Gray adjusted his guitar on his good shoulder and stepped onto the set where they’d be shooting the “Sugar Kiss” video. After eight weeks in rehab, his first task involved stepping in front of the camera.

Nothing like a trial by fire.

The crew bustled around the room, arranging cameras and set pieces. There was a big four-poster bed in the middle, piled high with a thick duvet and piles of fluffy pillows. He frowned. No one had mentioned a bed to him.

Then again, Lila wasn’t exactly forthcoming with details. Her instructions had been along the lines of “here’s where we’re doing the shoot, get your ass there at ten a.m. and don’t be late.”

He considered it lucky she’d given him until ten a.m., since he’d been released at eight.

Technically he could’ve gotten out last night, the official end of his two month stint. But he’d taken the last night away from the band to plan how he wanted things to go. He’d coasted for too long, just doing whatever it took to get by. Eight weeks of talking more than he’d ever wanted to in his life had helped him to realize that he couldn’t do that anymore. He’d always been someone who had concrete goals and a step-by-step way of reaching them. His ability with the guitar and 4.0 average in college hadn’t been accidents. He’d worked his ass off.

Now he had a new subject to master. Well, a couple of them. He wanted to take his skill to the next level, both with the guitar and with songwriting. He’d discovered a whole new way of making cash on the side, and that meant he couldn’t take the slacker’s way out when it came to coming up with new material. His A-game wouldn’t cut it. He needed an A+.

Then there was the even bigger goal. The one where he settled down with the girl of his dreams and they finally made it work.

It wouldn’t be easy, but he was committed to doing things the right way this time. No more two-week courtships and a proposal outside a grocery store. This go-round, they were going slow. They would date for a long while and really hit all the levels. No quickie moving into the same room, no skipping to the good stuff first. It was all good stuff, and he’d be damned if either them were cheated out of the whole experience. She was it for him, and this would be the one and only time he headed toward the altar. So they could take the scenic route.

Assuming she was on-board, of course. They hadn’t spoken much during the past eight weeks by mutual agreement. She’d been busy in the studio, and he’d been busy cleaning out his system and his mind and going more than a little stir-crazy. Once he’d found his songwriting outlet—and had started making serious use of the fitness facilities at the center—everything had started falling more into line.

Even mental exertion and physical exhaustion hadn’t stopped him from wanting coke. He didn’t think of it as often as he had before, especially during the time right before rehab. But he still thought about it way too much. That would be his life now. He had to be constantly vigilant. There would never be a time he could relax and “recreationally” use any kind of substance. He had an addictive personality, and using any of his drugs of choice was a slippery slope leading to the same pit.

Including the woman he’d had to learn to love differently. Not less. That wasn’t possible. But he’d begun to figure out that she had her own life, her own decisions to make, her own world that he didn’t have to be privy to twenty-four/seven. He couldn’t shield her from everything. And that was okay, because she was a fucking wonder in every way. Her strength astounded him.

Now he had to be just as strong.

“You’re here.”

He turned at the sound of Lila’s voice and smiled. “I am.”

“Gained some weight. And some serious muscles.” She surprised him by poking his belly. “You look good.”

“Thanks. I feel good too.”

“And you kept growing out your hair. Nice.” She fluffed the ends, viewing him with an objective eye. “You’ll look great in the video, especially since it requires a little physical work, shall we say.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Last I knew, the concept involved Jazz pouring sugar on Simon.”

“Oh, that was just a wild hair.” She glanced down at her tablet and waved her bright red nails. “We went round-and-round about it. Donovan had a different visual in mind, but I convinced him to go with the sure thing.”

“And what’s that?”

She gave him a smile that could only be construed as wolfish. “You and Jasmine on a bed, making out.”

“Say what?” He set down his Epiphone between his feet. “She agreed to that?”

“Actually, it was her idea.”

Had he only been gone eight weeks? Sure didn’t feel like it right now. “Hold up. Jazz hates to be out front for long.”

“Really? You should check out the footage from Trix. She has quite the stage presence.”

“I never said she didn’t. Of course she does. She’s a goddamn knockout and no one plays better than she does. Not even me.”

Watching the footage from the night she’d covered for him had brought him to that startling conclusion. He’d been strictly on guitar for years yet she still had a competence with the instrument that seemed to outweigh his hours of practice. There was no beating a native understanding of rhythm and an ear for music, and she had both.

And beyond that? Nick had been right. She’d looked so fucking hot playing his guitar.

The tightening in his groin made him clear his throat. Yep, he didn’t need to be thinking about that right now.

