Page 75 of Grave Misgivings
I’d planned on being back at the hotel and staying overnight for the concert Thursday into Friday. Saturday is my birthday.
“Mateo?” Zeb’s voice is clipped.
“Yeah. He said the concert’s postponed until Saturday.”
“So... what does that mean for you?”
I shift in my seat. “Well, it means I’ve got a couple extra days of R&R for one, but it also means that I’ll be leaving right after the show, Monday morning.”
“Oh,” he says as my phone chirps again.
Dare wants to know if you did the lean. I told him it’s none of his business, but he’sinsistingI ask you how yourresearchis going.
I shake my head, a smile forming on my lips. I don’t know how I got this lucky in life, to have such good friends in a business where so many people are cutthroat, but I thank God all the same.
Yes. But if we’re being technical, he leaned first.
I flush, biting my lip as I steal a glance at Zeb’s profile, my gaze settling on his perfect mouth, on his dark facial hair, remembering the scratchy feel against my skin as he kissed me this morning.
My phone chirps like a hungry baby bird as a slew of texts come in, and I know Dare has abducted Mateo’s phone from all the emojiis and the OMGGGG’s, and aYasss G! Get that D!
When we park, Zeb gives me a sideways glance.
“What?”
“We didn’t have to do this, you know,” he says, flashing me with a smirk.
“I know.” I shrug. “But I want to see you play. For real.”
“I could play for you at home.” He sighs.
“No, no. I want to see you in all your glory.”
“Mhmmm.” He opens the door, and I follow suit, helping him to unload his equipment. The sun shines down on me, hot and unforgiving.
The parking lot is already starting to get full, and I’m thankful for the moment that I decided not to don my normalGravediggercostume.
I’d showered, laid out my black mesh tank, and jeans. I even had all my hair and face stuff set up, but then I took one look in Zeb’s bathroom mirror, at myself in my glasses and sweatpants, and I just wanted to bemefor a day.
So, I grabbed one of my white tees I usually use for layering, and instead of jeans, I went for a pair of black athletic shorts that I would usually reserve for the gym, grabbed my incognito baseball cap, and didn’t put my contacts in.
I felt like a million bucks.
Though, I’m sure kissing Zeb might have contributed to the feeling, too.
Good God, no one has ever kissed me likethat.
“You owe me later, you know.” Zeb’s voice pulls my attention.
I turn to see him leaning against his truck with a dark look in his eye that makes my stomach flip.
Yep, I think I most definitely identify as a Zebsexual.
If I’m gay, I’m gay forhim.
Because as far as I’m concerned, no one is as perfect as this man.
“Oh, do I now?” I cross my arms, entering his space. He reaches out in the slightest, setting his hand on my hip. He tugs me softly and I shift closer to him, imploring him with my gaze.
