Page 77 of Killer Notes
I’m no one but a fool, without you.
As he continues on with the chorus, and the boys—one after the other, join Danny, the audience responds with camera phone lights, lighters, and glow wands. By the end of the song, the roar of the fans is deafening.
With bows and a goodbye, Danny runs off stage and right into my welcoming arms.
“I love you,” he says against my lips.
“I love you right back.” I kiss his mouth and pull back slightly. “Raspberry.” And then I carry him off the stage, as the fans scream for an encore.
EPILOGUE
SEVEN MONTHS LATER
Danny
As I step out onto the deck and stretch my body, I inhale the fresh spring air. Pine, earth, and water fill my soul and clear my senses as I take another deep breath. The crispness of the morning and the good fucking Tobias gave me not thirty minutes ago is like a reset for my mind and body.
Right after Rocktoberfest, Tobias did quit Harper Security, but promised Dean that he’d think about coming back after Warrior Black’s tour. Since he’s the new head of security for our band, I doubt Tobias would go back.
After coming off a wildly successful six-month tour, Tobias and I needed this month of vacation before I meet up with the band and start putting together another set of songs for our next album.
“Without You” will definitely be on the album. It ran up the charts and stayed at number one for the duration of our tour. I knew that ballad would be a hit.
A soft yip and the clicking of nails on the decking signals Saint’s arrival. The dog sits by my feet and waits. I glance down at the tongue-lolling, tail-wagging dog.
“Good morning, boy.” I rub his head. He then takes off toward the woods to relieve himself or chase that pesky squirrel. But he always comes back later, after he tires of the chase.
“What did I tell you about coming out here alone?” Tobias growls in my ear. He wraps both arms around me and kisses my neck.
I angle my head a little, then reach back to wrap one arm around his neck and lean into his warmth. “I told you, I’m a big boy. I can take care of myself.”
“I know,” he chuckles and resumes nibbling my neck. “I missed you in our bed.”
“How can you miss me? I’m right here,” I say, turning my face to his.
He leans in and devours my mouth. As I deepen the kiss, Tobias’s phone goes off.
“All the damn time,” I mutter against his mouth. “Might as well answer it. You know it’s Dean or John.”
I pull out of his arms so he can grab his cell from his pocket. To give Tobias some privacy, I walk to the railing and lean against it. I focus on the water and the tiny ripples lapping upon the shoreline, as he talks to whoever it is on the line.
“Yeah?” Pause. “Really?” Pause. “Okay.” Pause. “Bye, Dean.”
I twirl around before Tobias is back on me. “So that was Dean.”
“Yep.”
“Well?”
“Well what?”
I huff and push at him. “Stop playing games. Tell me what was so important that he’d call us on your vacation.”
His arms tighten around me and he places a soft kiss on my lips. Hmm. I love when he’s gentle. But I also love when he’s rough with me.
I narrow my eyes in agitation.
He laughs and says, “Dean was giving me the updates about Barrett.”