Page 11 of Jonny’s Redemption

Jonny couldn’t stop the rumble of laughter if he’d tried. Then again he didn’t bother to stop it. He’d long ago discovered that when Bobby turned up the wit she was damn funny. He also knew she worked at it, did whatever she could to draw it out of him. It was normally after she’d made him smile or laugh he retreated, not allowing himself to fully enjoy the moment.

It was the only way he’d been able to keep control of his sanity. He wasn’t good enough for her. He knew it then and he knew it now. But he no longer had the will to fight her appeal. He’d warned her repeatedly but she always stood by him. Always came back and tried to get a smile. Never wavered when he needed support. And she gave as good as she got, going toe-to-toe with him when he was being an ass.

Not wanting to do it, but knowing he needed to, Jonny cupped her cheek and held her eyes.

“I need you to be serious for a moment and tell me you’re okay.”

“I’m okay.”

Okay, no, too quick.

“No, Bobby, I need you to really think. I’m not just asking if your body’s okay. I’m asking if you’re okay with what happened.”

Everything about her softened before she answered, “I’m okay with everything that happened.”

“I was an asshole.”

She rolled her eyes to the ceiling and when they dropped down she smirked.

“I can handle you being an asshole.”

“Normally I’d agree. But you putting me in my place when I’m being a dick and me taking you against a wall after I said some shitty things to you are two very different things.”

Bobby’s smile died and Jonny's heart rate ticked up. It wasn’t that she looked pissed but she didn’t look happy.

“I’m gonna break this down for you,” she started. “And I’m only telling you this because we had unprotected sex.” Oh, fuck, that tick in his heart rate spiked. “I haven’t had sex in…oh, I don’t know, like nine years—give or take.”

Jonny did a slow blink, then another as he tried to process her admission. He believed her, he just couldn’t comprehend how it was possible. Bobby was gorgeous, smart, funny, sexy as all get-out, she dressed great, she had a great personality. The full package. From the moment Jonny had met her, he’d been dreading the day some asshole swooped in and stole her away.

“I’m telling you that so you know I’m safe. I’m on the pill; not for birth control obviously, but having your period while on tour is the pits. When Evie quit touring, I never stopped taking it. I’m telling you that so you won’t be concerned about a little Jonny running around.”

Why did the thought of a little Jonny running around not freak him out?

“As far as the rest, I’ve made no secret how I feel about you. I’ve found life is too short for bullshit. I tell the truth and I expect honesty in return. So, Jonny, when I tell you I’m okay with everything that happened, what I mean is, I’m really freaking good. So, the question is, are you okay?”

Jonny wanted to dismiss Bobby’s question completely, or maybe turn the table with an off-handed joke or inappropriate comment about just how good he felt. But he owed her the same honesty she’d given him.

He decided on what seemed to be that day’s refrain. “You should’ve walked away.”

“Jon—”

With a shake of his head, he silenced her rebuttal.

“Straight up, Bobby, you should’ve and we both know it. But you didn’t; you made your decision and you stayed.”

“Stop saying that,” Bobby groused.

Her snippy, irritable tone made Jonny smile. Something else about Bobby Layne—she was fiercely protective over those she cared about and he’d long ago learn she cared about him. And if he was reading her right, she cared deeply.

An hour ago, that knowledge would’ve pissed him off. Jonny was a lot of things, stupid was not one of them. He knew she deserved better than him. But now that she was there, in his bed, practically naked and totally comfortable—trusting, open, honest—her care and concern humbled him.

He also wasn’t giving it back.

“I’m fucked-up, baby,” he gently reminded her. “There’s a lot you don’t know.”

“No shit?” she deadpanned. “There’s also a lot you don’t know about me, that’s what the getting-to-know-you phase is for.”

Goddamn adorable. Way too good for him.