by Thomas, C. M
“I think I’m more than a little bit in love with you too, Zane.” She closed her eyes a moment. “But at the same time, I’m scared of this. It has happened so fast, and I don’t want to lose you.”
“You don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that. I think I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. I thought it was just lust, but every time anyone talked about your amazing body or flirted with you, I wanted to kill them. And baby, don’t be scared. We’re in this together. And we have all these amazing people around us who just want to see us happy.” I kissed her, needing to connect with her again. All this talk about feelings scared me too. I never thought I would have this kind of love for anyone other than my family. And the love I had for Anna was so much stronger than anything I’d ever felt.
“I know. And I think I need to talk to Kylie about everything that happened. I could see how hurt she was tonight. We always tell each other everything, and I need to be able to talk to her about this.”
“I think you’re right. And I will support you all the way.” I rested my forehead against hers. “I will just go and change. Will you be okay for a moment?”
“Sure, I need to get ready for bed anyway.” She smiled and looked down at my boxers. Her cheeks turned pink again.
“It was amazing, baby. Next time, it’s your turn. If you want.” I kissed her before getting out of bed.
Thirty minutes later we were back in bed. Anna snuggled to my side; her head rested on my bare chest. Minutes later, she was sleeping. Looking at this beautiful girl in my arms, I felt happy. I was almost asleep when I heard my phone vibrate. I reached over to see who was texting me this time at night.
Gia: Just wanted to say how happy I am for you, big brother.
I smiled. It had been a long time since she texted me in the middle of the night. The first time we went on tour, she texted me almost every night.
Me: Thank you, baby G. Shouldn’t you be in bed?
Gia: No, we’re having a blast celebrating Amy.
Me: How the hell did you get into a club?
Gia: Relax! We’re at Mom and Dad’s, in the garage.
Me: Good. Now, be a good girl and go to bed.
Gia: You can’t make me.
Me: That’s what you think, baby G. I will call Mom.
Gia: Ha! Like she will listen to you.
I smiled at that. I knew that as long as they were partying at home, then my dad would keep a close eye on them, even though they thought he’d gone to bed. We always had the freedom to do what we wanted. But at the same time, we knew exactly where the limit was, and what would happen if we crossed it.
Me: Dad will.
Gia: Right! Go to sleep, big brother. You need a good long sleep at your age.
Me: Shut up! Looking forward to seeing you this summer. Are you coming to the concert in Denver?
Gia: YES!
Gia: And I look forward to meeting Anna.
Me: I hope you like her. Because I do.
Moments later, my phone rang.
“What, baby G?” I talked quietly so I didn’t wake up Anna. I didn’t want to let go of her, so I just kept my voice down.
“Are you in love?” Gia asked.
“Hello to you too.”
“Hello. Well, are you?”
“I think I am. And don’t tell anyone, okay?” Gia and I had an exceptional relationship. We’d always been close. And normally, it was me listening to her bawling about the last boy she’d had a crush on.
“Wow. I can’t wait to meet her, Zane.”
“She said the same thing about you. I want you two to get along, okay?”
“Hey! I’m totally on board on the Zane and Anna train. Don’t worry. But call Mom, she would want to know.” I knew that. I just hadn’t found the right moment to do that. I knew my mom wanted to know about Anna. My dad too.
“I will try and call her in the morning. But it’s Anna’s birthday, so I don’t know if I’ll have the time. Tell Amy to keep her mouth shut until I get a chance to tell them myself.”
“I already did. She won’t tell, you know?”
“I do.”
“Okay, I’ll let you get back to Anna. Good night, big brother. Love you.”
“Good night. Love you too, baby G.”
The next morning, I woke up when Anna got out of bed.
“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” I tried to grip her.
“I just need to go to the bathroom. Be right back.” She walked into the bathroom, and the moment she closed the door, I got out of bed. I needed to get her present before she got back.
I got her present and walked over to the bed again, sitting under the covers waiting for her. When she came back to bed, she wrapped her arms around my arm and rested her head on my shoulder.
“Happy birthday, beautiful.” I handed her the bag. She looked up at me, smiling.
“I told you that you didn’t have to buy me anything.”
“I know. But I love you, and I wanted to.” I kissed her before I waited for her to open the present. She pulled the small packet out of the bag. When she opened the box, she let out a small gasp upon looking at the bracelet. It was just like I imagined it.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She wrapped her hands around my neck and gave me a small kiss. “And I love you too.” I smiled when she said that. I felt surreal to have the gorgeous girl loving me.
“You’re welcome. You want to know why I got this one?” I took the bracelet out of the box, to put it on her arm. She nodded. The bracelet had four charms, each symbolizing something special. “The drum symbolizes the band. It’s my life, and before you, my priority. Now it’s you. And at the same time, I hope you’ll be our PA.” I didn’t want to pressure her, but I wanted her to take the job. That way we could be together even when the band was on tour. But if she wanted a job back in Denver or Colorado Springs, I would support her. We would make it work no matter what—we had to.
