“What’s going on?” I whispered to Grace.
Grace tracked Elliott to the drink table, and once determining he was out of earshot, replied, “Probably praying they don’t choke on stage—uh… uh… uh.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her imitation of Elliott’s diss.
“I think he suffers more from tone-deaf boy syndrome than the full-on asshole disease.”
“I know,” she said, slumping her shoulders. “I’m extra snappy with him. Poor Elliott. In England, at school living a simple life, he was the perfect guy. But back here, with my family… Things are weird. I don’t know. I’m trying to figure it out.”
“Are you thinking of br…?”
“There he is,” Grace cut me off with a smile and a warning stare.
Ever the gentleman, Elliott handed us waters. “Here you go, ladies.”
Quinn joined us, looking relaxed and ready. He gave his sister a hug and greeted Elliott before taking my hand and leading me away.
“I am lovin’ those tight black pants,” I said, allowing my fingers to discreetly roam over his backside. “You look so good it almost makes me want to start the stopwatch.”
He cringed. “I can’t believe I gave myself only sixty seconds.”
“You couldn’t have done it.”
“If I was fifteen, I definitely could’ve done it.”
My hand resting on his ass, I asked, “Did you get the hotel?”
“Oh, I got the hotel,” he replied suggestively. “Did you drop the kid off?”
“Oh, I dropped the kid off,” I mimicked. “On the car ride over, he was all whiny—I want to go to the concert.But then I pulled up to Casey and Jake’s massive house, and Miles took him around back. One look at the three-story pirate ship play structure and it was all over. He wouldn’t even look at me. Didn’t get so much as a ‘Bye, Mom.’ So, yes, I think he’ll be just fine.”
“That’s more than I can say. I’m performing in front of eighteen thousand people—most of who didnotcome to see me play. This has all the makings of disaster.”
“So why do you look so calm?”
He shrugged. “Can’t fail if you don’t try.”
“I think the word you’re looking for issucceed.”
“No.” His smile spread wide. “I stand by my version.”
“Okay, then.” God, how I loved everything about this guy. I could easily see a future with him. If only I could keep my past from getting in the way.
Tucker arrived at the door. “Five minutes, guys, then we’re heading to the stage. Anyone need anything?”
“Yeah,” Brandon called out. “How’s it coming with those anal beads you promised me?”
“Brandon, I’ve got my kid with me,” he said, gesturing to the teenage boy beside him. “Can I get anyone anything that doesn’t go in your assholes?”
“I didn’t know you had another son,” Quinn said. “You’ve been holding out on us, Tucker.”
“Or… could it be that none of you give a shit that I have a life beyond the four of you?”
The Sketch Monster boys exchanged looks and replied in unison, “Nah.”
Tucker rolled his eyes. “Everyone, this is Evan. Evan, these are the guys I told you to stay far away from.”
Evan had no fear. With his messy black hair, bright-blue eyes, and a vintage rocker wardrobe to die for, he was the epitome of cool teenage confidence. “Actually, I believe your exact words were—‘This is the best group of guys I’ve ever worked with.’”
