“Well, I’m proud of you. In fact, I have an entire bookshelf devoted to your books. Someday I expect you to come sign them.” She lifted her cup and took a sip of her bubbly drink.
“It would be my pleasure. Invite me over any time.” He winked at her, and she laughed, just as Linc joined them, slipping an arm around Jordan’s waist.
“What are you trying to get her to invite you to?” he asked Xander.
“Jordan wants me to sign her X. Kingston collection, and I told her I just need an invite.” Xander grinned.
“Just make sure I’m there when this Bozo shows up.” Linc pulled her closer and his fingers wrapped nearer to her belly.
She jerked away in panic. “I think I hear the opening act.” She turned to the big window overlooking the arena, and sure enough, as if she’d conjured them, the band was on stage, the sound of their guitar and drums growing louder.
The warm-up band played, and by the time they finished, the crowd was stamping their feet and calling for The Original Kings to come out.
Dash, as the lead singer, commanded the stage. Jordan had seen him evolve over the years, from a young boy performing in random bars to the man and star performer he was now. She put her problems away, letting herself sing, clap, and dance to the music, losing herself and her problems.
Linc was by her side, enjoying watching his brother with all the pride of an older sibling. His hands often came to Jordan’s shoulders, his lips settling on her neck, causing shivers of awareness to ripple through her in the dark room, lit only by the lights of the band. Her nipples grew tight and desire lit a flame inside her. God, she wished relationships were as simple as moments like they shared tonight.
When the lights came on, everyone was on a high from the performance, and they were talking loudly because their ears were ringing from the blaring sound of the music for the last couple of hours.
They made their way downstairs to the room where the band’s meet and greet was to be held. People from all the boxes and those who’d won tickets courtesy of music stations and online sites waited for their time with members of the band.
Everyone talked over each other, and Jordan was uncomfortable with the crowds, needing air. “I’m going to find a chair and sit,” she said in Linc’s ear because it was the only way for him to hear her.
“Let’s go into the outer room. It’s quieter there.” He grasped her hand and led the way.
She followed, working their way past the groups of people until they found the door and stepped into the outer connecting room. The sounds immediately dimmed, and she could hear herself think again.
She pressed her palms against her ears and patted them hard. “My God. This night has been insane!” She knew she was still talking too loudly and laughed.
“I like seeing you happy like this.” Linc looked at her intently, his stare steady.
God, he was gorgeous. She loved that he hadn’t shaved completely, the scruff of beard on his handsome face so appealing.
Suddenly she remembered what she had to tell him, and she sobered, feeling the grin on her face dimming. Before she could react, a male voice called her name. Thinking it was one of the Kingston brothers, she turned, shocked to see Collin Auerbach, her ex, walking up to her, a pregnant woman by his side.
Bile rose up in her throat, and Linc, who had met Collin years ago when she’d started dating him, slid a steadying arm behind her back.
But she wanted to handle this herself, without Collin knowing his presence brought back painful memories. Or that he affected her at all, and she pulled away to stand on her own. She knew that if she wasn’t pregnant now, she wouldn’t be thrown by his presence at all.
He strode up to her, looking every bit the preppy guy she’d known, with his light brown hair and caramel eyes, wearing slacks and a long-sleeve shirt. His outfit was too conservative for a concert. His wife, in her black pants and fitted maternity top, looked at her curiously. She clearly had no idea who Jordan was.
“Jordan! It’s been a long time,” Collin said.
It hadn’t been long enough as far as she was concerned. She treated him to a forced smile. “Collin. I didn’t think concerts were your thing.”
“They’re more Naomi’s. She loves The Original Kings and I got us box seats. She’s dying to meet Dash Kingston.” His gaze came to Linc’s.
The two men didn’t run in the same circles, so they hadn’t met up since the early days of Collin’s relationship with Jordan. But from Collin’s expression, he obviously recognized him.
“Aah, you two are still close, huh? And Dash Kingston is your brother. What do you say you get us to the front of the VIP line? You know, for an old friend?” He let out a laugh, as if he truly meant what he said.
“You have got to be kidding me. How about I escort you out?” Linc asked through clenched teeth.
Jordan put a calming hand on his arm. She did not want a scene.
“Collin? What’s going on? Are you going to introduce me?” his wife asked.
“Yes, Collin. Why don’t you introduce us?” Jordan asked with sugary sweetness in her tone.
“And while you’re at it, why don’t you give her the history of your relationship?” Linc said the one thing sure to send Collin running.
And it worked if his panicked expression was anything to go by.
“Honey, let’s go. The line is long and I’m not feeling well.” He glared at Linc, then turned to Jordan. “I thought enough time had passed that we could be civil.”
“Never,” she said through clenched teeth.
He grabbed his wife’s hand and pulled her away, heading out of the room, Naomi complaining the entire time because he’d promised her she’d
