Page 66 of Rebel

It seems like everyone in this band is hiding a dirty little secret or a dark past.

Maybe that’s why they called themselves the Dead Ringers.

THIRTY-ONE

Ifeel like the biggest man in the world.

Beck Danvers was in my bed, and she stayed all night. I’m not usually a cuddler, but the idea of letting her go made my heart hurt. I slept better than I have for over a year with her wrapped tightly in my arms.

And the sex? Shit, it was the best I’ve ever had, but she was gone when I woke up. I shouldn’t be upset by that. She owes me nothing, and we’ve made it clear she’s a free woman, but when I woke and reached for her to find the spot next to me cold and empty, I was hurt.

I wanted to see her beautiful face first thing when I woke up. How could I have a bad day if I did? Instead, I shower and dress and leave my room to find her. I shudder when I reach the living room. Kolton and Chase are still passed out. Morons. I start to clean up, taking all the trash to the kitchen, when I freeze.

Beck is there, chopping something, swaying her hips to some soft music.

Fallon, if I’m not mistaken.

For a moment, I just watch her, drinking in her shapely legs, soft, messy hair, and heart-shaped face.

She is so goddamn beautiful, it hurts.

A can slips from my grasp and hits the floor, and she jumps. Wincing, I grab it again. “Morning,” I mutter, unsure if this is going to be awkward. It’s not like I have a lot of casual hookups, not really, that’s more Chase’s forte, but Beck simply smiles at me, and I relax, blowing out a relieved breath.

I would hate for her to push me away or for me to have ruined it.

I pursued her pretty hard last night, but I couldn’t stop myself with the alcohol giving me the last shred of confidence I needed. Luckily, it ended well, and as I drop the can into the recycling bin and wash my hands, I glance back at her before pouring two mugs.

“Here.” I hand her one.

She grins at me as she takes it. “Thanks,” she murmurs softly. “How did you sleep?”

I lean against the counter next to her, wrapping my hands around the mug to stop myself from reaching for her. “Best I ever have.” I grin as she giggles. “What are you making?” I ask when she continues chopping.

“Cheese and apple sandwiches,” she answers. “My mom always made them when I was sad or sick. It reminds me of home.”

It’s the first time she’s mentioned her mom or family at all, and I’ve been curious but didn’t want to pry. She’s offering now, and I press as I steal an apple slice. “Where is home?”

“Somewhere in the middle of nowhere,” she replies before turning to wash her hands and grab a plate. “It’s empty now, though, and doesn’t feel like home.” She must feel my confusion because she meets my eyes with a sad smile. “My mom died of cancer just over a year ago.”

“Oh, Beck, I’m so sorry.” I hope she can tell I truly mean it, but it doesn’t matter. Everyone says it.

“It was a long time coming. She’d been sick since I was a teenager. At least she isn’t in pain anymore,” she says as she hands me a plate. “Here, have this. I’ll make another one.”

I stare down at it like she gave me a ring. “Are we okay?” I finally ask. “After?—”

“Trav, we are both consenting adults. We had sex. Don’t worry, we are still friends and bandmates.” She starts chopping again as I grin and hesitantly shove the sandwich into my mouth.

My eyes widen as I chew, and she chuckles as she watches me. “Surprisingly good, right?”

“So good.” I shove the rest into my mouth as she grins, making herself one.

“What about you? Where’s home?” she asks. It’s an innocent question, just her trying to get to know me like I know her, but my soul shrivels.

“Oh, here and there,” I tell her while I refill my mug, but I sense her disappointment as she pulls away, and I hate that. I want Beck to like me. I want to be close to her. I want . . . I want this to go somewhere, but she needs to know who we are. I just don’t want to scare her off so quickly.

“It’s a tiny town in the middle of nowhere,” I admit. “I was never good at school or anything, so I bounced around, always in trouble, and when I was old enough, I left to start my dream here.”

She glances at me as I speak. “What about your family and friends?”

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