A/N: Hey y'all, so as many of us are I am very intrigued by Rayna and Deacon's history, their back story. Having said this, I got this little idea in my head and it would not leave me alone. Ever since the idea popped into my head I have been flooded constantly with ideas for further on in the story. When the idea comes, whenever and frankly wherever the I am when the idea strikes me I find something to write it down on. Also I've envisioned a lot of it, and I know my writing probably doesn't do it justice but I hope its not half bad. Um, wow now I'm just rambling. Please keep in mind after finishing this chapter that, I needed a place to start...I promise it should, it will get better. A little note on the rating, well I'm just going to start it off as rated M, because I know for a fact that down the line as the story develops well lets just say that we'll be in a rated M level. No, need to get into trouble with the ratings police lol. Okay, so if there are any similarities to other Deyna stories it is completely unintended and I apologize fully, all rights and praise belong to those writers. Happy Reading(:

Chapter 1: Lead Guitarist

Thursday April 30th, 1992

30 days until opening night…

Conversation circled around and around the large fold out table in front of the makeshift stage at the Sound Check. Rayna Jaymes sighed completely exasperated by the fact that they literally had no real options. Jim, her drum player twiddled his thumbs off in another world. By his red eyes and the far off look he had she knew he was high and momentarily envied him for that. Rayna would love to let loose like that but currently she had a lot to worry about with the tour, and the lack of a lead guitarist. While they sat there, the rest of the band began to sound off on their thoughts and ides for the tour, between new lead guitarist options as well as the set list.

She nodded her head as she listened to her band mates concerns pertaining the upcoming tour they would be embarking upon that summer. They had gotten word that she would be opening for the very popular Garth Brooks. Garth himself had called Rayna and offered her the gig being his opening act, and she took it as such an honor not to mention an extremely huge opportunity that had the potential to sky rocket her already rising career.

"None of this matters if we don't have a lead guitarist, we leave in a month." Rayna said with an irritated sigh glancing around the table at her band mates, and her manager. Waiting for anyone to throw out a suggestion, it was beginning to stress her out that they still hadn't found a lead guitarist. There had been countless guitarists' who auditioned for her and Bucky, and they had even thought that they found two that might work. However, after giving each of them trail runs, Rayna and the rest of her band made a unified decision. They didn't gel well together, and that just wouldn't work going out on tour with someone who didn't take direction, someone who just didn't seem to want to be there.

"Well, I hear Deacon Claybourne comes highly recommended." Bucky interjected his eyes glancing over several sheets of paper that were sprawled out in front of himself.

"Oh, yeah he's really good." Catlin, the fiddle player, offered with a smile on her face her eyes sparking with childish delight. "It's what…Thursday? He's probably playing tonight at the Bluebird."

"What do you think Rayna?" Bucky asked genuinely wondering what her thoughts were on the matter. "I could give him a call."

Rayna let the information she'd just discovered about this Deacon character sink in for a moment. Sure, she had heard that he was known for his drinking and rodeos, but also for his unbelievable talent on a guitar and the heart he laid out in his songwriting. Yes, it wasn't the first time she'd heard the name she just never really thought he'd be interested in joining her band, they didn't appear like they'd mesh well with one another, or maybe he was just the kind of energy she needed right now. Considering her stand in the industry was shaky at best, she was optimistic that this summer tour would lift things but knew the likelihood wasn't great. "No, don't. I'll go check him out tonight, and if I like what I hear I'll offer him the position."

Bucky looked at her skeptically, "are you sure that's a good idea?"

With a shrug of her shoulders she smiled and pushed herself away from the table shrugging into her leather jacket then slinging her purse into place on her shoulder. "We can only find out. See y'all tomorrow, hopefully with a lead guitarist." She said with a soft laugh as she made her way out of the building.

The toes of her boots slapped against the concrete as she made her way out of the Sound Check building. As the spring air blew at her Rayna inhaled the fresh air deeply blinking her eyes several times, what in the hell had she gotten herself into? Walking over to her car, her hand began to fish through her purse in desperate search of her keys. Once she found them she jammed the key into the side of the door, with a flick of her wrist she pulled open the drivers' door and slid into her deep red '88 Chevy camaro. The engine roared echoing briefly in her ears as she shifted it into drive and barreled out of the parking lot. Her hand strayed from the steering wheel to fiddle with the radio dial switching the station. The classic "Crazy" by Patsy Cline buzzed through the speakers and Rayna reached for the volume knob turning it to the right. Soon enough her own voice was echoing back the lyrics that were blaring from her speakers as she veered down the road stopping at a red light.

