Page 66 of Midnight Dissonance

He brought the drumsticks together.

One. Two. Three. Four.

They jumped into the first song, a fast-paced punk rock number that got the crowd on their feet and drew them in for the rest of their set. The next hour passed by in a blur of music. They poured their hearts out, even though it was rehearsal. This music was her soul on display.

And she loved every damn second of it. This was why she was here—to make music, to take the stage and sing, to give people a reason to get up and dance.

They took a break midway through the set. And while they were sitting there, she asked, “Are you guys still thinking about renting a house together?”

Robbie and Nate winced. “Actually, the other unit across from Cliff became available, and it’s cheaper than the house we were considering. We signed the lease papers Monday and move in the first of the month. Why?”

She shrugged. “I was just wondering because I don’t think I can keep on living with my sister for much longer. And with rent prices being what they are . . . But it’s no biggie. I’ll figure it out.”

She hated that she hadn’t jumped on this sooner.

“Hey. Hope I’m not interrupting.”

Lexi’s head whipped up. Josh stood there in his fancy suit, looking sexy as hell and out of place at their rehearsal. She smiled, thrilled that he made it. She headed over with her guitar still strapped around her shoulder and kissed him on the cheek, not wanting to give her bandmates fodder.

But while he smiled, it was tight. And when he glanced at her, his eyes blazed with fury. She swallowed and cursed herself. He must have heard her ask the guys about the house. “You’re not. We were taking a quick break before running through the last part of our set.”

“Why don’t you introduce me, lass?”

“Sure. That’s Cliff behind the drums.”

Cliff lifted his drumsticks in acknowledgment. “Hey, man.”

“Over there is Robbie, and that’s Nate.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Um, why don’t you have a seat. We were just about to get started on the second half of our set.” The seat was a lawn chair, but it worked for when they wanted to sit and discuss their songs.

Josh nodded. “Will do.”

Practice took on a surreal bent having Josh present. He was angry, but the guys didn’t pick up on it. They joked with him. But every time his gaze landed on her, they promised retribution.

She messed up. She knew she had. And maybe it had been stupid of her to ask about the house rental. But she wasn’t sure about her moving in with him. It was too soon. Although it was essentially what she was already doing. And she loved being with him.

Yet a part of her was still waiting for him to cut and run.

When they finished their set, Josh rose from his seat, clapping. And while she was packing up her guitar, he chatted with the guys. But the tension radiated off him.

“Ready?”

She glanced at him as she rose from her crouch. “Yes, I’m ready.”

She bent to grab her guitar case.

“I’ve got it.”

And at the look in his eyes, she knew better than to argue. “Hey guys, we’re taking off.”

“Later, dudes. We’ll let you know if our demo is accepted to the festival,” Cliff said.

“Awesome. See you Tuesday.” Lexi turned on her heel and headed out, with Josh behind her. When they reached the parking lot and the cars, she opened her mouth to apologize.

But he glared at her. “Not here. I’m sure you don’t want your friends to overhear the fight we’re about to have. Get in. And I will meet you at home.”

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