Page 111 of Sweet Surrender

“Dude.” I sigh, shaking my head. “We’re not really married.”

Rocket waves me off. “Technically, you are. I mean, if you’re not thinking you are, I’m sure she’d be fine with being Mrs. Rocket and fulfilling my every fantasy.”

My smile is lethal despite knowing he’s fucking with me. “So long as you can figure out how to have those fantasies with my drumstick shoved up your ass.”

“Worth it,” Rocket says and grins.

Hawkin’s still watching me, too damn closely. “So? We’re back to this conversation again, huh?”

“Yep. Like you three are expecting the answer to change,” I say.

“You still pretending it’s just casual?” Hawkin asks.

I tighten my grip on my sticks. “It is casual.”

Three pairs of eyes stare at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“What?” I frown.

Rocket snorts. “Oh, Giz.”

Vince leans forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “So, let me get this straight. You’re ‘fake married’ to a gorgeous woman who definitely keeps you on your toes, she’s living with you, and you’re still telling yourself this is just about sex?”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

Which is exactly the reaction these assholes were hoping for.

Hawkin grins, tilting his head. “Holy shit. You like her.”

I scoff. “Not in that way.”

“Oh my God,” Vince says, eyes widening. “Jase. Jasey-boy. Our resident love ’em and leave ’em drummer has feelings in that way.”

I shake my head. “It’s not like that.”

Rocket smirks. “No? Where do you start your night? In her bed? Where do you finish your night? Still in her bed? I mean . . . sounds like it is like that.”

My jaw clenches.

Their expressions shift instantly.

Vince lets out a low whistle. “Damn.”

Hawkin chuckles. “Yeah, you’re screwed, man.”

I toss my drumstick at him. He dodges it easily.

“This isn’t a thing,” I say, forcing my voice to stay level. “Hendrix and I—we’re just playing the game. It’s working. The marriage serves a purpose to ensure our band can tour. So what if we’re having incredible sex to help pass the time?”

Then why do I feel so shitty selling whatever this is between us short with a crappy explanation like that?

Rocket raises a brow. “But?”

I exhale through my nose, dragging a hand through my hair.

But she makes my house feel warmer.

But I know the exact way she likes her coffee.