No, that was impossible. He couldn’t already feel the same way about me that I felt about him. I had to be the only weirdo on the planet who fell in love with someone before I’d even kissed them.
Ezra tossed the washcloth onto the counter next to the sink with alarming accuracy, then climbed into bed with me and pulled me into his arms, pressing his lips to my head.
“Do I want to know what that note from Taylor said?” he chuckled.
I snorted and handed it to him. “Somehow I think Alex had absolutely nothing to do with it.”
He started cracking up as he handed the note back to me. “Mr. Hot Stuff?”
I could feel heat rising to color my cheeks. Taylor was so getting chewed out for this.
“I swear, I keep trying to tell him you have an actual name,” I mumbled. “I’m going to give him hell tomorrow.”
“Don’t be too hard on him. He handed my ass to me on a platter this morning. Or I think it’s probably yesterday morning now,” he sighed. “He’s a good friend to you.”
I smiled. “Yeah, he is. And he’s also my crack dealer. I mean, supplier of English chocolate.”
“Is English chocolate really that much better than American chocolate?”
I gasped and pulled back to look at him. “You’ve never had English chocolate? Seriously?”
“Unlike you, I don’t have a Brit for a best friend,” he teased. “And I also don’t travel all over the world for work.”
I grabbed one of the Galaxy bars off of my nightstand and opened it, breaking off a row and handing it to him, then breaking a row off for myself.
“Just let a square melt on your tongue,” I told him. “Trust me.”
He eyed the chocolate inquisitively before breaking a square off and popping it in his mouth. And the groan he emitted made me clench my thighs together to relieve the sudden tingle.
“Holy shit,” he said. “I think you’ve just ruined me for all American chocolate. Damn.”
“Told you,” I giggled as I ate a square. “I wish he would have given this to me yesterday. Then I could have shared with Ari.”
“Thanks for not loading her up on sugar,” he snorted, then sighed. “I hate that she’s caught in the middle of this clusterfuck.”
“You can still take some time if you need it,” I told him. “I mean it. That precious little girl comes first. I should have told you this yesterday, but I think I got the gist of what’s going on from Ari. I’m so sorry I didn’t say something. I should have made you listen to me, no matter how mad at me you were. That’s your daughter and I kept something about her from you.”
Ezra tilted my chin up and softly brushed his lips over mine before sucking my lower lip into his mouth. I let out a soft whimper as I put my hand on his face, trying to make this last as long as possible. He traced the curve of my lips with his tongue, and I happily opened for him. His kiss was gentle and unhurried, and it made my eyes sting a little.
“I wasn’t mad at you, angel,” he murmured. “That was me being a chickenshit. I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t talk to me. But just know you always can.”
I half-smiled as I pulled back and looked at him. There was something in his eyes that I’d never seen before. The warmth I’d come to expect from him was still there, but it was like there was a new intensity to it now.
“Do you mind telling me what Ari told you?” he asked.
“She told me that while she and Rachel were at the hospital with Tim, another woman came into the room and kissed him. And that she was pregnant and acting like she was the one who should have been there instead of Rachel. I honestly wish she didn’t understand as much as she does,” I sighed, casting my gaze downward. “But she knows Tim was the one who got that woman pregnant, and she understands that Rachel’s moving out of the house and that’s why she can’t stay there anymore.”
“How was she?”
“She was sad. And confused about why Tim would have done that, because you told her that only a mommy and daddy who really love each other are supposed to make a baby,” I sniffled. “So she doesn’t understand why he would have made a baby with that other woman instead of Rachel.”
I hated that she had to see that. Even though Rachel and Tim weren’t her parents, they were her guardians right now, and I knew she was close with them because they were the ones who always watched her while Ezra was gone. So this was almost as bad as her seeing a relationship between actual parents fall apart because of cheating.
Ezra didn’t say anything, and I looked up at him, concerned I’d crossed a line by talking to her about it at all. But that poor sweet girl needed to talk to someone, and I got the sense that she was more comfortable talking to a woman about it. He didn’t look upset, though. He looked…awed? Was that right? Definitely surprised.
