Page 103 of The Dance
Ryan blew out a small breath and shrugged. “I like to snuggle, to feel protected while I’m sleeping, and wake up wrapped in Max’s arms where we can kiss good morning and know no matter what the day held for us, we would end the day wrapped in each other. Since he stayed back in San Francisco because of a stupid trial, I don’t have that.”
“I’ll cuddle with you.” I winked.
She laughed and rolled her eyes. “I’m a married woman, you crazy man.”
“And I’m a Montgomery. Surely you know from Spencer how amazing we are in bed.”
“She only knows how Brandon is, and I’ve heard them before. Hot damn.” She fanned herself.
“Imagine the younger, wilder one.” I smirked.
“You’re crazy.” She threw a pillow at me.
We continued to have our playful banter, and I had to admit, Ryan reminded me of Stacey in a way. Someone who I could laugh and joke with and not have to worry about commitment.
Even though I didn’t want to admit it, I was missing Stacey.
33
Stacey
Beingon tour and living my dream was amazing. It was also exhausting, but it was the best time of my life. Not only was I able to have fun, but I had Molly and Eddie with me.
Eddie flew in for at least one show a week, and Molly drove to each city behind the buses because she and Theo were a thing, and also because Brody wasn’t in jail and Molly was scared to be alone. I didn’t blame her. Brody was given a stay of adjudication and had to turn over all shares of Sweethearts. He pled guilty, was sentenced to three years of probation, and had to enter a sex offender treatment program. His wife also filed for divorce. While I wished he was behind bars, I knew in the end the plea deal kept Eddie’s business and the company’s reputation from taking a major hit. Everything stayed out of the media, and Eddie changed the company’s name from Sweethearts to Sweet Encounters. It was my understanding nothing was said between him and Eddie because there was nothing to talk about. What was done was done.
It had been a crazy five months, to say the least.
But it was coming to an end.
We were in LA for our last show, and I was looking forward to going to Dallas and spending time with Eddie for more than a few hours at a time. But first, we were flying to San Francisco the day after the last concert to attend Brandon and Spencer’s wedding.
When my mom called and said I received what appeared to be an invitation in the mail, I never expected it to be to Brandon and Spencer’s wedding. I’d assumed Blake had made up a fake breakup story to go with our fake relationship. Spencer and I had texted a few times, and I’d told her I was tired of Blake’s shit when, really, I didn’t care. I wouldn’t say I’d moved on because there was no relationship to move on from. All right, that was a tiny lie. I’d always had a soft spot for Blake, but my focus was on me, my career, and Eddie.
I couldn’t have been happier.
“I have a surprise for you,” Eddie whispered into my ear as he spooned my naked body.
I turned to face him and grinned. “I like surprises.”
“Do you like the beach?”
My brow furrowed. “I think so.”
There weren’t any beaches in San Antonio or Houston where I spent most of my life. If we wanted to go to the beach when I was growing up, we would drive over two hours to Corpus Christi. When I was at the University of Houston, we would head to Surfside Beach or somewhere near Galveston. Lakes were more my speed because they were closer if I wanted to get in the water.
“You think so?” he questioned.
“I guess it all depends on why you’re asking.”
Eddie brushed his lips against mine. “Because I thought that since we’re on this side of the country, maybe the jet can take us to Hawaii after the wedding.”
My eyes widened. “Really?”
“Of course, but only if you want to go.”
“I want to go,” I deadpanned.
“All right. Good. Think about which island, and I’ll get Crystal to make the arrangements.”
