I pull her into my arms and kiss her long enough for a car to honk ’cause we’re standing in the street.
We head toward our hotel. I’m just about to ask her if she wants to grab a bite to eat when her phone starts ringing. Her eyes widen when she sees the name. “It’s Frank.”
Damn. Guess my time is up. “Tell him I’m on my way.”
I only hear her end of the conversation. “Um. He’s not here anymore, Frank. He just left. He’s headed there now.” When she hangs up, she shoos me. “He’s pissed. Go. Hurry.”
“You’re not good at lying, huh?”
“I’m a terrible liar. Get back to rehearsal before everyone blames me for you not being there.” She points the wrong way.
“I’m walking you back to our hotel first. What kind of monster do you think I am? Like I’m gonna let my woman walk through the dark streets of Dallas by herself? Come on, now.” What if that psycho Cherry Smasher is hanging around? I’d never forgive myself if something happened to my sweet Aurora.
“Then let’s hurry.” She starts running in heels.
“Hold up, darlin’.” I scoop her up in my arms before she breaks an ankle and continue jogging down the street. “This is the advantage of dating a country boy. We’re sturdy as fuck.”
“Jace! Put me down! You could hurt yourself.”
“Nonsense. I’ve picked up two-hundred-pound calves, and you’re much lighter.” I smack her ass. “Cuter too.” When we reach our hotel, I set her down.
Laughing, she shakes her head and smooths down her dress before she runs her hand over my tie. “You must’ve been a menace as a child.”
I hold out my arms. “How’d you know?” Damn, I hate that I have to leave right now. “I’m sure I’ll be late tonight. I’ll text you if I find my phone. Otherwise, if you need anything, text Frank.”
She nods and gives me a sweet smile. “As horrible as tonight could have been, you made everything better. I actually had fun.”
I rub my nose against hers. “I had fun too, baby.” I pause. “There’s something I need to give you.” Patting my coat pockets,I find the little container and hand it to her. “Here’s some mace I got from a roadie. If anyone fucks with you, spray the asshole.”
Nodding, she tucks it into her purse. “Thanks for thinking of me.”
“Always.” I pull her into my arms.
“Good luck at your rehearsal.”
I’m about to kiss her goodbye when a familiar voice makes me freeze. “Jace!” Fucking Marlowe. “Isn’t it nice that we’re all staying at the same hotel? Are you headed to the studio too? Want to share my Uber?” She smiles innocently at Rory before she hooks her arm in mine.
I shake her off, like I’m stretching. “Nah. It’s okay.”
She shrugs. “Okay. See y’all later.” She waits for her ride near the curb.
Rory nudges me. “Go catch that Uber. It’ll be faster than whatever you’re planning.”
“Who says I have a plan?” I was gonna call an Uber, but I’d need my phone for that. The studio’s five blocks away.
She rolls her eyes and pushes me toward Marlowe. Pausing, I turn back to her. “Are you sure?”
Leaning up on her toes, she kisses me. “Go. Before Frank fires me.”
I caress her beautiful face, hoping I can prove that she’ll always be able to trust me. If she doesn’t care that I’m going with Marlowe, that feels like a win.
Walking backward, I shake my head. “Frank can’t fire you.”
Over my dead body.
42
RORY