Chapter 29 Rosalie
ROSALIE
“Incredible,” Anson said, scooping me into his arms for a hug as the guys and I came offstage after we finished out the show.
I hugged him back, feeling relieved. I had one more show here tomorrow night, then two left on the tour, and we would finally be done. I’d go home to my family and just… be. I’d be able to relax for a bit.
“No hug for me, daddy?” Cas said.
“Come here, you fucking popsicle,” Anson replied as I moved away from him. He pulled Cas in for a hug.
“Fuck, man. You smell good,” Cas mumbled. “Giving me a hard-on.”
“And we’re done.” Anson released him and shook his head.
“He likes to ruin the moment, don’tcha, popsicle?” Vic clapped Cas on the back as Cas waggled his brows at Anson.
“Rosalie, you lucky girl. I’m going to have sweet as fuck dreams about your Ani baby tonight. Woooo!” Cas whooped.
“Fuck, he’s a PR nightmare,” Anson said as Cas ran to the dessert table that was set up and buried his whole face into a cake while he howled, “Anson is daddy, baby!”
I smiled and breathed out. Tonight had been a great show. Despite all the crap going on, I felt… good. Maybe it was because I told myself Ethan was in the crowd. I hoped he was. I’d gone silent on him after everything, but now I really needed to just see him.
The urge was overwhelming.
As if reading my mind, Anson spoke, his voice soft.
“Are you going to go meet Ethan?”
I knew he was going to go out and scout a band in the city tonight, and Dante had gone home due to an emergency call from his guys. He looked sick with worry as he’d bolted out, but I’d practically had to threaten his life to get him to leave my side.
“I’d like to,” I said. “But I won’t if you don’t want me to.”
“LeeLee, I’m not going to make that call.
If you want to see him, then see him. It’s all headed in that direction anyway, once you feel comfortable again.
This is important to you, and it’s important to our little girl.
As much as I fucking hate Cole, I do want you to scout this out.
I—we—trust your judgment in all things.”
“Are you sure?” I knew he’d mentioned his feelings before to me, and I didn’t want to do anything that hurt him.
“Yes.” He brushed his lips against mine gently without bothering to hide our relationship. It was the first time he’d done it like this in front of people who could see. The staged press photos didn’t count.
This. This counted.
“I love you,” he murmured. “I’ll take you to him, scout the band, and have E or Ryder get you home since Trent is with Dante.”
I nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Then come on. Let’s meet your fans and get you to see your old… friend.” He kissed me again before taking my hand and leading me to where the band waited for me.
Ani was just so… perfect.
We sat in the rental car Anson had for us and stared at the pizza place. There weren’t a ton of people out since it was after midnight. I didn’t even know if Ethan would be here. Scared of not hearing from him, I didn’t bother reaching out and just showed up.
“There he is,” Anson murmured, his eyes fixed on a person dressed in black as he walked out of the pizza place. We were late, and it looked like he was giving up and leaving.
I swallowed hard. I’d spoken to Evan and Klaus on the way here, and they’d given me their blessing in any capacity I needed it. It still made me nauseous, though.
“You going?” Anson asked.
“I-I y-yeah. I just…”
“Want me to get him?” Anson asked gently.
I nodded, my throat tight.
Anson got out of the car without hesitation.
“E! Hey!” He called out. Ethan snapped his head up and looked at Anson. My heart trembled, so many emotions rushing back to me as I stared at him.
He looked the same, yet so different. He seemed bigger, like he’d worked out more. His hair was longer. He was dressed in all black. Confidence. Power. He just looked… healthy.
And really damn intimidating.
I watched as he approached Anson, and they shook hands, both speaking. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but Anson nodded his head for Ethan to follow him and brought him back to my side of the car.
I exhaled and tried to calm myself as I nervously adjusted the hood on my black hoodie.
Anson opened my door, and I looked into Ethan’s face.
A small smile broke out on his lips as he took me in.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he murmured, holding his hand out to me.
I looked to Anson, who gave a slight incline of his head. With shaky hands, I slid my palm against Ethan’s, and he helped me out of the car.
He brought me straight into his arms for a hug I hadn’t been able to feel in years.
“You always did fit perfectly right here, little rock star,” he murmured in my ear, sending goosebumps scattering along my skin. His hands tightened around me. “Some things don’t change.”
I melted against him, my eyes burning, as I hugged him back. He could touch me. He hadn’t lied about his change.
“You have my number. Both of you. E, man, watch her. She refused security, and I’m really trusting you on this,” Anson said, his voice thick. “D-Don’t lose her, OK?”
“Never,” Ethan replied softly. “I’ll take care of her.”
“LeeLee…”
I released Ethan and went to Anson, who pulled me in before crushing his lips against mine for a deep, possessive kiss.
“Be good,” he whispered against my lips. “I worry.”
“I will. I love you,” I murmured. “Ani.”
He smiled down at me as he cradled my face. “I love you, too. Do what feels right, OK?”
I nodded. “I will.”
He swept his lips over mine again before breaking away.
“E—”
“She’s safe with me,” Ethan said gently. “I promise, man. I got this.”
Anson nodded before stepping off the curb to go back to the car. We watched him get in and sit for a moment before he drove off, leaving me with Ethan.
I turned to face Ethan, my cheeks hot. I hadn’t told him I was with Anson, too. He knew I was married to Evan. This had to be a blow.
“So…,” I started.
“I always knew he loved you,” Ethan said.
I looked at him. “I’m sorry. I should have told you that we’re… that’s he’s…”
“Is it like we were? You and us?”
I bit my bottom lip for a moment. “Yeah.”
He chuckled softly at that before shaking his head. “It’s so weird to see you two together, but you guys look good. Two puzzle pieces, meant to be.”
I smiled, relieved he wasn’t upset. “We are. He’s incredible.”
Ethan nodded. “Yeah. He’s a good guy.”
We both stared awkwardly at one another.
“Wow,” he finally said, laughing. “This is just so weird.”
My nervousness dissolved. “It is, but it almost feels normal.”
He nodded. “I agree. Come on. Let’s get some pizza and catch up.” He held his hand out to me, and I took it, letting the butterflies pound hard inside my chest.