Page 167 of Lyric & the Heartbeats

Lyric stroked her fingers over his short hair. “No thank yous allowed. But I could use a nap.”

“As my lady requests,” he agreed.

“Maybe a shower,” she added.

Adra snorted, his chest bouncing against her. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Well, we’re glad to see you put the morning to good use,” Emerson drawled as Adra and Lyric finally emerged from the bunk room that afternoon.

Javi blinked at Emerson’s dry tone, ready to defend Lyric in a heartbeat, but her chuckle made him close his mouth and mind his business. She was grinning, a secret smile on her lips that was no secret at all.

So she’d bonded one of them. Javi couldn’t say he was surprised. With the tour so close to an end, he was actually surprised that she hadn’t bonded more of them already. Had she really spent six weeks with them without snatching them up?

It wasn’t really Javi’s place to question her actions, but he couldn’t help the way his gaze lingered. The first night he’d met her, with makeup smeared around her eyes, he’d still thought she was cute as hell. And the morning was no different. Glowing from the bond, lips curled, eyes sparkling, she was a sight.

“Oh hush. You’re just jealous you weren’t first,” Adra responded.

Lyric’s mouth dropped open, and she reached up and slapped a hand over Adra’s mouth.

“Damn right I’m jealous,” Emerson agreed.

Javi smirked at their banter, ignored the playful growls, and shifted a platter of crepes around on the table.

“What did you make us today?” Lyric asked suddenly, a lot closer than Javi expected.

He turned, clearing the way for her to see the breakfast he prepared. “Something sweet today.”

Lyric clapped her hands together once and grinned. “Yes! They look delicious.”

Lyric wrapped a hand around his arm and leaned her head against him. Did she realize she was scent marking him? “Thank you for taking care of us all the time.”

Javier wasn’t going to move, ever. “Of course. Anything for you, pajarita.”

Seeing her cheeks flush brought him a momentary rush of accomplishment. Yes, he was fully aware of the others’ blatant stares, but he didn’t care.

“So, five days left. Lyric, we’re circling around to your hometown, is there anyone you want me to put on the guest list?” Henry asked.

Lyric eased into the seat, and Javi got busy serving plates and making himself useful. He’d gotten used to disappearing into the background while they talked band stuff.

Even though Javi had only been part of their team for a short while, he’d been able to watch them grow more comfortable with each other. It was intriguing to watch Lyric as she’d slowly opened up to them. Grown less aware of personal space and more relaxed. Himself included.

“Besides Andi... I can’t really think of anyone. Do you guys wanna use the rest of my spots for your friends or family?”

She had no one to invite besides her best friend? Javier was so surprised he missed Lyric taking her first bite, but the sigh she released was answer enough to whether she liked the crepes or not. Lyric was oblivious to Javi’s arched brow. He knew her mom had passed, but Javi didn’t realize how alone Lyric really was until that moment.

A pang of hurt pierced his heart. He wanted to take her into his arms and promise that she’d never be alone again... but it wasn’t his place. And besides, it was clear the fact didn’t bother her. She hummed happily and let her eyes drift closed as she forked another bite of crepes between her lips.

“I mean, I have a couple musician friends who are coming, but they promised to buy tickets so you can all stop sharing pity glances,” Lyric announced. “Feel free to use my spots. We all get like, what, four? Five?”

“It’s not pity,” Henry said, taking a seat across from Lyric and serving himself from the platter. Javi grabbed a plate for himself and got out of the way, standing near the door as Lyric and Henry continued their conversation.

“Liar,” Lyric teased.

Javier cleared his throat. “Would it be alright if I invited my sister to the last home show?”

Lyric glanced up, her smile brightening. “Emma?”

“Si.”