Текст книги "Music of the Heart"

Автор книги: Katie Ashley

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Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

I laughed. “Oh please, that’s so not true.”

“Yeah, right. You don’t know how many times I got the ‘You’re not from ‘round here are ya, boy,’ ” AJ drawled in his best hick voice.

I smacked his arm. “I call bullshit, AJ. My redneck family are some of the best people you know and don’t deny it.”

AJ grinned. “Okay, so maybe I enjoyed being in the boonies a little too much with Jake.”

“Yep, I taught his sissy, city boy ass to hunt, fish, and rope cattle.”

Abby’s mouth gaped open. “You have cows too?”

“Naw, my Papa does.”

AJ nudged Abby. “Did you hear that? Every once and awhile, Jake will slip up and sound like a total country bumpkin.”

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”

Abby smiled. “I like the Southern drawl. I mean, I was twelve when we moved back to the states, so I really can’t call myself a Texan but I sure do love it there. My dad’s brother has this huge ranch that’s out in the middle of nowhere. I could spend days just wandering around the fields and wading through the creeks, feeding the cows, and petting the horses.” A little shiver went through her. “I swear that one day I’ll conquer my fear about getting back on one.”

I stared at her for a moment, taking in the sincerity of her words. I’d never, ever met a girl who sounded like she loved the backwoods as much as I did. “You won’t have much time for ranches if you start headlining with your brothers.”

Her expression darkened a little. “Tell me about it. They’re going to put us on a grueling tour in the fall. I can’t even remember how many cities are on it. We’ll barely get home for Christmas.” She sighed. “That’s not the life I see for myself. For the first time in my life, I have some roots, and I want it to stay that way.” Her cheeks reddened a little as she added, “Not to mention wanting a home of my own and kids.”

AJ chuckled. “You want all that now?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” She cocked her head at him. “You think I’m too young to be married and have kids?”

At the same time, Rhys, AJ, and I in perfect unison replied, “Absolutely.”

She rolled her eyes. “Considering the sources, I’ll choose to ignore that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

Billie Jean, along with another waitress, interrupted the conversation by bringing our food. Once they left the table, Abby leaned in on her elbows and pinned me with a hard stare. “It means that you three are out for nothing but no-strings-attached sex. You can’t imagine anyone wanting more than just one night stands or meaningless hook-ups. I’m sure if I asked Brayden, he would feel differently.”

Bray winked at Abby. “But I’m probably not the best person to ask. I’ve always been an old soul. Lily and I married when we were your age, and Jude came a year later.” A genuine smiled formed on his lips. “I wouldn’t take anything—not the stardom, the fan adulation, or the money—for what my family means to me.”

Abby’s expression melted at his words, and she practically puddled at his feet. “Aw, that’s so sweet.” She reached over and patted his arm. “I sure hope I have what you do some day.”

“You will. Just be patient. The right guy will come along—one who accepts everything about you and respects your boundaries and your character.”

Abby gave Bray a beaming smile. “Thank you.”

At the mention of her ‘boundaries’, there was a question I had to ask. “So Angel—”

She huffed out an exaggerated breath. “Do you all really have to keep calling me that?”

“Fine. Abby,” I began with a grin. “Is what you claimed earlier really true? You know, about being a virgin, or were you just shitting us to try and steer us from getting in your pants?”

“Jake,” Brayden warned.

I held my hands up. “What’s wrong with asking a simple question for clarification?”

“Because part of your bet with Abby entailed you being a gentleman, and last time I checked, a gentleman doesn’t question a woman’s past or lack thereof.”

Abby shook her head. “It’s okay, Brayden. I don’t mind answering the question.” She stared straight into my eyes. “Yes, it’s true that I’m a virgin.”

“Damn,” AJ muttered.

“But how is that humanly possible?” Rhys questioned.

Abby laughed. “Mainly because I have a strong belief system, but I also have pretty high standards.”

