Benefit to Love – By Kelly Violet #2
“Do you think there’s room for me and Wyn on the trip to California?
I know the van will already be crowded with all the equipment and stuff, but I really want to go with you to support the band.
Can I?” Everything rolled off her tongue in a rush.
The sound of my rapid heartbeat flooded my ears so much I almost missed what she was asking.
In a matter of seconds, all the stress in my body tightened and then released, flowing outta me.
“Is that all?” The question left my lips on its own.
Darcy’s head snapped up, vibrant green eyes filled with worry finding mine. “I don’t want to add to your plate, but I really, really want to go see you perform in LA.”
“Add to my plate whenever and however you want, babe. There’s never a moment when I don’t prefer you next to me.”
“Colt…”
“I mean it. Even if we didn’t have space in the van, I’d make room. Hell, you could sit on my lap the whole way there if you want.”
My girl giggled happily, playfully smacking my shoulder.
It was the sweetest sound I’d ever fucking heard.
Even the music we poured our blood, sweat, and tears into didn’t hold a candle to this sound.
Neither of us had it easy growing up. And I for damned sure didn’t think I could have such a joyful feeling in my life, but here it was.
Darcy made it happen, and I’d move heaven and earth to make her days as bright and filled with happiness as she made mine.
“Are you sure, Colt? Wyn and I could maybe fly out to meet you guys there or something.” The idea made my heart clench, even though it was a good one. Still, I didn’t like it. And I knew Rafe would feel the same way as me.
“Wyn has done us a solid by planning our entire travel itinerary.”
“My bestie is amazing,” she gloated, pride evident in her voice.
“So, both of you joining us won’t be a problem.”
“We can be your roadies and everything at the venue. We’ll help you sell merch.
Oh, and we can also pitch in for part of the driving, too.
” The way she got more bubbly with every new sentence sent blood rushing to my cock.
Her happiness was beautiful and addictive.
An absolute turn-on, because I had a direct role in it.
“Slow down, babe. We have more than enough time to figure out those details.”
“You’re right.” She actually started bouncing on her tiptoes. Fucking adorable .
“Okay.” After eating the breakfast she made for us, maybe I’d ask for seconds. And what I had in mind had nothing to do with food, and everything to do with indulging in my girlfriend’s luscious curves.
I had several hours before our scheduled practice, and then we had two days before hitting the road for Los Angeles.
Getting this one-on-one time with Darcy suddenly became top priority.
I especially didn’t plan to waste this delightful opportunity.
My girl deserved every bit of my attention, and she’d have it.
Now and in the future. And as more success came Blue’s way, I had every intention of sharing those moments with her, too.
Because having her in my life made everything about this journey bigger and better.
Pulling out a chair, I waited for Darcy to sit before grabbing the overflowing plates. Although the saying about food being the best way to a man’s heart was still tried and true, she’d captured mine well before now.
Placing the last plate of bacon on the small dining room table, I leaned down next to Darcy and whispered in her ear.
“Thanks for breakfast, baby. But don’t think I won’t be thanking you good and proper after we finish eating.
” My words were more promise than warning.
And from the pretty way her cheeks turned bright pink, she’d caught my meaning instantly.
Perfect , I thought. Finally taking the seat across from hers, I piled my plate with the tasty breakfast foods and dug in.
Life was better than ever lately. The band had steady gigs lined up and more people taking notice of our music.
The upcoming benefit concert in LA would be another huge stage for us, not to mention it supporting a wonderful cause.
And my girlfriend wanted to claim her front-row seat. I wouldn’t dare ask for more than this.
Hoping for a slither of normalcy had felt beyond my reach until Darcy showed up, proving that I’d only been living half a life. The music had kept me looking ahead long enough for my angel to appear and shake things up.
Ambushing her in California had been the best decision I ever made. My only wish was that I’d gotten to her sooner.
Shoveling a forkful of scrambled eggs in my mouth, I glanced up and caught her jade eyes on me. Her obvious blush was still there. Oh yeah, I’m definitely having seconds after this . Life was good. And I prayed to whoever listened above that it only leveled up from here.
