“I told you I was horrible company.”
“I loved holding you in my arms. It worked out perfectly.”
She sighed then rubbed my hand with her own. I could tell she didn’t want me to leave. Ever since we shared that kiss in the limo, she became more comfortable with me. Her nervousness was gone, as well as her vulnerability. And I liked it.
“Did you like the show?”
“It was so much fun. Thank you for taking me.” She turned her face and kissed my knuckles.
It was the hottest thing I’d ever seen. A woman had never kissed my hand before, not like that. It made my hair stand on end. I felt like she was worshipping me, cherishing me. “You’re welcome.”
“And I’m sorry you had to carry me so far.”
“You’re as light as a feather.”
She smiled. “You always know what to say.”
“I want you to feel beautiful. Because you are.”
She blushed. “Cash…”
I liked this side of her. We needed to have more conversations when she was half asleep. “When can I see you next?”
“I have to work tomorrow. Maybe the next day?”
“I want you to come over.” My meaning was very clear. I didn’t want there to be any misinterpretation. I wanted her on her back and in my bed.
“Okay.” She pressed her face close to mine.
“Scott will pick you up at six.”
“Should I bring anything?”
“No. I’ll have everything you’ll need.” Everything.
“Okay.”
I gave her a gentle kiss then pulled away quickly. I knew what a heated kiss would do to both of us. And I wanted to save it for when she came over. “Good night, baby.”
“Good night, Cash.”
I stared at her hypnotic eyes for another moment before I forced myself to leave. I closed her bedroom door gently behind me then headed to the exit. Gavin blatantly stared me down, executing me with his eyes. If he wasn’t in Prudence’s band, I’d make sure he never got a contract—ever. That’s how much I hated this guy.
Chapter Eleven
Prudence Clearwater
I didn’t question my decision after I made it. It was the perfect setup, and I was genuinely happy. Now I wanted more than just a kiss. I wanted all of Cash. Every inch of that perfectly chiseled body, including those soft lips. I shivered just thinking about it.
Gavin was distant the next day. He barely spoke to anyone, and he was in a sour mood. Everyone ignored him, not sure how to act around him. He was acting like a child. I wasn’t going to fall for his tantrum, but I was concerned about it. As musicians, we relied on each other immensely. The chemistry between us reflected in our performance. If Gavin hated me, everyone would know.
When we arrived at the bar, we set up our equipment because we couldn’t afford roadies. But I liked it better this way. I couldn’t trust someone else not to nick a string or set my mic right. It gave me anxiety just thinking about it. When it came to my instruments, I was very possessive. I didn’t like it when people touched them, not even my bandmates. No excuses.
After we were set up, we sat backstage on the moth-eaten couches. The place was dirty, and had a distinct smell of marijuana. No one in our band did drugs or even smoked a cigarette. But we did drink alcohol. And a lot of it.
I drank my iced tea on the couch while Desi sat beside me. She was humming to herself, warming up her vocal cords. I always stretched my vocals in the bathroom where no one could hear me. I was odd in that way.
Gavin and Mason sat opposite of us. Mason spun a drumstick in his hand then tapped his foot against the floor, practicing in his head. Our lyrics decorated his forearm. I was flattered he ingrained his flesh with some of my song lyrics. They would be forever inked on his arm.
Gavin sat directly across from me, brooding the entire time. I never slapped anyone in my life, but I really wanted to slap him. I never gave him any impression that something would happen between us. But I understood that saying, “Men are from Mars. Women are from Venus.” Made perfect sense now.
Mason spun his drumstick against the armchair, but shattered it under his accidental force. “Damn.”
“Do you have another?” Desi asked, panic in her eyes.
“I always leave a spare in the car.”
Desi fumbled for her keys in her purse. “Let’s go.”
They both left the couches then bolted out the backdoor to the parking lot.
I was totally alone. With Gavin. Great…
I looked at my hands in my lap then pulled out of my phone, wanting to have something to do. Gavin didn’t move, but he finally looked at me. It was the first time we were alone. And I had a feeling no good would come from it.
Gavin cleared his throat. “So…you like that guy?”
Ugh. Seriously? “Yeah.” What kind of question was that? Obviously, I liked him. Would I let him carry me to my apartment while I slept peacefully in his arms if I didn’t like him? Fucking dumbass.
“What’s the big deal about him? Because he’s rich?”
My annoyance increased tenfold. We’d been playing music together for years, so he knew me pretty damn well. And I definitely didn’t care about money. If I did, I wouldn’t be a musician. “That doesn’t mean anything to me.”
“Then why would you date a psycho that steals your ticket to the play? That sounds pretty creepy.”
“Or insanely romantic.” Now I was trying to piss him off.
Gavin narrowed his eyes, the rage coming through. “So you’re going to screw him all summer then go home like nothing happened?”
I clenched my fists automatically. “Who I fuck is none of your business, Gavin. I’ll fuck as many guys as I want. I don’t owe you anything.”
“I broke up with Brooke for you.”
“For me?” I asked incredulously. “Gavin, I don’t have feelings for you. Period.”
That wounded his pride. I could see the hurt in his eyes. I felt bad for being so blunt.
“I’m sorry…I should have said something when I suspected you were into me.”
Gavin rested his hands on his thighs then stared at his shoes. I had no idea what he was thinking. “It seemed like you were into me.”
“I don’t know what I did to give you that impression, but I’m sorry, I don’t see you that way.”