The Rocker's Muse

“She did. She managed to wait until I got home, though. But then she couldn’t hold it in anymore.”

“At least she waited until then. I didn’t want to upset you or distract you from your work.”

“It doesn’t upset me to see you.” She smiled. “I’m glad you’re here.”

I still had no idea what that really meant. “Fuck, I’m so tense right now.” I let out a long breath. “I didn’t think I’d be this nervous. But I’m so damn glad you’re okay with me being here.”

“Tristan…” she whispered, placing her hand on my cheek.

I took her hand in mine and kissed it. “I missed you,” I said, my voice hoarse. “So much.”

“I missed you, too.” She turned toward her door. “Come in.”

“Thank you.” I followed and wiped my feet at the entrance before stepping inside.

I looked around. Everything was freshly painted and new. “Cute place.”

“Thank you. It’s obviously a rental. But the rent is very reasonable for a house.”

“Where is your roommate now—what’s her name?”

“Cami. She works at a casino most nights. So she just left.”

“Ah. Do you always have a roommate?”

She nodded. “I couldn’t afford it otherwise.”

Right. Not everyone has money coming out of their ears, asshole.

I’d buy her a house if she’d let me. But something told me she wouldn’t accept it and might think the gesture was a little crazy.

There was a cream-colored sofa with flower-patterned throw pillows and a small coffee table with some candles and a coffee table book. In the corner was a large white bookshelf with the spines of books arranged by color.

“Are those your books?”

She shook her head. “Cami’s. She’s a huge bibliophile.”

“You get along with her?”

“Yeah. She’s really nice.”

“Well, I’m glad it’s working out.”

Silence filled the air as we stared at each other for a moment. Despite my nerves, I wanted to kiss her. But that wasn’t the plan for today. Nowhere near it.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you until after Europe,” she said.

“I figured, but I couldn’t wait that long. But I did my best to respect your wishes for as long as I could.”

“When do you have to be in Europe?”

“I have a three-week break. Everyone else is already there. But I opted not to sightsee with them and all that crap. It was more important that I get to see you, rest my voice, and get my head in gear.”

She nodded. “I see…”

Her breathing quickened, and she suddenly didn’t seem to know what to do with her hands. She’d gone from cool as a cucumber to the total opposite in a matter of seconds.

The need to comfort her overtook my vow to respect her personal space. I took her hand. “It’s just me, Emily. You don’t have to be nervous. There’s nothing you can’t tell me.”