Forest rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, about that. I should’ve said something, but I was distracted by my little Greek goddess.”
T’s gaze skittered to him, a light blush coloring her cheeks. She vented a deep sigh and glanced away. “Oh my God, I thought you’d buried that nickname years ago.”
“I had, but distance made my mind go foggy. I suppose they don’t have mirrors around here because you obviously haven’t looked in one lately. The years are a blessing on you, Tia. You have an unequaled beauty that only improves with age.”
Her eyes narrowed. “If that’s your way of saying I’m getting old, then you can back that truck right the fuck up.”
Forest reached out and palmed the top of T’s head, giving her a playful shake. “Just teasing…except I’m not.”
Again, Ryker hated their easy banter. It was always a struggle between her and him, a play of power she refused to give up. He had an uphill climb ahead of him, but maybe he could entice her as he laid down a few of his favorite bass riffs.
Forest cupped his hand against his mouth and called out, “Smiley!”
A rotund man in his late forties glanced up from the back of the stage where he was kneeling in the middle of a mass of coiled wires. “Yeah?” he yelled back. “What?”
“Got something for you.”
The man lumbered to his feet. “Do I look like I’ve got time to fuck around?”
“Does it look like I care?” Forest boomed. “Bring me a guitar.”
“A guitar?” Smiley said with an exasperated sigh. “Like any guitar or a special guitar? If you’re going to manage the band, at least try to learn what things are called.”
“Why? I’ve got you,” Forest barked. He turned to Ryker. “What do you play?”
“I play bass.”
Forest jerked his thumb at Ryker. “Bring me a bass. Got a soldier…um, airman who wants to show me what he’s got.”
Smiley fixed a grumpy scowl to his face. “Sure, whatever his lordship desires. I’m hopping on it right now, Sir Fucktard. Hippity-hoppity fuck you, Forest, I’m busy.”
“Not a request,” Forest rumbled.
“Well then, I’m right on it.” His gaze landed on Ryker and narrowed while his lips pinched.
It was a measuring-up, and Ryker got the impression he’d been found lacking. Smiley was in for a surprise.
“Um,” T said with concern, “who is that? Is he always this pleasant?”
“Smiley is the head of our crew, and he always has a bug up his butt. He especially hates it when I call him Smiley.”
“Then, why do you?”
A mischievous grin split Forest’s face. “Because it pisses him off.”
T shook her head. “I’m sure there’s logic in there somewhere.”
Forest approached the stage. “Come on, this is going to be fun. Lover boy, let’s see what you’ve got.”
Ryker’s heart thudded in his chest. It had been nearly six months since he strummed a guitar. Muscle memory would take over with a warm-up, but those first few chords could be rough.
NINE
Bass
With much grumbling,Smiley brought over a bass guitar and thrust it at Ryker. “You play?”
“From time to time.”
