“Samantha…”
“Leo, I’m not thinking about the L.A. job because that’s where you’re based out of, if that’s what makes you nervous. I may not even get the job, but they called, want to fly me there next week, and I’m going.”
“That’s what you think?”
“I just…”
“Sam, I just don’t want you to take a job that you don’t really want. There’s no reason for you to.”
I shake my head and rub my forehead with my fingertips. “I don’t do anything I don’t want to.”
“Yeah, no shit.”
“Like I said, I might not get it. It’s good practice for the interview process.”
“Hey.” He takes my hand in his and kisses my knuckles. “You’ll be great. They’d be stupid not to scoop you up.”
“Thank you.” I offer him a small smile. He still looks upset, but not angry. “How did it go with the band today?”
“It was good to hang out for a while and talk shop.”
“How are they doing?”
“Good. Enjoying their time off.” He pulls into Will and Meg’s driveway and cuts the engine.
“Why did you sound nervous about bringing me here tonight?” I ask when he turns to me in the dark car.
“Because I’d rather be at your place, or mine, alone with you.” He runs his hand down my face and cups my cheek gently. “I missed you last night.”
“Me too,” I whisper.
“Let’s get this over with so we can leave and I can lose myself in you for about ten hours.”
Damn, I love it when he says stuff like that. I feel the same way; when I’m with him, I lose myself in him.
“Can I lick your stars?” I ask and laugh when his eyes dilate and his breathing quickens.
“Fuck, you can lick anything you want.”
“We’ll start with the stars.”
“Get out now, or I’ll take you back home.”
He escorts me to the door, his hand on my low back, and as we wait for our hosts to answer the door, he leans in and whispers against my ear, “As soon as I get you home, I’m going to fuck you until you can’t walk.”
I swallow hard, but grin sassily. “Promises, promises.”
He swats my ass just as the door opens and spreads his arms for Meg to give him a big hug.
“Hey, Mag-pie.”
“Hi, jerk.” She snuggles into him for a minute, and then backs away and smiles over at me. “Any diaper mishaps lately?”
“No.” I shudder and follow her inside. “I think I’ll leave the babysitting to my mom.”
“You’ll learn.” Meg grins.
“Hey, you’re here!” Will looks delicious in his jeans and football t-shirt.
Will looks delicious in anything.
“Thanks for inviting us,” Leo responds and shakes his hand.
“Come into the kitchen.” Meg turns to lead us through the house to their pretty kitchen. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
I help her set the table and fill wine glasses.
“This smells delicious.” She’s prepared salmon with a rice pilaf and salad, and my stomach growls. “I haven’t eaten today.”
“Why haven’t you eaten?” Leo asks from across the room.
“Because I had the meeting this morning, and then I went shopping and I guess I forgot.”
“I do that too.” Meg nods. “I made a ton of food, so please eat it up.”
“You can count on me.” I assure her and we all claim a seat at the table and begin dishing up.
“So Meg,” Leo slides a big piece of salmon onto my plate and then one onto his. “What are your plans for your birthday?”
“The Montgomerys do a monthly birthday party for all the members of the family with a birthday that month, so we’ll do that.” She shrugs like its no big deal, but her eyes are happy.
She loves her birthday.
“I’m buying her a new car to finally replace that piece of shit that broke down on her a few months ago,” Will adds and Meg shifts uncomfortably in her chair.
I feel Leo stiffen beside me.
“Why were you driving a piece of shit, Megan?” He asks her, his voice low.
“Because it’s what I could afford.” She takes a sip of wine, not meeting anyone’s eyes. Will frowns down at her.
“That’s bullshit,” Leo snaps at her.
Will turns his confused gaze to Leo’s. “No it’s not.”
Leo shakes his head and drops his fork to his plate. “Meg, I know for a fact that you could have bought anything you wanted. I made sure that you were set up to receive your fifty percent of the royalties from all the songs we co-wrote on the past two albums.”
I can’t help the gasp that escapes my lungs as my eyes widen and watch Meg’s cheeks go red with embarrassment.
“What?” Will demands.
“Where is the money?” Leo asks.
“I donated it.” She shrugs and continues to look down at her plate.
“Fucking A,” Leo mutters under his breath and runs his hand down his face. “You mean to tell me that I spent the better part of fifteen years of my life taking care of you, and I’m gone for a couple of years, and while I’m making millions you’re living paycheck to paycheck? What the fuck, Megan?”
“I didn’t want the money!” She yells back at him and glares at him from across the table. “I just wanted you and you left and I was pissed!”
“So you gave away millions of dollars? Money that you needed?”
“I didn’t need it.” She shakes her head stubbornly.
“Babe,” Will drops his arm around her shoulders. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”
She just shrugs again, and Will’s face twists in pain.
“Okay, stop guys.” I interrupt and three pairs of eyes, eyes filled with hurt and love, turn to me. “It’s done. You can’t change it.” I take Leo’s hand in mine and stare up at him. “She loves you, and she missed you,” I whisper.
He clenches his eyes shut and then looks back down at me, his gray eyes full of worry. He releases my hand and wraps that arm around my shoulders and pulls me close to plant that magical mouth on mine, devouring me, and I forget that we’re not alone.
“That looks like a good idea,” I hear Will whisper, and assume he’s kissing the shit out of Meg.