However, Melanie wouldn’t take no for an answer, and I soon caved—like I always do. I bet she wishes she weren’t so stubborn now. Slater’s scowl is so white-hot, anyone caught in the crossfire is on the brink of being singed. Since Melanie is closest to him, she’s feeling his wrath just as intensely as me.
Incapable of withstanding his glare for a second longer, I peel my heart off the floor before darting for the corridor. I already look like a blubbering fool, so I refuse to add more idiocy to our reunion by letting strangers witness my tears.
Just as I’m about to exit, I bump into someone taking the corner too quickly. “Sorry.” Our collision wasn’t my fault, but I’m so desperate to get away, I’ll take the blame.
I’m partway out the door when a voice I don’t immediately recognize calls my name. When my eyes lift from the polished concrete floor, I instantly identify the light blue pair staring back at me. “Hi, Jenni.”
Jenni shoves me one step closer to coronary failure when she squeals an ear-piercing scream before wrapping me up in a firm hug. Even in the tense circumstances, I relish her embrace. It’s heartfelt enough to thaw even the iciest of stares—like the one Slater is still directing at me. I can’t see him, but I can feel his eyes on me. Who knew hate ran so cold?
After a final squeeze, Jenni inches back to peer into my eyes. “I haven’t seen you since the cabin…” Her reply falls short when her eyes zoom in on the moisture brimming in mine. “Are you okay?”
When my watering eyes stray to the handful of Rise Up fans who witnessed my exchange with Slater, Jenni tugs me into the hall, not only saving me from Slater’s wrathful glare, but from being booted out for creating a fire hazard as well.
“What’s going on? You seem upset.”
I shoo away her worry with a wave of my hand. “I’m fine. The smoke machines during the concert muck up my sinuses. I’m just grateful the mess is coming out of my eyes and not my nose. That would have been awkward.”Like things aren’t already a hot mess.
As I dab at the moisture pooling in the corner of my eyes, I plaster my best fake smile onto my face. Jenni’s pursed lips reveal she isn’t buying my act, but mercifully, she doesn’t push me.
“The smoke can be a little overdone at times.”
Our conversation is interrupted by a little blond-haired boy wrapping his arms around Jenni’s leg. Laughing, Jenni bends down to pick him up. My heart beats in an unnatural rhythm when my eyes run over his adorable face. Nick would never be able to deny this little boy is his. He’s the spitting image of his father in every way, except for his strawberry blond hair.
With my heart not up for more shredding, I avoided entertainment programs and gossip magazines the past two years. Other than hearing the occasional Rise Up song on the radio, I’m clueless about anything in their private lives.
My head cranks to the side when a gentleman I’d guess to be early forties stops to stand next to us. “I’m sorry, you know what he’s like when he wants his mom.”
The stranger’s blond hair is clipped close at the sides, but the top is a little messy. He has striking blue eyes, and a fit and enticing body. Although he’s a few years older than me, I doubt he has any problems attracting the ladies. He’s gorgeous.
“It’s fine, Harrison, I was about to come grab him anyway.” Jenni’s voice is as sickly sweet as her personality.
After tickling the boy’s tummy, Harrison walks down a long black corridor.
“Jasper.” Jenni bobs up and down, striving to steal the boy’s attention away from blowing kisses at Harrison. She achieves the seemingly unachievable when Harrison enters a room at the end of the corridor. “Jasper, can you say hello to Kylie?”
Jasper either lacks social skills, or he communicates via spit. Not only does his raspberry cover my face and arms with baby slobber, it coats the wall next to my head as well.
“I’m so sorry.”
The giggle bubbling in my chest erupts when Jenni attempts to wipe away the spit careening down my cheek with the cuff of her shirt.
I step back from the firing zone. “It’s fine—really.” Spit is a perfect excuse for the wetness my cheeks are close to holding.
When Jasper peers at me from beneath long lashes, I glance into his big blue eyes before making a monkey face. When he smiles a toothy grin, I drag my index finger down his screwed-up nose. “Hi Jasper. I’m Kylie. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He awards my friendliness by holding out his arms for me.
“Can I hold him?” I ask Jenni, my eyes shooting to hers.
Smiling, she passes him to me. I melt into a gooey puddle when he bands his tiny arms around my neck before snuggling his head into my chest. Now the moisture in my eyes is there for an entirely different reason. I’ve only ever had one boy immediately smitten with me. He’s the same man I hurt beyond repair almost two years ago.
When Jenni spots the tears pooling in my eyes, she slaps my arm. “Don’t. If you cry, I’ll cry, then I won’t stop.”
“I’m not going to cry. I’m just…” I stop, having no plausible excuse. You can’t deny you’re on the brink of a sob-fest when every syllable you release cracks upon delivery.
Within minutes, Jasper’s faint snores overtake my thumping heart. I’m not surprised. I’m tired, and I’m not a toddler. When Jenni hears Jasper’s lengthened breaths, she motions for me to follow her. We head for the door Harrison walked through not long ago. Upon entering, I spot a white crib set up in the corner of the vast space.
Jenni carefully transfers Jasper from my chest to his crib. Once she has him settled, she shifts on her feet to face Harrison. He nods, answering her plea. After we tiptoe out of the dressing room big enough for a marching band to rehearse in, I lock my eyes with Jenni’s. “He’s adorable.”
