Would my dad care that I just got married? Of course, it’s fake, but I’m a realist and this is probably the only time I’ll ever walk down the aisle.
Me: Haven’t decided. Stop pressuring me. I have the info.
Someone knocks on the door.
“Come in.”
Jace pokes his head in. “This looks bigger than I was expecting.” He glances around at all the baby stuff. “Sorry about the bedroom mix-up. Last time I spoke with Frank, he said we were getting bunks. When Mav dropped off our luggage for loadup this morning, I should have double-checked. If it’s weird for me to sleep in here with you, I’ll crash on the couch in the lounge.”
“But then won’t your bandmates get suspicious?”
“Maybe? But I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Listen, I wanted to apologize for that kiss at our wedding. I kinda got carried away with the moment. My brothers were cheering, and I just went with it.”
My face burns with the memory, but I try to play it off. “It’s okay. It wasn’t the worst kiss I’ve ever had.”
He chuckles and holds out his hand. When I place mine in his, his face grows serious. “Rhett said we should have rules for how we do things.”
Rules? “I like rules.” Rules help you understand expectations and requirements.
The PA crackles overhead. “This is your friendly manager, Frank. Get your ass up here, Jace, so we can kick off our national tour!” The band yells, and Jace laughs.
Squeezing my hand, he gives me a crooked smile. “Think about what kind of rules you want, okay? For anything you can think of. PDA, sleeping arrangements, whatever you want. Anything that will make this easier for you.”
Nodding, I can’t help but smile when he takes Layla from me, kisses her on the cheek, reaches back for my hand again, and tugs me to the front of the bus.
Guess we’re getting this tour started.
When we reach the lounge, Jace drapes his arm around my shoulders, and I force myself not to bristle.
It hits me all at once—I’m going to have to kiss Jace again. For the role I’m playing.
My heart knocks on my ribs in expectation.
I can handle it. Just like the wedding.
Because the rules will keep my heart safe.
13
JACE
My bandmates’excitement dims when they see Rory behind me, which pisses me off. What’s their deal?
I don’t want to take the last spot on the couch, so I offer it to Rory and sit sideways on the bench seat of the small kitchen table, so I can face everyone.
The bus starts to move, and outside, my brothers shout and celebrate. I scoot over and hold up Layla, using her hand to wave at everyone. My family is fucking awesome.
I feel like a kid who just got gifted everything on my Christmas wish list.
“We’re gonna do it, Layla,” I whisper to my daughter. “We’re gonna make our dreams come true. You’re never gonna go hungry like me and my brothers did. I’ll always get you what you need. Always.”
I finally feel like I’ve earned a right to sit alongside my talented brothers. Layla gives me a wide grin as she makes these cute little baby sounds like she understands.
I turn around to face Frank as he gets out his clipboard. “I hope everyone reviewed the schedule. Our first stop is Daytona Beach for the Saltwater Music Festival, which is a four-dayconcert. The label wanted to take advantage of the festival season, so we’ll be playing every day.”
Shit. I knew there was something I was forgetting, which is saying something because I’m usually the one who knows every detail about a show. But with Layla and Rory and almost not making the tour, I guess a few things fell by the wayside. I knew we were headed to Daytona but didn’t realize it was for four straight days of concerts.
Frank glances at me. “I’ll get Rory a copy of the itinerary so she has it. But just a heads-up, we’ll be driving for a ten-hour stretch, stopping midway in Louisiana for gas. You can get dinner there, though you’ll find the bus stocked with snacks.”
