“But… I thought you said you and the guys wanted a break. That’s why you weren’t putting out another album.”
“We do.”
“But…?” I coaxed, definitely sensing a “but” in there somewhere.
“But….” His hands went back to his hair and he tugged in agitation. “But I want to be close to you and Liddy. And I can’t do that if you’re here and I’m traveling all over the fuckin’ country.”
My mouth hung open as I openly studied at him,reallystudied him, for what might have been the first time. And what I was seeing made my blood burn and my chest swell so big I wasn’t sure my body could take it. “Oh my God,” I breathed to myself.
He cupped my cheeks, worry lining his gorgeous face. “Gwen, baby, talk to me. Is it your hand? Do I need to take you to the hospital?”
“Oh my God,” I repeated, too astounded to say anything else.
“That’s it,” he growled, “we’re going to the hospital.Sylvie!”
That snapped me out of my daze. “No! No hospital. I don’t need it. It’s just….”
“What?” He looked positively frantic. “Baby,what?”
“He was telling the truth,” I whispered. “Chris was telling the truth. You did that for me. You’re not going to that award ceremony forme.”
“I don’t want to be there if you’re not standing next to me.”
God, I am so in love with this man.
“Everything okay?” Sylvie’s gentle voice called from behind me.
Before I could answer, Garrett scooped me up and began carrying me up the stairs. “Everything’s fine. Can you keep an eye on Liddy? Gwen’s going to take a shower.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh, and will you bring an ice pack up in about fifteen… no, make that a half hour? She hurt her hand.”
“Oh no,” Sylvie gasped. “On what?”
I could hear the smile in Garrett’s voice, but I was too busy justlookingat him. “On Chris’s face.”
I was sure I heard Sylvie’s laughter, but I was too focused on other things to pay much attention.
It wasn’t until I was on my feet in Garrett’s—well,our—bathroom that I got all my senses back. “Wait, what are you doing?” I asked, batting at his hands as he pulled at my top.
“Getting you undressed. We’re taking a shower.”
Sparks of electricity went off between my thighs as my nipples puckered into hard peaks. I really liked the sound of that. But… “Wait.”
He growled like an animal about to strike, which only made my desire that much stronger. “No more waiting. Get naked.”
I couldn’t help but laugh as I fought with his roaming hands once more. “This’ll only take a second, Garrett. Just hold on.”
He let out a frustrated huff but stopped pulling at my clothing and met my eyes. His were dark with a hunger that I could totally relate to. “Fine, one second. Go.”
“You’re going to that award ceremony,” I stated authoritatively.
“Gwen—”
“No.” I help up my hand and stopped him. “You’re going.Andyou’re going to agree to perform. Besides, I’ve never seen you play, so what better time, right?”
His hands fell to my waist, and I got an upfront view as his pupils dilated with pleasure. “What are you saying?”
