“What about the girl?”
“Which one?”
“The brunette.”
“Her name is Pru.”
“Pru?” I liked it.
She nodded.
“And what’s her story?”
The bartender looked at the impatient customers waiting for refills. “Be more specific.”
“Is she married? Have a boyfriend?”
“I have no idea. I just know information about the band.”
“Can I meet them?”
“Umm…I can try to arrange something. But I’m not allowed to leave my desk.” She gestured to the wooden bar.
“When and where is their next gig?”
“I don’t know.”
I sighed in annoyance. “Then direct me to someone who does.”
The bartender waved a bouncer over. “Talk to him.”
“Can you get me backstage?” I asked the hulking guy.
He looked me over, judging my size. “And why would I do that?”
I pulled another hundred out of my wallet. “He’ll explain it to you.”
The bouncer shoved it into his pocket. “Follow me.”
I was immediately nervous. And I never got nervous about anything. I’d never put so much effort into a single girl before. I hadn’t even spoken to her and I was already obsessed with her.
When I moved backstage, I saw the guitarist I immediately despised. I didn’t want to talk to him. But everyone else was gone.
The bouncer tapped the guitarist on the shoulder. “You got a fan.” He walked out.
I sighed in annoyance.
“I’m Gavin. I’m glad you liked the show.” He extended his hand.
Being a dick to this guy wouldn’t get me closer to my goal. “You’re very talented. And I enjoyed it very much. I was wondering when your next show was.”
Gavin thought for a moment. “We’re playing at Good Times with Davey Wayne in a few days. It’s a 70s bar just a few blocks away.”
“Cool. I heard you guys are from London.”
“Yep.” His accent confirmed it.
“Have you been to LA before?”
“No. We plan to do some exploring while we’re here.”
“And what’s your first stop?”
“The girls want to see Wicked at Pantages on Thursday. So we got tickets for that.”
I nodded. That was something I could work with. “It’s a great performance. You’ll like it.”
“I’m sure.” He waited for me to walk away or ask another question.
I wanted to be discreet and not reveal my unusual obsession. “Can I meet the rest of the band?”
“Of course.” He stepped back then looked down the hallway. “We got a fan, guys.”
“Cool!” a girl shouted.
My heart fell when I didn’t recognize my muse. Two other members of the band came out, but my girl was nowhere to be seen. I complimented their performance and stalled as long as possible, until I was forced to ask for her.
“And how about your bassist?” I asked. “I enjoyed her solo performance.”
Gavin nodded. “She’s definitely the most talented member of this band. She writes most of our songs and music.”
That didn’t surprise me at all.
“I’d love to meet her.”
Gavin turned to the drummer. “Where did Pru go?”
“I’m coming.” She emerged from the hallway then pulled her hair back. A drop fell from her chin, and her face was free of makeup. She just washed it off. I was more mesmerized than I was before because she looked even more stunning without it.
She moved through her band mates then reached me. Her long brown hair hung over one shoulder. The sudden smell of cherry blossoms flittered to my nose. “I’m sorry if I kept you waiting.” She finally landed her gaze on me. I could tell she liked what she saw.
“Hi…” She extended her hand.
I took it. “You have a lovely voice.”
Her cheeks tinted. “Thank you.”
She was humble. Even better. And that accent—damn “You’re an awesome bassist too. I was thoroughly impressed.”
She was embarrassed again. “Wow. Thank you.”
She was surprised by my praise, which made me like her even more. During our short interaction, I could totally read her. She wasn’t conceited, vain, or pompous. She was down-to-earth.
“And as a band, you’re all amazing.” I realized I was only showering her with compliments, which was a little odd.
Everyone smiled then patted each other on the back.
I extended my hand to her again. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
She took it then squeezed firmly. Her wrist was so petite I could wrap my fingers completely around it. She was thin, but not too thin. And she had lean muscle in her forearms. When I touched her, I felt the softness of her palms but the callus in her fingertips. I wanted to kiss each one, suck on them until they were raw.
Standing over her, I got a close-up of her face. Perfection. Not a blemish, not a line, not a mark. Her lips were full and curved. When I stared at them, my thoughts turned sinister. She excited me immediately, which was hard to do. Like I said, I’m extremely picky.
Being an observer of audiences, I could read people fairly well. I could see her reaction to me. She was unnerved by my touch, anxious and excited at the same time. I had a strong hunch she was drawn to me like I was to her. And I sincerely hoped I was right. I finally dropped my hand, hating the severance.
Her arm fell to her side then moved into her hair automatically.
Yep. She was nervous.
“It was lovely meeting all of you. Good luck with the career.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly. When she gave her signature smile, my knees became weak. I really wanted to devour those lips with mine. And I hoped I’d get my chance.
After I left, her gorgeous face was ingrained in my mind. I knew it would be there until I saw her again.
Chapter Five
Prudence Clearwater
“We totally rocked it!” Gavin strutted into the apartment then jumped on the couch. Mason did the same thing, head-banging to music that wasn’t playing. Desi started dancing in the middle of the living room. I smiled at them as I watched their enthusiasm. It was a pretty great night.
Gavin jumped a few more times before he bounced off the cushions. He moved into the kitchen and started pulling out the booze. “I think rounds are in order.”