I frown again. How can he be late the day of their first show? Brady’s hands skim the skin just above the waistband of my sweat bottoms. My annoyance with Davey immediately disappears as Brady slips my top over my head.
We take a shower together where Brady expertly worships my body, reminding me exactly how much he wants me. At times like this it feels like we’ve left the house and landed on our own little island of ecstasy. I never want to leave.
Chapter 8
Tori
“Morning, you two,” I say cheerfully,
fetching the box of cereal from the table and searching the cabinet for a bowl. Liv and Harrison exchange a glance and laugh into their cereal. I thrust a hand on to my hip, glaring at the two of them. “What?”
They both burst out laughing. Harrison won’t look at me. Liv has tears, she’s laughing so hard. She waves a hand in front of her face, attempting to calm her fit. “Nothing,” she belts before laughter overtakes her.
“You guys suck.” This causes them to really let go into full-on, gut-busting laughter. Now I’m getting pissed. “What the hell?”
“Okay…Okay…” Liv tries to gain control again. “We don’t…” More laughter ensues as Harrison shakes his head at her. She looks up at me, her face twisting in total amusement. “But apparently you do.”
Oh.My.God.
My skin feels like it’s boiling as my insides start to shake with humiliation. “You heard us?”
They’re still roaring with laughter. “The whole neighborhood heard you,” Harrison blurts, but turns his head when I narrow my eyes at him.
“Whatever.” I scowl, glancing at both of them. “It’s not like you two haven’t woken the neighbors before.” I pat myself on the back, watching as the color in their cheeks now matches my own. I spin on my heels, leaving them giggling to each other.
I spend the few hours before we have to leave for San Diego pampering myself, although when I try to paint my toenails, I make a complete mess of my feet. After maneuvering around my baby bump, my toes look like a child’s finger-painting project. I can’t imagine what it would be like if I was much bigger. After removing the polish, I clean up and get ready, slipping on a simple sundress and curling my long blonde waves. Although I’m not one to fuss over makeup, I take care to use it tonight and apply it a little heavier than usual.
“Hot mama!” Brady’s grinning in the doorway.
“Thanks.” I smile at his compliment. “Is it time to go?”
“The guys just left. They’re going to meet us over there.” He comes up, slipping his hands around my waist and smiling at me through the mirror’s reflection. I admire the two of us. We look good together. He twirls me around and gives me a quick kiss. “I’m going to load the car. Come down when you’re ready.”
I smile as I watch him walk away. This is really going to happen. He tries to play it off as no big deal, but I feel it. They’re going to rock.
***
We arrive at Humphrey’s just before five so the guys can set up and do a sound check. Before we go inside, Brady and I stop on the dock and admire the view. The sun glistens on the water’s surface, causing me to squint. I cover my eyes, noticing a few boats returning to the harbor and a couple more leaving. It’s breathtaking.
When we go inside, Brady holds my hand as he strolls to the bar. After a brief conversation with the bartender, he leads me over to a small table about ten feet from the front of the stage. I feel a set of eyes on me. When I turn, I see a woman walking toward us. Her long golden waves flow out to the side as she beams at Brady with a perfect smile. She’s tanned, fit, and gorgeous. I’ve never felt so insecure – or so pale, fat, and unattractive. Even though she is definitely older than Brady, I can’t help the stab of jealousy I feel toward her as she plants a kiss on each of Brady’s cheeks before wrapping him in a tight hug. He squeezes back, lifting her from the ground. Who is she? Did he sleep with her? Oh, good God! I don’t want to know.
When Brady sets her down, I’m suddenly engulfed in a hug. My arms are pinned to my side as she squeezes all the air out of me. She even smells amazing. Oh, yeah, I hate her. Why is she hugging me? Upon releasing our hug, she holds both of my hands and looks directly into my eyes, smiling like we’re best friends.
“You must be Tori.” Even her voice is raw perfection, all low and raspy, oozing a bluesy sexiness. Who the hell is this woman?
Brady introduces us. “Tori, this is Mercedes.”
Oh, of course. I relax a little. This is Chad’s cousin.
“It’s so nice to finally meet the woman who stole my guy’s heart.” Her hand rests on Brady’s chest as she says it.
Her guy? Oh, no. He has slept with her. The stab is back, hard and deep. I shouldn’t be surprised. Who hasn’t he slept with? I’m sure she won’t be the first woman I meet who’s had a piece of my guy.
I want to tell her that he is my guy and she’d better back off. I don’t. Instead, I fake a smile and say, “It’s lovely to meet you, too.”
Brady gestures to the guy behind her. “And this is Mercedes’ boyfriend, Scott.”
I have to admit, I’m thrilled she has a boyfriend. He’s cute, with close-cut dark hair and a goatee. I spot tattoos peeking out from under the sleeves of his baby-blue button-up. He’s smiling at Mercedes as though she’s the air he breathes. It’s sweet. They make a picture-perfect couple.