“I couldn’t agree more,” Ryder says, stepping into the room with a familiar brunette on his arm.
“Sis.” Wilder launches himself at Zeta, scooping her up and lifting her legs off the ground as he spins around.
“Put her down, asshole.” Ryder is smiling as he stares at his brother swinging his wife around the room.
“You’re as crazy as our eldest.” Zeta grins as she clings to her brother-in-law’s arm when Wilder puts her feet on the ground.
“How is my man Zan?” Wilder asks, pressing a kiss to Zeta’s temple.
“Trouble,” Ryder says with pride. He tucks his wife into his side, and they share a loving look.
“We wouldn’t have him any other way. All the kids are great,” Zeta says as her curious gaze moves to the couch for a split second. “Etta asks for you all the time.”
“Love my princess,” Wilder says of Ryder and Zeta’s nine-year old, and it’s the truth. He dotes on his niece. “I’ll come visit soon. I promise.”
“She’d like that.” Zeta smiles at Sydney. “Wes took Cory and Zander camping last weekend, and they are pestering him nonstop to do it again. Maybe Etta would go next time if you’re there.”
Wes is Wilder’s other brother. He’s three years younger and he works in marketing for a top advertising agency. Ryder is always trying to entice him to come and work for Torment Records, but I think he likes working independently of his family, and I respect that. He’s a great uncle to all Ryder’s kids, but he has a close bond with the boys.
“I’ll talk to Wes, and we’ll line something up,” Wilder confirms as Zeta moves toward us.
Sydney rises the same time I do. “I’m Zeta.” Ryder’s wife thrusts her hand out. “You must be Sydney.”
“I am.” Syd shakes her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you.” She leans in closer to me as she speaks with Ryder’s wife, and I love that she’s naturally relying on me for support. Slinging my arm around Sydney’s shoulders, I smile at Zeta. “I’ll try to keep my fangirling to a minimum as I already made a scene when I met your husband, but I am a massive, massive fan of the work you’ve done with Savage Mania. “Forever True” is one of my absolute favorite songs, and I was screaming with joy when you won the Grammy for it.”
Ryder’s wife is a talented songwriter, and Zeta was pivotal in Savage Mania’s success. We got our first big gig supporting them on their world tour, and they helped to launch our careers.
“That is really sweet of you to say.” Zeta beams at my girl. “Thank you so much.”
“Sydney is only telling the truth, love.” Ryder wraps his arms around Zeta from behind. “You’re one of our top songwriters. Own that shit, babe.”
“I wish I had more time to write,” Zeta laments, “but life is hectic with the kids, and I help with our charity. It doesn’t leave much time for anything else.”
“Sydney used to help me write songs back in the day,” I supply.
“Jared.” Sydney uses a cautionary tone that stirs my dick.
“What?” I arch a brow as I peer deep into her gorgeous green eyes.
“It’s hardly the same thing. Zeta is a Grammy-winning songwriter, and I used to pluck a few words from my head to help you finish your lyrics.”
“Don’t dismiss your input or your ability. You have a good ear for music. It’s probably the artist in you.”
She shrugs, still not easily accepting praise.
“You’re both talented ladies,” Linc says, stubbing his cigarette out. “And I think it’s time we toasted to that.” He rubs his hands as mischief alights in his eyes. “Let’s party.”
* * *
Sydney leaves with Zeta to get ready at a local salon while we use the facilities at the studio to shower and change before heading to a local bar to wait for the girls. I’m on my second beer when they finally show up, and I almost choke on my tongue when I see Sydney. She’s wearing a one-shouldered, tight-fitting, red and gold minidress that hits mid-thigh with skyscraper gold stilettos that make her legs look super long and super slim. Her gorgeous blonde hair is pulled back from her face in a high ponytail, highlighting her exquisite bone structure. She’s wearing more makeup than normal, but it’s been artfully applied, and it looks subtle.
She looks like rock royalty, and I’m ready to bow to my queen.
She takes my breath away as she walks confidently toward us with her arm looped through Zeta’s.
“Fuck. Me,” Linc murmurs, and I dig my elbow into his ribs without taking my eyes off my woman. I haven’t even noticed what Zeta is wearing, but I’m sure she’s equally stunning as she’s a beautiful woman too.
“Hey.” Sydney smiles, somewhat shyly, when the women reach our table.
