Page 113 of Tortured Tones

Cole had occupied too many of my thoughts.

We’d barely spent a moment apart over the past few days. I’d been on duty with Wyatt, Sloane, and Riley while the band had enjoyed Christmas. They truly were a family. Their laughter was infectious. Their love, contagious. Cole’s smile, too mesmerizing.

When I’d turned up to his room to take him to lunch, he’d worn a gaudy festive knitted sweater covered in llamas wearing Santa Claus hats and sunglasses. Stupid butterflies had fluttered in the pit of my stomach. Damn...he made ugly look hot. He’d surprised me by getting me a Christmas present—a travel coffee mug that said ‘Boss Bitch—Fuck Off Until I Finish My Coffee.’ He knew me too well. But he hadn’t been surprised I’d turned up bearing gifts. I’d bought a pamper pack for Hannah, a piano dance mat and coloring books for Charlotte, and a sleeping eye mask for Cole with ‘Fuck Off—I Need My Beauty Sleep’ printed across the front. His present was now essential considering he needed to rest.

My soul had ached at not spending Christmas with my family or opening presents with Josh. But this year was Luther’s turn with him...and hopefully, it would be his last.

Beckett swiveled on the bus seat to face me. “You ready?”

“Always.” I shook my thoughts aside and hooked my earpiece into place. “Are you going to be okay with Cole?”

“You know I will. But are you alright? After you two...you know. . .” He smirked. “He’s not the type of guy I thought you’d fall for.”

“What?” I jerked my chin back. “I haven’t fallen for him.”

“Hello. Ava.” He tapped his knuckles against my forehead. “Your attempt at yoga with him yesterday ended up being an hour of girly giggles, sexy glances, and flirty touches. No one needs that much manhandling into a triangle pose. I saw it all go down from the treadmill. Don’t deny it.”

“I deny everything.” I pursed my lips, trying not to smile. But the fire in my cheeks was no doubt a dead giveaway. “He’s just not what I expected.”

“What?” Sarcasm laced his voice. “He’s not an arrogant, narcissistic, son-of-a-bitch like your ex?”

I giggled. “No . . . he’s not.”

He rested his arm on the back of the seat. “Technically he’s not your client anymore—he’s mine. You can date whoever you want.”

“Ah, no. I can’t compromise the team.” I checked my holster, belt, and radio. “If I ever date again, it won’t be Cole Tanner.”

“Ava?” He caught my hand and held it against my leg. “Your whole energy changes when he’s in the room. Are you sure there’s nothing between you two that’s worth pursuing?”

“Becks, stop.” I pulled my hand free. “It’s something...it just can’t be anything. So drop it.”

A sly grin curled the corner of his mouth. “I’d staple his balls to his asshole if he hurt you.”

“You won’t have to do that. He’s out of my system. We’re moving on.” I put on my cap and wriggled it into place. “I’m happy covering Slip. He’s easy compared to Cole.”

“You think?” Beckett shook his head. “He’s a crazy motherfucker when he’s on the booze, he’s popping painkillers like party pills when the guys aren’t around, and when he’s with Maddy, they flirt, fight, then fuck like rabbits.”

“That I can handle.” I clipped my radio onto my jacket. And I’d definitely keep an eye on the tablets he was taking. If it was cause for concern, I’d talk to Blake...and Cole. Another band member who had issues...Go figure! “But do me a favor. Make sure Cole rests. Drag him home from their after-parties if you have to...and take care of Charlotte.”

“I will. Promise.” He patted and rubbed my knee. “Let’s get these fuckers into the hotel and get some rest before sound check.”

“Deal.” I nodded.

“Okay team,” Wells hollered from the front of the bus. “We’re ready to go.”

Our team of twelve was quick to act, stepping out of the bus. Ramona, Kennedy, and a few others formed a line of defense, herding the onlookers to the inner edge of the sidewalk to clear a path for the guys to enter the hotel.

Once we were in position, Wells slapped his palm on the band’s bus door. It opened with a whoosh. In formation with Beckett, Wyatt, Sloane, and Wells, we created a protective circle for the band. Flint stepped out of the bus first with a sexy swagger in his stride, his rock star smile dazzling in the winter sunshine, and waved to the fans. The elevated screams and cries from the crowd electrified the air. Slip skipped out of the bus, followed by Lewis and Cole. They all looked too fucking good for this hour of the day.

“Morning.” Cole nodded in my direction as he straightened his leather jacket. “Sleep well?”

“No.” I shielded him from the crowd. “I’m looking forward to a night in a bed.” Tiny bunks on a bus where I slept with eleven other members of our security team, with two of them snoring profusely, wasn’t ideal. But we’d stayed up late, having fun, playing cards, telling stories, and teasing each other after the show. Then when we’d crashed, I hadn’t been able to sleep. Shit! I’d turned into Cole.

He leaned in to me and lowered his voice. “I’d like you in my bed.”

Heat rippled through my veins. But I sucked in a deep breath and glared at him. “You passed out in the shower; you wouldn’t handle me in your bed.”

“I survived the first time we were together. I’d be willing to give it another go.”

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