“I think Jasmine is just coming into her own. So perhaps what might have been usual for her yesterday isn’t the same as today.” The knowing smile she gave him caused alarm bells to clang in his head. “Give it a chance, okay?”

He grunted. So much for his taking it slow plan with Jazz. That had included treading gently with sex, but he hadn’t anticipated rolling around on a bed with her first thing. Good intentions only went so far. How was he supposed to remember his vow to prove to her how much he cherished her when he wanted to fuck her blind?

“Go on and get freshened up in dressing room C. There are clothes in there for you to wear. I might have underestimated your pants size, though.” Thoughtfully, she tapped her nails against her teeth. “Then again, that might be helpful.”

“Only from where you’re standing,” he muttered.

She laughed and started walking away. “It’s great to have you back, Grayson.”

“Lila, hang on.” He grabbed his guitar and jogged after her. “Something weird happened this morning. I tried to make sure the payment plan with Visions was all set up and they told me I was paid in full.”

She aimed her attention at her iPad. “Hmm. How irregular.”

“You paid for it, didn’t you?”

“TKS Enterprises paid for it, if you must know.” She patted his arm. “And TKS can more than afford it.”

“Who’s that?”

Her lips tightened. “My husband’s company.”

“Lila,” he said softly, gripping the neck of his guitar. “How am I supposed to thank you for that?”

“You’re not. In fact, I demand that you don’t.”

“But I owe you—” He owed so many people, Jazz and his parents the most. He was on his way to earning the money to pay them back. He’d manage to pay Lila back too.

“You want to repay me?” She turned her direct, pull-no-punches gaze on him. “Don’t fuck up again.”

“Don’t worry.” His voice held the conviction that stiffened his spine every time he felt his resolve slipping. “I won’t.”

“Not just because of Oblivion, but because of Jasmine. If anyone deserves to be happy, it’s her.”

“Yeah.” After a moment, he smiled. “You’re not going to liken this situation to Titanic again, are you? Because I watched that movie in rehab, and dude, the guy frigging dies.”

“I told you. But it’s a good cautionary tale. At any time, the woman you love could banish you to icy cold water so watch your step.”

“I guess so. Do you—”

He lost the thread of what he was saying as Jazz sauntered onto the set from a door across the room. She wore a floor-length robe with furry piping, and instead of it making her resemble a miniature wrestler in the WWE, she looked like a pinup queen. Her banging body didn’t quit. She had serious curves from head to toe. And her hair. It was back to glossy unrelieved black, a wavy curtain that tumbled over her shoulders and framed her heart-shaped face.

“Wow,” he managed once he’d unglued his tongue from the floor.

Lila laughed and gave him a light shove. “Not yet. Go get ready for her first.”

“I’m more than ready for her now.”

“I just bet,” she said drily. “Save it for the shoot, stud. We want this video to be hot enough to fucking crash YouTube.”

“I’m not wearing a penis sock. Just so you know.”

“Nah, we figured we’d have you perform au naturel.” When he gaped, she shook her head and pointed down the hall. “Outta here or you get the sock.”

“Most interesting threat I’ve ever heard.” He picked up his guitar and snuck one more quick glance at Jazz as she talked to one of the cameramen, gesturing with both hands as she often did. The sight made him smile.

God, he’d missed her. He would’ve agreed to exile in an igloo in Antarctica if a glimpse of her was his reward.

“There’s the Titanic smile. Been waiting on it.” Lila sighed. “Damn you people and your epic loves.”

He flushed. “Can I get a sock for my head too?”

“You wish. Scram.”

Gray found the dressing room she’d indicated and walked into a zoo. Simon was spinning around on the swivel stool in front of the mirror, his legs kicked out as if he was on a ride at the fair. Nick slouched against one wall and laughed hysterically at something on his phone. Deak, the only sane one of the bunch, stood near the window, talking quietly on his cell.

He also happened to be the only one who was dressed.

“Jesus H. Christ, if nudity is required, I’m leaving.”

Silence descended. Simon stopped spinning like a mad top, Nick stopped laughing. And everyone stared at Gray as if they’d seen a ghost.

He smiled. Well, they kind of had, if his occasional nickname counted.

“Holy fuck. He lives.” Simon bolted off the stool and pulled him into a hug, clapping him on the back hard enough to dislodge a vital organ or two. He stepped back and gripped Gray’s shoulders. “You look great.”

“Thanks. And you look naked.”

Simon laughed and grabbed a pair of leather pants off the dressing table. “When you’ve got it, flaunt it, bro.”

Gray lifted an eyebrow at Nick. “That your theory too?”

