Page 48 of Taste of Surrender

“Been wanting to do it for a while and figured what’s better than kicking off our tour with a proposal?”

“And if she says no?” I deadpanned.

“We both know that won’t happen.”

“So, what do you need me to do?”

“This is what I’m thinking …”

As I leftthe bus after changing into a black sleeveless shirt and jeans after sound check, I sniffed the air and instantly smelled the mouthwatering aroma of Jasper’s cooking. I made my way to where my bandmates and the Midnight Thunder guys were gathered around two long tables set up under a canopy and piling their plates high with everything Jasper and Garrett had made for us.

Elliott was the first to dig in as we sat at the table, his face lighting up as he took a bite of the grilled chicken. “Jasper, you’ve outdone yourself, man. This is incredible.”

Jasper grinned, putting a basket of rolls on the table. “Glad you like it. Figured you’d need a good meal before the show.”

I took a bite of the chicken and held back a moan. It was fucking grilled perfectly and almost melted in my mouth.

Silas took a bite of his roasted vegetables. “Good? This is the best meal I’ve had in weeks!”

Jesse clapped Jasper on the shoulder before taking a seat next to me. “Seriously, Jasper. I’m so glad you became a chef.”

As the guys continued to praise Jasper and devour his food, I saw an opportunity as he walked away and went to the barbecue where more chicken was grilling. I quickly finished my food and hurried over to him, but as I neared, I saw he was almost frozen in place and I was instantly on high alert.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“A bee,” he breathed.

I scanned the air and spotted the bee as it buzzed near the tray of grilled chicken beside the barbecue.

“Don’t move and it will fly away.”

“What if I get stung?”

“You won’t.” I picked up the tray of chicken and moved it to the other side of the plastic table. I grabbed aluminum foil and covered it. The bee flew off. “See?”

Jasper blew out a breath. “Thank you.”

“Always.” He flipped a few pieces of chicken and then I asked playfully, “So, do you have any more secret recipes you’re hiding from us because that chicken is bomb?”

He looked up, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Maybe a few. Why? You looking for some cooking lessons?”

“Depends,” I said, lowering my voice. “Do those lessons come with a naked chef?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Maybe.”

“Then I want all the private lessons.”

Just as Jasper was about to respond, the sound of heels clicking against the pavement drew our attention. Savannah walked over, her eyes flicking between Jasper and me.

“Hey, Malachi,” she greeted. “The fans are getting antsy, and we need to give them a little show, remember?”

The night before, her agent had called and told her the game plan for before the concert. She was supposed to go out and doautographs and asked me to go too to play up the boyfriend act for pictures.

I sighed, the moment with Jasper slipping away. “Right. The whole ‘happy couple’ act.”

Savannah looped her arm through mine, something I was quickly learning she did a lot of. “We’ve got to give the people what they want.”

What about what I wanted?