Page 68 of Connectio

“And how do you know that?” I place the glass back down and swallow my mouthful.

Will leans back and crosses his arms over his chest, his grey shirt pulling taut, sleeves down, top button undone. “Because it’ll make me feel good too.”

“I’m not sleeping with you, Will,” I reaffirm, my lips lifting as I tip my glass to him.

The waiter approaches the table once again, hands behind his back, face contorted. It’s almost as if he’s about to break the news of a loved one passing. “I’m so sorry to interrupt, but the chef informs me that we’ve run out of venison. He offers his sincerest apologies.”

I burst into laughter. “Salmon it is then.”

Will just huffs.

* * *

After a delicious dinner and dessert—achocolate fondant I thought we could’ve shared but was politely told, “Who the hell shares dessert?”—we huddled in his truck, watched the dancing lights below, and listened to music before heading home.

“So how long have you been playing the drums?” I ask.

Will taps out a beat on the steering wheel while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. “Since I was four.”

“Four!”

“Yeah. Santa got me a drum kit, and I’ve never looked back.”

“You’re very good.”

“I know!” He flicks his eyebrows, and the car accelerates.

I scoff. “You’ve also got a big head.”

“Nothin’ wrong with a big head, sweetheart.”

Probably for the billionth time, I playfully roll my eyes at his inappropriate comment. “So what’s this song?”

He glances my way. “You’ve never heard it?”

“No. But I like it. It’s different.”

“It’s ‘Knights of Cydonia’ by Muse. Great fucking song. One of my favourites to play at gigs. Derek nails the vocals.”

His excitement and passion make me smile. “Carly’s mentioned one or two times that he’s good.”

“Yeah, and he knows it.”

“So how often do you guys play?”

“Once a month at Opals and whenever or wherever we want—Bryce has contacts.”

I glance out the window, rain now streaking the glass. “I bet he does.”

“Perks of being a billionaire.”

“Must be weird being friends with someone like him.”

“Yes and no. Sometimes it’s no different than being friends with someone like you or Carly. Other times, it’s fucking unreal. Like whenever I need to stay in town, I’ve got a room at City Towers. No questions asked.”

I look his way again. “Wow! That’s pretty generous of Bryce.”

“He’s a good bloke.” Will’s misty eyes meet mine. “Been through a lot though; shit ain’t been easy. Deserves everything he’s achieved.”