I glanced down at her hand. “So where’s your purity ring then?”

Her cheeks flushed a little. “Well, I don’t wear one because they mean you’re waiting for marriage, and I don’t necessarily believe in that.”

“You don’t?” I pressed.

“I did when I was younger, but for now, it’s more about me waiting until I’m in love.”

I furrowed my brows. “So all it’ll take is for you to fall in love with some dude, and you’ll give it up? Just like that?” I snapped my fingers for effect.

“You say that like it’s something easy. To fall in love with someone deeply and then have them love you back is truly a miracle.”

“Then it sounds like you’ll be holding on to your V-card for a while, Angel.”

She shrugged. “We’ll see. I just know it’ll all be worth the wait.”

“Good for you, Abby,” Brayden said, through a mouthful of steak.

With a disgusted grunt, I replied, “That’s all peachy for you, but I gotta say more power to the guy. Me, I could never get it up for a virgin.”

Abby gasped and dropped her hamburger. “You liar!”

“Excuse me?”

“Y-You totally were…well, you know, this morning in bed with me,” she sputtered.

Swallowing a mouthful of my chili dog, I rolled my eyes. “That’s because at first I thought you were Bree who is always showing up to bang me when we’re on the road.”

Poking her finger in my chest, she countered, “Oh no, you kept coming on to me when you turned on the light and saw it wasn’t Bree.” She pursed her lips. “I may not know a lot, but I do know what that was.”

The guys snickered to which I shook my head. “Sorry, Angel, but it’s still a void point. At the time, I had no idea you were a virgin. Had I known then what I know now, my hard-on would’ve been withering fast.”

AJ snorted. “Oh come on, Jake. That’s a bunch of bullshit. Any guy that looks at Abby, virgin or not, would totally get a boner.”

“Um, thanks…I think,” Abby replied.

With a wink, AJ said, “Just know I would have no problem, mi amor. Any time or any place.”

“Or me either,” Rhys added. He licked his lips suggestively at Abby.

She let out a frustrated puff of breath. “I cannot believe we’re discussing this least of all that I’m about to say thank you, AJ and Rhys, for admitting you could…well, you know, even for a virgin.” She glanced at Brayden who widened his eyes.

Holding his hands up defensively, he quickly argued, “I can’t comment on this conversation.”

Abby’s cheeks reddened at his comment. “Oh no, I didn’t mean for you to!” She then buried her head in her hands. “This is so mortifying.”

Bray shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. “I will say this though.” Abby tentatively raised her head to peek at him. “My wife, Lily, was a virgin.” He gave a sheepish grin. “We both were.”

“Really?” Abby questioned.

He nodded. “It never bothered me that she hadn’t been with anyone else.”

I grunted. “Yeah, because you were a horny sixteen-year-old dude who didn’t know any better.”

Bray narrowed his eyes at me. “Yeah, well, there was that year we broke up right when the band hit, and I banged everything that moved, trying to forget how much I loved and needed Lily.” A fierce expression spread over his face. “But none of those experiences hold a candle to making love to Lily, and she’s only ever been with me. Yeah we might’ve been two fumbling teenagers back in the day, but nothing was fucking sexier than us discovering it all together.”

I stared at Brayden in shock. I’d never heard him speak so passionately about sex with Lily. He usually was very guarded and threatened to kick our asses when we alluded to anything involving them getting it on. His favorite thing to do was to growl, “That’s my wife, fucker!” or “That’s the mother of my children!” when we made dickhead comments about Lily being a MILF.

“Wow,” Abby murmured at Bray’s statement.

He grinned at her. “Sorry, I got a little carried away there.”

She shook her head. “No, I appreciated it, and I’m sure Lily would, too.”

I exhaled noisily. “Regardless of what you three dickwads say, I hold firm to my claim that I wouldn’t or couldn’t get it up for a virgin.” When Abby cocked her head at me, I said, “Fine then. I couldn’t knowingly, how’s that?”

