“LeeLee, I’m not going to make that call. If you want to see him, then see him. It’s all headed in that direction anyway, once you feel comfortable again. This is important to you, and it’s important to our little girl. As much as I fucking hate Cole, I do want you to scout this out. I—we—trust your judgment in all things.”
“Are you sure?” I knew he’d mentioned his feelings before to me, and I didn’t want to do anything that hurt him.
“Yes.” He brushed his lips against mine gently without bothering to hide our relationship. It was the first time he’d done it like this in front of people who could see. The staged press photos didn’t count.
This. This counted.
“I love you,” he murmured. “I’ll take you to him, scout the band, and have E or Ryder get you home since Trent is with Dante.”
I nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Then come on. Let’s meet your fans and get you to see your old… friend.” He kissed me again before taking my hand and leading me to where the band waited for me.
Ani was just so… perfect.
We satin the rental car Anson had for us and stared at the pizza place. There weren’t a ton of people out since it was after midnight. I didn’t even know if Ethan would be here. Scared of not hearing from him, I didn’t bother reaching out and just showed up.
“There he is,” Anson murmured, his eyes fixed on a person dressed in black as he walked out of the pizza place. We were late, and it looked like he was giving up and leaving.
I swallowed hard. I’d spoken to Evan and Klaus on the way here, and they’d given me their blessing in any capacity I needed it. It still made me nauseous, though.
“You going?” Anson asked.
“I-I y-yeah. I just…”
“Want me to get him?” Anson asked gently.
I nodded, my throat tight.
Anson got out of the car without hesitation.
“E! Hey!” He called out. Ethan snapped his head up and looked at Anson. My heart trembled, so many emotions rushing back to me as I stared at him.
He looked the same, yet so different. He seemed bigger, like he’d worked out more. His hair was longer. He was dressed in all black. Confidence. Power. He just looked… healthy.
And really damn intimidating.
I watched as he approached Anson, and they shook hands, both speaking. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but Ansonnodded his head for Ethan to follow him and brought him back to my side of the car.
I exhaled and tried to calm myself as I nervously adjusted the hood on my black hoodie.
Anson opened my door, and I looked into Ethan’s face.
A small smile broke out on his lips as he took me in.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he murmured, holding his hand out to me.
I looked to Anson, who gave a slight incline of his head. With shaky hands, I slid my palm against Ethan’s, and he helped me out of the car.
He brought me straight into his arms for a hug I hadn’t been able to feel in years.
“You always did fit perfectly right here, little rock star,” he murmured in my ear, sending goosebumps scattering along my skin. His hands tightened around me. “Some things don’t change.”
I melted against him, my eyes burning, as I hugged him back. He could touch me. He hadn’t lied about his change.
“You have my number. Both of you. E, man, watch her. She refused security, and I’m really trusting you on this,” Anson said, his voice thick. “D-Don’t lose her, OK?”
“Never,” Ethan replied softly. “I’ll take care of her.”
