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“Oh, sorry, um …” He jolted upright, looking around at the crew. Jeannie stifled a laugh. The poor guy had no clue what he’d been asked. Shane winked and tapped his watch. Al visibly relaxed. “I’m sorry, Charlene, but our time has run out. I hope you enjoy your night.”

She hesitated a few seconds, as if waiting for something more. A goodbye kiss? Jeannie snorted.Not on my watch.

“Al! I have a few things to run over with you before your next song.” Jeannie walked over to the outdoor couch and stared at Charlene until she finally took the hint and left.

Jeannie flopped into the open seat as the crew moved out of the area. “How’s it going?” she asked.

“Fine,” Al answered. He was looking at his feet, with his legs spread in a wide V and his elbows resting on his knees.

“You sure about that?” she asked, knocking him in the shoulder. “That karaoke solo was a bit … ragey.”

He chuckled under his breath. “You caught that, huh?”

“Uh, yeah. I think everyone did. What’s going on?”

He sighed and leaned back against the couch, shifting his focus to the stars instead of his feet. “It’s nothing.”

Jeannie nibbled her lip. Al wasn’t usually one to keep things from her, so whatever happened must have been bad. “Did you talk to Ben?”

“No, but the lawyer emailed and said the transfer was approved, so at least something is going right.”

“Well, if it’s not Ben that’s got you in such a funk, what is it?” She paused, waiting for him to speak. After a few minutes of silence, she pushed her leg against his. “Come on, Al. It’s me.”

He sat up and turned toward her, eyes blazing with heat as he stared directly into hers. “Oh, Jeannie-girl, I know exactly who is sitting next to me right now.”

Jeannie sucked in a breath as her brain temporarily short-circuited. He lifted a hand to stroke her cheek, the intimacy sending a bolt of lightning straight to her core.

“Nick texted,” she suddenly remembered, breaking the spell.

Al jerked his hand away, his eyes narrowing. “And what did Beast say?”

“He wanted to check on you.” She reached over and grabbed his hand. “What happened? Why are you acting this way?”

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “I had a call at Weeping Willow yesterday. For solicitation.”

Jeannie’s heart lurched. “And how is the old bitch?” she spit out.

“About the same. Minus a few teeth.”

Her eyes widened. “And her, uh, personality?”

Al’s laugh lacked humor. “Exactly the same.”

“I’m so sorry you still have to deal with her.” She lifted his arm over her shoulder and snuggled into his side, wrapping her arms around his torso. “You know she’s full of shit, right? Well, full of crack or meth or whatever she’s on these days. Nothing she said to you was true.”

“You don’t even know what she said.”

“Oh, I bet I can guess. And I bet I can also kick out the rest of her teeth so she can’t say anything else.”

Al laughed and squeezed her tight, kissing the top of her head. “You’d do that for me?”

“Of course I would.” She leaned back so that she could look into his eyes. “I can’t think of a person’s ass that I wouldn’t kick for you.”

“And that’s why you’re my best friend.” Al smiled, leaning down to touch his forehead to hers. “My very best friend. That is what we are, right, Jeannie-girl? Friends?” His voice had gone from teasing to growling, lighting a fire right in her belly.

“Uh huh,” she whispered, unable to say anything else as she raised her lips to his.

“Ahem!” Diane cleared her throat as she walked up to the couch. “Al, they need you inside. They want to film a confessional about your thoughts on the one-on-ones.”