“Of course.” He rolls his lip between his teeth to hide a smug smile.
“I thought you were playing,” I say, throwing a thumb over my shoulder.
“We did. We’re finished now.”
“That was quick.”
“Well, we played for three hours.”
“Oh,” I say, surprised. I was so caught up dancing that I hadn’t even noticed how quickly the time had passed.
His eyes pierce mine. “You looked like you were having a good time out there.”
My heart is beating like a drum. “It was fun. Thank you for inviting me tonight. It was just what I needed.”
“I’m glad. It’s good to see you enjoying yourself,” he says, his voice softening before he nods towards a door at the end of the hallway. “Do you want to come out back while I pack up?”
The invitation hangs in the air.
Of course I’m fucking going.
“Sure, I’d love to.”
Chapter 23
James
April follows me backstage, and I gesture towards a chair in the corner, offering for her to sit while I pack up.
“So, how did you enjoy the show?” I ask, bending down to wind up my cables.
“It was amazing. Everyone was having so much fun. You were so great out there,” she says.
“Thanks,” I respond, my voice gruff, and she nods.
God, she’s stunning.
Those tight jeans make her legs look endless. Her silk shirt hugs her in all the right places, dipping in at her waist to show off those killer curves. She always looks incredible, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her tonight. Every step she took, every glance she threw my way, pulled me deeper under her spell. I haven’t seen that side of April in a long time, careless and free, and I can’t help but want to see more of it. I feel a little smug knowing I was the person playing the music that made her body move and sway.
And it was me she was stealing glances at.
They weremyeyes she sought out across the room, and it sent sparks straight through me. It was impossible not to feel a surge of pride knowing I played a part in her happiness tonight.
I carefully place the rolled-up cables in a tub alongside the power boards and my pedals, making sure everything is organised. Then, I throw the covers over my amp and speaker box, securing them for the trip home. Finally, I slide my bass back into her case, clicking it shut.
I stand and rub the back of my neck. “So, are you staying a little longer?” I ask. I’m fucking exhausted. I always am after a gig, and I could really use a shower, but if she decides to stay, I could hang around a while longer.
Anything to be near her.
“I don’t think so. I’m a little tired after a long week,” she says.
“Ah. Well, thanks for making the trip. How’s Basil going?”
“He’s great! Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without him and my girlfriends these past few months. They’ve been a wonderful distraction.”
Adistraction.
From my piece-of-shit brother.
