Assured (Soul Serenade #2)(56)

I wipe my face and clear my throat. “Yeah, just washing my hands.”

When I make it to the living area, Cole is already eating his bagel. Mine sits on a plate next to him.

“You, okay?”

“Yeah, just moving slow.”

“Eat and we can go lie back down. I don’t have to be at sound check for a few hours.”

“You don’t have to wait around with me, Cole. I’m sure you have things to do today. You guys are always busy on show days.”

The bagel he’s holding stops just before he takes a bite. Slowly, he places it back on the paper plate. That same hand cups my cheek. “You. You are what’s important. I don’t want to be anywhere but here. I can blow off the radio interview. We’ve all done it a time or two, claiming other obligations. The only thing I won’t do, unless it’s an emergency, is bail on the show. The guys depend on me. Please don’t take that the wrong way, but it’s my job.”

“Never. This is your career, Cole. I understand the sacrifices that you have to make.”

“And you. As my girlfriend, there will sacrifices that you will have to make as well. Spending the holidays on the road, possibly missed birthdays or anniversaries.”

I know all too well about sacrifices. I take a drink of my orange juice, giving myself time to shake off the memories of last night. “Sounds like a long-term thing.” I’m baiting him, but I just can’t help it. I don’t want to push him to talk about the future, but teasing I can do. Besides, the conversation needs to change from talking about sacrifices.

That I’m living.

Leaning in, he kisses me softly. “I love you. That’s long-term, sweets,” he says, going back to his breakfast.

Be still my heart. Cole Hampton, rocker extraordinaire, is lethal. He should come with a warning label. No wonder Logan fell as hard as she did. I mean, I watched her and Kacen and I could see the connection. Cole and his man bun, his cocky attitude and his words . . . I’m like putty in his hands.

“Where is everyone?” I ask him.

“Gavin and Tristan are sleeping. I assume Kacen and Logan are as well.”

“What time is it?”

“Seven.”

Damn! My worry has us up early. “I’m sorry I woke you. You should go back to bed.”

“Finish your breakfast and we’ll go lie down for a few hours.” He shoves the last bite—or rather half of his bagel—into his mouth.

I manage to eat one half and slide the other over to him. He finishes it off in a couple of big bites while I throw our trash away. “I’m going to lie down,” I tell him.

“I’m going to grab a quick shower before everyone gets up. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Crawling back into the bottom bunk, I burrow under the covers. It’s a dreary day, which is good—it fits my mood. I hear the door to Kacen and Logan’s room open. I wish I could talk to her about this, but I don’t want to risk her telling Kacen and besides that, she doesn’t need the stress. It’s not good for her or the baby.

I hear Cole greet them. “Listen, man. Stacy still isn’t feeling well. I’m going to skip the radio spot so I can stay with her. I’ll be at sound check.”

“Need anything?” Kacen asks.

“Nah, just want to be there for her, you know?”

“Cole, thank you,” Logan says.

“For?”

“Taking care of her. She deserves someone like you. Fiercely protective and caring all at the same time.”

“I love her,” is his simple reply.

I can only imagine what Logan’s face looks like. I’m sure she’s grinning like a damn fool right now.

Cole slowly pulls back the curtain and crawls in next to me. He doesn’t say a word as he tucks me in close, my back to his front. There is nothing like his strong arms wrapped around me. He makes it better, makes everything better.

A few hours later, I wake up sweating. Cole and all of his muscles throw off the heat. Not to mention the blanket and his sweatshirt I’m wearing.

“Feeling any better?” His voice startles me.

“How long have you been awake?”

“About an hour or so.”

“You’ve just been watching me sleep?”

“Yeah.” He brushes my wild hair from my eyes. “It’s suddenly one of my favorite things to do.”

“When is sound check?”

“I need to be leaving. I was trying to wait as long as I could to wake you up. Logan and the guys are already there. I told them I would meet them.”

“Go! They’re waiting on you.” I push on him, but he doesn’t move.

“You going to be okay here? I can wait until you’re ready to come with me.”

“Yes, I’ll be fine. I’m going to take a shower and just relax. Maybe read a little.”

“You think you’ll feel like coming to the show?” I can hear the hope in his voice.

“Yes.” I kiss his chin. “I have to keep the groupies away from my man.”

Leaning over, he captures my lips with his. “Say it again,” he breathes.

“I have to keep the groupies away.”

“No, the other part.” He kisses me again.