My cheery expression falls as I glare at Savanah.
Rush clears his throat obviously sensing the tension between Savanah and me. “I mean, I wouldn’t want it splashed through the daily news, but I don’t see an issue. I’ve spent hours with Kevlar… he’s a decent guy. You’re not dangerous, are you, big man?”
“Only when dramatically provoked.”
Rush throws his hands in the air. “Aren’t we all. See, Savanah, nothing to worry your gorgeous little head about.”
She side-eyes Jovie, who’s keeping very quiet right now, but she hasn’t moved away from me. Not even an inch. It makes me feel good as the café workers step over with our order. They place the coffee mugs and the plates of beignets in front of us.
“Enjoy.”
“Thank you,” Jovie calls back as they walk off, leaving us to it.
Unfortunately, I have to unwrap my arm from around Jovie to pick up my mug.
She peeks at me as I do, her lips turning up ever so slightly, giving off a warm glow. Her dimple pops in on her right cheek, making her come across so sweet with just the right amount of shyness. I wink as I pick up a warm beignet. This isn’t my first, I’ve had them with Em the last time we came here.
Honestly, it’s good being here with a group. It’s distracting me from all the memories that plague me.
I bring the powdered, sugary treat to my mouth and take a bite. The fluffy texture hits me with an overwhelming flood of happiness. My eyes shift to Jovie as she takes her first bite. Her eyes widen as her lips coat in the white powder, then a sensual moan echoes from her chest. Fuck, it’s the single sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.
I stop chewing as my cock hardens and pushes against the zipper of my jeans under the table. I swallow what’s in my mouth for fear of choking if I don’t, as her eyes close savoring the delicacy.
She’s so fucking sexy right now, I’m having all kinds of trouble containing my thoughts.
“Easy, tiger,” Rush whispers in my ear so only I can hear.
I clear my throat, dropping my eyes away from Jovie, and take a sip of my coffee, keeping my eyes focused on the table while Rush chuckles to himself beside me.
Jovie continues to moan out her delight, unaware of the effect she’s having on me. This woman is so naïve about her own sex appeal. She has no clue what she does to a man.
“Jovie, babe, you need to either fuck that beignet or calm the hell down before one of these guys jumps you with those sounds you’re making,” Savanah blurts out what we’re all thinking.
Jovie’s eyes widen, her mouth full of the beignet as she peeps up at me. Her face flushes bright red as she slowly swallows. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, I’m glad you like them.”
“Oh, she really likes them,” Rush jests.
Jovie sinks into herself, placing the rest of the beignet on the plate, then licks the powdered sugar from her lips. I reach out, grabbing her hand before she can pull away. “Hey, don’t get all embarrassed on us now. That’s not who you are, Jovie. You’re a strong, sassy woman. Don’t stop eating them because Rush made a joke. You had a big night. You need a good solid breakfast.”
She grimaces again. “This is twice in less than twenty-four hours I’ve made a fool of myself.”
“I don’t think you’re a fool, not at all. You’re running from something, and you’re finally letting yourself unwind.”
“Here, here,” Savanah agrees with me, and Rush picks up his coffee.
“To Jovie letting her hair down.” Rush lifts his mug in a cheers motion.
I pick up my mug, clinking it to his, and it makes Jovie laugh. Savanah follows as we all stare at Jovie. She huffs, rolling her eyes, but then picks up her coffee and taps it against the side of ours.
“To letting go,” I say.
“To breaking free,” Savanah chimes.
“To living your best life,” Jovie adds, then we all take a sip.
Savanah’s eyes meet mine, and she dips her head. A gesture of understanding, possibly of thanks. Savanah might not have been on my bandwagon, but maybe she’s starting to turn around.
We spent just under an hour at Café du Monde simply eating and having a good time, until Murphy told us we had to leave. People were starting to make their way back, and there was a crowd gathering. Even though we were careful, it seems news travels fast, so we had to head back to the hotel without Rush being made.
He was really enjoying himself, and the moment Murphy came over, his entire demeanor changed, where he was back to that depressed rock star. I hope Rush gets the time out he’s so desperately craving.
As we enter my hotel room, which is the place we congregate for some reason, Murphy taps his watch at Rush.
“I know, man, just gimmie a minute to say goodbye. Fuck!” He closes the door, leaving Murphy and Stone outside my room as we make our way to the bedroom.
Rush leans back on the television cabinet, pulling Savanah against his body as Jovie and I sit on the bed facing him. “Guys, you don’t understand how much this time with you all has meant to me… going back to the grind is gonna be so fucking hard, but I want you all to know I won’t forget you.” He spins Savanah to face him. “Any of you.” He swipes Savanah’s hair behind her ear as she stares up at him.
I glance at Jovie. She’s watching her best friend with a somber expression on her face. I reach out, taking her hand in mine to give her a sense of comfort. Her eyes meet mine, and she weakly smiles.
“How long are you on tour?” Savanah asks.
“It feels like forever. But in reality, six months. Then I’m in the studio recording an album. I won’t be home for at least a year. Maybe more.”
“Well, if you’re ever in Texas again…”
His hands caress the side of her face. “This is where our story ends, Sav. You’re amazing. And in another life if I were someone else, if I weren’t Rush-fucking-Dayley…” He shakes his head like he’s ridding himself of that thought. “I have too many commitments and not enough time for someone else. You’re far too special for the sidelines, Sav. You need to find someone worthy of you… I’m not him.”
I thought she might cry, but she doesn’t, she simply inhales sharply and continues to stare into his eyes. “I understand. Thank you, you’re sweet. You deserve that, too. So, if you find someone, someone who you can’t stand being on the sidelines, you grab and hold onto her, Rush, because you don’t believe you deserve happiness, but you do.”
Rush leans in, pressing his lips to Savanah. My eyes shift to Jovie, who’s watching them with bated breath. I’m not sure if she’s sad for her friend or happy that Sav is able to let Rush go. But Jovie’s hand squeezes mine, and I squeeze it back. She turns to face me, letting out an exhale as Rush and Savanah break apart. We both turn to them as Rush walks to the bed. “Kevlar, thank you. Thank you for being there when I needed someone to keep me grounded. I was running. All of us here are doing that in some form or another, but I’m glad we all ran into each other. You ever need anything, man, you have my number. Don’t hesitate to call me, okay?”
I bring my hand up, gripping his. “Same goes, bro. You ever need anything from me or the club, we got your back.”