Assured (Soul Serenade #2)(54)

I’m going with the not feeling well; it’s not a stretch, since just last month I was ill with strep throat. I’ll play it off for a few days and then I will erase it from my mind.

Time to pull up your big-girl panties, Stacy.





We’ve been talking to these guys a hell of a lot longer than what I thought we would have to. They’re pretty cool dudes; I remember Jones having us listen to a demo of them. If it weren’t for the fact that my girl is in this same building dressed to kill in that sexy little black dress, I wouldn’t mind hanging around to shoot the shit.

Not tonight, though.

Tonight, I have to get my girl. The one I just confessed my love for not ten minutes before I was dragged away from her. Not the most romantic confession, but I couldn’t f*cking hold it in any longer. I was scared out of my damn mind, not knowing if she was safe.

“All right, well, these guys need to hit the road. Another show tomorrow night,” Jones finally says, and I swear I could f*cking hug him.

We say our good-byes with the promise to get together and jam sometime and head back to the girls.

Logan is sitting at the table by herself. Looking around, I spot Stacy walking toward us, her face flushed. I immediately break away from the guys and, in just a few long strides, am standing in front of her.

“What’s wrong?” I cup her face in my hands.

“I don’t feel real well.” She leans her forehead against my chest, her arms crossed over her own, tucked in tight against her body.

Smoothing my hand over her shoulders and down her back, I ask, “Are you cold?”

“Yeah. How much longer before we can go?”

“Stacy, are you all right? You were gone forever.” Logan and Kacen appear beside us.

“Yeah, I just . . . didn’t feel good all of a sudden, so I went to the restroom to splash some water on my face. Just hit,” she meekly replies.

“I’m taking her to the bus,” I tell them.

“We’re coming with you. Gavin and Tristan just left to tell the driver and the crew to get ready to roll out,” Kacen explains.

“Let’s get you to the bus.” My arm goes around her shoulders and she huddles into my side.

I hate this. I hate seeing her not feel well. I have this protective instinct when it comes to her, and my mind doesn’t rationalize well. Like now, I just want to get her back to the bus and curl up with her in my arms. I want to make it better, make it go away.

“I’m gonna shower,” Stacy says as soon as we step foot on the bus.

“Okay, sweets. You need anything?”

“No, just hoping a shower will help.”

I watch her as she gathers clothes and disappears into the small bathroom.

“She’s not usually like this. Strep once a year and she’s usually good after that. Maybe it’s being on the road, and her system is just out of whack?” Logan comments.

“I don’t know, but I f*cking hate it.”

“Baby, let’s get you off your feet.” Kacen takes her by the hand and leads her to the couch.

“Let’s just go to bed,” she suggests.

“We can do that. I’ll help get you settled, make sure we get on the road, and then I’ll join you.”

Six months ago, I would have thought Kacen was blinded by love. I would have rolled my eyes laughing at how whipped he sounds. Tonight, I get it. I now know why he’s so soft with her. Why he caters to her like she can’t do it herself when we all know she can. I now know how it feels to have someone else be a part of you. The other part of your heart. As f*cked up as it may sound, I get it. Stacy is that person for me.

Sitting on the couch, I rest my elbows on my knees and bury my face in my hands. Tonight could not be more f*cked. I confess that I’m in love with her after I overreact at a situation that is obviously nothing. Then I get pulled away from her when she’s all dressed up—for me. When I can finally get away, she’s no longer feeling well. I botched the “I love you” and now I can’t even make it better. She’s sick. Just goes to show you that life is never what you expect. There will always be obstacles to overcome.

As soon as I hear the bathroom door open, I’m on my feet. Stacy emerges with her hair still wet, hanging over her shoulder. She’s wearing a pair of those tight things she and Logan are always wearing and my sweatshirt. It’s the first time I’ve seen her in my clothes, and it damn sure won’t be the last.

Approaching her, I tug on the hem of the sweatshirt, which swallows her. “I look good on you.” I wink at her.

Her too-pale face smiles up at me. “It smells like you.” She brings the collar to her nose and sniffs.

I’m hard as a f*cking rock and can’t do a damn thing about it since she doesn’t feel well. I shift to adjust and she notices, her eyes falling to my crotch.

“Cole. . . .” she trails off.

Shit. “I can’t help it that you’re so goddamn beautiful. He salutes what he likes,” I tease her.

“I don’t. . . .”

I cup her cheek. “I know, baby. I just want to hold you. He’s going to figure it out sooner or later.” Yes, my cock has a mind of his own. He needs to learn, though, that she will always come first. It’s a new concept for both of us. “Let’s go to bed.”