He strokes his hand over his beard a few times. Wish he’d mosey on down to the point sometime this century.
“Is she planning to relocate to Nashville? That’s where most country artists reside, right?”
Exactly how much researching into Shelby has he done? “Uh, don’t know yet. We’re heading to New York after she finishes recording,” I remind him.
Fuck. Priest moved Z two hours away from home, which sucked for Z but at least he’s still in New York and not that far from upstate. I don’t want Priest getting any ideas about moving me to fucking Tennessee and thinking he’s somehow doing me a “favor.”
“That’s good. I’m sure you miss home.”
“Very much.”
“Good.” He slaps the arm of the chair. “I need to sit down with Digger. But I’m glad we were able to talk, Rooster.”
“So am I, Prez. Shelby and I are staying at the Cross downtown but we’ll be stopping in tomorrow.”
He chuckles. “That’s where we’re staying too.”
Fan-fucking-tastic.
“We’re heading back to Mississippi tomorrow,” he says. “This was a short check-in. It’s good Ice is here too. Then I don’t have to make the trip to Virginia.”
Thank fuck for that. Virginia’s close enough that Priest might decide to ride on up to New York when he’s finished.
“I was glad to run into him. Shelby was happy to see some familiar faces too.”
“Ah, right. The girl, Anya. She’s the one Ice is building his business around?”
“Yes.”
“Jesus Christ,” he grumbles, pressing his palm against the arms of the chair and standing.
Guess Priest isn’t warming up to all the porn money that’s about to come rolling into the organization.
But for now, I’m going to file it under not my problem and make myself scarce.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Rooster
“Are you sure it’s a good idea to leave and stay at the hotel with your national president visiting?” Shelby whispers as we’re walking toward the front door.
“Had my sit-down.” I jerk my thumb over my shoulder. “Now, it’s Digger’s turn.”
“What was the point of spending all the money on the RV if you’re paying for hotel rooms too?” She side-eyes me. “And you never let me help pay.”
“I feel like we’ve already discussed this before.” I bop her nose with my finger. “Can’t your man take you someplace nice for the night? I’d like to spend the morning in a nice, big bed with you.”
“We have a bed.”
“You can get some laundry done too. And, I found a room with a huge bathtub.”
Her eyes light up. Knew that would get her.
“You have my attention.”
“See?” We step into the parking lot. It’s even rowdier out here than inside. We work through the crowd, saying hello to people, and I introduce Shelby to as many brothers as possible. That bullshit with Bonehead ain’t happening again. Although most of these fuckers are so shitfaced, they won’t remember much by morning.
The hotel’s a bit of a ride but the night air feels good. Check-in is fast and then I have Shelby all to myself with no interruptions.
“This place is beautiful.” She cruises around the room, checking out things, then wanders into the bathroom. “Holy moly! I might spend the whole time in this tub!” she shouts.
“We’ll see about that,” I mutter, unpacking my stuff on the side of the bed facing the door.
A few seconds later, the rush of water patters against the tile. Shaking my head, I unpack her bag of bath stuff and bring it to her, setting it on the side of the tub. “Went right for it, huh?”
“I feel grimy.”
I slide my gaze over her body, eager to get my hands on every curvy inch. “Need help peeling those jeans off?”
“Nope. I got ’em.” She turns and strips off her shirt. “Will you help me with my bra, though?”
“Fuck yeah, I will.” I work the clasp loose in record time. “I like this color on you,” I say, sliding the pale-pink straps off her shoulders.
She glances at me over her shoulder. “Thank you. Are you joining me in the tub?”
“Sure.”
“Will this be too girly for you?” She wags a tiny bottle full of pink gel in my direction.
“Nope.” She can fill that tub with rose petals and rainbow glitter—still won’t stop me from getting in there with her.
After a lot of splashing around, we’re situated in the tub both facing the faucet. Her back against my front.
“Are you warm enough?” I ask, sliding my hands over her ribs to cup her breasts.
“I am now.” She sighs and rests her head against my chest, closing her eyes.
Stretched out and glistening in the foamy bathwater, she’s a beautiful sight. I flick my thumbs over her nipples and she arches her back. Leaning closer, I whisper, “I want to make you come under water. Would you like that?”
She laughs silently and lifts her arms, looping them around my neck without opening her eyes. “Give it a shot.”