upward into a small smile. His head dips a bit closer to me and his hands squeeze mine gently. “I thought maybe asking you to be our photographer would make you feel a bit more comfortable. You can take pictures of us over the next few weeks for us to use on our website and album covers and posters. I’ve seen your work. You’ll do a great job.”
I clear my throat to say something; anything. This man is insane. He saw one stack of photographs and thinks I’m someone who can take pictures of them?
“So, you want me to travel with you. And the photography gig is just an excuse to get me closer?”
I see his eyes flicker from cautious to hopeful. He leans back against the couch and throws his arms along the back of it. He looks like he couldn’t be any more relaxed. “Pretty much. What do you think?”
Two hours ago I was explaining to this guy how my husband and son died, and now he is asking me to go on tour. It is the strangest turn of events I could have imagined.
“I...” I have no clue what I’m actually thinking. I can’t. I have clients, and photography appointments and deadlines to make. I can’t just uproot my life for almost a month. It’s irresponsible, and not normal.
But...travel with a band? That would have been my dream when I was twenty. I can practically hear Mark screaming at me, “DO IT! DO IT!” I’m terrified at just the thought of it; but yet, strangely, a little bit excited. And I absolutely don’t want to say good-bye to him, either.
“I don’t know. I need some time to think about this.”
He nods as if he seems to understand the internal struggle I’m facing and stands up to leave. “I need to get back to the bus. We leave tonight at eight from the Center parking lot. I want you there – but if you don’t want to come, I understand. It’s crazy, and scary. But if you decide not to, will you at least meet me there and say good-bye?”
I just nod like an idiot because I can’t think of anything else to say.
I follow him to the door, stunned.
Without warning, Zack takes two steps forward. His hands slowly cup my cheeks and he leans forward as if he’s going to kiss me. I tense immediately, but relax when he stops several inches from me. His green eyes soften as he looks at me, a faint hint of a smile on his lips. I’m nervous, at the thought of kissing someone again. I don’t even know if I want him to kiss me.
But if I were to kiss someone, his lips look perfect. I blink my eyes in surprise at my own thoughts. How can I even be thinking like this?
“I have had the best time with you over the last few days. I know its short notice, but think about coming.” I notice his breathing has increased just slightly. Mine does too, but I think it’s because he smells absolutely masculine and delicious.
“And please, say yes.”
One hand lowers to hold the back of my head and the other wraps around my waist. He smiles softly at me the entire time. I lean into his chest without even thinking like it’s the most natural thing in the world. His muscular arms completely envelope me and my entire body feels warm from his touch. I move my arms under his and wrap them around him, pulling him closer to me. I breathe him in and sigh. This feels good. Really good.
I don’t flinch at all when he slowly releases his arms and gives me a quick, and gentle kiss on the top of my head. He turns and walks away without a word. I watch until he turns a corner – the only thought in my head is….what in the hell just happened? And if I’m being completely honest….his butt looks really good in those jeans.
***
I sigh dramatically. Overdramatically, really. Which has always been Mia’s thing, not mine. I’m the sensible one and the sensible thing here is not to get on this bus.
“I have appointments this week, Mia. I’m not just going to cancel on them last minute because I get the itch to become a groupie.” She shoots me a look out of the corner of her eye and immediately drops a pile of shoes onto the floor. Before I know it, she’s at the dresser and