Downtown Nashville sang with life around her, Rayna's eyes darted around the windshield in search of a parking spot. Damn, it was busy tonight. Surely all the commotion couldn't be because of this Deacon Claybourne. Finally finding a parking spot, she pulled in, perfectly spaced between the set of yellow lines. The briefest of smiles chased across her facial features as she cut the engine and swiped her purse off the seat next to her. With the creak of the door handle, the toe of her cowboy boot met the asphalt as she climbed out of the car. Nodding her head at a couple passing by, she glanced up at the small blue overhead shade that had The Bluebird Cafe, scrawled across it in white lettering.

Pulling open the door her eyes drank in the crowded café, she offered a soft smile as a few pairs of eyes landed on her. She slipped towards the back of the café trying her best not to create any attention to herself. Leaning back against the bar top Rayna situated herself on the stool and finally glanced up to the stage when she heard a voice boom throughout the intimate venue. Wow, he was, attractive. As he began to play a chord progression his deep voice slid smoothly between his lips accompanying the melody he was playing. Rayna became transfixed by his passion and the depth of the lyrics he was singing, they were so raw, emotional. Brushing a tear from her cheek Rayna clapped along with the rest of the café as Deacon's set came to an end. He was amazing, she realized right then and there that she wanted him, had to have him as her lead guitarist. No one else would do. Their eyes had meet several times, throughout his set and Rayna didn't really think much of it, pushing herself off the bar she began to walk in his direction. Sidestepping and avoiding a collusion with people as she moved against the crowd. A smile was exchanged between them as she stood in front of him. Before she even had the chance to speak Deacon surprised her his deep voice breaking their semi-awkward moment.

"So, what brings you down here?" Deacon questioned with a crocked smile, his deep southern drawl seeping out.

"Aw I don't know just came to see what all the fuss is 'bout." She said with a slight shrug, he was the talk of the town, or rather the talk of her manager, Watty White, and seemed to be the apple of Catlin's eye.

"Yeah? And whatcha think?" Not that he really cared what the supposed Princess of Country thought of his music, he was just trying to be polite.

With a shrug of her shoulders a sly smile captured her lips. "It wasn't too bad, I s'pose."

He quirked an eyebrow at her, "not too bad?" As he said this, a group of girls came over to him swooning over his charming personality. But Rayna gathered that the girls reactions were more so over what he could do with a guitar and the right words. She had to admit he left her mesmerized as well, craning her head to the side she rolled her eyes at some of the girls audacity. Had they ever heard the term of acting like a lady? Clearly not. It was all beyond her, most of the girls' came across as sleazy and cheap, not being subtle at all with their sexual innuendo. Keeping her head turned to the side in an attempt to avoid any attention not wanting it at the moment, as the "Rising Princess of Country Music" as the local newspaper had pegged her. Sure the second single sky rocketed to the top of the charts, but she wasn't sure she had found her voice in the industry yet. Or if she really wanted to embrace the Princess of Country label just yet. Hell, most of the songs on the album she hadn't even written. Out of the twelve, she co-wrote a total of two of them. The newspaper article probably not going to gain her the credibility she so desperately desired.

"Sorry what were you saying?" Came out of his mouth laced with arrogance and a little hint of self deprecation, springing her out of her internal turmoil bringing her back down to reality.

"Nothing. Nothing at all…ya'know never mind this was a stupid idea." Rayna said shaking her head as she swiveled on the balls of her feet and collected her purse off the barstool and began to walk towards the door. With that simple statement and smirk from him, she realized he didn't respect her, nor did he seem to like her.

"Hey, wait…" with that his hand shot out and his fingertips wrapped around her bicep, his deep blue eyes holding her own captive. "Can I buy you a drink?" The invitation he offered was paired expertly with a breathtaking grin, and it caused Rayna's heart to thud maybe a little quicker than she'd ever admit to.

