Page 78 of Strictly the Worst

“Shame. Next time you see him tell him I said hi.”

He moves on to another group, and before too long the band leaves the room altogether, and the rest of us are led to the special VIP area in front of the stage, where there are seats and a standing area.

“Can we go to the front?” Zoe asks, her face as flushed as mine.

I nod. “Yes, but don’t leave this space without me.” I’m pretty sure they can’t anyway. It’s carefully guarded. Plus there’s only one way in and one way out and if I stay where I am they’d have to walk right past me to get to the bathrooms.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Zoe promises. She and her friends walk to the front of the stage, the three of them talking and giggling. I can’t remember the last time I saw her this happy. And damn it, I’m going to send Linc a text. Right now.

Thank you for the tickets. We’re here right now. You’ve made three teenage girls very happy. – Tessa

There’s no reply, but I didn’t expect there to be. He’s probably out wining and dining a beautiful French woman. More people start to arrive and the temperature in the auditorium rises about three degrees. I’m starting to sweat. The lights are low enough for me to take off my jacket, so I lay it on the seat behind me, and glance over at Zoe and her friends again.

They haven’t moved an inch.

“Carmichael.”

The low voice sends a shiver down my spine. I recognize it instantly. My body does, too. It’s like every cell stands to attention. The way they’ve all been starved of it since I came back from Exuma.

I turn to look at him. He’s wearing a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. He looks stupidly sexy.

“I didn’t think you were coming,” I say. A big cheer erupts as the opening band comes out and takes their places. More people file into the VIP area and Linc is forced to step closer. He’s immediately behind me, so close I can feel the warmth of his chest against my back.

“I wasn’t going to,” he says. “I changed my mind.”

“I sent you a text,” I tell him.

“I saw it.” His voice is soft against my ear. “Where’s Zoe?”

It makes my heart feel a little full when he says her name. He remembered it. “Over there.” I point at her and her friends. They’re so close to the stage they could climb on it.

Dear God, I hope they don’t.

“Why aren’t you with them?” he asks.

“I figured I’d let them have a little fun without me. Nobody likes their mom all up in their business.”

He gives a little chuckle. “I guess not.” There’s a pause. “I like your top.”

I look down at the bustier. It’s laced at the front, with little capped shoulders. It clings to me like a second skin. “Thanks. This was the second choice. You should have seen the top Zoe tried to make me wear. It was like a handkerchief.”

“I would definitely have liked to see that,” he confirms. I roll my eyes but I like it anyway.

Here’s the problem. I like him. Despite the drama and the way things ended. It’s stupid, but I’ve missed him.

“I’m glad you came,” I say.

“Are you?” He sounds surprised.

“Yes. They’re your friends. I would have hated for you to miss it because of me.” I let out a breath. “And I kind of missed you.”

The biggest smile pulls at his lips. “I kind of missed you too, Carmichael.”

Somebody pushes past us, and I stumble backward, into his hard chest. Linc puts his hands on my bare arms to steady me. His fingers are soft, but I still shiver at his touch.

“Careful,” he murmurs. But he doesn’t let go of me.

Before I can reply the opening band begins. The sound is almost deafening in the VIP area. I’m glad I insisted the girls wear ear protection for the concert, despite their protests.

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