Page 89 of Jade

“It doesn’t work that fast. That doesn’t make sense. And you didn’t say anything! We talk every day.”

Ryker pulled Jade into a hug and kissed her forehead. “I didn’t want to disappoint you if Lila was gone again. After I found her, I took care of everything and called in a few favors. Big favors. Everything is done. I’m all yours.”

Lyra whooped. “Yes! Unlimited choice of dates. I love this. I’ll get right on the planning.” She pulled out her cell phone. “I told you you’d thank me for reporting your stalker to the label. I totally brought you two together.”

The producer cleared his throat from where he still sat at the mixing board. “Congratulations, you two. Now, get out of my studio. Lyra, wedding later; record now.” He tapped his watch with his fingertip.

Lyra pouted, but tucked her phone in her pocket. She pulled both Ryker and Jade in for a group hug.

“Congratulations. I love you both. I don’t want to see either one of you again today. Go enjoy your engagement. I know you’re dying to bone.”

Jade and Ryker both laughed.

Jade said, “You know me so well. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow, okay? Call me if you need me.”

“I’ll be okay.” Lyra pulled Jade in for an individual hug and kissed her cheek. “Love you, babe. Have fun.”

“Love you, too, Lyr.”

She let go of Jade and hugged Ryker. “Welcome to the family.”

He said, “Thank you. And thank you for watching over my Jade for me while I’ve been gone.”

“She’s my Jade. I’m just letting you borrow her.” Lyra laughed and kissed Ryker’s cheek. “Now go have fun. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

Ryker laughed and nodded at Lyra. He took Jade’s hand in his and they left the room together. They walked down the hall and Ryker pushed the button for the elevator.

While they waited, he leaned down and murmured in her ear, “I can’t wait to get you back to my hotel. I want to worship you, fiancé. In so many ways.” He paused, then said, “Mmmm. Fiancé. I love that. You have no idea how hard that word makes me.” His lips dropped a soft kiss behind her ear.

“Oh, I think I know. Probably about as wet as it makes me.”

He ran his nose up her neck. “I can’t wait to bury myself inside you and find out.”

The elevator dinged its arrival and when the doors opened they stepped inside.

“How long until you have to leave?” she asked as the doors closed and he hit the button for the first floor. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered, almost dreading his answer.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulled her against his side, and held her close.

“You have me as long as you can stand me.”

Her eyes widened with surprise. “Wait, what? Explain.”

“I’m on vacation for a few weeks. When my vacation is over, I plan to work remotely as much as I can. I want to be with you and I’ll do my damnedest to make it happen. I couldn’t stand being apart these past few weeks, and I’m determined to change that.”

Jade’s butterflies turned to a feeling of comfort that flooded her chest. “Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. I want this. I want us. I’m committed to making us work.”

Jade turned and threw her arms around him, pulling him in for a hug.

He laughed with surprise and hugged her tight. “We’ll figure it all out, sweetness. I promise.”

The elevator dinged as they reached the first floor. The door opened, and Jade’s bandmates stood there arguing with each other, complete with hand gestures, while Maggie sipped her grande coffee and their new guard’s eye twitched.

Jade laughed at their antics and couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest woman on the planet. Her friends, her family, her fans, and now her fiancé... Despite the ups and downs, everything led her to this moment, to the arms of the man she loved surrounded by people she loved — and she wouldn’t trade them for anything.