“The heart symbolizes my love for you. And at the same time, that you have my heart. Remember to keep it safe.” I winked at her and kissed her on the nose. “The infinity sign symbolizes the future. I want to be with you, not just today and tomorrow, but forever. I know it’s too soon to talk forever, but just know that I want forever with you.” I felt raw, like she could look directly into my heart and see all my emotions. I’d never exposed myself like this before.
“The lily symbolizes your purity and refined beauty. It’s not just your body that’s beautiful, your mind is too. And by purity, I don’t mean that sexually. More like the way I see your mind and person. You are loyal, loving, smiling, educated, smart, and of course, you make me want to be a better person.” I blew out a deep breath, still keeping eye contact with Anna. I’d thought so much about how I would make her believe that I loved her. I just hoped this would do it.
“Wow. I don’t even know what to say.” She looked down at her arm, and played with the charms. “I love this so much. No one has given me a gift that was so personal. And I think I understand what you’re trying to say. I will be your PA, but only if Kylie goes to school and we find my stalker. Okay?”
“Okay, baby. But so that you know, we will find him. Dax won’t let this go.”
“I know. And thank you for this. It’s the best present ever. I love you, babe.” Hearing her call me “babe” was so surreal.
“Love you too, baby.” I just held her close to me, enjoying the moment. But soon that moment was ruined when I heard someone knock on the door. “Hold on. I will go see who it is, okay?”
When I opened the door, Kylie was standing outside.
“Hey, is she awake? I’ve ordered breakfast for us; it should be here soon. And you should be getting ready to go practice with the guys.” Right, I’d forgotten about that.
“She is. I will just tell her you’re here. And do I r
eally have to practice?” I grinned at her.
“Yes, you do. I want to spend some time alone with my sister. You get dressed and go. Please?” Wow, Kylie said please.
“Fine. Get in.” I walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind me. Anna was not in bed, so I walked to the bathroom. She was standing in front of the mirror, in her underwear. My cock went hard immediately.
“You look beautiful.” She jumped and looked over her shoulder.
“You scared me. Who was at the door?”
“Your sister. She brought breakfast for you two. I need to practice with the guys today. Will you be okay with Kylie?” I walked over and stood behind her.
“Sure. You can’t babysit me all the time.” She leaned against me. I rested my chin on her shoulder and looked into her eyes in the mirror.
“I want to. I have my phone on me all the time, so just call or text, okay? And please don’t go anywhere without security.”
“Of course not. Will you have time for dinner tonight? Just you and me?”
“I will. You want to go out, or should we order in?”
“Order in. I want to be alone with you. And I need to tell my parents about you before we are all over the tabloids, is that okay?”
“Of course. I will bring dinner back tonight. Have some fun with Kylie today, okay? I love you.”
“Love you too.” She turned in my arms and kissed me.
I got dressed and walked down to the royal room at the hotel. We always stayed at the same hotel chain because we knew there would be the royal room where we could practice without leaving the hotel.
When I got to the room, the guys were not there yet. Which was kind of odd, as I was always the last one to show up. But that gave me the time to call my mom.
“Hey, baby boy.”
“Hi, Mom. And please don’t call me that.”
“You’re my baby, no matter how old you get. How are you?”
“I’m great, Mom. I actually have to tell you and Dad something. Is he around?”
“Is everything okay?” I could hear her concern.
“Yes, Mom, just put the phone on speaker. I want to tell you both.”
Moments later, I heard my dad.
“You okay, boy?”
“I’m fine. I told Mom that. I just want you guys to know that I’ve met someone.”
“Someone?” my mom asked at the same time my dad asked, “Like a girl?”
“Yes, a girl. She’s Kylie’s sister, and her name is Anna.”
“You found a girl? That you wanted us to know about?” My mom sounded so surprised, it was almost funny.
“I did. And don’t act so surprised.” I grinned.
“But how? And does Kylie know this?”
“She knows, Mom. And I really don’t know how. But I’m just happy that Anna wants to be my girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend?” My dad sounded stunned.
“I’m surprised Amy didn’t tell you already.”
“She knew?” My mom sounded even more surprised that Amy knew and didn’t tell her about it.
“She does, and so does everyone else. Well, not the press. Anna wants to tell her parents first.”
“Will we get to meet her?” my dad asked.
“Yes, I hope she will come home with me this summer. She’s just battling with some stuff we need to get control over first.”
“Is she okay?” My mom sounded worried.
“She is safe. I will tell you more later. I need to practice with the guys. I just wanted you guys to know.”
“Well, we’re happy for you, boy.”
“Yes, and I can’t wait to meet her,” my mom added.
“Talk to you later, love you.”
Chapter 21:
Anna
“Happy birthday.” Kylie came over to me the minute I walked out from the bedroom.
“Thank you.”
“Breakfast is served.” She walked over to the dining table and sat down. I walked over to her and sat on the other side of the table.
