Chapter 16
I don’t know what’s come over me but the draw to him is so intense. Watching him on stage tonight was powerful. His eyes found mine a few times every song and each time they did, a part of me needed him even more. I know we shouldn’t do this but feeling him shaking underneath me, I can’t help myself.
I run my hand across his chest and down to his abs. He tangles his hands in my hair and tightens his grip. I know I should stop even though part of me wants to see how far I can push him. I haven’t stopped thinking about him since the night of his fever. The minute I realized who he was, I wanted to pull him close and never let go.
“Wait,” he’s out of breath and his eyes are hooded. “We have to stop.”
“I don’t want to stop.” My voice surprises me. It’s hoarse and sultry.
He leans up on his elbows to distance himself a little. “If this ever happens between us, it can’t be on the tour bus. You aren’t like the other women.”
I don’t know what to say to that. It’s certainly not a declaration of love but it makes me feel invincible. I lean into him and put my head on his chest. I feel safe with him. It’s such a stark contrast to the way I felt a few weeks ago.
“Look at me,” he lifts my chin so I can meet his eyes. “I’ve spent my whole life comparing every woman to you. I’m not about to use you just to feel better. Not you, Kat.”
“I understand,” I smile at him.
“Are we ok?” When I nod, he lies back down and pats his chest. I take my favorite spot and settle in for a few hours.
I wake to the first rays of the sun streaming in the bus windows. I’m warm tucked between the wall and Chance’s strong chest. I watch him sleep. He’s so at peace when he’s sleeping. His dark hair is disheveled and his jaw is relaxed. I know if he opens his eyes, the bright green will be shocking, just like it is every time he looks at me.
“We’ve got Town Cars lined up to pick you guys up. Try to get some rest and I’ll see you at eight tonight. Don’t miss this flight, Max. I can’t get you guys in until tomorrow night if you miss it. I’m more worried about Damien. Once he gets home, he won’t want to leave.” Joshua chuckles and I hear him slap Max on the back. “See you soon.”
Chance groans. “Are we home?”
I giggle at his scowl. “Aren’t you the one who said you couldn’t wait to get home?”
“Not when I have to leave twelve hours later. It’s like a tease.” He opens one eye and looks at me. “I hate a tease.”
“I’m sure you do.” I laugh and stretch. “Let’s go. The sooner you’re off this bus, the sooner you’re standing in your house.”
He takes my hand. “Want to come with me?”
I shake my head. “I need to go home, do some laundry, and Ray would kill me if I didn’t come home. We’re going shopping to find a bathing suit for the trip.”
“You don’t need a suit, Princess. You’d be doing the world a favor if you didn’t wear one.” I slap him on the chest and he smiles. “Bathing suits are overrated.”
I hop down off the bunk and Joshua gives me a confused look and shakes his head. “Not what you think, Seymour. Not at all.”
Chance reaches his arm out under the curtain and gives him his middle finger. Joshua starts laughing. It’s a great sound. I don’t hear it very often. He’s so stoic. I’d love to see what would happen if Ray got her claws in him. She’s had a crush on him for a year.
“Didn’t you hate him a week ago?” Is Joshua challenging me? His smile shows he’s being playful but his eyes tell me I should answer.
“Who says I don’t still hate him?” I smile when Chance laughs. “Are you coming down from there sometime today?”
“Can’t right now.”
“Why?” When Chance groans, I know the answer. My face heats. “Never mind. Please don’t answer that.”
“Seymour, what time do I need to be at the airport?” I can hear him moving around and part of me is sad that the tour bus portion of my assignment with them is over.
“Eight. Do you want a car?”
He hops down off the bunk and throws his backpack on. “I’ll drive. Want me to pick up D on the way? He won’t want to come.”
I giggle. Joshua just said the same thing to Max. I love how well they know each other. Being someone who doesn’t have any family, it’s so heartwarming to see the bond they all have. I consider Ray and Lorenzo family but it’s not the same. These men are a huge, extended, and pretty functional family. Being part of it for the last few weeks has been incredible. I have no doubt that they would all be there for me, not questions asked. That’s a huge deal to a foster kid.
“Ready?” He smiles his million-dollar smile at me.
“I’m heading her direction. I’ll take her.” Joshua grabs his bag and throws it over his shoulder.
Chance shrugs at me. I want to scream at him to protest. I want to spend every possible minute with him. It scares me that I feel this way. It annoys me he doesn’t. Instead of saying anything, I follow him off the bus and head toward Joshua’s awaiting car.
The driver opens the back door for me. I smile at him before getting in. I slide across the plush leather seat and sigh. It’s been a whirlwind on the road. I wouldn’t trade a single second of it. I’ve written the best articles of my life, They’ve been picked up by the New York, Boston and Chicago papers. I’ve had an interview in a national magazine and have even been asked to do a talk show. I’ve gotten tons of followers on social media, despite not spending much time there.
My life and career are taking off, just as I expected they would with an assignment this huge. But, part of me dreads the day this ends. One more week and I’m on my own. I can’t even imagine sitting in a press conference anymore. I’ve enjoyed the one on one so much. I’m ready to focus on more important subjects and not just be a part of press gossip.
The knock on the window scares me and I jump. He smiles at me through the glass and I roll my window down.
“Hey, you dropped this.” He holds out his hand revealing a perfectly round rock.
I laugh as I take it from him. “Chance, what’s with the rocks?”
He winks at me. “See you at the airport.”