“What?” I asked, feeling myself blush.
“How did you get her to talk to you?” His voice was so low, it was almost a whisper. “I tried to talk to her about what happened for the entire ride back to the city and she barely said two words.”
“I don’t know. It seemed like she wanted to talk to a woman about it. As close as I can tell you two are, sometimes a girl just needs to talk to another girl, and she knew Rachel was sad enough already, so she didn’t want to talk to her. I told her that she was right, that is how it’s supposed to be, but some people break that rule, just like some people cheat on tests in school or take something from a store that’s not theirs. But that doesn’t mean it’s right, and that when someone does break that rule, it hurts a lot of people just like it hurt her and Rachel. I feel like I did a crap job of talking to her about it, because I wasn’t expecting it.”
“You tried to explain it the best you could, in a way she understood it.” He pressed his lips to my forehead. “Honestly, you did a better job than I would have if she had been willing to talk to me. Probably because I still want to go back to that damn hospital and kick Tim’s ass for fucking around on my sister and for making my daughter see that.”
“I don’t blame you. I want to too, and she’s not even my kid.”
But she was his. And that was all that mattered to me.
My alarm went off way too freaking early. Ezra groaned and tried to pull me back as I reached to grab my phone and shut it off. As soon as it wasn’t beeping anymore, I turned around to look at him. And just like last night, there was a new intensity to his warm gaze.
“Morning,” I mumbled.
“Morning.” He tightened his arms around me and kissed my forehead. “Sleep okay?”
“Is it weird if I say last night was the best night’s sleep I’ve gotten in a long time?” I asked. “I haven’t been sleeping great the past couple of months. Except last night.”
“You realize that makes me want to spend every night with you, right?”
I pressed my lips to his, and what I intended to be a quick peck on the lips turned into something much more intense.
I’d kissed my fair share of people and been in my fair share of relationships. Hell, I’d even thought I was in love once. But no one, and I mean no one, had ever kissed me like this before. Ezra kissed me like he’d never get enough. Like I was the only thing in the world that mattered to him.
He rolled me onto my back and skimmed a hand up my leg before slowly starting to slide the shirt I was still wearing—that still smelled like him—up so he could palm my breast. Gently, he flicked his thumb over my nipple, eliciting a moan from me. He shifted so he could settle himself between my legs, and I arched my hips, desperate for more. Like he just knew what I wanted, he pressed his morning wood against my aching center. I whimpered, half in pleasure and half in frustration because his boxer briefs were in the way.
Then his phone rang, and he groaned as he rolled off of me to check it.
“My mom. I’m sorry, but I need to take this,” he told me.
“It’s okay,” I assured him. “Ari comes first.”
He gave me one more quick kiss, then answered his phone
. While he was talking to his mom, I grabbed my phone and, for the first time in a couple of days, checked the group chat with my friends. There were over a hundred missed messages, and I clicked the button to scroll up to the top. I scrolled through some random memes, GIFs, and pictures of hot shirtless guys.
And then there was a series of messages from Reagan.
Reagan: Sabrina Waverly Parker decided to make her grand entrance into the world early this morning. We’re all doing great, but I’m exhausted. And yes, you guys can come by and meet her whenever.
Reagan: *picture of Sabrina*
Reagan: *picture holding Sabrina*
Reagan: *picture of Aaron holding Sabrina*
Reagan: *picture of her and Aaron with Sabrina*
Olivia: *picture holding Sabrina*
Olivia: So in love with my new goddaughter! *heart eyes emoji*
Elle: OMG I’m dying from cuteness overload! *heart eyes emoji*
Dahlia: She’s precious! Congrats, Reag! Love you!
Taylor: Congrats, babe! Penny can’t wait to meet her new cousin! And I can’t wait to meet my new niece!
I swiped at the tears in my eyes and choked down the lump in my throat. Damn it, why couldn’t I stay in New York for one more day? I felt like the world’s shittiest friend. One of my best friends had just had a baby, and where was I? On the damn road, singing the same songs night after night for thousands of people who didn’t give two shits about me.
