Chapter 26
26
Jasper
I stood in Malachi’s kitchen debating what to make for dinner when I heard the front door open. “I’m in the kitchen.”
A second later, Malachi walked around the corner and greeted me with a kiss. “You makin’ dinner?”
“Don’t I make it every night?” I teased.
He smiled. “You do, and I appreciate it more than you know, but I don’t want you to think you need to cook all the time.”
One of the many things I loved about Malachi was how thoughtful he was of those he cared about. He’d been the same way when he was younger, and all of his fame hadn’t changed him.
I gave him another kiss. “Don’t worry. I do it because I love it, not because I feel obligated.” Moving to the pantry, I pulled out a bag of rice, deciding to make honey garlic chicken. “So, did you get Silas to the airport okay? How is he doing?”
Silas finished his stint at the rehab facility and was heading back to Boston to spend some time with his parents before the band performed there in a week. He wanted Malachi, Jesse, and Elliott to drop him off, since he said he’d missed them while he was gone. I knew the guys felt the same way, and I thought it was good for them to have some time together before he left.
“He seemed to be doing well, which was great to see. He’s got a sober companion who will travel with him, and I think that will help him as we get back on the road. For now, I think spending time with his family will be good for him.”
I opened the fridge and grabbed the ingredients I needed. “Yeah. I’m happy for him and a little jealous he gets to spend some extra time in Boston.”
“Are you missing home?” he asked with a concerned look on his face.
“It’s not the area so much because I really like it here, but it would be nice to see my parents,” I admitted.
Malachi nodded. “I get it. I haven’t seen mine since the holidays.”
After getting a cutting board, I turned back to face him. “Do you think we could go back a few days early?”
“I don’t see why not. Maybe all of us could go. I think some family time would be good for everyone.”
“And maybe it will be a little more relaxing than our trip to Mexico,” I teased, although there was truth behind my words. We had been lying low for the past month since returning to LA. The constant attention we received whenever we went out was something I accepted because I wanted to be with Malachi, but I didn’t think I would ever be fully comfortable in the spotlight. “I’m sure you’re tired of being cooped up here.”
He lifted my chin and turned my head so I was facing him. “I’ve loved every second of spending this time with you.”
He sounded sincere, but I still frowned. “Sometimes, I feel as though I’m holding you back from living the fun and exciting life you led before just because I’m not a fan of the paparazzi.”
“Hey, don’t ever feel that way. My life is so much more exciting now that you’re back in it. I wouldn’t trade what we have for anything.” He pressed his lips to mine.
His kiss immediately wiped away any concerns lingering in my mind. “Maybe we can go out on a date in Boston.”
He grinned. “I’d like that.”
A few days later, we were back in Massachusetts. Jesse, Olivia, and Elliott joined us as well, and everyone was looking forward to some time in our hometown. After our flight landed, Elliott took off toward his parents’ place, and the rest of us swung by the hotel we were staying at to drop off our bags. Even though both Malachi’s and my parents had offered to let us stay with them, we enjoyed our privacy and figured a hotel was a better option for us.
“So, what’s your guys’ plan tonight?” Malachi asked Jesse and Olivia, who were sitting in the backseat of our rental car.
“We’re going to say hi to Mom and Dad and then meet Liv’s parents downtown for dinner,” Jesse replied. “How about you?”
“I’m having dinner with my parents.” Malachi glanced at me and smiled. “Then I’m taking your brother on a date.”
“Where are you guys going?” Olivia asked.
“We’re going to a club,” I replied. “No one even gets there until late so I’ll still get to spend the entire evening with Mom and Dad.”
When Malachi and I had discussed what we wanted to do, I’d suggested going to Chrome. And since we were looking for a place where we wouldn’t be bothered by the media, it was the perfect spot. The nightclub took the privacy of its customers seriously. Celebrities and sports stars often hung out there; hell, I’d even seen the president’s son there on occasion.
“You guys still going to brunch with us tomorrow?” Jesse inquired.
Malachi nodded. “Your parents invited mine so it’s going to be a family affair.”
“Nice,” my brother said.
We pulled up in front of my childhood home, and Jesse and Olivia climbed out. Before following them, I leaned over and kissed Malachi.
“I’ll pick you up around ten,” he said as I reached for the door handle.
“I’ll be ready.” I kissed him once more and got out.
The second we reached the porch, my mom threw the door open and wrapped all three of us in a hug, squeezing us tight. “I’m so happy you’re finally here. We missed you so much.”