She bit down on her lip and turned her head from me. The table fell into an awkward silence before Abby muttered, “Um, I’ll be right back.” She practically fell out of her chair and sprinted from the table.

After downing the rest of my beer, I glanced up to see the guys glaring at me. “What?”

Brayden leaned forward so far across the table that his elbows bumped into mine. “You’re an utter and complete asshole for hurting her feelings about the virgin thing.”

“I’m a dick for telling the truth?”

AJ snorted contemptuously at me. “It’s called a fucking filter, man. Try using it from time to time.”

When I glanced at Rhys, he narrowed his eyes. “So not cool to make Abby feel bad about herself, especially when she’s as smoking hot as she is.”

I opened my mouth to argue when the screech of the karaoke microphone being tapped drew my attention to the stage. Gazing out at us, Abby gave me a sickeningly, sweet smile. Immediately my stomach churned, and I knew I was in trouble at being publically called out for being a douchebag.

“I hope you all don’t mind me singing again.”

The scattered group of truckers whistled and hooted appreciatively, which caused Abby to grin and breathlessly say, “Thank you.” Gripping the microphone tighter, she said, “It’s just that I really would like to win a bet tonight, and singing this song is the only way I see being able to do it.” Once again her blue eyes locked with mine. “Jake, this one is for you.”

She nodded at the DJ who pressed the play button on the music. It took all of two seconds for me to recognize the opening bass thumps. “Oh fuck,” I murmured as Like a Virgin began blaring throughout the bar. As soon as some of the inebriated truckers realized the song, they hollered and clapped their hands.

From the minute she started singing, it was like Abby sent a direct beam of lust straight to me. I mean, I knew I put on an act when I was on stage, so the fact she was a performer should have made her behavior less believable. But damn was she convincing as a temptress. Every shimmy and shake of her luscious body, every time she tossed her head back and ran her fingers through her hair, every slinky step she took and thrust of her hips was driving me fucking insane.

If I thought I was stunned, the other guys were open-mouthed and wide-eyed at her performance. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught AJ gulping down his beer like a man dying of thirst. Even Brayden was eying Abby in a way I hadn’t seen in years—although it was a helluva lot more innocent than how AJ, Rhys, and I were ogling.

Shifting in my seat, I knew it wasn’t going to be long before I lost the bet. I glanced down and glared at my traitorous dick. When I peeked up at Abby again, a pained noise escaped my lips as all hell broke loose below my belt with what I saw. Sinking down to her knees, she then began doing the unthinkable. She started crawling towards the end of the stage—never missing a beat or lyric. Sitting below her, I had a straight shot down the front of her dress with an epic view at her fabulous rack. When she reached the end of the stage, she swung her legs around, and for a brief moment, I got a flash of her upper thighs before she let her legs dangle off the edge.

She hopped down and slunk over to our table. Without a glance at the other guys, she gave me a seductive crook of her finger. I shook my head and grinned, trying to make her believe she was having no effect on me, which was a fucking lie. But Abby wasn’t having any of it. She strode over to me as she ran her hand over her hips and ass as she sang about being touched for the first time. Her fingers then slid through my hair and across to cup my cheek before playfully smacking it.

Just when I thought she was headed back to the stage, she backed up and straddled me. A hiss escaped my lips as she started moving her ass across my crotch. I couldn’t help throwing my head back and groaning. I’d been given expert lap dances in my day from some of the highest paid strippers in the business. Abby was clumsy and didn’t know exactly how to ride me to give my dick the most pleasure, but damn, if I couldn’t feel her hot, little center burning through my jeans. I had been at half-mast before, but I figured at any minute with her moaning the oohing and aahing parts of the song I would be busting out of my zipper.

Even in her non-existent experience, she knew what was up, no pun intended. With the song still playing, Abby glanced over her shoulder and shot me a triumphant look. “Do you now concede to all the guys that you knowingly and willingly got it up for a virgin, or should I continue?”

