Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 76205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
And maybe, I add to myself, you’ll fall in love with me during this tour. Maybe you’ll find out we’re meant to be.
But this isn’t a fairy tale. I’m not Cinderella, and Jesse isn’t Prince Charming, searching all over for the woman who fits only my shoe.
I draw in a breath, look him straight in his gorgeous brown eyes.
“Brianna, I’m not going to fall in love with you.”
“I understand, Jesse. You don’t have to beat me over the head with it.” I turn back to the sink and wash my hands.
He touches my shoulder, and I look up to see his reflection in the mirror.
His brown eyes are haunted—almost beautifully haunted.
“I don’t have the right to ask you for this,” he says, “but I need you, Brianna. I need to focus on this tour, but I also need to be able to let go. You give me that. I can’t promise you anything beyond this tour, and I have no right to ask any of this of you, but—”
My heart cracks a little, but at least he’s being honest with me.
He’s not lying to get into my pants, like a lot of men would do.
“Whatever you need, Jesse,” I say. “I want this tour to be a success. I wish I could have fixed everything with Dragon.”
“What?” He turns me around and meets my gaze. “What happened with Dragon wasn’t your problem to fix.”
“I just… I want…”
He pulls me into an embrace. “You’re such a wonderful woman, Brianna.”
“You’re a wonderful man,” I reply.
He lets go of me. “You want to go out first?”
“Sure. But you’ve been gone longer.”
“If anyone asks, I’ll say the meal didn’t agree with me. Okay?”
I nod, touch his cheek with a sad smile, and then I leave the bathroom.
Chapter Fifteen
Jesse
If anyone wondered why I took so long in the bathroom, they don’t mention it, thank God. We arrive in Edinburgh and check in at the Waldorf Astoria.
The fucking Waldorf Astoria, courtesy of Brock.
For once, I don’t complain. Instead, I force my appreciation out. “Thank you, Brock. This is very generous of you.”
Brock’s eyebrows fly upward. Of course he’s surprised. I’m usually a dick about this stuff.
“You’re welcome,” Brock says. “Rory and I thought it best if we stay where Emerald Phoenix is staying, same as London.”
I nod. “Yes, that’s a good idea.”
And something inside me floats away, like a lump of coal that was lodged in my gut but is now gone.
Brock is Rory’s fiancé, and Donny is Callie’s fiancé. They’re in love with my sisters, and they want to help.
Instead of whining about it, I should allow it. For the good of the band.
Instead of feeling ashamed that I can’t offer the band these kinds of accommodations, I should be grateful that Brock is here and is willing.
And I am.
I’m fucking grateful.
Taking what’s offered doesn’t make me weak. It doesn’t make me not good enough.
It’s taking a gift and giving back when I can.
I’ll repay Brock and Donny someday. Somehow. But for now? I will take what they offer for the good of the band. And I’ll try not to feel shitty about it.
Taking isn’t bad.
Except when it is.
I took from Brianna, and she will allow me to continue to take.
I should be strong enough to resist her.
I should be a lot of things.
But I’ve told her where I stand, and she still wants to be with me. I don’t want to be a dick. I don’t want to lead her on.
I only want what’s best for her.
What’s best for the band.
What’s best for the band is for me to be focused, and the only way I can be focused is if Brianna is out of my head.
And the only way for her to be out of my head is for me to take what she’s offering.
My room is nice with two queen beds. It was originally meant for Dragon and me, but since he isn’t here…
Brianna is rooming with Maddie, of course. I won’t see her tonight. We’ve already had dinner, and we all need a good night’s rest because tomorrow evening is the Edinburgh concert.
I grab my phone and dial Callie.
“Hey, Jess,” she says.
“Hey. We’re here safely, and I wanted to check in on you guys and Dragon.”
“He’s good. He was discharged a few hours ago, and we’re back at the hotel. Donny will be staying with him in his room.”
“Thanks for that. I didn’t want to ask, but…”
“It’s not a problem, Jesse. We want him to get well as much as you do. And he does, too. He feels terrible about everything.”
“Is he there? Can I talk to him?”
“Yup. He’s right here. We’re in his room. Donny’s getting his things moved. Here he is.”
“Jess,” Dragon says.
“Dragon, man. How are you?”
His sigh whooshes through the phone and into my ear. “I feel like the world’s biggest asshole, man. I swear to God, Jess. I didn’t take anything. Those bitches must have slipped me something.”