Page 116 of Reckless

“No, I’m good.”

She is wearing one of my hoodies, which I already told her looks fucking amazing. I couldn’t care less if she wasn’t dressed up like she thought she needed to be for the night out.

Once we’re done with the Chicago River, the chef brings out our meal and Krista is even more impressed. Especially when she realizes its burger and fries with ice cream for dessert. I’m not much into fancy food on giant plates that leaves you hungry when you’re done. The burgers are gourmet and are fucking delicious.

I love watching Krista eat. I’m thinking I’ve got one of those kinks to keep your woman happy and content, and not just with my cock.

“What are you laughing at?” she breaks into my thoughts.

“Nothing.” I pick up my beer and drink some to hide my smile. I’m not sure she’d want to hear what I’m thinking.

“I still can’t believe you did all this,” she shakes her head.

“I wanted to take you out. This seemed like the best way to do it. No one to bother us.”

“You have to think about these things, don’t you? All the time. About what you can and can’t do?”

“It isn’t always that bad. It only hit fever pitch after the last album, that one song.”

“It’s a great song, Jude.”

I hum in response. One song, used on a social media story that went viral, then everyone wanted to use the song to boost their accounts, and from there, it went insane. Our record sales soared. The label took advantage by adding more dates to the tours. Then the whole thing of women using my image went nuts and from then on things got difficult.

Truth is, I’m not even sure I still like the song. It’s our most requested, the one we always play last at shows. We have a hell of a lot better songs than that one, but it’s what the fans and radio stations want.

I’m not bitter, I appreciate everything I have, but sometimes, I wish that song didn’t hit the way it did. I wrote it when my head was turning into a difficult place and it’s a reminder of that every time I hear it.

“I’m sure everything will die down and I’ll be able to go about my business without all the scrutiny I’ve been getting.”

Her eyes drift upwards, and I follow them to where Riggs and Luther are standing. Neither of them is looking at us. Riggs is saying something to Luther, who is looking at his phone. To anyone else, it would look like he is ignoring his partner, but Luther sees and hears everything.

“Are you having second thoughts?” I ask, focusing back on Krista, even though I’m nervous to hear the answer.

“Jude,” she reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I wouldn’t have let you in my RV that first morning if I thought I couldn’t handle being around you.”

“It won’t be easy.”

I keep digging a bigger hole for myself. Jesus, know when to shut the hell up, dickhead.

“Easy is boring,” she replies.

“Just promise me something.” Her brow lifts, her lips remain sealed. “You’re not gonna promise till you hear it, are you? Fine. All I want is for you to tell me if things get too much, we can work through whatever is bothering you, together.”

“I can do that,” she finishes her champagne. “You worry too much. I’m not a fragile little flower. Come on, the sun is setting.”

Krista gets up and walks to the back of the boat without letting me say anything or acknowledge her comments. Being vulnerable isn’t something I’m enjoying. Krista hasn’t given me any reason to believe she is going to freak out. I need to get over it and enjoy this.

We sit down and this time when I grab a blanket, she snuggles under it with me. We lay back and watch the sun set on Lake Michigan.

As gorgeous as this sunset is, it will never top standing beside Krista, watching the sunrise over the Badlands in South Dakota.

Chapter 28

The sound of the piano playing has lulled my eyes closed. I’ve never been this relaxed in my life. The hot bath, the amazing meal, and being able to watch Jude as he reacquaints himself with the piano. He kept saying he couldn’t remember how to play, until I sat him down and played the opening notes of Chopsticks. About the only thing I will ever be able to play, pecking at the keys with two fingers.

He took over then, and he’s been playing for the last twenty minutes, lost in the music.

The next song he plays has me opening my eyes. I recognize it, especially when he hums, and then quietly sings the lyrics. It’s Muse’s ‘Explorers’ and it’s beautiful. I try to sit up without disturbing him as tears fill my eyes. Jude turns to face me as I blink them away, hoping he didn’t see, but he gives me a smile that says he did.

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