Ellie pauses and flicks her chin over her shoulder, blinking at me. “Are you coming or not?” She sends me a wicked grin, her lips red and full. She looks like the devil, but as my feet shuffle toward her, I realize I’d let her drag me to hell any day of the week. Especially, if I could see her in that thong.
23
ELLIE
The band played incredibly tonight.I know I’m biased, but it’s true. Travis appeared more refreshed than usual. He must have gotten a good night’s sleep.
He was on fire. The guys and the crowd were feeding off him. He and Penn were bouncing all over the stage; even Tanner moved more than normal. It was so amazing, I FaceTimed Liv so she could see.
I knock on their greenroom door. When no one yells “go away,” I pop inside. They’re all gathered around, chatting loudly, still clearly pumped.
“Great job tonight, boys,” I tell them, and they swivel their heads my way.
“Ellie!” Travis jumps up, rushing toward me and pulling me into a hard, sweaty hug. It takes me off guard, and I shift, pulling away quickly.
“Great job out there. Top notch.” I pat his shoulder and step away. I don’t want anyone to think we’re being too friendly. It always feels like everyone is staring at us, waiting for us to crack and mess this whole thing up.
“We’re celebrating tonight, are you down?” Liam asks me.
“Oh, um, I don’t think so. I’m pretty tired.”
“Ah, come on!” he pleads. “I need a wingwoman to protect me from the vultures out there.”
I laugh. “I’m not sure you need a wingwoman. Sounds like you need a girlfriend.”
His brows lift. “Will you be mine? It can be pretend, to keep the ladies at bay.”
I frown. Why is he suddenly against groupies? It’s not like he’s ever participated as much as Travis, but he’s also never shied away if he saw someone he liked.
“What’s wrong, Liam? Your dick quit working?” Travis asks.
I choke on the drink of water I was taking.
“Dude,” Penn says, shaking his head.
Travis throws his hands up. “What? I’m just asking. I saw at least four gingers out there.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure one has been to every show,” Calvin adds from the corner.
“Really?” Liam asks, eyes shifting nervously around the room.
Calvin doesn’t lift his head from his phone as he replies, “Yeah. She’s hard to miss. Bright fucking hair and glasses. Swear I’ve seen her at least five times.”
“Well, what do you know?” Travis starts. “Liam, you better lock that shit down now. A redhead and a fan. Marry her.” He glances at Calvin. “Wait? Did she have freckles?”
“Hell if I know. I didn’t see her up close.”
“She might not be your girl, stand by. She’s not a ginger if she doesn’t have freckles,” Travis says.
Liam laughs awkwardly.
“I’m sure she’s still out there,” Calvin notes.
Travis’s eyes light up. “Let’s go see!”
“No, that’s ok. I’m not feeling it tonight,” Liam says, a cough coming out of nowhere. “Yeah, I should probably rest.”
“Fuck that, we’re going out!” Travis argues.
