Page 30 of Strum Me

Chapter Thirteen

Emily

Present Day

I can’t breathe.

I look around to see if everyone is having the same problem. Hailey’s standing next to me and Cadence is pressed against the glass, her eyes fixed on her fiancé. But they seem fine.

So, it’s just me. It’s just me, struggling for breath as I stand here, the music catching me spellbound.

This song, this dark and sexy brooding song that gets me in the gut every time. If he wanted to get to me, he chose the perfect song. But of course he would. He knows me.

I close my eyes and I see darkness and red lips and bare skin and hot hands and sweat droplets falling.

And I see the scene switching, and I see them, him and...and that radio host, writhing against each other to the rhythm of the song.

And I can’t breathe again.

It’s been hellish watching him flirt and tease her the last fifteen minutes, but this, this...dirty lust letter to her is what really hurts. This is how Brad communicates, how he’s always communicated. Through his violin. And right now, he’s communicating how he wants to fuck her.

He always was a good performer. And he’s only grown into a confident, stage-commanding presence.

It’s no wonder the women want him.

I want him.

What is wrong with me? Did I really think I was going to be able to spend all this time close to him and not have the past come crashing back? That old wounds would not rise to the surface?

“Emily, are you okay?” Hailey’s hand on my arm jolts me out of my thoughts.

“Oh, um, yeah, I’m fine.” I nod.

“You were just breathing a little heavy.”

“It’s a little hot in here, that’s all. I’m just going to go out and grab some air,” I tell her, patting her hand to reassure her.

“Do you want me to come?” Her genuine concern is touching, and I almost wish I could talk to her. But of course, I can’t.

“No, but thanks. You stay and enjoy the rest of the interview.”

I push the door out to the parking lot. I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have done this. I thought I could be near him, that I had moved on, but I haven’t. And now I’m stuck for the next six weeks, traveling 24/7 with the man who broke my heart beyond repair.

***

“Feeling any better?” Cadence asks me when I return inside.

“Yeah, just needed some air. What’s going on now?” I look around and see everyone scattered, packing up the equipment and standing around talking.

“We’re about ready to go. Any idea on what you want to do tonight?” Hailey says, her eyes hopeful.

“You know what? I want to have some fun,” I tell them. And I mean it. I need to blast the dark cloud away.

“Whoot!” Hailey punches the air and winks at me. “That’s my kinda girl!”

Cadence slings her bag over her shoulder and takes my hand. “We’re thinking of going to a bar and grill just across the street. They have some great live entertainment.”

“I’m in!” I nod my agreement, excited at the prospect of some time out with my new friends.