“Yes, I’m very aware of how amazing you are, West,” I play along with him. I really do love hanging out with the guys, but West is by far the cheekiest one and a lot of fun.
He breaks out in a huge grin and looks at Jett. “If you fuck shit up with Presley again, all bets are off, and I’m staking a claim.”
I hold my breath and wait for Jett to lose it but he surprises me with a smile. He places his arm around my shoulders and replies to West, “I’ve got no plans to fuck this up again and as far as you taking a shot, I’d like to see that. She doesn’t take shit from anyone so I doubt she’d put up with yours for longer than a day.” His tone is fun and I realise he’s not even phased by West’s flirting.
West lets out a low whistle. “Presley, I think you’ve tamed the beast. I can’t even get a rise out of him anymore.”
Van has just arrived and joins in the conversation. “I think they’ve tamed each other. Presley’s gone soft, letting him get away with shit she never did to begin with.”
I smile at him and he gives me a chin jerk, which is pretty much Van’s way of smiling.
Van continues, directing this at me. “You two have been back together for nearly two weeks now and I’ve seen him easily change your mind at least three times. You didn’t even put up a fight.”
Laughing, I say, “What can I say, my man has his ways of convincing me, and let me tell you, those ways are the best I’ve ever sampled.”
Van holds his hand up at me. “Stop talking, babe. Jett’s head is already big enough; you don’t need to give him another reason.” It’s not often Van joins in with a joke so I savour this. While he’s nowhere as moody as he has been, he’s still grumpier than your average guy.
Hunter turns up while Van is giving me hell for succumbing to Jett’s charms. I greet him with a smile, and he asks, “Are you all ready for tomorrow?”
Excitement bubbles through me. “Yes, I can’t wait.” Jett and I leave for Paris tomorrow. We’re starting our three months away in France and even though I’ve visited that country before, I’m so happy to be able to experience it with the man I love.
Hunter is about to say something further when a familiar voice sounds from behind me. “Evening.”
Mr. Kentucky Fire himself.
I turn to find Diesel smiling down at me. “Hello, darlin’,” he greets me with that sexy smile of his.
“Diesel,” I say, hoping like hell Jett doesn’t lose his cool.
Diesel chuckles and turns his attention to Jett. His voice softens when he says, “Sorry to hear about your sister, man.”
Jett nods, his expression growing serious at the mention of Claudia. “Thanks.” And then he adds, “And thanks for bringing your band tonight and supporting us.”
“Sure thing,” Diesel replies and then nods his head in the direction of another table. “I’d better get back to keep them in line. I just wanted to say hi.”
I watch him walk away and then ask Jett, “What was that about? How is his band supporting you?”
“When he heard about Claudia and tonight, he phoned Tom and offered his support. His band has made a donation to the charity and have also agreed to perform tonight.”
Warmth fills me at the generosity. “That’s great.”
“Yeah,” he agrees as he waves at someone. I turn to see who it is and smile when I see Tom, and Jett’s parents heading our way. Over the last two weeks, I’ve spent a fair bit of time with his parents and have fallen in love with them.
The three of them join us and take their seats next to Jett. After we’ve all exchanged greetings, Hunter says, “We need to get ready, Jett.”
“Yeah,” he agrees, and I watch the four of them make their way to the stage.
“How is he?” Monica asks, concern etched on her face.
“Actually, I think he’s doing okay.” And I really do believe that.
I hear the relief in her voice when she says, “Thank goodness. We weren’t sure if he was ready for this.”
“I wasn’t, either, but it’s like he’s got this new sense of peace.” I shrug, feeling silly saying it. “I know it sounds weird, but I can’t explain it any other way.”
Steve smiles at me. “You gave him that, sweetheart.”
I find it sweet that Jett’s father calls me sweetheart, the same as Jett does. I’ve noticed that Steve only ever uses that term of endearment with his wife and me, and it makes me feel special. It makes me feel a part of their family.