9
“Fuck, where did I leave my keys?” Travis mutters, rifling through papers on the kitchen island and kicking an empty chair aside.
It has been a week since he got out of rehab, and though most days are better, he still has bad ones. Which is understandable, to be honest. He had to leap straight back into life, and believe me, it didn’t stop for anyone. I perch on the counter, hands in my lap, watching him blow off steam. This is the only way I can help. He’ll snap out of it soon.
“Where are they, Mischief?” he mutters, eyes swinging to me.
“No clue.”
“Well, Jesus, you could help!” He rakes a hand through his hair.
I raise an eyebrow. “Listen, grumpy—doesn’t matter how rough you feel, you don’t speak to me like that or so help me God, I will throw down.”
He softens and mutters, “Not grumpy.”
“You’re totally grumpy.”
He steps toward me, tilts my chin up, then shifts me so he can stand between my thighs. I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him close, sliding my butt toward the edge of the counter until I press myself against him.
“Sorry, baby,” he breathes, “I don’t mean to be an asshat.”
I snort. “Asshat. That’s a new one. I’ll write it down.”
“Forgive me?”
“That depends.”
“On?”
“How good you make me feel before work.”
He grins, lips brushing mine. “You drive me crazy, but I’ve gotta go—I’m late.”
“You’re the boss.”
“Good point.” He slides his arms around me. “Come with me. I could use your help today.”
I grin. “With your work, or your cock?”
He growls, nipping my ear. “Both.”
“I’m on it.”
I push him away, hop off the counter, and dash upstairs to change. I’ve been staying at his place most nights, checking on him, but I still stay with Chief, too. I don’t want to rush too quickly into things. When I’m ready, I find him out front, standing by his bike, strapping on his helmet. “You set?”
I smooth my jeans and tug at my sandals. “Let’s roll.”
We fly down the road, and laughter bubbles out of my throat. I have missed this.
Gosh, have I missed this.
At Phoenix Records, when we walk through the front door, Janice basically passes out. The expression she gives me is one of shock, horror, and pure frustration. Like I have, once again, come to destroy all her dreams.
“Hey Janice,” I beam.
Travis squeezes my hand. A silent warning.
“Oh, Violet, wow. It has been a long time,” she stammers.
