Page 91 of Of Heartbreak and Harmony
We’ve only got four hours to Houston, but we’re taking two days to get to Miami, then another two to Nashville.
Fun indeed.
“Thank you so much, Houston. You’ve been fucking amazing.”
Sav’s voice booms through the stadium, the roaring crowd drowning out the end of her statement, and she laughs into the mic.
“We’ve had such a great time with you. And even though this might be goodnight...”
Sav pauses, and just like at every show, the crowd finishes the statement for her.
“It’s not goodbye!”
Sav sends me a smile before leaning back into her mic.
“But just in case, so you don’t forget us, we’ve got Mabel on drums, Jonah on guitar, Torren on bass, my name’s Sav Loveless, and we are The Hometown Heartless. Thank you for always showing up to rock with us. We love you so much. Have a great night.”
I wave at the cheering crowd as the stage lights dim. A roadie rushes up to me and I hand him my guitar, then I follow Sav off the stage just as the house lights come on. I’m sweaty and riding the high of another successful show, so when I see Callie, I don’t stop myself from lifting herinto my arms in what’s become our post-show performance. My blood heats in my body with the need to put my lips on her, the desire to pull her tighter and consumer her, but I resist.
“How would you feel about going out tonight?” I ask as I set her back on her feet. “I know a good club.”
“Do we need another public appearance?”
Her question is tentative, almost leading, as if she’s searching for a specific answer, and I’m hoping I know which one. I shrug and give her a sincere smile.
“I haven’t been given any orders by Hammond, if that’s what you’re asking. I’d just like to take you out.”
“Oh.” Her eyebrows rise in surprise before she catches herself, then she clears her throat and nods. “Sure. Of course. When do you want to go?”
I check my watch. “An hour? I need to shower.”
“Okay. I’ll be ready.”
“You want to head back with me?”
“No. I need to call my mom. I’ll just meet you back at the hotel.”
“I’ll see you in an hour then?”
“An hour.”
She turns and heads the opposite direction, walking toward the girls’ dressing room. When she opens the door and steps inside, I turn and head back to mine. I brace myself to find Jonah banging another groupie, but the room’s empty. The urge to text him nags at me, but I don’t. Instead, I grab my things and head to the car.
I’m showered and outside the girls’ suite in forty-five minutes. When I knock, Callie opens the door and steps into the hallway. I look her over and force myself to breathe slowly. She’s fucking stunning in a pair of skin-tight black jeans, a green tank top, and a pair of green platform heels. I put a lot of green in her wardrobe, and I’m so fucking glad I did.
“You’re ready.”
“I knew you’d probably be early.”
“You look gorgeous,” I tell her honestly, letting my eyes drag down her body once more. “I’ll admit, though, I was hoping for a dress.”
Her face and chest flush pink, and I can’t help the smirk that curls my lips. I know she’s thinking about it now, just like me. The way I’ve touched her. In the club. After the concert. In my bus at ArtFusion.
The way she set me on fucking fire.
Then she narrows her eyes, her lips twitching almost as if she’s fighting her own smile.
“I didn’t want to risk getting into trouble.”
