Reid paced the length of his hotel room. Over and over, he raked his hand through his hair, unable to tear his gaze away from the beautiful girl sleeping peacefully in the bed. With a frustrated groan, he threw on some clothes and slipped out of the hotel room. In quick strides, he moved down the hall and knocked on Tom’s door. It only took a minute for Tom to open the door and usher Reid inside.
“Did you know?” Reid asked, not bothering with formalities.
Tom nodded, his expression remorseful.
“And you didn’t think that was something I should have been told?” Reid spat.
Tom crossed his arms over his chest and lifted his brow in challenge. “First of all, I only found out a couple of days ago. Second, why are you so angry that your girlfriend surprised you by showing up in Paris? Haven’t you been asking her to come visit since we left?”
Reid dropped his chin to his chest and gripped his hair. “I don’t like being caught off guard.”
“That’s the whole point of a surprise visit, and it still doesn’t explain your anger.”
“It’s just—”
“Cut the bullshit, Reid,” Tom interrupted, his voice hard. “You’re pissed because Jess showing up ruined your plans with Chloe.”
“Chloe has nothing to do with this.” Reid could hear the lie in his words.
Tom laughed. “This has everything to do with Chloe. You two are together all the time. You have all these inside jokes, and I see the way you look at her. Hell, you guys act more like a couple than most couples. Don’t forget, I was there when you and Jess split. I saw what it did to you. Are you willing to lose her all over again because of your infatuation with Chloe? I get it, man; Chloe’s a cool chick, and if that’s the direction you choose, then whatever. I just want you to make sure you know what you’re doing, because if you fuck things up with Jess again, she’s not going to take you back. Are you prepared for that?”
Reid shifted his weight and frowned. He knew his feelings were changing, that something was shifting, but he wasn’t ready to admit that to anyone else. “Yes, Chloe and I are close, but not like you’re implying. Do I think she’s attractive? Hell yes. She’s fucking gorgeous. We have a good time together, and she’s someone I trust.” He looked away and cleared his throat. “She’s helped me get through a few rough spots.”
“Rough spots? What are you not telling me?” Tom’s voice was laced with concern, all traces of anger gone.
Reid rubbed the back of his neck and exhaled. “I’m just saying that I’ve been tempted to do things that I have no business doing. Chloe was there for me.”
“Reid,” Tom exhaled as he dragged his hand down his face. “What does Chloe know?”
Reid lifted his gaze, his eyes locking with Tom’s. “Everything.”
Tom’s eyes widened. “Everything, everything?”
“All of it. And then some.”
“Holy shit,” Tom whispered. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I trust her.”
Tom blew out a heavy breath. “This is more complicated than I thought. Damn, Reid, you don’t even see it, do you?”
“Don’t start your psychoanalysis shit with me. I know how it looks. I’m not stupid. But I swear to you, it’s not like that. I’m with Jess.”
“Well then, you should get back to her. I’m sure she’s wondering where you are.”
Reid looked at the bedside clock and sighed. “Sorry I snapped at you. I’ll see you at the venue.”
“Don’t worry about it. See you later.”
Slipping out of the room, he headed down the hall, slowing as he passed Chloe’s door before shaking his head and going to his room. Seeing Chloe was the last thing he needed to do.
Sitting on top of a vanity in the band’s lounge area at the venue, Chloe tried her best to make Greer go away. “Why are you doing this?” she whined, her face twisted into a pout. She was certain she looked every bit as idiotic as she felt.
Greer laughed and adjusted her party hat. “It’s your birthday, and since the evil king isn’t here to lock you away in a tower like some modern-day Rapunzel, I’m taking full advantage of the situation.”
Chloe gave him a wry smile and kicked her leg out, barely missing his shin. “Don’t be a dick.” She reached up to pull off the silly hat, but Greer grabbed her arm.
Stepping between her legs, he held her arm away and gave her a look of disapproval. “Am I going to need to tie your hands behind your back, or are you going to behave and let me have my way?”
Chloe’s eyes widened and she slapped her free hand over her mouth to stifle the abrupt laugh that burst from her chest. Greer leered at her, his smile cheeky. It only made Chloe laugh harder. “You’re insane.”
“And you have a filthy mind. You were totally thinking about me tying you up. Admit it.” Chloe opened her mouth to protest, but her words were cut off when another voice rang out.