“Hey, baby. I missed you so much.”
“I’m pretty sure he missed you too.”
“Of course he did.” I picked Growler up and planted a kiss on top of his adorable little head. “How was he?”
“We got along okay, though I’m pretty sure I’ll never hear the end of it from the other guys.” Hendrix rubbed his hand over his beard.
“The end of what?” I asked.
His slow smile spread across his lips, and I found myself smiling back in return. “Some of the guys thought I looked a little funny with such a small dog.”
“Please don't tell me your masculinity was threatened,” I teased.
“No chance of that.” He walked toward me with a cocky swagger in his step. “Rest assured my man card is still intact.”
“Oh, thank goodness. It's been a long day, and I'm not sure I have it in me to build your ego back up.” I didn't usually flirt with men I didn't know very well, but I had a feeling Hendrix could take it. His easy smile sent flutters through my belly, and the way he handled Growler could have softened even the hardest heart.
“Where are you and the beast staying tonight?”
“Oh, um, I’ve got a room at a hotel nearby.” The question caught me by surprise. I couldn't tell if he was asking because he wanted to make sure I had somewhere to stay or if he planned to show up on my doorstep later.
His low laugh rumbled from somewhere deep down inside his chest. “I’m not going to stalk you, sweetheart. It’s dark out, and I want to make sure you get where you’re going safe and sound. Come on, I’ll walk you.”
Relief coursed through my limbs. “You don’t have to do that.”
“Yeah, I kinda do.”
“And why is that, exactly?” I wasn’t sure how I felt about a stranger walking me to my hotel. It was only a few blocks away.
“First, because I was raised by a woman who believes chivalry isn’t dead. Second, because I wouldn’t be able to catch a wink of sleep tonight without knowing you and the beast made it to the hotel. There are rats running around on these streets that are bigger than him.”
My grip on Growler tightened. “I’d hate for you to miss out on your beauty sleep on account of me.”
“That’s more like it.” Hendrix picked up my bag and nudged his chin toward the door leading to the loading dock behind the arena. “Ready to go?”
“I suppose.”
“Which hotel is it?”
“The Magnum. According to the map, it’s just a couple of blocks over.” I hadn’t paid too much attention when I grabbed a ride share for the quick trip from the hotel to the arena earlier this afternoon. I’d arrived too early to check in, but I’d stopped by to drop off my bags, so I didn’t have to haul them around with me.
“Right this way.” Hendrix led the way, slowing his stride so I could keep up with him.
I didn’t want to admit it, but I was glad to have the company. Though I’d spent tons of time in Dallas, I wasn’t used to walking the downtown streets alone. And Hendrix looked like a man who could hold his own. Walking by his side made me feel safe. I felt practically petite since he towered over me and had biceps almost as big around as my thick thighs. He was hot in a bad boy, rough and tumble kind of way, and I tried not to picture how his beard might feel on my cheek as we made our way to the hotel.
“How long have you been with the band?” I asked.
“Oh, I’m not with the band.” He chuckled as he answered. “I got pulled into this tour when a guy I used to work with broke his arm setting up the stage. I’ve been with them since Houston.I live in Broken Bend, so I was pretty much local and could take over for him right away.”
“Broken Bend…” I’d heard that name before. “That’s not too far from Houston, right?”
“Not too far at all.”
For some reason, knowing he lived in Texas made me trust him even more. Sure, there were plenty of assholes and creeps who lived in my home state—and I’d gone out with more than my fair share—but there was also comfort in having something in common. Based on the tattoos peeking out from under his t-shirt and knowing he was several years older than me, it might be the only thing we shared.
“Here we are.” Hendrix gestured for me to enter the revolving door first, then came in behind me.
There was more than enough room for both of us but sharing that small space with him had my heart rate jumping. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my shoulder and the heat from his body even though he wasn’t anywhere close to touching me. It had been so long since I’d been with a man that I’d almost forgotten what it was like—the intoxicating pull of attraction. My breath caught in my chest, and I swayed on my heels.
