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Ruby hopped over the back of the couch, plopping herself beside him. “Because you saved our asses. We could’ve been stuck with that guy if we signed that contract.”

Duncan nodded, dropping onto the couch opposite us. “Even if we didn’t sign tonight, he was a slimy shit. You showed us his true colors. I’m not interested in signing with a label that hires dicks like him.”

Art still looked like he didn't believe us, and I squeezed his hands gently to get his attention. “This isn’t your fault. You were looking out for us. I’m glad you said something. Yes, it sucks that we didn’t get a contract with a label, but you made me realize we were jumping into things without looking first. I’m supposed to look out for the band, and I should’ve been paying more attention. I’ll do better next time.”

Laz put his hand on Art’s shoulder, standing beside him. “And there will be a next time. You said it yourself. Everything you’ve brought up to us so far has been true. We trust your judgment.”

“But Zion–”

Ruby scoffed, and I shook my head quickly. “We all knew he was on the way out. He wasn’t interested in starting from scratch and he resented the late night gigs and the bad venues. We knew we’d need a new guitarist soon. I’m not as good as he was, and I don’t want to drag us down, pretending I can do both. We’ll find someone to replace him. And I’ll practice more in the meantime, just to keep us afloat.”

“Honestly, I’m glad he’s gone,” Duncan said, relaxing into the cushions. “He’s a dick. He thinks because I don’t play guitar, I’m not as much a part of the band as he is. At least I can hold a tune without an instrument.”

“True,” Ruby snickered. “You should’ve heard him trying to sing when we were writing our first few songs. It was like nails on a chalkboard.”

“We can use our social media to look for a new guitarist. Someone who we vibe with better and is more dedicated to the band. And won’t throw a tantrum the second things don’t go their way,” Laz added.

Duncan whipped out his phone, already drawing up a few ideas on posts. Holding trials for a new member would make me a little busier, especially working around all our schedules. If I wanted to spend time with Art, I had to take whatever chance I could. I pushed to my feet, offering him my hand.

“Come on. You promised me a date. I’ve been looking forward to it.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ARTHUR

The guiltover what happened with Zion and Mr. Weatherby sat with me through the entire show. I never thought it’d go that far. The whole crowd was watching as they argued, and the band split in two. And then Hendrix had to go up on that stage and play it off, like something huge didn’t just happen. I couldn’t enjoy the music like I normally would. I was wallowing too much to really be present in the moment. I didn't even realize they had finished until Hendrix appeared at my side, pulling me along through the crowd and backstage to where the band was resting after the show.

I thought for sure they’d blame me. That me dating Hendrix would become a problem because I caused so much trouble for them. I braced myself, waiting for the worst to happen, only to have them thank me for helping them. I listened, stunned speechless, as they defended me, making it sound like I did them a favor by messing with their dynamic.

I still wasn’t sure I fully believed them when Hendrix dragged me out of the bar. I wanted to, I’d never had that kind ofsupport before, but Zion’s words rang through my head. I wasn’t part of the band. I was only around because I was with Hendrix.

“You’re thinking really loud over there,” Hendrix murmured, nudging my shoulder with his. I’d taken a rideshare since I still didn't like driving at night. Hendrix didn’t head for the parking lot, so I assumed he flew or teleported or something. We walked along the sidewalk, a slight chill in the air from the late night breeze. I didn't know where Hendrix planned for us to go, so I just matched his pace, letting him lead the way.

He stopped, tugging my elbow until I looked at him. “What’s it gonna take to get you to believe it’s not your fault?”

I shrugged helplessly. “It feels like my fault. I should’ve waited, said something after the show, or–”

“There’s no telling if the asshole would’ve been pushy and tried to get us to sign before. He seemed like he wanted a decision right away,” Hendrix interjected.

“But you had to stop to come rescue me. I should’ve left after pissing that guy off. I shouldn’t have argued with him.”

“Hey,” he murmured, forcing me to look at him with his hand cupping my neck. “You were sticking up for us. It’s not your fault he’s a jackass who attacks people who don’t agree with him. And it doesn’t matter what I’m doing or how big the crowd is. If you’re in trouble, I’m gonna show up for you.”

My heart tripped over itself in my chest, my breathing shaky as I stared into his eyes. “Why?”

“What kind of shitty date would I be if I left you to fend for yourself?” he smirked.

It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, and I deflated a little. I wasn’t really sure what I expected, we hadn’t been dating that long, but I was disappointed all the same. Hendrix dipped his head, silencing my turbulent thoughts with his lips on mine. I sank into it, wrapping my arms around his waist to keep him close as our lips parted and his tongue teased mine. I couldn’ttake back what happened. I was glad they weren’t conned by that jerk, so I let it go, using Hendrix’s kiss as a distraction.

We separated before things got too steamy, but I was reluctant to pull away. Hendrix didn’t seem to be in a hurry either, plucking at my lips like he couldn’t get enough. We were supposed to be going on a date, but if he kept this up, I would be begging him to take me home instead. I hadn’t stopped thinking about what happened the last time we were alone together, and I wanted a repeat more than I wanted to be out amongst the late night crowds.

“Hendrix…” I murmured against his lips.

He shivered in response, a grin blooming across his face. “You’re really good at distracting me.” He straightened, taking his addictive lips with him. “Come on. I had a plan for tonight and if we don’t stop, you’re gonna end up naked in that alley.”

I wrinkled my nose at the thought. I was horny, but I wasn’t that desperate. My reaction made Hendrix laugh, and he tossed his arm over my shoulder as we started walking down the block again.

“Not into it? Good to know.”