Page 27 of Reckless

“Does that happen often?” I ask as we stroll back.

“Fans coming up to me? Not really, but if you put yourself in an environment where you're known, I guess there is a higher likelihood of it happening.”

“How do you feel about it?” I ask, curious. “You didn’t seem to mind.”

“You saw?”

“I was upstairs and heard them squealing.”

“They did not squeal,” she nudges me with her elbow.

“Yeah, they did. They were thrilled to meet you.”

“It’s great meeting the fans,” she says. Her expression changes when she catches my eye. “It’s not the way it happens to you.”

“Nope. Bodyguards and restraining orders for me.”

It’s obvious she wants to ask. I shouldn’t have said it, but it’s not like it hasn’t been in the news.

“What’s the plan this afternoon?” I change the subject.

“Another night here. It’s a nice place. Tomorrow we’ll be crossing into South Dakota.”

“So, chilling at the RV?”

“Or taking a walk through the trails. There is a good one that goes to a pretty lake. I’m sure it’s fresh water if you need a drink.”

“Hilarious.” I narrow my eyes at her as she laughs. It’s infectious and I can’t help joining in.

I stare for longer than she does, her attention going back to the road ahead. Fuck, this woman is doing all kinds of things for my head. Nothing else. Nope. Not going there.

Back at the RV I ask if I’m good to take a shower, only then remembering I wanted to buy a razor. Krista gives me a towel and I slip into the bedroom. The bed is made, nothing out of place. One thing I’ve noticed about her is how tidy she is, in everything except her writing. The laptop and notepads are always spread out across the table.

In the bathroom, I set down my wash bag and look at my reflection. I’ve avoided it the last few days. Not wanting to see how fucking drawn I look. I’m surprised to see the difference. I’ve had a few good meals, been out in the sun a little more, without the LA smog to dilute it, so my skin is more sun kissed than normal.

The stubble isn’t that bad, it changes my face. Perhaps that is why no one has noticed me. I usually keep clean shaven.

It’s more like Krista in here, with her toiletries and make-up laid out. It smells like cherries, a scent that has become synonymous with Krista.

I start the shower and strip off. It’s a little tight but I’m used to it from our tour buses. After washing my hair, I pick up her body wash and pop the lid, giving it a sniff.

It’s all kinds of wrong when I imagine her in here, soaping herself up with this. The urge to squirt some in my hand and use it on my cock almost takes me over. From what I heard last night, the walls are thin.

I set it down and use my body wash, soaping up and rinsing off. I’m not sure how it works with the water tanks, but I should learn. I doubt me standing under the water for ages is going to help.

The space in the bathroom is too small for me to get dried and dressed, so I wrap the towel around my waist and slip into the bedroom. Making sure the door is still shut, I get dried and step into some shorts and a t-shirt I bought yesterday. I can hear music coming from the other room.

I smile when I realize it’s the Pearl Jam album from last night. She must have downloaded it. I left my phone on the desk in her room, and it pings as I am about to head back out.

It’s a news notification, not a text or email. The last thing I need is to be reading anything about the band. Especially as there has been a mixed reaction to us cancelling shows.

People are supportive, but there are the usual assholes who think we’re entitled shits, who should be able to stay switched on permanently, because that is what we’re paid for. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve read that statement.

This headline has me frowning. ‘Lead Singer of Reckless Soul Missing.’

“What the fuck?” I mutter, opening the article.

I step back and sit down on the bed. It’s accurate, which means someone at Bill’s party leaked what happened. They don’t know Cody found me, or that management is aware of where I am, at least, what I’m doing. No one knows the itinerary because I didn’t get it from Krista before I joined her.