12
Iwent still as I tried not to freak out at Neil’s question. How did he know about me and Jayce? Or was he just guessing? Did everyone know? My eyes grew wide and I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I didn’t know what to say. There had been something between us, but there wasn’t anymore. But there could be? Maybe.
Oh god.
The corners of Neil’s lips turned down slightly. He ran a hand through his hair, making it stick up even more.
“I thought so.”
I wanted to explain everything, but I also didn’t want him to think I was making excuses. I looked down at the table.
“How did you know?” I asked quietly. “Did someone say something? Does everyone know?”
“No, no one said a word. I had no idea until today.”
“Why? What happened?”
“Jayce is acting strange around me. At first I thought he was angry, but he also has this look of resignation about him. Then he said something that made me think.”
“What did he tell you?”
“He said if I hurt you he’d cut off my balls.”
I couldn’t help the bark of laughter that escaped. “He didn’t!” I put my head in my hands, embarrassed, but also amused.
“Those were his exact words.”
“Neil, it’s not… I mean, we did have a little something, but that’s over with now.”
Neil looked skeptical.
“We have an attraction to each other, but we both agreed it wouldn’t do either of us any good to get involved. He’s a famous rock star with fans to string along. He needs to play the rock star god. I’m just a newbie in the industry. We don’t need crazy fangirls attacking us.”
He nodded. “Then I don’t have anything to worry about?”
“No. Not at all. Whatever we had, it’s over.”
“I like you, Ailey. I’d like to get to know you more. But I don’t want to get stuck between you and another guy.”
“Our decision to break it off was mutual. We both agreed it was for the best.”
“I just want to make sure we’re both going into this on the same page.” He quirked his lips into a smile.
“I think we are.” I gave him a shy smile. “I’ve wanted to meet you for months, after all.”
“I’m the same. Even though I had no idea what you looked like, I loved talking with you and getting to know you. I had a feeling there would be chemistry if we got together in person.”
I bit my lip nervously, wondering if I should ask. I mustered my courage.
“And is there?”
He leaned forward and stroked his fingers down my bare arm, brushing over my palm to the fingertips, causing a shiver to run down my spine.
“Like you wouldn’t believe.”
***
MY DATEWITH Neil had gone wonderfully. We talked for hours, laughing and joking. It really was like we were long lost friends. He walked me back to my hotel room long after midnight. I thought about inviting him in but wondered if it was too soon. He just kissed me goodnight before I could make a decision.
