Page 79 of Next Time I Fall (Excess All Areas 2)

Jase dropped her to her feet. “Stop distracting me with those pouty lips, then, sunshine. It’s mean when I’ve got shit to do.”

13

Wearing nothing beneath her long, thick, puffy winter coat and snow boats beyond black lacy lingerie had seemed like an inspired idea, until she actually had to walk through the lobby of Jase’s hotel. Every single person was looking at her like they knew what she was up to.

At least, that’s what it felt like.

She thought about the clothes in the small tote bag over her shoulder.

The clothes she would wear when she left later that evening, or tomorrow.

Whichever.

Maybe this was a dumb idea, but she’d wanted to surprise him.

They’d worked their arses off. Practising new songs, laying down drum tracks. To save time, she’d even recorded the piano to “Am I Him?” to save Alex from having to learn it, so he could focus on “Fantastic Distraction”. The lyrics had made her cry.

I’m waiting for that mortal sign,

That I’m gonna screw it up again.

And so I wait and I kill time,

Wondering if I’ll fall in love again.

I try not to fall too fast,

But only think of her

I’m not ready I tell myself

But I can’t let her go ’cos I think I’ve fallen.

The first time the band performed it together, he’d sung it right to her. And while it was easy to imagine him on a large arena stage singing it to thousands of screaming fans, she’d always remember this version, with Ben cursing the chord changes and Luke stopping drumming halfway through because he’d lost the chorus.

To her, it had been the most imperfectly perfect thing.

And yes, just like the lyrics, she realised she’d fallen for him too.

He’d left the studio with the band to work on lyrics and arrangements for tomorrow at the hotel. But she’d promised she’d drive to her place, pick up what she needed to sleep over, and head back to his room.

Because now she knew for sure her foundation had settled. Making a start at putting things right with her father had fulfilled a wish she wasn’t aware she was carrying until it had all fallen into place.

And seeing Jase and the band function and communicate to create had been so incredible, she’d burst with pride for them. And no alcohol or drugs or women or fights or anything had got in their way. Just talented, lucid musicians doing what they did best—making music.

Seeing Jase lead the conversation had been a miracle.

Hence the lingerie.

She made her way to his room and debated knocking, but opted to just let herself in, and then put her bag on the floor by the door. Jase lay propped up in bed, his chest naked. She didn’t know about the rest of him because the bedding lay across his lap.

“You survived,” she said when he turned to look at her, a huge grin on his face.

“Fuck, babe. Only just. I made it to the shower about ten minutes ago. Come here.” He offered his hand to her, and she took it before sitting on the edge of the bed.

Jase slid his hand around her neck, pulling her to him for an intense kiss. He tasted minty, as if he’d just brushed his teeth. Playfully, she bit his lower lip.

Jase dragged his nose along her jaw. “You smell so good.”

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