Then

Chapter 3

Hunter's POV

I stood outside CMT . i couldn't get that girl out of my head. I paced back and forth in the frosty afternoon air, trying to gather up the courage to enter the building.

You sing in front of millions. Dont be a wimp, Hayes. Without letting myself chicken out, i bolted through the doors and to the front desk where Lisa, the receptionist, sat. She looked up from the phone call she was taking and smiled, signaling me to wait. I stood patiently as she scheduled an interview with Tim McGraw. When she finally finished, she hung and up and looked at me.

"Hunter!" she exclaimed and stood up for a hug which i returned. She had short blonde hair and milky brown eyes. Sure i thought she was pretty but not my type. I had met her a few times. Hopefully she would know who I'm talking about.

"Hey Lisa. Um Is Korrie here?" i sounded really desperate but i needed to find her.

"Um..." she frowned as she mentally reviewed her co-workers. "She's back there making copies..." she pointed to a work room behind her desk and i thanked her quickly.

As i entered the small room i fixed my hair and took a deep breath. And there she was. Her back was turned to me and she hummed quietly to herself as she stapled and copied papers. Stepping further into the room, i cleared my throat, catching her attention.She jumped and put a hand over her heart as she whipped around. I blushed in apology for scaring her but she recovered and smiled at me.

"Hi. You keep sneaking up on me." her sweet voice sounded and i grinned back at her.

"Hi. I'm Hunter Hayes." i held out my hand and she shook it, hesitation in her eyes but a smile on her lips.

"Korrie." was all she said. i was still holding on to her hand but i wasn't shaking it. I liked the way it fit in mine.

"Korrie. Beautiful name. I'm sorry I didn't ask you the other night." i nodded, liking how her name sounded on my lips. She blushed and looked down, mumbling her thanks. "So you are in college?"

"Yeah. I go to Belmont." she removed her hand from mine and continued her work as she talked to me, keeping busy.

"What year?" I sat on the table next to the copy machine and she stiffened but kept going.

"Freshman."

"How old are you?" I asked. only a freshman?

"18." She looked older than that, almost my age.

"Where are you from?" my legs swung under the table as i waited for her answer.

"Seattle, Washington."

"Why are you at Belmont?"

"Ballet and talk show production."

"And you are an intern here? Why?" i shrugged at her. She turned to face me and gave me a polite smile.

"I'm sorry, its been great talking to you but i really need to get back to work. So excuse me." she grabbed the papers and scooted past me. My heart fell as she made it to the door.

"Wait! Korrie!" I called after her. She turned to face me, patience etched onto her face. She raised an eyebrow at me, waiting for me to talk.

"Yes?"

"I would like to take you out to dinner tonight." my heart felt like it was in my throat as she bit her lip.

"I get off at 4. But I need to be back at my apartment by 8 to do homework." she blushed as she agreed and i sighed in relief.

"Ok deal! Bye Korrie." i said with a wink and she laughed.

"Goodbye Hunter Hayes." and she walked out.

I was whistling as I waltzed into the recording room. Matt looked up at me and frowned in confusion as I set my guitar case down. After i had left CMT I went home and cleaned myself up quite a bit for our the dinner date i had to plan. It was stressful. Did she want fancy or casual? Should we go to italian or chinese? I hadn't done this since High School. And even then I knew what the girl wanted to do. I eventually decided on Italian and made reservations for two.

Devo came out from the booth with Dann and they both looked at me expectantly and i just shook my head no. I hadn't come up with a song for forever now. Dann sighed and left to make a phone call and Devo came over to me.

"Why do you look so nice?" he asked and I laughed.

"Because, Gentlemen... I have a date!" I announced with pride and they murmured in surprise.

"With who?" Steve asked as he walked in and I rubbed my hands together.

"A beautiful girl named Korrie!"

"Beautiful enough to write a song about her? Where is she from?" Dann asked coming back from his phone call.

"Seattle."

"She rolled in from the west in a summer sundress..." Matt quietly sang causing us all to erupt in a burst of laughter.

"Don't screw this up, Hayes." Devo warned and I nodded.

"Wow, great advice."

I smiled as I looked at the watch on my wrist. Leaving the studio, I practically ran to my car. The sun was setting and I smiled at the orange glow covering Nashville. Looking at the flowers in the passenger seat, I prayed to god she liked roses.