Page 111 of Fire

He walks back to the kitchen table and takes a seat. I guess I should make my coffee now, right? I turn and quickly add some cream and a scoop of sugar.

“Tanner was entitled, smug, and the way he treated her…” I hear him take a shuddering breath. “But what are you supposed to do? Your child isn’t a child anymore. And I’ve seen what happens when a parent refuses to support a relationship.”

The way he says this last part is revealing. Zara mentioned that her mother had a complicated relationship with her parents. I have a hunch I know why.

I also understand where he’s coming from. I would never pick a guy like Jace for my sister, but it’s not my choice. It’s hers. All I can do is hope she comes to her senses soon and realizes she deserves better.

So much better.

“After they got married, I watched her wither under the weight of that family’s scrutiny. She’s been better since she filed for divorce, but yesterday was the first time I’ve seen my baby girl happy in a long time.”

“That’s not all because of me.”

“Didn’t say it was.”

“Okay.” I press my lips together, holding back a laugh.

“I saw the fire back in her eyes. The passion in her voice when she talked about her work on tour was clear. She loves you, but she is also well on her way to building a well-rounded life. Something I believe you want for her too.”

I’m momentarily speechless because, did he just say…“She loves me?”

Now, there’s no doubt about the smile spreading across his face. “Oh, so we’re still in the denial phase? All right. Is it one-sided?”

“What?” I slow blink.

“Have you figured out you love her? ’Cause it’s written all over your damn face, son. Maya said she saw it clear as day the first time she spoke to you on FaceTime.”

“That was…” New Orleans. The day I toured the city with her. Had I really been…“Yes, I blurt out. “I love her. Isn’t it too soon, though?”

“Tanner waited over two years before he proposed, and we all know how well that went. I popped the question over takeout pizza on our six-month anniversary in Maya’s dorm room, and sometimes I still can’t believe how lucky I was that she said yes.”

He stands as I take a sip of coffee. It’s shit. I forgot how much I hate K-Cups. It tastes like fucking dirt water. “There’s no set time that makes or breaks a relationship. There’s no timer that goes off and declares you ready for the next step. You either are or you aren’t, and the only ones who can decide that are the two of you.”

Then he walks up and opens a cabinet, revealing a cappuccino maker with a knowing glance before retreating toward the hallway.

He looks back over his shoulder. “Have you decided what you’re going to do after the tour ends?” he asks. “Zara mentioned your position with the band is temporary.”

My throat tightens, and I shake my head.

He seems to mull that over for a moment, then nods. “Well, for what it’s worth, I’m rooting for you.”

That makes two of us.

Chapter Thirty-Three

ZARA

“I’m so conflicted,” I say as I stretch out like a starfish on the giant king-size bed in our luxury suite. “On one hand, I’m exhausted, so the break is much needed, but on the other?—”

“You’re a workaholic who can’t take a vacation when it’s given?” Hendrix offers with a cocky grin as he walks toward his suitcase. He’s naked, still glistening from his shower as he rubs a towel over his damp hair.

“I am not a workaholic,” I argue with an exaggerated huff. “I just feel slightly guilty taking a whole week off when we’ve only been on tour for a month.”

“We’re halfway through the US leg of the tour. I know it doesn’t feel that way ’cause you’re now living your new best life as my super-hot girlfriend, and the days are just flying by, but we do actually deserve some time off.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

He winks at me over his shoulder, and now I’m staring at his ass. “Yeah, but your parents love me, so I think it’s best you keep me.”