“Nah, I just got distracted. Not like I haven’t been at a wang party before.” Nick tossed aside his phone, pulled on a pair of faded jeans sans underwear, and extended his fist, knuckles out. “Good to have you back, man.”

Gray smiled. “You actually sound like you mean that.”

“I do.” Nick shrugged. “When you’re not around, I gotta practice with Leather Loins over there and he preens more than he plays.”

“Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.” Simon leaned toward the mirror to line his eyes. “Want?” he asked over his shoulder.

“Hell no, I don’t want. You think I’m a damn female?”

“Not you, jackoff. I meant Gray.”

Gray grinned. “Goddamn, it’s good to be back.” He met Deak halfway across the room to slap hands. “How you doin’, Pops? Lovin’ all over that woman carrying that baby of yours?”

A shadow passed over Deak’s face though he recovered quickly. “Yeah, yeah, you know it.” He laughed and gripped Gray’s shoulder—the good one, thank God. Deak could’ve killed him with a careless shoulder clap. “You look incredible. Doing all right?”

“Yeah.” He cleared his throat and met the other man’s gaze squarely. Of everyone, Deacon had been the most militant about kicking Snake and his drug habit out of the band. Gray certainly hadn’t expected a hero’s welcome from him. “I know you probably don’t have a lot of faith in me right now, man, but I want you to know that I’m straight.”

“Pretty sure we all knew that already.” Simon leered over his shoulder. “Isn’t that why you get to bang the hottie on camera? Prior knowledge and shit?”

“I’m not banging her on camera.” Though the more everyone kept talking, he was seriously starting to wonder what kind of video shoot he’d wandered into. “I haven’t turned to porn yet.”

“Don’t rule it out, buddy. Times are tough.”

Nick shoved Simon hard enough to upend his stool. “Christ, shut the hell up.”

Gray shook his head. “Sorry,” he said in an undertone to Deacon.

He just laughed. “I’m the one who should be apologizing to you. I’m the one who invited you to join this fucking chaos.”

“Misery always loves company.”

“You got it. And about the other…listen, I’m betting on you, man. I always have been. Whatever it takes to get you back to a good place, I’m behind you.”

“Thanks. That means a lot.”

“You and I gotta stick together. We’re outnumbered here—”

Gray glanced back as Nick began coughing and flailing against the wall. “What the fuck is wrong with him?”

“Some new syndrome that’s twice as bad as Tourette’s. In a minute, he’ll start foaming at the mouth and pissing his pants.”

Nick managed to stop coughing long enough to glare at Simon. “What did I tell you about shutting up?”

Gray glanced back at Deak. “Those two are something.”

“Best friends. It’s basically a sickness for two.”

“Guess so.” He’d never had that issue with his best friend, but she also didn’t have the maturity of a ten-year-old, so that probably made a difference. “Where are my clothes?”

Deak pointed to another dressing table on the other side of the room. “Right there. Underneath the shirt is a surprise from Harper.” He grinned. “A little birdie told her your favorite.”

“Booyah. That almost makes up for the hell I’m about to endure.” Gray went over to the dressing table and pushed aside the clothes to pick up the plastic-wrapped plate with a sticky note on top. “Look, she gave me a heart.” He pinned it to his shirt. “Think she likes me more than you, man.”

“I don’t doubt it at the moment. Morning sickness is kicking her ass. They never like us too much then, fair warning.”

Gray peeled off the plastic and took a heady sniff of the chocolate-coconut popovers Harper had made for him. Sin on a fucking plate. “You are a lucky man, my friend.”

“Tell me about it. But you’re pretty lucky yourself.” Deak grinned and headed for the door with Moe and Curly in tow. “Enjoy.”

Gray already had one halfway to his mouth. “I probably won’t be able to fit into my damn pants.”

“Just leave them open. Easier acc—” Simon began, trailing off when Nick yanked him through the door and slammed it shut.

Shaking his head, Gray grinned and finished his popover. So fucking worth it.

* * *

The hour of reckoning was close at hand, and Jazz had swollen ankles. That seemed particularly unfair.

Panning her iPhone around the set, Jazz waited until she had a good-sized clip before hitting pause on the recording and uploading it to Oblivion’s social media accounts with the caption “Guess what we’re doing today?” Answers immediately flooded in, from the zany to the downright nuts. But they were fun to read regardless.

She’d been slacking on the social media front for a while. Sure, she still tweeted now and then and took the occasional selfie to throw up on Facebook, but by and large, she’d let that part of her life lapse ever since things with Gray had gotten so crazy.

The last few weeks, she’d started easing her toe back in with candid pictures of Simon posing in his latest designer duds and Nick practicing like a maniac. Last night she’d caught a close-up of Deak and Harper sharing a smooch worthy of the hottest porno, and boy, had the Oblivion peeps enjoyed that.

