Matt coughed, the lump in his chest feeling suspiciously like the precursor to tears. He wouldn’t have been able to articulate it as well, but he’d been worried about himself, too. For the first time since his injury, he was hopeful and excited about the future. There were so many things he wanted to do and they all started with Penny.

Everything started with Penny.

“I’m going to be okay now, sis.” It was something he felt strongly. No matter what happened, it would be okay if he had Penny at his side. He could get through anything, endure anything, knowing that she was waiting for him at the end of each day.

“I know. I knew that when I saw you with Penny. You were laughing, Matt. I haven’t heard you laugh like that in a really long time.”

Maybe it was because he was feeling hopeful for the first time in so long that he felt compelled to ask, “Are you happy, sis? I mean about getting married? Because I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to wait a little bit. Take your time. Travel.”

“Yeah. That’s what it is. I guess I just thought I’d have done more before I settled down.”

“Don’t let Mom make you feel like you have to rush into this. It’s your wedding. You should deliberately pick a wedding venue that’s booked for years to buy some time. Then you and Trent can take some wild vacations to a nudist colony or go blow all your money in Vegas.”

“You know what? I think I’ll do that.”

She sounded lighter than she had at the start of their conversation, so Matt decided to ignore the niggling twin-sense that something still wasn’t right.

“Now I just have to figure out what to do with my house. I’m not sure I want to sell it yet.” He’d bought it so he could feel like he was building a life, but he’d barely done anything to the place. There was no great sentimental attachment to that particular location. He knew now that building a life was about more than just the things you bought. It was about who you shared things with. Eli’s place was more of a home to him than his own house was. When he closed his eyes in this house, he could smell Penny’s scent and imagine her laughter bouncing off the walls. They’d already made some pretty great memories here.

“Rent it out. I’m sure we can find someone who’d rent from you until you decide to sell. Plus, since I’m here I could keep an eye on it for you. Make sure they take care of the place.”

“That’s a great idea.”

“I’m full of great ideas. Such as you and Penny. That was my idea, you know. I’m totally taking the credit for matchmaking.” She let out a happy sigh. “You’re so lucky you have an awesome sister who bugs you and makes sure you go to your appointments.”

Matt couldn’t agree more.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“TEN MINUTES, KAY.”

She looked up when Matt stuck his head into the dressing room. Anxiety had become a constant companion for Kaylee the past few weeks. Now that Jackson had announced the group would go their separate ways after the summer, there had been an undeniable thread of tension present at each of their gigs.

In the past, that would have made Kay anxious, but it barely fazed her now. No, what had her on the edge of her seat was the tension between her and Elliott.

Thank God for Matt, she thought.

He’d been shadowing her the past week, and it had given her a break from Eli’s terse company. Matt had seemed gruff when she first met him, but she’d soon learned he had a quick wit and a ready smile. He didn’t mind when she took a little longer getting ready than the other girls. Eli always tried to rush her along, which annoyed her to no end. She couldn’t skip steps in the makeup department like her friend Sasha or the other girls. They were all thin and beautiful. She was, well, she was just herself.

Now Matt stood staring at her outfit with a shocked expression. “New costume?”

“Too much? I knew these things were too tight!” Kay turned back to the mirror, tugging at the clingy spandex.

“No. No, you look great,” Matt assured her. “I was just surprised since you usually don’t wear bright colors.”

Kay appreciated his tact. She usually didn’t wear clothes that were this sexy. A tickle in her belly made her wonder what Eli would think when he saw it. Then she shook it off. Ever since they’d spent the night in the hotel together, nothing had been the same. She wasn’t sure if it had been Ridley’s intention to force them into the same room, but when they’d arrived at the hotel the desk clerk had only shown one room under their reservation.

Kay rubbed her stomach. She still wanted to barf sometimes when she thought of the horrified look on Eli’s face. You’d think sharing a room with her was a fate worse than death.

He’d been a gentleman and offered her the bed, but she hadn’t been able to sleep a wink all night. How could she when he was sleeping on a cot a few feet away? The next morning, they’d gotten on the road early, neither of them anxious to extend their stay any longer than necessary. Ever since then, Eli had been a bear.

“Have you seen Eli?” She tried to sound like she didn’t really care, but she could tell by the gentle look on Matt’s face that she hadn’t succeeded.

“He’s screening everyone coming into the backstage area. I know you guys have a big interview tonight, so he’s been keeping security tight.”

“He’s being unreasonable.”

Matt just smiled. “He takes your safety seriously and so do I.” The walkie-talkie on his belt crackled. He stiffened and pulled it off. “I have to go. I’ll see you after the show. Good luck.”