WYN
I bounced on the tips of my toes with excitement. Rafe remained quiet and introspective, no more than a foot away. Knowing him well enough after two years together, I let him work through the mental checklist in his head without interference.
The guys were low-key stressed about the benefit concert, but I knew they had nothing to worry about on that front.
Hopefully, this road trip would go off without a hitch, and we’d be in Los Angeles in a matter of three days, making one overnight stop halfway. That’s what the guys agreed on when I offered to plan their drive. That way, Blue would get two full days in town before their turn on stage.
Building in that cushion made complete sense to me. Plus, now they had two more drivers to help. Although something told me none of the guys would let me or Darcy get behind the wheel of the van. Not because we were bad drivers or anything; it was just my female intuition talking.
Sensing his gaze on me, I turned to face him, giving Rafe a bright smile. “You remembered everything?”
“I did,” he said, nodding and sliding his hand into mine. “You sure it’s okay to take this break from work?”
“It’s not a problem. I finished up all of my current tasks ahead of schedule. My clients assured me anything else could wait until my return, so don’t worry. Plus, I have my work computer in case of an emergency.” I patted the side of the bag on my shoulder for emphasis.
“Okay, sweetheart. I’m glad you’re coming with me, and that you and Darcy can keep each other company during the drive and the concert.”
“Mm, me too.” I wouldn’t disabuse him of the idea that me and my bestie were mainly going to keep each other company. Nope, him and Colt could continue thinking that while Darcy and I knew the truth.
Our men needed our support now more than ever.
All four guys did. Plus, Blue was our favorite band.
It would’ve been stupid to miss this opportunity to join them as roadies.
I wanted to be right there, in the thick of the action, to watch them perform at the Hollywood Bowl. Darcy shared the same sentiment.
“Let’s head downstairs. The guys will be here any minute.” We were the last to get picked up due to the location of Rafe’s apartment building being so close to the highway.
With his hands occupied carrying his bass guitar and the extra piece of equipment he promised to bring, I grabbed the rest of our bags so that it would only take us one trip.
Knowing the van was likely already packed to the gills with their instruments and other equipment, I’d packed lighter than normal.
I had my weekender bag and a fillable neck pillow with the majority of my clothes inside.
I still couldn’t believe how many items fit in the interior, but whoever first thought of this cool hack would forever be a genius in my eyes.
“I can get that, sweetheart.” I paused and turned in Rafe’s direction. Without saying a single word, I peered at him with a dose of side-eye, and being the smart man that my boyfriend was, he zipped his mouth shut after seeing the look on my face.
Leaving his studio apartment, we locked the door behind us and made the trek downstairs.
Excitement sparked in the air, at least for me. I continued to bounce on the tips of my toes once we stood at the curb to wait for the van’s arrival.
Hearing Rafe’s low chuckle, I turned my head and caught his green stare on me. “What?” I asked.
“You’re pretty excited for this trip, huh?”
“Aren’t you?”
“Yeah, I am, but it still doesn’t feel quite real yet.”
“That’ll change once we get closer,” I told him, with all the confidence of someone who has never performed on any type of stage before.
Sometimes, Rafe could be a man of few words, but his mind was always on and multitasking.
Every time I learned something new about my caring, rockstar boyfriend, I became further impressed and fell deeper in love with him.
I knew his excitement was hidden beneath a small mound of worry and uncertainty.
I had no such concerns, though. Not about this trip or their slot for the benefit concert.
They would be in great company with the other acts slated to perform.
Devil’s Tea, Diverse Fuse, Hush, Black Velvet Machine, and Muddy Boots were on the list, and so many other amazing artists.
The concert would be one for the ages, and that’s exactly why Darcy and I weaseled our way on the road trip.
Plus, even if our men could be tight-lipped, they deserved our support on and off the stage.
After everything that happened to me, I never imagined in a million years I’d be here next to my musician boyfriend, ready to hit the road with his band.
But this was the happiest I’d ever been.
And Rafe had a lot to do with how much I’ve healed from the past trauma.
He made me feel safe and protected. Loved and cherished.