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She shook her head. “I just need to spit it all out.” When he looked away, she grabbed his hand. “I love that you want to be here with me.”
He exhaled and paced away from her.
She rubbed her palm down her dress. “Besides, if he wants me off the bus, better he knows now so he can make alternate arrangements before you guys need to get back to California.”
Ryan tipped his head back. “He’s not going to want you off the bus. Colorado, Lila is married to someone in Oblivion. If that’s not crossing eighty-two lines, then you getting my ass from one state to another surely is not.” He crossed the room and stroked a hand down the long sweep of her hair. He searched her face before giving her a small smile. “Meet us downstairs in the Event Center when you’re ready. You know where our table is?”
“Yes. You know I case every joint I enter.” She was only half joking. And she definitely cased all the exits. Just to be safe.
That was how she’d lived her life for far too long now, and it was getting old.
“I’ll be waiting for you.” Before she could say anything, he trailed his fingertip along her jaw and lightly pressed his mouth to hers. “Thank you. I know this isn’t easy.”
“No, but it’s worth it.” Swallowing hard, she gripped his hand against her cheek. “We’re worth it.”
Worth everything, including her honesty. And her trust.
“Damn straight we are. It’s good to hear you say it. See you in a little while.” He took a step away, then turned back and nailed her with that intense, probing stare that always made her pulse go haywire. “Don’t make me come looking for you.”
She traced her fingertip along the modest V-neck of her dress. Her gown wasn’t particularly revealing, but from Ryan’s expression, she might as well have been clad in only Saran Wrap. “As intriguing as that sounds, I think we’ll save those games for when we get back here later.” She smiled as he licked his lips. “After you’ve won that award and dazzled everyone in the audience with your wit and charm.”
“You didn’t mention my devastating good looks. An oversight, I’m sure.” He grinned and started for the door again, then mumbled under his breath. “Fuck it. They can wait another thirty seconds.”
He hauled her up to her toes, driving his hands into her hair. She’d spent time on the loose waves, but he didn’t seem to care. His long fingers speared through them to cup the back of her head, his lips hotly molding to hers as his tongue sought entrance. He didn’t have to wait. She curled hers around his, sucking gently at first. Harder when he made that sound in his throat that always unspooled her at his feet. Lust, longing, love. She could read so much from his smallest reaction.
Before this weekend, she’d been afraid to see evidence of his feelings. It had been safer, easier, to pretend they were just buddies who also liked each other naked.
Now she was beginning to think about having the whole enchilada. Maybe even something like Michael had found. She hadn’t considered anything but this life of emotional abstinence she’d lived for so long that imagining more was frightening as hell.
And exhilarating, especially if Ry was by her side.
“Go,” she murmured, pulling back before she couldn’t. They were both breathing hard, and already she was curling her fingers into her palms to stop herself from hauling him against her again.
“Going.” He pressed his thumb to her lips, leaving behind a delicious little tingle on her skin, and headed for the door.
Once it had shut behind him, she sank to the bed and counted to twenty-five to settle her jangled nerves. Time to get this over with so she could get downstairs to celebrate with the band.
Tonight was their night. She just knew it.
The knock at the door startled her. She bobbled her phone, swearing as it fell to the floor. Shit. She snatched it and tucked it into her bra while she rushed to let Ry back in. He was as off schedule as she was tonight.
Hurriedly, she yanked the door open. “Did you forget your—” She broke off, her heart stuttering to a halt.
It wasn’t Ryan. It was her worst nightmare in the flesh.
“Hello Casey.” Marco smiled slowly. Lethally. “I’ve missed you.”
Chapter Nineteen
Tonight was the big one, in so many ways.
Ryan rode the elevator down to the lobby, smiling at the other guests sporting their formal wear. Glittery gowns winked at him and expensive shoes gleamed. Not all of the patrons of the hotel were rocking such outfits, but enough were that he wondered how many were headed to the awards show.
In Vegas, they could be going anywhere. A million reasons existed to dress up. Just as there were plenty of reasons to be grinning like an idiot. He should know.
There were the obvious ones, of course. They were up for another Best New Artist award. Taking this one would definitely be good for the band’s morale.
Even if Mal was insistent winning another Best New Artist award only meant they’d get on a One Hit Wonder retrospective show that much faster. Whatever. He wouldn’t mind getting an award for his shelf.
