Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
A short moment later, he was snoozing again. And I lay there, frozen.
It took me a second but gradually, my discomfort eased. As I listened to Connor’s deep breathing, I small smile took me, happy that he felt comfortable enough to be like this with me.
He was exhausted and if falling asleep with a hand on my boob were to deliver him some slight form of contentment, I would provide it for as long as he needed.
I hesitated only a second before I put one arm around his shoulders and the other at the back of his neck, gently stroking the soft hairs at his nape. Dipping my chin, I placed my lips at the crown of my head and held them there.
A thought crossed me and then I was frowning into the darkness.
To the world, Connor was a star.
But to me, he was slowly becoming my entire universe.
Chapter Fifteen
Wherever I May Roam.
Emmy
“I swear to God, if I don’t find a new pair of boots,” Cherry stated as we went through the store, “I’m ending it all. Jesus. I’m so fucking done.”
It was nice going out with The Vixens. Yes, they were big but they weren’t Left Turn. And while we still needed security to escort us through the malls and boutiques, people mainly left the girls alone. I was sure this was because they looked so vicious that people were just plain scared to approach.
Pearl whistled before throwing a pair of black leather boots Cherry’s way. She caught them easily and looked them over. “They’re not bad, just not what I want.” When Pearl frowned, Cherry spelled it out. “Think Army. Tactical.”
“So, tell me.” Beth sidled up beside me before asking as nonchalantly as possible, “Has Lee been keeping company of the female kind?”
I smiled as I picked up a pair of navy-blue Chucks. “Why so curious?”
Suddenly, she paused mid-step. “He has, hasn’t he?”
I was stunned to see the raw emotion on her face.
“I didn’t say that,” I uttered as I took the shoes and held them under my arm. But, yes, there had been women.
She moped. “You didn’t have to.”
My brow lowered. So did my voice. “What’s going on? Are you guys dating?”
Beth shook her head.
“They’re not dating.” Ettie came up from behind us. “Just screwing.”
“That’s not true,” corrected Beth. A short pause then, “We haven’t had sex.” She grinned. “Yet.”
Pearl decided to weigh in. “I keep telling her Lee’s not the guy for her. But you think she listens?” Her lips puckered. “Nope. There’s just screeching metal and dead air inside that head of hers.”
Cherry sniggered and dodged Beth’s annoyed smack.
Poor Beth. She looked desperate for somebody to understand. “You guys. You don’t get it.” Her entire body slumped. “Lee was always the nice one. He didn’t hook up with just anyone because when you hooked up with Lee, it meant something. It was because he wanted you.” She sighed long and low. “And I’ve wanted him to want me since I was fifteen years old. That’s half my damn life.”
I tried to be as gentle as possible. “Maybe he’s just not ready for you, Beth.”
“Also, just going back to something my mom told me when I was an angsty teen.” Cherry’s eyes widened momentarily before she stated, “Nobody’s gonna want the whole hog when you’re giving out franks for free.”
Beth’s eyes narrowed. “Are you serious?”
Cherry chuckled. “No, not really. No one should ask me for relationship advice.”
Beth turned to me. “What do you think?”
Me? I wasn’t qualified to answer relationship questions either. But I tried the best I could. “I think it’s important for two people to understand each other and make themselves clear. Know what you want and don’t be afraid to tell that person. If what you’re offering isn’t for them—” I threw her a meaningful look. “—then walk away because somebody is going to get hurt.” Beth seemed to consider this and I made a point. “Is having sex with Lee more important than this tour?”
Beth responded instantly. “No.” After a moment, she began to nod as if it all made sense at last. “You’re right, Emmy. I really needed to hear that.”
With a light shrug, I disclosed, “I think about you guys a lot. I mean, you’re my friends, and I swear I only have your best interest at heart. I love your brand, your sound and just between us—” I couldn’t believe I was about to say what I was. “—I hate the fact that you guys work twice as hard to get half the distance.” The feminist inside me raged for them. “It’s not fair.”
“Aw, don’t sweat it, Emmy.” Ettie grinned. “We’re huge in Turkey.”
Cherry added a proud sounding, “And Japan.”
It was baffling to me. “Then why are you guys here, opening for Left Turn and not headlining your own tour in Japan?”