I shake my head. “No, he was right. We needed more. I put flyers up in Lismore… bigger town, more chance of finding someone, and we waited. Nearly gave up. Then Andrea called. Gruff voice, abrupt. Said she played bass, and her cousin played lead guitar. Both girls, which we liked. Not that we were anti-guys, but we loved the idea of an all-female band.”
He nods. “I like that you’re all women. It kicks serious ass.”
“Yeah, we think so too. At first, we weren’t sure it’d work. Andi’s four and a half years older than us, Casey’s two, but somehow, it clicked. Andi’s our grumpy mama bear. We love her for it.”
He chuckles. “Well, I’m glad I get to be part of your little family for a while.”
“Me too.” I pause, then tilt my head. “What about you? Big family?”
He offers a small smile and shakes his head. “Just Gran and my kid sister, Kiera.”
That’s it—no mention of parents.
It feels off-limits, so I don’t press.
“Where in the States are you from?”
“Pennsylvania. A small town called Ligonier.”
Excitement bubbles in my chest. “Perfect! We’ll stop in when we play Pittsburgh.”
His eyes widen. “Oh… um. It’s quiet. I doubt they’d want a rock circus rolling into town.”
I laugh. “Oh dear Gaia, no. Not everyone. Just me. I’d love to meet your Gran and Kiera.”
His brows draw together, and that buzz in the air returns like we’re both feeling it now.
“You want to meet my family?”
I smile and reach for his hand. It’s warm and solid, completely enveloping mine. “Of course I do. I want to know the people in your life. I’m not sure why, or what this is yet, but something pulled me back here tonight. To you. I want to knowyou.”
I glance upward, then back down. “Is that okay?”
His gaze holds mine, searching like he’s looking for something buried deep.
I don’t look away.
His chest rises with a heavy breath as he reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. The contact sends a shiver through me in the best way.
“You’re not sexy, Effa,” he murmurs.
My heart dips, but before I can react, he adds, “You’re breathtakingly beautiful.”
I forget how to breathe for a second. Butterflies burst in my stomach, fluttering wildly. My cheek rests in his palm, our eyes locked. His cologne mixes with the lingering scent of earliersmoke, concert air, and raw masculinity, all wrapped into one perfect storm.
Just a few hours ago, I stood before thousands of screaming fans and roaring music. But right now, none of that matters. All I care about is this one man.
What he’s thinking.
What he’s feeling.
He’s nothing like anyone I’ve ever known. He doesn’t chase attention. He’s calm, grounded, real, and I want more.
Mercs’ voice is soft, nearly a whisper. “So… how wild was the after-party?” His searching eyes are still locked on mine, like he’s hoping I’ll give him an answer that isn’t just about the party.
The air crackles between us, alive with tension. I lick my lips, holding his gaze as heat pulses through me. He flares his nostrils slightly, like he’s losing control. Our breathing grows heavier, matching the charged rhythm around us.
Suddenly, his hand snaps up, tangling in my hair as he pulls me forward and crashes his lips to mine. The contact is electric, my lips tingling, body instantly on fire. His kiss is rough, commanding, and I melt into it like I’ve been waiting for this forever. His other arm wraps around my waist, yanking me closer as our mouths move in sync, tongues tangling to a rhythm all their own.
