by Tania Joyce
His panting breath on her neck sent goose bumps skittering across her skin. With a pounding thrust, he stilled inside her. His body convulsed as his release came. “Angel.”
Kissing along the line of his shoulder and up his throat, she melted against him, savored their connection—him throbbing and pulsing inside her, his hot skin blazing against hers, her heart beating in time with his. Perfect.
He smiled down at her, catching his breath. “It’s still hard to believe you’re here.” He kissed the tip of her nose and fell beside her. He discarded the condom and drew her into a cuddle, pulled the quilt over them. “I’ve missed this.” He kissed her temple, tugged her closer. “Holding you. Having you close.”
“Yeah.” She tickled the fine hairs on his chest. “Didn’t know what I missed until you were gone.”
“Never gone. Just temporarily misplaced . . . no, that’s not right. I was totally fucked up.”
“Me too.” She kissed his hot flesh, hoping each touch of her lips eased his hurt, healed his heart. “So, how are we gonna make this work?”
“Not sure yet.” His daunted tone skidded through her heart, but it wouldn’t stop her from figuring out how they could see each other as often as possible. He stroked her hair. “There’s a lot to think about. This changes everything.”
“I know it does. I’ll come here when I can. We can rendezvous in Harford or somewhere along the coast. You can come home for the holidays.”
He pulled his chin back, looked down at her. Smugness shimmered in his eyes. “Did Kyle and the others have anything to do with this?”
“The guys didn’t, but Kara and Gem certainly gave me a kick up the ass. They couldn’t believe it took me so long to work out that I loved you. They told me to come and tell you face-to-face.”
“Sooo, they didn’t tell you about the job?”
Confusion swam through her brain. “What job?”
“The morning after the show y’all came to see, they asked me to drum for them.”
She shot upright, tucked the quilt under her armpits. “And you didn’t jump at the opportunity? Are you insane? So this is what they were keeping from me.”
Hayden propped himself up on his elbow. “They said I had to decide on my own, not be influenced by you. But . . . you were the main reason I couldn’t take it.” He slid his hand over her bare thigh. A half-serious, half-humorous grin quirked the corner of his mouth. “I was really screwed up.”
Shit. She’d broken him so much that he hadn’t taken the job of a lifetime. But his loyalty and faithfulness to The Saylors would’ve played a part in his decision as well. “What about your band?”
“That’s hard too. I owe so much to Kilt and the guys. We’ve been doing okay. Things have improved. They’ve agreed not to get so wasted before a show again. If it were just about the music, we’d be fine. When we play, and they’re not bent, it’s great. But it’s all the other bullshit I struggle with.”
“Like what?”
“I can’t live with them. They’re pigs. The drugs do my head in. I hate being in the same house as the pot and pills and God-only-knows what else they take. I like having a life outside the band. I miss that. I was gonna move out next payday.”
“You weren’t coming home?” That twisted a knife into her heart. “What about now things are different for us? We could both be in our dream job and be together.”
“Like I said to Kyle and Hunt, if I left, I’d feel like I hadn’t given here a real chance. Hadn’t proven I could make it. I don’t like giving up. It killed me giving up on you.”
She placed her hand over his. “You gave up on me?”
“Yeah, Lex. I did.” The sadness in his voice rippled through her heart. “I loved you, but it wasn’t enough.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” She entwined their fingers, held him tight. “You are. I’m the one who screwed up—not you. If you took the job with Everhide, you wouldn’t be giving up—you’d be moving forward, moving on to greater things. I know you’re loyal to your guys, but you’ve never had a synergy with them like you do with Hunt and Kyle.” She combed her fingers through his hair. “You’ve worked hard; you’re a brilliant drummer. Don’t be a fool and miss out on such an amazing chance. Drumming for Everhide is the opportunity of a lifetime. You’ll get to tour, and play, and shine on stage. And I’m gonna be right by your side . . . well, offstage, taking photos.”
Sitting up, he rubbed the back of his neck. “The job has been playing on my mind for weeks. I do want it, but I was so torn between you, my guys and Everhide. I couldn’t see anything clearly.”
