Hope we can build a life together.
I know with all my heart that I want that more than anything.
I want to be his forever.
His always.
His constant.
Through all the good times and bad.
My only hope is that he feels the same way about me.
We take the stretch Hummer back to the hotel, and I know Hux and Dingo probably won’t appreciate the fact that I occupied Colt’s time today, so I decide to be selfless and say, “Babe, I think we should pop into the penthouse and say hi.”
He kisses my head and wraps his arm around me. “Don’t like being alone with me?” He smirks.
I roll my eyes. “Of course I do. If it were just you and me for all of eternity, I’d be ecstatic, but they’re our friends, and I have let them down today by being selfish and taking you away from the—”
They’ll survive a few hours without me. But if you really want to, we can pop in for one drink. Then I’m taking you to our suite where I can show you how much I lo—” He winces, the word catching in his throat. Frustration flickers across his face as he shakes his head, scrunching his eyes shut like he’s angry at himself for eventrying.
A sharp pang grips my chest, but I force myself to push past it. “It’s okay,” I say softly, the words gentle but carrying the weight of understanding. “Like I said… you don’t have to say it.” I pause, inhaling deeply before I continue, my voice quieter now, more raw. “I won’t lie, it hurts that you can’t. And yeah, I freaked the fuck out about it earlier, and for that, I’m truly sorry. My anger gets the better of me sometimes.” I swallow hard, then look straight into his eyes, making sure he hears me—reallyhears me.“I know how you feel, Colter Slade. And just because you can’t say the words doesn’t mean you don’tfeelthem.”
His jaw tightens, something unreadable flashing across his face.
I exhale, forcing a small smile. “So… one drink, and then you can take me upstairs and make love to me all night long. Agreed?”
“You amaze me. Most girls would’ve run with all my issues, but somehow you stay. Even though I know there are times when it iswaytoo much for you,” he says, cupping my cheek with his hand.
“Well… I’m notmostgirls.”
We walk into the bustling penthouse suite, and even though there’s no after-show party, there are still people everywhere.
Colt holds my hand firmly as we take a seat on the couch.
Anna runs straight over. “Thank fuck you two are here. Johnny and Dingo are driving me bonkers,” she exclaims, slumping on the couch beside me.
“What are they on about now?” Colt asks.
Anna exhales. “The bloody meaning of life. Can you believe it, a bassist and a drummer talking about that shit? Urgh, I swear some of the ridiculous crap coming out of their mouths is just plain, well… plain stupid. My husband’s an ignoramus.”
Anna looks at me with her eyebrow raised, then looks across at Colt.
It’s girl code for, ‘How is everything?’
I smile and nod slightly.
“Wanna drink, guys?” Kira calls out, looking directly at us.
Two thumbs up, she brings two beers and walks away. I’m sipping my beer when the door opens, and Hux stumbles in with a girl on either side of him. His eyes are bloodshot, and his hair is a right royal mess. There is no doubt he is one hundred percent wasted. The girls bring him over to the couch next to Anna, and he sits, placing his head in his hands.
“Hux, you okay, bro?” Colt asks, concern etched in his voice.
“Woo-hoo, I’m on a flying carpet,” Hux replies, sounding excited as he throws his hands into the air like people do when they’re on a rollercoaster. I look up at Colt, who’s frowning, and his brows are creased so far together I think they might actually join.
“What the fuck, Hux? You’re off your face, man,” Colt berates. “So much for being in control of the drugs, you dick.”
Hux stands abruptly and stands in front of Colt. “Oh, brother, brother… where is my brother? The one who loves smack? Have you seen him? Where is he hiding?” Hux stumbles, almost falling on Colt.
