Page 121 of Drive
“When are you getting back? We need to talk, like, yesterday,” Kate complained. “My dad’s looked over the offer, and he says they’re — and I quote —‘sufficiently motivated.’But we all need to sign off on this, so don’t leave us hanging,Gilchrist.”
Jacques blew out a breath to settle his nerves. “We’re headed back tonight. We’ll be back in a few hours.” He let his eyes lock with Rainey’s, wanting to share this moment with her. He could see she understood the significance of it. Her eyes were wide and shining, and she wore a smile that seemed to hold pride, happiness for him, and something else. Somethingdeeper.
Acceptance?
Kate’s voice broke through his musings. “So, that means you can meet us tomorrow at my dad’s office at like ten o’clock,right?”
Jacques blinked. “Yeah, I guessso.”
“Don’t give me that guessing bullshit,” Kate groused. “Will you be there ornot?”
Jacques shook his head at his irascible bandmate. It was a good thing playing with her and the other girls was the best gig he’d ever known. “You’re kind of bossy, you know that,Crawford?”
“I’ve been told,” she admitted. “You didn’t answer myquestion.”
He stifled a laugh. No need to make her any more unbearable than she already was. “Of course, I’ll be there. No one wants this more thanme.”
His response must have pleased her because her voice softened — as much as Kate Crawford’s voice could soften. “Good. I…” Shepaused.
Jacques’s attention piqued. Kate was never at a loss forwords.
“…I got a little worried when you up and took off thisweek.”
Jacques couldn’t resist. “Kate Crawford, did you miss me?” heteased.
At his words, Rainey grinned anew. He gently lifted her hand to his lips and marked it with a silent kiss. Her eyes held his withwarmth.
“Don’t get your hopes up,” Kate barked, but he could tell she was smiling. “But I’m glad to know you’re headedback.”
“Yes,” he reassured. “I’ll be there tomorrow. Wouldn’t missit.”
They were silent for a moment. “So…” Kate rasped. “You said you were with your girl… That all workingout?”
Jacques’s grin was automatic and full-force. Despite her thorns, Kate Crawford was aromantic.
“Yes, I think so.” His own voice went soft at the words. He watched Rainey’s brow arch withcuriosity.
“Does that mean I’ll get moresongs?”
Jacques laughed. “Definitely.”
“Good,” she said on a scratchy laugh. “Then get your ass home. And if we sign this thing tomorrow, we’re going out to celebrate. You can bring yourgirl.”
Jacques could imagine few things sweeter than celebrating a record deal with Rainey by his side. His smile was almost painful. “Looking forward toit.”
Kate ended the call without a goodbye. Jacques set the phone down on the dash and locked eyes withRainey.
“You’ve been offered a record deal,” she said, a tremor in hervoice.
He still held her hand in his, so he picked it up and smoothed her fingers with his thumb. “That just happened, right?” he asked, his gaze moving between her eyes. “I didn’t just dreamit?”
He watched her swallow and smile. “You didn’t just dream it,” she said with a little shake of her head. “And if you dreamed it before now, it just cametrue.”
Jacques let the words sink in for a moment before he grabbed Rainey in his arms and crushed her tohim.
“Oh, my God,” he murmured, unable to say much else. He wanted to tell her how much he loved her and how perfect the moment was for him because she was by his side. How he’d never forget the beauty of it. He brought his lips to her ear. “I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad you’re the one I get to share thiswith.”
Her arms around him squeezed tight before she pulled back to meet his gaze. “Jacques, I’m so happy foryou.”