But right now, she couldn’t concentrate on being cute and chatty with their fans. Not when it felt like her entire life rested on the line.

“How does he look?” she asked Lila finally.

“Is there any appropriate way for me to answer this question?”

“Come on, drop the appropriate for a minute. You’re a female. You have eyes.”

“So I won’t be risking life and limb if I admit he looks fucking incredible?”

Jazz frowned and went back to fluffing pillows. “You could’ve left off the fucking.”

“I wanted to make sure you had the word in mind before upcoming events.” When Jazz narrowed her eyes, Lila sighed. “See? Lose-lose proposition.”

“No, I’m just nervous and taking it out on you. Who thought this was a good idea?”

“You. And you. Oh, and still you.”

“If I throw up, I’m going to aim for your expensive duvet.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Lila sighed. “Besides, I’m getting rather used to a disordered environment, thanks to Killer.”

Jazz grinned. Harper had named her cat Whisk. So adorable. “I can’t believe you named an innocent kitten Killer.”

“It’s not actually her name. But I still can’t believe you gave me a kitten.”

“You were meant be together.” That was what Jazz kept telling herself today, though not about Lila and her new cat. She reserved that particular sentiment for her and Gray.

She could only hope he agreed.

“Sure we are. Are you all right?”

Jazz nodded and leaned against the bed, reflexively tightening her belt. She was keeping it together mostly—both her robe and her thoughts.

Worrying wouldn’t do her any good. She’d set her plan into motion and now she had to see it through. It wouldn’t be much longer now.

Today was a good day. No, an excellent day, because Gray was home. If the fates were kind, it would end up amazing.

“Can we get this show on the road soon?” She tried and failed to temper her peevish tone. “I’m hungry.”

“I thought you just said you were going to throw up.”

“Hello, both thoughts can occupy my head at the same time.”

“Did someone say they were hungry?”

Jazz squealed at the sound of Harper’s voice and toddled off in the direction of her best friend. She probably looked up like a sexed-up penguin at the moment, but hey, penguins were pretty cute. “What did you bring me?” she demanded. “I hope it’s full of chocolate.”

“Nope. You need something healthy.”

“Aww, man, that’s no fair. You gave Gray chocolate.”

“You can have some for dessert, young lady, not for the meal itself.”

Jazz grinned. “It turns me on when you talk mom.”

“Stop lying. You’re turned on all the time.” Harper laughed and opened a plastic container full of wrapped sandwiches. “Tuna salad for the boys, chicken salad for the big guy. And for you and me, a nice turkey with cranberry mayo.”

Jazz poked in the box. “Do I see pickles?”

“You sure do.” Harper nodded proudly. “I know my girl.”

“Now I’m really hot for you. I may strip down in a second.”

“Hell yeah, now this is what I’m talking about. All my women, getting naked for me.” Arms spread wide, Simon strutted into the room wearing just a pair of leather pants and a smile. “And sandwiches too? Banner fucking day.”

When he stuck his hand into Harper’s box, she shut the lid on his fingers. “It’s not lunchtime. Keep your grimy paws to yourself.”

“But they’re wrapped.”

Jazz had to laugh at his hurt expression. He was so damn adorable. “I’ll sneak you a couple of my pickles, manslut,” she soothed, taking his arm.

“I don’t like pickles.”

“How do you feel about cranberry mayo?”

“I don’t care,” Jazz said to Harper. “He has his own sandwich. He can’t have mine.”

“Pernickety females.” He kissed the top of Jazz’s head. “Good thing I like that particular variety.”

“Watch it, Kagan.” Lila strode up to them, iPad in hand. The softer side of her that seemed to emerge when she and Jazz were alone had disappeared entirely. “Speaking of females, I have news on that score.”

Simon perked up. “Oh goody.”

“In honor of the great progress that you’ve been making in the studio, I’ve invited someone to sit in with all of you next week. Between Gray’s return and her presence, I think it’ll really round out the sound of ‘Echoes’. We’d really like to recreate some of the magic from ‘The Becoming’, and ‘Echoes’ has a similar feel.”

At Jazz’s side, Simon went rigid. “They’re completely different songs.”

“I know that, but why argue with success? ‘The Becoming’ broke out Oblivion, and we’d love to take you to the next level with this album.”

“Who’re you bringing in? That violin chick?” Jazz snapped her fingers. “Margaret, right?”

“Margo,” Simon said quietly.

“Margo, that’s right. She was so talented.”

