Page 61 of Taste of Surrender
Los Angeles was also the first place on the tour where we would play back-to-back shows, and then we’d get a little bit of a break before we headed down to San Diego to continue our tour. The only thing better would have been to wake up with Jasper in my bed, but that would have to wait until tomorrow because we’d planned for him to come over after tonight’s show.
The sun hung high over Jesse’s backyard where we were going to have a quick meal before heading to our sound check. The smell of grilled meat mingled with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine as I stepped through the side gate. Jasper stood by the grill, and my heart skipped a beat the moment I saw him. His dark purple T-shirt clung to his back, damp with sweat, and I had to force myself to look away before anyone noticed me staring at him.
“Malachi, grab a beer and come here for a second,” Jesse called from the deck, raising a cold one in my direction. Olivia sat beside him, her face buried in a bridal magazine.
“All right, be right there,” I replied, walking over to Jasper, thankful the cooler was next to him. “Smells amazing.”
He glanced up, his eyes locking with mine for a fraction of a second longer than necessary. “Thanks. Just trying not to overcook it. It’s my first time grilling tri-tip.”
“Looks good to me,” I said, and it took everything in me not to kiss him. Instead, I reached into the ice chest and grabbed a bottle of Stella.
“Guess we’ll find out.” He winked.
“Don’t flirt with me or everyone will find out our secret because I won’t be able to stop myself any longer from kissing you.”
“As soon as I pull this meat off, you can meet me in the kitchen. I might need help in the pantry.”
“You’re alone?” I asked, because I thought maybe his cooking buddy might be helping him.
“Yeah. Told Garrett I could handle a little barbecue for you guys, so he’s out sightseeing.”
“Ah. Well, I better go see what your brother wants.” I hooked my thumb in Jesse’s direction. “But I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
“Okay. Everything will be ready soon.”
I gave Jasper a little smile and then headed over to Jesse and Olivia. Sitting by the pool, Elliott and Savannah caught my eye. Elliott leaned in close to her and whispered something that made Savannah bite her bottom lip. She swatted his arm playfully and laughed. Luckily it was just the immediate band—well, besides Silas—hanging out, so Savannah and I didn’t need to pretend to be dating. She and Elliott could do whatever they wanted.
“Where’s Silas?” I asked as I took a seat next to Jesse.
He lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. He hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Maybe stuck in traffic, then.” I took a pull of my beer.
“Maybe,” Jesse replied. “But enough about him. I want to ask you something.”
“All right. Shoot.”
A huge smile spread across his face. “Want to be my best man?”
I blinked. “Me? What about your brother?”
“After the tour, he’ll be back in Boston. Plus, you’re my best friend and you can plan shit I like better.”
“Like what?”
“The bachelor party and stuff.” Jesse lifted a shoulder.
“No strippers,” Olivia chimed in, not looking up from her magazine but clearly listening.
Jesse rolled his eyes. “Right. No strippers.”
“All right, I’ll be your best man.”
“Great. Also, Liv’s staying behind when we leave for San Diego. She wants to work on all the wedding stuff.”
“Yep,” she replied. “Tons of details to iron out. But I’ll catch up with you guys in Boston and go to the last few shows.”
LA and Boston were the only cities where we had back-to-back shows. After Boston, we would end the tour in New York City. It was still a few months away, and I liked the thought of spending every day with Jasper whiledoingwhat I loved each night: him and singing.
