Annie is changing things for the better. And I’m grateful that she’s changed me.
The Black Bear. I shake my head at the crowd as the band and I wrap up the set. It was Annie’s first night hearing me sing at the bar, and she hasn’t stopped thrashing her hands in the air and dancing. She’s right below me, swaying and reaching her arms up to touch me as if she were just another piece of rock candy—but she’s not. She’smyrock candy, and I never was good at sharing. The song is about to end, so I pull Annie up on stage and wrap my arm around her waist as I sing the last few lyrics straight into her eyes.
“I found my first and last love, and she looks a lot like you—” I stretch out that last note a little longer than usual because I feel it. Annie is my first and last love. My lips find hers, and we share a kiss right here on center stage. I don’t hear any objections from the crowd, just a hell of a lot of people cheering us on.
Annie pulls back with her lips still pink from meeting up with mine. “You were amazing.”
“Was that too loud?” I ask.
Annie has been in a few situations that made her head pound, and I know for certain it’s loud as shit in here.
“With your voice? Not loud enough.”
We bounce off stage, and she leads me to where her brothers sit with their better halves. Wyatt is seated right behind them, lifting his beer in my honor.
“You killed it.” He stands and slaps me five. “Thanks for the invite. You know I love to hear you do your thing.”
“You heading out?”
Wyatt looks over his shoulder. He’s wearing his suit—the dude doesn’t leave home without a tie and cufflinks. As much as the band brings the girls front and center, his power suit has them magnetizing that much more.
“Maybe.” He does a quick sweep of the doorway. “There’s a familiar blonde back there who just threw out an invitation.”
“You don’t know her name?” Annie glances to the door at the blonde in question, and her eyes round out. “Never mind, I know her name. That’s my roommate, Marley.”
“Marley.” He tests it out on his lips without taking his eyes off his new midnight snack. “Sounds good to me.” He taps me in the gut. “See you two at the ranch.”
We watch as he heads toward the door. Marley has already been swallowed up by the crowd.
“Do you think something will come of that?” Annie cocks her head in disbelief.
“I don’t know. My brother has a particular taste. He’s more of a chains and leashes kind of guy versus—”
“Versus songs and careful kisses?” She takes a soft bite out of my ear.
“Yeah, that.” I groan in approval.
“I think Marley can take him. She’s always ‘taking one for the team’ when it comes to…intimateresearch. All for the sake of her article, of course.” Annie gives a playful wink. “She’s got a pair of velvet cuffs she’s been using as paperweights. Maybe she’ll finally get a chance to dust them off.”
“Velvet, huh?” I shake my head at my brother as he threads into the crowd. He always was a lucky son of a bitch. But then again so am I. My lips find Annie’s as she draws a hearty groan from me.
Bryson and Holt head over, and my groan takes on a whole new meaning.
“What’s up?” Bryson slaps me on the shoulder.
“Just hanging out with my girl.” Nice. Make yourself sound like a caveman, and see how far that gets you with the brother brigade.
“I’m glad.” Holt folds his arms over his chest and widens his stance like he’s not. “Just know we’re still keeping our eyes on you.”
I raise my hands like a criminal. “Feel free, but know you’ll be seeing a lot of this.” I brazenly peck a kiss off Annie’s cheek, and she laughs. There it is, that beautiful melodic laugh I can write a song about all on its own.
Bryson nods. “Never mind that. We want to see more of your ugly mug here, at the Black Bear. How about we start booking the band once a week? Friday or Saturday night—your pick.”
I look over at the guys on stage still packing away the equipment. “Done.” I know they want this as much as I do. “This is perfect for us. Thank you.” The 12 Deadly Sins live to sing another day. I’m loving it.
Bryson gives my arm a light sock. “You’re a good guy.”
“He is a good guy.” Baya pops up from behind and gives me a quick hug. “I’m glad you and Annie found each other.”