“I think we’re gelling just fine on our own.” Simon rubbed his hand over his bare chest. “Besides, I seriously doubt she wants to slum with us again. I got the feeling she wasn’t too into the experience last time.”

“Funny, she seemed happy for the opportunity when we contacted her people. If all goes as we hope, we may even bring her out for selected dates on the tour.” Lila shifted toward Jazz. “We’re also looking into a few different things to change up the dynamic of a few of the songs. Like taiko drumming.”

“Really? I’d love to try that.”

“Your enthusiasm is appreciated,” Lila said with a pointed glance at Simon.

“Yeah, well, see how much her enthusiasm helps when she can’t stretch her arms over her stomach to play the kit.”

“Jerk.” Jazz elbowed him and glanced over her shoulder at a noise in the doorway. Her belly rioted for a moment until she realized it was just Nick and his slinky brunette friend, Tori.

So much for Nick being concerned about sharing Tori with Snake. Though why that surprised Jazz, she didn’t know. He was just a sharing kind of guy.

Snake. Just thinking that name nearly made her shudder. He hadn’t resurfaced since the cabin incident, but she knew it was only a matter of time. Lila had warned her as much. Now that Gray was returning from rehab, once Snake saw he wasn’t being kicked out of the band—as Snake had been—that would probably lure him out of his hidey-hole.

But they were prepared. The media blitz around the video should be enough to distract the public from anything Snake had to say. Their fans knew Gray was in treatment, and everyone seemed to be supportive. If this video turned out as hot as they hoped, everyone would see Gray was back at full strength and anything Snake said would get lost in the noise.

Of course, that all depended on Gray coming out of his dressing room someday soon.

“What the hell.” Lila aimed a death ray at Nick and charged across the room. “This is a closed set,” she snapped. “No groupies.”

“Groupies? I don’t see any groupies.” He glanced around, eyebrows lifted. The perfect lying picture of innocence. “Tori here is my special friend. Totally different.”

Tori nodded eagerly. Lila did not appear impressed.

When Simon wandered off muttering about needing a drink, Harper leaned in close to Jazz. “How’re you holding up?”

“Not awesomely.” Jazz lifted the bottom of her robe. “These garters are cutting off my thigh circulation.”

“Look sexy as hell though.”

“So will the permanent band tattoos on my legs.”

“Speaking of band tattoos, I’m thinking of getting the Oblivion O right here.” Harper pulled down the collar of her shirt to reveal the top of her breast. “Maybe add a whisk.”

“Sounds good. I still need to get mine too.” Still holding up her robe, Jazz peered between her legs. “I’m thinking inner thigh.” Gray liked that area on her. “What do you think?”

Harper didn’t answer.

“Harp?”

“Not Harp.” Gray’s husky voice rumbled over her skin. “By the way, that’s some pose. Don’t feel like you need to change it on my account.”

She whirled around and grinned widely enough that her cheeks hurt. “Where did you come from?”

“Today, rehab. Originally, my mother’s wo—” The rest of his statement disappeared under her lips as she attacked him right there in the middle of Lila’s set. He laughed and grabbed her hips, pulling her even closer while he stroked his tongue over hers and reminded her all over again just what that mouth was capable of.

Her panties soon bore the proof.

“Mmm, missed you.”

Grinning, he dipped his forehead to hers. “I’d say me too but I think you can feel that without me saying a word.” He tugged lightly on the belt of her robe. “This is some outfit.”

“You haven’t even seen the best part yet.”

She waited for his eyes to darken with jealousy that everyone else would soon be seeing it too but he only pressed his lips to hers again. “Yeah, I have. Nothing is better than your face.”

God. This man.

“How are you?” she whispered between kisses. “You look good. No, you look great. You gained weight. Your color’s back.” Not caring who was watching, she reached around behind him and grabbed his ass. “Oh yeah. Everything’s exactly right.”

He laughed against her mouth. “You’re trying to screw up the big plans I have for us, aren’t you?”

“Big plans for screwing?” She arched against him and buried her hands in his thick hair. He’d grown it even longer and hot damn, her nipples solidly approved. “I’m down. Or up. Pretty much any position you want me in.”

“Uh uh. No screwing. That’s my big plan. I want us to go slow.” He edged back and drew his fingertip over her parted wet lips and down her throat to her guitar pick necklace. “This time, we’re going to do it right. No rushing ahead. I want to do the old-fashioned thing and, you know, court you.”

Uh oh.

She cleared her throat. “I’m not sure that’s possible, all things considered.”

“Sure it is. We’ll reset the clock and do everything all over again. Start from the beginning.”

“Two minutes until I’m closing this set,” Lila shouted as the crew hustled around, doing final adjustments. She wasn’t the video director, but she’d taken over as usual. “Necessary personnel only.”

