He's snoring loudly, blanket half-tangled around his torso.
He’ll survive.
“Come on, Snorts,” I say. “Let’s go to our suite.”
Snorty hops off the sofa and follows me to the door.
With his carrier in hand, I slip quietly into the hallway.
But I barely make it through the doorway when I spot Rio walking out of the elevator, coming toward me from the opposite direction.
He stops short whenhe sees me.
Eyes dark.
Jaw tense.
“Maddie?” he says, voice sharp. “Where the hell are you coming from? Joseph’s room?”
My mouth opens, but the words get stuck.
He studies me—cold, guarded.
Then he delivers the blow.
“Do whatever the fuck you want.”
He storms toward our suite, opens it, and slams it shut.
I wait, my ear against the exterior door, until I hear him open, then slam shut the door to his own room.
With no place to go, I softly open the door and rush into my own room.
I slip into my bed and call for Snorty to join me. As I cuddle him, I close my eyes, eager for sleep to overtake me.
CHAPTER 29
MADDIE
The next morning, Snorty and I slip quietly into the rehearsal room, taking two seats in the far back.
The normally quiet room is packed. Tonight is the concert, and at the party last night I saw Henry Lemon handing VIP rehearsal passes to everyone who wanted them.
I hadn’t been to Rio and the Wilders concert in years. I’d forgotten Rio’s effect on a crowd. Particularly women. They lean toward the stage, mesmerized by his looks and his voice.
I feel a sting of jealousy. Ridiculous.
But as Rio sings, I’m reminded of that raw sensuality that teased the imagination of my young teenage self.
And it irks me that other women feel it too.
After a few minutes, the exhaustion of the all-nighter hits me hard. I head to the refreshment lounge outside the rehearsal area.
I'm pouring myself a steaming cup of coffee when my phone buzzes.
Mom.
Finally returning my many messages.
