“I don’t care.” She rose up to shoot me a death glare. “And don’t joke at a time like this.”

“I’m sorry. It’s a defense mechanism.” I brushed her long blonde hair out of her face. “Trust me that I feel just as desperate about you leaving. But we’re going to make this work.”

“How?”

“With Mama, it’s not going to be an option for me to come to you, so I’ve been thinking that I’ll just fly you out here on the days you have off between tour stops.”

Abby’s eyes widened. “Do you know how much that would cost!”

I shrugged. “So.”

“Jake, it’s awfully sweet, but I can’t let you do that.”

“It’s not up for discussion, Angel. I want to be with you, I have the money, so you might as well not argue with me since I always get my way.”

Rolling her eyes, she replied, “You’re such an egomaniac.”

I ran my fingers over her bare back, causing her to shiver. “But in spite of all my faults, you still love me, right?”

“With all my heart and soul.”

“Good. Because I feel the same f**king way.” Flipping us over, I settled myself between her thighs. “Ready to show me once again just how much you’re going to miss me?”

***

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Love ya, Austin and see ya again next year!” I cried into the microphone. As I started off stage, I waved at the boisterous crowd. Unlike the guys, I didn’t stop at the dressing rooms to change. Instead, I headed straight for the bus. My hulking bodyguard followed right at my side and didn’t leave me until the bus doors closed and locked behind me.

Once I was in the safety of the bedroom, I dug out my phone and called Jake. While our long-distance love arrangement had been running smoothly, I’d been worried about him the last few times we had talked. In the weeks after I’d left, Susan’s health had begun rapidly deteriorating, and it was wreaking havoc on Jake emotionally. I wanted more than anything to bail on the tour to be with him.

He answered on the third ring. “Hey Angel, how was the show?”

“Good. It was a pretty big venue, and we sold out.”

“That’s awesome. I miss you like crazy.”

His words caused a fluttering in my chest. “I miss you too. How’s Susan?”

Jake inhaled a sharp breath, and I could almost feel his anguish through the phone. “She’s okay I guess. She’s having more bad days than good.”

My heart ached for him, and I would have given anything to be able to wrap my arms around him and comfort him. I knew he needed a distraction, and after more girl talks with Lily, I knew she had admitted that she often resorted to comforting Brayden’s emotional heartaches with physical love.

After gnawing on my bottom lip, I finally decided to go brazen. “I bought something for you today.”

“You did?” Jake questioned absentmindedly.

“Actually, it’s for me, but I think you’ll enjoy it.”

A hissing noise came from Jake. “Whoa, wait a minute. What did you buy?”

I giggled. “I’m glad I have your full attention now, Mr. Horny.”

He groaned. “Fuck, did you buy some lingerie?”

“Mmm, hmm.”

“Show me.”

“Nope, not until this weekend.”

“Yes! Go put it on and take a picture for me!” he commanded in a voice that made me instantly all hot and bothered.

“Nope. Patience, Mr. Slater. You’ll have a nice surprise this weekend.”

In an almost helpless, pitiful voice, he asked, “Please?”

I couldn’t help grinning at his change in tone. “All right, all right. Give me five minutes.”

“Thank you, baby. You don’t know how happy that makes me. Of course, I’m already hard just thinking about you getting undressed.”

“Jake!” I cried as heat filled my cheeks.

He chuckled at my outrage. “Okay, go change.”

After I hung up, I peeked out of the bedroom. The boys still hadn’t made it back to the bus. I locked the door and then slipped on the black and white checkered bra and thong. With white bows along the edges, it had an extremely naughty school girl look, especially when I slid on the white, lacy garters. Innocent, but sexy. Once I was outfitted, I stood in front of the mirror and snapped a few pictures from different angles. Then I texted them to Jake. I’d barely finished sending the last one when he called me.

“Are you trying to kill me? You’re even wearing garters!”

I laughed. “Does that mean you like it?”

“Oh f**k, Angel, I’ll explode before Friday.” He sucked in a ragged breath. “Are you still wearing it?”

“Yes,” I replied warily. I had a feeling where this was going, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for it yet.

“Wanna make love to me over the phone?”

I snorted. “You mean, ‘Let’s have phone sex’.”

“Anyone can make it sound dirty,” he teased.

Fiddling with the lace on my garters, I asked, “Are you in your bedroom?”

After I heard some muffled noises, Jake replied, “Yes, I’m in bed now—naked and hard as a f**king rock because of your pictures.”

A thrill went over me at the image that formed in my mind. Closing my eyes, I focused on the familiar sight of his lean muscles, his tight abs and all his tattoos. When heat burned between my thighs, I got a little more courage. “Do you want me naked?”

“Just your bra first.”

I reached around and unhooked the snaps. Once it fell free, I fought the urge to cross my arms over my na**d chest.

“Is it off?”

“Yeah…”

“Put me on speakerphone.”

“Jeez, you sure are bossy,” I muttered as I put the phone on the bed and punched the button.

“Cup your br**sts.” Just as I was told, I brought my hands to my chest. “Are your ni**les hard yet?”

“No,” I murmured.

“Pinch them.”

Against my better judgment, I did as I was told. “Does it feel good?” Jake asked.

“Yeah,” I murmured truthfully. Okay, maybe I could get into this a little bit.

Jake’s long moan echoed throughout the room. “Oh baby, I wish I was there. I would have my mouth and hands all over your br**sts.”

“I wish you were here too.” Biting my lip, I hesitated before I asked, “Are you touching yourself?”