Zoe cradled Celine in her arms, while reading over her discussion she needed to post for class. The baby’s lips puckered, and Zoe smiled at the baby girl. Alex would be home soon. The tour turned out to be a success with the #InfinitySigns, trending on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Alex had been a hit, and Zoe even caught a few clips that fans had recorded of his drum solos. Celine jerked in her sleep, and Zoe rose to her feet to put her in her crib. Checking the time on her watch, it was almost ten o’clock at night. Lisa was working late again, so she may have had to spend the night. It would be too late to drive home if Lisa showed past midnight.
Walking back to the living room, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. Alex. Zoe grinned and answered.
“Someone sounds happy to talk to me.” His voice sounded pleasant too.
“I am.” There was no point in keeping her feelings to herself.
“Guess where I am?” he asked.
Zoe figured they were still on the road. “You’re on your way home?”
“Take another guess.”
Zoe’s eyes widened. She hurried to the front window and gazed outside, pushing the curtains back with her free hand. Alex? He smiled at her, with his phone to his ear. He was home.
He hung up, as did Zoe. She opened the door. Alex jogged to her side, hugging her tight.
“Jackson didn’t tell me you were coming back tonight. I would have met the bus.”
Alex drew back, keeping his hold on her waist. “He and Bailey caught a ride with Tommy and Noelle. He figured you were working. I just put my bags inside my place before calling you.” He pulled her in for another hug. “I missed this.”
Zoe hugged him back. “I’m proud of you.” She drew back and stared into his eyes. She cupped his face. “The tour looks like it went—”
Alex kissed her, cutting off her sentence. Zoe didn’t deny him, but kissed him back. His hands grazed her back and his mouth pressed against hers. Zoe breathed in his manly scent, drowning in his kiss. Her eyes fluttered opened as Alex walked her backwards. Once they were inside Lisa’s house, he closed the door with his foot.
Zoe smiled against his mouth as his kisses lingered. Alex held her close to his chest. She felt protected. Secured. Loved.
Alex planted one final sweet kiss to her mouth. He exhaled. “I couldn’t hold back anymore.”
She giggled. “I wasn’t complaining.” Then she took his hand and led him to the sofa. “Tell me everything.” She bounced in her seat. “You guys are trending.”
Alex chuckled and kissed her again. “It went great. There’s talk of us going back into the studio for our next album.”
“That’s awesome!” She covered her mouth. “Sorry, the baby’s sleeping.”
“I missed her too.” Then he stroked Zoe’s cheek. “You free tomorrow night?”
“What’s tomorrow night?”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “Our date. You’re good with school, right?”
She nodded. “I’m caught up with my assignments.” She bit her bottom lip. “I may have to work in case Lisa—”
He raised his hand to stop her. “I’ll make arrangements with Aunt Pam if I need to.” He scooted closer to Zoe. “I’ve spent weeks on a bus and all I could think about was coming home to you.” He took one of her hands and kissed her palm. “Go out with me tomorrow?”
His kiss to her hand made her insides quiver. “Okay.”
Alex leaned in and Zoe met his kiss. One of her hands cupped his cheek. He deepened the kiss, encircling her waist with his arm.
“I see you made it home,?
? a woman’s voice said.
Zoe pulled away from Alex and stood to her feet. Lisa’s mouth twisted, but judging by the corners of her mouth turning up, she wasn’t upset.
“Hey Lisa.” Alex rose to his feet and walked over to hug his cousin. “I just got back.”