Page 63 of Hold Still

She snaps her legs closed. “Feeling’s mutual.”

Damn, she’s good for my ego.

I help her dress, which finally happens after much more kissing, and we spend the rest of the afternoon working on music. She shows me her graphic ideas and I share snippets of the new songs.

When my cell phone alarm goes off, I stand. “Dinnertime.”

Her fingers drop off the laptop, her eyes zeroing in on my crotch. “I know what I’d like for dessert.”

Her eyes catch mine and the lust blazing from them makes me suck in my breath. Is it possible I’ve met my match? My libido has always been strong but she’s as insatiable as me. I wrap a lock of her bright red hair around my finger. “You’re as horny as me. I like it.”

Chuckling, I grab her hand and we walk into the kitchen. I pull out some leftover rice and beans and a few chicken breasts. Together, we cook up a delicious meal that reminds me of home. I haveherfor dessert, though, served on the kitchen counter.

“Let’s head over to the Jade.”

“I’d love to but I can’t tonight. I have a meeting with one of my clients.”

I place a kiss on her neck. “Cancel.”

Her pulse pounds beneath my lips, but her next words dash my hopes. “I wish. This meeting already has been rescheduled three times.”

Something about the way her eyes dart tells me she’s not being truthful. Sheisdifferent from all the rest. Right?

AT THE JADE,I sip my tea and reflect on the turn of events from today when Aiden walks in, interrupting a particularly vivid memory of McKenna against the rocks.

After dumping a folder on the table, he asks, “Is McKenna here?”

I shake my head. “No. She has a client meeting tonight.”

“Oh.” He pops a handful of M&M’s into his mouth. “Then do you want me to make sure the Penthouse is set up for you?”

My stomach cramps at the thought of bringing anyone there. “No.”

“Sounds like the little graphic artist is getting under your skin.”

Not wanting to admit the depth of my feelings yet—even to my PA—I retort, “Now don’t go getting your panties in a bunch there, Aiden. She’s a hot piece. Nothing more.” My words sound hollow to my own ears. A knock at the door diverts my thoughts. Welcoming the distraction, I call, “Come in.”

My dressing room door swings open and my band filters in. Sticks banging on his thigh, Stan says, “Hey, we thought we’d go over some of the new music with you before tonight’s show.” For the next half-hour, we jam to the new stuff I’ve been writing, making changes that kick the songs up.

Aiden enters the room fifteen minutes before showtime. “Hey, guys. I’m your fifteen-minute warning.” He hands me another cup of tea.

“So, we’re definitely adding ‘Take Me’ to the lineup tonight.” We discuss final changes to the setlist and everyone files out to head for the stage.

As I wait backstage for my cue, I realize I’m not as nervous as I usually am. The bats are still there, yes, but not in the full-on swarms like before. Before McKenna.

She’s only a diversion.

Remember that.

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