AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We were supposed to start recording the new album today,” he said quietly. “I told them I had a family emergency, but I can’t miss much time because we’re paying for the studio whether we use it or not.”
“Oh.”
Why was I so disappointed?
“I can stay one, maybe two, more days if you need me,” he said, handing the waitress some money.
“You have responsibilities,” I said. “It’s okay. I understand.”
“Presley.” He turned to face me once we were outside.
“Yes?” I gazed up at his gorgeous face, mesmerized by his voice.
“If you want me to stay, all you have to do is ask.”
23
Zeke
I waited, watching the play of emotions flit across Presley’s pretty face. She wanted to. Wanted me. But she was scared. Whether she was afraid I would somehow hurt her again, or merely disappoint her, I couldn’t be sure, but there was no mistaking the conflict in her eyes.
And I fucking hated it.
“Ask me to stay, Sunny,” I whispered, deciding to make a move. I slid a hand around the back of her neck and pulled her closer.
“Wh-what are you doing?” she whispered back, her eyes glued to mine.
“Convincing you to ask me to stay.” I lowered my head and ever-so-lightly brushed my lips across hers. “Reminding you I’m not the bad guy.”
“Zeke.” Her voice was so soft I barely heard it, but it was the only invitation I needed.
I dipped my head again and pulled her the rest of the way against me, so our bodies were touching.
“I’ll stay if you need me. Just say it.”
“I…need you… to stay.” Her mouth parted and as much as I wanted to slide my tongue between her beautiful lips and take everything I’d been thinking about for the last year, I had to be patient. This was too important. If I rushed her, she’d run, and I was finally making progress.
I kept my kisses chaste, gently sucking her lower lip until she made a tiny sound of pleasure. I brushed her hair back from her face, looking down at her. She was beautiful, but there was no mistaking the dark circles beneath her eyes or her sunken cheeks. Whether she’d said the words or not, she absolutely needed me to stick around. The band would be pissed, but there was no help for that. Family came first, and she and Aunt Meg and Jeremy were part of my family now.
“I’ll stay for a couple of days,” I said, pressing my forehead to hers. “Okay?”
“O-okay.”
“Let’s go back to the house. You need to rest.”
“But Aunt Meg—”
“Call the hospital and find out what’s going on. I’ll take care of the baby while you take a nap. No arguments.”
“You’ll wake me if you hear anything?”
“Promise.”
She dozed off almost the moment she climbed into the passenger seat, and I carried her into the house when we got there.
“Hey, Denise.” I smiled at their elderly neighbor. “Let me get Presley settled in bed and then I’ll be down to take care of Jeremy.”
“Oh. Hello.” She looked flustered to see me, but I just smiled and headed up the stairs.
