Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

Doyle had felt jittery all day. There was excitement about returning to Gray's house, but also a nervousness. What if he ignored her, or if Monty and Sofia made things strange? Stupidly, she even picked out a lacey matching set of underwear. The only way Gray would see it was through her semi-sheer blouse. She dressed similarly for her last gig, a fashion photo shoot, but this time, it took her a half an hour to decide what to wear. A dozen outfits covered her bed. She finally sighed and went with an understated professional look. Almost professional with the shear silk.

As she started down the stairs, his voice made her heart race. Her heart hammered in her ears and after a month he didn't disappoint her eyes. She needed a picture of him, so she didn't have to trust her memory during long stretches of not seeing him.

She touched him getting into the car, because she had to. The need was stronger than her desire to use any substance. Only Kasper knew she had cleaned up her act. By default, he had as well. Tate was too into Jimmy, and Baxter assumed the worst.

Their conversation felt rehearsed, but she smiled when he said he listened to podcasts. Once they stepped into the house, Gray looked uncomfortable. Doyle wanted to put her hand on his to reassure him, but Sofia stepped in and teased him. She wanted to yell he's mine, but he wasn't. Even worse, Sofia wasn't a threat.

Sofia's sister and niece relieved the tension in the room. After introductions, Doyle concentrated on setting up her equipment. She brought her own light to enhance her adorable subjects.

Looking around, she took in the large comfortable family area. "Where is Ana?"

Sofia smiled. "She just woke up. Monty is cheering her up. I need to go help dress her. Rosa, check out what's in the oven."

When Sofia went upstairs, Rosa walked over to the kitchen still in the large open room. It left Doyle looking at Gray who stood with his hands in his pocket. She leaned in. "I wish you would kiss me."

He tilted his head at Rosa. Lina was nearby playing with baby toys in the corner. The decor was impeccable, no doubt the result of an interior designer. She imagined Baxter's beautiful decor altered by baby paraphernalia and toys some day.

He asked, "Can I help you?"

She smiled. "I have it. Thanks though."

She felt his eyes watch her every move, and she jumped when Rosa returned. "Gray, did you hear he's making Korean ribs?"

Gray laughed. "How do you know it wasn't Sofia?"

"No, no. You can't fool me. My sister can't cook like that."

Gray laughed. "I'm glad you have accepted my friend."

Doyle's jaw dropped. Accepted him? Wouldn't it be a question of the Whitbys accepting Sofia?

Gray laughed when he saw her face. "Rosa didn't trust Monty."

"He had a reputation. Him and his bodyguard."

Gray put his hands up. "I'm just big. I prefer saving damsels."

"Like Sofia."

Gray frowned. "Like Sofia. Ms. Kane is here to take photographs."

Doyle and Gray's eyes met. She enjoyed looking at him with two good eyes. Rosa was ready to share family secrets with her. How did she know Doyle was trustworthy? Gray probably didn't understand the extent Doyle was loyal to him.

Rock & Roll Magazine had been trying to persuade her to tell her story, but she had resisted. It was impossible to share without exposing Gray. In addition, her family wanted the ordeal kept private. She had considered an exposé on what it was like to be on tour with the band. The article she had taken the pictures for was in the next edition. She would wait to see the crux of the article. Was it a lie or did it contain the truth about the band? She didn't want to think about those guys.