Page 32 of Swan

“It’s a yes for Melbourne. I would love to see you in your element. But I’ll need time for Japan.”

And that time would be spent trying to work out how to tell my father I was heading overseas. At least with Lockland being in Ballarat longer, it’d give Dad an opportunity to get used to Lockland in our lives.

“You might get bored while I’m on stage.”

Laughing, I shook my head. “I wouldn’t miss your concerts for anything. Besides, I already have a ticket for the Melbourne one.”

His head jerked back. “You do? You were going to come even when we didn’t know about the mix-up?” I nodded. “Hell, Swanny, you’re a saint. But seriously, you must’ve thought I was the biggest prick by not talking to you. Like my world was more important and that I’d forgotten all about you. When it was the exact opposite. I could never forget you, Swan.”

“You either, Lockland. But you also could have thought I was horrid when it looked like I was ignoring you.”

His lips thinned. “I’ll admit I lost myself for a bit, but I never hated you.”

“I never hated you either,” I said softly.

Lockland lowered his head, and I knew he was going to kiss me. My belly and pulse reacted.

It was a quick kiss, but with his lips close to mine, he said, “Tomorrow, before we leave for Melbourne, we’re going on a date.”

A gasp escaped me.

An actual, real date that I didn’t read about in one of my books.

This was really happening.

CHAPTER EIGHT

My heart hammered into my ribs. Lockland and I were on our first official date before we headed off to Melbourne that afternoon.

I still couldn’t believe we were on a date.

A date.

As in, Lockland and I were dating now.

Together.

I would forever be grateful to Maya for getting me to that meet and greet for Lockland. If I hadn’t, we’d never be where we were.

On a date.

I bit my bottom lip and smiled around it. Dad hadn’t been happy about me going to Melbourne, but Mum eventually talked him around. Though I think Dad only gave up when he learned Lockland would always have guards with us and that Lockland would allow Ruin and Wolf to be my personal protection in the city.

Lockland turned the car engine off and pulled his peaked cap low as he glanced out the rearview mirror to the car his security was in. They’d be waiting outside in their vehicle until we were done. “You ready?” he asked when he turned to me with a smile.

“Definitely.”

He hoped that with wearing the hat, no one would recognise him; he wanted this moment between just the two of us. We’d also picked a smaller restaurant for that reason.

Once out of the car, we met at the front, where Lockland took my hand before moving quickly into the restaurant.

A waiter, who was just inside the doorway, nodded and smiled. “Welcome to Jackson’s. Do you have a reservation?”

“We do, under Swan Daniels,” I said.

The man looked to his digital device. “Yes, right this way.” He led us through the place that was nearly full of patrons. Some looked our way, but they turned back to their own party just as fast, which was good.

When we stopped at a table in the back, which was more secluded than others, the waiter said, “Please take a seat. Can I start with drinks?”

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