Before we can discuss it further, the door creaks open, and Raina steps out, the sunlight illuminating her as she joins us at the table. There’s a soft vulnerability in her demeanor as she takes a seat next to me.
“What’s going on?” she asks, tilting her head as if sensing the excitement swirling around us.
“We’re just discussing how much the world loves you,” Nash replies with a playful wink. “They can’t get enough of you, and neither can we.”
Her lips twitch into a smile, but I catch a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She picks up my phone, scrolling through the comments with a blend of curiosity and caution. “Over a million views?!” Her eyes go wide and her mouth drops open. “Wow, I didn’t expect this level of attention,” she murmurs as emotion wells within her.
“This is only the beginning,” I assure her, leaning in closer. “You’ve got the world on the edge of its seat, Raina. They believe in you just as much as we do.”
She watches the latest video through twice before turning to me. “Thank you for not trying to hide my recovery like it’s some kind of secret or something shameful. I want others to know that it’s okay to struggle sometimes.” She leans over and presses a kiss to my cheek. The warmth of it spreads through me until it reaches my toes.
This woman lights me up like none other.
“See this one here?” I point out a comment that reads,Can’t wait to hear her voice!“You’re already showing them,” I add, feeling my heart swell with pride.
“It won’t be too much longer before I can get in the recording studio,” she replies, conviction creeping into her voice. “Though I still want to wait to show the world until our first performance together.”
The soft clink of dishes fills the air as we carry our breakfast plates inside. Raina and I work together loading the dishwasher while the guys make their excuses to leave the room. They already know my plans for the day—now I just have to see if my girl wants in on the fun.
When we finish, I lean against the coolness of the counter and catch her hand in mine. “You busy today, sweetheart?”
She turns, those bright blue eyes locking onto mine as she contemplates my question. “Uhh, I was planning to do my usual thing while you guys record. Why?” she asks, arching an eyebrow in playful suspicion.
“I was thinking they could handle it without us today. I’ll lay my part down tomorrow.” I squeeze her hand. “What do you say? Put on something you don’t mind getting dirty, and have some fun with me.”
Raina crosses her arms, tilting her head slightly. “Is this another one of your video ideas?”
“Nah.” I wave that thought away. “Way better.”
“Better?” she repeats, thrown off.
“A date,” I murmur, tugging gently on her hand. “If you’ll go with me, that is.”
Her face lights like the sun, her smile almost blinding. “Darius Thompson, are you really asking me on an official date?”
“Only if you’re saying yes. Otherwise I need to come up with some kind of cool move to hide my rejection,” I tease, feeling the familiar pulse of excitement that accompanies my time with her. “We could use a break from all the chaos around here.”
A moment passes before she nods, a spark igniting in her expression. “Okay, but I’m not so sure about this getting dirty business.”
“Fair enough,” I reply with a laugh.
It doesn’t take her long to get dressed in yoga pants and a tank top, then to lace up the hiking shoes I got her. When in Colorado, you explore the trails. Especially with so many close by. At least, that’s what I told her.
“You know I’ve never really been hiking,” she says as we pull onto the winding road.
I whip my head toward her, nearly swerving. “What?” I gasp, jerking my eyes back to the asphalt.
When I have things under control again, I glance at her. The wind swirls through the air from the open windows, sending loose strands of her hair dancing in the breeze. Her profile is lit by the sun, making my cock twitch in appreciation. It’s like I’m driving a little piece of heaven, the world unfolding before us with each winding turn in the road.
“Yep,” she says, popping the P for emphasis. “Dickless never wanted to risk my getting hurt. Didn’t want to take a chance that I wouldn’t be in prime condition for any shows or appearances he had me booked for.”
I scowl, hating all the trauma he’s put her through. It still feels like there are things she’s unpacking from over the last fiveyears. I’m willing to bet there’s more to come yet, but we’ll face them as they come.
“It’s about time we change that. Are you excited?” I ask, watching her expression transform as we navigate the curves.
“Honestly?” she replies, a hint of giddiness dancing in her voice. “I’m more than ready to make a new memory with you. You better hope you chose a good trail if you want to make sure I wear out these shoes.” She taps her feet together as she stares down at them.
Reaching across the middle console, I grasp her hand, threading our fingers together. “Then get ready for a surprise,” I say, excitement bubbling as we wind deeper into the mountains. Her laughter spills over the music, light and bright, and I want to savor it.
