Page 9 of Desire

Glancing at the sides listed, I see they’ve got grilled green beans, one of my favorites. “Green beans?” I question.

“Whatever you want, Jussie,” he says, winding a lock of my hair around his finger. “I like your hair. During shows it always looks so out there, so I’m surprised at how soft it really is.”

“I have to use so much hair product and hairspray when we’re performing,” I admit. “Can’t have it falling down in my face when I’m playing.”

“That can’t be easy on your hair,” he states. I glance around to make sure I’m not being punked by my siblings because never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to be talking about my damn hair with Sebastian of all people!

“It’s not, but I prefer that to it falling all around me and being sweaty. Once we get done and the after party is over, I usually spend about thirty minutes just washing it to get all the goop out.”

And that’s how our first official date goes; we jump from topic to topic with him occasionally throwing in a funny story about another client’s antics. “At least y’all aren’t like that,” he says, finishing up the last one.

“Our parents would kill us if we acted so entitled,” I advise. “Yes, we have things we like to have at venues but it’s more about making sure our voices are ready and we’re fueling our bodies so that we can handle a two-to-three-hour high-performance show.”

He chuckles while nodding. The server comes back and asks, “Did you save any room for dessert?” I look at the table in astonishment; we’ve been so wrapped up in talking that we managed to eat everything, and it was quite the meal.

“Let’s get a Death by Chocolate,” Sebastian suggests, looking down at me. At my nod, he glances at the server who jots it down then grabs as many empty plates as possible before leaving to put in the order.

“I’m going to explode,” I murmur.

“Sweetheart, I sincerely doubt that. We’ve been eating rather leisurely, not stuffing it all in, so I’m positive you have room for cake. Besides, there’s always room for cake; at least, that’s what you used to say, right?”

Giggling, I nod. “It bears repeating again. I’ve had such a good time today, Sebastian.”

“I have as well.”

Chapter Five

Sebastian

Justineand I have been pretty much attached at the hip since our first date three weeks ago. While I’m sure there are those who think we’re moving at warp speed, they don’t know that we’ve known each other for years so we already had a foundation to build our relationship upon. The hardest part has been keeping my hands to myself. I’m sure she’s ready, but I want to wait until we move into the new house. The place I’ve been staying isn’t exactly where I want our first time and of course, there’s no way in hell I want to come out and face her sisters, so her place is out. So, I’m patiently yet impatiently waiting. That doesn’t mean we haven’t had some hot and heavy make-out sessions.

As for the house itself, I closed on it last week and we’ve been on multiple day trips to get furniture. She’s got an eye, a flair and each room is slightly different yet it’s coming together. It’s a home we’re both going to be proud of, whether we host ‘industry events’ as she refers to them or a simple family barbeque. She and the band are practicing today, so I’ve been on my own, something I’m about to change.

Driving toward the studio which isn’t too far from our new house, I pass the small shelter that I know intrigues Justine. Growing up, they had family pets but as an adult, she hasn’t had one because of all the travel. Since I intend for us to have our own bus for future tours, I think it’s time we added to our family. Once inside, I see several possibilities, including a set of siblings. The back yard is already fenced, and I can definitely separate a section for a couple of dogs, something I put into place before leaving the shelter. “What do you think, guys?” I ask the two basset hounds as I load them into the truck. They’re both males, have had all of their vetting, and look like they’ll be able to handle our lifestyle. Two soft woofs answer me, causing me to shake my head at the fact I’m talking to dogs. I know she’s going to laugh when she hears their names.

Once I have them secure, I hop into the driver’s seat and engage my Bluetooth to call Rayne. “Hey, man, what’s going on?” he asks when the call connects.

“Was going to bring lunch out to you guys,” I reply. “Plus, got something for Jussie that I didn’t want her to wait for.”

“You’re not proposing or anything today, are you? Because she’ll be pissed that she’s in leggings and a T-shirt with her hair bunched on her head.”

“Not yet, dumbass,” I retort. “I figure when I do that, it’ll be when she least expects it and while today sounds like that would be a good day, I was envisioning being able to celebrate appropriately afterward.”

He gags at my words causing me to chuckle. “Didn’t need that in my head, Sebastian, you bastard,” he grits out. “In my mind, she’s still my little sister who runs around with naked Barbies, not a full-grown woman.”

“What are you guys in the mood for?” I question, changing the subject. “You know there’s not much around here, but I can grab lunch specials from the diner.”

“That works. I’ll call it in so you can swing by and pick it up,” he says.

“See you shortly.” I disconnect the call and head toward the diner. I wasn’t too sure about living in a small town but despite them knowing who the band is, the townspeople are protective of them all. When I pull up to a spot in front of the diner, I crack the windows and turn to look at Fred and Barney, who’ve been staring out the windows. “Be back in a few minutes, boys, then we’ll go meet your new mom.” Two heads turn in my direction and woof at me, which has me grinning as I lock the truck and walk inside to the diner. Just a few minutes later, I’m back in the truck with a huge bag full of food heading toward the studio once again. My hope is that I can convince her to come with me so we can shop for the dogs, then drop them at the house while we pick out our bedroom furniture. I make a mental note to call around for someone to come out and put in a doggy door as well as section off a part of the backyard for them to do their thing.

“We’re here,” I state when I park the truck next to Billie’s car. Looks like the girls might have rode together since only her vehicle and Rayne’s are in the lot. That’ll make it easier for me to convince her to come with me. Both dogs wait patiently as I attach their leashes and help them out of the truck, then grab the huge bag from the diner. “Lunch is here!” I call out once I step inside.

“Oh my goodness, where did you get them?” Sibley asks when she sees me with the two dogs.

“The shelter down the road,” I reply, placing the bag on the table they have for just this reason. “Where’s Jussie?”

“She went to grab some drinks for us,” Billie states. I nod and head toward the kitchenette, Fred and Barney trotting alongside.

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