Page 14 of Accidental Baby For My Brother’s Best Friend

“Certain pair of long legs?” he cracks, and Jackson grumbles but he’s smiling, wonder of all wonders, after what a grump he’s been this entire trip.

“We’ll take a vote,” Samuel suggests, always the level-headed band member, and everyone groans but I smile at him.

I think for a moment, looking over at my brother. I don’t know what went on with him and the girl he picked up last night, but he seems to be loath to leave Albuquerque right away, and even if that worries me a little, Jackson deserves a break now and then.

“Good idea, Sam. I’ll go first. I vote for a hybrid break—one night here in Albuquerque and then tomorrow morning-” When everyone stares at me as if their souls are leaving their bodies, I pause and sigh. “Fine, tomorrowafternoon, we’ll leave for Vegas, spending a night in a hotel halfway.”

Everyone votes for my idea except for Axel, who keeps pouting in my general direction, even if not right at me. I don’t think he means it, really, because in just a moment, he’s on his phone, probably making plans for the night.

Axel certainly isn’t the most likely member to hang out in the hotel the whole time. That’s more Locke’s style.

I guess, anyway. What do I know? Things seem to have changed in the past few days, so I don’t knowwhatLocke’s style is, particularly on this tour.

On the way to the elevators, I expect Locke to hang back, but as if to prove his recent unpredictability, Locke comes up to stand between me and Axel.

Axel makes a noise in the back of his throat and I put my hand to my mouth to cover a smile. I have a suspicion that Axel wants to get me alone, and I’m certainly not against that idea, despite how my brother might feel about it.

To his credit, Axel merely leans over, ignoring the taller man between us, so he can see my face.

“You wanna have a drink later at the hotel bar?” he asks, and I open my mouth to speak but Locke speaks first.

“Sure,” he says, his tone uncharacteristically cheerful.

Samuel and Jackson have walked up behind us, also waiting for the elevators.

“What time?” Samuel asks.

Axel sighs deeply. It’s a little dramatic and it makes me want to giggle. Again. I guess last night I didn’t sleep enough to get me totally back on my game. All this giggling is not normal.

“How about eight?” Jackson says, coming up behind Axel.

“Great,” Axel says flatly, and I suppress the urge to laugh again.

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