Page 20 of Sweet Surrender

I bite my lip and fight the smile. It’s hard not to when it comes to him, it seems. And I know about the trouble he’s had here and there—my research last night served me well. “Marriage seems a little extreme though. Like . . . how is a marriage going to save a world tour? And why me when there are probably so many more qualified, carefree women fit to take the role? And how in the hell do you think anyone will buy this stunt? I mean—”

“Miss Wright—”

“She kind of babbles when she’s nervous or overthinks. Give her a second to process,” Jase says. Both Nathaniel and I look at his brother with the same dumbfounded expressions on our faces.

Why is this even a discussion, Hendrix? The answer is no. Point-blank. End of. No.

“Jase is facing a judgment in the courts.”

“I’m on probation,” Jase says.

“Which means he can’t travel abroad, and therefore can’t go on his slated world tour later this year without a judge’s permission,” Nathaniel continues, clearly irked by his brother’s continual interruptions.

“Okay, but wouldn’t you have considered this when you planned the tour in the first place?” I direct my question at Jase but don’t miss the flicker of a smile at the corners of Nathaniel’s mouth. It’s obvious I just stepped into some kind of brotherly disagreement and unknowingly took a side.

“You’re right, she is smart,” Nathaniel says to his brother before turning back to me. “The answer is yes, you’d think so, but in the past, the judge signed off without hesitation. It was a given.”

“But this time . . .?” I ask.

“New judge. Tighter set of handcuffs,” Nathaniel says.

“Figuratively,” I murmur more to myself than to the room.

“Yes.” Jase smirks as he holds up his wrists. “Figuratively.”

“And what exactly are you on probation for? I mean, you’re asking me to marry you so it’s a valid question, no?”

“Drunk and disorderly conduct. Criminal damage to property—”

“I was drunk and trashed a hotel room,” Jase says, impatiently.

“Why?” My question is a reflex that has me cringing the minute it’s past my lips.

“Good question and long story,” Jase says. “I paid my fines. I did my community service. And I was given a three-year probation term of which I’m one year into.” He shrugs. “I didn’t hurt anyone. I’m not dangerous. It was just . . . it was what it was. Now I’m trying to find a way around one of the consequences so I don’t fuck up my band and my commitment to our fans.” His words are apologetic but there’s anger somewhere in the mix. Shame too. And I don’t know which one is more endearing coming from a man who comes off on social media like he doesn’t give a fuck but in person clearly does.

“Okay and getting married is going to help all of this . . . how?” I ask.

“The judge’s set to make the decision on whether Jase can travel or not—”

“The new judge,” Jase says.

“Yes, the new judge isn’t exactly thrilled with Jase’s behavior and has indicated that he may restrict his access to travel. You can see how that doesn’t bode well for a world tour that’s set to take place in five months.”

“Okay.” I draw the word out as I do just what Jase implied I’m trying to do—process this whole idea. I’m not. Can’t be.

“But what he did indicate was that he needed proof that Jase has settled down. That he’s changed and grown up and has no intention of repeating any of his past behavior moving forward,” Nathaniel continues.

“Oh, so he’s of the a good woman will change you crowd,” I joke and roll my eyes, but when I meet Nathaniel’s gaze, I realize I just hammered the right nail on the head. “Oh. Perfect. My favorite type.”

Jase chuckles like it’s an agreement. “The marriage wouldn’t be real but at the same time, would be real,” Jase says.

“That clarifies things exponentially,” I state sarcastically.

“I can see why you like her,” Nathaniel says.

“Like, you’re serious about this, aren’t you?” It’s rhetorical and terrifying that he is.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Jase says. Damn. “I can’t let my band or the fans down. I did it. I took the blame. My past mistakes shouldn’t ruin everything for everyone else.” The playfulness has been replaced by indisputable sincerity. “I assure you, marriage has never been in my plans, so this is just as shocking to me as it is to you. The only difference is I’ve had more time to process this.”