With the Band (With the Band #1)

I know we’re not.

But how do you get through to someone so stubborn? I’ve thought about tying her up until she realises that what she’s doing is stupid and irrational, but then I figure that would be overkill. It’s a solid plan B though.

Sighing, I lay back against the sofa. We’re back at our flat, and I’m going out of my mind.

“Well, you look fucking awful,” Milo says.

I narrow my eyes. “Cheers, mate. I feel it. She is not happy with me.”

“You’re surprised?”

“You’re not helping.”

“Oh,” he says. “I didn’t realise I was supposed to be.”

“God, I can’t wait until you have women troubles.”

He laughs. “I bet. What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know. I need to make it up to her and show her I’m all in, but she’s being difficult.”

Maybe she’s testing me. I let things turn to shit before, so perhaps she’s protecting herself by making sure I’ll fight this time.

“If anyone can make her listen, it’s you. For some weird reason, she seems to like you.”

“You’re a prick, Milo.”

He smiles triumphantly.

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

“Why’s Milo a prick?” Coop asks, strutting into the room in only his boxers.

It’s far too early to be seeing so much of him.

“Kitt’s still having Texas problems, and apparently, I’m unhelpful,” Milo explains.

“Just fuck her, and then everything can go back to normal. I miss her on tour. It’s not the same without her,” Coop says.

“She won’t let me close enough to do that,” I say. “But thanks for the advice…I think.”

He shrugs. “Don’t give her a chance to say no.”

Did he just suggest… “Er, yeah, it’s actually not okay to do that, Coop.”

Milo laughs and shakes his head.

“You know what I mean, dickhead,” Coop deadpans. “You’re letting her push you away. Don’t.”

Groaning, I run my hand over my head. “It’s not quite that simple. People are always around.”

“So, get her alone,” Milo says.

“Yes, great,” I say sarcastically.

Their advice is stupid. I need suggestions on how to get her alone, how to make her realise we’re perfect together, how to convince her we deserve another shot.

“How?”

“Oh.” Coop slaps his hands together. “I’ll invite her somewhere, and you’ll show up, too.”

“You want to put yourself in the firing line?” I ask.

She’s going to be pissed at us both. Tricking Texas isn’t something she’d be okay with.

“If it’ll sort it out, yeah. Joking and shit aside, you belong together, and right now, Miss Grumpy Pants is the only one who’s denying it. I’ll take one for Team Kexas.”

“That’s not becoming a thing.”

We might be Kexas in magazines, but it’s not happening here.

Cooper laughs. “You don’t like it?”

“Fuck off, and arrange something with my girl.”

“You’re welcome, brother. You’re welcome.” He goes back into his room, but seconds later, he appears with his phone glued to his ear.

“Hello, darling, I’ve missed you.” He’s all smiles, taunting me.

She’s probably telling him she’s missed him, too. His eyes glow as he watches for my reaction.

Milo is enjoying this too much. He flits between watching Cooper and watching me. I fold my arms.

“Uh-huh. Well, we both know he’s an idiot, but he’s an idiot who’s in love with you.”

I glare. What the fuck is she saying?

“I know you do, Texy.”

He knows she does, what?

I take a deep breath. This is doing my head in, and they’ve only been on the phone for five bloody seconds. Texas will know I’m here, too, because Cooper’s voice is loud and animated. He is enjoying this too much.

“Meet me somewhere today? We can talk, and I can perv on your tits.”

Arsehole. But at least he’s making this meeting sound more genuine.

Coop laughs. “I’m kidding.” He’s not at all. “Okay, sounds good. I’ll see you later.”

“When and where are you meeting her?” I ask as soon as he chucks his phone on the sofa.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Don’t fuck with me, Coop.”

“Why not? There’s nothing else to do around here. I’m bored, and Pey is refusing to give us both what we want—oral.”

Milo rolls his eyes. “You’re a twat.”

“Hello?” I snap. “Can we stay on topic? Where are you meeting her?”

“We’re having lunch. I’ll text you the details. I need a shower. Can still smell last night’s chick’s perfume.”

Nice.

Cooper heads back into his room, and I exchange a look with Milo.

“He’s definitely more disgusting than me, right?” Milo asks.

“I’d say, you’re pretty even.”

“Fuck off! I might sleep with more women than he does, but I’m more of a gentleman about it.”

“You wish!” Cooper shouts from somewhere in his room.

“See?” Milo says, gesturing in Coop’s direction.