The torment in his eyes needed erasing. She touched his cheek, stroked her thumb over his soft stubble. “Come to London with me. Take a few days to think things through. I want to be with you regardless, whether you stay with The Saylors or not.”
“Hmm . . .” He leaned forward and kissed her lips. “A trip to London sounds like bribery.”
Warmth swirled inside her chest, rippled through her blood. “Maybe it is.”
He lowered his gaze, stared at their entwined fingers resting on her lap. “Are you serious? About forever?”
“Yeah . . . I am. We’ve been through so much together. My life is with you.”
His eyes locked onto hers. Adoration shimmered in their depths. “Then marry me.”
She blinked. Her heart beat double-time. “What?”
“I mean it.” He shuffled closer; his piercing gaze captured her soul. “We’ve lived together for seven years. We’ve slept together. Survived through better and worse. Like you, I’ve always wanted stability, a home, a family. I had that with you. I want that again. Somewhere to belong, someone to love. There’s no question in my mind what to do if I have you. Marry me.”
Heat flushed her skin, crept up her neck. This was happening too fast. Wasn’t it? “But . . . but . . . we’ve only just got back together. How can you be sure that’s what you want?”
Sincerity softened his face. “Because I’ve never stopped loving you. Not for one second. Life is too short. You’re what I want. Be my wife.”
Tears prickled her eyes. “What if I get sick like my mom?”
“Then I’ll be by your side to take care of you.” He smoothed his hand over her hair, caressed the side of her neck. “Will you still love me if I become an addict?”
“I promise I won’t ever let you fall that far. But if you feel the need, you could always be addicted to me.”
“You’re definitely the only drug I need.” Tears pooled on the rims of his eyes. He took her hand, kissed the back of it and held it against his heart. “I love you, Lex. Be mine. Forever.”
Her heart hammered against her ribs. Her head spun. Stars swirled before her eyes. This was insane. This was crazy. But it felt so right. She lunged forward and kissed him. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He pulled her onto his lap. The sheets tangled between them. Pressing his forehead to hers, he ran his hands over her hair. “No more time apart. That shit nearly killed me.”
“Me too.” She cupped his face. “I love you, hon. So much.”
“I don’t want to wait.” He glided his hands over her bare back. “Let’s get married as soon as we get back from London.”
“What? We can’t organize a wedding that quickly.”
“Yes, we can. We have Kara and Bec, the organizational queens. Just something small, simple—maybe a church.”
She caught her lower lip between her teeth. His mom would be out of rehab. Her brothers would be home. She’d try her best to track his dad down. A few friends and family were all she needed to share their special day . . . and Hayden. Hell, she’d elope if that was what he wanted.
“What do you say?”
She linked her hands behind his neck. Tears blurred her vision. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this . . . but . . . okay. It sounds perfect.”
When he smiled, her heart filled with light. It was heaven to see him look happy again.
“Gue
ss I got to break some hearts here in Boston, though.”
“Whose?” she questioned. “All the girls you have to leave?”
“No. The guys. I’m gonna have to talk to them.”
“I know it’s going to be hard. Just remember, I’m your family. Everhide are your family. Come home.”
“Home is wherever you are, Lex. Has been for a long time.”
Lexi’s heart swelled, intoxicated by his love. After all their hard work and heartbreak, and honing into their true feelings, their dreams were coming true. Her future was set.
Hayden untangled their bodies from the twisted sheets, pushed her back onto the pillows and after making love again, she snuggled against his chest. Their hearts beat as one. She finally felt what everyone else had seen blossoming between them. Love. Chemistry. Magic. Together, they’d move onward and upward to bigger and brighter things.
Nothing would ever come between them again.
He was worth risking her heart for. She believed their love would last, not die. It had survived breaking each other’s hearts—it surely could survive anything else life threw their way. He was worth the chance at happiness. He did make her happy.
And . . . holy shit . . . the biggest grin slid across her mouth. Fireflies fluttered in her tummy.
