“Don’t remind me.”
“Lindsey loves it. She was singing it during rehearsal actually. If you’re not careful she’ll end up covering it at the show.”
“Let her have it.”
James laughed. “Not a chance. Okay, I’ll see you sometime tomorrow afternoon. Deke is here and somehow we end up playing drinking games with trivia. Asshole is the only one who can go toe-to-toe with me for shots.”
“I’ll send you my pin for directions.”
“Works for me. See ya, Sparkles.”
“Bye.”I tossed my phone on the couch beside me then scooped Velma onto my lap for our evening cuddle. “Guess I’m going to have a playdate for a few days. Wait until you meet, James.”
Velma chirped at me, then put a paw on my face.
“You want third meal, huh?”
She started purring in response. I got up with her in my arms, holding her like a baby. My shoulders weren’t as big as Tate’s to tote her around that way. We played pick your meal and decided on turkey pâtè.
I wrinkled my nose at the scent as I dumped it into her favorite dish, then cleaned up after our dinner. By the time Tate came back in, I had a bottle of wine open and Hozier’s latest album playing on the record player.
“Hey.” He kissed my neck. “Did you have a nice conversation with your friend?”
“I did. So, you have the hots for James?”
He cleared his throat. “No. I, uh...” He coughed. “Sorry about that.”
I grinned and laced my fingers behind his neck. “It’s okay, most men have a thing for James. Hell, half of my dancers do too.” At his surprised look, I planted a kiss on his lips. “Can’t say I didn’t have a crush on her my own self when I was nineteen.”
He banded his arm around my back and lifted me off the floor. “Do not put such thoughts in my head.”
I laughed, throwing my head back as he hauled me off toward the bedroom. “Wait. Wine.”
He backtracked and grabbed the bottle and I snatched the glasses.He set me down inside the door, walking me back to the bed, his eyes flashing with heat.
“So, talking about James has you all hot under the collar?”
“Nope. Just you and the color in your cheeks. What were you guys talking about?”
“She’s coming for a visit. I’ve been writing songs and wanted some help.”
He frowned. “You’re writing already?”
“I know, surprised me.” I unbuttoned his flannel shirt, pushing it off his shoulders. “It’s a little different. I think the songs will do well with James’s influence. She’s got a way with lyrics and riffs.”
“I didn’t realize you worked with other artists.”
“Oh, yeah. Same as you bounce ideas off me and Molly and sometimes the persnickety Bill. It works the same.”
“Learn something new every day.” He lowered his mouth to mine. “Then I won’t feel guilty for the next few days while we get the village set for opening night.”
“You never have to feel guilty, Tate. I understand about dreams. Same as sometimes I won’t be available for you either.”
He gripped my hips. “I don’t want to think about that just yet.”He closed his mouth over mine.
I didn’t want to think about it either.
Not just yet.
