Tells me this isn’t over.
Whatever’s brewing with Jett?
It’s only just getting started.
Chapter Sixteen
MERCS
Five Weeks Later
Effa and I are at State Farm Arena in Georgia, and as usual, I’m here before anyone else. It’s kind of our thing, something nostalgic, it’s how we first met, after all. Now that we’re in couple mode, and have been for the past five weeks, this early time together has become something we cherish—a little slice of quiet before the chaos.
We’ve spent the last few hours wandering the venue, watching the gear arrive, and soaking in the space. Effa’s always attuned to her surroundings. I used to think all her energy-reading and grounding stuff was a bit strange, but watching her connect with the vibe of each new venue has become something I look forward to.
It’s freeing, in a way.
Watching her just be.
Now we’re sitting on the edge of the stage, sipping berry water, staring out over the empty stadium. It’s peaceful, easy, and comfortable. Everything with this woman just works.
She turns to me, eyes bright. “Do you think we could try ramping up the lasers tonight when we perform “Electro-charge?” Might punch the vibe up a notch.”
I tilt my head. “Hmm…” I consider. “What about this, instead of lasers throughout the build, we go full strobe-frenzy during Kristy’s percussion solo? You know, sync it perfectly with the beat. Hit the crowd with something intense.”
Her smile widens. “See, this is why you’re the lighting director. You’re brilliant.” Her voice lowers with playful intent. “Keep that up, and you’ll be rewarded.”
Something is glimmering in her eyes—something promising.
“Oh yeah?” I lean in and brush my lips over hers, soft at first. Then my hand threads into her hair, tugging gently as I take control, deepening the kiss until—
“Ahem.”
Someone clears their throat behind us, and Effa giggles against my mouth as I smirk against hers.
“Seriously, do you two ever stop?” Jett scoffs, stomping across the stage like a petulant kid. It’s been five weeks of him acting like this, pouting, brooding, and lurking, and it’s getting on my last fucking nerve.
I pull back from Effa.
She winces, then rolls her eyes.
My skin crawls anytime Jett’s around. The way he watches her, talks to her when I’m not around? It grates on every last nerve. I know the ass is into her. I know he’s bitter that I got there first. But enough already.
He can have anyone.
So why her?
Because she’s unattainable.
That’s what it is.
The goddamn chase.
Some men are addicted to the idea of something they can’t have.
“What are you even doing here, Jett?” I grunt, my voice sharper than intended.
Effa glances at me over her water bottle as she takes a sip.
