Page 31 of Spring Break with a Bass Player
“Bridge,” she sighs, pliable and still so needy in my arms.
“Yes?”
“I didn’t get them here to make it about me. You guys need the time together.”
“Beautiful, you’re forgetting one very important thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I don’t have to choose. You said you’re in, and I want to do this together. Come meet my parents, let them get to know you so they can see how incredible you are.”
“But—”
“They’re going to love you,” I say and she huffs, resigned. “That’s my girl.”
“I’m doing this under duress.”
“Consider it noted andveryappreciated.” Letting my hands slide down her back, I cup her ass and pull her tight against me. “You can pick how you want me to make it up to you.”
“Fine,” she says, jumping up into my arms as she wraps her legs around my waist, “but this first.” Her mouth crashes over mine, taking control and dominating the kiss,dominating me, and I let her, because she needs it.
And all I need isher.
20
SAIGE
Even though I’d talked to her on the phone, I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of emotion at meeting Erin Cole. She’s even lovelier in person than I imagined, her smile warm and radiant as she approaches me.
“Saige, it’s so good to finally meet you.” She beams, wrapping me in a hug that takes me a second to reciprocate.
I’ve never been good at this, and when she finally releases me, I feel Bridger’s hand on the small of my back, the touch grounding me.
A lifeline.
And I give him a small smile that he returns as his father and Lettie join us in the kitchen.
“Saige, it’s a pleasure,” Troy Cole says, his hand outstretched toward me. “We really appreciate you doing this for us.”
Lettie huffs and Bridger grunts as I return his shake. “It was my pleasure.”
“Pleaseact like I didn’t offer to fly you guys down here for Christmas,” Lettie mutters, earning a side-eye from her mother.
“Your father wasn’t ready to travel.”
“And last month when I asked?” Bridger prods.
“I took your mother to the theater downtown to see that show everyone was raving about,” Troy says unapologetically as he takes a seat on the couch, Erin sitting beside him on one side and Lettie on the other. “We were enjoying some normalcy.”
This feels like a private moment, like I’m intruding on time and conversations I shouldn’t be privy to.
As if he can feel me trying to sit alone in the armchair, or bail out the back door, Bridger takes my hand and guides me toward the love seat, his thigh firmly pressed against mine as he rests our joined hands in my lap.
It’s very…coupley.
It must be obvious how out of place I feel because he grips my hand tighter. Whether it’s a show of support or to ensure I won’t take off running, I’m not sure.
Strangely, I like it.