A smile slid across her own lips and she shrugged her shoulders attempting to appear less than interested in his offer. "Sure," even though she was just a year shy of the legal age limit she figured it wouldn't be much of a big deal. The bartender more than likely would recognize her and then it'd be on the house Rayna internally rationalized, trying to put her mind at ease. But the more logical part of her brain taunted that barely anyone knew who she was, not yet anyways. However, her debut album had literally just been released on Tuesday, in time she figured, she hoped things would change. She hadn't worked countless hours over the past two years for this album to just flop.

Slowly releasing her arm from his grip Deacon smiled and nodded his head. "Alright just give me a few minutes to pack up. We'll get outta here, I know a great bar."

"Okay." Jamming her perfectly painted fingernails into her back pockets Rayna swayed slightly on her feet eyeing her surroundings. A young girl about twelve scurried over to Rayna wearing a huge grin as the young girl's mother trailed after her. She eyed the young girl in a curious fashion not too sure if her eyes were gonna explode from the intensity of her stare.

"Rayna Jaymes! Oh, my goodness…it really IS you! I am such a huge fan, I love your album, I listen to it everyday…" the young girl trailed out in one long breath.

"I'm sorry Ms. Jaymes." her mother butted in trying to steer her daughter away from Rayna.

"Aww, no I don't mind." Rayna said with a wide smile plastered across her lips, realizing this was her 'first' real fan interaction. As she noticed her mother cradling a camera a thought struck her. "How 'bout a picture with my biggest fan?" Giving the young girls shoulders a little squeeze, she nodded towards the mother's camera.

"Really? Mom please?" Came out as a squeal from the young girl as she jumped around a little bit and pleaded with her mother to use some of the film she had left in her camera to take a picture of her with her idol.

"Well alright, if Ms. Jaymes doesn't mind." the mother finally relented.

"Yes, it's no bother, really." Slinging an arm around the young girl's shoulders Rayna posed wearing her 100 watt smile that was known to make men's hearts melt. By this time Deacon had finished packing up all his stuff and was on-looking to the scene that was unfolding in front of his eyes. Maybe he had underestimated her. This candid moment with her and a young fan was very touching to him, Rayna just had this air about her. One he never really saw from her video or her two singles that were played on the radio, she was very caring and sweet on the fan. Several flashes later, and just before the mother could usher the girl away Rayna spun around and fished through her purse finding a scratch piece of paper and a pen. "What's your name darlin'…" Rayna inquired as she glanced down at the wide eyed fan.

"Aly, Ma'am"

"Alright Aly…" bending over the bar top slightly Rayna placed the scratch piece of paper down and scrawled her pen across the white paper. "Aly, thanks for being the best fan in the world. Love Ya, Rayna Jaymes." With a swirl of the pen she created a large heart next to her name and smiled as she handed over the paper. "There you go, it was so nice to meet you."

"Oh. My. Gosh." Aly gushed as she clutched tightly to the scratch piece of paper that was littered with Rayna's writing, crinkling it a bit. Her wide brown eyes bounced up and down the words and she beamed throwing her arms around Rayna's waist. "Thank you, thank you, thank you Ms. Jaymes."

Slightly surprised by the young girl's reaction Rayna giggled softly and embraced the girl. "You're very welcome sweetheart, and please it's Rayna. Mrs. Jaymes was my Nana."

"Ms.-I mean Rayna thank you." Aly stammered out starstruck as she stepped back and tilted her head back to gaze at Rayna.

"Of course, it was my pleasure."

"Alright come on Aly we need to be gettin' home. Thank you, Rayna." Slinging an arm around her daughter they walked past Rayna and Aly gave a shy wave as she lingered at the threshold of the café door. Rayna glanced down at Aly's mother came by and nodded her head brushing off the mother's thank you, as the mother and daughter headed out of the café. When she glanced up she noticed Aly lingering at over the threshold offering a wave in her direction. A soft smile chased across her lips as she returned the pre-teen's wave.

Unbeknownst to her, Deacon was watching all of this play out and was finding himself rather enchanted by her, not that he'd ever let on to that. She was everything he loathed, a sellout, in his opinion, surrendered to the nontraditional ways that the country music world seemed to currently be swaying in. With a quick swivel of her heel she was facing him and smiled softly as she jammed her hands into her back pockets. "All set?"

"Yeah, lets go."

