I flick my gaze to his. “What big night? I’m not leaving this couch.”
“Oh, yes, you are.”
“Where?”
“We’re going to the Riverway. Oliver’s performing, and I told him we’d stop by. Peyton and Ashley are going, too.”
I’ve been pretty much avoiding live music in New Orleans since I’ve come back. It hits a little too close to home.
Hunter’s watching me. “I don’t want to push you, Win.”
I give him a look. “Yes, you do.”
His lip quirks up. “Okay, you’re right. I do.”
I kiss his cheek. “I appreciate your concern. But I’m really okay.”
“Then why did you look terrified when I mentioned going to Oliver’s show?”
I put my hand on Hunter’s knee. “Because. I’m still getting over the fact that I’ve bombed my last few auditions. So I guess the idea of taking in a live show is a bit overwhelming. But I’m game. Let’s go.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.” I’m not at all sure, but I figure I can pass the time chatting with Peyton and Ashley.
Hunter tugs at my ponytail, using his grip on my hair to hold me in place so he can give me a perfectly dirty kiss. His teeth tug at my bottom lip until he can slide his tongue inside my mouth. I arch my neck to get as close to him as possible.
He finishes the kiss by murmuring in my ear, “That’s just a taste of what I have in store for later in bed.”
And now I’ll be officially going to the Riverway with wet panties.
* * *
Oliver’s on stage when we arrive. The place is packed with wall-to-wall people. Hunter, Peyton, Ashley, and I grab stools at the bar so we can chat with Blaire while she works.
Oliver’s got his guitar with him, and he breaks into one of my favorites right away. I forget about everyone I’m with while I tap my foot to the music and enjoy his performance.
He sings several songs in a row, and the crowd is really loud in its applause. So loud that I miss whatever Oliver says next.
Peyton turns to me with a big smile. “I had no idea!”
“Wait.” I feel a nervousness starting in my stomach even though I don’t know why. “What?”
Before Peyton can answer me, Oliver calls out into the mic, “Winter Allen, come on up here!”
Oh, shit.I turn toward Hunter. “You neglected to mention this part, Hunt.”
He shakes his head. “I didn’t put him up to this. I swear, I had no fucking clue. I thought you couldn’t sing yet because of your vocal cords.”
I can’t do much. But I sang in the shower the other day, and the pain was gone. I texted my doctor about it. He told me to go slowly but that as long as I didn’t strain, I could try again.
“I think physically I’m okay,” I tell Hunter. “Just not emotionally.”
By now, the crowd is involved. Someone’s started a chant of, “Winter, Winter,” and people are more than happy to add their voices to the mix.
“Oh, God.” I look at Peyton helplessly. “I am so not ready for this.”
Ashley puts her arm around me. “Remember what we were discussing the other day about courage? Maybe this is one of those moments.”
