Page 45 of Bonding the Band

“Clover’s car is little,” I explained. “We were already pretty squished with just the two of us. Hendrix is going to be a sardine in the back seat.”

Arlo pouted. “I guess that’s fair. We’ll see you soon in Seattle, though.”

Heat rolled through me. How the fuck was this my life? “Yep,” I squeaked out.

“Don’t have too much fun without me.” He drew me into a kiss that had my toes curling, and Hendrix strategically moved in front of us to block the view from the paparazzi before smacking Arlo in the arm.

“Do you want the paps to be up her ass? Don’t kiss her when anyone can see.”

“Sorry.” Arlo had the grace to look sheepish.

Beckett and Phineas joined us, and Clover got that much closer to actually fainting.

“Bring the vehicle to the underground parking garage.” Beckett handed Clover a hotel parking pass. “This will get you in and out. Make sure Hendrix ducks down when you’re leaving.”

“On it.” Clover took the pass from him and disappeared back outside, leaving me alone with the band.

“You’re absolutely sure we can’t fly you back to Seattle and hire a car to pick you up from the airport?” Beckett asked.

“I’m sure. Clover drove all this way with me, and it would be a dick move if I made her do that whole drive back alone.”

Beckett pursed his lips. “All right, but please check in. And you—” He turned to Hendrix. “—behave.”

“I’m insulted you think I wouldn’t.”

Phin snorted, covering his laugh with his hand.

“I’ll be fine for as long as it takes you all to get to Seattle. Calm down, Daddy Beckett.”

Phin and Arlo laughed, but Beckett only frowned.

“I’ll keep an eye on him,” I promised.

Beckett sighed and stepped forward, cupping the back of my head to draw me in so he could kiss my forehead. “Be safe.”

I clamped my lips together to stop a little whine from sneaking out. Apparently I was a sucker for gentle affection. “I will. Clover is a little wild, but she’s a great driver.”

Phin kissed my cheek, and they all hugged Hendrix before ushering us away to meet Clover in the underground parking lot. One of their staffers met us, loading one bag of dry snacks and a cooler of drinks and healthy alternatives, as well as a stockpile of sunscreen, spare phone chargers, and a tablet with one of those fancy little sticks that let you have Internet everywhere.

Once Hendrix was crammed into the back seat and I was buckled in, we set off. Hendrix burrowed under a blanket as we left the hotel, and once we hit the edge of Salt Lake City and the end of potential red lights, he whipped off the blanket and his shoes, getting as comfortable as he could with the limited space.

“Are you okay back there?” Clover asked.

“It reminds me of the old days. We had about this much room, maybe a bit less, when we were starting out.” He let out a happy sigh. “Honestly, I’m fine with anything as long as Meadow is nearby.”

Those words had my perfume erupting, and Clover gave me a sidelong glance. Hendrix’s own scent bloomed in response.

“Okay, you two are going to have to get a handle on that, or I’m going to suffocate on this trip,” Clover admonished with a little smile. She used her driver buttons to open up all the windows a crack, but that only made Hendrix lean closer, resting his forearms on the back of my seat, his chin on his elbow.

“Sorry,” he said quietly. “New to the whole bond mate thing.”

I shifted in my seat, his presence at my back making all of my little hairs stand at attention.

“Okay, it’s time forClover asks invasive questions to kill the mood.” She beamed at us. “Apollo, wh?—”

“Hendrix,” he interrupted. “Only fans call me Apollo. You’re basically family in a roundabout way now, so it feels weird.”

Clover danced in her seat. “Okay,Hendrix, what’s your most embarrassing childhood moment?”

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