Besides, having her curled into me, her sweet, fruity scent in my face, her body pressed back against mine, it wasn’t exactly a hardship. Holding her all night like that was better than any damn fantasy, better than I expected, and I’ve got a vivid imagination.
We talked about the tour—about how things could go sideways if we let this thing between us screw with the dynamic. Luke’s worried, and I get why. But I told Effa straight, ‘I’m not going anywhere. I don’t bail on contracts. I’m not some flaky director who disappears when shit gets complicated.’
Morning came, and I stayed. Room service, laughs, that easy rhythm that just works between us felt all natural. Too natural.
Until Luke showed up and burst the damn bubble, sending us into overdrive.
I knew pack-up days moved fast, but I didn’t expect it to feel like someone hit fast-forward on my life. One minute we were joking in her suite, the next we were shoved onto a minibus with the rest of the crew and carted off to the airport like cattle.
Cue the chaos.
Cue screaming fans.
Cue same frantic energy.
They weren’t just there for a photo opportunity. They wanted a piece of the girls, a touch, a souvenir of the moment. And while I was told to stand back with the rest of the crew, it didn’t sit well. Not with Effa out there. I didn’t like it.
But Raoul and Cooper had her flanked, and I watchedclosely.Yeah, like a fucking stalker. But I needed to see it with my own eyes.
Not a single hand lay on her.
That’s how it should be.
That’s how it’ll stay.
Once we boarded the band’s private jet, I could finally breathe again. The flight from Phoenix to Denver took an hour and forty-five minutes, and I had the seat next to Effa the whole time. Quiet conversations and easy smiles made the whole madness of the morning worth it. But as soon as we arrived at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, it was time to get my head back in the game.
Work mode—on.
The stage setup here is just under half the size we usually work with, and the lighting is minimalistic at best. Still, it’s not about the flash tonight. This show’s being filmed for a charity, with every cent going to Rosalie House, a women’s shelter.Apparently,Luminoushas a strong connection to it through their old tourmates,Recoil. Their bassist, Matt, and his wife are heavily involved in the foundation, and it clearly means something to the girls.
I respect the hell out of that.
Helping women in crisis?Yeah, that’s something worth setting the spotlight on.
Right now, I’m standing near the back of the amphitheater, waiting for Effa and the girls to come on. The night sky above is a masterpiece, with stars scattered like glitter across fractured cliffs and deep red rock formations. There’s something otherworldly about this place, and I get why people feel connected to it. The spiritual energy is real, and it suits Effa to a T.
The venue’s packed.
The pre-show hum of voices echoes across the open air, full of excitement and just plain good energy. It’s alive out here, buzzing, and I know Effa’s going to dominate this stage. She was born to.
Soft pre-show music drifts from the overhead speakers.
It’s almost time.
I’m posted backstage, tucked behind a rock ledge with a clear view up toward the back of the platform. Not visible to the crowd, but close enough to jump in if something goes sideways. Lighting’s all preprogrammed to track with each song. Tank and I just have to fire it up. Smooth, digital, automated, you have got to love modern technology when it works.
Tank plops down beside me on the red rock, exhaling loudly like a man who’s way too pleased with himself. One look at that smug grin, and I know I should keep my mouth shut.
But I don’t.
“That’s one hell of a grin, Tank,” I mutter, glancing at him.
He chuckles. “It’s fucking sweet being Andi’s hookup. She might be a raging grump, but damn… when she channels that energy into sex? Total spitfire. Her mouth—”
“Okay, Jesus, no.” I cut him off, holding up a hand. “That’s more than enough detail, thanks.”
He snorts and cracks his neck, bumping his shoulder into mine. “Heard you stayed with Effa last night. How’d that go?”
