Page 11 of Ballads of Lines Blurred

“No worries. I’ll join you and we can mock people until you feel better.” He grinned. “In all seriousness, I can’t imagine what you go through. I’ll be here if you need me.”

“Thanks.” I gave him a small smile. “I appreciate it.”

“Just to get it out there, I know you have an interest in Cody and before you try to say you don’t…” He was right. I was about to cut him off. “I get it. Cody’s hot. I’ve lusted after him myself. There’s no jealousy here, okay?”

“You’re closer in age to him, aren’t you?”

“I’m twenty-nine. Is that what your hang up with him is?”

“I’m older than both of you.”

“And I’m older than him too. Who the hell cares? It’s not like he’s in high school. I’m just saying, I’m good with whatever.”

“Good with whatever?” I asked. “What does that mean?”

“If you want to spend time with him and me…” He shrugged.

“Jesus, I’m going to need someone to translate our conversations.”

Milo slowed to turn into the driveway and laughed. “You and I are going to have a lot of fun, rock star. Even if all I get you to do is have a good time, I’m calling it a win.” He turned the Audi and parked in the grass beside another sedan, then killed the engine. Shifting in his seat so he could fully face me, he said, “I’ve had shit happen in my life that changed me. I’ve spent years burying myself in men, thinking I had everything I needed. Then I receive your card, and something changed. For the first time, I debated being a rrrr… a rrrr… Fuck me, a relationship guy.”

I chuckled. “Couldn’t get that out, could you?”

“Shut up.” He laughed. “Anyway, if we become something or just form a friendship, I’m fine either way. And if Cody is someone you want too, I’m okay with that. As long as you’re honest and don’t fuck me over, we’ll be all right.”

My smile fell. “I’m looking forward to spending time with you. I’ve never been in a serious relationship either, but I know what it means to love someone and not have it returned. Before you ask, I’ve moved on. It’s in the past where it should be. I’m a lot to handle between my anxiety, sometimes depression, my band, touring, you name it. I come with things weighing me down.”

Milo reached over to put his hand on mine where it sat on my thigh. “I won’t add to it. I’d feel terrible if I did. So, let’s go have some fun. I’ll make you laugh, and if you want to leave, say the word and we’ll get out of here.”

Turning my hand over, I put our palms together and linked our fingers. I enjoyed physical touch. Not just for sex, but in general. Casper, Reed, and Dash all knew. It made me feel wanted. “Okay.”

“Good. How are you with displays of affection? Can I hold your hand out there, hug you, kiss you, lean my head on your shoulder and bat my eyes like a groupie?”

“All of those are good with me. I prefer it, except maybe the groupie part.”

He laughed, and I wanted to drown in it. The way it rippled over my skin and touched me deep inside, I needed more. “No fanboying. Got it. Let’s go, rock star. I’m hungry.”

Milo kissed the back of my hand before releasing it and getting out of the car. I opened my door and stepped into the warm day, grateful I didn’t need a coat or something thicker than a T-shirt. The temperatures would drop as the night wore on. For now, I was comfortable. Or as comfortable as I could be walking into an already busy party where none of my best friends would be.

Stopping next to me, Milo took my hand in his and smiled up at me. I had at least a few inches on him.

“Thank you,” I told him.

“You never have to thank me.” His stomach suddenly growled, and he patted it. “I wasn’t kidding about the food.”

“All right, let’s go.” The smile that curved my lips felt a little foreign, but good just the same.

Some called Xaiden X for short. I’d learned he used to prefer it, but recently he’d introduced himself to new people by his full name. From what I’d been told, X was who he was to his friends while Xaiden was meant for family and those close to him. Now, he wanted everyone to call him by his full name.

Xaiden’s house was a large ranch set back from the road. Behind the house was an open space with tall trees around the perimeter and white tents set up. Trays of food lined the tables with cans beneath them to keep the food hot.

There were a lot of people here. I would say I recognized maybe half of them.

“Damn.” Milo whistled low. “Dana went all out. Have you eaten at the club yet, or do you just sit in the corner and sip water like a creeper?”

I shook my head and laughed. “What is wrong with you?”

“A whole hell of a lot, but I got you to smile.” He knocked his shoulder into me. “You should do it more often. It’s sexy.”

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