“What took so long?” Robbie asks.
“I was inviting Ember to see Sayge play tonight. She seems like a nice girl, and she obviously liked what she saw in you.”
“No fucking way. She’s nowhere close to my type.”
“Really, she’s pretty and seemed sweet. What’s wrong with that?”
“She also has fresh and wholesome written all over her. I need a little more experience in a woman.”
“Like that trash that walked out of Finn’s house this morning? That’s what you look for in a woman?”
“Calm down, RJ. I’m saying that girl is too innocent for me.”
“You don’t know that. She could be completely different outside of her place of employment. She may be the perfect girl for you. Don’t be so judgmental.”
“Highly doubt it.”
“Robbie, man, don’t want to get into your business and definitely don’t want you in mine. But fresh and wholesome is completely worth it. And just to let you know it’s a whole lot more rewarding.” Declan tells my brother. “You should give it a try.”
“Are you seriously talking to me about this shit with my sister right here?”
“Yep. Trying to help you out. Think about it.”
*****
“Honey, we have to go. We’re going to be late.” I try to stop Declan’s roaming hands.
“Just a quickie. I need you right now.”
“No, it took me an hour to get ready. If I let you have your way, it’ll take me another hour to clean up.”
“Are you seriously cock-blocking me right now?” He kisses a trail down my neckline and squeezes my ass.
“We can continue this when we get home.”
He groans against my skin and steps back.
When we get to The Steamroom, we go in through the backdoor. TJ agreed that our group could use the backdoor access at all times. I know Declan has closed off the room again tonight for our friends, but this year I’m not on lock down so I can go back and forth.
I’m surprised to see the line around the corner when we drive up. Sayge isn’t scheduled to start for a while so I can’t imagine why the crowd is so large. Declan lifts me out of his truck and links our hands together.
“I have a small surprise for you.” he says in my ear.
“What kind of surprise?”
“The kind of surprise that’s going to allow me to spend time with you during your birthday celebration.”
The door opens, and I scream. Ryan Knight and his whole band are waiting for us. The rest of the room is filled with our group of friends. I greet the guys with hugs and smile around the room.
“Dec, did you know they’d be here?”
“I asked them to come. They’re doing us a huge favor. We’re only playing one set tonight. They’re doing the rest. I wanted to have time with you.”
“They’ll do that for me?”
“Yes, and it gives them an excuse to be in town. Unfortunately, I invited them to stay with us.”
“That’s great! Why do you say unfortunately?”