Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 73930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
He shrugs. “I wanted to make sure I was here in time to wish you luck. Or do I tell you to break a leg?”
“I think that’s only for the theater.”
“Well, anyway. Can I help you get set up?”
“I just need to bring in a few things.”
Garrett follows me back past the office. As soon as we’re outside, he pulls me into a hug and kisses me. “I wanted to do that a minute ago, but I saw some people from the office here.”
“Really? Who?” I’m still buzzing with nerves, but his embrace helps to ground me. When he names a couple of coworkers, I say, “I wonder if it’s just a coincidence.”
Garrett gives me a confused frown and shakes his head. “No, I’ve been talking to people about your performance for the past couple of weeks. I expect even more to show up.”
“I had no idea you were doing that.”
“I’m glad they’re here to watch you, but it’s going to kill me not to touch you all night. I mean … when you’re not on stage.”
“Maybe we can make up for it later.” I give the muscles at the side of his chest a squeeze, realizing I haven’t even seen his bare chest yet. It feels like there’s a Clark Kent situation going on, with a stealth superhero body hidden beneath his clothes. He had a t-shirt on in bed last night, but I could feel the strength of him when he held me. “Will you stay over at Duke’s again?” I ask.
“If you want me to.”
“I do.”
“Then I will.” He rubs my back in a way that reminds me of how Barrett Stone interacted with Caz, and when we walk to my car, he holds my hand, but it occurs to me that someone could see us in the parking lot.
“I don’t know how much longer we should continue … whatever it is that we’re doing,” I say, separating our hands. “I don’t want anything to go wrong with your promotion.”
When he doesn’t respond, I realize that I’d been hoping he’d object, even though I know he shouldn’t. He doesn’t seem happy, but it’s dark in the lot, and I don’t think too hard about what he might be thinking, because the idea of going back to coworker status with him hurts.
We don’t say much as we carry in the equipment, and as soon as I see all of the customers at Rusty’s again, my stomach resumes its fluttering. “Can you watch my things? I need a quick bathroom break,” I tell Garrett once I have everything set up. There’s low level nervousness, and then there’s the kind that makes me feel like I have to pee, which is what’s going on right now.
In the restroom, a woman in a Rusty’s shirt introduces herself as Becca and says she’s excited to hear me play. Everyone is so nice here; there probably couldn’t be a better place for my first show to take place, and I try to use that thought to help me calm down.
Garrett isn’t alone when I return to the stage. Trevor and Adrian are talking to him, and as I approach, I see Duke nearby in conversation with a large group of people that includes Rusty’s owner, Barrett, and his twin. Why would he be talking to them?
“Hey, what’s going on?” I ask the three younger men.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Trevor says in a jokey tone. “We’re just here waiting to see a new rock star perform.” He rubs my arm and gives it an encouraging squeeze, and I smile at him, though I have to force the happy expression.
“What’s the matter?” He lowers his head to my level and searches my eyes.
“Just nervous. That’s all.”
He pulls me into a quick hug. “Don’t worry. You’ll do great. We heard you practicing today, and we know everyone here is going to love you.”
Adrian nods in agreement, and this time I manage a genuine smile in response.
“Thanks. I appreciate it. What’s going on with Duke?” I tilt my head in the direction of his group.
“He invited people here from Club Red, and apparently he knows Rusty’s owners. Here he comes,” Trevor says.
Duke’s eyes are focused on mine as he approaches, and a little shiver goes through me when his gaze triggers memories of what we did together last night.
“Autumn, you look lovely,” he says, his eyes roaming lower before returning to my face.
“Thanks.” He looks pretty amazing himself in snug jeans and a dark gray button-down that has a hint of a shimmer in the fabric, but I’m too nervous to focus on his appearance for long.
“I wanted to introduce you to the owners of Club Red.” Duke steps to the side to make room for the group he’s with. “This is Chase, Maddox, Dodge, and Diesel Stanton. Brothers, obviously,” he says, pointing out the men one by one. The last two are another set of identical twins, and there’s a brown-haired woman between them who positively glows. “And this is Jade, their lady love,” Duke says.