Page 85 of Taste of Surrender
I gave him another kiss. “Don’t worry. I do it because I love it, not because I feel obligated.” Moving to the pantry, I pulled out a bag of rice, deciding to make honey garlic chicken. “So, did you get Silas to the airport okay? How is he doing?”
Silas finished his stint at the rehab facility and was heading back to Boston to spend some time with his parents before the band performed there in a week. He wanted Malachi, Jesse, andElliott to drop him off, since he said he’d missed them while he was gone. I knew the guys felt the same way, and I thought it was good for them to have some time together before he left.
“He seemed to be doing well, which was great to see. He’s got a sober companion who will travel with him, and I think that will help him as we get back on the road. For now, I think spending time with his family will be good for him.”
I opened the fridge and grabbed the ingredients I needed. “Yeah. I’m happy for him and a little jealous he gets to spend some extra time in Boston.”
“Are you missing home?” he asked with a concerned look on his face.
“It’s not the area so much because I really like it here, but it would be nice to see my parents,” I admitted.
Malachi nodded. “I get it. I haven’t seen mine since the holidays.”
After getting a cutting board, I turned back to face him. “Do you think we could go back a few days early?”
“I don’t see why not. Maybe all of us could go. I think some family time would be good for everyone.”
“And maybe it will be a little more relaxing than our trip to Mexico,” I teased, although there was truth behind my words. We had been lying low for the past month since returning to LA. The constant attention we received whenever we went out was something I accepted because I wanted to be with Malachi, but I didn’t think I would ever be fully comfortable in the spotlight. “I’m sure you’re tired of being cooped up here.”
He lifted my chin and turned my head so I was facing him. “I’ve loved every second of spending this time with you.”
He sounded sincere, but I still frowned. “Sometimes, I feel as though I’m holding you back from living the fun and exciting life you led before just because I’m not a fan of the paparazzi.”
“Hey, don’t ever feel that way. My life is so much more exciting now that you’re back in it. I wouldn’t trade what we have for anything.” He pressed his lips to mine.
His kiss immediately wiped away any concerns lingering in my mind. “Maybe we can go out on a date in Boston.”
He grinned. “I’d like that.”
A few days later,we were back in Massachusetts. Jesse, Olivia, and Elliott joined us as well, and everyone was looking forward to some time in our hometown. After our flight landed, Elliott took off toward his parents’ place, and the rest of us swung by the hotel we were staying at to drop off our bags. Even though both Malachi’s and my parents had offered to let us stay with them, we enjoyed our privacy and figured a hotel was a better option for us.
“So, what’s your guys’ plan tonight?” Malachi asked Jesse and Olivia, who were sitting in the backseat of our rental car.
“We’re going to say hi to Mom and Dad and then meet Liv’s parents downtown for dinner,” Jesse replied. “How about you?”
“I’m having dinner with my parents.” Malachi glanced at me and smiled. “Then I’m taking your brother on a date.”
“Where are you guys going?” Olivia asked.
“We’re going to a club,” I replied. “No one even gets there until late so I’ll still get to spend the entire evening with Mom and Dad.”
When Malachi and I had discussed what we wanted to do, I’d suggested going to Chrome. And since we were looking for a place where we wouldn’t be bothered by the media, it was the perfect spot. The nightclub took the privacy of its customersseriously. Celebrities and sports stars often hung out there; hell, I’d even seen the president’s son there on occasion.
“You guys still going to brunch with us tomorrow?” Jesse inquired.
Malachi nodded. “Your parents invited mine so it’s going to be a family affair.”
“Nice,” my brother said.
We pulled up in front of my childhood home, and Jesse and Olivia climbed out. Before following them, I leaned over and kissed Malachi.
“I’ll pick you up around ten,” he said as I reached for the door handle.
“I’ll be ready.” I kissed him once more and got out.
The second we reached the porch, my mom threw the door open and wrapped all three of us in a hug, squeezing us tight. “I’m so happy you’re finally here. We missed you so much.”
“Audra, let the poor kids breathe.” Dad chuckled.