She nodded her head and glanced over at him walking towards the door. His guitar case occupying one of his hands didn't stop him from using his free one to open the door for her. Rayna smiled slightly at the gesture and walked through shrugging further into her leather jacket as the cool spring air pelted at her. A mixture of exhaust and fresh fallen rain assaulted her nostrils as she inhaled deeply. They stood side by side on the sidewalk and without words he scurried over to his '81 Chevy pick up truck. Pulling open the door with a squeak Deacon placed his guitar inside before slamming the door, his eyes traveling up her body. He assessed the way her faded Levi's hugged her long legs making him gulp, while his blue eyes trailed further up Rayna's body. When his eyes landed on the sliver of lace poking out underneath her black leather motorcycle jacket he smirked. Eventually their eyes meet and Rayna lifted an eyebrow at his not so subtle tactic, he laughed gently putting his hands up in mock defeat as he nodded down the street.

The pair walked side by side on the sidewalk, "So, I'm Deacon Claybourne." He said in an odd almost shy voice not entirely sure why he was bothering with introductions.

"I know," a coy smile crept up the corners of her lips as she glanced over at him, "Rayna."

It struck him that she only offered her first name, everyone in music city knew she was a Wyatt she had grown up in the fold. Grown up in a mansion in Belle Meade, grown up with one of the most powerful men in Nashville as a father-Lamar Wyatt, and a mother who had been a favorite in the country music business. A mother who was taken from the industry far too early. It intrigued him that her stage name, the name the whole world would be calling her was Rayna Jaymes. Was this all just an act to her? Just an alter ego she'd get to play on stage, something she had to simply just get out of her system before she returned to her privileged life. He wasn't quite sure.

"I know," Deacon shook his head as he replied mimicking her tone but pairing it with an irresistible playful smirk.

"Right, well…it's good to finally meet you. I've heard great things about you," Rayna said taking over the conversation as their eyes met and he slowed to a stop.

"Likewise, Ms. Jaymes." Being the gentlemen that he as presenting himself as Deacon held open the door to Tootsies for her.

Before stepping inside Rayna offered him a courteous nod, "it's Rayna." With that she stepped inside and was momentarily blinded by the smoke filled neon honky-tonk she had just entered. After blinking several times her eyes darted around, absorbing her surroundings clutching her purse a little closer to herself. There was a young man probably around her own age stationed on stage covering a Johnny Cash tune, setting her mind in brief ease. She watched as some occupants of the bar scooted effortlessly across the small wooden dance floor, the unmistakable sound of the heels of cowboy boots clicking followed their movements. But it wasn't until the sudden feel of a hand tugging on her arm that caused her to flinch and be broken out of her daydream. Once the blur of the smoke and neon cleared from her vision she registered who was ushering her towards the bar, Deacon. Rayna slide easily into the stool next to him suddenly a little concerned about being underage.

"Two shots of Jack please." Deacon's voice urged the barkeep with a tip of his head behind the bar and a raised index and middle finger.

Her blue eyes skid across the bar top before raking over Deacon's side profile. "Come here often?"

All Deacon offered in response to her question was a slight shrug of his shoulders not necessarily answering her question, one why or another. His head lolled side to side as if he mentally weighed out her reaction to his answer, giving himself away.

"There ya are Deacon," the barkeep clarified the answer Rayna was in search of. By the use of his first name it was crystal clear to her that Deacon did indeed frequent this particular establishment. Whether it was recreational, to get drunk, or to perform she had yet to discover.

"Thanks, Bud."

"Anything for the lil lady?" The bartender's smoldering yet inviting eyes shifted over to Rayna a smile forming on his chapped lips.

"Um, a Captain and coke please."

"Sure thing darlin'.." he offered her a wink as he went about making her drink of choice. A death glare shot in his direction by Deacon did not go unnoticed.

Pushing one of the shot glasses across the bar counter to her, Rayna glanced down at the rich amber colored liquor before her. Licking her lips her fingers wrapped around the cool glass as she lifted it towards him, Deacon laughed slightly seeing her raised shot glass but wasted no time and clinked their glasses together. He tossed it back easily, swallowing it down without making a face. Rayna envied him, although as he nodded towards the bartender for another round she was reminded that this was his element. Whereas it wasn't quite hers, well not yet anyway considering she was still at the ripe age of twenty.

