Rayna pushed against the heavy door and was engulfed by the darkness of the alley. While she stepped over some questionable garbage on the ground, a wolf whistle coming from the darkness to her left caught her attention. As she headed in that direction, a mocking voice guided her.

"Look out for those sparkly shoes princess, wouldn't want to get them dirty." Laughing, she was pulled flush against a taunt body as strong arms wrapped around her.

"Hmmm maybe I like to get dirty from time to time"

"Well baby, you have stumbled into the right alley, I can do dirty."

The kiss Deacon gave her to prove his point, made her knees give way. She had to grip his shoulders to stop from crumbling to the ground. She was panting for breath as Deacon pulled back. Slowly opening her eyes she saw the smug grin on his face. Before he could say anything, she allowed her lips to show him exactly how she felt about being kissed like that.

Not breaking their kiss, Deacon slowly walked them deeper into the shadows. Rayna felt the brick wall press against her back as she tightened her grip on Deacon, pulling him more solidly against her body. She moaned as he cupped her butt. Lifting her so she was on her tippy toes, he deepened the kiss. She snaked her fingers into his hair as she sucked on his lower lip. Groaning into her mouth, Deacon worked his fingers under her shirt and caressed her flushed skin. Breaking the kiss, Rayna gasped for air as she tipped her head back exposing her neck to Deacon's talented lips. Nibbling his way down one side of her neck he paused to concentrate on the sweet spot behind her ear that he knew drove her mad. She held her breath in ecstasy as he gently took the tender skin at the base of her neck between his teeth.

Scrambling to feel his bare skin, Rayna pulled in frustration at his t-shirt. The feel of Deacon's hot breath on her ear flamed the fire that was building within her. Scrapping her finger nails along his back, Rayna took possession of his lips again as her leg wrapped around his and pulled him closer. Their hips gyrated against each other, seeking a release while at the same time they basked in the slow building warmth engulfing them. Deacon's fingers teased the skin on her thighs before slowly walking them up under her skirt. Gasping in shock and excitement, Rayna's fingers followed his lead and slowly started unbuttoning his jeans. A dull noise seemingly coming from a distance slowly made its way through their excited state.

"Deacon? Hey man, are you out here"

Deacon slowly released her lips. Blinking in confusion, he looked around at their surroundings trying to work out where they were. Giving her a sheepish grin he kissed her forehead before croaking out a response to the voice in the darkness.

"Ye I'm here. What do you want?" The tone of his voice indicated to the faceless voice in the dark that he wasn't happy with the interruption.

"Um, you are on in 5 minutes."

Cursing under his breath he leaned into Rayna, squeezing her slightly as he breathed in the intoxicating scent of her.

"Ok, thanks. I'll be right there."

Brushing her hair back off her face, he peppered tiny kisses over her face in apology. When he could finally look her in the eyes, their look held an entire conversation. No words were needed. They both were frustrated at the interruption but understood that in this circumstance the music came first.

"You go in first; I might need a minute or two"

Rayna gave him a devilish smile, pleased that she had had that effect on him. He had been teasing her for the last couple of months it was about time she got some revenge on him. Giving him one final kiss, she sauntered back down the alley, making sure her hips swung enticingly, knowing that he would be watching her as she walked away. Deacon lent his head against the cold brick and took in large lungful of air. It was getting harder and harder to be a gentleman and resist the lure of Rayna. It was killing him and he was sure if something didn't happen soon, she would kill him as well. Pushing back off the wall he slowly walked back towards the entrance.

Rayna was still trying to pull herself together as she walked back into the Bluebird. She was frantically trying to get her hair to not look like someone had been running their hands through it, when Candy stepped into her path. Pulling up shortly, her voice held a tone of surprise as she greeted the young journalist. "Oh hi. I thought you had left Nashville."

Candy smiled at the Queen of Country, "no, not yet. I had a few loose strings to tidy up."

"Right, well, ahhh, it was nice running into you again but I better go find Bucky and Layla."

"Bye" Candy's eyes followed Rayna as she continued to straighten her clothing up as she walked across the room. Smirking to herself, Candy knew that she was on the verge of getting the story of the year. She could tell that Rayna was hiding something and she was determined to find out what it was.

Her eyes roamed over the room, taking in all the major players of country music that were present tonight. Just then she noticed an old friend enter the café and make his way to Layla Grant's side. Jeff Fordham. She couldn't fail to notice the look of distaste on Rayna's face as Jeff approached their group. It looked like Rayna wasn't a fan of Jeff. Candy knew that a lot of people felt that way about him. It just meant that he would be the right person to talk to get the dirt on Rayna Jaymes. Seeing Jeff head to the bar, Candy headed in the same direction.

"Jeff, it's been a while."

"Candy" Jeff's eyes roamed over her body, "it certainly has. What honour has graced us to allow us to have your company tonight?"

Smiling at the hint of sarcasm in his tone, Candy nods her head in Rayna's direction. "I am writing a piece on Nashville's music scene and thought I better talk to the Queen of Country."

