Page 47

CHAPTER 47

Jordyn

S trolling into Sinful Sirens, guilt makes my chest tight. I bite my lip, anxiousness coiling in my belly as I head toward Ray’s office.

My phone beeps, signaling an incoming text message, but I ignore it, knowing damn well it’s Tristan. He’ll be pissed when he finds out I’m here. But I’m doing this for him and for us.

More guilt consumes me when I appear in Ray’s open doorway, and he looks up, a smile on his face. But it fades when he takes in my somber expression.

Gesturing me inside, he says, “Lemme guess. You’re leaving?”

Straightening my spine, I nod. “Thanks for the opportunity. But I?—”

Ray holds up a hand, and I snap my mouth closed. An understanding smile curls his lips. “It’s okay, Jordyn. You’re talented as hell, but quite frankly, you’re destined for better things.” A chuckle comes from his lips as his twinkling eyes search mine. “Also, Gary told me about a hot-headed young man who stormed backstage after your last performance. ”

A blush heats my cheeks, causing Ray to laugh harder. “Don’t be embarrassed, Ms. Jordyn. From how Gary described it, that man is obviously in love with you. And that’s worth a helluva lot more than this job.”

A smile blooms across my face as I race toward him. He stands, giving me a fatherly hug. “You have goals, Jordyn. I know you’ll accomplish them.”

I squeeze him tighter. “Thanks, Ray. Although we haven’t known each other long, I’ve always felt comfortable around you. Gary, too.”

“I’m glad. Despite owning this place, I’m not a creepy perv. I’ve been married for forty-three years, and we have three sons.” Pulling back, he gives me a wink. “If I had a daughter and she wanted to work here, I’d kick her ass.”

I giggle, feeling lighter. “Do you mind if I say goodbye to Gary and anyone else in the dressing room?”

“I’d be upset if you didn’t. Raven is here, as well as a few of the other girls. Gary is watching over them like a hawk, as usual.”

I laugh. “Of course he is.” I head toward the door, turning around one last time. “Thanks again for everything.”

He shakes his head. “No thanks necessary. You work on your goals… And good luck with your guy. Remember, goals are important, but nothing is more important than love and family.”

“Trust me, I won’t forget.” With a wave, I head out of his office to say my goodbyes to the others.

Exiting Sinful Sirens for the last time, I finally pull out my phone, reading text after text from Tristan. He’s also called a few times.

My phone beeps again and I grin when I see his name.

Tristan: You should pay attention to your surroundings.

My head snaps up to see him leaning against the front of my car. His arms are folded across his chest, and his expression is indecipherable.

But I’m so happy to see him, I don’t care if he’s pissed.

I run to him, and he opens his arms seconds before I fling myself in them. He holds me as though he hasn’t seen me in days instead of a few hours.

Tilting my head back, I whisper, “What are you doing here?”

“When you didn’t respond to my calls or texts, I became worried. When I saw that you were here, I was pissed.” His expression is soft as he stares down at me.

“You’re tracking my phone? Then you followed me here?”

He stares at me from beneath lowered brows. “I’m not apologizing for it. Your safety is my top priority.”

Before he can say another word, I shut him up with a long, deep kiss. I moan as his fingers tangle in my hair, and he kisses me harder.

When we part, we’re breathing heavily. His lips curl into an infectious smile and his twinkling eyes make me feel like I’m floating on air. “Let’s get outta here. You deserve a foot and back massage before I make love to you all night.”

I squeeze his hand. “And they say the perfect man doesn’t exist. They’ve obviously never met you.”