Page 416 of Rock Me All Night
"Are you scared?"
"Yeah. Trying not to get ahead of myself. It might be nothing. So far, test results are inconclusive."
"I'm sorry." I don't know what else to say. God, I wish he was here so I could wrap my arms around him, do something to comfort him properly. "Is there anything I can do?"
"No. I'm about to drop. How about a rain check on the phone sex?"
"Yeah. Sure. I miss you." I bite my lip. I hope that doesn't scare him off.
"I miss you too, kid. Whatever happens..." His voice trails off.
"What could happen?"
"Never mind. I'll see you soon."
* * *
The toneof Tom's voice haunts me all day.
I get to the concert venue an hour before he's due on the off chance he'll be early enough that we can talk. Or at least that I can comfort him the way he comforted me.
Sitting does nothing to help with the nerves in my stomach. I pace instead. The security guard invites me backstage twenty times. Eventually, I see the light in being inside, and I accept his offer.
There are a few roadies setting up. I wander the tiny backstage area in hopes of finding a proper distraction.
My phone buzzes. I almost jump. It's from Tom. He's on his way.
The airport is only fifteen minutes from the venue.
I spend all fifteen of those minutes pacing. Then another ten.
Finally, the back door pushes open. There are voices. Pete. And Tom. They're laughing about something. God, it's nice to hear his laugh.
But when Tom looks at me, his expression darkens.
Pete clears his throat. "I have to make a call."
Tom looks at his brother. "You don't have to—"
"Yes, I do. Drew and Miles will be here in twenty." Pete nods goodbye and makes his way outside.
We're behind the stage, behind the curtain. Everything around us is black. The walls, the ceiling, the tile floors, the mood.
"Willow, I..." Tom runs his hand through his hair. "I've been thinking a lot. Like we said."
My stomach clenches. There's no way this ends withand I realized I'm in love with you. Let's make this official.
"I care about you. A lot. Too much to keep doing this." He holds my gaze, even as his eyes cloud with regret. "I'm sorry if I was leading you on. Wasn't my intention."
"But I..."
He looks away. "It's better if we stick with being friends."
God, did he have to do this before a show? I have to spend the next few hours watching him drip with sex appeal.
At least I haven't eaten since lunch. Nothing to throw up.
He stares at the floor. "Tomorrow is the end of my six weeks, and Miles is making a big deal about taking me out, making sure I break my celibacy."