“I have a present for you; it’s from Mom and Dad too.” Kylie gave me a small package. When I opened the package, there was a gift certificate for a day in a spa.
“Wow. I really need this, thank you.”
“I’m happy you like it, because we’re going in thirty minutes.”
“What?”
“Yeah, I know you don’t want to talk about what happened, but I thought you could use a day of relaxing and wellness.”
“Thank you. And thank you for not asking questions. I will talk to you about everything. But I can’t right now.” I looked over at her, seeing she had tears in her eyes. “Wait, you didn’t tell Mom and Dad, did you?”
“Of course not. I just told them you are stressed out as you told them when you left. I will not tell them this. You tell them if you want to. If not, then it’s your decision.”
“I will tell them. But when Dax finds him.”
“I think that’s a good idea. And just know that I’m here for you. Whenever.”
“I know, thank you.”
We ate breakfast, and then Marco picked us up and drove us to the spa. This day was just what I needed: relaxing and talking with my sister. It was nice to have a day with girl talk, laughter, and wellness. But I missed Zane. I looked down at the bracelet he gave me this morning. I still couldn’t believe that he gave me a present that was so personal. I really was so much in love with him. Hearing him tell me that he loved me last night, it was amazing, and even though I thought it happened so fast, I didn’t want to slow down one bit. I just wanted to spend every minute with him.
“When do you get an answer from the school?” I asked Kylie. We were having our nails done.
“I should know before summer break. I think around the time we get to Denver. Why?”
“I just wanted to know.” I looked down at my nails. I really wanted to be the PA for Deep C; then Zane and I could be together all the time.
“Yeah right. I think no matter what, I won’t go back on tour with the band. I’ve had three great years with them. But I want more. I want a job where I don’t travel all the time. I want babies. And I want to help the children in Happy Childhood.”
“Wow. Babies. Marco knows this?” I grinned at her. She looked so happy, her eyes were glinting like stars.
“Yes, he knows. And he wants that too.”
“I’m so happy for you, sis. And I’m looking forward to being an aunt.” I leaned over and hugged her.
“Wedding first. Then babies.” I knew that. Kylie always wanted to be married before she had any children. Not like our parents; they had both Kylie and me before they got married.
“Okay, so when is the wedding?”
“I think when the band is done on tour. Marco has to go back with them and finish his contract. This summer we’re finding a home in Colorado Springs.”
“Okay, so why don’t you finish the tour? Won’t you miss Marco?” I knew I would miss Zane, and we hadn’t known each other that long.
“I will. But if I get into the school, I can’t go anyway. No matter what, I stay behind and plan our wedding. We don’t want something big, but it still needs to be planned.”
“Sure. I will help you as much as I can, okay?”
“I know you will. You ready to get some tea and cake?”
“Yes.” I loved cake so much. When we waited for the cake and tea to be served, Kylie walked out to take a call. I looked around the room and saw Marco in the corner drinking coffee. It was nice to know I was safe. But at the same time, I thought that maybe this was a little too much.
Me: Does Marco really need to spend the whole day in the spa?
Dax: Yes.
Me: But I’m feeling sorry for him.
Dax: It’s his job.
Me:
I know. But still, he is just sitting in here drinking coffee.
Dax: Don’t worry about him. He needs to be with you, okay?
Me: Fine.
I looked over at Marco. He smiled at me. A moment later, our tea and cake were served. But Kylie was still not back. I sent a text to Zane while I waited for Kylie to come back.
Me: I miss you.
Zane: Miss you too. Are you having fun?
Me: I am. But I’m keeping Kylie from her job.
Zane: No, you’re not. We gave her the day off.
Me: You didn’t have to do that.
Zane: Yes, we did, baby.
Me: When will you be done with practice?
Zane: Around seven. I will go get some dinner for us before I come back to our room.
Me: Okay, can we rent a movie?
Zane: Sure, you pick one when you get home.
Me: But it’s your turn.
Zane: No, it will always be your turn, baby.
I grinned when I read his last text.
Kylie came back to the table. She looked like someone just punched her in the stomach.
“What’s wrong?” I took her hand in my hand.
“I just got a call from one of the tabloids. They know about you and Zane.”
“What? How?” This couldn’t be happening.
“I don’t know. But you need to call Mom and Dad before tomorrow. I got him to hold on to the story until tomorrow.”
“Can we go back to the hotel now? I need to call them.”
“Sure, let’s go.” We hurried out of the spa, with Marco right behind us.
I was back at our room, sitting on the bed looking at my phone. I knew I should just call them. But I also knew that they would have an opinion about my relationship with Zane. And I didn’t know if I wanted to hear it. Then my phone started ringing. It was my mom.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hi, honey, happy birthday.”
“Thanks. And thank you for the gift.”
“You’re welcome. I hope you and Kylie had a great day?”
“We did. Is Dad home?”
“No, he’s working a big case right now, why?”
