Page 69 of A Love Song for Dreamers

“Forgive the catering,” Haley says. “It’s been a busy few weeks, and it’s getting busier before it getseasier.”

“This is great. Thanks, Haley,” I say, and she smiles. “Shay’s set is tonight,” I remind Jax. “You couldcome.”

He turns it over, glancing at Annie. “It’s fine. My wife could pop anyminute.”

Haley rolls her eyes. “Jax, I’m not going topop.”

They share a smile that makes me cut a look atAnnie.

“How’s work going?” Haley asksAnnie.

“I’m so close to finishing the last song. The reading is scheduled for the first week of September. It’s a chance for a number of people to show off new ideas. Ian’s assistant organizes it and he hosts, but there are lots of other contactsthere.”

“Ian’s the ex,” Jax saysgruffly.

“He’s one of those guys who wears suits for fun,” I add before Annie canspeak.

Jax’s gaze narrows. “Adouche.”

“First-class.”

Annie’s jaw drops, and Haley hides a smile behind hernapkin.

“Thank you for those uninvited opinions on my love life. You don’t know anything about him,” Annietosses.

My muscles tighten in response, my voice lowering. “I know he had you and he let yougo.”

Silence falls over the table as I hold herstare.

I remember what Jax asked me once: whether I loved Annie the way he lovedHaley.

I do. I know it, which only makes the reality of our situationharder.

“Anyway,” Annie goes on at last, a flush crawling up her cheeks that makes me want to drag her to the nearest room or closet or front-fucking-lawn and devour her. “These funders like to go in on things together. But, I’ve learned that a few of Ian’s friends have invested independently in the last ten years. So I’m going to focus onthem.”

After dinner, Annie crooks a finger at me and I follow her down thehall.

“Where are you going?” Jaxasks.

Annie tosses him a look. “Tyler and I are going to hang out, Dad,” she says in a mock-whiny-teenagervoice.

He grumbles something inaudible before heading back toward the kitchen, and I laugh under mybreath.

“He wants to make sure we’re not having sex in the shower,” I tell her as we ascend thestairs.

At the top, she turns, peering up at me. “You don’t want to have sex in theshower?”

Her innocent voice sends every ounce of blood to mydick.

“Fucking yes, Ido.”

She laughs as we get to her room and shut the door behindus.

As I strip off her clothes and make her mine, one slow drugging kiss at a time, I wish I could shut the door on LA and my fears just aseasily.

* * *

After dinner,we meet Rae at the venue where Shay’splaying.

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