Page 45 of Midnight Dissonance

“She’s their golden child who can do no wrong. And she’s a lot like them.”

“But you live with her?”

“Correction, I rent a room from her because it’s cheap while the band is working to build our following.”

“And you don’t speak to them at all?”

“Why would I? When I quit school and stopped following their dreams for me, they viewed me as a total screwup. And I don’t want that kind of toxic negativity in my life. But it’s fine. I have a job that pays the bills while the band builds its following.”

“But you’re family. I’m sure they love you and want only what’s best for you.”

“Josh, that may be true for you and your family. But not everyone is as fortunate as the Ryans when it comes to family. Some of us get stuck with people who couldn’t be more different, and no amount of talking it out will make them see you for who you are instead of what they want you to be. To my parents, I’ll always be their greatest failure. And it’s fine. I’ve made peace with it.”

Josh wrapped her in his arms. “I’m sorry. Family should be there for you. And I’m sorry yours weren’t.”

Lexi relaxed into his embrace. She never expected comfort from him. Kinky, break the bed sex, absolutely. But not his compassion. And it made him different, set him apart from all the rest. Even if she was still unsure about his motives for being with her, she couldn’t deny he stirred emotions inside her.

She didn’t want to care about him. And if she weren’t careful, he would matter. Who was she kidding? He already did.

She shivered. Even within the warmth of his embrace, her legs were freezing in the winter wind.

“Let’s get you out of the cold.” He released her but took her hand and threaded their fingers together.

He led her inside the trendy women’s boutique. The moment they stepped inside the airy place, she knew she wouldn’t be able to afford much here. Maybe a pair of socks. The store was light and airy, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Everything was spaced and displayed to draw the eye. When she was used to finding her clothing at the local thrift store.

“Josh, I don’t know about this place. Couldn’t we—”

“Let’s get a few things you’ll need.”

“But Josh, it’s too expensive. And while I have some savings, I would rather not spend it on clothes when I have some perfectly good ones at home.” She was close to paying off a major bill. The last thing she wanted to do was delay getting that monkey off her back.

“Lass, this is nonnegotiable. You need clothes to wear to work tomorrow. And you’re spending the night at my place.”

“But I—”

Josh grew stern. “Either find something you like, or I will pick it out for you.”

“I don’t know why you’re being so difficult on this,” she argued.

“Hi, welcome to Layla’s. Can I help you find anything?” One of the sales clerks approached with a huge smile. She was about ten years older. Her blond hair was in a thick braid over her shoulder. She looked like she should be on the cover of a magazine, not in a clothing store, no matter how upscale it might be.

Lexi opened her mouth to tell her no thanks, that they were leaving. But Josh beat her to the punch.

“Yes, she’s going to need some jeans, tops, bras, and panties if you have them.”

She glared at him. The sales lady’s eyes grew round for a moment, likely calculating how big a commission she’d receive. Because she sized Josh up as a man with deep pockets.

“Sure thing. If you folks want to follow me.”

Josh escorted her, giving her no room to refuse unless she wanted to cause a scene. And then she became a doll, trying on tops, jeans, even a few dresses. With every item of clothing that Josh said yes to, she fought him.

“Here, try this on.” He grabbed another dress off the rack. It was a short, slinky black number threaded vertically with silver that made it look like it was raining precious metal.

And even though she knew it would likely look spectacular on her, she still argued. “No.”

“Fine. It’s your size. Ah miss, add this dress.”

She ground her teeth, refraining from calling him out in front of the clerk. Because she wasn’t stupid. And while she didn’t mind stepping across the line into punishment territory, she knew better than to throw a tantrum in the middle of a store.

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