Page 39 of Unexpected Love

“He had a date, but he said he’d try to make it. I’m good, though. You’re in for a treat tonight. My sister is phenomenal.”

Chloe joins us a moment later and greets her parents and brother before leading us to a reserved table by the French doors, and from there I’ll have a prime view of her while she plays.

The waitress comes, and we order drinks. I try to hand her my credit card to start a tab, but her dad gets to her first. I still try to offer her mine, but he gives me a look that has me stuffing it back in my wallet.

I love watching Chloe with her family. It’s clear they all adore her. I honestly believed that they were going to give me the cold shoulder, but they’re including me.

They start asking me about my job when the lights dim and Chloe comes out. She gracefully sits at the piano and pulls the microphone close to her. “Good evening. I’m Chloe, and I’ll be playing for you tonight.”

She talks to the crowd for a minute, and then she begins to play. Her brother was right—she is phenomenal. She was great the other time I saw her, but this time with just her and a piano, she’s beautiful.

Chloe sings everything from Elton John to Lady Gaga. A couple older couples dance in the little space that I honestly wouldn’t call a dance floor. I glance at her family, and the look on their faces is pure pride. Garrett pulls Ian into his side, kissing his temple.

She finishes her song, takes a drink of water, and starts talking. “How’s everyone doing?” The crowd claps and whistles. “I’m going to sing one more song then take a little break. This is an emotional song, so just bear with me if I have trouble getting it out. It’s called ‘Stars’ by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.”

Chloe’s got me mesmerized as she sings. As I listen to the lyrics, I realize it’s about our baby, or at least about that kind of loss. Throughout most of the song, her eyes are closed, the emotions flowing off her.

She’s got the room captivated, and I can’t blame them. When the song finally ends, she doesn’t move from her bench. I begin to think I should grab her, but she finally stands up, giving a little curtsy as we all stand and applaud.

We stay standing as she comes over to us. I let her dads and brother hug her first. When she comes to stand in front of me, I grab her face and kiss her lips firmly. I pull back. “That was beautiful, baby.”

“Thank you.”

I flag down the waitress and order Chloe a glass of wine and an ice water, and then we all relax until she has to go on again.

***

We step into Chloe’s place and are greeted by Ragnar and Lagertha. Chloe squats down to pet both cats. “Hi, my babies,” she croons.

I bend down, giving them both a scratch on the head. Chloe stands up and slips her heels off.

The rest of our night went great. She was a little quiet after she sang that song, but everyone seemed to give her the space she seemed to need. Right before her second set, she let me pull her out to the “dance floor” and slow danced with me.

“That song was beautiful. You’re so talented.” She blushed for me, but I didn’t miss the fact that her eyes were shiny. “I’m so proud of you for putting yourself out there like that. Everyone could feel the emotions coming off of you.”

She rested her head on my shoulder as we swayed to the music coming through the speakers. “The first time I heard it, I loved it, but then I listened to the lyrics and loved it even more.”

“You’ve made me a fan, that’s for sure.” Fuck, it felt good holding her in my arms like that, her body pressed up against mine. Alarm bells went off in my head because I knew I was falling for her too fast, but like my dad had told me—if she was who I wanted, then I needed to fight for her.

After we danced, I led her back to the bathrooms, and while I waited for her in the hall, I pulled out my phone. I’d felt it vibrate multiple times in my pocket. Pulling it out, I see I have five text messages.

April: Hey Joe what are you doing? Call me.

Tiffany: Hey big boy want to have some fun tonight?

Chris: You need to come party with me! There are hot chicks everywhere. Call me!

Jessica: Hey you! Guess who I’m sitting with??? Chris is here. Where are you?

Chris: Get here now! Jessica is looking smokin’ hot tonight and she is wanting your dick.

I deleted each one. I’m not ashamed of my past, but those messages don’t make me sound like a very good guy. What could I say? I’ve always loved sex and have a pretty high sex drive. My looks make it very easy to find willing bed partners. I’ve never lied or gave a woman false hope to get them into bed, and I’ve always been upfront about my intentions.

Some think they can win your heart with their magical pussy, but most just want the same thing—a good time with no strings. Not since Tracey had I wanted someone else. Chloe stepped out of the bathroom, and I moved toward her. Her lips tipped up into a smile, and I began kissing her softly.

Reluctantly, I pulled away from her. I used my thumb to wipe off the lipstick I smudged. I led her back out to our table.

She sang for another half hour before finishing up. People flocked to her, praising her singing. Standing back with her family, I watched as she graciously talked to each person. Her smile was blinding and genuine, and she was really in her element.

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