Page 78 of The Sounds of Her
“Great, so much better than he was this time last year. He’s been casually dating this guy back in LA, but I’m pretty sure he has deeper feelings than he’s letting on. I’ve met him a few times, and he seems nice, genuine.”
“It must be hard to maintain a relationship, with him being away all the time.”
BreakNeck go away a lot when they’re on tour but never longer than three or four months, they’ve taken breaks between continents on this world tour. When Remi is shooting a movie, he can be gone for the better part of a year if it’s in a different country.
“You make it work.” Elsa’s eyes roam to where Nick and Jenna are playing cards. “He says he’s not looking for anything serious right now, but he’s not one to sleep around. He is so not Hollywood,” she continues once her attention is drawn away from the man she loves.
We land and get through the airport without too much disruption or attention, or maybe I’m getting used to it. Like I’m getting used to Archer seeking my hand as we move between places.
The new hotel is even swankier than the last one we stayed in. We have another suite and I note with some relief that there are twin queen beds, still only one bedroom though, but it’s not as bad as Archer having to sleep on another couch.
He heads out to another band meeting with Dale and their tour manager. I wanted to take a dip in the pool, but Archer reminded me no swimming for a few weeks. The chlorine will damage my tattoo.
I opt to stay in the hotel and watch a movie, while checking out the world’s perception of Archer and me. Some of it is good, a lot of it is bad. People don’t enjoy seeing him with me. Which is weird given how much they go on about wanting him to find the perfect woman.
Maybe they don’t think that’s me. They’ve dug up a lot of information. Archer warned me to expect it. Fortunately, there is nothing crazy in my past.
I’m relieved to find out they know nothing about me and Roman. Presumably because the only person mom mentioned it to, was the mayor, and he isn’t likely to be spreading gossip to the tabloids.
After doing a name search on Ciro Fuentes, nothing comes up linking the two of us. Thank God.
The more time that passed since our last night together, the more embarrassed I am. It’s weird because I enjoyed it at the time. Now it just feels strange. I deluded myself into thinking there could be something between us when it was never right. It was just sex. Something we both needed when we met up.
Archer apologises when he gets back, saying he hadn’t intended to be gone the whole day. He makes sure my tattoo is washed and taken care of again. It’s a side of him I didn’t know existed. And I like it. It’s not often people take care of me or worry about my wellbeing. Not to this extent, anyway.
I have to remind myself it doesn’t mean anything. Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it either.
Remi meets us backstage at the venue. The guys all have dressing rooms, but there is a big room with a bar and food that has been closed off to everyone else. He greets us all with hugs and enough exuberance at seeing the show that everyone else is swept up in it.
The atmosphere is relaxed but energetic, which is a weird combination. A knock at the door lets the band know it’s time for them to get to the stage. Rounds of kisses and good lucks start.
Archer glances at me. There is no need for us to put on a show in here, not really. His eyes turn to Remi, who gushed about us getting together, so I push off the counter and walk to him as everyone gets louder around us. Archer watches me with an intensity that has my breath catching, as if he doesn’t hear the nonsense going on around him.
I stop in front of him, expecting his eyes to roam my body again. But he doesn’t, he keeps his eyes locked on mine. I’m part disappointed, part thrilled about that. I borrowed the black leather skirt from Jenna and a sparkly black top that has a deep neckline, showing off some cleavage. The straps criss-cross at the back so I can’t wear a bra. Thank God for tit tape.
I want him to check me out, his eyes to linger, but it is even more exhilarating having him stare into my eyes.
Swallowing a few times, I get the words out. “Good luck,”
“You’re supposed to say break a leg,” Archer’s lip tilts up on one side in that cocky way he has.
“I never follow anyone’s lead,” I tell him.
The smile widens, then he reaches out and takes hold of my hip, not the one with the tattoo which makes me shiver because he knows it would hurt if he touched me there. He drags me towards him, and I tilt my head. In my heels I’m not that much shorter but still have to look up.
Archer leans down and touches his lips to mine, his hand on my hip tightening. I rest one hand on his chest, the other gripping the wrist of his arm at my hip, but I don’t move it away. I hold it there, liking the warmth of his palm on my body.
The kiss deepens, his tongue making a few passes with mine, but far too quickly, he pulls back, resting his forehead against mine. “Stay where I can see you,” he says in a low, growly voice.
I’m not sure why he wants to see me while he’s on stage but nod my agreement.
“Let’s go, lover boy.” Jordan grabs Archer’s sleeve and tugs him sideways.
Archer draws himself away from me and slaps the back of his head, but Jordan is laughing. I’m not sure I like the way he’s looking at us, so choose to ignore it.
This is all for Remi. Nothing else.
I do what he asked and stand at the side of the stage, watching every move he makes. He’s focused on the music, on the crowd and talking to them when he has banter with Adam. His eyes find mine regularly throughout the show, and there is a look of satisfaction on his face.