Twisted(37)

Bottom line, he needed to get her some fucking cash, fast.

“These bedrooms aren’t bad,” Nick said from down the hall. “I’m claiming the one next to the—holy shit, man, come check this out.”

Sighing, Gray set aside his guitar and got to his feet. He truly didn’t give a crap what Nick had found nor did he care which bedroom he ended up with. Sleeping was pretty much optional for him nowadays, and he didn’t have a need for a bed otherwise. It wasn’t like he’d be getting laid during this misfit toys vacation.

His weird conversation with Jazz popped back into his brain. She’d said something about visiting him tonight. For what? Maybe she figured they could work on some songs away from the rest of the group. They’d always had their own vibe and style of collaboration. It had been a while since they’d tried to write something new on their own, but the whole “Captured” discussion during the band meeting last night had probably reminded her of all the fun they used to have making music together.

“Hang on,” Gray replied, dragging out his phone. “Gotta text someone.”

He’d overheard the address when the driver had been calling in to some kind of dispatch and now Gray typed it out quickly to Jazz. He still didn’t get why she wanted to flaunt Lila’s decree on the very day she’d made it, but his best friend had been a little rulebreaker for as long as he’d known her. He’d always been attracted to the side of her that prompted her to sneak out of her bedroom window to go to a concert or to dye her hair blue with Kool-Aid when no one at school was doing it. She’d never walked the straight and narrow, and damn, she made the crooked seem so fucking sexy.

That even extended to her personal jewelry. He still couldn’t believe she’d pierced her clit. Earlier it had almost seemed like she’d been goading him into mentioning that particular piercing. Something must be up. Maybe he’d figure out her game plan after she showed up.

If she even did. That’d be his luck to get his hopes up for no reason at all.

He texted her the addy and she sent back an answer almost immediately.

I’ll be there by 12:30. One level?

His lips quirked. Was she planning a reverse Rapunzel? His hair had grown longer than he preferred but he wouldn’t be able to use it as a trellis for her to climb up from the ground anytime soon.

Yes, one. At least he was pretty sure there was just one. That’s how it had looked from outside.

Where’s your bedroom?

I’ll let you know in a bit. How’s the spa?

So far I’ve had a kelp smoothie and I’m baking in a green clay face mask. Simon is hitting on Diane, the esthetician, and Deak keeps texting Harper while they do something to his feet. Later I guess we’re gonna try to write.

He smiled, hearing her enthusiastic voice as he read her words. Seeing Jazz happy made up for so much of the toxic shit in his world. He’d give anything to keep her that way.

Glad to hear it. Me and Nick are just checking out the house.

Is it nice?

Yeah, it’s sweet. His thumbs hovered over the keys. He didn’t want to seem desperate, but man, the idea of spending some time with Jazz alone—relatively anyway—sounded better and better. So I’ll see you later?

You will. Text me when you know which room is yours.

KK. Enjoy getting even more beautiful, beautiful.

The smiley face she sent back made him grin until he glanced up into Nick’s amused face.

“A little busy there?” Nick asked, jerking his chin at Gray’s cell.

“Nah, all good. So what does the rest of this place look like?” He tucked his phone in his back pocket and ventured down the hall, stopping in the doorway to a gleaming black bathroom. The tiles, spacious tub and floor were all onyx. And damn, the tub looked like it had a million jets. It was definitely made for two.

He shut his eyes and tried to ignore the sudden pressure below the waist. Two wasn’t a possibility. Hell, he’d probably be hiding out in the shower as much as possible just to avoid Nick’s smirk.

“This place is a fucking wet dream. And dude, I already claimed the bigger bedroom, so you’re out of luck.”

Gray gripped the back of his neck and turned to face Nick. This wasn’t just about disliking the guy. He needed to make this work for the band. That was more important than his urge to plant his size twelve boot right on that sneering face.

“That’s cool. I don’t sleep a whole hell of a lot, so go for it.”

Nick tucked his hands under his arms. “Wow, I think that might be the most words you’ve spoken at one time in…well, ever.”

Don’t rise to the bait. “If we’re going to be writing together, we’re going to be talking, right? Unless you want to try out the whole telepathy deal.”