He collapses on top of me, somehow bracing himself so he doesn’t crush me. Not ready to part, I wrap my arms and legs around him.
I almost say those three words, but then I remind myself who I’m with.
Because as much as I love Jace, as much as I want to shout it from the rooftops, I don’t want to be the first one to say it. While I might be braver than I was two months ago, I know how this works.
If I say it, will I spook him? Will it be too much? Will he regret tonight?
No, this is enough.
For now.
33
JACE
The moment we’re done,I brace myself for that choking sensation I sometimes get right after sex. The one that makes me wanna flee like my ass is on fire.
“Don’t wanna crush you.” I turn us sideways, keeping Rory in my arms. I kiss her temple, hoping she doesn’t pick up on my anxiety. I meant what I told her earlier. I want this to be good for her. I’m the unknown variable here. “You okay?” I need to break the silence. To get a sense of how she’s feeling.
Rory tries to talk but has to cough. “I’m hoarse. Did I scream?” She laughs, low and husky, and I smile into her neck.
“Yeah, you did. I liked it.” Goosebumps break out along her skin and my grin widens.
Leaning back, I study her flushed face. I wait for the panic to set in. For the urge to pack up our stuff and get away from this place where we tell secrets.
But when she smiles shyly, all I feel is an overwhelming sense of rightness. Like this was meant to happen. Like we’re meant to be here. To have sex under the stars.
I cup her beautiful face. “Was that okay? Was it too rough?” Shit. Did I get carried away?
She nibbles her bottom lip and shakes her head. “Not too rough. Or at least… I liked it.”
Fuck. I shove my face in her shoulder again, liking when she rakes her fingers through my hair. “We need more time away from the tour bus.”
“I know what you mean. I’m always afraid someone will hear us or we’ll wake up Layla.”
“Mmm. Yeah.” I’m having a tough time forming sentences. “Hold up. Need to take care of the condom.” I ease out of her, enjoying the view of my wife.
I linger on that word “wife.” I know we’re doing this stupid game for the record label, pretending I’m not married so we don’t turn off female fans, but that’s starting to wear on me.
As I stand, I see a flicker of lightning in the distance. If that’s a storm, it’s far enough away that it won’t bother us tonight.
After I get rid of the rubber and toss it into a plastic trash bag, I lie down next to her again, pull her into my arms, and cover us with some blankets. “Tell me the truth. How are you doing with the tour?”
She drags her finger across my chest. “Some days are better than others. I miss spending time alone, and I feel a little stir-crazy on the bus. But I really like those quiet nights you, Layla, and I duck out to do laundry and grab dinner together without the rest of your crew. And I love your concerts.”
Leaning up on my elbow, I smirk down at her. “So you’re saying you like my music.”
“Yes, goofball.” She shoves me, and I laugh and roll her under me and kiss her.
We kiss so long, I’m wondering if we have time for round two.
But then someone clears his throat. Who the fuck is that?
I jerk up to make sure Rory’s all covered up and come face to face with Sheriff Reynolds.
He shakes his head at me. “Now why in the world am I not surprised to find Jace Walker naked as the day he was born in the back of his truck?”
I chuckle. “Hi, Sheriff. Nice to see you too.”
