My lips tip up. Somewhere between the playoff party and going on tour, Cash stole Miles’s number from my phone. Cash tried to get in on the “good luck” tradition, but after that resulted in a Saints’ loss in Round 2, he was banned from texting Miles on game day.
“At least tell me how much farther.”
“We’re almost there.” His hand tightens around mine. “How long are you in town for?”
“Nowhere near long enough. I’ve got tomorrow off and then I have to head back for a show in New Mexico.”
He’s quiet, but I imagine he’s nodding.
I tilt my head toward the open window right as he asks, “Can I come with you?”
“Why are we having all these conversations when I can’t see a thing?” My voice rises. “Yes, of course you can—but you’re going to what? Come on tour with me?”
More silence. “Sounds about right.”
I let out a breath. “Of course you did.”
“If you wanted me to, I could?—”
“I want you to. I just thought… I don’t know. Tours aren’t as glamorous as you might think. I’m not sure I’d choose to spend my only time off on one.”
“I want to be wherever you are, Starling.” He moves his hand to rest on the nape of my neck.
I swallow. “Is now a good time to tell you I broke my lease in Nashville… Surprise, I’m moving in.”
There’s a pause. Without being able to see him, it feels longer.
“Oh, you thought I was going to let you leave—” He chuckles. “Okay, no, that sounded creepy… What I’m trying to say is that makes me happy.Youmake me happy, honey.”
I want so badly to see him.
I feel the car slow, gravel pinging against Miles’s truck.
“Okay, you can take it off.”
I waste no time, pulling it down so it’s looped around my neck. I glance over at him. He already looks pleased with himself.
I lean across the center console and he meets me, his lips finding mine. I draw back just enough to murmur, “I’dlovefor you to come with me.”
His thumb brushes my jaw. “And I’d love for you to stay.”
My eyes sting, so I kiss him again before he can see them.
When I pull back, I finally look out the windows. Something on my face makes him laugh, deep and warm, and I decide maybe he can even make this place romantic.
The familiarthwackof the metal Airstream door carries across the open field, and I raise a hand out the window at Boone. Miles does the same, but he keeps driving.
“Is he gonna shoot us for trespassing?”
“Nah, he knows.”
I think I catch a little lift of Boone’s lips before he’s out of sight. Okay, now I’m even more curious. If he approves, it must be good.
“Are you gonna record a song with me?” I smile.
He looks over at me. “Christ, no. Can you imagine?”
“I think you can be taught.”
