“Where are you going?”
“To shower and get ready for the day?”
“I was thinking we’d have breakfast…in bed.” His eyes darken meaningfully.
“Is that so?” I lie back down and playfully run a hand down his chest. “What’s on the menu?”
“You.” He dips his head and kisses me, and I forget all about clicks and likes and social media.
* * *
The next fewdays are exciting. Not only has my video gone viral, it’s been shared hundreds of times and it looks like it’s still gaining traction. I don’t know what that will mean for me financially, but the guys in the band have all agreed to do videos for me, and Sasha even called to thank me for being so good to the band.
Angus and I are navigating unfamiliar territory as a couple, and I can’t complain. He’s attentive, thoughtful, and protective. He doesn’t look at other women and makes me feel special every moment we’re together. We have interesting conversations, the sex is out of this world, and my life would be pretty damn great—if not for Rich.
He calls me just before soundcheck in Oklahoma City, and I reluctantly answer.
“Hi, Rich.”
“What’s happening?” he demands.
“We’re in Oklahoma,” I say. “I think?—”
“Good for you. What’s going on with the band?” He seems to have the patience of a two-year-old.
“Same shit, different day.”
“Are you even paying attention? The rumor about them potentially breaking up after this tour is everywhere—and you’re fuckingon tourwith them. What are you seeing?”
“I haven’t seen or heard anything like that,” I reply honestly, giving him just enough information to hopefully shut him up. “Yes, Jonny is still annoyed with Angus, and they’re not as close as before, but everyone is civil. Their shows have been better than ever, and Sasha thinks the album is going to hit gold.”
He’s quiet for a minute. “Then I guess I need to do your job for you by upping the stakes.”
“What does that mean?”
“Don’t worry about it. Just keep digging and start writing. I’ve made room in the next issue.”
He disconnects, and I stare at the phone for a minute.
He never gives in this easily. Usually, he threatens to take me off the tour, so for him to just hang up, he’s up to something. And that makes me nervous.
And putting the story in the next issue means… next month? I don’t even know how that’s possible since there’s usually a two-month turnaround time.
I need to tell him about Angus and me, but I’m not sure how.
Now I truly understand what Angus must have gone through keeping his identity from the band. It’s hard to admit you’ve been hiding something. Technically, my personal life is none of Rich’s business, but since I work for him and he expects me to write an intimate and personal story about the band, it’s becoming a conflict of interest.
I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with anyone, much less Angus.
But now we’re dating, and I’m literally caught between a rock and a hard place.
If I don’t write the story, it could sabotage my career.
If I do write the story, it could sabotage my new relationship.
Do I betray Angus so I can have the financial security I crave, or do I betray myself so I can get the guy I’m falling for?
I don’t like either of those choices.