Page 140 of Just Wait

Kincaid and Riser called it a while ago and took themselves to their bunks.

If she lets me sleep with her in the big bed, it’ll just be the two of us.

Is it strange that I’m looking forward to having a night cuddled up together with no expectations?

It would be weird for anyone who knew me before I met Lumen.

We have all the time in the world to write music. What we should be focused on is getting to know each other and building a strong emotional foundation.

Damn.

That could be my privilege showing.

She has way more financial worries than I do. I didn’t have much when we were first signed, but I always knew I could go back home, and my family would take me in. I’m not sure she has even that, so I keep my mouth shut and let her work.

Another half an hour passes, and I look up from my phone to find a pretty solid stack of crumpled-up papers that she’s ripped out of her notebook.

“Want some help, baby doll?”

“I want this song to cooperate,” she mutters. Her eyes dart to mine, and she smiles tightly. I’d say she just realized she snapped at me. Or maybe that’s my RSD trying to rear its ugly head. “Once I have the overall sound in my head, I would love your help with crafting the lyrics. Right now, I’m at the bare-bones basics.”

“I don’t know about you, but I’m beat,” I say, stretching. “Why don’t we call it a night and pick back up tomorrow? Maybe your brain needs the rest to reset?”

“I just want to get this part out.”

“Gotcha.” I go back to messing around on my phone.

Another fifteen or twenty minutes pass before Lumen lets out an impressive growl as she rips a sheet of paper from her notebook, crumpling it up and tossing it on the pile of existing discards.

I shove my phone into my pocket and stand, circling the coffee table. It’s always weirdly quiet on the bus when we’re in a venue parking lot. I much prefer the nights we’re moving, since the movement of the bus helps me sleep and provides white noise.

Damn.

I should have gotten us a hotel tonight. It wouldn’t have caused any trouble, as long as we made it to the venue on time tomorrow.

Man, I bet it’s annoying having to deal with her period on the tiny bus. I’m going to work on being a better boyfriend.

That starts with taking care of her when she’s not doing it herself.

I scoop her up, and she flails, holding the notebook to her chest.

“What the hell, Mal?” she squeaks. “I’m working.”

“It’s almost four,” I tell her, striding down the hallway. “It’s time to get some rest.” Hooking a finger in the door, I pull it open and toss her down on the mattress. “You sleeping in that, or do you want to get changed?”

She rolls over, tossing the notebook and pen onto the bedside table. “I want to get comfy, but I also need a trip to the bathroom.”

I nod. “I’ll meet you back here in two minutes.”

Lumen is on the crabby side.

Not that I don’t get why.

I’m so fucking thankful I don’t have a uterus. Dealing with that shit sounds like a nightmare I’m ill-equipped for, but I do want to make her feel better.

My hand teases over her stomach and down toward the band of her panties.

She huffs.