you really love, show it to me."

The conversation appeared to end there as Nadine got up and began to unzip the garment bags. TJ had her eyes down on the magazine in her lap. She slowly looked up, catching my glance.

"I like your hair."

"Thank you," Elijah answered for me, adding the finishing touch of pomade.

Once the hair was completed, Elijah gave it one last look in the mirror, clipped a section back so it would be out of my face, and moved on. I stayed silent, not wanting to disturb his work as he put a light layer of primer on my skin. He picked up the colour corrector or the miracle stick for covering the monstrous bags under my eyes as it was more commonly called by Elijah - another one of his kind terms. Although, I hated to admit how fitting the name was. It did help give the appearance that I slept at least eight hours every night. After the blemishes were concealed, a light spritz of setting spray went across my face.

"There, perfect," Elijah announced, marvelling at his work.

"Finally," Nadine scoffed from behind. She quickly handed me my clothes and hurried me off into the bedroom before I could get in a word. When I re-entered the room, she gave me an approving nod. "Good, it all fits right."

I stood in front of the mirror as Nadine began adjusting the fitted white slacks she had me wearing. She focused on the cord button-down shirt and looked over at TJ. "Top few buttons undone? What do you think?"

"I like them undone," she said. "Then you can see some of his tattoos."

Nadine seemed to enjoy her response almost as much as I did. "Smart girl," she whispered under her breath.

"She is indeed." I bit back a smile as the first three buttons were undone. I noticed Elijah had pulled TJ into a conversation, distracting her. "Even if she doesn't ask you for anything," I said quietly, ensuring my voice was low enough for TJ to not hear, "Still pull some stuff. I'll take care of it."

"Budget?"

"I don't think she'd feel comfortable accepting something that's, you know, the price of a car. So... just... nothing crazy. "

Nadine grinned, smoothing out the collar. "Unfortunately, all I heard was no budget."

Jeff stood from his spot and began to hurry everyone up and out of the room, due to being notified about the swarm of paparazzi outside the hotel. "This is going to make us late if we don't go down now," he announced. "I'm being told there are at least fifty to a hundred fans already out there. Plus the paparazzi."

Jeff was clearly panicked. Although it was bound to happen - since I had been entering and exiting out of the same hotel all week - it never made the realization any easier of what we would have to deal with once exiting the hotel lobby doors. Elijah began to quickly pack up his things and helped Nadine with the garment bags for the various outfit changes throughout the day. Jeff stood by the front door as the team headed out, tapping his foot impatiently.

"One minute," I said to him, waiting until he left before turning my attention to TJ. "You sure you'll be okay?"

"Carter," she warned, taking a step towards me. "I will be fine. Stop worrying and go enjoy your day."

"That's going to be hard to do without you."

"Well, fake it then," she took another step closer, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Because I'll be grading your performance today."

I placed my hands on her waist. "What happens if I do badly?"

"Then you won't get your surprise."

"Damn, this is going to be quite the challenge."

TJ rolled her eyes, not giving in to my pity party. "I'm sure you will be fine."

Big Mike entered the room, holding up a bag. Based on TJ's surprising reaction to seeing it, I assumed that was the missing luggage that she had mentioned last night.

"I was told you'd like me to watch over Miss Roberts today."

"Yes, just make sure she has everything she needs."

Big Mike nodded. "Of course. I'll be in the room across the hall if you need me."

When the two of us were once again alone, I said, "Okay, so if you need anything you just go to-"

TJ cut my words short, silencing me with a kiss. My hand moved from her waist, cupping her cheek as I instantly kissed her back. I was drunk off her touch. I wasn't sure how we had ended up in the current position of her against the wall with her hands pinned above her head. My slight haze of confusion didn't stop me from moving my lips towards her neck, specifically her sweet spot, which caused a muffled moan to escape.

The banging against the door was the only thing that pulled us apart. "Carter, let's go!" Jeff called out.

I met her glance as my hand released her wrists, allowing her arms to go back down to her sides. Our heavy breathes were the only noise that filled the otherwise silent hotel room.

"I meant to shut you up, not have some sex-crazed makeout session," she said, turning her head towards the door as Jeff knocked again. "Wow, he's two-for-two this morning."

I grinned, placing a kiss on her forehead. "I'll see you when I get back."

"Now, after that little performance of yours," she said, holding up her wrist as she rubbed the skin for relief, "You better be on your best behaviour today so I can give you that damn surprise." 

ALEXA - PLAY THAT SHOULD BE ME - someone in the comments probably