“Audra, let the poor kids breathe.” Dad chuckled.
When she finally let us go, I wrapped an arm around my father’s shoulders as well. “It’s good to see you both.”
Mom ushered us into the living room. “Come sit down. I want to hear all about what you’ve been up to and how the wedding planning is going.”
Jesse and Olivia eventually left to meet her parents, and I continued to chat with my mom and dad. They filled me in on how things were going with them and asked me a ton of questions about life in LA. Eventually, they decided to head off to bed, so I went to my childhood bedroom, where I had stored some of my things when I first left for LA. I also wanted to set aside a couple of cookbooks so I could grab them before we headed back on the road.
While looking through a box, I heard a noise at my bedroom window. Assuming it was just the wind, I ignored it and continued my search. I heard the sound again a second later, so I walked over and opened my blinds.
“What the heck are you doing?” I laughed, lifting the window open.
Malachi smirked and climbed inside. “I told you I was picking you up.”
“Yeah, but I figured you’d come to the front door like a normal person.”
“You didn’t seem to mind me sneaking into your bedroom before.”
Memories of those nights years ago washed over me. It used to make me sad when I remembered those times, but now that we were together and everyone knew about us, it only brought me happiness.
“You’re right. I loved it then, but I love it even more now, knowing we no longer have to hide.”
He pulled me into his arms, and our mouths collided. I could easily kiss my man for hours and never tire of it, but eventually, we had to break apart and catch our breath.
“If you don’t stop now, we’ll never leave.”
I shrugged. “That doesn’t sound like the worst idea.”
He shook his head. “I’ve got plans for you later tonight, and I’m sure you don’t want your parents to overhear us.”
Fuck, he was right. “Fine, let’s go. But I expect you to deliver when we get back to the hotel.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Have I ever not delivered on my promises?”
No, he hadn’t, and I couldn’t wait to see what he had in store.
We made our way into the city toward Chrome. When we arrived, the bouncer recognized Malachi as we walked up and let us in without waiting in line. As we stepped inside the dimly lit club, “Padam Padam” by Kylie Minogue was playing, and I was eager to get on the dance floor. Malachi grabbed my hand so we wouldn’t get separated in the crowd and led me to the bar.
We ordered our drinks, and while we waited for the bartender to make them, I heard someone say, “Jasper?”
I turned to the side and saw Ryan Ashford standing there. “Hey, man.” I smiled. “How’s it going?”
“Good.” He looked at Malachi next to me and glanced down at our hands, which were linked together. “Looks like things are going well for you too.”
I beamed. “They are. Ryan, this is Malachi. Malachi, this is Ryan. I used to work for his father,” I explained.
“Nice to meet you,” Ryan said as he shook Malachi’s hand. “Looking forward to your concert in a few days.”
“Awesome,” Malachi replied. “I hope you have a great time.”
“Here are your drinks,” the bartender said, placing our glasses in front of us.
Malachi paid while I asked Ryan how his dad was doing.
“He’s great. His boyfriend moved in with him a few months ago, and he seems pretty damn happy.
My eyes went wide. “Boyfriend?” I knew Sean’s wife had passed away a few years prior to me working for him, and I wasn’t aware he’d started dating again, let alone dating a man.
“Yep,” he chuckled. “Surprised the hell out of me too, but Declan’s a good guy. And he cooks, so my dad’s still eating well.”
I snorted a laugh. “Wow. Tell him I said hi.”
“I will. I need to get back to my table.” He pointed to a group of guys who were watching us. “It was great to see you, and nice meeting you, Malachi. Maybe I’ll see you at the concert.”
“Sounds good.”
As he walked away, I made a mental note to get him backstage passes for the show. Of course, that meant I should probably tell Malachi that Ryan and I had a bit more history than I had let on, but that conversation could wait until later.
We downed our drinks, and then Malachi leaned in and asked, “You want to dance?”
I nodded. “Lead the way.”
The music pulsed as we made our way to the middle of the dance floor where the lights swirled around us as we began moving together. His hands wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me in close to eliminate the space between us. Just like I did anytime we were together, It felt as though the rest of the world faded away until I could only focus on the two of us.
“I love you,” I said, trailing kisses down his neck.
His hand moved lower until he was grabbing my ass. “I love you too.”
Song after song, we grinded together, and I could feel the heat building between us. After a while, I was desperate to get him alone.
“I can’t wait any longer,” I said in his ear. “Take me back to the hotel.”
He pulled back, his eyes dark with desire. “Let’s go.”