Page 9 of Laying it Bare Backstage

“Does Ivy work with you too? Is she part of that clothing line?”

Serenity swallowed her bite of muffin. “No. She’s a pharmacist.”

“They allow her to dispense drugs to people?” I feigned shock as my lips curled into a smirk.

“I know right. Needless to say, I don’t use her pharmacy when I need a prescription filled.” She chuckled before taking another nibble of her breakfast.

“Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night? I’d say tonight, but I don’t want to push my luck. But I’m hoping to get your number so I can at least text you later tonight.”

She pulled her phone from her pocket and handed it to me. “Type in your number.”

After I added my information, I gave it back to her.

She keyed in something and a moment later my phone buzzed.

I pulled it from my pocket.Unknown: I’d love to go to dinner with you

My heart about burst from my chest. I had been worried I was pushing her too fast, but couldn’t help myself where she was concerned. “I need a selfie of us.” Stretching my phone in front of us, I leaned my head against hers and snapped our picture. Staring at the image, my heart squeezed. God, she was so beautiful. She outshined me. Then I added the photo to her profile. “Any foods you don’t like or allergies?”

“No allergies, but I don’t eat sushi.”

I looked down at her in mock horror. “I guess I can overlook that. Since you have so many other amazing qualities.”

“Your amazing qualities have just slimmed down by one.” She raised her brow at me.

Snaking my hand around to her nape, I drew her closer and pressed my lips to hers again. However, this time I slid them along hers for a few moments, savoring the soft feel. And I relished the fact that she not only didn’t pull away, but she moved hers along mine as well, while her hand gripped the front of my shirt.

I pulled away so I wasn’t in danger of devouring her mouth, at least at the moment. “You keep tempting me to taste that sass.” I leaned my forehead to hers. “But I won’t get us in trouble for indecent behavior. Let’s finish our breakfast before they have to allow the masses back in. Not that I’m in any hurry to have us go our separate ways.”

“Despite how you guys got me here, I’m not in any hurry either. I’m having a good time. Thank you for pursuing me because I didn’t have the guts to.”

Taking her face in my hands again, I slid my thumbs over her silky skin. “You’ve been burned and I get that. But don’t think for a moment that makes you weak. I think in a few days you would have found a way to meet up with me using Ivy’s connection to Ascher, just like I did. You just needed a little more time to get to that point. I haven’t been hurt like you have; I just haven’t found anyone worth my time until you. Besides, you running after me; how would that have looked?”

She slugged me in the shoulder. “You’re lucky you still have a few appealing qualities left.”

“I consider myself incredibly lucky that you are impressed enough by them to give me a chance.”

We returned our attention to our breakfast. Then when we were finished eating, I took her hand in mine and laced our fingers. “For dinner tomorrow night, do you want me to rent out the restaurant, just a room, or are you ready to brave the whole ‘fans swarm Teak Pierce’ experience?”

She stared at me for a moment; her expression revealing she was searching for something she expected would be buried deep in my soul. But with her, I planned to always be an open book as far as my feelings and intentions were concerned.

“You want me to see you in your element.” It wasn’t a question. “And I really would like that. Your lyrics and the way you are up on stage show you write and perform from your heart. Would you rent out a room so that fans don’t take pictures of me shoving food in my face? I don’t mind sharing you with your fans, but I don’t want embarrassing pictures of me circulating on social media. I’ll try not to humiliate myself while you’re interacting with your fans.”

“You are actually going to be an incredible allure because you are not only beautiful but sweet, kind, and real. My fans will enjoy seeing someone like you with me, even if they will still be a little jealous of you.”

An endearing blush rose up her cheeks.

“I’m really good with my words, but you also know they come from my heart. Come on; let’s go before I decide I really don’t want to let you go for the day.” Slipping out of the booth, I grabbed her hand and tugged her up to me. Snuggling her to my chest for a moment, I pressed my lips to her forehead. Since I had already squared up my payment with the owner when I called to reserve the private hour, I entwined our fingers and we stepped outside. Jasper followed, walking toward my SUV.

Serenity led me across the street to her car. “If Ivy sees you holding my hand, I’m never going to hear the end of it.”

“Too bad. I like touching you. And I might even kiss you again before I send you off.”

“Does my car look lopsided to you?” Her tone developed a troubled edge as she dragged me to the sidewalk to inspect her vehicle.

Our gazes immediately zeroed in on the two flat tires, which were clearly slashed.

“What the hell! Not again.” Dropping my hand, she yanked both of hers through her hair and released a loud exasperated groan.

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