Backing out of the chat, I went online and ordered a ton of baby clothes in various sizes—so that way Reagan would have some clothes for Sabrina when she got older and grew out of the newborn sizes—a huge teddy bear for the nursery, and a five hundred dollar gift card to one of the stores I knew she and Aaron were registered at so they could pick up whatever else they needed.
Me: [replying to Reagan] I’m sorry I’m just now seeing this. Congrats, Reag. Sabrina’s beautiful. I’m so sorry I can’t be there to meet her. Give her an extra kiss and snuggle from Auntie Daph. And I’m sending some stuff to you. Should be there in a couple of days. I love all three of you. <3
Reagan: You don’t have anything to be sorry for. Sabrina can’t wait to meet her Auntie Daph when you get home. Love you!
Me: *three kiss emojis*
Phoebe: Daph! Where have you been, bitch?
Dahlia: Let up on the woman, Phoebe. She’s got a busy schedule.
Elle: She’s right, though. It’s been a few days. You okay, Daph?
Me: I’m good. Apparently I miss all the good stuff, though.
Taylor: She’s been too busy with Mr. Hot Stuff. *fire emoji*
Me: I plead the Fifth.
Taylor: Holy fuck! You got laid! And didn’t tell me about it. I thought we were friends! :’(
I rolled my eyes. He was still getting hell for his prank.
Me: I’m not speaking to you. I’m still beet red from that…um…gift you left in my suite. I can’t believe you did that!
Me: Okay, yes I can. But I’m still mortified!
Taylor: Just looking out for my girl. ;-)
Olivia: Wait, what did we miss?
Harper: Yeah, back up. WTF HAPPENED?
I sighed. I guessed I’d have to tell them sooner or later. And just like I’d promised Reagan last month, I’d already told them about my stalker, so they would understand why it was so important to keep quiet. Not to mention that I wanted to keep Ezra out of the public eye for as long as possible, for Arielle’s sake if nothing else.
Me: Guys, if I tell you, you can’t tell ANYONE. I’m serious. My stalker’s still out there, and there are other people involved that I need to keep out of the press.
Phoebe: Bitch, I’m insulted that you think we don’t know that. You know what’s said here stays here.
Me: Okay, so…Ezra and I are a thing. As of last night. Long story, but the gist of it is, Ezra kissed me and ran away because he was scared he crossed a line, I was upset, and Taylor told me I was being an idiot and to go for it. So I went for it. And then we got back to my suite last night to find that Taylor thought it would be great fun to leave three boxes of condoms on my nightstand.
Me: Not three condoms. THREE BOXES!!!
Me: Just curious, T. How many were you expecting us to use???
Taylor: All of them.
Taylor: Ezra’s hot as fuck! And if I were you, I’d need those extra boxes. Just saying.
Taylor: *Mr. Bean wagging eyebrows GIF*
Reagan: *smiley face rolling on floor laughing GIF*
Reagan: Don’t make me laugh that much! It hurts.
Me: Sorry.
Dahlia: *Teletubby falling down GIF*
Harper: *woman sliding off couch GIF*
Olivia: So…how many did you use? *three laughing crying emojis*
Me: One.
Me: One condom, not one box.
Phoebe: Just ONE? Was he that horrible?
Me: I don’t kiss and tell. But no, that was most definitely NOT the issue. I had a show last night. I was tired.
Taylor: More important question is, did he enjoy the chocolate I left?
Elle: Just saying, as delicious as your English chocolate is, I somehow doubt that was the highlight of Ezra’s evening. Really, Taylor? Three boxes of condoms? *laughing crying emoji*
Me: The irony is, we actually did have to open one of the boxes to get said condom. Let’s just say neither of us were exactly prepared for this sudden turn of events. So I guess I should be thanking you, T. And yes, he says he’s now officially ruined for American chocolate.
Taylor: I’ve got your back, babe. *kiss emoji*
Olivia: Taylor’s like a sexy house elf, keeping you stocked up!