As she took the shot, her face scrunched up and she coughed slightly as she swallowed down the harsh liquor. Her lips pursed together before she let out a long breath, feeling as if she had just swallowed fire. And to think people actually enjoyed this kind of liquor was all beyond her. The bar keep reappeared in front of her on the opposite side of the counter placing a napkin down before placing her glass down on top of it.

"It's on the house," the bartender informed offering her a wide toothy grin.

"Thank you," she replied as her fingers wrapped around the glass and lifted it to her lips, desperate to replace the current taste that was lingering in her mouth. The mixed drink was a welcomed replacement from the fire that still nipped at the back of her throat.

"Is mine on the house too?" Deacon shot back at the bartender with a lifted eyebrow as he was presented with two more shots.

"Sorry, you're not even half as pretty as she is," He offered in passing while he dragged a heavily used and ratty rag across the counter of the bar, before scurrying away to handle another customer. A light pink hue creeping onto her cheeks from the bartender's comment.

Deacon hung his head slightly and mumbled something inaudible as he tossed back one of the shots waiting for him. Sipping her drink Rayna spun around in her stool so that her back was towards the bar so she could take in the rest of the bar. The guy that was on stage sounded amazing, and she was captivated, always fascinated by just how much talent was in this city. Chance encounters with any one of the Country music greats was always a likely possibility, especially in bars like Tootsies, and places like The Bluebird Café. Both hot spots for the legions to frequent and Rayna couldn't even begin to wrap her mind around just how many greats had passed through those doors and sat down for a beer, or a whiskey, it amazed her.

"So…"

His voice broke her out of her musing and she glanced over at him for a second her hand cradling her glass before her eyes flickered back to the stage. "So," she said matching his tone brushing a lock of hair out of her face with her free hand.

"Why'd ya come out to the Bluebird tonight to check out my performance?" Deacon turned in his stool so that he was facing her. Watching as her eyes sparkled when they caught the neon lights of the bar and as she began to clap he joined in. Applauding the man on stage whose set just finished by the sound of things. She craned her neck and their eyes met briefly before she diverted her eyes and took a large gulp of her drink.

"It's hot in here," Rayna said out loud to no one in particular effectively not answering Deacon's question as she slipped out of her leather jacket.

Suddenly his eyes became glued to her every move lost in the new patch of skin she revealed and maybe it was just because she appeared to be completely unfazed by him. Unlike most other girls, as his eyes bounced around the bar the countless pairs of female eyes did not go unnoticed. What was her game? Certainly he pushed her buttons, he couldn't fathom that she was immune to his natural charm. Shaking his head he attempted to brush it off, it wasn't like he even liked her anyway.

They sat there swaying in their seats slightly as the jukebox began to sputter out throughout the bar. What was his deal? She momentarily wondered, he had insisted on buying her a drink and yet they hadn't done much of any talking. What was the point? Rayna downed the rest of her drink in its entirety then swirled around placing the empty glass down on the counter top. She lifted her eyes nodding towards the bartender, a smile passed between the two as he cleared her glass, "same thing?"

Offering him a small nod, "yes, please."

When he heard her voice Deacon turned back towards the bar and retrieved his shot off the counter and once Rayna got her refill he ordered himself a Jack and coke, along with two more shots. After he received the drink and shots he slid one of the shots over to Rayna who eyed the dark liquor skeptically. "Tryin' to get me drunk?"

"Nah," he said dismissively taking a sip of his own drink his eyes moving around the bar at the potential.

She inhaled deeply biting the inside of her cheek as she tried to rationalize how she was going to win him over, how she would get him on board. "Ya know, you should come out on the road with me, as my lead guitarist." Rayna paused then inhaled shifting on her stool uncrossing her legs her entire body facing him, "think about it…a chance to play in front of thousands of people…the rush, the high from performing for all those people." Leaning her upper body closer to him she finally met his eyes itching to see if her words had any effect on him.

Mindlessly he continued to sip his drink tilting his head side to side letting her stew, "so that is how you are plannin' on wooin' me?" Deacon asked with a lifted eyebrow tipping his small glass on the bar top.

"Nobody said anythin' bout wooin' ya, it was merely an offer. Take it or leave it."

"You want me." Rolled off the tip of his tongue, as she lifted her glass up slightly taking a sip.

