Total pages in book: 15
Estimated words: 13338 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 67(@200wpm)___ 53(@250wpm)___ 44(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 13338 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 67(@200wpm)___ 53(@250wpm)___ 44(@300wpm)
She strode into the main area of the apartment, and there was her husband lying down on the couch, eyes closed, obviously out cold. She took in the dining room table that had been set with their dishes, not paper plates, silverware, and water goblets. A bottle of wine chilled in an honest-to-goodness wine bucket he’d had to have borrowed from a restaurant, and she’d bet the ice inside had melted. Like the candles had burned halfway down.
Her heart dropped at the sight. She wished he’d called instead of surprising her, but even if she’d known he was here, there was no way she could have left the set.
She stepped over to the sofa and looked down at his sleeping form, taking in the features she adored. His dark lashes lay against his skin, and she saw the deep circles beneath his eyes, telling her how hard he’d been working and the late nights the band had been keeping. But that had been true of the last tour, so what had changed?
Her. The answer slammed into her and her chest squeezed tight. She worked longer hours. She didn’t have time to take his calls. Yes, he was extra busy, too. But her life had gotten much busier to the point where she hadn’t been able to fly out for a visit as she had a couple of years ago.
She sat down beside him, her hip nudging against his, making room for herself, and his eyes fluttered open. “Cass.” He pushed himself to a sitting position.
“Hey, stranger.” She smiled softly. “I am so sorry I’m home so late. I had no idea you’d be here.”
He treated her to his dimpled grin. “I wanted to surprise you. Xander let me know you were hung up at work, but I hoped you’d get here in time to enjoy some of this.” He gestured to the romantic atmosphere he’d set for them.
She sighed, letting her disappointment show. “Isn’t this just like the way things have been going for us?” Tears filled her eyes, taking her by surprise.
“I’m sorry, too. Our opening act is being sexually harassed by her manager, and she won’t let us report it. Not until the tour is over. It’s complicated with the guys, especially Jagger, but I’ve been around overtime to make sure she’s never alone. But I swear, Cass, no matter what the tabloids say–”
She placed her finger over his lips. “I know. If you had to tell me, that would mean I didn’t trust you and I do.” No matter how she’d felt when she’d heard CGC’s reporting and seen the photos, in her heart, she knew he’d have a legitimate reason for appearing so cozy with his opening act.
He took her hand and pulled her on top of him, letting her position herself before he took her mouth with his. The moment his lips touched hers, everything turned right in her world. He kissed her for a long time, his tongue sliding against hers, his teeth nipping, his lips gliding, never coming up for air until she broke the kiss.
“I just need to breathe,” she said, laughing. Reaching out, she wiped his damp lips with her finger.
“Breathing’s overrated.” He threaded his fingers through her hair and tugged on the long strands. “Are you hungry? The food I ordered in is cold but we can heat it up again.”
She shook her head. “I grabbed a sandwich from Craft Services. What about you?”
A sheepish look crossed his face and his cheeks flushed. “I got hungry and ate.”
She shook her head and groaned. “I don’t blame you,” she said, touching her forehead to his. Without warning, she yawned, the stressful day that had started at five a.m. catching up with her.
Dash reached around and slapped her ass, causing her to squeal. “Okay, up you go. Let’s go to bed.” His eyes gleamed with desire, and her sex swelled at the thought of finally being with him again.
“How long are you staying for?” she asked hopefully. But she knew the tour schedule and it wouldn’t be long. She rose to her feet and he did the same.
“Unfortunately, I leave first thing in the morning. I have to be back for an event tomorrow night.”
She moaned her disappointment, and he pulled her into his arms for a much-needed hug, and she felt the swell of his erection beneath his jeans. She knew how badly they needed to talk about the distance between them, but she didn’t want to waste what little time they had talking. Conversation would have to wait until he was home for good. Then they’d work out the issues that had cropped up during his time away and rebuild their relationship. She loved him and had no doubt he felt the same way.
“I need to shower,” she said as they made their way to the bedroom. “The AC broke and I was a sweaty mess for much of the day.” As much as she wanted to strip and get naked with him, she needed to clean up first.