Page 9 of Edge of Heaven (Crimson Edge #2)

Taryn

The next few weeks go by quickly. Between shows almost every night and a quick trip to L.A.

for the two photo shoots, I’m burning the candle at both ends trying to stay in shape, make Callum happy, and be as available as possible to Toby.

He calls me multiple times a day with questions about schoolwork, to complain when he doesn’t feel good, or when he says the doctors are mean to him.

I’m exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed, trying to keep my head above water.

I have just under five months left with Callum, but sometimes I wonder if I’m going to make it.

He’s been more demanding than ever, wanting sex multiple times a day, making me wear the most revealing outfits imaginable to his shows, and keeping me up half the night because he’s drunk or high.

All I can think about as I walk through the airport is that I’ll be able to nap on the flight to New York and actually get a good night’s sleep while I’m there. It’s only three days and two nights, but that’s okay. Even one full night of sleep is a welcome reprieve at this point.

I get on the plane and am about to put my carry-on in the overhead bin when a familiar voice says, “Here, I got it.”

I turn to Mick in shock, absently watching as he lifts my bag for me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

He grins. “Surprise. I’m doing the shoot with you.”

“When did that happen?”

“Well, I told our management company that I need some cash and asked if they would be willing to play agent since I don’t have one anymore.

Sasha made some calls and said they were thrilled I was interested in coming back.

They were happy to work with our tour dates, and so, here I am.

” He sinks into the seat next to mine and I stare at him for a second before I realize I’m holding up the line.

I quickly sit down and put on my seatbelt. “That’s amazing,” I say.

He pauses. “You’re not mad, are you? You’ve been avoiding me, and I was worried maybe I overstepped the last time we talked.”

I shake my head. “I’m not mad. I’m just concerned about Callum seeing us together. You know how possessive he is. And when he gets jealous, he gets physical. I’m trying to spare us both a lot of unnecessary aggravation.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“Well, it’s not just you I’m worried about!”

The flight attendant chooses that moment to come by with champagne and I take a sip, grateful for the interruption.

I’m trying so hard to be strong, to stay in control of my emotions, but Mick makes me want to throw caution to the wind.

Throw myself in his arms. Let him comfort me, remind me I’m going to survive the next four-and-a-half months.

Like he can somehow save me from the chaos of my life.

Except no one can.

Especially not a hazel-eyed bass player with abs for days.

I have distinct memories of what Mick looks like without a shirt—without anything—and since he often takes his shirt off during shows, I know his six-pack has turned into a twelve-pack.

The silence stretches out for a while, and when I glance at him in my peripheral vision, he’s staring out the window.

Fuck.

I don’t know if I’ve hurt his feelings or something else, but I don’t want him to be upset with me.

We’re going to spend the next two days working together, and I’m looking forward to it.

Not just because of the money involved but also because it’s Mick.

Other than my mother and son, he’s one of the only people who talks to me without wanting something from me.

Mick is my only friend right now, and I keep pushing him away.

I’m trying to protect myself, but I’m also trying to protect him—I’d never forgive myself if Callum kicked Crimson Edge off the tour in a jealous rage.

Impulsively, I reach over and put my hand on his forearm.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

He covers my hand with one of his. “For what?”

“For being a bitch. I don’t mean to take my frustrations out on you.”

“I know. It’s okay.”

“It’s not. I just… I’m a mess. And I don’t have anyone else to talk to. My mother works all day, and then takes care of Toby, Toby’s just a kid, and Callum won’t let me get close to anyone else. I’m so damn alone, Mick.”

“You’re not,” he says softly. “I’m here. In whatever capacity you need, you can count on me.”

His words bring tears to my eyes, and I squeeze them shut as the plane takes off.

“Why are you so nice?” I finally whisper.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“We slept together a few times four years ago,” I say. “It’s a fond memory, but it was three stolen days in time. We barely know each other.”

“Not true,” he says. “I know that you were born on Halloween and it’s your favorite holiday.

I know you got pregnant at fifteen by your high school boyfriend and had a baby boy named Toby at sixteen.

I know your boyfriend died in a car accident and his family wanted nothing to do with you or the baby. ”

I swallow.

I shared more than I remembered.

“I know your dad died your freshman year of college and you promised him you’d get your degree.”

“What’s my favorite color?” I ask dryly.

He chuckles. “Turquoise.”

I shake my head in surprise, squinting slightly. “I don’t remember telling you that.”

“You didn’t, but you wear a ton of turquoise, both clothing and jewelry, so it was an educated guess. Some guys pay attention.”

Of course he pays attention.

That’s the kind of guy he is.

“What else do you know?” I ask quietly, my fingers slowly curling with his, even though I know I shouldn’t.

“I know you majored in education but didn’t like it.”

I smile. “I switched majors my junior year and wound up getting my degree in business. I figured it might come in handy if modeling didn’t work out.”

“Sounds about right.” He gently strokes his thumb along the back of my hand, the soft caress making goose bumps break out on my skin.

He’s as intoxicating now as he was four years ago.

“What else?” I can’t look away, and his hazel eyes burn gold.

“Oh, I know a lot of things about you.” His gaze makes me feel like he can see right into my soul. “But those are probably things you don’t want me to say out loud. Not here anyway.”

I flush as heat floods my body.

Because I know exactly what he’s thinking about.

I think about it a lot.

What we did four years ago.

How good he made me feel.

The way he combined passion with tenderness—something no one else has ever managed to do.

Certainly not Callum. When he’s inside me, I close my eyes and pretend it’s Mick.

Sometimes that’s the only way I can get through it.

Only five more payments.

But until that’s done, it wouldn’t be fair to drag Mick into this.

“We can’t… I mean, we shouldn’t…please don’t…” I stumble over my words because my brain and my body are at war.

“Shh. It’s okay.” He reaches over and brushes his knuckles across my cheek. “I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable.”

“I’m not uncomfortable,” I whisper. “I’m sad .”

“Why sad?”

“Because I wish I was in a place in my life where I could let you say all those things I know you wanted to say just now.”

“It’s all right. Our timing is off, I guess.”

Why is he so nice?

This would be much easier if he was a jerk too. Like Callum. Because it’s easy not to care about Callum.

Although…there is a question that’s been lurking in the back of my mind for a long time.

And it seems like this is as good a time as any to find out the answer.

“Can I ask you a question?” I ask quietly.

“Anything.” He cocks his head slightly.

“How come you never called?”