Page 276 of Fame & Chaos

I just need Indi to be ready.

This time, though, we’ll face the press together. This time, there won’t be rumors, lies, or crazed teenage fans throwing eggs at the woman I love. This time, our story will finally be ours to tell.

I eventually checked my Instagram messages and found fan photographs of Indi standing outside her house while some redheaded bitch pelted her with eggs. Seeing it made my stomach turn. I sent the photographs and the girl’s profile straight to Rob to see if the police could do anything. The thought that those girls believed I’d somehow approve—hell, even enjoy—watching them humiliate Indi made me feel sick.

I wanted to reply.

I wanted to tell them exactly what I thought of them.

Rob shut that idea down immediately.

And his instructions couldn’t have been clearer—’Do not respond to a single message.’

It took every ounce of self-control not to publicly shame the stupid little assholes for what they’d done to my sweet Indi. I still can’t wrap my head around how they thought any of that shit was acceptable.

The jet finally rolls to a stop at the private hangar, and everyone erupts into cheers.

I grab my bag and head for the door. As much as I love these guys, I’ve spent the last five months with them. Right now, there’s only one person I want to see.

Tamara opens the aircraft door, and I bolt down the stairs. The great thing about a private hangar is no paparazzi, no fans, no waiting!

“See ya, Caleb!” everyone calls.

I throw a wave over my shoulder as I jog toward the waiting car. Then something catches my eye. Standing beside a light pole is a blonde goddess watching me with a knowing smile, and my heart forgets how to beat.

“Indi?”

She opens her arms, and I don’t think.

I drop my bag and run.

She laughs as I scoop her up and spin her around, burying my face against her neck. She smells exactly as I remember, and for the first time in months, everything feels right again. Everything feels like home.

“God, I missed you.” I slide her down just enough to capture her mouth with mine.

She kisses me like she’s missed me just as much, her hands gliding from my biceps into my hair as she holds me close. Months apart disappear beneath the warmth of her lips, and for a few perfect moments, the rest of the world ceases to exist.

When we finally break apart—it’s only because breathing becomes a necessity rather than a choice—her eyes shimmer with unshed tears.

Smiling, I lean forward and kiss the tip of her nose before setting her feet back on the ground.

“Welcome home,” she whispers.

I rest my forehead against hers, breathing her in. “I love you.”

Her smile softens. “I love you too.” She slips her hand into mine. “Now let’s get you home. I baked muffins.”

A grin spreads across my face.

“I love your muffins.” I waggle my eyebrows.

She laughs, swats me on the chest, and leads me toward her car.

***

After becoming extremely reacquainted with Indi’s body and sleeping for what felt like a lifetime, though in reality it was only a couple of hours thanks to the jet lag, we are curled up on the couch watching television.

Well…