Rock All Night

54




Despite my near-death experience with Miles, I actually had a good time for the rest of the show as I watched it from backstage.

After the show, I had an amazing time.

When Derek shouted out “THANK YOU SAN DIEGO!” after the encore and strode offstage, he made a beeline right for me. He grabbed my hand but kept himself at arm’s length – which I appreciated, since he was dripping with perspiration.

Your opinion may vary, but mine is that sweaty’s all good in the throes of passion, but not so much any other time.

“Did you like the show?” he beamed.

“It was magnificent,” I said, and meant it.

Riley passed by, drenched in sweat, and gave us both a leer. “Damn, somebody got laid good and nasty last night.”

“Damn straight,” Derek shot back good-naturedly (as I blushed).

“It showed,” Riley called over her shoulder as she kept on walking.

Killian was next. “Outstanding,” was all he said as he strode on past with a smile.

“You too, man,” Derek said.

Mike walked over and fist-bumped Derek in passing. “That was f*ckin’ ROCK AND ROLL, dude!” he crowed.

“Great f*ckin’ show, Mike!” Derek laughed.

Ryan was last. He walked up with that I should probably be angry with you but I just can’t stop smiling instead kind of look, and slapped Derek on the shoulder. “I wanted to kill you when you didn’t show up before the show… but I have to admit… the wait was worth it.”

Derek laughed, then hugged his friend. “Was that a great entrance, or what?”

“That was pretty good, I’ll give you that.”

“Pretty good? That one’ll go down in the record books, man.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Ryan looked over at me and kept on grinning. “Hey, Kaitlyn.”

“Hey, Ryan. I’m sorry – I tried to get him to come earlier, but…”

Ryan laughed. “You didn’t have a chance. Trying to get Derek to do what you want when his mind’s set on something is like trying to get a hurricane to change course.”

“That is not true,” Derek said indignantly.

Ryan cocked one eyebrow at him.

“Okay, it’s a little true,” Derek conceded. “See you backstage.”

“You bet. Bye, Kaitlyn,” Ryan smiled, then walked off into the shadows.

Derek latched onto my hand and dragged me after him. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?”

“I’m going to go take a shower.”

Which quickly turned into we’re going to go take a shower.

Which turned into something even steamier.