Jazz bit her lip. Oh shit. Damn, damn, damn. This was not going well at all. So much for her big surprise. He was liable to dump her again after she dropped this present on his doorstep. Not the present itself—that was wonderful—but her timing left something to be desired. Best of all? She’d actually planned this stupid set-up.

Other women arranged an intimate dinner for two. Her? She invited a camera crew.

“I have something I need to tell you. Like…now.”

“We have all the time in the world.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “Back to brunette. I love it.”

“It’s vegetable dye. I can’t use the real stuff right now.”

“What, is there a shortage or something?” He grinned. “Doesn’t surprise me. You change your hair practically daily.”

“Take your places, everyone. Simon, don’t touch that. Jazz and Gray, get on the bed.”

He grabbed her hand and tugged her with him. “Be gentle with me, okay? I’ve had a long eight weeks.”

“You’re not the only one,” she mumbled, prepared to climb the three steps to the platform bed. But he turned and plucked her up, setting her down carefully on the mattress and lying beside her as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

She stared up at him, dizzy for a whole different reason than her usual one lately. “Gray,” she whispered urgently.

“Hmm, baby?”

“Jazz, move your leg. That angle is not flattering. Gray, put your hand higher. Pretend you actually like her.”

“Was this really your idea?” he muttered in Jazz’s ear, doing as requested. His hand slid up her thigh and she bit her lip to keep from moaning, though she wasn’t sure if it was from desire or distress. Probably both.

“I’m not sure I properly conceptualized it.”

“You think?” He turned his face into her hair. “Sweet hell, you smell like a fucking wet dream.”

“That’s good,” Lila said as the bearded cameraman loomed over them, his breath reeking of the meatball sub he’d eaten a few minutes ago. Jazz’s stomach roiled. “Roll half on top of her,” Lila continued. “Think the hottest makeout session of your life. When we come into the bridge, Simon’s going to take center stage for a moment and that’s when we want you to slide down her body. I think we all know what we want you to simulate.”

Gray lifted his head. “You can’t be serious.”

“Don’t worry, with the proper camera angles, it will still be classy,” Lila said.

“Oh, yeah. This shoot is fucking exploding with class,” Nick said from a few feet away. “Too bad I forgot my pearls.”

Simon chuckled. “Bet we could arrange a pearl necklace pretty easily.”

Gray choked with laughter and gripped his side. “Ow, fuck, that still hurts.”

Jazz eased up on her elbow and touched Gray’s jaw. “Want me to get on top?”

“I do.”

“Shut up,” Jazz and Gray said to Simon.

“No, stay where you are,” Lila commanded. “If everyone cooperates, this will be done by lunch.”

“You mean I’ll be done for,” Gray breathed in Jazz’s ear, making her laugh. He traced small circles with his thumb on her upper thigh, rekindling her lust and easing her nerves at the same time.

The set crew continued to yell instructions to each other and to the members of the band. Nick, Simon, and Deak were supposed to rock out on their instruments in the corner like a bunch of voyeurs while she and Gray rocked out on the bed. At the end, a sugar-like powder would be dumped on them from above. Whether that would turn out sexy or dopey as hell was anyone’s guess.

At the moment, she had bigger problems.

When the recorded track to “Sugar Kiss” started and Gray nuzzled the side of her neck, panic really set in. She’d bungled this so badly, and keeping this secret from him any longer felt like a huge mistake. She’d wanted to do something sexy and unique that they would never forget. Hell, their most important moment would even be memorialized for all time on video. But her sexy was in short supply and after his pre-shoot declaration about wanting to go slow, she couldn’t hold back one second more.

“Gray.” She guided his face up to hers, well aware the cameras were still rolling. Not really caring. She rubbed her mouth over his and slid her hand along his jaw so it blocked the movement of her lips. She hoped. “I’m pregnant.”

For a moment, nothing happened. Had she overdone the whole hand blocking thing? The recorded music was freaking loud, and the guys were playing for real in the corner because Nick had insisted he couldn’t simulate.

She wet her parched lips and inched closer to Gray’s ear, about to try some seductive lobe action while yet again imparting her news, when his head reared up and collided with hers. Hard. Stars swam in her vision and she reached up to grab her throbbing face.

It was wet. That probably wasn’t good.

“Cut!” The cameraman shouted as a slew of curses erupted around them.

“Oh, Christ, get ice. We’ve got a bleeder,” someone called.

