Eli was at his side in seconds. The cymbal crashed as Nick rounded the drum kit and joined them. There was a hushed conversation between the brothers and Eli took the mic. “Sorry, everyone. Our brother seems to be fighting a bad bug. We’re going to have to take a short break.”
There were some groans in the audience, but Emily heard expressions of sympathy as well. As she and Chris moved toward the stage, Michael’s brothers sat him down in a chair. He hung his head in his hands.
She knelt before him and put her hand on his knee. “Michael, do you need a doctor?”
“No.” His voice grated like sandpaper. “I mean, no, thank you. I’m just winded.”
“There’s no way you can continue tonight.” Eli’s harsh tones brooked no opposition. “I’ll tell Jack.”
“Eli, don’t,” began Michael. However, it was too late. Eli had already hopped off the stage and was talking to Jack. Michael pulled the pill bottle out of his pocket. “I just need something to take care of this damn headache.”
Nick whipped the bottle out of his hands. “Listen, Gwendolen. You can’t pop a pill every time you have the vapors.”
“Gwendolen?” Michael stood but immediately collapsed back into the chair. “Give it back.”
“Stubborn ass.” Nick shoved the bottle deep into his pants pocket.
Eli returned. “Jack’s begging us not to leave. Apparently he’s trying to impress an investor.”
“I can sing,” said Michael.
“You need a doctor and a good night’s sleep,” countered Eli. He took Michael’s guitar and slung it over his own shoulder. “You’ve been running yourself ragged. Nick and I will have to manage on our own, even if we stick to playing instrumental versions of the songs.”
Emily piped up as the devil on her shoulder whispered in her ear. “Michael should go to the hospital. I’ll take him and make sure someone sees him. When he’s done there, I’ll bring him back to my place so he can rest.”
Everyone turned to gawk at her. Chris grinned.
She shrugged, ignoring the look on her brother’s face. “It’s the least I can do.”
“Em, I don’t need a doctor.”
She stuck her finger in Michael’s chest. “I’ll believe you when you no longer look like you’re auditioning forGrim Reaper: The Musical.”
“Ha ha. You guys are all full of jokes tonight.” He scowled but his face immediately softened. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?”
“Of course not.”
“Well, when we get to your place, I’ll take the loveseat,” he was quick to add, glaring at his brothers.
“I’m sure we’ll figure out the logistics.”
Eli dropped a kiss onto Emily’s cheek. “Thank you. You’re a star. We’ll fetch him tomorrow morning.”
She smiled.Nice kiss. Wrong brother.
Chris handed Emily his keys. “Take my car. I’ll cab it.”
She hugged her brother.
Chris whispered in her ear as he kissed her good night. “Remember what I said. Seize the day. Seize the man.”
“Chris, he’s sick. Look at him.”
Only when Emily looked at Michael, the heat in his eyes surprised her. Some of the color returned temporarily to his face as his gaze followed the line of her hair and drifted toward her mouth. By all that was holy, one glance from Michael was better than a deep kiss from any other man. Emily’s nipples pebbled under his scrutiny so she tore her gaze away.
Maybe having him sleep over wasn’t such a good idea.
No. The poor man looked exhausted. How much trouble could they get up to, anyway?