Although my dick would have enjoyed her continuing the half-hearted attempt at a lap dance, I shook my head. “Okay, Angel, you win.”

As AJ and Rhys clapped and cat-called, Abby started to slide off my lap. When she did, I grabbed her arm and spun her around to where she was straddling me again, but this time we were face to face. A startled look flashed in her dark blue eyes. I leaned in closer to her. My breath tickled her earlobe, and she shivered. “So you got me all hot and bothered. Art thou now to leave me so unsatisfied?”

Her chest rose and fell in heavy pants. “You’re quoting Romeo and Juliet?”

“Why do you act so surprised?”

“You didn’t strike me much as the kind of guy who liked to read, least of all Shakespeare.”

“I’m full of surprises, Angel.” My hands gripped her hips tighter. “Just get to know me a little better.”

Abby rolled her eyes. “Did you seriously just use a bad pick-up line on me?”

“Who says it was a line? Maybe I do want you to get to know me better.” When she quirked her eyebrows, I laughed. “And not just in the biblical sense.”

“With everything you know about me and not having sex, you still want to get to know me?”

For reasons I didn’t begin to understand, I nodded. “Yeah, I do.”

She stared at me like she expected any minute for me to go, “Gotcha! Just kidding!” But when I didn’t, a slow smile spread on her face.

“Okay, I can try to let you get to know me.” She nibbled her bottom lip, which did nothing for my hard-on. “And I might as well give you a try, too.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” I shifted in my chair. “Would you like to get off my lap now? Your little performance has left me needing another bathroom break.”

Her cheeks flushed when she thought she got my meaning. “Not very gentlemanly to admit that to me.”

I laughed. “I’m talking about dousing some cold water on it, Angel. Give me a little credit not to go jerk-off in some diner bathroom.”

Now the pink tinge in her cheeks spread to her neck. “Oh, uh, okay.” She quickly hopped off my lap, and without another look at me, eased back down in her chair. Winking at the guys, I said, “I’ll be right back.” I tossed my phone to AJ. “Go ahead and text Frank that we’re ready and settle the check.”

“Will do,” AJ replied.

I had almost reached the bathroom when someone grabbed the back of my shirt and jerked me hard. “The fuck?” I cried, stumbling backward as I was pulled into a darkened room and the door slammed shut. “Um, what the hell?”

The light flashed on to reveal a grinning Billie Jean. As she leaned back against the door, I heard the distinct click of the lock. She then stepped forward. “I didn’t recognize you at first, but now I know who you are.”

I quirked my brows at her. “And who is that?”

“Jake Slater of Runaway Train.”

“Yep, that’s me.”

Her gaze left mine to take in the half-mast bulge in my pants. “Looks like you have a little problem.” She laughed. “I guess I should say a big problem.” Her eyes, filled with desire, met mine. “I’d give anything to take care of that for you.”

Oh shit. This was so not happening. How was it possible I had a hot babe wanting to screw me not ten feet away from the virgin I’d just asked to give me a chance to be a gentleman? This was all shades of fucked up. As the room closed around me, I knew I needed to get out fast.

When I started for the door, Billie Jean sidestepped me. “Please?”

My cock twitched at her persistence. It had obviously had enough teasing for one evening. Trying to clear my mind, I shook my head. “Yeah, well, my ride is coming in about two minutes, so I don’t have time to fuck you.”

Her fingers came to the zipper of my jeans. I shuddered as she took my erection in her hand. “I’d be happy just being able to say I sucked Jake Slater off.”

“I really need to go,” I argued feebly as she sank to her knees. When she took me deep inside her warm mouth, I groaned. There was no more arguing—I just gave in and got off in the dingy storeroom surrounded by extra napkins and ketchup packets.

Any pleasure I’d gotten out of the experience was fleeting in the moments after I came. I actually felt dirty and used for the first time in my entire life, and that was saying a lot. What the hell was I thinking? I wanted to get to know Abby not get blown by some random waitress in a storeroom. My head fell back against a box of salt, and I sighed with disgust.

