Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 79553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Kendall: Congratulations on the release of Drunk on Your Love.
I stare at the text, trying to figure out how to proceed. It’s been four days since Kendall walked out the door. Four days since I’ve seen her beautiful face or heard her melodic voice. It’s been four goddamn days since I’ve kissed and touched and sunk deep into the woman who I know without a doubt is my forever. And unfortunately, I’m not any closer to finding out why she’s run across the damn country to get away from me.
Despite me texting her several times a day, telling her I love her and this isn’t over, this is the first text she’s sent me. It’s midnight my time, and our song and video have been released. Blackwood’s social media team has handled everything, so there’s nothing for me to do but watch the music video on loop since it’s my only way of seeing Kendall. The way she dances in my arms and the passion behind the kiss we share reminds me that she loves me and wants me. She’s just going through something, and instead of coming to me, she’s run.
The good thing is, I’m going to be on a plane to LA later this morning since we have a few appearances lined up to promote the song as well as Kendall’s upcoming album Fallen. Yes, Fallen because despite the bullshit she’s pulling, she’s fallen in love with me. And once I remind her of that, I’ll get her to tell me what’s wrong, and we’ll sort out whatever it is together because nothing could push me away or stop me from loving and being with that woman.
Me: Congrats, baby. See you soon.
Several hours later, I’m on the West Coast, sitting beside Kendall as we’re interviewed on the Late Night Show. When a video clip finishes playing—the part where we kiss in the rain—the host, Steve Barkin, fans his face dramatically.
“So guys, I have to ask, because holy moly, the chemistry in that video…” His eyes widen for the audience. “Is there something going on between you two?”
I’ve already been told by the label that I’m not allowed to say there is, and honestly, I wouldn’t anyway. When the world finds out about Kendall and me, it will be because she’s made it happen. Because she trusts in us enough to know that we’re forever, and she’s comfortable letting everyone know.
“Have you seen this gorgeous woman?” I point at Kendall. “She’s way out of this rock star’s league.” I shrug, laughing and making the audience laugh as well. Kendall’s face falls for a second, but she quickly recovers, laughing it off. She looks like everything is fine to someone who doesn’t know her. But because I know everything about her, I can see the faint black circles under the makeup, the tension in her shoulders, and the way she sits stiffly in her spot on the couch. Clearly, something is going on with her, and after we get out of here tonight, I’m going to find out what.
“Right, right, I can see that,” Steve adds, moving on to discuss the song and how our collaboration came about. Then he talks with Kendall a bit about her upcoming album. Aside from the evident sadness she works hard to hide, she plays her role perfectly.
Once Steve thanks us for coming, and it cuts to commercial, we thank him for having us and then head out. I follow Kendall, not about to let her slip away, and when we get outside where our security is waiting for us, I pull her to the side so I can talk to her.
“How’ve you been?”
She avoids my face. “I’m fine. I really need to get going, though.”
“Get going where? To your house, to go to bed?”
She sighs. “Yes, to my house. It’s late, and I’m tired and hungry.”
“Let’s go eat, and then you can go home and get some sleep.”
“Dec, don’t do this.” The pain in her voice tears my heart to shreds. I don’t know why she’s doing this when it’s obvious she’s hurting as badly as I am.
“Do what? Ask you to get something to eat with me? You said if we broke up, you wanted to remain friends. This is me being your friend.”
Her gorgeous blue eyes meet mine. “I appreciate that, but I’m not in the mood to go out.”
“Then let me make you something,” I offer, stepping into her space. “I get it,” I tell her, saying what she needs to hear. “It didn’t work out. Does that suck? Yeah, it does. But you were… are one of my best friends, so please don’t shut me out. I’m trying to be your friend here, so let me.”
I tuck a wayward hair behind her ear, and as my fingers skate down the side of her neck, I see her shiver from my touch. She wants to act like we’re over, fine, but her body says otherwise.