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)
“Of what?” I asked quietly, gently rubbing his hip. The frown I wore was one of pure confusion.
He gritted his teeth and groaned softly. My hand fell from him as he took a step back, away from me, then held the top of his head like he might have been losing his mind. His stare was intense and he looked at me a short while before lowering his hands. When he did, he spoke whisper-soft, “Of fucking this up.”
Petrified.
It resonated with me in such a strong way that I took the three steps toward him and wrapped my arms around his middle, pressing kisses to the center of his chest. My throat began to thicken when I felt his body tremble and shake, and when he returned the embrace and held me tighter than he ever had, I felt more of my hesitance dwindle. Even more so when he breathed out, “I can’t lose you. Not again. Not ever.”
We held onto each other in complete silence after that, exchanging love and kisses and looks of cautious tenderness, and when the light above the doorway lit up and the door opened, Connor muttered, “Uh oh. Busted.”
Cherry threw open the door, wearing a bathrobe and slippers, and she blinked at us, unimpressed. “What hour do you call this?”
“Hi, Mom,” I mumbled, trying not to laugh.
Connor sniggered and Cherry’s expression turned lethal. She glared at me. “Inside. Now.” I exchanged an amused look with Connor before walking past her and listening to Connor be, well, Connor.
“You can’t keep us apart, Mrs. Cherry. Emily and I are in love and one day I’m gonna marry her, and we’re gonna run away from this shithole town.” From inside the hall, Connor heard me laughing and tried to keep a straight face but failed. He stared at Cherry a moment. “I love your daughter. And she will be mine.” He walked backward, away from the door. “Oh, yes. She will be mine.”
“I love you too,” I called out from behind Cherry.
Connor grinned hard. “Love you more.” Then he got into his car and drove away.
Cherry shut the door, switching off the outside lights, and followed me into the kitchen. When my amused smile landed on her, she fought a grin. “You two are fucking ridiculous.”
Oh, I knew it. Believe me, I did.
It surprised me when her expression softened and she uttered, “It’s nice.”
I watched her closely. “Don’t tell me you’re coming around.” From the very beginning, Cherry hadn’t ever pretended to like Connor. I wondered what might’ve changed her mind about him.
She avoided my gaze and followed up with mere jerk of her shoulders. “He loves you.” Finally, she looked at me, her gaze heartfelt. “And you’re happy again.”
I was.
I really was.
She had no idea what her words did to me. They were as comforting as a cool rain on a summer’s day. I didn’t realize until that moment how much Cherry’s opinion meant to me.
So, of course, I ruined the moment. “When are you going to bite the bullet and let Hell take you out?”
At that, Cherry clicked her tongue, spun around, and stalked back to her room. When the door slammed shut, I jolted then let out a careful, “Goodnight.”
As I stood in the kitchen, I grabbed my purse, thought about Connor and bit my lip.
Love-dazed, I walked to my room with a huge grin on face.
I couldn’t wait to see my husband again.
The venue was packed to the rafters and the moment I spotted the guys, I walked over, grinning. “Hey!” We exchanged hugs and I looked around the crowded club. “Can you believe this?” I was so proud of The Vixens. This was a big deal for any band, let alone a female rock band. They had done it.
They were headlining.
It was an amazing feat and one I believed they wholeheartedly deserved.
Noah peered at the empty stage, smiling. “I can totally believe it. They’re killing it.”
Hell stood with his arms folded across his chest, nodding lightly. “It was just a matter of time. Besides—” He smirked, “—my baby can fucking wail on her guitar.” He made a pleased sound in his throat. “So damn hot.”
My smirk was barely there. I think someone needed to inform Hell that he and Cherry weren’t an item. I will admit though, it was sweet to see him so affected by her.
Lee nudged my arm before leaning in and asking, “How’s Beth?”
My brows arched. “Why don’t you ask her yourself?”
“I don’t think so.” He took in a deep breath before releasing it slowly. “I’m pretty sure I fucked up there.” He frowned to himself. “I just don’t know how.”
Poor Lee. He looked utterly depressed.
My face turned solemn. “Do yourself a favor and talk to her.”
His lips thinned. “Yeah. We’ll see.”
I looked around before asking, “When’s Connor getting here?”