Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
We were spared any further awkward follow up when from behind me came, “Jesus, kid. You’re killing me.” I twirled at the familiar voice and when I saw Lee standing there, a hand on his hip, the other at his forehead, looking thoroughly devastated, I chuckled. He shook his head. “When you wear the shit you’ve been wearing…” He balled his hand into a fist and bit his knuckle, hard. “I am not thinking brotherly thoughts right now.”
With a soft laugh, I took a step forward, hyperaware of Noah’s hands on me. When they fell, I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief and moved into Lee’s outstretched arms. He hugged me tight, gently swaying me. Yet to release me, he spoke quietly. “How you doing, kid?”
I thought about it. “Can I get back to you when I figure that out?”
His laughter warmed my ear and, when we parted, he kept his hold on me. “I’ve been watching, you hear, and you’re killing it. I’m impressed, really.” He looked down at me, at my open cleavage, his face going from overjoyed to slightly horrified. “Would it be out of line to ask you to cover up?” At my mock-glare, he sighed. “Godammit.”
Suddenly, I let out a yelp when someone pinched my ass. I whirled around to find a huge Viking grinning down at me. “What am I, chopped liver?”
I threw myself into Hell’s arms and he held me close, placing a gentle hand at the back of my head, cradling me as if I were precious to him. I was appalled at myself when my throat began to tighten. My eyes stung and I pulled back, fanning my face.
The guys looked down at me, concerned, but I tried to laugh it off. A bark of a laugh escaped me. “Sorry. I just…” The first tear fell and my voice cracked. “I miss my boys.” I fanned my face harder. More tears fell.
Get a hold of yourself.
I’m trying, dammit!
Lee spoke first. “Miss you too, kid.”
“It’s not the same without ya,” Hell added.
Noah’s expression turned grim. “You’re not gonna believe it but we actually considered throwing Connor out of the band just to get you back.”
An unladylike snort left me and I laughed, patting away my tears. They grinned back at me, the mood lightened and suddenly, I couldn’t stop smiling. “I love the new album. I listen to it every night before bed. You did good. It’s your best yet.” Not that my opinion mattered.
I was so focused on the three of them that I hadn’t been looking at my surroundings or my phone. My ear prickled when a wolf whistle sounded. It was then I heard him. “Noah, I get it, man. She’s a peach.” I hated that I could picture his grin. “Well, from this angle, at least.”
With my back to Connor, I straightened then slid my sunglasses back on with shaking hands. I moved to walk away and as I did, Noah said, “I’ll call you.”
Without looking back, I threw up the peace sign and heard Connor say, “What’s up with her?”
Noah responded, “You’ve just got that effect on women.”
And I fought a grin.
With my knees wobbling as badly as they were, I hadn’t the slightest clue how I made it down the short flight of stairs to the corner I saw Beth and Ettie hanging in. Cherry came up behind me sounding exasperated. “You need to check your damn phone.”
I did and saw exactly why she was pissed.
Cherry: Dude, Connor’s not where he was. Don’t stress. I’m looking for him.
Cherry: OMG He’s coming!
Cherry: GET OUT OF THERE!
“Oh,” was all I could say, throwing her a sheepish expression.
“Yeah. Oh.”
The rest of the evening was fairly uneventful and when the clock struck twelve, I called for the limo to return. We had a few minutes so when I spotted Noah talking to a pretty redhead, I went over to say goodbye. The second he saw me, the conversation with the pretty girl ended and I wasn’t sure if he even knew how devastated she looked at losing Noah Gamble’s interest.
He stepped into me, reaching for my hands. “Leaving?”
When our fingers entwined, I nodded. “Yeah.”
“We’re leaving too. Hell’s just looking for Connor. He keeps disappearing on us.”
With a tight smile, I said, “Yeah, well, Connor’s always done whatever he wants, hasn’t he?”
Noah frowned down at me, his expression unreadable. Tugging on my hand, he pulled me close and wrapped an arm around me, resting his hand at the small of my back. “Emmy, about Connor—”
“Don’t,” I said it firmly and he didn’t continue.
Noah nodded, leaning down, and when his lips brushed my cheek, I pressed into him.
“Aw, you guys,” drawled Connor, and I noticeably stiffened.
Noah gently stroked my lower back. “It’s okay. I’ll walk you out.” He took my hand in his and we walked in the opposite direction.