Page 56 of Under the Ink

“The hotel’s pretty far off, though.”

“Let’s see how far we can walk before we get tired.”

“We can grab some dinner first if you want.”

“Yeah,” she said. “That sounds good.” At this very moment, she loved how Sage felt to her.

Safe. Warm. Like a shelter.

And, as they started walking back down the path full of joggers, speed walkers, and people on bikes, Naomi could only see the trees and the sky—and, when Sage slipped his hand through hers, that was all her mind could see.

And she was perfectly okay with that.

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

JULY 8

Although, over a week ago, Naomi had let Sage hold her hand while strolling through Chicago, he hadn’t even attempted it since. Because even though she felt like she was thawing, especially in relation to him, she still let off closed, chilly vibes—and Sage had the feeling that if he truly wanted to get close, he’d have to take his time.

Fortunately, he had plenty of it.

Naomi didn’t necessarily, though. Sometime in September, she’d be blazing. Unless, before that, he could make her an offer she couldn’t refuse.

Because shewaspretty damn good at the job.

When he thought about it, Sage felt guilty, like he was betraying Jimmy’s memory. That wasn’t true, though, and he knew—if anything—Jimmy would be cheering him on.

Maybe…but Jimmy really did like groupies. He’d understand, though, just like he had when Mickey announced he was getting married. Jimmy had given the bassist rations of shit but finally admitted that having a permanent companion was nothing to sneeze at.

Tonight…yeah, tonight he’d make a move. If she was anywhere around anyway. Sometimes, she’d disappear to her bunk or hotel room with hardly a warning.

So he wouldn’t let her out of his sight. And he had another solution. Just as he’d given her the map in Chicago to let her know he was thinking about her and looking out for her, he’d purchased a bottle of brandy in Greenville.

Let the party begin.

So after another sold-out show for a crowd of close to fifteen thousand, they all headed to the hotel for a small party. Sage showered first and put on a red t-shirt, one of few he owned that weren’t black. Seether’s logo was splashed across the front in black lettering, maybe drawing attention to the pecs he hoped Naomi would find attractive.

Why was he tormenting himself?

Whether he wanted to admit it to himself or not, tonight was going to be something of a litmus test. If Naomi didn’t respond positively to anything he said or did, he was going to stop the pursuit. After all, it was a waste of time if she wasn’t interested and likely annoying to her.

But he was pretty sure shewasat least a little interested.

Before he left his room, he sent her a text.You’ll be at the party, won’t you?

As he waited, almost in agony, he could have kicked himself. He should have askedbeforeshowering. The length of time it was taking her to respond told him all he needed to know.

She was probably already in bed with no intentions of attending the party.

Lucky for him, he was completely wrong.

Already there. Where are YOU???

He hated how his heart started thudding in his chest. Jimmy would have told him he was completely pussywhipped.

He was. And a huge part of himself fucking loved it.

OMW, he typed before snagging the brown paper bag on the coffee table in the middle of his room. After tucking his key card and phone in his back pocket, he closed the door behind him and headed toward the elevator, full of confidence.

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