Gray, however, didn’t appear to notice her fluid loss. “What? What did you say?” She cupped her nose and tried to speak but evidently, he’d decided to pry the words out of her by force if necessary. He dragged her hand away from her nose and pressed his there instead, holding it away from her mouth. His eyes were wilder than she’d ever seen them. “Say it again.”

“I’m pregnant.” Something about saying the words to him made her eyes fill. “We’re going to have a baby.”

He stared at her, a huge range of emotions playing across his face. So many she couldn’t track them all. His lips moved, but no sound emerged.

“Say something,” she pleaded.

He dropped his hand as a crew member pushed a plastic bag toward her nose. “Ice’s here,” he said hollowly.

Normally, she would’ve thrown some snark back at him. But she couldn’t, because a boulder the size of Rhode Island had taken up residence on her chest.

“Let’s see your face,” Lila said, crawling on the bed on her opposite side. “If there’s bruising, we’re fucked.”

“It won’t show up yet,” the cameraman said. “If we finish the shoot now, we can make it work.”

“I’m still bleeding,” Jazz said in a small voice, but no one seemed to care.

“Let me see.” Lila nudged aside the ice and probed her face gently with her fingers. “She looks fine. Time to boogie.”

“Still bleeding,” Jazz said again, waving her ice bag.

She was resoundingly ignored.

For his part, Gray had slumped on his side and was staring vacantly into space. That didn’t bode well.

“Everyone, places. From the top. Gray?”

He moved like a robot, assuming his position half on top of her with about as much enthusiasm as a child on the way to the dentist. He slid his hand up her thigh, shifting it so her leg rested on both of his. She soon realized his erection hadn’t abated. Nor had his stricken expression.

At the cameraman’s cue, he went back to kissing her neck, his fingers still doing that stroking thing on her thigh that had worked well to start her engine before. It had the same effect the second time around and she arched again, getting into it in spite of herself, when he suddenly lifted his head and stared into her eyes. “You’re pregnant,” he said without lowering his voice. At all. “We’re really having a baby?”

“Yeah.” She swallowed. “We are.”

“For fuck’s sake, cut,” the cameraman yelled. “How am I supposed to shoot a video under these conditions?”

“Give them five. You get five,” Lila said, appearing in Jazz’s line of vision just long enough for her to nod. Lila moved back, clapping her hands. “Clear the set, people. Time for a short break.”

“Oh, thank God. I’m so tired from playing six notes.” Nick’s sarcastic reply carried across the room just before the slam of a door signaled the group’s exit.

Jazz chanced a look at Gray, who’d finally regained some of his color after her bombshell. “You okay?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yeah. Are you? How did this happen?” His gaze traveled down to her partially undone robe—they hadn’t gotten to the big reveal yet—and back up to her face. “The tests were negative.”

“We took them too soon. Within a few weeks, I didn’t need them to tell me anyway. It became obvious pretty fast.”

“The band knows?”

“Yes. I’m sorry I told them first, but I kind of had to. I was throwing up constantly while we were in the studio and Nick started making jokes about me having an eating disorder.”

“So that’s why the guys were acting so weird in the dressing room. Deak said we had to stick together, him and me. I thought he just meant because Simon and Nick are nuts.” Gray’s throat bobbed. “Lila didn’t freak out over what it means for the band?”

“A little. She chided me for not coordinating the birth with the upcoming tour. I don’t think she understands the meaning of the word unplanned.” She rolled her eyes. “But as soon as she figured out her spin angle, she was fine. She decided she would put out a big press release when I start to show about our ‘love child’.”

“‘Love child’? Only Lila.” He shook his head. “Are you still sick in the mornings?”

“It’s more morning and afternoon sickness. Sometimes evening. Harp and I keep joking about needing matching sinks wherever we go. Oh, guess what? Deak and Harp finally bought a house. It’s the cutest place—”

“Save that for later. One life changing event at a time, please.” His lips twitched. “What other symptoms did you have?”

That was her Gray, always needing to know the details. He’d never be the kind of man who didn’t get involved. “Well, I couldn’t even put on a bra without wincing—” He jerked back from her like she was on fire and she had to laugh, though it made her nose hurt more. She touched it gingerly. “I’m okay today.”

“Oh. Good.” He frowned, studying her chest so intently that she couldn’t help squirming. “They’re bigger.”

“Yeah. So’s my belly, though you probably won’t be able to tell yet. But I can.”

“Let me see.”

She undid her robe and revealed the skimpy lace teddy beneath. He laid his hand on her stomach and her pulse skipped from the heat of his palm and the intimacy of the gesture. She felt more naked with him touching her there than she ever had in her life.

“I can tell,” he breathed, and the wonder in his voice brought back her tears. He gave her a sidelong glance and let out a shuddering exhale. “So…guess slow’s out, huh?”

