My family is crazy, but I’d be lost without them. I toss my phone on the bed and reach for my notebook. I need to work on those songs, but my attention snags on the messy blankets on the bed, and my blood travels south.
Having Rory spread out like a decadent dessert made my fucking night, and I can’t wait to do it again. The look on her face when I made her come. The sounds she made when she unraveled. Her quiet sigh of surrender that followed. It was everything I could’ve hoped for.
I wanna make this good for her. I know she doesn’t let people get close, and I plan to prove to her that I’m worthy. That I’m not like her ex. That she can trust me.
And that means not rushing the physical stuff. I meant what I said—we’ll do this at her pace.
I’m busy reliving those moments between Rory’s thighs when Frank texts me:We gotta talk about Marlowe.
There goes my good mood.
27
RORY
Watchingall the buses load up and pull away is sad, like when the circus packs up and leaves town.
Quinn: Let’s catch lunch in Fort Lauderdale or Tampa! I meant to touch base with you before I left, but I had a last-minute chance to interview a band.
Me: No worries! Hope your article goes well!
Quinn has been making the most of this tour. Sometimes I wonder, if I study extroverts like Quinn and Jace, will their charisma rub off on me?
But Jace has been quiet this afternoon after he and Frank chatted. I don’t know what they discussed. Jace said it was nothing, but he’s not playful like he was this morning. He’s been sitting at that kitchen table for hours, scratching out words and scowling at the paper like it’s offended him.
At least he’s finding a way to be productive since we’re the last bus out of the lot. Frank really is a miracle worker because he found someone to change our tire on short notice.
Shane, Derek, and Cooper sit on the opposite couch and recount all the ways they got sucked off this weekend.
Grossed out, I cover Layla’s ears. “Do you ever get tired of all the casual sex?” I’m not opposed to hookups, but these guys have turned sexual conquest into an Olympic sport.
Cooper burps. “Never.”
Shane shakes his head. “Nope.”
Derek just stares at me like I’m a moron.
Okay, then.
Jace grunts at his notebook, stomps to our bedroom, returning a minute later with his guitar. He tosses his notebook on the seat next to me and sits at the end of our couch, turning sideways, so he can look at his notes.
He starts strumming, and I close my eyes, loving the tune. He plays the chords over and over again, humming, until he gets it just right. “That’s so pretty,” I say.
“No one asked you,” one of the guys grumbles across from me.
I don’t think Jace heard because he’s in the zone, and I can’t tell who said it. None of them will look at me. Cowards.
If I thought the music was good, when Jace starts to sing, I stop breathing.
She says she ain’t a heartbreaker, but she’s got that secret smile
The one that keeps me up at night, thinking this might be worthwhile
He clears his throat and glances at me. Is this song about me? Am I delusional? Hayden never wrote me songs. I don’t know why Jace would, but I’d do cartwheels through the parking lot if he did.
“That’s beautiful, Jace. I love it.” Better not to assume and make an ass out of myself.
But when he shoots me that crooked grin, I feel like he’s telling me something. “There’s more, but I’m still working out the kinks.”
