She laughs softly. “Fair call, it is hot today. Okay, big guy, you’re forgiven.”
“Well, aren’t I lucky? I didn’t even do anything wrong,” I jest, chuckling.
She leans in, pressing her fruity lips to mine, and I grin into the kiss. Lunar’s jealousy can be troublesome, but it’s also reassuring. It tells me she genuinely cares about me, something I haven’t felt from a woman in ages. I always felt second best and played second fiddle. But with Lunar, I feel like I’m her top priority, and honestly, that’s an incredible feeling.
Pulling back, I gently slide some hair behind her ear. “How’s the fam?”
“So good. They’re receiving in-house support from the foundation, and Mum said she couldn’t be more proud of me.”
“You’re doing so well—”
“What, between my jealous fits of rage…”
I laugh. “Yeah, between those.”
We both chuckle as I wrap my arms around her waist and edge her back toward the bed. She falls on the mattress, and I hover over her. Supporting myself with my arms on either side of her body, I gaze down at her gorgeous face. “You do know how beautiful you are, don’t you?”
She shakes her head. “No. Why don’t you show me?”
Grinning, I lean in, kissing her, getting ready to prove to her that she is the only woman I have my eyes on.
Chapter Twenty-One
LUNAR
March
The Tour Begins
Danger and Effa are still fine-tuning their duet, so they’ll continue working on it during the tour. The buzz around them is growing, and they’ve been busy with numerous television and radio interviews to build anticipation.
Tonight is the first show at AAMI Park in Melbourne, which is situated between the Yarra River and the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The arena is massive, and we’re all backstage in the green room, getting ready for the performance.
Glancing over at Danger, I notice his knee bouncing rapidly, a sign he’s nervous, as he hastily downs a beer. Sighing, I walk over to him and sit. I should be out at the merch stand, but for the opening night, I wanted to be here with him for support. And now, seeing his unease, I am grateful I made that choice.
“Should you be drinking before a show?” I ask, then settle beside him, the couch dipping slightly under my weight. The sounds of Luminous as they wrap up their set flood the room.
“Lunar, I’ve done this before. I think I know what Icanandcan’thandle.”
I purse my lips at his blunt reply. “Okay… geez, I’m just trying to help. You don’t have to be a prick about it.”
“I know. Sorry. This is my first headline. I’ve always been the opening band act. This is Recoil’s night to shine, and I don’t want to fuck it up in front of a twenty-one thousand capacity crowd…” he trails off, his voice filled with apprehension.
Reaching forward, I gently take the beer from his hand. “Then lay off the booze and breathe. You know your songs, you knowthe order, and you know you can do this. For you and Recoil. Danger, this is only the beginning—”
He pulls me in for an unexpected hug, effectively cutting me off.
I smile and embrace him, offering him all the comfort he seeks. “You got this.”
“I’m glad I have you.”
“You’llalwayshave me. Now go and ‘rock out with your cock out’ like you know you can.”
He draws back, releasing a hearty laugh, before leaning in for a brief but intense kiss. Danger rises and strides over to Ryan and the rest of the band, who appear pumped and ready to rock.
I couldn’t be prouder of my man.
Standing, I walk behind the band, which is laughing. Danger seems noticeably more relaxed now after our pep talk. Going on stage in a bundle of nerves would’ve been a recipe for disaster.