She bit her tongue as the harsh liquor burned a trail down her throat and warmed her belly, fighting the urge to roll her eyes at that comment. Glancing over at him, her eyes drank him in, his chiseled jaw and the stubble that was forming against it, damn, he is very attractive. Shaking the thought from her head she licked her lips and pushed a hand through her auburn hair. "You think you're so cute…" Keeping a steady hand on her glass, her southern drawl seeped out becoming more apparent as she trailed her eyes over to take in Deacon's profile, giving him a look that screamed she wasn't amused.

"I think, you think that I'm cute." he slurred slightly while he tipped back his most recent shot.

Rayna let out a loud cry laughing and shaking her head. "Oh, you are so delusional. I asked you to be my lead guitarist, I'm not panting at your feet like all the other girls." She said with a wave of her hand towards the rest of the bar and the girls that were eyeing him like a piece of meat. Sure, Deacon was attractive but that wasn't the kind of relationship she was trying to create. Especially with him, she knew all about his wild ways, and the slew of women that seemed to follow suite. "I could get another one of you with a snap of my fingers. I don't need to deal with this shit!"

"If that's true then why are you here?" Deacon shot desperately trying to rile her up, what for? He wasn't entirely sure.

"I s'pose I'm here to give my manager and band mates piece of mind by entertaining their suggestion."

"Oh you're so considerate," Deacon said in a condescending tone. Which only made Rayna roll her eyes at him. Her eyebrows scrunched together and a silence hung between them as she downed some of her drink. Taking a hint he offered her a simple nod, then glanced over at her, "ya know if you really wanted me, ya could've just had your manager give me a call. Would've saved all this hoopla."

"I know I could've…but I thought a simple appeal from artist to artist might be more effective."

"Oh, so you're an artist now?" Deacon jabbed not knowing just how deeply rooted her insecurity about her stance as an artist laid, let alone how uneasy she was when it came to the direction of her career. But she was a Wyatt by blood and she'd never let him know how she really felt.

"You're such an ass." She said with a huff shoving his arm and swiping her shot off the bar top in front of herself and tossing it back with a fury. By this point the Jack was going down even easier than she recalled the first one did. It just kept getting easier and easier to take them she was discovering. Steadying herself against the counter Rayna exhaled loudly her body feeling exceptionally warm.

When he laughed at her insult that only seemed to infuriate her more. What the hell was so damn funny? She wasn't quite sure but to hell with it, she need to make her intentions crystal clear to him. Biting down on her lower lip she pushed a hand through her hair moving it around a bit before dropping her hands to the top of her thighs and rubbing her palms against the denim. "Well that's the offer. If you want the job be at the Sound Check by 9am tomorrow. Drink on it, or whatever you need to do…but it'll probably be the best thing that ever happened to you." Pushing herself off the bar stool she folded her leather jacket over her arm and swayed ever so slightly on her feet.

"Aw you think so now?"

With a shrug and a smirk, Rayna tapped his bicep as she brushed past him, her fingers lingering for a split second across the middle of his back between his shoulder blades. "Sure do, G'Night Deacon. Maybe I'll see ya tomorrow."

"I wouldn't count on it Princess." Deacon called after her as he watched the natural sway of her hips as she walked out of the bar, reaching out and throwing back the lone shot that was laid in front of himself.

XXXXX

The sun spilled through the blinds and splashed across Rayna's face, going out with Deacon had not been a good idea. As soon as she sat up in her queen sized bed her head ached, oh today was going to be a long day. Tangling a hand through her auburn hair Rayna swung her legs to the side of her bed and tossed the covers from her body. She maneuvered clumsily towards the adjoining bathroom, she seriously could not wait to leave this mansion behind for the summer and if everything worked out for her, forever.

After going to the bathroom she assessed her reflection in the mirror momentarily before washing her hands. Pushing back the thick shower curtain Rayna leaned half into the shower fussing with the hot and cold handles until the water was at a good temperature. Water began to rain down from the shower head and she quickly removed herself letting the curtain naturally fall back into place as she walked around her personal bathroom. She retrieved a couple towels as well as her fluffy white robe and hung it on the two hooks on the back of the bathroom door that was to the left of the shower within reaching distance.

