A few moments later Dylan appeared, glaring at her sister, and mouthed,What the fuck?
Tyler shrugged as if she didn’t understand the question, but she knew perfectly well what was up.
“Did you know he was coming?” Dylan asked, pouring champagne into her sister’s glass.
Tyler shook her head, eyes fixed on the stage. “I’m totally freaking out.”
“Me too.” Dylan blew out a breath. “What happened last night?”
“Nothing.” She shrugged. “We watched the game.”
“I thought he didn’t like hockey?”
“He doesn’t.”
Tyler studied Cary’s fingers as they moved along the neck of his guitar. She closed her eyes and imagined what his fingers could do to her in the bedroom.
It’s getting hot in here.She fanned herself with her hand but it was no use.
After playing two up-tempo hits, Cary strummed the first chords of his most popular love song and flashed his famous smile at her. She smiled back, goosebumps running down her arms.
“Yeah, I’m sure that kiss meant nothing.” Dylan nudged her shoulder. “You’re such a loser.”
“What?” Tyler avoided her sister’s gaze and continued to focus on Cary.
“Are you kidding me? He’s totally into you.”
“You’re crazy.” She finished her second glass of champagne before grabbing the bottle and pouring a third. “Bottoms up!”
Dylan covered her glass. “I don’t like Nickelback.”
“What?”
“It’s one of their songs, dummy.”
“Right.” She didn’t understand why they were the most hated band in the world. Nickelback had great songs and an amazing live show, and they were super nice guys, too.
Cary’s song ended and he addressed the crowd. “Thank you, Winnipeg! Don’t forget to bid on the silent auction.” He held his Gibson Montana by its neck. “You can bid on this one too!”
“Did he just give his guitar away?” Dylan didn’t seem to trust what she’d heard.
“I think so.” Tyler blinked until her eyes blurred. “Do you want to meet him?”
“No.” Dylan glanced at the rock star. “I need to stay objective . . . for you.”
“There’s nothing going on, Dylan.”
“I don’t believe you.”
I don’t believe me, either.
Tyler clicked her kitten heels across the floor to where Cary stood. “Thank you! You didn’t have to do that.”
“My guitar?” He flicked his wrist dismissively. “I’ve got a million of them.”
“It’s the big finale if you want to join us?” Bert interrupted.
“Dad!” She couldn’t believe he was putting Cary on the spot after what he’d done for them.
