through, it’ll be worth it. I guess I’m okay with it. I have to let go of my fear of this. I don’t want it to define me.”
Zack’s hand rests slowly on the back of my head and pulls me down onto his shoulder.
“Thanksgiving is next week.” The change in conversation startles me a bit. “And then, the Saturday after is the Fan’s Choice Music Awards.” I know about this show. Chase asked Mia to go with him when she was in Philadelphia and I know she’s already bought a dress. I also know that Zack is presenting the award for Best New Artist of the Year, an award he won several years ago, and is nominated for Best Album of the Year.
“Will you come with me?” His voice shakes nervously. And I know why before he can even explain about the paparazzi. “My mom and Sammy are coming over Thanksgiving dinner. I want you there, and I want you at the show with me.”
I don’t even have to think about it. If I’m going to be with him, and truly move on, I need to get over my fears and what better way than to be thrown directly into the shark tank. I’m surprised at my own bravery and I say a quick prayer it doesn’t leave me anytime soon.
I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
“I’ll go.”
He flashes me that sexy grin. It’s the same confident smile the day I showed up at his bus, like he knew I would say yes just because he asked. “You sure?”
I simply nod. “I’ll go wherever you want me to, Zack. Am I going to be scared? Absolutely.” I lean in and give him a quick kiss. “When do you want to leave?”
He shrugs. “Whenever you want.”
“Tomorrow?” I smile. I can buy a dress in L.A. and call my parents anytime. I want to see his home and get there before I can worry too much about anything else.
Zack instantly takes his phone out of his back pocket and presses a few numbers. He’s smiling. It makes me smile. “What are you doing?”
He simply winks at me. “Calling the airlines before you change your mind.”
While he’s on the phone making travel arrangements, I clear our wine glasses and suddenly realize how late it is. It’s almost midnight and I’m exhausted from the long day. I need to go to sleep, but I don’t want to say good night to Zack. I want him with me.
He clasps his hands together with a large smile on the face when he finds me in the kitchen. “Flight is booked. We leave tomorrow afternoon. You sure you’re okay with this?”
I am. I absolutely am. I turn back to the sink and feel him come up behind me.
His arms wrap around my waist, pulling me against his back. I lean back and rest my head on his shoulder. “I’m okay with that.”
He leans down and rubs his nose again my temple. “Good. I can’t wait for you to meet my mom and Sammy. And see my house. I want to share it all with you.”
We stand there silently for a while, while I feel the beat of his heart against my back and know I don’t want to be alone; not with him so close right now.
“Take me to bed?” I ask softly when I turn around to face him.
I almost smile when I watch him swallow slowly. I take his hand and pull him into my room and offer him a toothbrush as we take turns using the bathroom, getting ready for bed.
When I come out of the bathroom, I’m dressed in a light purple pajama set; short boxer-style type shorts and a fitted camisole top; its cotton; nothing too sexy, but I see the flash of want flicker across Zack’s eyes. I inwardly smile knowing I affect him. I also smile, because his arms are above the covers so I know he’s not wearing his shirt; and I’m guessing underneath the covers he has nothing on except boxers. The image in my head is so overpowering, I feel….hot. My entire body and face flush with heat at the thought of soon, being so close to this perfectly sculpted man.
I remind myself quickly that I’ve seen him without a shirt on. I’ve even shared a bed with him before wearing similar outfits, but this time – he’s in my bed. In my room at my house and suddenly it seems much more real than