"And they all know it, too," I say with pride.
She squeezes me tighter. We'd spent every second of the last two days and nights together being goofy, making love, and trying not to let reality crash in. The guys gave us a wide berth, knowing we needed it.
"Don't fall in love with someone else," I mutter.
Her head snaps up. "What did you say?"
I shrug a shoulder. "The guys are going to be all over you now that we're not there. They backed off because we were together, but before that they walked the line because they knew the guys were protecting you. Now they'll be able to get away with all that shit."
"No, they won't. I don't want any part of that or them," Tera tells me, her expression fierce.
I nod and swallow. I guess she's not the only one who's feeling a little insecure over this separation. The other night she asked about other girls. Fuck no. Just her. I can wait for her like I told her I would. If she comes to visit every couple weeks or whatever, that's enough for me.She'senough.
"Almost time to load up," Linc says as he walks up. "Gonna let me hug my sister goodbye?"
"No."
"The fuck," he huffs. "Fine." He walks around behind Tera and hugs her between us. He rests his head on top of hers as she laughs.
"You're crazy, Lincoln."
"I am, sis, but I'm gonna miss the hell out of you."
"I'll miss you too, but I'll see you in a couple of weeks," she says.
He grunts. "For all of ten seconds. You're going to be there to see this goofball, not me."
"Aww, Linc. I'll be there to see you all. I'll give you hello and goodbye hugs," she teases.
He grunts again. "That's what I thought. But I'm cool with it."
"Load up!" Jerry shouts and my heart thumps hard. I can feel the tears begin to form behind my eyes and I fight it hard. I'll be strong for her.
Linc kisses the top of her head. "Love you, T."
"Love you too, Linc."
The rest of the guys say their goodbyes and then it's just us.
"I'm not going to say 'goodbye'. It's just see you later, not goodbye," Tera murmurs against my chest, her voice breaking.
"Exactly. At least we have cell phones. If we'd been touring twenty years ago with no cell phones and Internet, that would've sucked. We can talk anytime, and there's Skype and text. Always message me. I don't want to miss anything that's happening with you," I tell her.
"Same goes. I know you won't have as much freedom to text as I do, but kinda keep a list of things that are happening so you can talk to me about them when we call or Skype," she requests.
"Done."
I tip her chin up, her face ravaged with tears; it hurts my heart to leave, but it kills me to see her hurt.
I lean in and kiss her lips softly. Just a soft pass across hers. When she opens, I slip my tongue inside, against hers, needing to take this last taste of her with me to help make the next two weeks easier. She moans and whimpers. I can taste her tears—or are those mine?
I don't know how much time passes, but we pull apart and our gazes hold. I brush her hair away from her tear-stained face.
"I love you, Tera."
"I love you, too, Xan."
I kiss her forehead once, then force myself to walk away from her.
"See you later, baby."
"See you later."
I don't look out the window as the bus pulls away. I don't look back. I let the music lead me where I need to go for now.
Then I'll go back to her.
