I nod. Part of me wants to argue, convince her thatnothingis more important than her safety, while the other half knows exactly how she feels. It’s why I don’t have a permanent security team, only using one when I’m on tour or attending events. It takes everything in me not to push the topic more and insist on finding some type of compromise, like an enhanced security system for their condo—hell, their entire building.
There’s a brief moment of silence. Each of us is unsure what to say when so much has changed so quickly, and there’s practically nothing we can do about it.
And it’s all because of me. My career is causing all this turmoil for her. There has to be a way to make the situation a tiny bit better. It can’t only be gloom and doom for the next few weeks.
The perfect idea pops into my head. “How about you bring Chelsi on tour with you this weekend? You’ll get to spend timewith her. Hopefully, it’ll allow things to die down a bit in Chicago.”
Kate’s face lights up. “Seriously? She would love that.I’dlove that.”
“Consider it done. I’ll have Max book her on the same flight as you and make sure everything is ready for her visit.”
Kate’s brow crumples. “Wait. Where will she stay?”
I chuckle, knowing exactly what she’s thinking. “Well, she can stay on our bus. There are four extremely comfortable bunks. Or we can get her a hotel room in each town. Depends whether or not you want to be confined to having sex only in our bedroom for a weekend.”
Kate blushes and grins. “I’m sure we can go for one weekend without having sex in the living area.”
I arch one eyebrowreallyhigh. “Are you sure about that?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
kate
“This all-access passmakes me feel like such a badass. I can do whatever I want, and no one can stop me.” Chelsi has a twinkle in her eye as we walk around the empty amphitheater. “Jake is going to regret giving me this much power.”
I chuckle. “I think you’re seriously overestimating what you can do with the lanyard. It’ll get you backstage access, and that’s about it.”
“This power might be old news to you as a seasoned tour wife, but it’s brand new to me. Let me live in delulu land for a bit. Bask in the glory of being able to do whatever the fuck I want. Withwhoeverthe fuck I want.”
I stop walking, gently touching her arm. “Chelsi, we talked about this. You can’t have some weekend fling with someone Jake works with.”
“Didn’t plan to. I was thinking more like one night only,” she teases, starting to walk down a row of seats quickly.
I chase after her, shaking my head at how easily she can fall into and out of relationships without having her heart destroyed. Or at least that’s the impression she gives everyone. The truth is, Chelsi wants what her parents have—a long-lasting marriagewith a true partner. Exactly what I have with Jake. The challenge is that she only attracts red flags. The ones your friends warn you about. The guys you read about on a Reddit thread. And all of them love to pursue her. Mercilessly. Until they catch her, and then let her go.
“Please tell me you’re not planning to sleep with the first guy who hits on you this weekend.” I brace my hands on my knees, slightly winded from following her as she zigzags through the rows.
She shrugs. “Didn’t come into this weekend with any expectations except to spend time with you, interrogate Jake some more, and get a glimpse of this life you’re leading.”
“What do you mean, interrogate Jake some more? Aren’t we past that point?”
Chelsi laughs hysterically, tossing her head back, like I told the most hilarious joke in the world. “No. Definitely not. He’s passed the test to be your boyfriend. Now it’s time to see whether he’s qualified to become your husband, because you know that man is ready to put a ring on it the moment you give himanyinclination that you’re ready.”
I blush, biting my lip, and look at the concrete floor as my heart speeds up. Her comment doesn’t shock me, quite the opposite—it confirms the signs I’ve seen are real. Can something be exhilarating and terrifying at the same time? Because that’s how I feel about marrying Jake. Thrilled about the possibility and scared shitless about the reality, given everything I’ve experienced over the past few days. And while I’m completely over Brian, I do worry I might be doomed when it comes to engagements. Always the fiancée, never the bride. Something like that. It’s not rational, but my brain likes to throw it around on repeat—constantly tormenting me for fun.
“I don’t think Jake is thinking about marriage yet,” I reply, trying to be convincing even though I’m not sure whether I believe the words coming out of my mouth.
“Keep on telling yourself that, Kate. He’s been ready to lock you down formonths. It wouldn’t surprise me if that man had an engagement ring with him at all times, waiting for any inclination that getting down on one knee won’t send you running for the hills.” Chelsi places her hands on my shoulders. “I, for one, couldn’t be happier that you’ve finally found a man who might actually deserve you.”
My shoulders relax. “Does that mean you’re going to ease up on the interrogation?”
“No fucking way.” Chelsi grins widely. “Gotta make that man squirm a bit.”
I shake my head as we walk toward the tour buses, where the band spends most of the day until it’s time for the show. Chelsi and I flew in earlier, planning to spend the next two nights on the road with Jake. We’ve taken the day off work to reset after an extremely stressful week. Although we’re pretending everything’s fine, the media scrutiny and intense fan interest have escalated to the point where private security might become our new reality if it doesn’t quiet down soon. The thought of having someone trail me around all day, every day, makes my skin crawl. Definitely not the life I thought I’d be leading, and I hate that Chelsi is getting dragged into it solely because we’re friends.
Jake’s suggestion to have Chelsi come on tour this weekend was a great idea. It gives both of us a break from the chaos in Chicago and ensures I don’t have to worry about her safety for the next few days. Another reminder of how Jake always seems to know exactly what I need, even before I do.
“Who is your gorgeous friend, Kate?” Jimmy asks, standing from his camp chair, where he’s been watching the massive TVbetween the buses. He strolls over, practically eye fucking Chelsi as he assesses every inch of her body.
