Page 56 of The Rogues

I find that it’s the easiest “Yes” I’ve ever sent.

EIGHTEEN

Josie: They’re asleep now. All clear.

The text comes through the second we come upon Ethan’s hotel room.

“I have to go,” I tell Ethan as he slides his hotel key into the door.

“Going to see that omega of yours?” he asks with a ribbing tone. When I look up at him, though, there’s no taunt. His expression is one of soft excitement for me.

“Yeah,” I admit. “I’ll see you soon? Maybe we can meet up after both of our tours are done.”

My old friend confirms the idea with a nod. “I hope things work out, Jim-Jam.”

I playfully push him for using the childish nickname that my grandma used to call me. “Night, loser.”

He gives me one last grin before disappearing into his room. When I get to the elevator, my nerves start to dance around in my stomach, the inevitable creeping up on me. I will my feet to move slower when I get off on the right floor, my heart beating a mile a minute.

I didn’t expect her to say yes to my proposition, but I couldn’t help myself from trying. Any crumb from Josie is a lifeline that I cling to, awaiting the moment where we get to be in each other’s orbits once more. Texting her is a breath of fresh air, one that I’ll become addicted to as this tour treks on.

A part of me feels like I should be wary of spending time with Josie. She’s been the center of my despair for the past month or so after all, but I can’t bring myself to have any bitterness or resentment. The rancor has proven to be nonexistent; all I want is to spend time with my scent match, no matter how long it may be.

I come to her door and send a text, aware that her bandmates are sleeping in their respective rooms.

Jamie: Here

The door opens suddenly, like she was expecting me any second, and that knowledge leaves me stunned. Her eyes are wide as she looks at me, and her scent pours into the hallway, rewarding me with her bursting flavor.

“Hi,” she says.

I can’t help the smile that takes over. “Hi.”

She moves aside to let me in and marches into the suite, her eyes going every which way.

“We’re going to hang out in my room, is that okay?”

My heart skips a beat. “Of course.”

“Awesome, let’s go.”

She speedwalks and I follow, ironically enjoying being at her beck and call. My skin prickles with the thought, my stomach flipping at the images my brain conjures.

I wonder if she likes being in control, I think. Or if she likes to let go.

Her room is plain, just like any hotel room, but one part of the floor is covered in her stuff. Her suitcase lies open, ready to be hastily put back together before we head out in a few days to our next destination.

She crawls onto the bed and pats the spot beside her. When I join, I can smell the faintest hint of her champagne scent on the sheets, just enough to make me stifle a groan.

“I’m surprised you let me come over,” I say honestly, fiddling with my hands.

“I told Malaki I was sorry but haven’t had the chance to tell anyone else.” She sighs and looks me head-on, courage blooming in her gaze. “I’m sorry, Jamie. I know it probably hurt that I cut things off for a while. I didn’t mean for it to be so final, but I was dealing with stuff that… well, you know, I’m sure.” I nod at her cute rambling. “So, thank you for letting me figure things out.”

“Of course,” I say, reaching out. She takes my hand and my heart swells. “I just want you to be happy. I’m sorry if it’s been stressful.”

She shakes her head. “I’ve made it more stressful by fighting with myself.”

This is why I refuse to hold a grudge. I can see plain as day that she is going through something and from our interactions, I can tell she is a good person. She is as loyal as she is stubborn, and her friend is spiraling. I don’t blame her for trying to put her first.