drool. Biting the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning, I leaned forward again, this time not caring when the shirt slipped and showcased my assets for him. Another pained groan was pulled from him, but I kept making my notes and pretending as if I didn’t know he was getting an eyeful.
“I think I have the guest list finalized. I’ll send it to you for your approval before sending out texts and emails.” My hair fell into my face, and I pushed it back with an annoyed grunt before pulling it up into a messy knot on top of my head. Once it was secure, I told him about the foods, and then asked from which restaurant he wanted to have it catered.
He didn’t answer, and I glanced at the phone after making another note to find him staring in the direction of my chest hungrily. Laughing, I snapped my fingers, and he finally blinked. “Focus, please.”
“I am focused,” he grumbled, licking his lips.
“Focus on the party, not on my body.”
“Baby, you can’t ask me to put two thoughts together when you’re teasing me with that sight.” He licked his lips again, and I finally pulled my shirt into place. This time, I didn’t let it fall, and he gave me a pout. “Right. Food. Wherever you want to order from, I’m okay with. Tomorrow, I have to go shopping for my new bed. Come with me, and then I can give you my credit card.”
“I don’t want your credit card.”
“You’re going to need it for the food and supplies,” he argued.
“Aren’t you going to be with me when I pick all that up?”
His jaw tensed again before he shook his head. “I fucking wish, baby. But I just found out I have some meetings and other things to deal with for my record label the next week or so. I have one in the morning, but I told Ma I’m taking you shopping tomorrow afternoon. That’s the only time off I have until graduation this weekend. And then next week there are more meetings.”
Remembering Mom had mentioned Cannon was going to LA the next morning, I realized that if Jagger was meeting with his record label, then my brother must be too.
My worry that Jagger would pick Cannon over me again hit me in the gut once more, and all my excitement over the party began to evaporate.
“What’s that look, Dimples?” he demanded, his eyes narrowing on the screen.
I swallowed hard and forced a smile. “What look?”
“Shaw, tell me what you’re thinking right now,” he commanded, his tone sounding urgent. “I need to know what’s put that haunted look in your eyes.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” A beep alerted me to an incoming call, and I nearly moaned in relief when I saw Violet’s name at the top of the screen. “Jags, I have to go. Vi’s calling, and I need to make sure she’s okay.”
“Call me back when you’re done talking to her,” he growled. “I want to know what’s going through your head, baby.”
“I’ll try,” I lied.
“Shaw—”
“I have to go.” I started to hit disconnect, but he stopped me.
“If you don’t call me back, I’ll come over,” he threatened.
I glared at him. “I’ll text you the guest list,” I muttered.
“Shaw…” He exhaled heavily. “I won’t come over if you’ll just call me back.”
“I can’t make any promises. Maybe Vi knows about the Megan crap and needs me.” I seriously hoped she didn’t, but I needed an excuse that would get him to leave me alone.
“Fine. Then if you don’t call me back, at least I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.” His blue eyes looked at me imploringly. “Don’t shut me out, Dimples. Not now. We’re finally on the right road. Don’t push me away.”
“I…” I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat. “I-I’ll call you back to say goodnight.”
Relief filled his face, and he smiled. “Go see what Vi needs, baby. I’ll talk to you again soon.”
I hung up and quickly connected Vi’s call. “Hey!” she greeted cheerfully, and I nearly whimpered in relief that she wasn’t upset. Hoping that her tone meant she didn’t know anything about Megan’s craziness, I spent the next two hours on the phone with her while she told me about the call she’d had earlier with her friend Remington.
It was late by the time I called Jagger back. When he picked up, his voice was slurred with sleep. “Baby?”
“I just wanted to say goodnight,” I said softly as