“Yeah, thanks.” I kiss her cheek and run to the stage. “Not a word,” I playfully grumble to my band mates as I situate myself behind the keyboard. Holly and Willie make the zipper-lip motion while Rafe just laughs. He then taps lightly on the rim of his snare drum, counting off before I launch into one of our original scores. It’s a rocking ballad Holly and I co-wrote about starting over after hardship.
Because who hasn’t had shit in their lives and the need for a fresh start?
While singing, I focus most of my attention on Michelle, wondering what else I’ll discover about the counselor-slash-yoga instructor.
Can’t wait to find out.
Chapter Three
Michelle
I watch Xander as he performs, and the emotion the song evokes has my throat tightening as tears sting my eyes.God, he’s amazingly talented, and charming, and ruggedly handsome. So different from Stuart.
Dammit!How is it I’m practically lusting after this stranger one moment then comparing him to my late husband the next? Because Stuart had been the center of my world for fourteen years.
Immediately tsking myself, I throw back the last of the chocolate martini before licking all the yummy chocolateremains. I must look like a child licking clean an ice cream bowl, but I never let chocolate go to waste. Hey, if that’s my worst vice, I’m doing pretty damn good. I’ve barely set the glass on the table when the waitress breezes by, placing a raspberry seltzer in front of me and snatching up the martini glass.
“Oh, thank you,” I say. “Vikki, right?”
She gives me a smile. “Yeah, you bet. Xander wanted to be sure you stay hydrated.” She winks and whirls away, navigating the crowd to take care of others.
Oh, well, how sweet of him. I look to the stage, staring at Xander while I hold up the glass as if toasting him. He smiles broadly while continuing to sing, never faltering. And oh boy, that smile. Genuine and sexy and electric all rolled into one.
I could be in serious trouble with this man. No one since Stuart has stirred my insides the way Xander does, and again, so different from my husband. While Stuart was soft-spoken and possessed a calm nature, Xander is larger than life, playful, and appears carefree. And I have a feeling the sex would be wildly wicked.
I snort, holding in my laughter at that thought. How am I already thinking about sex with this man when I hardly know him? Probably because it’s been a while since I’ve had it. Fifteen months and one week.
Damn, it’s already been over a year. Where the hell does the time go?
It goes by in a blur when you’re picking yourself back up after falling into a pit of despair. When you’re living one day at a time, and then another and another, functioning on autopilot just to get through the tedious minutia of life. Then before you know it, months have passed, and you realize youcango on. Some days are easier than others when you slowly begin to experience joy and can once again focus on a purpose. Certainly doesn’thurt when your friends are there, offering their support and unwavering love.
Speaking of friends, Dani and Stacy return to the table in a fit of giggles, dropping into their chairs and breathing heavily.
“Where have you two been? I was beginning to think you weren’t going to return.”
“And leave you stranded?” Dani says. “Nah. We wouldn’t do that to ya.”
“We were out at the beach when someone’s dog got away from them, so we were helping chase it down. That little bugger was fast!”
“I gave up after twenty feet knowing I wasn’t catching the little shit.” Dani grabs my glass of seltzer and takes a healthy swallow. “So damn hot and humid out there.”
“Shall I order you a drink?” I say teasingly, now that she’s practically finished off mine.
Before Dani can comment, Vikki is by my side, placing another raspberry seltzer in front of me along with glasses of water in front of Dani and Stacy. “You ladies want anything stronger?”
Stacy remains mute while Dani’s gaze shifts between Vikki and the glasses. “This is great, thank you.”
Vikki simply nods and spirits away.
“That’s some anticipation,” Dani comments.
“Evidently Xander saw to it I don’t go thirsty.” I lift my fresh glass and take a drink while turning to the stage to watch the man consuming my thoughts.
“Speaking of, are you hooking up with him after he and his band are done? Cause I’m ready to head home, but I don’t want to leave until I know you’re either coming home too or you’ll be in good hands.”
“Did you two talk?” Stacy asks. “Are you seriously considering… you know…” She wiggles her brows.
I laugh. “Yes, we talked.” I turn to Dani. “And if byhooking upyou mean going to have sex with him, then no.” I flick my gaze back to Stacy before taking a quick drink. “Jesus, give me a little more credit, ladies. It’s been a while, but I’m not jumping in bed with the first guy to show me interest.”
