Page 47 of Lucas

“Testing, testing. One, two, three,” the sound technician, Pete, says. “Okay, guys. It’s all yours. This is the real deal. Test everything out now so we can make any adjustments before the big show. Let’s rock and roll!” Pete is infectious, and the guys bound up on stage as if their pants were on fire. Their energy is contagious!

One by one, each memberbelts out a few songs from tonight's playlist and they sound amazing! They make all the necessary adjustments and an hour later they stumble off the stage with so much adrenaline pumping through their veins that there’s no way they’ll rest before the concert. Some bands would drink or do drugs to keep the high going, but notThe Sinful Seven. Other than swearing like a bunch of truck drivers, they’re clean as a whistle. Yeah, they like to party, but within reason. Which is why I admire them so very much. I have a feeling I know how Lucas and I are going to keep busy. Oh, I’m not complaining and I’ll gladly be his distraction. Hmm, come to think of it, I wonder if it’s presumptuous of me to think he wrote that song about me. Maybe I’ll ask him once we get home.

We all cram into Trevor’s SUV and head back to the hotel. Willow wants to take advantage of the Jacuzzi and it really sounds like a wonderful way to unwind, but Trevor and Jet want to go to the gym to work off some steam. Lucas was quiet. He didn’t put in his two cents, but I think Quinn got the memo when his hand slid up my thigh. A tiny smirk on her face told her everything she needed to know.

“It’s going to be a very long and exciting night, so it would be in your best interest to rest up. Going to the gym, pool or wherever is fine, but don’t overdo it. I don’t need to warn you that tonight will be brutal and you’ll need all the stamina you can get.” This time, she gives Lucas the stink eye and he chuckles. Yeah, she’s talking to you, mister.

“What I’m trying to say is have some fun but give yourselves enough time to rest as well. Your schedule is grueling and this is only the first concert. After tonight, you still have forty-four more to go within a three-month period. It might not sound crazy, but it is. Being on the road is a killer and I don’t want you burning out too fast.”

“I get it,” Willow says, “but we want to enjoy every single minute. I’m afraid that everything will be such a blur. Once I walk off stage, I won’t remember a damn thing.”

“I totally understand, just don’t get so carried away with the day that you lose all track of time, is all.” Quinn speaks from experience, I’m sure. “We have a surprise guest that’s popping in tonight. I’d tell you to be on your best behavior, but I know that’s never going to happen.”

We all look at one another like someone’s holding out on a big secret, but clearly the snickers and whispers are a tell that no one has a clue. Quinn wasn’t kidding when she told us that she’d only reveal little tidbits at a time. Otherwise, it would be too much to soak in all at once.

It’s exciting just knowing that I’m going to experience everything firsthand with all of them. I’ve pinched myself more than once to make sure this is my life. I can’t believe I am a part of this amazing opportunity! The best part is getting to do it with my sexy front man.

His firsts will also be mine.

33

Lucas

It wasdifficult feigning surprise when Quinn told everyone we had a special guest performing tonight. I know who it is, but I was sworn to secrecy. In fact, it’s been difficult trying to escape long enough so we could rehearse. It’s only one song, but I believe with all my heart that it’s going to be powerful enough to bring down the house. I’m excited to perform this song with my special guest, and my only hope is that I do it justice.

It’s basicallya Capellawith just the keys lightly playing in the background. Willow knows this one with her eyes closed, so if anyone can pull it off, it’s her. She might kill me after the fact for not warning her, but I know she’s got this.

Now we’re supposed to be resting, but I have too much running through my mind. I should have gone to the damn gym with Trevor and Jet, but I didn’t want to leave Abby alone. I suppose she could have enjoyed the Jacuzzi with Willow and Quinn. I don’t know. I’m feeling off and out of sorts and I’ve no idea how to fix it. So I’m going to sit here and just wait for the show to start.

“You okay, Lucas?” Abby’s worried gaze meets mine. I was so lost in my head that I didn’t hear a word she said.

“I’m fine, baby. Sorry, I’m not with the program today. What did you say?” She cocks her head, studying me. Fuck, she knows me so well even if we’ve only known each other for a short period of time. Straddling me, she runs her fingers through my hair. Knowing it’s the only thing that settles my pounding heart. Oh, this girl is good.

“I’m a great listener if you want to talk. Just saying.” In the next second, her back hits the couch and my mouth crashes over hers. I push through her parted lips, inhaling her sweet scent. Not that I want to quiet her, but because I love her and she makes me feel so fucking good.

Our tongues battle for dominance, and I’m surprised when hers doesn’t surrender to me. Matching me stroke for stroke. My feisty little barista. My heart’s beating out of my chest and suddenly I feel like I’m going to implode. The love I feel for this woman surpasses anything I’ve ever felt in my lifetime. I never knew I was capable of feeling this overwhelming desire and need for someone. Abby’s my world and I do believe I’d choose her over music if it ever came down to it.

“I need you. Now,” she whispers against my bruising kiss. She doesn’t need to repeat herself.

Within seconds, her naked flesh is in the palm of my hands, while her clothes are scattered about. She’s making quick work of my jeans. A hiss leaves me breathless when she fists my cock, circling her thumb over the tip. Fuck!

Kicking off my jeans, I pick her up and in a few short steps, we land on the bed. Tangled together. I’m not going to be gentle. I need this woman like I need air inside of my lungs. She senses my desire as her legs part, exposing her lust for me. An open invitation that I can’t refuse.

Leaning on my elbows, I kiss and lick my way up her body until I’m hovering over her. So much love shines in her eyes that I know it’s the perfect time. “I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you, baby, but I’ve never been so damn happy in my life. I love you, Abby, more than life itself. You’re my forever. My ride or die and everything in between.” Tears glisten in her eyes when her finger traces the contour of my lips. Capturing the words and holding them in her heart forever.

“I love you too. I’ve wanted to tell you for so long but I was afraid I’d scare you away. For me, it wasn’t just about the sex. I felt a connection from the start and it scared me. How could I feel so much for someone I didn’t know? Then I remembered where we first met. On the corner of Twenty-first and Main.”

No, it can’t be. There’s no way in fucking hell she’s that girl I bumped into all those years ago. “Abby, are you serious right now? That moment changed my life forever. If what you’re telling me is true, it’s like kismet or fate or something like that.”

“I swear, it was me. Do you remember what you told me?”

In unison we say, “Maybe someday we will be two people meeting again for the first time.”

***

Abby

I still can’t believethat Lucas was my guardian angel all those years ago. It was my freshman year of high school and the bullies were out in full force. Taunting me, calling me names and trying to steal my brand-new skull-print scarf. He was just a scrawny kid back then but he didn’t think twice about placing himself between me and them. They pushed him, spit at him, and called him names for siding with a fat freshman, but he never backed down. Once they realized he was there to stay, they left. They never bothered me again, but there were so many cliques at my school that when one dropped off there was always another one waiting in the wings.

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