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“My creativity was starting to suffer. The past few weeks, I can feel it coming back.” It wasn’t simply the song I’d written for Duncan—other new songs were coming to me now, snippets of things with real depth and potential, and the excitement over the possibility of new material laced my voice.
“You sure that's not lust?” She laughed lightly, but her look was more pointed. “Good sex has been known to inspire.”
I made a frustrated noise. “It's more than that. It's time and space. And also having room for new opportunities. Maybe I’ll drop a solo single, maybe we’ll come up with a great new show vibe, but we need time to live life to let that happen.”
The great sex probably wasn’t hurting my creative endeavors, but more than wanting more hours in the sheets, I wanted time—real time—to see where this thing with Duncan was headed, and I wouldn’t get that if I agreed to an aggressive touring calendar. I’d been telling the truth when I told him I liked being home with him. The peace I’d found in domestic endeavors was definitely something I wanted to explore more.
“All right. I can’t argue with your logic. The label won't be thrilled, but you've earned the right to control your schedule. If you need a break between tours, I'm sure we can spin your eventual return to make tickets feel more exclusive and rare.” She smiled slyly, undoubtedly already planning her marketing pitch to the label.
“Gotta find that profit margin.”
“Don't be so cynical,” she chided, placing a hand on my arm. “I wish you well. Honestly, I think Duncan's good for you even if PR might have wanted someone more well-placed.”
I opened my mouth to tell her what I thought of PR picking my dates for me, but she had already released me, drifting away. “Nice catching up. I better go find my date.”
Alone in an increasingly crowded sea of wedding guests, I worked my way closer to the drinks line, grinning widely when I spotted Cash.
“You fetching drinks too?” Cash rolled his shoulders. He carried his suit jacket and looked ready to shed the tie next.
“Supposedly.” Laughing, I glanced back at Duncan, who was now talking to his father. “Got sidetracked. And I suppose it would be rude to go douse the groom with a beverage.”
I didn’t like the way he was making Duncan frown one bit, and I was ready to go charging over to rescue Duncan, but Cash held up a hand.
“Give them a moment. No creating incidents, but man, I get the impulse. I would have been totally okay if Danny wanted to skip.”
“I feel that.” Impatient, I waited until their father finally stepped away to follow Cash toward Danny and Duncan.
“You're back.” Duncan greeted me with a smile so soft my heart pinched. This. This was why I wasn’t heading right out on another tour. When fifteen minutes apart could feel like a month, no way could I do the long-distance thing for weeks on end. And I wanted to see that smile at the end of each day, as often as I could.
“I am back.” I stood in front of him, the rest of the party fading away as I memorized how damn amazing he looked in his tux. Needing any possible excuse to touch him, I reached out to adjust his lapel. “Did you manage to not kill the groom?”
“Ha. It was a close thing.” Danny laughed. Oh yeah. He and Cash were still next to us. Cash had an arm around Danny, rubbing his shoulder.
“He might have deserved it,” Duncan added grimly.
“I’m sure.” I peered a little closer at his tight face and tense muscles. “You okay?”
“I will be.” Duncan’s distant tone wasn’t the most reassuring, so I mimicked Cash’s move, standing so I could put an arm around Duncan’s waist.
“I know coming was partly my idea, but now I wish we didn't have to stick around.” Danny made a wistful noise.
“We don’t.” Duncan would likely never bail on his own account, but his big brother instincts seemed to be kicking in.
“Amen. I could go for a plate of something greasy about now.” Cash turned his head, eyeing the exit.
“Anything would be better than whatever fancy plated chicken dish in mystery sauce they’ll likely have here.” Duncan made a sour face.
“Pie. Pie would be better.” I wiggled my eyebrows at Duncan, trying to earn a smile.
“Or grilled cheese.” Danny’s expression was adorably hopeful.
“Or grilled cheese.” Cash gave him a smile so indulgent and loving that my own heart beat faster. I wanted Duncan to look at me that way, like I was the center of his universe, but I also wanted to be the one seeing to even Duncan’s most frivolous wants.
“You guys are relationship goals.” My throat was thick as I teased Danny and Cash. “We've got pie in the fridge if you want to blow this party and go get takeout.”
