Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“Are you sure you have time to date?”
He leans in, cupping the back of my head. Taking my lips, he kisses me tenderly. Then he speaks against my lips.
“I will always make time for you. Not doing so isn’t an option. You’re keeping me sane in all of this,” he says and takes my lips again.
We continue to talk and bask in each other’s company. Time seems to float by. The staff disappeared some time ago. Glancing at the time, I figure they all must have gone home. Suddenly, Bishop falls silent and his gaze drops to my lips.
I lean into him as if being pulled in by a magnet. He cups the side of my face and kisses me passionately. He groans into the kiss and deepens it.
When we pull apart, he looks me deep in the eyes. His blues sparkling. I reach to finger the strain of hair that’s come loose from his man bun.
“This was a really nice date,” I say.
“Yeah, I had a nice time too. Sorry we couldn’t go to the movies and a real restaurant. I selfishly wanted to keep you to myself.”
“This was perfect and I don’t think I’m ready to share you either.”
“Come here,” he croons, pulling me from my seat into his lap.
I settle into his lap and within his warm embrace, thinking things are about to get hot and heavy. However, Bishop only hugs me close while asking me more questions about myself.
His voice is so comforting and each time he presses a kiss to my temple, I’m lulled into a greater sense of comfort and safety. This man is everything.
Bishop
Saga has fallen asleep in my arms. As much as I would love to be inside her sexy body, I’m content with holding her just like this. I wasn’t sure how this date would go over.
My biggest thought was about her safety. She’s finally walking on that ankle without wincing or hobbling as if it’s too much to put weight on it. I didn’t want a repeat of what happened at the club.
From the look on her face when we arrived, I figured I got this one right. I enjoyed our time. This was way more intimate and less stressful.
I look down at her sleeping face. I know deep down inside I won’t be able to shield her forever, but I’m hoping to keep her in this bubble for as long as I can.
“I need you to trust me. Don’t give up on me,” I whisper and kiss her forehead.
I send up a prayer, hoping she’ll withstand all that is my life. I need her to be strong enough for this because I can’t lose her. She’s my light leading to the way out.
And just like that, the music starts. Another song is coming. I pull my phone to text Dwayne and check to see if he brought Lucie into the house.
Dwayne: She’s in your room with the luggage.
Me: Thanks.
I get up, trying not to wake Saga in my arms. Carrying her upstairs, I place her in the bed, take off her shoes, and pull the covers up over her. Then I kiss her lips and turn to get my guitar and songbook.
CHAPTER 23
Together
Saga
“What’s going on in that head?” I ask as I look up into his face.
He brushes a hand through my hair as I rest my head on his chest. It’s our first night in Vegas. The entire crew pushed through the thirty-hour drive nonstop.
I never knew riding on a bus could be so tiring and fun at the same time. The rest of the band has grown on me. The only person I don’t get along with is Jag. Thankfully, he flew into Vegas ahead of us.
“I know the song I’ll sing at the last concert here. I just haven’t figured out how I’ll end the album altogether,” he says.
“What direction do you want to take it?”
“I don’t know. The others were inspired by things you said, how I felt, I’m not sure how to tie all that up just yet,” he says thoughtfully.
“It will come to you. You have a bit of time. A lot can happen in four weeks.”
“I can’t believe we’ll finally be home next week.”
“Your birthday is coming, isn’t it?”
“You remembered,” he chuckles.
Rolling me onto my back, he hovers over me and stares down into my face. His eyes search mine as the gears turn in his head. I reach to caress his cheek. He shaved as soon as we got into our suite. His face is nice and smooth.
“What?” I ask, smiling at him.
“I don’t ever want to wake up without you,” he says. “That’s my birthday wish.”
“You’re not supposed to tell anyone your wish,” I say.
He pecks me on the lips. “I tell my best friend everything.”
My heart squeezes. He says some of the sweetest shit. I feel like we’ve been together for years, not days. The last three weeks have flown by so fast.