Rayna stripped her pajama's from her frame and kicked them over towards the basket on the opposite side of the room. Lifting back the curtain she gingerly stepped into the shower sighing as the warm water cascaded down around her soaking her hair. Her head throbbed as she stood underneath the jet letting the water fall around her body. About twenty-five minutes later, all shampooed, conditioned, shaved, and scrubbed down Rayna switched off the water. It trickled to a drip making her shiver inwardly as she pushed back the shower curtain and reached for a towel. Once she removed the towel off the hook she rubbed her arms and legs of the water droplets then wrapped the it around herself tucking in the corner of the towel by her left breast. Carefully she stepped out of the shower taking her robe off the hook and tying the belt around her waist. Then she retrieved the other towel and wrapped it around her dripping hair.

Gliding across the bathroom Rayna grabbed her lotion out of the cabinet and lathered it down her silky smooth legs. After wringing out her hair a little she combed through her auburn hair tugging open the bathroom door and walked into her bedroom. She stepped over yesterday's discarded outfit as she stood in front of her walk-in-closet. Assessing the dangling garments Rayna licked her lips her hand brushing along some of the options. Designer, designer, specially made, designer, nearly everything in her closet seemed to scream Daddy's little girl which was something she desperately wanted to avoid at all costs. She had started this whole process almost two years go and things finally seemed to be swaying in her favor there was no way she was going to let that go.

Finally, she was dressed in a mini skirt and a flannel Rayna grabbed her favorite pair of brown cowboy boots and tugged her feet into them. Slinging her purse onto her shoulder she strode through the mansion pulling open the heavy oak door stepping out into the sunlight squinting as she hurried down the concrete stairs. She twirled her key ring around her index finger then jumped into the red camaro closing the door behind herself. As soon as she fired up the engine Rayna frantically searched for her sunglasses. "Ah-Ha" she said gleefully while she shoved the sunglasses onto the bridge of her nose and switched her car into gear and pulled out of driveway. Speeding slightly through the community she slowed as she reached the gates and waved. Accelerating out of the suffocating community she felt chained to, her blue eyes flickered to the clock by the tape deck and she cussed, late. She was going to be at least a few minutes late, her right foot pressed down a little more on the accelerated as she zipped through downtown finally made it to Sound Check.

Parking her car Rayna hurried to the door waving at the woman beyond the receptionist desk as she weaved her way throughout the building. The moment she finally reached the door she sighed then heaved hope the door causing everyone in the room to turn and wave to her. "Hey y'all!" Was her greeting as she waved at her band who seemed to be in unusually high spirits, especially Catlin who was giggling like a school girl. Blue eyes shifted around everyone, when she finally spotted Bucky she smiled setting her purse down onto the fold out table. "Hey, Buck can we talk?"

"Sure. What's up? Oh, and hey great job getting Deacon on board. I have a really good feeling about this one." He said with a wide grin giving her shoulders a light shake.

"What?"

"Oh look, the Princess is finally here, did you get enough beauty sleep?" Deacon teased as he came out from behind the soundboard.

"Deacon." Rayna said with a slightly surprised expression capturing her facial features, "so you took the offer?"

"Yeah, I thought why not."

"Well, its good to have you on board. I guess you can get the sheet music from Bucky and we can meet here tomorrow and you can start rehearsin' with us."

"Already got it, and I'm ready to go, now. I know your tour starts in less than a month, no need to waste time."

"Oh really?" Was all Rayna could manage as she stood there semi-perplexed by the fact that he already had the music, and was ready to go right away.

"Yup. So, Princess are we gonna keep wastin' time chattin' or-"

"Let's start rehearsin' y'all." Rayna said cutting him off effectively prying the reigns out of Deacon's hands, this was her band, her career, she wouldn't let him push her around. And she definitely would not let Deacon Claybourne get under her skin, or mess with her head for that matter.

TBC…

A/N: Well, there you have it y'all. Please don't brush this story off based of the first chapter. Yes, it's not my best work…I'll be the first to admit that, however I just keep getting flooded with ideas for further down and in order to develop those ideas more fully I needed a starting point. With that said, this just felt right to begin the story this way. Please stay tuned, I have NO idea once so ever how long this is going to shape out to be but I will tell you with the amount of ideas that seem to consistently be badgering me, that it'll be a long story. I hope some of you are up to embarking on this journey with me. Okay, I've babbled enough. Reviews make my life…oh and constructive criticism is welcomed, but with that in mind, please be kind. Make my life? Mauhhh! Thanks for reading babes, until next time( :

XOXO