Page 146 of Sweetheart

"His name's Ryker," he said, and my eyes widened. "Big guy, excellent rhythmic timing."

Magnolia rolled her eyes. "Ryker's the strong, silent type," she said. "Dark hair. Darker expression—but not as dark as his little brother's. He's very attractive too."

"Seriously, Maggie?"

"What? He is." Hayden tugged her toward him and placed a kiss against her temple. "You would remember if you met him."

"I do," I said. "My cousins and I played at his sister's birthday party."

Hayden nodded. "He also mentioned something about his dog Onyx and the beach?"

"Yeah," I laughed, blushing like crazy. "I definitely remember that."

Maggie and Hayden both looked like they wanted more details, but I doubted they'd care about my skinny-dipping adventure.Or maybe I was just too embarrassed to jump into that story with near-complete strangers.In an effort to steer the conversation in a different direction, I smiled.

"So, Ryker, he's the one who told you about us?" I asked. "I was wondering. My cousins and I aren'tfamous or anything."

"Not yet," Magnolia said. "But if you play forHERS, it will expose you to a bigger audience."

"No doubt."

Hayden smiled. "Yeah, Ryker told us about your group. But actually, it was someone else who gave me your contact info."

That was a surprise.

"Oh?" I asked. "Who was it?"

And then I heard him.

"Kent."

Sam stepped up next to me, and I stared at him, unable to believe he was actually here.

"I got caught in traffic," he said, "or I would've been here sooner. Everything good?"

"Yeah," Hayden said, "I was just about to ask Scarlett if her group wants to open for us."

My eyes shot to his in surprise. "But you haven't even heard us play."

"My cousin tells me you're amazing," he said, and Sam nodded.

"She's the best."

"He also showed us some videos of you and your cousins playing at different local events.Really cool, unique sound."

My gaze went back to Sam who was smiling at my dumbfounded expression. "How…but you've never seen us play live. Where did you get the videos?"

"From your sister," he said, "and your dad."

"My dad?"

"Yeah, I asked him to send me some of your best performances."

"What for?"

"For this," he said, gesturing to Hayden. "And because I wanted to see you play."

Swallowing hard, I said, "That was thoughtful of you."

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