I say I want all this to be over just as much as every one of you. Probably more.”
“All of this can’t be Pat’s doing.” When Cooper’s grip tightened on my fingers, I flashed him a look. “I’m not defending him. He just wasn’t that bright.”
Noah’s eyes narrowed. “You’d be surprised the hidden sides people can have.”
Why did it seem like he was fixated on Coop? Who was not paying him any mind.
They’d been in the Rangers together, that much I knew. Cooper had left for an assortment of vague reasons. And he wondered why I hadn’t gone to confession about Pat? He wasn’t exactly Mr. Forthcoming either.
Sometimes I wanted to ask more questions, but mostly, I tried to respect his boundaries. Although what Lindsey had said about his dreams was preying on my mind. I’d kind of expected him to volunteer to crash with me this morning—why, I don’t know, since we’d never slept that close before—but maybe there were reasons he’d wanted his space. Or else he’d been worried about protecting mine.
God, why was everything so complicated all of a sudden? All I knew was that holding his hand felt nice. No one around us seemed to notice or care.
Except for me. I was definitely noticing and starting to wonder if he could tell my palm was damp again, for an entirely different reason this time.
Weirdo. He’s just being a good friend. Don’t make it a thing.
Lila was talking again, but my focus stayed on my fingers locked with Cooper’s. Clearly, I needed more sleep.
Then she mentioned the bus situation.
“We know you enjoy having more room and your current bus arrangements, but we’re making some changes. To keep everyone safe, we’re going to one bus for the band and security and another bus for the crew.”
“One bus? You can’t be serious. Blondie’s hair products take up a cubic mile.”
Lindsey reached behind me to playfully shove Jamie, who laughed and shoved her back. Then she seemed to notice how Cooper and I still had our fingers linked and raised a brow as she stuck her tongue in her cheek. I couldn’t help snorting out a laugh, and Coop slid me a questioning glance as if I was deranged.
At this point, maybe I was. But he didn’t let go of my hand.
“One bus, but not any ordinary bus. This is spacious with every amenity and worthy of being on a reality television show.” When Lindsey and Oz started to speak, she held up a finger. “Yes, there’s room for significant others.”
Oz let out a sigh. “Thank fuck.”
“That’s why you were worried, yep. But thanks for spelling it out.” Cooper grinned for the first time in I didn’t know how long as he squeezed my fingers.
Damp hands were now an issue. No doubt about it.
“You will all have plenty of room. Your significant others will too. We will have a modified security staff on the bus, led by Noah.”
“Well, of course.” Jamie snagged my soda and took a long pull before capping it and licking her lips. “Who else could we expect to be in charge other than Master Sergeant?”
Noah’s mouth quirked into a shadow of a smile. “In charge of you? What a concept.”
“We leave New York next Wednesday to head out to Philly, so that will be your introduction to your new home away from home. I would say pack lightly, but we know for some of you, that’s impossible.” Everyone pointed at Lindsey and she held up her hands in mock defeat. “The bus can accommodate all but your most ridiculous shoe wardrobes in any case.”
“Great. We’ll get to see sexfests in even closer quarters.” Zane cocked his head. “Then again, who needs porn?”
“Y’all know I’m an exhibitionist.” Jamie popped her gum. “So, who am I sleeping with?”
“According to The Daily Tattler, your kidnapping victim,” Oz said drily while everyone laughed.
“Funny. I’m onto greener pastures.” Jamie unscrewed my soda again and tossed the cap at Oz, who caught it easily. “I meant my bunkmate on the bus. Hello.”
“Probably near your security, I’d assume?” Lindsey glanced at Noah. “You’re still with Teagan, right?”
“No,” Cooper said quickly. “I’ve got her.”
“You certainly do.” Jamie waggled her brows. “Get the chick on lockdown when she’s in distress. You, my man, are a movie of the week.”
“Actually, Noah is switching to Ms. DuCaine.”
If ever a statement had made a pin drop, that was it.
“Not necessary.” Jamie crossed her arms. “Teagan’s more of a flight risk than I am.”
“Hey.” I frowned at her. “Last