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“Indulge me,” I said. “What’s your idea of fun?”

His mouth’s curve churned my stomach, as if he was about to recruit me to the dark side.

“I have band practice in an hour.” He said. “Come and watch us play. Let your hair loose.”

“You’re in a band?”

“Why do you sound so surprised?”

Now that I think about it. I’m not.

“Fine,” I said. “I’ll go, but your band better be good.”

The outstretched smile was clear he was happy I’d agreed.

“Trust me, you’re about to be our number one fan.”

??

I don’t know what I expected when Asher told me his buddy, Benjamin, had a makeshift studio in his garage. I thought I might see their equipment surrounded by toolboxes and bicycles tied to the ceiling, maybe even a lawn mower. However, the homemade studio exuded an electric charm. Soundproofed panels surrounded the room. It’s an acoustic heaven.

“You’re late.”

The guy appeared out of nowhere. I couldn’t see his face as his tousled dark blonde hair covered it. He pushed it back, allowing me to see the corner of his lips lifted in a mischievous smile. Ink peeked out from underneath the sleeve of his worn My Chemical Romance t-shirt, but I couldn’t make out what it was.

“Sawyer, meet Benjamin.”

His expressive eyes sparkled with liveliness. His smile was the kind that left a lasting impression.

“So, you’re Sawyer.” He said. “Pleasure to meet you.”

I extended my hand for a shake, but he pulled me into a welcoming embrace.

“Benjamin is a hugger.” Asher said. “Where’s the rest?”

“We’re here.”

I looked toward the voice and saw two more guys entering the room. The one who had spoken extended his arms as if he expected everyone to applaud his arrival. His features were a mix of boyish innocence and unfolding maturity. His buzz-cut hair framed his face with a sharp, minimalistic edge.

The other lingered near the door. His gaze remained fixed on the ground beneath him. His mop of untamed hair veiled his face, as if he was using it to hide under. Despite his reserved stance, his sapphire eyes glowed with a gentle kindness.

“That’s Liam.” Asher said, referring to the timid guy. “And that’s Sebastian.”

“You’re in luck, Sawyer,” Sebastian said. “You’re the first girl Asher’s invited to practice.”

Asher made a slashing motion across his neck. I caught it in the corner of my eye. Sebastian’s eyes widened.

“That was a joke,” Sebastian said. “He’s brought tons of girls here before.”

“Okay,” Asher said, shoving him to the instruments. “That’s enough talking for you.”

Benjamin situated himself behind the drum set and the rest followed suit. Asher reached for a neon blue guitar and strapped it over his shoulder. He strummed a few chords as if testing the sound before lifting his head.

“Take a seat.” he said, jutting his head to the tattered recliner behind me. “Enjoy the show.”

Sebastian started the song with an upbeat count-in before a pulsating melody enveloped the room. The trio joined him after a moment of solo playing. Their instrumental melody reached a climax, and Sebastian stepped forward to the microphone.

His voice floated through the air, and I became captivated by the eloquent melody. I fell into a hushed silence as my attention turned to Asher. His fingers were dancing across the strings. Liam amazed me the most, as the siren song had charmed his bashful demeanor.