Assured (Soul Serenade #2)(6)

“I’m good,” he says, taking a stool.

I raise my eyebrows in silent question.

“Dude, she’s my f*cking wife. As soon as I convince her that we’ve spent enough time down here,”—he points to the dance floor—“I’m taking her upstairs and ravishing her. It will be a cold day in hell that I’m not sober enough to remember sliding into her as my wife for the first time.”

I nod, because really, what else can I say? He has a valid point, and even though I’ve never been the settling-down type, I can see where he’s coming from. There are just some moments that you want a vivid memory of that will last you a lifetime.

“So, you and Stacy looked cozy.”

I nod again, before bringing the cold beer the bartender just handed me to my lips. “She’s hot as hell.”

“That she is, but she is also my wife’s best friend. Your friend’s best friend.”

Is he warning me to stay away from her? We’ve had conversations like this before, since the boys and I have run off a few of the band’s personal assistants over the years. It’s not our fault they thought they could “change” us.

“And?”

“And don’t f*ck with her. Logan is my wife. She’s permanent. Stacy is her best friend—also permanent. I don’t want things to be awkward. We all spend a hell of a lot of time together, and we don’t need that shit. None of us.”

Fuck me.

“They’re back. Think about it, man.” He doesn’t say another word until Logan is within reach. “There’s my wife.”

She giggles. “Miss me?”

He doesn’t answer her, instead pulling her to him before kissing the f*ck out of her. Turning away from them, I see Stacy reaching for another glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

Setting my half-empty beer bottle on the bar, I snake my arm out and pull her close. “You good?”

Bringing the glass to her lips, she tips it back and drains it. With a coy smile, she says, “Yep.”

My eyes follow her lips as her tongue slips out and licks a tiny of drop of champagne.

“Let’s do this,” Logan’s voice breaks through my haze of lust as she pulls Stacy onto the dance floor.

I watch her. Every f*cking step she takes, my eyes are glued to her. It’s obvious from the slow, easy sway of her body to the beat of the music that she’s more than a little tipsy. I’m glad she’s out there with Logan; dancing her ass off will help sober her up.

I’m going to need her sober.





I’m drunk. Not “I won’t remember tomorrow” drunk, but enough to let my inhibitions go. Enough that I’m actually considering taking Cole up on his offer for some sexy time. He’s hot as hell and has been coming on strong all night. I’m drunk enough to consider it, to consider him, but not enough to go through with it.

At least not yet.

I close my eyes and let the music guide me, blocking out the fact that the sexy guitar player is more than likely watching me. Throwing my arms in the air, I sway my hips and use the image of those big brown eyes on me as my motivation to drive him crazy. After all, he’s been relentless from day one. I usually just flirt back or blow him off. Not tonight. Tonight, I’m stepping up my game. I’m going to torture him like he has me for months now. He knows it won’t work for us. He knows that us giving in to this . . . chemistry will cause nothing but awkwardness between our group, and no way am I going to let that happen.

“I need a drink!” Logan yells over the music.

I nod my agreement—a drink is exactly what I need. Logan grabs my hand, guides us to the bar, and orders us a shot of tequila each.

Perfect.

“Bottoms up, bestie.” Logan pushes both shots toward me as she uncaps a bottle of water.

Wait, what? “Logan?” Her eyes sparkle and I know. She’s pregnant. “Does Kacen know?”

Her smile is blinding as she nods. Holy shit! I quickly down both shots, one right after the other, and slam the glasses down on the bar. I turn toward Logan and throw my arms around her. A baby!

“I can’t believe this! Were you trying?” I ask after stepping back, allowing her room to breathe.

Logan throws her head back and laughs. “Not at all, but we’re happy about it. Kacen is ecstatic. I actually just told him earlier tonight. My wedding gift.” She beams with happiness.

“Holy shit!” I let my earlier thoughts fall from my lips. “You’re going to be a mom.” Logan nods as I reach out and rest my hand against her belly.

“What are you ladies doing over here?” Kacen asks as he slips in behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Oh, you know, just girl talk.”

“Is that so?” Kacen nuzzles her ear.

“Congratulations,” I tell them both. Kacen looks up and smiles.

“Thanks, Stace. We’re happy about it.”

“What am I missing?” Cole asks from beside me, his arm suddenly wrapped around me, hand resting on my hip. How did I miss that?

“I didn’t know if she was ready to tell people. I just found out myself,” Kacen explains.

“Found out about what?” Cole asks again.

“My wife and I are having a baby.”