Theo’s eyebrow raised as he looked at Claire. She would have been embarrassed, but she couldn’t help the giggle that escaped.
“Very refreshing,” she said.
Theo nodded. “That’s all that matters. Claire, I don’t know what your schedule looks like, but the rest of us need to get inside for a sound check.”
Jake stood back up with a fresh shirt in his hand. He reached over his shoulder and gripped his shirt, pulling it over his head and tossing it inside his bunk.
Sweet mother of…
Claire only got a brief glimpse of his chiseled chest before he had a fresh shirt on. Damn, it had been far too long since she had lusted over a bare chest. Leave it to Jake to be the one to bring it all back for her.
Theo smirked at her before turning and leaving the bunk area. He had definitely caught her. She didn’t even have a chance to be embarrassed before Jake was brushing a hand along her cheek.
“I’ll see you in a bit,” he said.
She nodded and watched him leave. Claire dropped her head back onto the pillow and pulled in a deep breath. Her bunk smelled of him, and she didn’t want it to change.
Celine’s face appeared a moment later. “Did I just see Jake crawl out of your bunk?”
Claire’s eyes widened. “Shh.”
Celine giggled. “We’re alone. The guys already left, and Lonnie is waiting outside for us.”
Claire moved out of the bunk and stretched her arms over her head. “I’ll tell you what, that was the best nap I’ve ever gotten.”
A soft smile touched Celine’s lips. “Because you felt safe.”
Claire nodded.
“Maybe we should arrange for you two to nap together more often. I’m guessing that was the best nap Jake has had in a while, too.”
Claire’s heart fluttered. In all honesty, she’d sleep better with Jake in bed with her. While sharing a room with Ben meant she’d also be safe, there was something different about actually having a man hold her that made her feel even safer.
“Not sure how that can happen with Ben around.”
“Have you thought about just telling him? I mean, the man can’t bethatoblivious. I haven’t known you very long, and I could see it almost immediately.”
Claire worried her bottom lip. “If I tell Ben that he’ll put two and two together.”
Celine furrowed her eyebrows. “About what?”
“Jake and I kinda had a thing going on four years ago when I was on tour with them. He’s the reason I left the tour.”
Understanding dawned on Celine’s face. “Ah. He’s the reason you left. And because you left, you met Charles.”
Claire nodded, tears springing to her eyes. She sniffled.
Damn hormones.
Celine pulled Claire into a hug. “I think Ben would understand. I can’t imagine he’d even consider blaming Jake for anything. You’re adults and can make your own decisions, and Jake didn’t make you date Charles.”
Claire knew Celine was right, but Ben had been given so much bad news lately that she worried he would take it evenharder. And the guys didn’t need anything coming between them while they were on tour.
“So what’s going on between you and Theo?” Claire asked as the two of them made their way off the bus.
Celine blushed. “Absolutely nothing.”
“Okay. What do youwishwas going on between you and Theo?”
