Xayden flicks a playful glare at him, but there’s no real bite behind it. They’re both too relieved to be somewhere cool. Ashlyn leans back against the plush seat, eyes closed, letting out a quiet sigh as the cool air from the car’s AC finally starts to chase away the desert heat. She looks so at ease that I almost forget what a rarity that is—her feeling comfortable enough to drop her guard around us, given everything that happened in the past.
I take the moment to study her, my gaze tracing the gentle curve of her jaw and the slight part in her lips. She’s completely relaxed, and the fact that she can be so calm around us again says a lot. It flips something in my chest, a mixture of relief and something deeper.
Her eyes flutter open, immediately catching me looking. A rush of heat crawls up my neck, but before I can stammer out an excuse, her lips quirk into a small smile.
“So,” she murmurs, her voice quiet in the hush of the car. “Did you manage to book that suite?”
I clear my throat, forcing my attention back to my phone. “Yeah,” I confirm, nodding briskly. “Sent the information to the driver.”
She shifts slightly to face me, tucking her hair behind one ear. “Thanks,” she says, and there’s genuine gratitude in her tone that warms me more than the Arizona sun ever could. “I appreciate you taking care of it.”
I offer a half smile, hoping I don’t look as flustered as I feel. “No problem. We wanted to make sure we all had space. Together.”
Her expression softens, and for a second, she looks like she might say something else—something important. But then Todd nudges her shoulder gently, distracting her with a question about the menu at tonight’s venue, and the moment passes.
I settle back into my seat, heart still thrumming. We’re all crammed into this car, heading to a hotel where we’ll share a suite, taking this second chance she’s given us. And as I glance at Ashlyn, seeing the way she closes her eyes again, that faint smile lingering at the corners of her mouth, I can’t help but think:
This time, we’re going to get it right.
CHAPTER 43
Ashlyn
We pullup to the hotel, and I’m instantly struck by the sheer size of the building. A modern high-rise towering over the rest of the city, sleek glass reflecting the late afternoon sun. It’s not typically the sort of place I’d stay if I were traveling alone—I’m more of a quaint boutique hotel girl—but I have to admit, there’s something comforting about seeing Todd, Jake, Xayden, and West all stepping out of the car with me, ready to tackle whatever this tour city throws our way.
We head inside, the automatic doors sliding open with a quiet whoosh. The lobby is huge—vaulted ceilings, polished floors, and a minimalist fountain trickling soothingly at the center. A few guests linger in the waiting area, eyes flicking our way with faint recognition. I feel a spark of nerves, but Todd’s hand brushes mine, his silent assurance reminding me I’m not alone.
Jake checks us in at the front desk, smoothing over any minor complications with a courteous smile and a steady calm that always impresses me. Meanwhile, Xayden meanders around the lobby, poking at a tall ornamental plant and makingfaces at West, who stands by me, quietly observing the world with that thoughtful gaze of his.
When Jake returns with the keycards, he lifts them in a small, triumphant gesture. “We’re good. Let’s go see if this suite lives up to its promises.”
A short elevator ride later, the doors slide open onto a wide hallway, carpeting so plush I practically sink into it with each step. I spot the number matching our suite and exchange a glance with Xayden—he’s grinning like we’ve just found a hidden treasure.
Jake unlocks the door, and we step inside, one by one. My first thought? It’s massive. Not just large, but big enough that if we had twenty people, no one would be bumping elbows. The main living area has floor-to-ceiling windows, letting in streams of golden sunlight. There’s a fully-stocked kitchen to the right—granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances—and a cozy seating area with enough couches for each of us to sprawl out without touching.
“Wow,” I breathe, taking a few more steps inside. “This is… definitely bigger than I imagined.”
Xayden snorts playfully. “Bigger’s better, Ash, especially when you’re with us.” He waggles his eyebrows, and I roll my eyes, but I can’t help smiling.
Jake sets his bags by one of the couches, surveying the space. “Looks like the bedroom areas are back that way,” he says, nodding toward a short hallway leading off the main room. “And if I read right, the nest is…”
Xayden nudges one of the plush sofas with his knee, then gives a mock-serious look in Todd’s direction. “Hear that? A nest, those are sound proof. Which means we can safely assume I’ll be drumming at all hours in here, right?” He gives a dramatic sweep of his arm around the living room. “Plenty of space for a full kit.”
“Over my dead body,” West mutters, though there’s a hint of amusement in his tone as he sets his guitar case down.
Xayden just grins, flipping an imaginary stick in the air. “Aw, come on. Think of the ambiance. Midnight jam sessions, morning practice, midday solos?—”
“Midday solos that get us kicked out,” Todd interjects, arching an eyebrow.
Xayden shrugs, unrepentant. “Worth a shot.”
I snort a laugh, hugging my arms around myself. “Good luck explaining that to hotel management.”
He smirks, winking my way. “I’ve got charm they can’t resist, Ash. Didn’t you know?”
I roll my eyes again, turning my attention back to the hallway. Despite Xayden’s teasing, the thought of an actual nest—a real, private space if my heat hits—sends a flutter of nerves through me.
I nudge Todd gently with my elbow, inclining my head toward the short hallway. “Alright, let’s see these bedrooms. Big place like this, they’d better be pretty spectacular.”