She was engaged.
Going to get married.
She cuddled his arm against her chest, tight. There was no end to her love for him. This was pure contentment. Elation.
Without a doubt, Hayden was her forever. Her happily ever after.
Chapter 26
Hayden paced the floor of the small living room, waiting for his band members to wake, get their morning coffee and join him. His nerves were strung tighter than a guitar string. Last night, after making love to Lexi and a power nap, he’d lain awake solidifying his thoughts. An hour on the phone this morning to Kyle, Gemma and Hunter wrapped up the terms and conditions for drumming for them. Now he had to tell his band.
Kilt walked in and took a seat on the sofa. His face twitched while they waited for Reg and Lewis to join them. Hayden’s blood pressure rose with each passing second. Lexi sat on the sofa chair, sipping on her coffee. She’s my end goal. To be with her.
Kilt jutted his chin in Lexi’s direction. “When did you get here? When I saw Hunter’s car outside, I wasn’t expecting to find you.”
“I arrived around midnight.” Lexi curled her feet up, rested her knees against the sofa arm. “Thought you’d prefer to see me rather than Hunt.”
“Too right.” Kilt pointed at the broken lamp and picture resting on the floor. “What happened in here? You two have a fight?”
Hayden grinned. His band had never known he and Lexi had been together. That she was the reason for his mopey moods. He had to come clean about that too. “Something like that.”
Dragging their feet, Reg and Lewis piled into the room and sat next to Kilt. Reg rubbed sleep from his eyes and Lewis scratched at his bed-hair.
“What’s so urgent you had to get us up before midday?” Lewis covered his yawn.
Hayden’s heart raced to an allegro beat. He sat on the fat arm of the sofa chair Lexi occupied, clutched his knees and took in each of the guys sitting opposite them. Kilt, the first guy he’d met at college. Reg, the party animal. Lewis, the cruisiest dude he’d ever known. Hayden sucked in a deep breath. This was harder than he’d thought. Where to start? Tell them about Lexi or the job?
Easiest one first.
“So, a couple things have happened. First . . . Lex and I are together.”
Reg laughed like a hyena. “Are you fucking kidding? As in, doing the hokey-pokey? No way. You two are like brother and sister. That’s just wrong, dude.”
“Ew!” Lexi winced. “Good thing we’re not.”
Hayden glided his hand over her thigh as he filled the guys in on everything that had happened during the past few months.
Lewis’s eyes widened as if the clouds had cleared from his mind. “So that’s why you’ve been in a constant crappy mood. I’m so glad you are finally together. You two always had the weirdest relationship.”
“Thanks, man.” Hayden glanced down at Lexi, rubbed the back of her head. Unable to take his gaze off her, he spoke to the guys. “There’s one more thing—we’re also engaged.”
Kilt snorted coffee. “Just like that, you’re engaged. What the fuck?”
“So does that mean you’re moving to Boston, Lex?” Lewis asked, eyebrows arching skyward.
“Actually, no.” Hayden jumped in before Lexi could say anything. “That brings me to the main reason I needed to talk to you . . . ” Nausea flooded his gut; a wave of heat fevered his skin. He ripped his fingers through his hair as he stared at the floor.
“Hayds?” Lexi rubbed his back. “You’ve got this.”
He nodded and lifted his chin. “I’m leaving.”
“What!” they hollered in unison.
“You can’t leave.” Kilt snapped.
“I’ve thought about this for weeks and I’ve made my decision.”
“So this is her doing?” Kilt jerked his chin at Lexi. “You’re leaving for some chick?”
“Hey!” Lexi protested, throwing Kilt a fuck-you glare.
Hayden smoothed his hand over the back of Lexi’s head and kissed the top of her crown. “Chill. It’s okay. Got your back, remember?” Straightening, he turned toward the guys. “Lex is more than that, and you know it. But I also got a job offer I can’t refuse.”
The three of them blinked. It took a second or two for them to comprehend what he’d said.
“Fuuuck.” Reg sank deeper into the sofa. “Let me guess. Fucking Everhide.”