When Billie Jean rose off the floor, I couldn’t even look at her. “Thanks sugar,” she said.

“Yeah, whatever,” I mumbled as I headed for the door. I was zipping up my fly and adjusting my junk when I bumped into Abby in the hallway.

Warmth flooded her cheeks at my actions. “Oh hey, do you know where the bathrooms are?” she asked.

In that brief instant, she totally misread the situation. But when Billie Jean appeared behind me, Abby glanced between us, and then her eyes widened. It was like a light bulb had gone off in her brain, and she knew without a shadow of a doubt that the hard-on she’d caused earlier had just been taken care of by Billie Jean—the bitchy waitress who refused to speak to her.

Abby stared at me and gave a gentle shake of her head. “You wanted to get to know me, huh?”

“Abby, I’m—”

“Where’s the ladies room?” she demanded of Billie Jean.

“Down the hall.”

Averting her gaze to the floor, Abby mumbled, “Thank you.”

Motherfuckingshit! I had so screwed up.

***

When I shut myself into the grungy bathroom stall, I fought to keep my emotions in check. I felt like I was on a defective Merry-Go– Round. One minute Jake is showing interest in me and the next hooking up with some random waitress. What the hell was his deal? I guess the better question was what was my deal? Why in the world was I remotely interested in some asshole who would do that? I had to be delusional to think that someone like Jake Slater would actually be interested in me or be willing to give up his manwhore existence.

“I’m so stupid!” I exclaimed.

Once I finished in the bathroom, I drew in a deep breath before heading outside. I half expected Jake to be waiting on me to try and talk or explain himself, but once again, he disappointed me. Instead, he sat at the table with his chin propped up on one of his hands while the other guys talked and laughed.

As I eased down at the table, I didn’t dare look over at him. It was too embarrassing. I tried occupying myself with my phone. But I felt his eyes burning into me. Then the heat from his body grew closer as he leaned over, causing me to hold my breath. “Angel, about what happened back there—”

He was interrupted by his phone ringing. One glance at the caller ID and he tumbled out of his chair.

“Dude, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Sally,” Jake replied before he stalked out of the restaurant.

Even though I hated myself for it, I asked, “Who is Sally?”

“His aunt,” AJ replied with a grimace. He then downed the last of his beer before adding, “I sure hope that means nothing is wrong with his mom.”

I then followed the guys out of the restaurant. Frank hadn’t arrived yet, so we stood under the awning waiting for him. Peering into the night, I caught sight of Jake’s form. His phone was pressed tight to his ear while he was pacing around the parking lot. With his free hand, he gesticulated wildly. Whatever it was his aunt was saying was obviously very upsetting to him. Just as he finished the phone call, the familiar black SUV came screeching into the parking lot.

“Jake!” AJ called.

Without responding, he came stalking over to us. This time he didn’t bother opening the door or helping me inside. Instead, he disappeared into the backseat without a word to anyone.

I hopped inside and then chewed on the inside of my cheek. Should I forget what an asshat he had been earlier and at least check on him? Although part of me wanted to tell him where to get off, I finally bit the bullet and turned back in my seat to look at him. His expression was dark as he stared ahead. “Everything okay?” I tentatively asked.

“Fine,” he muttered.

Realizing he wasn’t in the mood to talk, I eased around in my seat and looked out the windshield. While the guys were loud and boisterous on the way back, Jake didn’t say a word. Once the SUV came to a stop in front of the bus, he hopped out and pounded up the front steps.

“What bug is up his ass, I wonder?” Rhys questioned before getting out.

The boys had all filed out of the SUV when Frank touched my shoulder. I turned back to him in surprise. “Abby, I know Jake, and from the way he was acting, I’m worried that something bad has happened with his family. He doesn’t open up easily, but if you can, please try to find out what’s going on with him.”

