“Um… What was the hardest part of the weekend?” That’s it. Talking about things that were difficult for her will definitely reduce my need to bend her over this patio table.
Who am I kidding?Nothing can temper my insatiable need for this woman.
She leans back in her chair, and I immediately miss the warmth of her skin. “I didn’t anticipate having so little privacy—Max almost walking in on us. People stopping by all the time.No one seems to knock before coming into your bus or the green room.”
Fucking Max. He’s an incredible assistant, but I would’ve fired his ass if he’d seen Kate naked. I’ve made it clear that my bedroom is completely off-limits moving forward.
“Yeah. That needs to change. I’ll talk to the team. What else?”
“I guess… I thought we’d have more time together. You were pulled in so many directions that I only got to see you in small chunks and when we went to bed.” She glances at the ground. “Anna says it’s gonna get even busier as the tour goes on. What’s the point of being on the road with you if we can’t spend any quality time together?”
Fuck. She’s got a point. I hate we’re only one weekend in and she’s already feeling this way. I drag a hand down my face, wishing I had more control over my schedule—over my life.
“Anna’s not wrong. It was fairly tame compared to what my schedule will be like later this summer.” I reach for her hand, intertwining our fingers and kissing the top of it. “I can’t control everything about my schedule, but I can promise you I’ll work hard to find ways for us to spend more time together. I want you to be comfortable on the road with me. To be a part of this aspect of my life. And to know, without a doubt, that you’re my top priority.” I tuck a stray piece of her hair behind her ear and gaze into her incredible hazel eyes. “I will move mountains to ensure your happiness.”
“I know, Jake. I don’t want you to think I’m complaining?—”
“Stop right there. Telling me how you feel isnevercomplaining. I want to know the good and the bad. Everything. Don’t ever doubt sharing your emotions with me. I want it all. All of you.”
She nods and leans her head against my shoulder.
“I’ll talk to Max, Alex, Jason, and Anna about my schedule when we get back to Nashville. See what they can do to rearrangemy commitments, so we have more blocks of time together.” I close my eyes briefly, anticipating the shitstorm that will occur when I tell them this news. Trying to make major changes to my schedule is worse than level twenty-nine of Tetris, where the pieces fall faster than they can be moved.
Jason is going to lose his fucking mind. Max will moan about it for ten minutes before getting his act together and figuring it out. Alex is going to give me the death stare, a silent game of chicken where I usually give in. Not gonna happen this time. Kate’s too important to me. And Anna will wear a smile and have a positive attitude about whatever I request. She’s always up for tackling any challenge, as long as the request doesn’t come from or involve Jason.
“Okay,” she whispers, snuggling close to me as the sun fades into the horizon. “Do you want to head inside? It’s starting to get a little chilly up here.”
I kiss her forehead, inhaling the combination of her lavender shampoo mixed with saltwater. “That sounds great. Rumor has it, the primary bathroom shower is heavenly. Any chance you’re up for conserving some water?”
“With you, Jake, always.”
CHAPTER FOUR
kate
“Uh-huh,”I say, listening to my creative director, Jeremy, drone on about how hehasto film at this extremely exclusive, pricey location in New York City. One he knows is way outside the client’s budget and completely unnecessary for the project. It’s the same conversation we’ve had twice this week because he’s trying to wear me down, and it might be working. I loathe these conversations when I repeatedly have to say “no.” But someone has to keep him in line, or our clients and the agency would quickly end up in bankruptcy due to his expensive tastes. “Not gonna happen, Jeremy. You know this is way outside of their budget. Not even in the same galaxy.”
“I know. Doesn’t hurt to try. Sometimes you find magical ways to make my dreams come true. Can’t this be one of those times?” Jeremy’s attempt at a pouty face on the video call does little to soften my resolve.
“Not a miracle worker. Nice try, though,” I reply, taking a sip of my Diet Coke and hoping we can finally move past this request—once and for all.
“Fine,” he groans, dragging a hand down his face and leaning back. One of these days, he’s going to topple over in his chair,and I’d better be able to watch it happen. “When are you back in the office?”
“The week after next. Or, at least, that’s the current plan. Is there something you need me for in person before then?” My muscles tense slightly as I mentally run through what I could have possibly forgotten that might require my presence in Chicago. Nothing comes to mind, which doesn’t help my growing worry.
I lightly drum my fingers on Jake’s matte-black desk, ignoring the fingerprints I’m leaving behind. Although this desk probably looked gorgeous in a magazine when an interior designer pitched it, it’s the definition of impractical, showing every smudge and water stain. Everything in Jake’s home has a similar vibe—beautiful yet unrealistic for everyday life.
“Nothing I can think of. Just curious when I might get to see you again.” Jeremy leans forward, getting closer to the camera. “Are you ever going to tell me more about this mysterious new boyfriend? I’m dying to get the deets on the man who swept you off your feet and caused you to throw caution to the wind for once. He deserves a medal for getting you to live a little.”
I shake my head and roll my eyes. “He’s a great guy and makes me incredibly happy.”
I’ve been coy about my relationship to everyone at work, planning to wait to share Jake’s identity until we officially go public. While I don’t anticipate any of my colleagues would blab about it, Anna says you can never be too careful. She’s seen the most loyal friends of almost all of her clients turn into leakers to earn a quick buck or gain fifteen minutes of fame.
“I’m sure there’ll be more to share at some point,” I answer. “Until then, I’m trying to keep everything between the two of us.”
Jeremy’s eyes go wide as his mouth drops open slightly. “Are you dating a client? Please tell me it’s Franco,” he whispers. Adreamy look appears on his face, which I can only assume is him fantasizing about our newest French luxury beauty client and its marketing vice president, Franco. “That man is utter perfection. And his French accent gives me the most inappropriate thoughts.”
I chuckle softly. “Definitely not Franco or any other client. Let’s get back to discussing your ideas for Sarah’s next campaign. She wants a meeting next week to run through creative concepts.”
