My entire body tingles with awareness at the sound. As I wipe the counters clean, my mind wrestles up dirty images of Opal on top of this counter. Her wearing nothing more than that damn apron again, legs spread wide and pussy open for me to feast on.Shit.My dick presses against my jeans, a thick outline begging to be set free. I shake my head and intentionally imagine my mother’s disappointed face as I told her I was joining a rock band. My erection shrinks back and I’m all good when I turn back to meet Opal’s sweet smile.
“Did you enjoy yourself?”
I open my mouth, confused and also scared she’s a mind reader in addition to a talented cook.
“The show. Tonight. Did you like being on stage?”
Oh. That. “Loved every second.”
“I was surprised.” She meets my gaze and grins. “The way you looked.”
“Oh, yeah.” I chuckle and scrub a hand over my now makeup-free face. “Nineteen nineties called and they want their eyeliner back.”
“No!” she says but lets loose a trail of soft laughter. “I think you looked good.”
“You did?” Interesting. I quirk my head and meet her stare. Did she think I looked as good as she looks to me right now? Not possible. But if she’s attracted to me in the least, then that’s a start.
Her mouth falls open as if she might answer my question, but a timer pings.
“Biscuits,” she whispers and turns away from my gaze. She pulls the flakey bread from the oven and sets them on the counter.
The scent alone causes my mouth to water.
“This bus smells way too good.” Trent pokes his head around the corner, running a towel over his wet hair. He snags one of the biscuits from the pan, taking a bite that scalds considering how he chews, mouth open and fast. Instead of another bite, he sets it down on the counter and grabs a water bottle from the fridge. “Did you make these?”
“Just a li’l something I whipped up,” I say.
“Smartass,” he retorts, rolling his eyes before settling into one of the chairs. He turns to Opal with a smile. “They’re really good.”
“Thank you.” She beams, dishing the rest onto a cooling rack.
“I’m starving. Who are we still waiting on?” Austin strides back inside. “Holy fuck. Are these—?” He swipes one of the biscuits and takes a bite. He moans as his mouth sinks around the bread. “Babe. My God!” He finishes the damn thing in three bites and reaches for another with one hand. His free hand brushes her hip, the touch familiar and intimate. “These are amazing.”
I step forward, nearly knocking into Austin as I reach for a biscuit before they’re all gone. “She didn’t make them for you,” I grumble and shove the bread into my mouth. It’s rude, but I don’t care. I haven’t eaten since this morning—nerves from before the show stealing my appetite—and my patience is thin, especially with a front seat to watch Austin put the moves on Opal while he eats the food she made for me.
“Chill, man.” He takes another off the rack and tosses it at me.
I catch it, but the entire exchange sours my mood and Opal won’t even look at me. I take a gigantic bite. Good God, these are delicious. Not that I expect anything less. I tip my chin at Trent. “We leaving or what?”
Trent nods. “Sean! Come on, man! Call her back later!”
“Her?” I raise my brow, this news to me. “I didn’t know he had a girlfriend.”
“Doesn’t. They’re just friends who love each other.” Trent chuckles.
“I think it’s sweet.” Opal says.
“Dude would wife her tomorrow if she’d let him.” Austin rolls his eyes. “Poor bastard.”
I catch Opal stiffen at his words in just the slightest.Good girl.Stay far, far away from this asshole. Not that I’d be any better. Hell, I am not looking to get twisted up on some girl, even one as compelling as Opal. Yet there’s this need to protect her, to keep her away from anyone who might hurt her, and it’s the strangest thing. I’ve only ever cared about myself.
13
Opal
“Come on, Sean! Time’s a wastin’.”Austin’s shouts surely reach the far end of the bus.
“I’m coming! Jesus!” Sean says, coming to a stop when he finds everyone gathered in the small kitchen. “What’s this, a tea party?”