“But you saw he wouldn’t say two words to me earlier.”

“I know. But please, keep trying.”

“Fine, I’ll try.” I got out of the SUV and headed onto the bus. While the other guys were lounging around in the living area, Jake was noticeably absent. I craned my neck around to see if he had slipped into the bathroom.

“Where’s Jake?” I asked as the bus driver started up the engine.

“He got his iPod and hit the bed.”

A glance at the clock on the microwave showed it was only eight. I couldn’t imagine a guy like Jake going to bed so early. I decided I better change the subject. “Speaking of, where will I be sleeping tonight?”

“It’s my night for the bed, but I’ll totally give it to you,” Rhys offered.

“No, no, I don’t want any special treatment. I’m serious about the bet and experiencing all aspects of life on the road. I’ve slept in a roost before, and I can do it again.”

AJ grinned. “Let me guess though. You’d prefer a bottom bunk.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I like to be close to the ground. A couple of years back I was on the top bunk when we got in a bad hail storm. The bus skidded on the slick roads, and I fell out.”

“Then the first bottom bunk is yours, Abby,” Brayden said with a smile.

“Thank you.”

He motioned to the couch. “We were just about to watch a movie if you’d like to join us.”

“Nothing NC-17 I hope?” I teased.

Brayden laughed. “No, maybe a little R-rated Will Ferrell comedy. Would that be okay?”

“If it’s Ricky Bobby, you got a deal.”

“Great minds think alike.”

“Just let me get changed.” As I walked back to the bedroom, I paused outside of Jake’s roost. “Jake?” I tentatively asked. When he didn’t respond, I kept on going. Even though I pushed my luggage and guitar case against the door, I tore off my dress at record speed. I then threw on my ratty Jacob’s Ladder’s t-shirt and my yoga pants from earlier. I slid my hair into a ponytail and then headed back out.

The opening of the movie was already playing when I eased down beside Brayden on the couch. Even though we’d probably all seen the movie a million times, we were laughing hysterically. I had to admit that it was fun hanging out with the guys sans Jake. His absence seemed to take the pressure off, and AJ and Rhys behaved like brothers, rather than potential lovers.

After they started Step-Brothers, the exhaustion of the day, coupled with the lull of the bus, caused me to get drowsy. My eyes grew heavier and heavier until I finally nodded off. When I woke up, the movie was ending, and my head was on Brayden’s shoulder. I jerked away from him. “Oh, I’m so, so sorry!”

He smiled. “It’s okay. You were tired.” He glanced over at the other guys. “We should probably get our asses in bed. Tomorrow is another long day of traveling before the next show.”

Once we all took turns using the bathroom, we settled into our roosts. I glanced down at my phone and fielded a few texts from the boys. Thankfully, my parents were at a conference with packed events, so the boys had yet to break the news to them until a few hours before about my mishap. Because it was so late, I didn’t get a wrath-filled phone call like I normally would have.

Instead, it was a barrage of heated texts from my dad that if he hadn’t been a minister would have equated to “What the hell do you think you’re doing on a bus with a bunch of horny rockers?” My mom, who was always the peacemaker, was included in the messages and tried reasoning with my father, which was pretty hilarious considering they were in the same room.

Finally, I went for the jugular by telling him as a minister, he shouldn’t be so judgmental. After a lengthy pause, he finally responded with You’re right, Abigail. We know you have a good head on your shoulders. Just make sure you let your conscience and your moral compass guide you.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at the epic guilt trip laid at my feet. Instead, I quickly typed back, Of course I will. I’ll see you guys in a week.

My parents were flying in to see my first performance with the boys. I was supposed to have had this week as preparation, but now I would be heading right off the bus and to my first show. I gulped down the rising bile in my throat at the thought.

After telling them goodnight, I laid my phone down and settled in the cramped quarters. Just as I closed my eyes, a long groan came from close to my head. It took me about two seconds to decipher that I was way too close to Jake for comfort. Each and every time I started to doze off, Jake would make a noise, and I would be wide awake again.

