I frowned. “It wasn’t jealousy.”
“Oh, really? What else would you call it?”
“Vic is off limits at all our functions, but your little request to add that girl brought her there.”
“Can’t deal with your ex?”
“I hate her. She creates drama and problems wherever she is. What the hell was she doing with that Bethany chick?”
She used her cloth covered hand to stab at my chest. “She was targeted by Victoria. She’s stupid and vain, and doesn’t think. So when a famous model wants to hang with her and shop with her all day, what else would she do?”
“How the hell did Vic even know about her?”
“I don’t know. Bethany shares her entire life, including all her drinks, on her Instagram. It doesn’t take much of a leap. She was so excited about going to your release party she hashtagged every word that had to do with the band.”
I raked my fingers through my hair. It seemed pretty convoluted, but anything was possible with Vic.
She sighed. “Bethany told me, in babbling detail mind you, all about how her day went with Victoria Sheer. I’d stake my 401K that she wrapped that girl around her finger to get to that party. Tell me, Hunter, what the hell does she want with you?”
“What everyone wants.”
“As impressive as your cock is, it’s not the only thing women want.”
“No. Well, yes that too, but they want what I can do for them. It’s what Vic has always wanted. I’m not that blind idiot anymore. I’m sick of everyone looking at me like I’m the golden egg of opportunity. You, my label, my manager, even the band. That’s all they see.”
She shook her head. “That’s never what you’ve been to me.”
“Oh, really? Is that why you asked for your client to go to our release party? That you didn’t want anything from me?”
She pulled her tablecloth tighter around her shoulders. “Not on purpose. It was just…” she trailed off. “I’m sorry, Hunter. It’s just business. I’m built to do this. Favors and tit for tat is how this city runs.”
“Yeah well, I’m tired of it. I don’t want to be looking for angles and how to get ahead all the time. I just wanted to spend time with you.”
She sat down on her step. “I wanted that too.”
“How would I know that? You’re always working.”
“Pot and kettle, pal.”
I pushed my hair out of my eyes, then dragged her onto her feet and into my arms. “I miss your face. I miss your laugh, and I miss your skin.”
She dragged in a breath.
“For the last three days I’ve been snapping at everyone. I haven’t talked to Reed yet because he won’t even hear how stupid he’s being about Victoria. Wyatt is ready to beat me with every percussion instrument he has. Indie has put our social media accounts on lockdown. Only Keys can post pictures from events. And you.”
She took a step back.
“You are driving me crazy. Not seeing you has been murder.”
“I miss you, too. But I can’t do the hot and cold thing. I believed you when you said you wanted to try to become something more than a one night thing.”
I lifted her off her toes until our mouths met. Chocolate and Kenny filled my senses. The tablecloth fell away as her arms came around me.
She laughed into my mouth when our bodies made squelching sound.
“I’m a wreck.”
I put her down and slid my forefinger down her neck to where her necklace ended just above the divot at her collarbone. Even that little spot was full of chocolate. “Want me to come in and help you wash it off?”
She licked her lips. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
I nodded. “Right.”
She grabbed my hand. “But how about tomorrow?”
“Yeah?”
She nodded. “Are you really going to the adoption tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Me and Keys are going to sign calendars we had made with the crew. A lot of people have adopted from Love & Paws in the Hammered family.”
Her face softened. “That’s really sweet. I’d love to go.”
I touched my forehead to hers. “We’re leaving early.”
“I can be up.”
“Then we’ll pick you up at six.”
She winced. “How long’s the drive?”
“About six hours from here.”
“Can I bring Sammy?”
Did she have a kid? “Who’s Sammy?”
“My crazy Australian Border Collie.”
I grinned. “Definitely. Keys will die.”
“She loves everyone. Kind of a handful sometimes, but sweet as can be.”
“Sounds perfect for the adoption get together. They love when you bring your pets. Did you adopt from them?”