She shut her eyes, thinking back to one of the hardest days she’d ever gone through. It hadn’t been an ending for them, though it had seemed like it at the time. But somehow they’d found their way back to each other as friends even while they’d dated others. Then they’d broken up with those other people and grown closer all over again.

And then they’d joined Oblivion.

“I couldn’t hit the pause button on my life,” she said, blinking her eyes open as a tremor went through his body.

He remembered.

“I’m so fucking glad,” he said hoarsely, lacing their fingers together over her belly. “I’m not waiting for any-damn-thing anymore. We’ve waited plenty.”

“I know you just got out of Visions, and you’re dealing with big life changes.”

“Yeah, but I’ve been clean more than sixty days. I’m taking it one day at a time. Believe me, staying away from coke and everything else is my number one priority.”

“I know, and I’m so proud of you for deciding to go to rehab. It wasn’t easy.” She bit her lip. “There are other concerns too. Financially, we’re still finding our footing, but more of the money will start rolling in soon.”

“Actually, we’re not doing too badly there.”

“Huh?”

“While I was in rehab, I started pursuing another avenue to make some extra on the side. I want to pay you and my parents back as soon as possible, and now I can.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I started selling some of my songs.” He smiled. “Lila hooked me up with some producers and artists who liked what I have. I worked on more in between therapy sessions and courtyard walks. You’d be surprised how much you can come up with when you’re alone so many hours of the day.”

“That’s amazing.” She stroked his cheek, smiling as he turned his head to kiss her thumb. “I can’t wait to see all the new material.”

“I’m stockpiling it. Once I got back into the groove, it felt natural. It reminded me of when you and I used to write together. I’m hoping maybe we can get back to that. Get a few Edwards-Duffy collaborations out there.”

She glanced at her belly. “One’s already cooking.”

He pressed their joined hands to her stomach. “The best one yet,” he murmured.

“You’re really okay with this? Even though the timing sucks?”

“The timing must be right, because it happened. This is exactly what we both wanted.”

She couldn’t deny it. Even with the alternating bouts of worry and panic over his reaction that she’d suffered through since learning she was pregnant, she’d savored every single moment of their baby’s life. “Yes,” she said, throat thick. “This is exactly what I want.”

“I know the extended family thing didn’t work out for us the way we would’ve hoped. The situation with my parents…” He trailed off and shook his head. “I’ve talked to them a couple of times recently, and we’ve even tried to discuss Brent. It’s just not happening.”

“This baby is going to need grandparents. Look, they’re not perfect, all right? But they’re the only parents you’ve got. And I think—hope—that maybe this child can start to build a bridge. Brent’s gone, Gray,” she said gently. “It’s over.”

“They sided with him. They never even considered that he tried to hurt you. You had to leave, and it wasn’t fair.”

“They didn’t make me leave. It was my choice.” Not that she’d had many of them, since after what had happened with Brent, the Duffys had never looked at her the same way again.

“You didn’t feel safe staying in the house with him. What option did they give you?”

“You paid a much bigger price than I did. God, you turned your back on them to show your solidarity with me, even after I left.” She rubbed his hand. “Sweet, stubborn man.”

“I won’t stand for anyone hurting you. Not while I have anything to say about it.”

“Then I guess we’ll have to figure out this whole grandparents thing somehow, because I know all too well how it is to grow up without a family. I don’t want our baby to go through that. If they don’t like me, that’s fine. As long as they treat our son or daughter well.” When he turned his face away, she tenderly turned it back. “I honestly think they will. Your mom made mistakes, yes. Big ones. Mainly because she loved her son too much to see who he really was. I want my baby to be loved too much too.”

He let out a long breath. “Give it some time, okay?”

“I will.” She smiled. “We have plenty of it.”

“That we do, and I want to make the most of it.” He stroked her engagement ring. “Still want to get married now?”

Yep, there went the waterworks. “Yes.”

“Me too.” He shimmied down the bed to speak to her abdomen. “Baby, this is your daddy. We’ve gotta shoot a dirty video and then I’ll be back to talk to you some more. But in the meantime, remember that the guitar’s a better instrument than the drums, though your mom can kick my ass on both. Oh, and I love you.” He met her gaze. “I love you both so much.”

She half laughed, half sobbed, and gripped her nose. “Ouch.”

He frowned. “Sorry about the head bump. I was a little surprised. Are you okay?”

“I am now.” She smiled as he shifted back on top of her and fisted his hands in her hair. “I don’t think I could be better.”

“Challenge accepted. Later. But first…” Grinning, he called out, “We’re ready.”