I fluffed my pillow for what felt like the millionth time and tried ignoring the sounds coming from Jake’s bunk. Heat flooded my face when the whimpers and groans escalated. Jeez, it sounds like something off a porno! With my brothers, I had a pretty good mind what he was doing, and it infuriated me, especially after what had happened earlier with Billie Jean.

They all swore to me they’d be perfect gentlemen if I stayed on the bus with them! I silently fumed. What kind of sex-fiend maniac is Jake that he needs to do that again after just getting off at the diner? I don’t care if he needs to relieve some stress after the phone call earlier. This is bullshit!

Flopping back down on the mattress, I crossed my arms over my chest before a frustrated grunt escaped my lips.

“¿No puedes dormir, Angel?” AJ’s deep voice questioned from behind my curtain.

I flipped back the heavy fabric. He reclined on his bunk, flipping through a sports magazine. “No, I can’t sleep with all the racket going on next to me.”

He met my gaze and grinned. “Don’t get the sexy, lacy panties I dream about you wearing in a twist. He isn’t jerking off.”

“That’s not what I was thinking.”

“Yeah right,” he snorted with a wink.

As if on cue, Jake let out a long moan. I shook my head. “Um well, if he’s not doing that, then is he okay?”

“He’s been having a lot of nightmares lately. I try to ignore it—let him save face and not look like a pussy.”

I rolled my eyes. “Did you ever stop to think maybe you should ask him if something is going on with him?”

AJ quirked his brows at me. “If I started getting sappy and shit like that, Jake would ask me when I grew a vagina.”

“Well, I think someone should check on him. I mean, he sounds like he’s in both physical and emotional pain.”

When AJ didn’t move, I heaved an exasperated sigh before hopping out of my bunk. I could not believe after everything I had been through with Jake so far in the last twelve hours that I even had one shred of care left for him. But I had seen something within him—some flicker of decency—that made me worry and care about him, even when I shouldn’t.

I shot AJ a murderous look to which he held up his hands. “Look, mi amor, guys just don’t do the touchy-feely shit, okay? If I woke up Jake right now to cuddle him, he would get super pissed.”

I ignored him and tip-toed over to Jake. With trembling fingers, I opened the heavy curtain to his roost. Jake had the sheet twisted around his waist. A coat of sweat covered his heavily tattooed chest. His brow creased, and his mouth curved up in a grimace. My hand hesitated above his shoulder. Finally, I shook him gently. “Jake, wake up,” I urged softly.

His body jerked before his wild eyes popped open and swept across the top of the bunk.

“Shh, it’s okay,” I murmured.

Jake’s frantic gaze swept over to mine while he opened his mouth and gasped for breath.

I gave him a reassuring smile while rubbing his shoulder. “You were having a nightmare.”

Jake continued wheezing in air. I eased back as he swung his legs out of the bunk and onto the carpet. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he leaned forward and put his head in his hands. “I’m sorry I woke you,” he replied.

With my protective side shooting into overdrive, I scooted closer to him, bringing my hand to his hair. Gently, I ran my fingers through the dark, sweat-stained strands, pushing them out of his eyes. “You didn’t wake me. I was worried about you.”

His head jerked up as surprise flooded his face. “You were?”

I nodded. “You seemed a little down after your phone call with your aunt. Then with the nightmare.” I glanced up at AJ who was curiously watching us. “I know most of the guys aren’t men enough to handle emotions and issues—”

AJ snorted. “Those are your words, not mine.”

“Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I’m here for you. If you need to talk about something or if you just need someone to sit with you until you can go back to sleep, then I’m here.”

With wide eyes and his mouth gaping open, Jake stared at me for a moment like I had grown horns. Realizing I wasn’t getting anywhere with him, I held up my hands. “Or I can just leave you alone and go back to sleep. Either is fine.”