"Right and how did that go? Ye, that's what I thought. You'd be better off talking to the talent behind the Queen." Jeff indicates Deacon. Candy scrutinizes him as he re-entered the Bluebird. Watching as he headed to the stage, she noticed his dishevelled appearance. Flicking her eyes between him and Rayna, she observes them giving each other knowing smiles accompanied by a slight flushing to their faces.

"Though he is loyal to her, so don't know how much dirt you are going to get on her from him. You would probably be better off talking to Wheeler." Jeff's statement sparked an idea in Candy.

"Do you know the reason why Rayna called the wedding off?"

"No, surprisingly there haven't been any rumblings about the real reason she bailed." Taking a swig of his whiskey, Jeff continues, "Maybe what she said in the press release was true…now wouldn't that be refreshing!"

"Maybe. What about a third party. Do you think they might have broken up due to a third party?"

"What? Are you talking about Deacon? I mean it is possible I guess, but come on the man has been making puppy dog eyes at Rayna all her career and she still chose another man. Hmm, there have always been rumours, but she had completely cut him out of her musical life when she was with Wheeler and from what I saw they only interacted for the sake of their daughter. Why, have you heard something?"

"Na, just call it professional interest. Its not often you have a break up between two industry greats without some dirt floating to the top." Candy refocused her attention to the stage, where Deacon was about to start his set. Her mind was ticking over as she put together the pieces she had in front of her.

"Thank you everyone for coming out tonight. It is great to be back at the Bluebird. Being away for so long made me realise how much this place is like home to me. These last few months I've discovered the importance of remaining true to yourself and returning to the things you call home."

Deacon focused his attention on strumming the first bars of 'Keep coming back' before he raised his eyes and sought out Rayna's. His voice caressed each word as he poured his soul out.

'Distance don't mean a thing.
I come when you pull the strings.
The strings of my heart.
Wherever you are.
Just pull, tug, tease
I'll keep coming back
Ohh It's true
I keep coming back
That's what I do
I retrace my tracks, to you.'

Rayna felt tears rising, as she felt Deacon's feelings encompass her. He was always willing to put his emotions out in the open with his lyrics and this song was no different. The crowd mightn't know who or what the song was about, but she knew that it was for her. It was his declaration to her, that he would always be hers and nothing would ever change that.

'Ohh It's true.
I keep coming back.
That's what I do.
I retrace my tracks, to you.'

The crowd was on its feet as soon as he finished. Blinking back tears that had arisen at the tender ending to the song, Rayna allowed the emotions that he had evoked encompass her like a warm hug. All she wanted to do was go to his side and let him know exactly what effect he had on her. But he was surrounded by adoring fans and besides there was a large number of reporters present tonight. She hadn't failed to notice that Candy was right at the front of the pack surrounding Deacon. Gritting her teeth, she focused her attention on Layla. She could feel the nerves radiating off her. Rayna knew that playing at the Bluebird was a big event but she had faith in this young artist. Leaning over, she placed a comforting hand on her arm. "You will be fine. I believe in you." Layla looked up at her, her eyes wide with fear. "You can do this. You know you can. Just follow Deacon's lead, let the feelings behind your lyrics speak for you and they will see what I see in you." Taking a deep breath to calm down, Layla gave Rayna a small smile of thanks.

Layla wowed them, as Rayna knew she would. When she got off the stage she was a bundle of energy which Rayna could remember from when she and Deacon were starting out. She smiled at Layla's enthusiasm as Bucky took her under his wing and introduced her to the press. Sipping her wine she watched as Deacon made sure he talked to all the young artists that had performed tonight. Her eyes roamed over him taking in his appearance. He had aged well, like a fine wine. She snorted to herself at her corny thoughts, when all she wanted to do was to wrap herself around him and never let go. Seeing him perform solo tonight had made her race pulse with desire and that familiar fluttering associated with Deacon went into overdrive. After all these years the effect his voice had on her still amazed her. The closest she ever came to describing was, it was like sinking into a warm bubble bath but one that calmed and excited at the same time.

Slowly the night dwindled down. People were however reluctant to leave after seeing so many amazing performances. Rayna was deep in conversation with Bucky and Pam as Deacon made his way over to their table.

"Hey"

"Hey yourself" Rayna smiled back at him.

"Deacon, as usual you wowed us"

"Thanks Pam" a bashful smile on his face indicating how uncomfortable he still was with praise.

"Ye Deacon, amazing. Maybe we should poach you from Bellcorp!"

Laughing at Bucky's compliment Deacon risks a look at Rayna. Her face was lit up in pride at the compliments.

"Anyway, just came over to say bye. I'm beat. Ray, I will talk to you later. Bucky, Pam it is always a pleasure."

Rayna watched as he headed out of the Bluebird. Turning her head back to answer a question from Pam, she failed to notice Candy slipping out the door shortly after Deacon, with a determined look on her face.

Deacon had just finished putting his guitars away when he heard a knock at the door. Glancing at the time as he headed to the door he saw that it was well after 1am. He wondered who the hell would be banging on his door at this time of the morning. Opening the door, his face showed his surprise at the late night visitor standing on his doorstep.

*** 'Keep coming back' sung by Charles Esten. Copyright ABC Nashville and the song writers.