Assured (Soul Serenade #2)(22)

“Stacy,” Logan calls my name just as I reach the door. “Thank you. I don’t think I could do this”—she points to her belly—“on the road without you. Thank you.”

“It’s an amazing opportunity. I should be thanking both of you.” With that, I give them a small wave and head to my apartment that just so happens to be over my parents’ garage. As I get closer, excitement takes over. It’s the best of both worlds—I get to travel the world with people I know and care about.

Soul Serenade “Making Love” Tour, here I come.





I spent last night at my sister’s. Mom and Dad come over and we just hung out. Chloe and Kyle announced a few weeks ago that they’re expecting baby number two. My sister was beaming with happiness, as was Kyle. That seems to be my world lately. Marriage, babies . . . love. I’m happy for all of them, but I’m putting my energy into the tour.

None of us has mentioned it, but this could very well be our last, at least for a while. Lives are changing and we made a pact, which I think is why I’m so stoked for this one. It’s only three months, and US only. I prefer that if I’m being honest; international travel is exhausting.

We would still write and make music, but touring could be too much with families. Something the four of have always agreed on is that family comes first, always. Music will be there, but nothing can replace those you love.

The cab pulls up to the gate and I punch in my code. We’re all staying here tonight, which is our normal routine before hitting the road. We can sleep in and get a good night’s rest.

The cab stops next to another just like it. It’s not until I’m climbing out that I see it’s her.

Stacy.

That’s when I’m reminded that she’s going to be sleeping under the same roof as me tonight. Sleeping on the same bus for the next three months. Kacen gave me a lecture a few days ago. “She’s not someone to mess with, Cole,” he had said. Like I don’t know that. I know she’s one of the good ones. The Logans and Stacys of the world deserve more than just to be worked over in a night of passion. I know that, but that doesn’t change the fact that my cock and I still want her.

I quicken my stride to take her bags from the cabbie. “I got it, man.”

“Thank you, Cole.”

The way she says my name with her slight southern accent has my cock twitching, thinking it’s time to come out and play. It’s going to be a long three months if I can’t get this girl under me.

“You ready to make love?” I ask with a smirk on my face.

Her cheeks instantly redden. “Cole, we’ve. . . .”

“The tour, sweets. Are you ready for the Soul Serenade ‘Make Love’ Tour?” I ask with as much innocence as I can muster.

Her face glows with her embarrassment. “Oh, um . . . Yeah, I guess. As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Leaning down, my lips find her ear. “You were thinking about me. Thinking about us. I’m not one for making love, but I can guarantee that you’ll beg for more.”

To my surprise, her body relaxes into mine. My words affect her.

“Whenever you’re ready, you let me know.” I kiss just below her ear and can see the goose bumps break out over her skin. With extreme strength, and a rock-hard cock, I step away from her, grab both of our bags and head inside.

The foyer is filled with luggage; I add ours to the mix and follow the voices into the living room. Tristan and Gavin are sitting on the couch, legs propped up on the table. Kacen and Logan are curled up together in the oversized chair. That leaves the love seat, and I give an internal fist bump; Stacy is going to have to sit beside me.

“Hey, man,” Tristan says.

I nod in greeting. “What are we watching?”

The four of them look at me, all wearing confused looks.

“Seriously, none of you know?”

Gavin and Tristan both have their phones in their hands and Kacen has his wife in his. I just shake my head and reach for the remote. “Stacy’s here too. My cab pulled up just after hers.”

“This is really happening,” Logan says, her voice reverent.

“It’s happening, baby,” Kacen tells her.

“Hey, you all packed?” Logan asks Stacy as she enters the room.

I watch as she surveys the area, looking at the couch where Gav and Tristan are sprawled out. I purposely made sure there looked like plenty of room was left on the love seat beside me. I can change that once she decides to sit down. She glances at the spot beside me and she looks nervous. I flash her a calming smile and I can see the minute her decision is made.

“Yes, I just brought the basics,” she tells her best friend as she moves toward me.

As soon as she sits, I shift a little closer. I don’t think she notices. This girl—what is it about her that I can’t let go? It has to be the chase. The fact that she doesn’t fall at my feet like all the others. I didn’t realize how fun it could be to pursue someone.

Stacy settles back against the couch, and I lift my arm and lay it across the back. I’m not touching her, but it’s a more intimate position for sure. Logan gives us a bright smile, while Kacen looks worried. Gavin and Tristan are oblivious, lost in whatever it is on their phones that’s captured their attention.

“What are we watching?” Stacy asks.