Page 112 of Undeniable Temptation

She sucked in a deep breath at the loss of his warmth and strolled for the glass doors leading into the open kitchen area. The end of the tour was always an emotional crossroad. After weeks under the feet of five brilliant men, she then had to go home to an empty apartment. But not this time.

Ryan’s toothbrush would live beside hers. The scent of his aftershave would fill her home. His arms would hold her during the night. Every aspect of her future was an exciting prospect. Even the parts she hadn’t anticipated.

After using the bathroom, she made her way through to the living room and glared at the man standing before the floor to ceiling windows.

“Why are you here?”

Scott turned toward her, a beer bottle in his hand. “I thought the invitation might have been a Reckless olive branch.”

“I’m sure it’s more a case of Mason keeping his friends close and enemies closer.”

“I’m not your enemy, Leah.” He pivoted back to the window and sipped from his beer. “Never have been.”

“That’s news to me.”

“It was business. You can’t blame us for trying to hold on to our most successful band.”

“I can.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “And I will.”

He shrugged. “Well, that’s all over now. Grander has come to terms with losing you guys. We’re not going to fight it any longer.”

“Good.” She began striding for the door, only to stop when he began talking again.

“Ryan seems crazy about you.” There was no hint of a threat, just an undeniable poke at her protective nature. “If you’re unconvinced I’m not out to get you, at least believe me when I say I could’ve demanded anything when he came to my home asking for a favor. He was desperate. Yet, I let him off easily.”

“Do you expect a thank you?”

“No. But a lesser dose of animosity would be nice.”

“I bet Felicity and Hannah feel the same way.”

He took another gulp from the bottle. “Gay artists don’t sell.”

“They do if you back them. You need to start a trend instead of following archaic opinions. Maybe then you won’t have every artist hating the sight of you.” She continued for the door, this time not stopping until she was in the back yard and at Ryan’s side.

“What did Scott have to say?” he asked in greeting.

She wove her arms around his waist and smiled up at him. “Have you been watching me?”

“Like a hawk.”

Her cell vibrated in her front pocket and she pulled it out to see an incoming video call.

“Shit.It’s Blake.” She shot Ryan a glance. “Where is everyone?”

“You looking for us?” Mason asked from behind her, his arm around Sidney.

“Yes.” She turned in Ryan’s embrace, finding Mitch and Alana approaching hand in hand as Mason waved over Sean and Melody.

“Hurry.” Her Reckless family rushed to nestle close, all of them staring at the picture that came on screen. Blake had his arm outstretched, holding up his cell as he lounged beside Gabi on a hospital bed.

“Oh, my, god.” Leah’s free hand came to her mouth at the sight of the baby cradled in Gabi’s arms, it’s tiny body swaddled in a pink blanket.

“It’s a girl.” Blake kissed the side of his wife’s head. “Sophie Marie Kennedy.”

A chorus of congratulations were offered, some more drunkenly ecstatic than others while Leah blinked through a sheen of tears. “Are you both healthy and happy?”

“Terribly happy.” Gabi smiled through obvious exhaustion. “I’m just glad Blake made it here in time. I wasn’t sure if he would.”

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