Ben snorted softly. “Ethan, this is my, and Max’s, partner, Luca.”
Ethan looked at Ben as if he was seeing him for the first time. “What the fuck?”
“What?”
“Hi,” I said helpfully. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“I just… can’t,” Ethan blurted out, flustered as hell, his shock still evident on his face.
“Fair.” I grinned. “This is the first time I’m in town, so nobody knows I’m here. I would like to keep it that way.”
He blinked a couple of times, then shook his head and I could see the moment his brain connected what I was saying. “Uh, yes. Of course. I won’t….” Then he looked at Ben accusingly. “Christ, Ben!”
Ben smirked. “See you at the garage?”
“Huh?”
“The air. For your tires.”
“Uh… yeah, I’m just gonna….” Ethan turned around and started to walk away.
I hid my face in Ben’s neck as I shook with laughter. “I’m almost sorry for him.”
“He’s a fan. Obviously.”
“Of yours?” I teased, nipping at his neck.
“Ofyours.” He leaned away from me, then pecked my lips. “See you at home. I have a workday to finish.”
“See you later.” I kissed him again, before letting go and walking to the SUV where the others had clearly been keeping an eye on the situation.
I climbed in the passenger’s seat and Rian started the engine.
“Don’t even—”
I was cut off by raucous laughter.
Sighing, I hoped poor Ethan wouldn’t feel too bad. I didn’t want him hurt, but his heart eyes for Ben were now affected by the fact that he knew Ben was with me. And based on Ethan’s expression and Ben’s words… well, he was a fan.
I decided that if I came across Ethan again, I’d be kind. Once the statement was out, everyone would know what had happened to me and the rest of the band. I had a feeling that if he was a true fan, he’d see what I was trying to do with my life.
The next day, Max and Carys took me to the library, and then to the bookstore in the next town over. They grabbed foodfrom a fast food place, and ate it in the car so I didn’t have to go inside. I appreciated it, as it was… a lot.
“Do you think it’ll be easier in New York?” Carys asked as she reached for her fries.
“Probably in the way that I know that place so well. There shouldn’t be surprises.”
“It’s just going to be more intense,” she mused, humming thoughtfully. “Well, I’m confident it’ll go fine and you’ll have your hotel room and everything ready, right? And a private plane must help.”
I chuckled. “Yes, those things help.”
“Are you going to visit any family while you’re there?” she asked innocently.
Max turned his head minutely, watching me from the corner of his eye.
I put my hand on his shoulder from the back seat and squeezed. “I’m not sure the boys are ready for that.”
Carys realized that she’d kind of put her foot in it and went quiet, taking a big bite of her chicken burger.
