Page 18

The guys’ took to their instruments and practiced the song. Their hangovers disappeared within a couple of run-thoughs. With every booming beat, the old me simmered to life. I had to cause a little bit of havoc. I slid the dial down on Slip’s channel, delaying his electric through the amp. I killed Flint’s mic and loaded Lewis’s bass with too much reverb.

The guys laughed and shook their heads.

Cole shot up from his stool and pegged a drumstick at me. He missed. The stick smacked against the wall behind me and fell at my feet. A huge grin beamed across his face. “I have not missed you messing around.”

I wrinkled my nose and reset the channels. “Yes, you have.”

He lowered his butt onto the stool. “Okay. Maybe a little. Now throw me my stick so we can get this change recorded.”

I picked up Cole’s drumstick and tossed it to him. It hit the cymbal with a clang.

Lewis chuckled and plucked his bass. “Never a dull moment, right?”

“Never.” Cole grumbled but his eyes shimmered with love. He twirled his stick around his fingers, then pumped his bass pedal. “We all set?”

“Yes.” I flicked the switch and set the software to record. “Go.”

They ran through the track twice. Every time they reached the end of the song, I drew in a deep breath. I missed this—hanging out with the guys, and their music. But the hole in my heart crushed my ribs. I missed Phil.

Would Lewis be able to fill his shoes? If he added a touch of magic to each song like he’d just done to that track, Cole would be right. Lewis could be more talented than Phil. He played with more pizazz. Phil had possessed character. Lewis had a charisma that sucked me in. The energy radiating off him when he played, the sparkle in his eyes and the way he moved and danced, all held me captive.

With every passing beat, butterflies fluttered in my belly, and my body temperature soared.

He smiled. I smiled back.

His grin grew bigger.

What the fuck?

This wasn’t healthy. I didn’t need to add more problems to my long list. My therapy bills had been huge enough. What would a new therapist say about my attraction to an unattainable man? Shit. I didn’t want to find out. They’d have me committed.

Lewis was only in LA for two more days. Since every second I spent with him made me feel things I shouldn’t be feeling, it would be best to avoid coming to Flint’s. I didn’t have to be around the band.

If Lewis moved here after recording the album, I’d only see him at random events and get-togethers.

I could handle that, right?

LA was a big city.

Surely, I could avoid him.

Chapter 6

TIA

At the end of recording the demo, I took off my headphones and tossed them onto the desk. The electric groove from the sultry, sexy beat still coursed through my veins. Damn. They were good. I couldn’t wait to hear the rest of the songs.

“Let’s have a break.” Flint placed his guitar on the stand next to his mic. “I need food, and my phone has been vibrating against my ass for five minutes.” He grabbed it out of the back pocket of his jeans and scanned the screen. “Fuck. It’s Sutton. I better return her call. She’s Christmas shopping and has probably bought half of The Grove.”

Slip stowed his guitar. “You guys want burgers from In-N-Out?” He headed over to the coffee table and swiped his keys and cell phone off the surface. “I’ll go pick ’em up. Delivery takes forever.”

“Sure.” Flint rubbed the back of his neck, not taking his eyes off his cell phone as he headed toward the far window to make his call. “I’ll have a Double-Double.”

“We don’t have In-N-Out back home.” Lewis unhooked his bass and placed it on the stand. “I’ve never had it. But if they have something like a regular burger and fries, I’m in.”

“Sure do.” Cole headed toward the door. “I’ll go with Slip. You two want to come for a drive?”

“Um...” Lewis turned a shade of pale green and swiped his hand down one cheek, then the other. “I’ll pass. I’m still a bit queasy. I’ll hang here if that’s okay?”