Merrick produces another sigh. “I can’t believe you have a boyfriend.”
It’s my turn to sigh now. “He’s a good guy.”
He scoffs. “I hate him.”
I laugh. “You don’t know him.”
“He has you. That’s enough for me to hate him.”
I blow out a breath. “I broke up with him last night.”
Merrick’s head snaps up. “What? Why?”
I sit on the edge of his bed. “Because he’s not you, and after we were together in the alley, all I wanted was to kiss you. You told me you were gonna tell people. You said you wanted me, and I hoped it was true.”
The bed shifts as he sits up, and I glance over my shoulder at him. “Wanna kiss me?”
I chuckle and reach for a pillow to throw at him. “You’re an asshole.”
Merrick catches the pillow and puts it aside. “Yeah, but an asshole you want to kiss.”
I arch a brow and we both start cracking up.
“I didn’t mean it like that, buuuuut. . .” He waggles his brows.
“You’re annoying.”
“I know.” He crawls across the bed and sits next to me, taking my hand in his. “I’m serious. I do want you. And I do want to kiss you. And I’m fucking thrilled that you broke up with your dumb boyfriend.”
I give him a sad grin. “But you’re not telling people.”
“Not right now, but I will. We’re back in town for a while, and we can go back to doing what we’ve always done.”
As much as I hate having to be secretive, if it means being with Merrick, I’m going to do it. He’s always had a hold on me. I don’t even realize in the moment that he said “We’re back in town for a while,” like they already knew they were going to leave again.
I agreed, hoping that soon would actually be soon, and that we’d be able to be a couple. I had no idea that he’d be leaving Gaspar within six months. But he knew. He just didn’t tell me.
9
Merrick
Present Day
“I can’t believe we haven’t seen you in a year!” Elijah says, pulling me in for a hug. “So much has been happening.”
After coming into town yesterday, I checked into my hotel, then crashed for about fifteen hours. When I woke up, I scarfed down enough food for two people, then took a shower and made my way to Elijah’s. So far, no sign of the paparazzi, but I have no doubt they’ll be here soon.
I take a seat in the center of the couch while he and Nova sit together on the loveseat.
“Yeah, I know. I’m just glad you got married right before I went overseas.”
“You know we wouldn’t have had the wedding without you,” Nova says with a smile.
I grin in return. I haven’t had a lot of time to get to know Nova, because my schedule’s been crazy for the past five years, but I’ve been back for holidays, their wedding, and a few other times. Never for more than a few days at a time, but I really like her, and I think she’s perfect for Elijah. I’ve never seen him so happy.
“I just can’t believe you two got married before either Royce or Cill.”
Elijah chuckles. “Well, I’m the oldest, I had to do it before I got any more gray hair.”
Nova playfully smacks him in the arm.
“So, how long can we expect you to be in town?”
I stretch my arms across the back of the couch and rest my right ankle over my left knee. “I’m not sure. I don’t have to be back in New York for a while. They’re finally giving us a break after this long ass tour, but I’m sure Evan, our manager, will be in touch within a month, asking if we’re writing music.”
“A month is still a lot longer than we’ve had you home for a while.”
“Yeah, but I’ll probably be able to stick around even longer. The guys may come back for a little while, so if we need to get together for writing sessions or anything, we can do that here. I shouldn’t have to leave for a while. They don’t expect another album until next year.”
“That’s good.” Elijah smiles. “Hopefully people don’t act fanatical around here.”
“Eh. Even if they do, I’m sure it’ll die down eventually. They’ll get used to me. I’m hoping the same happens with the paps when they finally arrive. They’ll realize I’m boring and go bother the other guys who are on islands with handfuls of women.”
They both laugh, thinking I’m joking. Then Elijah looks at me. “Oh, you’re serious? Who’s on an island?”
“Sky,” we say at the same time.
“Yeah, not sure why I asked. So, did you tell Royce and Cillian you were coming here?”
I shake my head. “Nah. I know Royce is at the bar considering it’s a Friday night. Cill’s probably at his tattoo shop. I figure I’ll just go out and see them in their natural habitat.”
“Is that such a good idea?” E asks, concern on his face. “You don’t have a bodyguard or anything?”
“Fuck no. I told Evan I was leaving security behind. It’s a small town. I don’t expect mobs of people to attack me.”
“Well, okay. Just be careful.”
I give him a wry smile. “Yes, Dad.”
“Funny. Come over earlier tomorrow. We can barbecue or something. Then, of course, our usual Sunday dinners.”
“Sounds good.” I push up from the couch and give them both a hug before I leave.
I drive to Main Street and find a parking spot in front of Flaky Vicki’s bakery. After putting some money in the parking meter, I start making my way down the block, towards Cill’s tattoo shop.
“Merrick? Is that you?” I hear a female voice ask.
Shit, that was fast.
I turn around and find Liliana coming out of the bakery with a bag in one hand and a to-go coffee cup in the other. My heart begins to race, wondering if