Dahlia: So he’s the one I can call to hook me up?
Harper: Hey, Taylor, do you take special requests?
Taylor: I already have a job, ladies. I don’t need another. And with you lot, I’d be working overtime.
Elle: Here, Taylor! I’ll save you from the sexy house elf slavery!
Elle: *“Master has given Dobby a sock” GIF*
Taylor: *“Dobby is free” GIF*
Harper: It should have been a glove, not a sock. *eggplant emoji*
I was laughing so hard at their antics that I was crying and snorting. Ezra slid his arm across my waist and kissed my shoulder. I could feel his chest shaking with silent laughter.
“What’s making you laugh that much?” he asked.
“My friends,” I told him, putting my phone back on my nightstand. “They’re hilarious. I feel like a shit friend, though.”
“Why?”
“Because Reagan had her baby, and instead of going to the hospital to meet her, I’m getting on a bus to make a twenty-hour road trip,” I said, a lump rising in my throat again. “Did you know she got shot and ended up in the hospital a little while back? And where was I? In Sydney. She’s one of my best friends and she almost died while I was on the other side of the world. And I had to fly to Hong Kong while Taylor was in the hospital in a coma. He’s the closest thing I have to a brother, and I had to leave him while he was unconscious in a hospital bed. Who does that?”
Ezra wiped the tears that had started to fall off of my cheeks and pulled me into his arms. “Someone who doesn’t have control over her own schedule. They know you still love them and they’re okay with sharing you with rest of the world.”
“But they shouldn’t have to be okay with it,” I sighed, wiping my eyes. “I wish you could come on my bus with me. But I think that would be a little too obvious.”
“The only people who would have to know would be my team and your drivers,” he pointed out. “I trust my team, if you really want me with you.”
“Does it make me seem clingy if I say yes?”
Before he could answer, his radio crackled weakly.
“Gonzalez to Ramsay,” came Hector’s voice, barely audible.
Ezra sighed and let go of me so he could grab his radio. “This is Ramsay. Go ahead.”
“The front desk has a
package for Angel. You free to go get it, or do you want one of us to do it?”
“No, I’ve got it,” Ezra told him. “Team, if you need me before we head out, call my cell. I didn’t get to charge my radio last night. It’s almost dead.”
“Yeah, I guess hotel rooms that aren’t yours don’t have a charger for your radio,” Garth said.
I put my face in my hands, feeling heat rising to my cheeks. Garth knew exactly where Ezra had been last night, and…oh, my God! He’d seen Taylor’s prank before we did! He was the one to sweep the bedroom and bathroom last night. That was why he joked about using protection. How was I ever going to look him in the eye again?
“You like your job, O’Brien?” Ezra muttered into the radio.
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll shut up now,” Garth chuckled.
“Anyway, if we’re done discussing things that are none of our business, tell the front desk I’ll be down in a few to grab the delivery for Angel,” Ezra said. “Ramsay out.”
“Well, I guess it won’t come as any big shock to your team if you don’t ride with them now,” I mumbled into my hands. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“Any of them give you shit, and they get written up,” he told me, peeling my hands away from my face. “Now, as sexy as you look in my shirt, I need it back so I can get dressed and see what your adoring fans left at the front desk.”
“You know, if you wanted me to strip, all you had to do was ask,” I teased as I pulled the shirt off and handed it to him, which left me completely undressed.
“Fuck, angel.” He shamelessly let his eyes roam up and down my naked body. “Leaving this room instead of burying myself deep inside you right now is torture.”
I pulled him into a kiss and palmed the bulge in his boxer briefs. “I promise to kiss it better if you ride to New Orleans with me.”
He groaned and claimed my lips again. I guessed that was a yes.
I debated taking the envelope I got from the front desk back to Daphne’s room so we could look at it together, but I wanted to at least have an idea of what I was dealing with before telling her about it. So, instead, I took it back to my room, took a quick shower, and changed into more comfortable clothes for the road trip. Then I packed up the rest of my bag before sitting down on my bed and opening the card.
Falling Angel Page 18
