Page 74 of Banter & Blushes

“My apartment lease was up while I was touring, so I didn’t renew it. Then my own stuff started getting noticed. I went straight from tour to here. After the video, I’ve got to decide.”

“Where to live?”

He sighs. “And if I’m joining The Rolling Rocks on next season’s tours or trying my own thing.”

I put my fork down and turn to him. “Why wouldn’t you do your own thing? Your music is taking off.”

“Yeah, but the focus will all be on me as a solo artist. If I fail, then it’s all on me.”

“But if you succeed . . .” I lift my hand higher.

He smiles, then dips his head.

“Are you scared?” I almost regret asking, as I can see it caught him off guard.

“A little. You know I don’t like being under a microscope. People wanting to know all about me.”

This time it’s me who reaches for his hand. “You’re a good person. Unless you’ve been in jail the last few years and I don’t know it.” I laugh.

“No.” He chuckles. “But if on an off chance I do get famous...” He pauses and rolls his eyes. “Then everyone will watch my every move. I’m too private for that.”

“I get it.” I take a long drink of my tea. “We all want money without the fame.”

“It’s not even the money for me. It’s getting to write and sing my own songs for a living.”

He leans back and runs the hand I’m not holding down his face.

“It may sound silly since we don’t have long in the same place, but I’m always here if you need me. You can call or text me anytime.” I give his hand a squeeze.

He nods, then looks at me. “I don’t have your number.”

“It’s the same.”

“I dropped my phone in a lake fishing one summer and lost all my contacts.”

I shake my head. “I’ll text it to you if yours is the same.”

His lips curve upward and he turns so our knees touch. Then he takes my other hand in his. “I don’t know where I’m going when this ends, but I’d really like to kiss you again.”

Despite the rational part of my brain begging me to not get too attached, I lean in for one more kiss.

CHAPTER 10

COLT

Tiffany winks at me as she places an extra piece of fudge on my plate. I joked with her yesterday that she’s trying to fatten me up so I won’t look as good in the video.

We’ve spent time together off set ever since the day I followed her home. From sharing meals to walks on the beach to me helping out in the food truck, it’s been fun. I don’t want it to end.

Even worse, I don’t want to face the reality that I’m technically homeless and have no clear direction where to go next.

JD said he needs an answer next week so they can start rehearsing new songs. The guy who recorded a few of my solo songs already said some agents in Nashville are showing interest. I can’t give a hundred percent to both my music and the band’s.

I find a seat near Mackenzie and some of the camera crew. She has her clipboard in front of her, going over scenes.

“Shoot.” She frowns and makes a frustrated sound.

“What?” Russ, the lead cameraman, asks.

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