Page 89 of Tangled Kisses
The sound that rumbles out of him is pure satisfaction, but then he dips down and presses the sweetest kiss to my forehead, sealing the promise like it’s sacred.
By the time he climbs onto the stage, the guys are ribbing him, grinning at his disheveled state. Griffin grabs the mic, tugging it down with one hand.
“Sorry, folks,” he drawls, eyes scanning the crowd until they land on me. “I’ve got a very beautiful woman making me forget my damn set list.”
The crowd whistles and laughs, but I don’t hear any of it. Because when Griffin Topete looks at me like that, it feels like I’m the only woman alive—and he’s the only man who’s ever mattered.
Chapter Twenty
Reese
No one would know Griffin was attacked earlier today. The man is all confidence as he slings his guitar over his shoulder, his soulful voice belting out a mix of country and rock.
The same adoring fans from earlier clamor near the base of the stage, mooning up at him. But this time, I pay them no mind.
Because when Griffin catches my gaze, and that smile tips his lips, I know he’s mine.
They can look. Hell, they can scream his name all they want. But Griffin Topete is coming home with me.
I settle at a table with Piper and a few of her firefighter friends. No matter what my sister claims, Colton is over the moon for her. And she lights up around him the same way I do with Griffin.
This is what love looks like.
I sip my drink and bite back a smile.Love. I love Griffin.
Who would’ve thought a cross-country drive to escape love would lead me right to its door?
A flicker of movement pulls my attention to the far end of the bar. A woman stands there, polished to perfection—dresspants, silk blouse, hair smoothed within an inch of its life. Early fifties, maybe. She sticks out in this sea of boots and plaid, and something in her posture sets my nerves humming.
Because that was me not so long ago.
I lean toward Piper. “I’m getting a refill. Need anything?”
Piper shakes her head, jerking her thumb toward Colton. “I’m good. This guy will take care of me.”
I roll my eyes, but my chest feels light watching them.I’m sure he will, sis.
I wind through the crowd and snag an empty barstool next to the woman before motioning to Jimmy for another drink. Then I swivel in my seat and catch her eye. “The band is good, aren’t they?”
“Griffin is wonderful. A very talented musician.”
Okay, so she knows Griffin. Please don’t let this be the psychopath who hacked off his hair. Because if it is, I might actually kill her right here in front of God and Jimmy the bartender.
Or worse—what if she’s one of his clients?
“I didn’t realize you knew Griffin,” I say, as casually as I can manage.
A funny smile plays on her lips. “I’ve known him for about a year now. He’s a remarkable man.”
The words snag in my chest, jealousy sparking for a beat before it dies out. Because the way she says it isn’t a lover’s gush—it’s the same way I talk about Griffin. With quiet admiration. With respect.
She tilts her chin toward the stage. “He’s changed his look quite a bit since the last time I saw him.”
At least she’s not the psychopath. If she doesn’t know about his hair, then she wasn’t the one with the scissors.
Out loud, I murmur, “Yeah, it works on him, though.”
Total understatement, which she clocks it with an appreciative grin toward Griffin. “Very true.”