Hayden lowered his gaze and nodded. “Yeah. The guys asked me to play for them a couple weeks back.”
“Shit.” Kilt’s tone lost its sharp edge. “You’ll never frontline with them, man. You’ll always just be the backup drummer. You won’t ever be famous, or walk the red carpet; you’ll always be in the background.”
“See, Kilt? That’s where you and I will always differ. I don’t need to be in the spotlight. I’ll be playing for one of the biggest bands on the planet, playing alongside some incredible musicians. I wanted for us to reach new heights, but things changed. I feel we’re going in different directions. You guys are more focused on partying than our music. It’s a constant battle to get y’all to focus on what we came here for. And it’s been hard for me to put in my best efforts since I haven’t been able to let go of New York or of Lex.”
“What about the music, man?” Lewis’s brow furrowed. “You won’t be on an album cover, or write songs, or get a cut of royalties. Are you happy to just earn a salary?”
Hayden half-grinned. “Yes, but I won’t just be on salary.” The guys didn’t need to know he’d be earning a bucketload more than he did now, or ever had earned in his lifetime. “I’m not giving up creating music. I’m fully aware Kyle, Gem and Hunt write their own songs. They have an incredible magic I don’t want to interfere with. But I will be playing on their next album and hitting the recording studio with them. If I do write or contribute or create something, they have the option to take it onboard. I will get a cut. If things change, and we do compose songs together, we can accommodate future changes.”
A muscle ticked in Kilt’s jaw, but then the tension disappeared. “So?” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “You think you’re a big-time hotshot now?”
Hayden shook his head. He wouldn’t miss Kilt’s jealousy over other people’s success. “Kilt, I’ve been loyal to the three of you for years. I’ve worked damn hard to get where I am. To get to the level to be headhunted by someone like Everhide is a huge achievement. Yes, they’re my friends, but they chose me for my drumming. I’m freaking stoked, man. Be happy for me.”
“Where does that leave us?” Reg scratched his black fuzzy beard.
“You have Basil.” Hayden shrugged a shoulder. Kilt’s brother would jump at the chance to take his place, even if it m
eant moving to Boston. “I’m sure he’d love the opportunity to play full-time.”
“Fuck.” Kilt rubbed the back of his neck. “Is there nothing we can do to get you to stay?”
Hayden smiled as Lexi rested her cheek against his arm. “Nope. Not a thing.”
Reg drained his coffee, put the cup on the table. “When do you want to leave?”
Now he’d decided, he wanted to start his new life as quickly as possible. “Knowing Basil is here working with your dad, and you won’t be left in the dark, I’d like to call it quits today if that’s all right? Lex and Everhide are heading to London, and I want to go with them.”
Kilt huffed. “Just like that. You want out.”
“Yeah. Just like that.”
“Kinda surprised it took this long, man.” A bittersweet smile quirked across Kilt’s mouth. “You’re so fucking good. To be honest, I’ve expected it for a while. Hated the thought of you leaving. But you’ve earned it. You’re a freak of talented nature. Go take on the world. We’re gonna miss you.”
Hayden splayed his hand across his chest. “Thanks, man.” Deep down Kilt was a good guy—he was just more often a dick.
“We better be invited to the wedding. You guys have a date in mind?”
“Yeah.” Hayden hooked his arm around Lexi’s shoulders. “When we get back from London.”
“Well shit, dude. Go pack a bag.” Kilt waved toward the staircase. “Get your ass moving. You can sort your gear out when you get back from overseas. Go, you crazy son of a bitch.”
“And you.” Lewis pointed at Lexi. A big sad smile drew across his face. “You take care of this one. He needs you.”
“I need him too.” Lexi clutched Hayden’s hand.
As she glanced up at him, the love in her eyes filled his heart with warmth, made it beat stronger. With her, he was a better man. The man he was meant to be.
Hayden gave her a quick kiss on the lips, flew upstairs and packed a bag. With his head still spinning, Lexi drove them back to New York. She took him home to where he belonged.