Page 80 of How to Catch a Rockstar

“Did you bring a hat? Sunglasses? Or some other kind of disguise?”

“I didn’t think to. I’m so used to no one making a big deal out of the band when I walk around Winter Falls.”

I can’t complain. I’ve become complacent as well. Normally, I carry a large bag with everything I could possibly need to wrestle the band under control – disguises, hangover remedies, condoms, etc. – but I didn’t bring my bag today.

“Do you want me to hide in the bathroom while you greet them?”

There’s now a small group of girls gathered outside. They’re squealing as they jump up and down while pointing at Jett. It won’t be long until they invade the diner.

He growls. “You’re not fucking hiding in the bathroom.”

I point to my stomach. “I can’t exactly keep my condition a secret.”

“And?”

“What do you mean and?”

“And what’s the big deal? The world is going to find out I have a baby on the way sooner or later.”

“Later would be better. We’d have a chance to control the narrative.”

And I could prepare myself for Mike losing his ever-loving mind.

Jett barks out a laugh. “As if there’s any controlling the media.”

He’s not wrong but I’m not ready for the world to know I’m carrying the baby of the drummer of Cash & the Sinners. I’m not ready for the pure vitriol that will be thrown at me once the news is out. How I’m not pretty enough. Not skinny enough. How I used my position to catch a rockstar.

“Hey.” He grasps my hands and squeezes. “What’s wrong? Do you not want people to know you’re carrying my baby?”

His eyes are full of hurt and, despite the situation, warmth flows through me. He doesn’t care if people know I’m carrying his baby. He’s claiming Little Bean as his own.

“No, no. I’m not embarrassed of you or us or Little Bean. It’s just…” I wave a hand in front of me to indicate my body.

“I’m confused.”

I blow out a breath and explain, “I’m not exactly what anyone would call skinny.”

“Your body is sexy as hell.”

My stomach dips as excitement flows through me. “You think I’m sexy?”

He chuckles. “Hell yeah. I—"

“As much as I’m enjoying this conversation,” Lucy says and I notice she’s standing in front of the door keeping the teenaged fans outside. “I don’t think now is the time to have it.”

My face warms. “Sorry.”

“No need for you to be sorry.” She points to the back hallway. “There’s a back entrance. I figure if I let them in when you exit the backdoor you should have enough time to make it to your car.”

Jett growls. “The woman carrying my baby is not fleeing a restaurant.”

“It’s fine. I can run. My legs work.”

“No. I’m keeping you and Layla safe.”

“Layla?”

He grins. “You gotta admit Layla is a kickass rocker name.”

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