Rhythm of the Road (Lost Kings MC 16)
Forget my tortured cock—there’s that strange sensation pulsing through me again. That L word that’s getting harder and harder not to say every time I’m with her. “I’m happy I’m here too. Made a hotel reservation at a place down by the water for us tonight.”
“You did? You didn’t have to do that.”
“Yeah, I did. And I want to take you to an early lunch or something before you leave tomorrow.” Fuck, why am I bringing up that she’s leaving when I just got my hands on her?
“Why? You don’t have to do any of that.”
I squeeze her hips, seeking her softness under the layers of dress in my way. “I want to.” Seems like whenever we’re together we’re racing off somewhere or fucking. “I want to take you out on a normal date.”
“What’s normal for us?” She presses her hand over my heart. “You do so many sweet, helpful things that mean so much more than a dinner date.”
I wrap my fingers around hers, lifting her hand and brushing my lips over her inner wrist. “Just want you to know you’re special.”
“You always make me feel special.” She titters with laughter. “That tickles.”
Someone knocks on the dressing room door, cutting off our conversation. Judging by the persistent pounding, they’re not leaving.
“Dang.” Shelby spins away, curling her hand around the doorknob. She hesitates then turns and reaches up to give me a quick kiss on the cheek.
Like a complete sap, I press my fingers to the spot briefly before following her out of the bathroom. Good thing she’s tiny. My long legs make it to the door faster. I hold out my arm to keep her behind me while I open it.
She huffs. “I answer my own door all the time.”
“Humor me.”
Cindy holds up her makeup case. “Just me.” Her gaze shoots to Shelby and she wiggles her eyebrows. “Good to see you again, Logan.”
I run my hand over my beard, opening the door wider for Cindy to come in, amused as hell. Sounds like they’ve been chatting about me in my absence. Good stuff, if Cindy’s beaming smile is any indication.
“You need anything?” I ask Shelby. “Want your tea?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“Nope. Be right back.”Shelby
“What have you been up to since I left?” Cindy touches my shoulder. “You’re all flushed.”
My cheeks burn even hotter under the pounds of makeup. I peer in the mirror. Splotches of pink stain my chest. Might as well hang a “got some” sign around my neck. “Nothin’.”
“Hmm.” She smooths the messy curls at the back of my head. “Someone got lucky.”
“Maybe a little.”
“Can’t blame you.” Her gaze darts to the door. “I’d ride that man like a mechanical bull.”
It’s a teasing comment, meant to be a compliment to Logan, I’m sure. Still, a white-hot prick of jealousy stabs my heart.
“Shoot. I’m kidding, Shelby.” She squeezes the tops of my arms.
I force a smile.
Rooster returns with my tea while she’s fixing my hair. I have a few quick swallows before she starts lining my lips.
“I hate this stuff,” I mumble. “My lips are always so dry after I take it off.”
“I know,” she murmurs. “Hard to find something that’ll stay put during your set. Open. Now blot.” She stands back, running her gaze over me, and I flash a bright smile. “Perfect.”
She wags her finger in Rooster’s direction. “Don’t mess up my work.”
He rumbles with laughter and holds his hands in the air. “I’ll do my best.”
“Good luck tonight, hon.”
“Thanks.”
The jitters pop up as soon as she leaves.
“Come here,” Rooster says softly.
“You heard Cindy,” I say as I approach.
“I’ll behave.” He holds out his hands to me, and I curl my fingers around his. “You look amazing. How’s your throat feel?”
I hum a few notes. “Okay.”
“Good.” He pulls me down into his lap, draping my legs sideways over his. Carefully, I rest my head on his shoulder, the steady thump of his heart grounds and reassures me.
“I could go to sleep like this.”
He kisses my forehead. “Relax for a few minutes.”
“Okay.”
My set list, the things I want to say to the crowd tonight all float through my head. I picture myself strong, and hitting every note perfectly. Eventually, I drift away, hovering somewhere between sleep and awake.
Vaguely, I’m aware of someone knocking and the door opening.
“She feelin’ all right?”
Dawson’s voice.
“Yeah,” Rooster rumbles.
I drag myself back to consciousness, blinking and sitting up. Only mildly embarrassed to be caught taking a catnap in my boyfriend’s embrace.
“You all right, little lady?” Dawson flashes me a warm smile.
Great. The last thing I need is him thinking I can’t handle the stress of the tour. “Just resting before my set. What’s up?”
He closes the door behind him and drops into the chair across from us. Guess he’s sticking around to chat.
Feeling a bit unprofessional sitting in Rooster’s lap, I slide down until my butt hits the couch cushions and face Dawson. “What’s on your mind?”