Page 16 of Rhythm Of Redemption

Lou flashed a triumphant smile at Sofia. She knew it was childish, but so what? It was high time that little madam was taken down a peg or two. “Branston okay for you?”

“That would be mega, cheers.” A brilliant smile, like a burst of sunshine, illuminated his boyishly handsome face, leaving her a little giddy. “Could I be really cheeky and ask if there’s any chance of a cup of tea, as well, please? I haven’t had a decent one in weeks.”

“Yes.” Her voice came out as a weird, strangled gurgle. She cleared her throat. “Milk and sugar?”

“Milk, three sugars please.”

“Three? I’m sure you’re sweet enough.” Oh my god, did I really say that out loud?

“Mum,” Dani hissed.

He chuckled. “That’s what my nanna says.”

His nanna? Well, that put her in her place.

Ty's unexpected appearance at Dani's birthday celebration was the icing on the cake, surpassing even Catalina’s confectionary masterpiece. He’d handled the adulation and fawning from the girls with good humour, never once acting like the superstar he obviously was, and had been nothing but kindness and charm personified. The best part had been when he and Logan had sung happy birthday. Even Sofia’s spiteful little mouth managed a reluctant smile.

Dani had had an absolute ball, and it was all thanks to Logan. “Do you have to leave?”

“Um, no … I guess not. Ty could drive the car back, and I could take a taxi later.”

Having immortalized their meeting with their super-crush, with a plethora of selfies, both as a group and individually, against the backdrop of Logan's Ferrari Spider, they reluctantly said their farewells before he left to join the rest of the band on their European tour.

Ty’s departure was swiftly followed by Dani and her friends sneaking off to enjoy a swim, then a film back at the bungalow, leaving her alone with Logan.

“Now that you’re not driving, do you want a drink?”

“What have you got?”

She held up a bottle of wine she’d won in a Christmas raffle and a six-pack of beers a guest left behind. “Take your pick.”

“The wine’s fine.”

Lou sat down and poured two glasses before handing one to him.

The first sip was like an assault on her senses. She stuck out her tongue and shuddered as the acrid liquid made its way down the back of her throat, coating her tongue in a vinegary film.

Logan’s face contorted in a mix of disgust and disbelief. His brows furrowed and his lips puckered in response to the bitter aftertaste. “Beer?” Lou nodded, tipping the wine into a nearby plant pot. He leaned over and grabbed two cans, passing one to her.

“Do you think we should have rescued him?” Lou snapped open the ring-pull.

Logan lifted the frosty can to his lips and took a long, cool drink before letting out a contented sigh. “Rescued him from what? Six teenage girls? This is nothing.” He took another drink. “Usually, Ty and the rest of the band can’t go anywhere without a security team.”

Like a moth to a flame, her gaze was irresistibly drawn towards him. Captivated by the icy droplets racing down the can and cascading over his large hand, gripping it with unyielding strength. “Why?”

“To stop them from getting mobbed.” He crushed the empty can in his hand.

She drew in a breath, her concentration wavering. “By who?”

“Fans, weirdos, stalkers.” He gave a dismissive shrug.

“Really?” She knew Ty was famous, but surely Logan was exaggerating. “Sounds horrible.”

“It goes with the territory.” His tone was matter-of-fact. “A necessary evil, if you like.”

“Well, I’m not sure I’d like it.”

“It’s not all bad, you know.” His eyes glazed over, his gaze becoming distant as a wistful smile played on his lips. “Being up there on the stage with that spotlight on you, the roar of the crowd, the energy, it’s like time seems to slow, expanding into an eternal moment, where the only thing that matters is the here and now. Everything else, worries, problems … they all just melt away.” A shiver ran down her spine, setting the hair on her arms and the back of her neck on end and goosebumps rippling across her flesh. “And all that’s left is you.” He tilted his head to look at her. “It’s the best feeling in the world.”

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