He smells good. It’s a woodsy smell I recognise from the vast amount of guitars we have at home and on tour.
“Gotta go. Milo’s calling me,” Cooper says before ducking out.
Milo obviously hasn’t called him or anyone. He has his tongue down Jessica’s throat.
I wince. “Yeah, Coop’s not so subtle.”
Isaiah laughs, and his voice is deep and sexy. “No, he’s really not. So, how are you finding things on tour?” He frowns. “I’m a dick. Forget I said that. You’ve been on tour since you were in nappies.”
Who would’ve thought this rock star was actually awkward? It’s endearing.
My rock stars are cocky little fuckers.
“It’s better now that I’m of drinking age,” I reply.
“You didn’t drink underage?”
“Oh, I did, but since I turned eighteen, my dad’s been a bit more relaxed about leaving me with Kitt, Cooper, and Milo.”
I’ve no idea why. He’s met them.
“Your dad is my fucking hero. I grew up listening to his music and miming along at his concerts. And you can never tell him I told you that.”
I salute. “Your secret will die with me.”
Isaiah laughs and nods his head toward the bar. “You want to get a drink?”
I’ve probably had enough, but I really want to spend some time with him. It’s healthy since we seem to have a mutual like for each other so far.
“I’d love to.”
He places his hand on my hip as we dodge the people on the dance floor. Kitt is at the bar, too, so this might get a little uncomfortable.
“What are you having?”
“Sambuca,” I reply, smirking.
His light eyebrows rise. “Oh, yeah? Well, it’d be rude to make you take shots on your own.”
“Plural?” I ask.
“You only want one?”
I shake my head.
Yes, this is exactly what I need. Getting wasted with a beautiful man is about my favourite thing to do.
“Good,” he replies.
Isaiah and I clink glasses before downing the first shot.
“What’s next for the band then?” I ask.
He steps closer, so we’re in each other’s personal space. “Oh, you’ve heard of me then?”
Biting my lip, I nod, hoping it looks sexy. It must because Isaiah’s mouth parts, and he presses his chest against mine. His chest is hard and muscular. He towers above me, but he looks good from this angle. My heart isn’t all over the place, like it is with Kitt, but I’m definitely attracted to Isaiah. I mean, I have eyes.
“I happen to quite like your band,” I say.
His lips pull up into a crooked smile. “I’ll have to get you backstage next time.”
“Yes, you will. I’m not a groupie though, Isaiah.”
Chuckling, he wraps his arms around my waist. “Believe me, I know.”
“You’re kind of confusing.”
He looks genuinely surprised. “I am?”
“Yes. One minute, you’re shy and borderline awkward, and the next, you’re forward. Which one is the real Isaiah?”
“You’ll have to spend some time with me and find out.”
“Mmhmm, but I’ll be gone in the morning.”
“So, we have, what? Seven hours?”
“About that. If we don’t sleep.”
This is moving speed-of-light fast, but it’s a nice change of pace.
“Texas!” Kitt shouts.
Isaiah’s eyes light up. “Kitt Daniels. Man, awesome show.”
Kitt grinds his teeth. “Thanks. We’re leaving in ten, Tex.”
“Fine. I’ll see you at the hotel in the morning.”
“Do you really think that’s going to happen?”
I’m burning with anger. My skin feels hot and tight, and I want to slap him.
Glaring, I stare him down. He doesn’t budge. His eyes bore into me, and his face is completely blank. I don’t know if he’s jealous or just being a prick.
Isaiah puts his arm over my shoulders. “It’s cool, man. I’ll make sure she gets back okay.”
“See? I’m fine with Isaiah.”
I tug his wrist, and he takes the hint. We walk away from Kitt and head toward a table in the corner.
Kitt is being fucking ridiculous. My hands are shaking. I’m so angry with him.
“You good?” Isaiah asks, sitting down on a stool.
Be fine. Isaiah is gorgeous, too, and you’re having a nice time with him.
“I am.”
He smiles and pulls me between his legs. I don’t feel what I feel when I touch Kitt, but I’m not hopelessly in love with Isaiah, so there’s no reason I’d feel the same. Plus, I’m not looking to marry the guy. We’re just having a few drinks together.
“Glad to hear it. So, if I were to ask you to dance, what are the odds you’ll say yes?”
“Hmm, I think your odds are pretty good.”
His eyebrows lift. “Interesting.”
He takes my hands and puts them around his neck.
Yep, I’m going to enjoy tonight.
KITT
SATURDAY, MAY 9
PARIS, FRANCE
I take a swig straight from the bottle I made the bartender give me. I’m past the point of having the patience to wait for single glasses. Texas is pissing me the fuck off.
“What’s up with you?” Cooper asks, leaning against the bar. “You look like someone’s left you high and dry. The blonde not up for it?”
“I didn’t talk to the blonde.”