Page 13 of Jet

Not going to happen.

In fact, I can guarantee you that she’ll never get close enough.

* * *

QUINN

Ireach for thewater bottle on the table beside me and take a long drink. Trying to quench the fire burning inside of me ever since Jet took off his shirt. Oh my stars, the ink on this man is insane. In a very good way.

I’m hankering to walk over there and read the script that covers every inch of his body. Only to spin him around and see the written word on his back. I’m afraid if I do, I’d drool. No lie. He’s tall, lean, and so damn delicious that I just want to reach out and touch him.

Damn, that was so unprofessional.

Maybe I find him alluring because he’s so quiet and mysterious. And we all know what they say about the quiet ones, right? I bet he’d be great in bed. Yes, I just went there. In all honesty, I haven’t been laid in six months and this man lights my fuse.

It’s not the first time I’ve seen him without his shirt on, but for some reason his tats seem more pronounced when he’s playing guitar and it’s really hot! Okay, I’ll stop now but if you could see what I do, you’d be drooling. I swear.

“We’ve been at this for hours,” Willow says. “I don’t know about all of you, but I’m a starving Marvin.” Willow is so damn perfect and cute. I just love her to pieces.

“Let’s break and go raid the fridge,” Trevor answers. “I’m sure Mom has tons of leftovers just waiting for us.”

“I’m down for it. I can’t remember the last time I had a decent meal.” Everyone goes silent after Jet makes this announcement. He senses it, so he quickly recovers the mood.

“Guys, did you forget I’m working at the diner? I was fucking joking, but I want real food instead of burgers and fries. Don’t tell Mack but Mrs. C’s cooking is out of this world.”

I’ve yet to meet the mysterious Mrs. C, but I’ve heard so many good things about her. It’s so sad that such a good woman spends her day going through chemo and radiation treatments. It’s always the good ones who have so much to bear.

Trevor’s the first one up the stairs and Willow follows. I hold back but am shocked when Jet places his hand against the small of my back and allows me to go in front of him. Is he checking out my ass? I highly doubt it because it’s a known fact he doesn’t like me very much.

Laughter hits us as we open the door and watch Trevor pull a massive amount of food out of the fridge while Willow dots kisses all over this tiny woman in the center of the kitchen. The elusive Mrs. C, I presume.

“Mom this is Quinn, our PR agent and the glue that keeps us together. Quinn, this is my mom, and the best cook in the world.” Trevor’s introduction leaves little to the imagination.

“It’s wonderful to finally meet you, Mrs. Collins. I lost count how many times they wanted to hire you to go on the road as our personal chef.” Truth, the food at some of the venues was atrocious.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Quinn. Please, all of my friends call me Mrs. C. Thank you for taking care of my brood while they’re on the road. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy feat keeping everyone in line, especially my Lucas.” She slowly walks over, takes my hands, and kisses my cheek. She’s so sweet and frail, standing around five feet.

“Did I hear someone mention my name?” Lucas, in all his magnificent glory, swoops in and sweeps Mrs. C off her feet. She’s laughing and crying since her ‘brood’ is together again. It melts my heart. A smiling Abby is close behind.

“I thought you were on vacation for ten days,” Mrs. C says to Abby. “What happened to change your mind?” I’m blinded when Abby holds up her hand and she’s sporting a dazzling engagement ring.

“We’re engaged, and I couldn’t wait to get home to show all of you!” Everyone’s talking all at once and it’s difficult to hear over the buzz.

Jet’s the first one to congratulate the bride by picking up Abby, swinging her around and planting a kiss right on her lips. With a roar, Lucas separates the two and laughter ensues. I’m standing off to the sidelines feeling like the fifth wheel when Lucas realizes I’m here, struts over and picks me up, and swings me around too. “Congratulations. Now put me down, you idiot.” He grabs his chest like he’s offended.

I fight my way through the bodies so I can properly congratulate Abby. She’s smiling from ear to ear as she holds out her hand to show me. “Girl, he did good! It’s beautiful and huge!” I pull her in for a hug and she holds me tight. Abby isThe Sinful Seven’sbusiness manager, but just a few months back she was a barista at Java Joe’s. When the coffee joint was sold by her asshole brother, Lucas swooped in and saved the day.

“I want to hear all about Aruba, and how he proposed,” Mrs. C says. “I can’t believe you guys cut your vacation short to come back home.” If I was in paradise, I don’t think I’d ever want to come home.

“Lucas wanted to clear the air with Jet after what happened. It’s been eating away at him for days, so I’m the one who suggested we leave. Besides, I couldn’t wait to show everyone my ring. I might be a bit biased but I think it’s gorgeous.” All the girls gather around Abby and we all ooh and ah over the brilliant bauble. He really did good this time around.

“We were just getting ready to chow. I’ll grab more chairs and plates. Hope you guys are hungry after the plane ride.” Trevor takes it upon himself to play host and I jump right in to help him. I’d rather stay busy and out of everyone’s way.

Once the table is set, we all sit down to have a celebratory meal together. I’m thankful that Willow invited me here today, otherwise I would have missed out on this happy occasion. A part of me realizes that I shouldn’t be here, but another part of me feels like I belong. Not sure why, but I’m going to cherish this moment since I know it’s fleeting. In a little over thirteen weeks, I’ll most likely be heading somewhere else. Working with a new band and getting to know everyone all over again. So, for now, I’m going to enjoy every moment until it disappears.

JET

Who wasthatguy who wanted his solitude a week ago? Yeah, that would be me. I never thought I’d be the one to admit it’s great to have the gang together again. Working at the diner and brainstorming with Quinn was the highlight of my vacation, but now that everyone’s back, we can jam.

---