“What do you do when they let you down?” he asked,
“It depends.” She glanced at Brek and back to Linx. “Sometimes you have to move forward without them.”
Brek sighed. “She’s got a point.”
That thought made Linx’s stomach hurt. He didn’t want to be a team of one. There wasn’t much about Dimefront that didn’t make his gut turn to acid-spiked stakes these days.
“If it were me, and your life were mine, I’d likely quit, move to Denver, and take up waitressing.” Becca smiled over the rim of her mug. “I guess that’s what I did, so I can speak from extreme experience.”
Brek leaned forward, forearms on the table. “You’ve got to make decisions that work for you, Cedric. If you want to make music, do it.”
“Sometimes changing habits is the best way to work through an unhealthy relationship pattern,” Becca said, quoting herself from countless counseling sessions. She finished her plate and took it to the sink.
“Yeah, what she said,” Brek nodded to her. “Maybe you should keep her around.”
Linx glanced to Becca, who had stalled while rinsing off her plate. She recovered quickly, shutting off the water.
“Fine.” Linx wasn’t sure exactly how this would work, but he would make his own music. Screw the guys who weren’t around. “Tanner and Mach seemed like good people. I’ll see if they want to do a jam session.”
“Seriously?” Brek asked, apparently unable to believe Linx was really going to do it.
“I bet they’d totally love that.” Becca eyes were all soft, like this was exactly what she wanted him to do. “They’re good guys.”
Like a moth to her fucking flame, he stood and moved next to her by the sink.
Brek seemed to pause, his mind clearly musing over something. Finally, he nodded. “The only thing I’m gonna ask is that you not fuck those boys around. They’ve been through hell. They don’t deserve more.”
“What kind of hell?” Becca asked.
“That’s for them to say.” Brek stood. “If they want to.”
Ah, yes, Brek and his unwillingness to spill the tea. His locked lips tended to tick Linx off, unless it was a Linx secret he held. Then it was fine.
Brek handed his cup to Linx’s offered hand. “I’ll give Hans a heads up about your plan. And I’ll keep working on Bax and Knox.”
“Don’t hold your breath.” Linx set the mug in the sink.
“Since you’ve got company, we can talk later.” Brek gave a two-finger wave and walked out the door.
“It’s okay if you don’t have time to drive me around. Making music is more important.” Becca said, her voice careful.
He just bet that was herin sessiontone. He wished it grated on his nerves, but alas, it had the calming effect he was certain she aimed to achieve.
Clearly, she was well-practiced.
“No.” He turned off the water to the sink and faced her. “I offered because I want to.”
There wasn’t but a breath of space between them. His body was totally wired by her proximity. This was the same feeling as getting ready to go on stage—the excitement, the adrenaline, the willingness to give a bit of yourself to the world. In this case, his world was Becca.
That made him gulp, breathe in her scent. This morning, she was lemons, vanilla, and pancakes.
“Okay.” She nibbled at her lower lip. “I’ll think about your offer. I like your Porsche.”
He traced his thumb along the bottom edge of her mouth. “I do, too.”
Her eyes drifted to stare at his lips in what felt like an invitation. The subtle breath she released as her chest rose and fell faster was further confirmation. Oh, yes, she was inviting him in. The taste of her lips was a hairsbreadth away from his. The flavor of…hope.
“Tell me you didn’t spend the night with Bax,” he said. He didn’t want to play second on this one. He wanted to be a first-round draft pick.
